Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
tition on ‘Be
noted that the theme of the congress was a
continuation of the discussion of what has
transpired in the recently concluded rural
‘Come out in the open’
honest’ advocacy
congress. Ledesma is the national chairman of
the National Rural Congress which convened
last July. A RANKING Catholic Church official of her administration.
He underscored the role of BECs in rural has called on the people with “first “We will not really improve as long
THE Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen
development saying that BEC members can hand” information on the alleged P728 as these issues are not resolved,” said
and Professionals (BCBP) will hold the first
contribute a lot in making good governance million fertilizer fund scam to come Pabillo who also heads the National
National “Be Honest” Oratorical Competi-
a reality in the country. out in the open. Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and
tion among 3rd and 4th year students of top
Lack of good governance and the problem Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Confer-
public and private schools nationwide.
of corruption have been seen as some of the Pabillo made the appeal Tuesday fol- ence of the Philippines.
BCBP-Davao Chapter is a Catholic Renew-
problems that derail the pursuit of develop- lowing former Agriculture secretary The prelate also vowed to lead in pro-
al community of businessmen and profes-
ment especially in the rural areas. Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante’s vow to viding refuge to Bolante if needed. He
sionals with principals in Makati City which
“In all of these it is the small people, the cooperate with the coming Senate said they are open to the idea if Bolante
promotes the value of honesty through its
Corruption / A6 investigation on the issue. himself would ask their assistance.
“Be Honest” campaign program.
“I call on those who know some- “It’s our obligation to protect truth-
The program was launched five years ago
thing about the alleged scam to tell tellers,” Pabillo said. “I appealed to Mr.
participated in by 113 BCBP chapters and
the truth,” he said at the sidelines of Bolante to just tell the truth as a service
outreaches all over the country in a nation-
the ongoing 2nd Basic Ecclesial Com- to the nation.”
wide motorcade.
munities (BEC) Congress in Cagayan The Senate has allowed Bolante to
The advocacy was manifested by putting
de Oro City. stay at the St. Luke’s Medical Center
up of billboards, posters, streamers, car stick-
Pabillo said as long issues on alleged even after his doctors ordered him
ers, t-shirts and other collaterals bearing the
corruption under the Arroyo govern- discharged.
now familiar program’s message: “Be Hon-
ment left hanging, so is the credibility Fund scam / A6 est, Even if others are not, Even if others will
Pabillo
not, Even if others cannot.”
THE Pontifical and Royal Uni- debate on “Reproductive Health Asia, has decided to envision
versity of Santo Tomas (UST) (RH)” bill pending in the Con- some areas of concentration, and
© www.flickr.com/photos/scorpiodragon/
will focus on the promotion gress, said Fr. Filemon I. de la “faith and life matters” is one of
of “faith and life issues” and Cruz, Jr., OP, Vice-rector for the most important areas, De la
continue to support the stand of Religious Affairs. Cruz said.
the Filipino Bishops against the De la Cruz, also director of De la Cruz said UST sup-
reproductive health bill. Center for Campus Ministry, ports the stand of the influential
As a Catholic university of the was addressing faculty members Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
Philippines, the Dominican-run of the Institute of Religion, which the Philippines (CBCP) against
UST will stress “faith and life he heads too. the RH bill.
matters” given the on-going UST, the oldest University in UST / A6
A2 World News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
“Bloody armed skirmishes and systematic bless those who are working to alleviate their obtained a good education in United States.
atrocities have caused and continue to cause sufferings, among whom are the pastoral the United States, where he Furthermore, the U.S.
many casualties among innocent civilians. workers of the Church of that region,” the was born, and is now poised president-elect’s acceptance
Destruction, looting and violence of every Pontiff stated. “To families and their loved to become a global leader. of abortion is also against
type have forced tens of thousands of per- ones I offer my condolences and assure my Speaking with UCA News Church teaching, Father Pai
sons to abandon even what little they had to prayers.” (Zenit) the day after the Nov. 4 elec- pointed out.
tion, the director of Suwon “However, I expect him to
diocese’s pastoral services for solve lots of problems, espe-
Obama’s election may change agenda Sri Lankan Catholics take steps toward
beatification of Cardinal Cooray
of forthcoming USCCB meeting TEWATTE, Sri Lanka, No-
vember 10, 2008—Catholics
in Sri Lanka are hoping for
BALTIMORE, November 9, 2008—Since the that the USCCB “has scuttled plans to dis-
the beatification of their first
election of Barack Obama as the next Presi- cuss abortion and politics next week in Bal-
and still only cardinal, whose
dent of the United States, several Catholic timore,” citing the bishops’ spokeswoman,
20th death anniversary they
commentators have speculated on how the Sister Mary Ann Walsh. RNS also quoted
recently celebrated.
original agenda of the annual Fall General Sister Walsh saying that the agenda had yet
Archbishop Oswald Gomis
Assembly of the United States Conference of to be finalized.
of Colombo told 700 laypeo-
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will change. Peter Steinfels reportedly argued in his
ple and 70 clergy at an Oct.
According to bishops involved in the regular New York Times column that “any-
29 anniversary Mass at the
organization of the three-day meeting, the one constructing a list of the big losers on
Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka
agenda, including a public discussion of [the recent election] would probably include
in Tewatte, on the northern
© www.priu.gov.lk
abortion and politics, is fully on track. the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops.”
outskirts of Colombo, that
Speculation that the agenda might change Steinfels supported his assertion that the
Cardinal Thomas Benjamin
came late last week when several prominent bishops were “defeated” on the grounds
Cooray should join the list
Catholic commentators argued that the that nominal Catholics voted 52 percent to
of saints.
bishops had “lost authority” by speaking 45 percent for Obama.
The Oblate prelate, born in
out strongly against Catholics voting for “Will that fact be candidly addressed
1901 to a poor family, became a priest in 1929. He was ordained
© www.depauw.edu
pro-abortion politicians, like Obama and when the United States Conference of Catho-
co-adjutor archbishop of Colombo in March 1946 and succeeded
other mostly Democratic candidates, who lic Bishops meets next week in Baltimore?,”
as head of the archdiocese in July 1947, becoming Sri Lanka’s
were elected to office recently. he asked, suggesting that the bishops should
first native archbishop.
Earlier, Religion News Service reported “change strategy.” (CNA)
After Pope Paul VI elevated him to cardinal in 1965, he took
district where the Franciscan Clarist nun’s tomb lies. The village is
ported the cause of Blessed Joseph Vaz, a 17th-century Indian
about 2,650 kilometers south of New Delhi.
priest who kept people’s faith alive during harsh persecution
Pope Benedict XVI canonized the nun, a native of Palai diocese,
under Dutch rule.
and three other saints on Oct. 12 at the Vatican. The Church in Kerala
The Cardinal Cooray Memorial Committee, appointed last
organized a nine-day long celebration that culminated on Nov. 9.
year, “has started to collect all the details of stories, miracles,
The Nov. 9 program began with a public meeting that former In- of at least one person every month, as the saint had shown through
remedies and answered prayers,” Father Marcus Ferdinandez,
dian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam opened and Cardinal Leonardo her personal example,” Kalam said. A “deeper study” into the
its patron, told UCA News on Nov. 6. The next step will be to
Sandri, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Oriental Churches, saint’s life would reveal “she renounced the world but worked for
inform the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, added
chaired. the world,” he added. “When others belittled her, taunted her, she
the priest, episcopal vicar for Colombo archdiocese’s eastern
Kalam, a Muslim by faith and rocket engineer by profession, accepted all these sufferings with a smile.”
region.
asked people to emulate Saint Alphonsa’s ideals such as love and Kalam and other dignitaries prayed at the saint’s tomb. Cardinal
The committee has been advertising in Catholic weeklies for
compassion, “for which she lived her short life of sufferings, pen- Sandri presented Kalam a medallion Pope Benedict XVI blessed
people who believe they have experienced miracles through the
ance and prayer.” during the canonization ceremony.
late cardinal’s intervention to come forward.
The nun, who died in 1946 at the age of 36, was mostly confined Addressing the public meeting, the cardinal hailed Saint Al-
“Our hope is to see his beatification soon,” said Nimal Bastian
to bed because of constant illnesses. Records show she suffered her phonsa as “a precious gift of the Indian Church to the global
Silva, principal of Basilica Vidyalaya (school) in Tewatte. Ac-
physical pains with joy and offered them as penance for the sins of Church.” She is a “role model of all of us” because her “life was
cording to him, hundreds of thousands of people pay homage
others. full of miseries and pain,” but she suffered it with joy, the Vatican
at the tomb every year. (UCAN)
“Each one of us must take a vow that we would remove the pain official said. (UCAN)
News Features A3
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
© flickr.com/photos/tomoneill/
thinks that those who go there are going to use a service they are when “the nurse forgot about the remains of my child at my side,”
paying for,” she said. she denounced “the lucrative business of the elimination of fetuses,
“In the waiting room, women cry without tears and scream which are used in cosmetics.”
without a voice,” she continued, “and the standard procedure is Puente questioned whether the new abortion law under consider-
that women don’t see ultrasounds of the baby, which is considered ation in Spain would “provide complete information to women about
to be a ‘cluster of cells’ or a blob of tissue, as one doctor in Madrid the scars they will bear after an abortion.” (CNA)
nalists’ duty to provide factual information respectful health.” “Everything in him arose from love for his Lord
of moral norms.” Jesus Christ, and love for the Church and humanity. He
Pius XII also warned against the progress of sci- was, in fact, a priest in constant and intimate union with
ence impacting morality, the Holy Father pointed out. God,” Benedict said.
Though he was a great admirer of technology, he never “In the person of the Supreme Pontiff Pius XII, the Lord
failed to “caution against the risks that research could gave His Church an exceptional gift for which we must all
bring if inattentive to moral values,” and “warned of be grateful,” the Holy Father concluded. (CNA)
mente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of ing-dependent communities of Rapu-Rapu, conditions of the people of Rapu-rapu.
Kalikasan-PNE said, the mining practice in the Macapagal-Arroyo government is still The DENR even waived the prerequisite
the Philippines, being the Macapagal-Arroyo unmindful of the crimes of the foreign mining rehabilitation fund and readily allowed the
government’s flagship, is a model of legal, company, Bautista disclosed to CBCPNews. Korean companies to operate in the island,”
ethical and moral wrongs. What is more saddening, although the Bautista said, with a hint of dismay.
“It is corruption in its purest form and we company was found liable by the Philippine Despite the alleged shortcomings by the
demand that this be immediately halted and government of contaminating the waters in Philippines’ environmental department,
corrected as our Church leaders demanded Rapu-rapu with cyanide in November 2005 Kalikasan-PNE still appeals: Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
it also, on the first place,” he said. and was fined P10 million for damages, the “What happened to Rapu-rapu is just an ROME, November 10, 2008—Members of the newly formed Catholic-
The Department of Environment and government did no further steps in ensuring example of how offenders are not penalized Muslim Forum saw their first meeting as a space of dialogue, respect
Natural Resources (DENR) said in 2005 the rehabilitation of the island, he added. in the country and even encouraged to com- and a growing harmony between people of the two creeds.
Rapu-Rapu Poly-metallic Project will show- On the other hand, on the same report, mit more crimes. This can be compared to During Thursday’s closing ceremony of the first Catholic-Muslim
case state of the art mining facilities, thus Oxfam Australia’s Mining Ombudsman the ZTE scandal, fertilizer scam, Jose Pidal seminar, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical
declaring it as the flagship project of the Shanta Martin said that the Australian min- account and countless other cases of cor- Council for Interreligious Dialogue, spoke about the highlights of
Philippine government’s Mineral Industry ing company and the banks that financed ruption that have not been resolved. We are the historical final declaration, jointly written by members of both
Revitalization program. it have not demonstrated an ability to put asking the civil society, especially church religions.
The DENR said further that if it will fail, sound environmental policies into practice. people to insist that these offenders, like “We believe that Catholics and Muslims are called to be instru-
the Rapu-Rapu mining project will ‘make Furthermore, until now, there are no re- the Arroyo government and foreign mining ments of love and harmony among believers, and for humanity in
or break’ the entire government’s mining ports that the company paid for the damages transnational corporations like Lafayette, be general, rejecting any type of oppression, aggressive violence and
program. it incurred to the community. held accountable for their crimes. For as long terrorism, above all when it is committed in the name of religion,
But untrue to its promises, six months after Bautista further disclosed that Lafayette as they remain unpunished, environmental and maintaining the principle of justice for all,” the prelate affirmed,
Australian-owned Lafayette Mining Inc. had declared bankruptcy on December 2007, and destruction, economic hardships and human citing the declaration.
begun its mining operations in April 2005, now the Korean transnational companies LG rights violations will be experienced by more The Nov. 4-6 seminar united a forum of 24 representatives and
two mining tailings spills occurred on Octo- International and Korean Resources Corpo- and more Filipinos.” (Noel Sales Barcelona) five advisors from each of the religions and ended with an audience
with Benedict XVI. It was organized by the Pontifical Council for
EDITORIAL
Church
once any of the fatal trio becomes actualized—will make the luck of
every Filipino in this country subservient once again to government
leadership, reducing democracy to a mockery, placing graft and
Afterthoughts
corrupt practices on the altar of worship and adoration.
THE statement of the 14 professors of the Ateneo de Manila Uni- Bill is not totally negative as far as Catholics are concerned—and in a
Under threat of a hundred and one criminal and civil cases without versity on the pending bill on reproductive health of Congressman way this was what the Ateneo professors were saying in their state-
the convenient and consoling mantle of immunity from suit, it is Lagman was variously captioned in the media as “defiance of the ment. The same Father Genilo thought that the professors, in their
understandable though detestable that someone is definitely not Church” or “opposition to the bishops”. The reason for their “de- appraisal of the Bill, had decided that its good points outweighed
prepared to relinquish the hold of practical omnipotence—an fiance” or “opposition” is easily gleaned from this, that, they are the bad—whereas Church people (the vocal ones at least) felt that
encompassing power that has invaded and enveloped all the three fully aware their acceptance of the bill’s pushing for contraceptives the bad outweighed the good.
branches of government. as “essential medicines” as part of the government’s program of That difference in approach and thinking is precisely the reason
population control goes counter to the Church’s ban on artificial for the need to look at the Bill more critically and for dialogue to
contraceptives. take place among all members of the Church on it.
A more benign interpretation of their statement, however, is to The point should be well taken. For in all the furor caused by the
Towards development of BECs look at their position not so much as an act of defiance as a call for
further dialogue on the provisions of the bill.
Bill so far, it is easy to overlook the fact that it is still in process and
has not yet passed into law. In other words, now is the time for all
Be that as it may, I can’t help asking what is meant by “the bish- to try looking dispassionately at its provisions to see what should be
CONDEMNING evil is not enough. As we must have learned ops”. For even if it is clear where the Church as an institution stands rejected or modified, what can be accepted as is or further nuanced.
from our consideration of the Church’s social teaching this past on the subject of contraception and so one can speak of “opposing” As one of the Ateneo professors has said, there are “negotiables” in
year, we must try bringing an end to evils that harm people and that stand, things are not at all that clear where the bishops are the Bill as it stands, and this means changes can still be made even
their good. concerned. By this I don’t mean they don’t as a body subscribe to before it comes up for a final vote in Congress (where further debate
what Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae teaches about artificial contracep- will take place anyway to further strengthen or weaken the Bill as
As always, our first reaction to national problems is to call on tion. What I am talking about is their actual position on the RH Bill finally worded by Mr. Lagman and his co-sponsors).
government to do what it is supposed to do. We do so here. We itself and its specific provisions. As of now, they have not yet met Father John Carroll of the Institute on Church and Social Issues
ask that the CARP, defective as it is, be finally completed next year to study the Bill’s contents directly to pass judgment on whether to offers a suggestion to all concerned with the Bill, and that is for us
as it has been targeted. And if it is not sufficiently implemented accept or reject it in part or in toto. For as Father Eric Genilo pointed to distinguish between dialogue, debate and advocacy. The point
by then, the program should be further extended and funded more out in an article in the CBCP Monitor in its September 1 issue, the Afterthoughts / A6
seriously and generously. But we asked that the law itself must
be reviewed and improved. Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
The government and the military’s response to the shameful
Missed opportunities
Love Life
“extra-judicial” killings of unarmed crusaders for justice and
equality is most unsatisfactory, their protestations of concern not
too convincing. The greater and more effective performance of
their duties as guardians and protectors of our peace this too we
must demand as strongly as we can. “REMEMBER the miracle of Jesus healing the Lord before they come and are just seek- sadly lacking in the parishes and in many
the woman with a bleeding problem? If she ing a deeper relationship. A greater number organizations. Sure, it is much easier to find
Putting the burden of action on people whose responsibility it is had not been ill for such a long time and had of them come in their confusion, pain and volunteers for the choir or music ministry
to act, however, is not enough. We must ask ourselves: What do not spent every penny she had on doctors, bitterness. A word of kindness and uncon- and, as lectors and readers for the liturgies,
we do as individuals, as families, as communities? What must we perhaps she would never have approached ditional acceptance, the compassionate love but the parish priests admit that it is very
do? The responsibility to act is just as much ours as those who the Master to touch the hem of his garment, of Jesus, are often enough to make them turn hard to gather volunteers to go to the poor ar-
have the official responsibility. and would never have heard Jesus’ consoling to an all forgiving God. eas within their vicinity in order to organize
words - the most important words she was Very often they admit that they had the BECs, the livelihood programs, the adult
For years now we have been pushing the development of BECs to hear in her life - which were far more than forgotten him or ignored him during their catechesis or children’s feeding programs.
or BEC-type Church communities and organizations. And we do all her sufferings and useless expenditure.” time of ease when they are more attached Women’s Desks and Family Counseling
so because such communities are, or should be, fully participative These are the words of Francis Fernandez in to their own plans, health, and wealth than centers are important services but these need
his book Conversations with God, 2001. to God’s will. But the misfortunes of this trained volunteers who will be faithful to the
communities. Problems, national or local, big or small, weighty
What seems a misfortune to us is perhaps life become a call to faith. They realize that time they commit to—and often, people find
or light and the problem of the rural poor we are speaking of here not so dreadful. From it, with love, humility God disposes events with a logic quite dif- many excuses not to get involved.
now is probably our weightiest all must be looked at and become and contrition, we can draw out a grace-filled ferent from their pursuit and the only way Let us ask Our Lady, who experienced
community concerns for the solving of which their participation encounter with Christ. Behind apparent evils is to detach themselves from everything else so many hardships, so much anguish, so
is needed. (illness, exhaustion, pain, abuse, financial so that he may fill them with his own love much sorrow, to teach us not to miss those
ruin, etc.), we can always find Jesus, holding and strength. opportunities of meeting Christ in the midst
Involving themselves in meeting those problems, they must do out his hand to help us bear that situation Today, we need pro-life volunteers who of the—humanly speaking—most unfavor-
so according to the social teaching of the Church which always and grow internally. will bring the “blind and the deaf and the able circumstances.
looks to the achieving of the common good. This demands Over and over again I have observed lame to Jesus”. We need witnesses who will If you feel God is calling you to give more
continuing discernment from all of us, both as individuals and as this miracle of conversion in our pro-life stand up and admit that it was their misfor- of your time to volunteer, call our Pro-life of-
communities. The answers will be varied, but, we trust, all issuing counseling centers—single pregnant girls, tunes that have brought them to surrender fice and we can discuss with you where your
from genuine Christian charity. post aborted women, sexually abused or themselves to the Lord, giving thanks for talents and time available, as well as most
run-away teens, battered wives, concerned that unique experience. It seems that active accessible center is for your convenience.
--The Dignity of the Rural Poor—A Gospel Concern, boyfriends. Some have already encountered volunteers who will minister to others are Call 911-2911.
A CBCP Pastoral Statement, 2007
Fr. Melvin P. Castro
ISSN 1908-2940
The road to Damascus
Speaking of Mary
CBCP Monitor
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
THE next stop of our Marian Pilgrimage was in Loyola, the birth
place of St. Ignatius. We were able to celebrate Mass in his “Room
simple Artificial), Faith-Reason-Science go together. The Church
position on the Artificial Means of Contraception espoused and
of Conversion.” There were four Spanish people who also attended promoted by the Reproductive Health Bill, among other things, is
Pedro C. Quitorio
Editor-in-Chief our English Mass, but then I took the opportunity to address them based on all three: Faith-Reason-Science.
with some words of thanks since it was their older generations who Our Bishop in the Diocese of Tarlac, Most Rev. Florentino F. Cin-
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos transmitted to us the Catholic Faith. ense, just came from Germany and he had a discussion with some
Associate Editor Feature Editor I prayed fervently for our Ateneo de Manila professors who have university students. And guess what was one of the questions! Why
publicly dissented from the Catholic teaching on the artificial means does the Church oppose Artificial Means of Contraception when it
Melo M. Acuña Rosalynn Garcia of contraception. Paradoxically, upon returning home, 40 more is better than the option of abortion! And my Bishop responded that
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor professors would do the same public dissent. I am sure many of us both are evil, and it cannot be a choice of a lesser evil. He went on
feel the pain of this internal dissension. A word of caution as well, to make an analogy: What would you want me do to you: slap you
Laurence John R. Morales Ernani M. Ramos not because they are Ateneo professors, we would take their posi- or kill you? Certainly, we would choose neither.
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES
God smiles
Spaces of Hope Lifeguard
IT was a MOA signing that was not supposed (The staggering profits from illegal drugs The second was the Values and Leadership
to happen.
“Sir,” the voice on the other line said to
can influence elections, but this is another
story). Sam’s relatively small stature belies a
School (VLS), a 30-day live-in training for
PNP personnel that began September 10, 2004
A UN for the UNborn?
me, “the Chief PNP asks that the MOA sign-
ing with Cardinal Vidal be postponed to
another time.” I could not believe my ears.
depth of spirit and commitment that travels
the rough but life-giving road of conversion
and transformation that can only come from
and ended in 2007. More than 3000 policemen
and women went through the training that
was characterized by Spartan conditions,
The Universal Rights
The planned signing was long in the making.
I knew that a postponement might as well be
experiencing God’s personal love.
Within the span of a few months, Col. Tu-
leadership by example, involvement by many
volunteer groups, very little financial support
of the Prenatal Child
a cancellation. cay was promoted general and, by then, had from government, and a fresh approach of
Since 2004, I have been a witness to some- introduced me to members of the CORPS spirituality. No cursing or physical contact IN 1990, the nations of the world signed the Convention of the
thing very beautiful and unexpected that was Movement, i.e. Christian Officers Reform the was allowed. Whatever the trainees ate, Rights of the Child, declaring that “the child, by reason of his
emerging from a government agency that, Police Service Movement, composed of both the trainers shared; if trainees woke up at 4 physical and mental immaturity, needs SPECIAL safeguard and
sadly, many people associate with corrup- Protestants and Catholics. The glue holding am, the trainers were up earlier. Common care, including appropriate LEGAL protection, BEFORE as well
tion. The so-called kotong cop is synonymous them together is personal knowledge of prayers were said first thing in the morning as after birth.” (Preambular par.6)
with the image of using one’s public position God’s transforming love. Holding no IDs and last thing in the evening. Prayers were This statement reiterates the 1959 UN Declaration of the Rights
for private gain. But such image is not just the and rejecting violence and extra constitu- said before meals. of the Child. It is a principle agreed by countries not once but
bane of the lowly cop on the beat; even retired tional means as a way of changing society, CORPS members and other PNP volun- twice, concerning the unborn’s status under international law,
generals have made a scene in international their members begin with self and faith. teers provided the actual training staff while both before and after the controversial 1979 Convention on
airports. Yet, against all odds, a quiet trans- I learn much from the CORPS and have other volunteers mainly from faith-based or- the Elimination of All Forms of Elimination Against Women
formation was and is happening. become a better priest because of my friend- ganizations coming in to provide lectures and (CEDAW).
Four years ago, I was in a quandary with ship with them. Let me share two of their testimonies. Changed lives, not to mention The “preambular” gives light to the question “who is a child”
my involvement with advocacy groups pro- initiatives. The first is their mechanism reduced waistlines from the daily physical as to whom the rights of a child should be attendant. Art. 1 of
moting faith-impelled social transformation. for accountability partners. These are cell regimen, made the VLS worthwhile and truly the Convention says a child is “a human being below the age of
I did not know whom to trust in the PNP and groups providing psycho-spiritual and other inspiring. “I will not shoot him anymore. I 18.” Does this mean from birth to age of majority?
this was stifling our efforts at networking and mutual support in the journey towards in- will just pray for him,” wrote one graduate. Daniel O’ Donnell, a lawyer who worked with the UN Center
collaboration. A break came that year when I tegrity. They consider praying a very manly In the words of one officer: “VLS opened for Human Rights and the International Commission of Jurists,
was introduced to then Col. Samson Tucay. thing to do and encourage or correct one the gates for understanding and compassion explains that the first draft of the Convention defined children
The latter was involved with the anti- another. “Sir, I am talking with a beautiful to cascade to all our brethren in the police as a person from birth to age 15 (Children Are People Too,
illegal drugs campaign and we were able to woman. Help please,” a married officer who have long been wanting to go back to [Anvil, 1996]).
organize a National Consultation on Narco- once texted his accountability partner. “Do the Lord.” Yes, indeed, if all that the police But countries like Malta and Senegal proposed from concep-
politics or the use of profits from illegal drugs not ask for her cell phone number,” came receive are curses, how can they be a bless- tion to age 18. The positions were debated until an open-ended
to influence and corrupt the pillars of justice. the reply. Spaces of Hope / A6 final draft of “below 18” was endorsed. Yet the change of ter-
minology from “birth to 18” to “below 18” is telling, especially
Jose B. Lugay since Art. 24 requires State Parties to provide “pre-natal” care
The Presidential
or care before birth. To this end, prenatal care to reduce child
mortality has been one of the eight UN Millennium Develop-
ment Goals.
Election in the US Laiko Lampstand Deliberately, the phrase used in Art.1 was “human being” not
“human person,” given that some countries do not recognize
the unborn as a legal person, but nevertheless a biological hu-
man being.
ON vacation in Chicago suburbs during this world-shaking event, to the tune of $700 billion from federal funds—from the peoples’ tax What kind of protection is demanded? The text speaks of
the election of the first black President of the United States, gave payments. In the same way, as in our Philippine presidential election, “special safeguard” and “legal protection.” Logically, a country
me a bleacher’s view of how elections are done in this bastion of we pour all our hopes for the redeeming virtue of our President-elect. cannot simply do away with laws for the unborn or settle for
democracy. This gave me time to retrospect how democracy has Unhappily we are at the dark shadows of our Utopian dream. mediocre safeguards. What was envisioned was an even treat-
fared in the Philippines. President-elect Obama touched all these concerns and assured the ment before “as well as” after birth, not before “and more so”
It was in the early 19th century that the Philippines became electorate that there will be change—change for the better. Wealth after birth.
America’s child of democracy. The U.S. President then decided that will be spread around, that is, more taxes from the highest earners Granting this construction, suppose there would be conflict
we first learn the English language, so we learned our first ABC’s and with this, support will be given to those who need capital for between the interests of the parent and that of the (unborn) child,
from a boatload of educators, the Thomasites. Our Filipino leaders their personal businesses. This was under attack by Senator McCain which should prevail? Art. 3 answers: “the best interests of the
then, the educated sons of the Ilustrados, Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. because of it’s socialist leaning. The people understood the presenta- child shall be the primary consideration.”
del Pilar, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini down to the next tion of the candidates on both sides. While not unanimous in all Document references would affirm this interpretation. Doc.
generation, Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmena, Manuel Roxas and States, it was a clear victory for Obama, the first black President of A/RES/44/25 says Ecuador was “especially pleased” with the
Jose P. Laurel were determined that the Philippines must be run by the United States! preambular pointing to the protection of the unborn child, and
Filipinos. Remember Quezon’s phrase, “I would rather have the Phil- The Chicago electorate, more than 250,000 of them gathered in that it “should be borne in mind in interpreting all the articles
ippines run like hell by Filipinos than have it run like heaven by the Grant Park during the counting of the votes. Proud of their own of the Convention, particularly Art. 24 (pre-natal care).” The
Americans!” When Philippine independence was at last proclaimed Senator from Illinois to be elected President as well as the historic Vatican was also “confident” that the preambular “will serve
on July 4, 1946, we got what President Quezon predicted - we are breakthrough—the first African-American to become the President as a perspective through which the rest of the Convention will
governing Philippine democracy like hell! of the United States, they went wild when the Republican Party’s be interpreted.”
Whereas the results of the U.S. election was known within 24 candidate, Senator McCain, conceded defeat. To say the contrary, that State intervention for the unborn was
hours after voting ended, in the Philippines, it took us months of The Catholic Vote was not anywhere mentioned in the morning- not contemplated, will defeat the document’s comprehensive
tallying and more months of re-counting contested votes before the after newspaper. Definitely, the Catholics, who were a minority, goals given the continuum of a baby’s life.
declaration of the winners of the election. In contrast, in this current were represented by Vice-President elect Joseph Biden. We were For instance, O’ Donnell cites that in order to prevent birth
Presidential U.S. election, Senator John McCain, the defeated Presi- given, as we heard the Sunday mass prior to the election, a brochure defects, babies must be protected from their mother’s drug ex-
dential candidate, immediately conceded defeat without complaint on the issues that the voters should consider in voting for the presi- posure even before birth as drugs taken by the latter enter the
and wished President-elect Obama well. We did not get this mature dential candidates. Of interest to those in the Reproductive Health embryo’s bloodstream.
and gentlemanly acquiescence from our defeated presidential and advocacy in the Philippines, let me quote some of them: “This is an area where the child clearly has a right to protec-
vice-presidential candidates during the last election! tion before birth,” O’Donnell says. He also mentions “exposure
Voters, especially the young ones braved the wintry weather lining to harmful chemicals at work, smoking, or drinking alcohol” of
up 3 to 4 hours to vote. There were complaints of those who were not pregnant women. Here, protecting the unborn in turn protects
allowed to vote because of the wrong spelling of their names in the the mother.
voter’s registry compared to the names in their identification cards. (In Such inseparable protection of mother and child finds earlier
our case, voters’ names do not appear in the list!) Overall, the turnout, reflection in Art. 6, Par. 5 of the 1966 International Covenant
as the news analysts concluded, was the highest in history. This indi- on Civil and Political Rights (lifted from Roman Law): where
cated the interest of the people for their presidential choice to address capital punishment cannot be carried on a pregnant woman.
the economic crisis, a nation on recession, a run-away budget deficit, These issues would be front page in Manila. Considering all these, Why? Obviously because she carries an innocent child which,
spiraling national debt, and two costly and frustrating wars. Nearly 50 it is easy to conclude that the American people with more than 200 to her benefit, deserves protection.
million Americans lack health insurance; retirement savings in stocks years of experience in running a democracy (Abraham Lincoln’ 200th In pregnancy, we are not just dealing with the private interests
of the baby boomers suddenly lost their value. These were those who Anniversary this year) still experience the highs and lows of good of the woman, as the 1981 European Commission of Human
were born during World War II, now in their 60s, worrying where they governance. The Philippines, with the Catholic Church reminding Rights reminds. “Pregnancy cannot be said to pertain uniquely
can get support for their old age. Medicare and Medicaid are getting the electorate of the moral challenges working against the common to the sphere of private life. Whenever a woman is pregnant
a substantial share from the federal budget while the Social Security good, must therefore be ever vigilant in guiding the electorate— her private life becomes closely connected with the developing
System is facing bankruptcy. The sub-prime housing mortgages caused considering the values that operate in our communities, to attain fetus.” (Application 6959/75).
the collapse of Wall Street banks which the government had to bail out good governance through honest election of worthy candidates.
From the moment of conception
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD Since majority of States actually restrict abortions, the issue is
not should the unborn be protected, but when should the unborn
Filipino BECs growing abroad CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November attend the ongoing CBCP-BEC 2nd National Fund scam / A1
12, 2008—The formation of Basic Ecclesial Congress in Cagayan de Oro but they were
Communities (BEC) is gaining ground even not able to make it due to a conflict in their The Senate said Bolante has to answer
among Filipino communities abroad. schedule. before the Senate blue ribbon committee
Committee on BEC of the Catholic Bish- “It is also interesting to note that the one all the allegations that have been leveled
ops’ Conference of the Philippines executive training the Filipino BECs are experts who against him about the alleged fertilizer fund
secretary Msgr. Elmer Abacahin said it’s a learned so many things about it in their re- diversion scam.
“welcome development” for the Philippine spective dioceses and now working abroad,” The former government official was
Catholic church. Abacahin said. whisked to the hospital after deportation
He said these Filipino BECs are present in The CBCP official said they are now trying to from the US last October 28.
to be held from November 2008 to February 2009. Davao City National High School, Rizal Memorial Colleges High As planned, UST would come up with a series of programs and
In Davao City, the competition is set on November 15, Saturday at School, Assumption College of Davao High School, Philippine activities to promote “faith experiences” and answer “faith questions”
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Southeastern Philippines National Science High School–Southern Mindanao Campus, Daniel including reproductive health and pro-life issues, De la Cruz said.
(USEP) Social Hall, Iñigo St., Bo. Obrero. R. Aguinaldo National High School, Davao City Special National Asked if UST professors, like that of the state-run University of
The event will be preceded by a motorcade to start at 10 a.m. from High School (SPED-Bangkal), Federico Yap National High School in the Philippines, and the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University,
Royal Mandaya Hotel en route to the venue passing through the Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Tagum City National Com- would come up with an independent ‘position paper on RH bill’,
city’s main arteries. Agila Riders of Davao headed by Daniel Sungs prehensive High School in Mankilam, Tagum City. De la Cruz said, “that would not happen.”
is expected to spearhead the motorcade. The objectives of the “Be Honest” oratorical competition are: to inspire “As the Pontifical, and Catholic institute, UST has responsibility
In a communiqué sent to CBCPNews it was learned that for Davao and encourage the youth to live out the virtue of honesty as a way of life; to defend and promote church’s teaching and stand on pro-life mat-
City participants, it will be a 3-stage competition that will wind up and to heighten the awareness among the youth on the urgent need to ters,” De la Cruz said.
in the National Capital Region (NCR) in February 2009 after an dismantle the culture of corruption and dishonesty in the society. With its 40,000 students, UST is the largest Catholic university in
inter-regional or semifinals contest in Cebu City in late November Cash prizes and all-expense paid trips await the top winners at the world in one campus. Historically, UST has always been very
or early December 2008. every stage of the competition. faithful to the teachings of the magisterium and the local bishops.
The participating schools are Ateneo de Davao University High This program of speaking for honesty is BCBP’s small seed sown Last July 25, 2008, the CBCP-UST held a protest rally against the
School, University of Immaculate Conception High School, Philip- among the Filipino youth toward a spiritually healthy and morally RH bill. The gathering also marked the 40th anniversary of “Hu-
pine Women’s College High School, Sta. Ana National High School, upright nation, the communiqué said. (Mark S. Ventura) manae Vitae.”
“…all Thomasians and true Filipinos should heed the call of the
Corruption / A1 Catholic Church, its bishops and lay leaders, to reject the Lagman
bill. Let us all reject the Lagman Conspiracy. Let us all reject its grand
Church of the poor, the little ones that or- ment at the local level where big cuts are mansi growers to safeguard the quality of their deception and its attempt to return the country to the dark days of
ganized as BECs can bring collectively their slashed from the funds and go to the pockets products to able to market it in bigger cities, Martial Law,” said the Varsitarian, the UST students’ its editorial
voices to the powers that lead and to be able to of local officials. even to Metro Manila. dated September 30, 2008. (Santosh Digal)
transform their own society,” Ledesma said. “It is through their clustering and forming
Underscoring the role of BECs in rural Watchdog role associations that BECs can show the way in Spaces of Hope / A5
development, the archbishop challenged the Quevedo said the BECs can play a watch- rural development,” said Ledesma.
people saying that the poverty “we see around dog role by checking on their officials. He mentioned the pioneering effort of the ing to others?
us” is not a “God given kind of poverty.” “The BECs are the ones who know what archdiocese in the growth of a product like Meanwhile, Gen. Tucay took over the helm of the Police National
“It is a poverty that we must confront and is supposed to be given to a barangay. [They] castor oil, beans and also in promoting the Training Institute (PNTI) making him responsible for at least 4 to 6
wage war against because it is the poverty can begin checking on those, because many economic development of their small farmer thousand trainees at any given time. There he also introduced faith-
that dehumanizes many [of] our brothers of those barangay officials are members of growers in different areas. impelled transformation initiatives including morning and evening
and sisters. That denies them the basic rights the BECs, and therefore if they are given the devotions. “Daily group prayer was good for us. My companions
and the basic needs that they have for their IRA, or allocation funds, they are the ones who ‘Extensions of body of Christ’ and I really look forward to praying in the morning now, although
own rightful growth in their human dignity,” can monitor what is happening to the funds, Ledesma noted that ‘basic ecclesial commu- I did not expect to be exposed to it in a training facility,” confessed
Ledesma said. said Quevedo. nities are extensions of the body of Christ.’ one newly inducted policewoman.
But monitoring happens only at the ba- ‘‘All of us are but one body of Christ. And The significance of what these men and women in uniform are do-
Combating corruption should start at the rangay level since they are the ones who the BEC also partake the three functions and ing go beyond the confines of the police force. The latter is certainly
bottom have first-hand knowledge of government gifts of the body of Christ. Christ as Priest, as the most visible government agency in our daily lives charged to
Endemic corruption in all levels of govern- programs and activities. Prophet and a servant King. And it is in life maintain peace and order, public safety and internal security. If the
ment can be addressed, and it should start at The schools of the archdiocese are also mo- perhaps that we can reflect a bit about the PNP can be transformed from within, other agencies and sectors
the bottom, said Cotabato Archbishop Orlando bilized to address the same problem. meaning of BECs,” he said. can be transformed. Perhaps this work of transformation coincides
Quevedo, OMI, also the Chairman of CBCP A program on honesty and accountability is Ledesma said that as a participatory Church with what some bishops have recently said: “The time to start radical
Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities. part of the schools’ curriculum. It is directed BEC members share in the liturgical life of the reforms is now. The time for moral regeneration is now. The time
“People should start correcting corruption against corruption. That type of program is Church. He gave as example the parish litur- to conquer complacency, cynicism and apathy and to prove that we
from the bottom, not just waiting for a ‘big fish’ also given at the BEC level. gical activities members of BECs partake in have matured from our political disappointments is now. The time
to be caught. Corruption can be controlled at The program is a systematic curriculum particularly the reception of the sacraments. to prepare for a new government is now.”
the local level, barangay, municipality, even against corruption, the archbishop said. BEC members concretized their roles of Time was ticking. Someone else from the office of Gen. Verzosa
the province,” said Quevedo. being servant in sharing the responsibility of called me. “Fr. Melo, it is a go.” My spirit perked up. “But someone
He said elections are hotly contested even Roles of BECs in rural development serving the needs of the local Church, he said. from your office said it would be postponed,” I countered. “He is
at the kagawad level not so much because Quevedo also said that rural development Ledesma observed the various roles members going there right now,” was the calm reply. We were setting the
of their program but because of the money from the BEC perspective is sustainable devel- perform in the local Church. signing 30 minutes earlier. Meanwhile, the official MOA was in the
involved. opment. It starts from the bottom as opposed “There is also a sharing of responsibility hands of someone who had been given wrong information regard-
“So a lot of money is being spent in local from the present model of development that in terms of the multiplication of roles as they ing the venue. Etc…
Barangay elections, including among the comes from top. minister as alagads, as selda facilitators, as To shorten a long story, a MOA was signed last 30 October 2008
youth. A lot of corruption is taking place [at “The people have to use their own initia- katekistas, and family and life promoters, between the PNP, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and Dilaab Foundation
this level],” he said. tives and whatever resources they can use in youth organizers…,” he said. Inc. It features a 7-day version of the VLS to be piloted in Cebu and a
“It starts at the rural level,” Quevedo said, their own communities and develop them- Ledesma added that the sharing of respon- follow-up program bringing together Pulis/Pari, Precinto/Parokya
“although it is not as visible as what is hap- selves locally. So more or less it is a gospel sibilities leads the members to grow in their through the instrumentality of lectio divina. Dilaab will work with
pening at the top. Actually it is all over the countersign to the model of development faith, in their hope and aspirations “as one partner local churches to sustain the fruits of integral transforma-
Philippines. It has to do with government in the world. They don’t really depend very Church linked to the larger structures of the tion.
officials—from kagawad to policemen and all much on outside help, so it’s called sustainable parish, of the vicariates, of the entire diocese Yes, God indeed smiles.
that. That’s why I don’t believe in the idea of development,” said Quevedo. and the whole Church in the Philippines.” (For comments, kindly email: exposition@dilaab.net)
corruption only on the top.” The Cotabato archbishop believed rural Another dimension Ledesma mentioned
Quevedo said his 25 years of experience as development could address the poverty crisis was the BECs involvement in advocacy work Afterthoughts / A4
a bishop can attest to the systemic corruption at the local level. saying that ecclesial communities are called to he makes is that at this time advocacy for or against the Bill seems
taking place in government. He noted that people in the provinces can be prophets and carriers of values. The rural to be paramount among people concerned in one way or another
Corruption is widespread in all areas of survive even with little. congress last July has pushed into the open about it. Dialogue must take place first precisely to see what are
government, education, infrastructure… as “Big businesses cannot survive, but little the various concerns of basic sectors from the our agreements, what our disagreements. We can then debate our
long as signature is needed, there is corruption people in the grassroots can survive with the BECs, among them agrarian reform, indig- disagreements and see if compromises can be made with a view
there. Contractors use substandard materials kind of development that they can sustain enous peoples’ rights, peace process, good to coming to a final consensus. The kind of debate we hold among
to make profit, whether it is a barangay road, from their own local areas,” Quevedo said. governance, and poverty alleviation. ourselves as Church will, I do not doubt, be of great help to the final
or farm to market road… he said. “Sustainable development does not call for consideration of the Bill in Congress when it takes place. And we
“Change should start at the bottom. Even infusion of big capital. What it needs are coop- Still have much room for growth might add, our dialoging, debating, advocating must always be in
if we elect a new president, same thing will eration and collaboration among themselves Despite their dedication and involvement in the context of a rigorous discernment from faith, in faith, for the
happen. Why? Because it’s the system itself. [BECs]. And perhaps a little capital from the the life of the Church BEC members still need exercise to be genuinely, thoroughly Christian.
And the system is deeply rooted. There is so diocese, from the parish, can help the BEC a lot in terms of growth and guidance, noted One point that I’m sure will come up in the debate would be this
much more corruption in the higher level be- in the villages. But even that it is not really Ledesma, admitting that factions are a reality difficulty: If the Bill were to be unchanged from its present form, no
cause there is so much more money and also needed as my experience in Kidapawan and in basic ecclesial communities. modifications whatsoever being made from what will be suggested
because it’s highly visible. At the bottom, it’s Nueva Segovia [showed]. The BECs there they “We cannot still rise up and speak in one in the dialogue and debate we speak of here, what will happen to the
less visible, but there’s corruption there and started their own cooperatives, they started voice. And it is in this sense that BECs them- Bill’s provision that asks for government to make available all forms
the people know. A kagawad takes money their own compost farming, in terms of com- selves are invited to take the lead in reconcilia- of contraceptive means, artificial or natural, the former consisting
for anything, even just for transportation munity self help,” Quevedo added. tion, in providing venues for bringing together mostly of “essential medicines”, no distinction being made between
fare, budget allocation for transportation,” Despite the level of governance the country homes and factions that have been split and abortifacient and non-abortifacient medicines? The point is if no
said Quevedo. has at present, Quevedo still expressed opti- separated from one another,” said Ledesma. such distinction is made now, the Bill, if enacted unmodified, will
He said if BECs are serious about their proj- mism that sustainable development can help from the outset be subject to questions about its constitutionality.
ects about authentic development they cannot address poverty. A new way of being Church So Father Joaquin Bernas has been pointing out, since it will in ef-
but influence others. “It can help because leadership at BEC from The three-day gathering hopes to challenge fect be, among other things, a law against the Constitutional ban on
“It’s a big challenge. The awareness raising the grassroots is again very different from the participants and bring a greater understanding abortion. Why wait for that time-and-effort-wasting inevitability and
would have to be intensified, so that what kind of leadership in politics. There’s a lot of on how BECs can indeed strengthen the faith of not take steps right now to make the Bill totally in conformity with
they would be doing would have effect on the consensus and decision making done by them its members and how each one can contribute the Constitution with just a little more judicious give-and-take?
outside,” Quevedo said. (BECs). That is true with governance, that is to the transformation of Philippine Society. The pros and cons of the Bill aside, there is one little fact mentioned
He said if the whole archdiocese is orga- also true with the social action projects, at Commonly referred to as a new way of in the Ateneo professors’ statement that should make Church people
nized in terms of BECs who practice a culture that is also true with barangay chapel coun- being Church, basic ecclesial communities or pause. I am referring to the statistic they cite on the percentages of
of transparency and accountability, its influ- cil. Again participation, collaboration and BECs are also called in various other names in women who practice some form of birth control. They point out
ence in all areas will be widespread. lot of decisions made based on themselves,” different parts of the Philippines. In Bangued, that the contraceptive rate for the whole Philippines is 50.6%, and
The concept of battling systemic corruption Quevedo said. it is called Simbaan Dagiti Agkaarruba (SIM- only 0.2% of it covers natural family planning (NFP) methods. If
should start from the bottom up, he said. BAG); in Kalookan, Munting Kapitbahayang the figures are true, this only means that we are failing utterly as a
“If the diocese is constituted by BECs and Showing the way Kristiyano (MKK); in Lucena, Quezon Prov- Church in our advocating and teaching of NFP in our Family and Life
the parishes as such, the influence of the grass- A number of BECs at the grassroots have ince and Pasig, Munting Sambayanang Kristi- program. This failure is all the more embarrassing in that one of the
roots will be quite extensive,” he said. formed cooperatives or clusters in market- yano (MSK); in Romblon, Buklod o Sambulig; strongest characteristics of the program has been its strong and long
One of the main sources of corruption is ing their goods. Ledesma said in Northern in Antique, Kristohanon nga Katilingban opposition to government efforts at population control. I believe its
the budget allocation for infrastructures and Mindanao one approach for marketing is to (KK); and in Talibon, Gagmayng Kristoha- opposition would be more credible if its success at promoting NFP
countryside development projects of govern- group together vegetable growers or cala- nong Katilingban. methods were a bit more something to be proud of.
Diocesan News A7
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
News Briefs
Catholic academe potent agent of evangelization
DAVAO CITY—The Catholic Educational Association of the
Ozamiz archbishop holds
El Shaddai at bay
Philippines (CEAP) said that despite the difficulties Catholic
schools encounter today they continue to be a strong agent of
evangelization. CEAP director-at-large Sr. Tessie Bayona said
Catholic administrators and educators know in their hearts that
they continue to be valued and successful to play a vital role in
the evangelizing mission of the Church. (Mark Ventura)
and in the field of Catholic Charity.” in Africa. pine ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta
Cardinal Cordes’ job is to make sure Cath- Before being appointed head of Cor de Villa who currently chairs the Parish
olic teaching on charity becomes concrete, Unum in 1995, he was vice president of the Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and
and that starts with his own example. Pontifical Council for the Laity. His work the National Movement for Free Elections.
He is also scheduled to give the same there, especially with members of new lay (Roy Lagarde)
Archdiocese of
Recollect Friars.
Zamboanga
The territorial jurisdiction of the
the second floor celebrations and avoid
standing-room situations. Priests are
available for the sacramental, liturgical
Archdiocese of oanga is identical
to the geographical territory of the
and devotional celebrations in the two
churches or places of worship in the Proclamation of a Year of Favor
from the Lord (Is 61:2)
City of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City cathedral.
has ninety eight barangays, thirty
of which are urban and sixty eight The Local Church
rural. The metropolis stretches from Most Rev. Romulo G.Valles, DD
the Municipality of Limpapa in the
northwest bordering the Diocese of
heads the local church of Zamboanga.
The Archbishop-Emeritus is Most Rev. On the Occasion of the Centennial
of the Diocese [1910-2010]
Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte to Carmelo DF Morelos, DD, JCD, STL,
the Municipality of Licomo in the PHL. He is now blissfully retired in
northeast bordering the Prelature of Butuan City where he was once the
Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. Basilan bishop for more than twenty years.
Strait separates Zamboanga from the
Prelature of Isabela in Basilan.
The titular patroness
Archbishop Valles is ably assisted
by the episcopal college and councils
which are, the college of consultors,
and the Golden Jubilee of the
of the cathedral is
Our Lady of the
Immaculate
the presbyterial council,
financial council, council for
archdiocesan foundations,
Archdiocese [1958 – 2008]
Conception. council of the laity, board
The archdiocese for archdiocesan schools, My dear People of God in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga:
has twenty five and the commission for We will soon celebrate the centennial of the establishment of the Diocese of Zamboanga,
the first in Mindanao! The Diocese of Zamboanga was created by a decree of His Holiness,
parishes grouped pastoral assembly; and by
Pope Pius X on April 10, 1910, with Most Rev. Michael James O’Doherty as the first bishop.
into three the pastoral commissions The golden jubilee of its elevation to an archdiocese will also be celebrated soon.
vicariates. It has, which are, the Commissions This is a time of a great jubilee for us, the people of God in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.
for its suffragans, on Liturgy, Sacred Music, It is a rare occasion, a special time, in fact, a season of grace for us, a time of favor from the
the Prelature of Church Design and Art, Lord [Is, 61:2]. Following biblical and church tradition, now is the moment to look back to the
Ipil in Zamboanga Eucharistic Ministers, past and to remember the original grace with gratitude, to reflect on and sanctify the present,
Sibugay, the Clergy, Vocation, Diaconal and to shape the future and usher in a new beginning with renewed hope and spirit.
Prelature of Isabela Program, Priests’ Ongoing So today, the first day of the new year 2008, the solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, we
in Basilan, and Formation, Catechetical herald to you this beautiful news of a three-year celebration of our Jubilee! “… Let the trumpet
the Apostolic Apostolate, Family and Life, resound … the trumpet blast reecho throughout the land … it shall be a jubilee for you.” [Lv.
25:9-10] On April 10, 2008, we will formally launch our three-year celebration. On May 19, 2008,
Vicariate of Youth, Mission, Charismatic we will commemorate the golden jubilee of the elevation of the diocese to an archdiocese. On
Jolo in Renewal, Christian April 10, 2010, we will hold the solemn and grand celebration of our centennial. We will close
Family Movement, this great period on April 10, 2011.
Basic Ecclesial As shepherd of the flock of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, a ministry entrusted to me by
Communities, our Lord Jesus Christ through His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, I proclaim this Jubilee for the
B i b l i c a l Archdiocese of Zamboanga. I proclaim this as a time of favor from the Lord. We invoke the
Apostolate, Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit who has animated our local Church throughout the past one
Social Action, hundred years, to guide us in our celebration.
Health Care, We pray that our Blessed Mother, whom we venerate as our Lady of the Immaculate
Conception and dearly love as Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar, who has journeyed with us all
Prisoners’
these years will continue to journey with us.
Welfare, Social Sincerely yours in the Lord,
+ ROMULO G. VALLES, DD
Archbishop of Zamboanga
ABOVE: Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD. ON BACKGROUND: Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion Nuestra Señora La Virgen Del Pilar,
Our Lady of the Pillar
THE most enduring historical Lady of the Pillar is attributed to Through her protective acts,
landmark of the Christianization the protection Our Lady was said she had shown her ardent
of Zamboanga is a fort dedicated to have given to the people of maternal love for Zamboanga
to our Blessed Mother Mary, Zamboanga against marauders, and its people. And the people
the La Real Fuerza de Nuestra pirates, epidemics, and natural reciprocated by holding her as
Señora La Virgen del Pilar. The calamities that dates back to a mother and venerating her
fort of Our Lady of the Pillar the colonial times. A prevailing as their popular patroness.
that was built in 1635 is now a story runs that a Spanish soldier Thousands of devotees flock to
shrine and is the most popular guarding the fort saw Our Lady the shrine every night and day
Marian shrine in as the shrine is
the Zamboanga Zamboangueños are deeply open twenty-
peninsula.
Nuestra Señora
religious and deeply Marian. The fao uday. r-hours
Her
La Virgen del city officials were in attendance feastday on
Pilar is the at the Pontifical fiesta Mass and October 12 is
most popularly- grandiosely
venerated honored Our Lady, La Virgen del celebrated in
Marian figure Pilar, with a floral offering after the Zamboanga.
by Christians, This year’s
M u s l i m s a n d Mass. The city mayor led the public c e l e b r a t i o n
Lumad in in a prayer of consecration of the was full of
Zamboanga.
Interfaith
city to Our Lady. splendor and
grandeur.
dialogue is at its best in this with the Infant Jesus in her arms The novena on October 3 – 11
shrine. This beautiful sanctuary whom he later recognized as consisted of the devotional dawn
is a well-loved destination of our Blessed Mother and Jesus. procession with Nuestra Señora
pilgrims from all over Mindanao She warned him of marauders La Virgen del Pilar and the
and a must-visit site for visitors and pirates, thus enabling the Jubilee Cross from the Cathedral
in Zamboanga. Liturgical people to forestall and protect of the Immaculate Conception
and religious devotions are themselves. At different times, to the Shrine of Our Lady of
celebrated in this shrine. she protected the city from the Pillar. At the shrine, Most
earthquakes and tidal waves that Reverend Romulo G. Valles,
Popular devotion would have erupted at the Strait Archbishop of Zamboanga, who
Popular history holds that the of Basilan, and engulfed the also participated in the daily
wide-ranging affection for Our coastal villages of Zamboanga. Nuestra / B5
CBCP Monitor
B4 Features Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
By Southern Cross Bioethics information and services; prevention makes abortion a criminal offense. Since have a ‘reproductive’ right (inclusive spouse; and, ensuring minors can act in
Institute of abortion and management of port- the Bill uses the language of ‘reproductive of a right to abortion) recognized at some circumstances without parental
abortion complications; adolescent rights’, which is used in many other the international level, the stage would knowledge or consent.
THIS is a bill about a range of matters to and youth health; prevention and contexts as inclusive of legal abortion, then be set for the Philippines to follow Furthermore, on some of these
do with reproduction. It is very broad, management of reproductive tract any setting in which the Bill could be suit. grounds, Section 3 (1) Article XV of the
and while it does not contain good health infection (RTIs), HIV/AIDS and other even vaguely construed as conflicting The Bill will also exist alongside Constitution will also be threatened. It
messages such as the promotion of sexually transmittable infections (STIs); with existing abortion legislation would Section 12, Article II of the constitution, reads thus: the State shall defend the right
breastfeeding, gender equity, good infant elimination of violence against women; necessitate intervention of the courts for which reads: “The State recognizes the of spouses to found a family in accordance
and child nutrition, and the elimination education and counseling on sexuality its interpretation. It is likely that if that sanctity of family life and shall protect with their religious convictions and the
of violence against women, it is also and sexual and reproductive health; were to occur, the existing proscriptive and strengthen the family as a basic demands of responsible parenthood.
directed primarily and aggressively at treatment of breast and reproductive legislation on abortion would be autonomous social institution. It shall In particular, the religious convictions
population control. It is important to tract cancers and other gynecological weakened, as has repeatedly happened protect the life of the mother and the of the majority of Catholic citizens,
note that whereas the general tone of the conditions; male involvement and in other settings. The mere existence of life the unborn from conception. The protected by this Article, will be
Bill does not appear to be possible and participation in reproductive health; legislation which is in spirit contrary natural and primary right and duty of undermined by this Bill, which promotes,
health-promoting in style, upon closer prevention and treatment of infertility to existing legislation will eventually parents in the rearing of the youth for and in some cases mandates, some very
Legislation must always be considered health is a good thing. 3. The Bill proposes “no bias for
on several levels, and ultimately this However, the means either modern or natural methods
Bill must be examined with a view to of family planning”. By doing so it
testing its possible limits when applied which such a goal equates methods of birth control that
in real world contexts. is achieved are all are abortifacient with those that are
The Bill is overtly about state
intervention into people’s private lives
important, and are in not, thereby implicitly contradicting the
spirit of the constitution.
by strongly promoting contraception part dependent upon
and its enforced provision, state run sex
education with potential undermining
the process of policy 4. The Bill makes it an offense
punishable by 6 months imprisonment
of parental influence, and denying implementation that and/or a fine of P50,000 to “maliciously
conscientious objection. would follow if the engage in disinformation about the
However, a critical subtext of the bill intent or provisions of this Act.” Intent is
is that it has the strong potential to lay Bill were to pass. very difficult to prove, and if some were
the ground for state sanctioned abortion, Unfortunately, the Bill to argue that certain intent was apparent
even though it appears to uphold
the current illegal status of abortion.
explicitly and implicitly within the Bill, it would not be difficult
for its proponents to argue simply, deny
Other subtexts include targeting promotes reproductive it and seek prosecution. Someone saying
the poor for population control and
promoting reproductive technology
health in a potentially some of the things in this commentary
could therefore be prosecuted and
(which involves the routine destruction damaging way for potentially imprisoned for ‘maliciously
of human embryos) individuals and the engaging in disinformation about intent’.
It is fundamentally unjust that the Such restrictions of free speech are more
state, in its promotion of its secular community. reminiscent of totalitarian states.
population control ideals, will be
using the financial resources of the 5. The Bill declares as essential
primarily religious community whose medicines “hormonal contraceptives,
faith teaches clear opposition to those andsexualdysfunction; andreproductive lead to case law. This argument is civic efficiency and the development of intrauterine devices, injectables and
ideals. The Bill proposes a heavy handed health education for the youth. strengthened because the Bill also moral character shall receive the support other allied reproductive health products
approach to dissenters, and elements of With the exception of abortion and mandates the use of various forms of of the government.” and supplies”. Not only is the last phrase
the Bill appear to be totalitarian. infertility treatment, none of the above contraception which have abortifacient This Article is clearly designed to open to wide interpretation, but the
requires specific legislation. Each is effects. Hence, the conflict with abortion protect human life from conception, idea that contraceptives and devices are
Key aspects of the Bill and their already managed through existing legislation will be exacerbated, forcing as well as to endorse the primacy of essential medicines is fundamentally
implications health, education and other legislation, interpretative legal judgments. the family unit and the State’s role in flawed. Contraceptives (some with
1. The Bills is unnecessary. The or through already accepted health While at first blush appearing quite supporting the family. The Bill will abortifacient effects), do not treat any
matters it addresses are not all within promotion programs. For example, benign, including in the Bill the phrase weaken this Article by forcibly promoting medical condition. To construe them
the province of legislation, and the the promotion of breastfeeding, infant “The State upholds and promotes... abortifacient drugs and devices; using as such is simply dishonest.
fact that much of the content of the and child health and nutrition, and the respect for life in conformity with the language of reproductive rights
Bill is being put forward at all should treatment of cancer are health matters for universally recognized international to potentially subversively introduce 6. The Bill forces health care
immediately ring alarm bells. In the which no legislation is needed. They are human rights”, could lead to the a pro-abortion agenda; emphasizing providers, public and private, to provide
Bill, the following are listed as elements the subject matter of secondary health argument that since international law state run sex education (influenced by reproductive health care services. In the
of reproductive health care (a primary policy, not law. has been interpreted as not universally the population commission, POPCOM) list of prohibited activities, to which are
focus of the Bill): maternal, infant and recognizing the right to life of the unborn, which will shift the emphasis from attached significant penalties, only one
child health and nutrition; promotion 2. This Bill, if legislated, will exist this Bill can be similarly interpreted. the family; allowing sterilization category permits conscientious objection.
of breastfeeding; family planning alongside legislation that expressly Given that there is a concerted effort to without knowledge or consent of the Commentary/ B6
Zamboanga / B3
Immaculate Claretian Missionary provincial house, novitiate and and strengthening of Basic national levels. The commission develop their creativity through the spirit of sharing, loving and
[RMICM], Missionary Sisters of postulate are in the city, manage Ecclesial Communities in the is currently translating the Old various stage presentations of bonding. At the end, all look to
St. Mary Anthony Claret [MC], their own formation houses parishes. Corollary to this is the Testament to Chavacano. There is songs, dances, music, and drama. Jesus in the celebration of the Holy
Handmaids of the Divine Heart and are teaching at St. Joseph formation of lay leaders, BEC already a Chavacano translation A special event, perhaps unique Eucharist. The youths actively
[ADC/Spinola], Living the School and at the Dominican animators, and facilitators who of the New Testament. to Zamboanga youths, is the participate in local, inter-diocesan
Gospel Community [LGC], Kindergarten School. The SRA put themselves at the service of Liturgical Apostolate - The holding of a night vigil of love and national youth activities
Order of St. Benedict of the Sisterslookafterwomen’swelfare, their communities. apostolate seeks to assist the on February 14. Dubbed as “Un and trainings, particularly with
Eucharistic King [OSB], and the out-of-school youth, medical and Interreligious Dialogue - parishes in the promotion of full, Noche de Amor Con Cristo” [An the ZAMBASULI [Zamboanga,
Religious of the Virgin Mary health care, and facilitate retreats Another priority program of the conscious and active participation Evening of Love with Christ], Basilan Sulu, Ipil] region. They
[RVM]. and recollections. The Claretian archdiocese is the interreligious of the faithful in the liturgy. To youths from the parishes of are a force to rely on in works
The diocesan priests are mostly Missionary Sisters of Mary dialogue with the Muslims and this end, the commission on the archdiocese gather for an for peaceful local and national
pastors in the parishes. Some Immaculate run a dormitory Lumad. The Islamic faith is well liturgy provides formation on overnight experience of prayer, elections and other occasional
of them however also serve as for college women, a children’s established among Muslims who basic liturgy, liturgical catechesis, sessions, songs, dances, music in activities.
school officials in addition to their feeding and education program, form a big slice of the population. the initial and continuing
pastoral work. The archdiocese and help in the parish. The In the light of the present- formation of liturgical ministers
has five schools and these are the Spinola Sisters are involved with day ethnic conflicts, interfaith such as lectors, commentators,
St. Joseph School, the Immaculate the youth, in campus ministry, dialogue is a prime mission of musicians, eucharistic ministers,
Conception Archdiocesan and run a feeding program the archdiocese. psalmists, readers, and prayer
Schools, [Eastern, Western and for the poor. The LGC Sisters Catechetical Apostolate - The leaders. It makes adaptations
in Tetuan] and the Immaculate manage the Our Lady of the Pillar Catechetical Apostolate which of liturgical texts and liturgical
Conception Elementary School. Retreat House in Mercedes and focuses on Catechesis in the public rites for use in the parishes of
Other priests are into social coordinates the archdiocesan schools is another priority of the the archdiocese. Zamboanga has
communications at Radio Station program for the Family and Life archdiocese. There is catechism liturgies in Chavacano.
DXVP, clergy formation at Pastor Apostolate. in English and Chavacano. There Social Action Apostolate -
Bonus Seminary, and chaplaincy The Mercedarian Missionary are 920 part-time volunteer The Social Action Apostolate
at San Ramon Prisons and Penal Sisters of Berriz are into catechists in the archdiocese takes after the spirit of the
Farm, and in hospitals and health community building and and two full-time coordinators. Second Plenary Council of the
care services. interreligious dialogue. The Catechism is also done on the air Philippines as its guiding force
The Jesuit Fathers and Brothers Benedictine Sisters of the [Katekesis na Aire] through radio and is focused on providing
run the Ateneo de Zamboanga Eucharistic King are into station DXVP of the archdiocese, services to the Basic Ecclesial
University, the only catholic campus ministry and with and during the summer month of Communities and individuals,
university in the archdiocese. The the archdiocesan commissions May through the Flores de Mayo. particularly the disadvantaged
Claretian Fathers administer the on Liturgy and the Bible. The archdiocese coordinates with and marginalized. The main
Parish of St. Mary Anthony Claret The Franciscan Sisters of the the ZAMBASULI [Zamboanga, program components include
in San Jose Gusu where they also Immaculate Conception are with Basilan, Sulu, Ipil] region in livelihood project that provides
run Claret High School. They the archdiocesan commission on holding the Catechetical Summer micro-financing to small-scale
are involved in interreligious Social Action and on vocation Institute. initiatives; justice, peace and
dialogue, in the peace process promotion. The Claretian Sisters Family and Life Apostolate - integrity of creation that is
and in the care of street children. have a novitiate in Bunguiao The Family and Life Apostolate currently concerned with
The PIME Fathers administer the and are involved in pastoral is focused on the Natural advocacy against mining by the
Parish of Our Lady of Peace and ministry. The contemplative Family Planning approach to a Linktone Mining Corporation in
Good Voyage in Sinunuc. They Carmelite Sisters provide for responsible, happy and catholic the parish of Vitali; Alay kapwa,
too, are involved in interreligious the prayer-backbone of the family living. To this end, for the relief and rehabilitation of
dialogue, and in the peace local church as they pray for the program trains facilitators calamity victims which recently
process. They established the the people of the archdiocese and updates them on various provided relief assistance to
Silsilah Center for Interreligious and beyond. The RVM Sisters approaches to family planning, typhoon victims; sustainable
Dialogue, the EUNTES Center run Pilar College, the oldest familiarity with current secular/ agriculture that promotes and
for Mission Formation and catholic school in Zamboanga non-catholic movements on practices organic farming; and a
Spirituality, and the Harmony City that was founded in 1894 population control, other special concern on community-
Village in Sinunuc. as Colegio del Pilar by the Beatas activities affecting the dignity based medical and educational
The religious sisters serve the dela Compañia de Jesus of of family and life, the pre-Cana rehabilitation of children with
people through their various Intramuros, Manila. The Beatas and pre-Jordan conference, and disabilities. In response to the
apostolates. The Daughters are now known as the Religious on the continuing Christian raging food crisis, the Apostolate
of St. Paul are engaged in of the Virgin Mary, the RVM formation of couples. coordinates with the proper
social communications with one Sisters. Biblical Apostolate - The government agency holding the
bookstore that provides books, Biblical Apostolate works to Bigasan Sa Parokya Program.
audio-visual materials, various Archdiocesan Pastoral make the bible a living force in Youth Apostolate - The Youth
posters and pamphlets. The Programs the lives of Catholics. To this apostolate works to make the
Oblates of Notre Dame provide The laity participates in the end, the apostolate trains parish youths a community of young
social services and chaplaincy at mission of the church through the animators and facilitators of disciples of Christ who are
the Western Mindanao Medical various pastoral programs. seminars on basic knowledge of actively involved in their Basic
Center; they also work with the Basic Ecclesial Communities the bible, holds a bible quiz on Ecclesial Communities. The youth
PIME Fathers at the EUNTES - One priority program of the air at the radio station of the hold regular meetings in their
Center for Mission Formation the archdiocese (and a archdiocese, and joins various parishes, participate in seminars
and Spirituality. centerpiece of the archdiocesan biblical activities done on the on leadership and spirituality,
The Dominican Sisters, whose celebration) is the organization archdiocesan, inter-diocesan and and in summer camps. They
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
Statements B5
Charter Change
Charter change through a constituent assembly was
withdrawn in 2007 because the House sensed the citizens’
outrage at the attempt to railroad the proposal for a
parliamentary system. Moreover, many senators, whose two-
My Dear Young People, the Word of the Gospel so that it transforms helps us to be liberated from this negative thirds vote is logically necessary to convene a constituent
Let me begin by quoting from the Message our very existence and makes us radiate with force that could negate our new life in assembly, expressed opposition to interpret the Constitution
Pope Benedict XVI sent to the young people of consistency before everyone and at whatever Christ. This demands a sustained life and as requiring a joint rather than a separate vote.
the world as they prepared for the 23rd World cost. Hence, when you reach out to help a activity of prayer. After all, life in Christ is We have faith that if the issue reaches the Supreme Court, it
Youth Day in Sydney, Australia last 15-20 friend, when you say no to drugs and bad not always crowned with success! There are will rule correctly as it did on the “people’s initiative” and the
July 2008. Observing the variety of influences company, when you plants trees and clean up many obstacles along the way, not the least attempts to test the legal boundaries of executive power, despite
and challenges in the life and activity of the rivers, when you work for justice and peace, of which is our very self that can continue the recent decision on “executive privilege” We also believe
young today, the Pope remarked: or when you lobby before Congress so that to be deceived by the Evil One, and refuse that any attempt to derail the 2010 elections will be rejected
Many young people view their lives with laws that are passed will respect life—you to allow the Spirit to guide it and lead it to resoundingly by the people in a plebiscite. But not without the
apprehension and raise many questions are not doing it merely on your own. You the path of life and true freedom. cost of divisiveness and political turbulence, and the diversion
about their future. They anxiously ask: How do it with the help of the Spirit as witnesses At the end of his Message Pope Benedict of national attention from the things that matter most to our
can we fit into a world marked by so many of Jesus Christ, who himself is the truth prayed for “a new outpouring of the Holy people now—livelihood, food, education, health, social reform,
grave injustices and so much suffering? that sets us free—free from pride and false Spirit”— a new Pentecost. The days before us CARP extension, equal justice, clean elections—which can all
How should we react to the selfishness and assumptions, from selfishness and sin, from are in more ways than one a true experience be done without changing the Constitution.
violence that sometimes seem to prevail? darkness, despair and death. Jesus animates of the Holy Spirit’s power at work in each
How can we give full meaning to life? How and empowers us with his Spirit so that we and every one of us who welcome him into The Mindanao Situation
can we help to bring it about that the fruits will do and act according to his will. our lives, our relationships, our activities, We declare our commitment to a just and sustainable peace
of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, patience, Through the Spirit we are also able to and into our world. We hope that, like the in Mindanao. We support the initiative to start over again with
kindness, generosity, community of disciples an inclusive transparent process of consultations that will bring
faithfulness, gentleness Anyone who would like to follow Jesus must on Pentecost Sunday,
we would also have
all stakeholders to the peace table.
and self-control”—can
fill this scarred and take the path of holiness. But holiness is not the courage to proclaim
The Catholic Bishops and other religious leaders in Mindanao
have already indicated their readiness to help facilitate this
fragile world, the world about doing pious acts; it is rather “being like the goodness of the process of consultation.
of young people most God.” True Christian worship leads to a personal Lord through lives of
of all? (Message, 7 - 20 witness in mission and
July 2007) encounter with the Lord, and therefore to an holiness.
Martial Law and Other Means to Keep Power
As for Martial Law, the Supreme Court will again be the
This comes to mind intimate union with him. We gaze upon the face Confronted with a final arbiter on the issue of the “sufficiency of the factual basis”
in the light of pressing of God made manifest in Jesus Christ and made multitude of challenges for its proclamation. And in the unlikely event that the Court
issues and concerns that and concerns, it is my
have a lot to do with the accessible to us through the Spirit, for our wish that the Filipino
sustains its declaration, the extension of Martial Law will be
decided by Congress, by a majority vote, voting jointly. This is a
lives of young people holiness does not come from ourselves. Catholic youth would source of grave concern because we see no valid basis for it and
in our country today – take time to reflect on there are many who will resist any return to authoritarianism.
issues and concerns like the present economic understand the mystery of the Cross—an the insights and blessings that the 23rd World The situation can lead to turmoil, instability and even violence.
crisis that’s affecting the whole world, our important part of our witness—which Youth Day offers them, and translate them And those who will suffer the most will be the poor.
environment being threatened by climate otherwise would be folly to human logic. into concrete action as a way of response to We believe that no public official will choose to go against
change, massive graft and corruption in our According to God’s logic, we live by dying, these challenges and concerns in our society. I the overwhelming sentiment of our people for democracy
government, and efforts at legislation like rule by serving, become free and happy to the especially encourage them to continue to share and against any form of authoritarianism. A Marcos, when
the reproductive health bill. And there are degree that we are able to give ourselves to their insights and experiences to others, inviting confronted with the issue of taking lives to stay in power, did
situations obtaining in our country today others without counting the cost or expecting them to open themselves to the inspiring not send troops to EDSA to stop the people power revolt. A
that deeply affect the youth. anything in return. This is the path that the presence of the Holy Spirit, so that they may Ramos backed down from removing the term limits of the
They are among those who are being Lord took in saving the world. This is the also be his witnesses. SEE. JUDGE. ACT. There’s Constitution rather than face a nationwide protest. An Estrada
displaced from their homes because of the same path that his followers must take to a mission to fulfill, a task of evangelization to chose to leave Malacañang than risk a clash between forces,
war in the South. They are among those continue the mission that he entrusted to do, a duty of personal conversion and social armed and civilian, for and against him. And an Arroyo can
who are being harassed and killed in the them through the Church. transformation to undertake in the name of step down gracefully in 2010.
rural areas on account of agrarian disputes Furthermore, it is just as true that our the Spirit of Jesus Christ. There is after all a statesman in every politician, and it is up to
and political conflicts. They are usually participation in this missionary task must be Each and every one of us has a particular us to evoke and affirm it in them in its noblest manifestation.
the victims of human trafficking, arbitrary born out of a humble yet free decision on our context in life. A good number are students,
arrests, domestic rape and drug abuse, to part. Among created beings the human person while others are young professionals, priests, APPEAL
name but a few. is the only one capable of a conscious and free and religious. Among us are young soon-to- May we appeal to our leaders to give democracy a chance
Now these are issues and concerns that response to the Creator’s offer of relationship. be parents and teachers who have the power to work better by holding credible presidential elections in
have a lot to do with the future of the youth For this to happen, God gave man the gift of the to shape and mold young minds. There is a 2010. And we call on those who believe that we can make
of today, I am sure you will agree with me. Spirit. He constitutes the very nature of man’s great variety of gifts that the Spirit can make this happen to be vigilant and to make our sentiments known
These are realities that will shape the world response to God! This gift of the Spirit precisely use of through us to change this world of clearly and loudly to those who are in power or who would
that will soon be entrusted to you, dear young makes the human person “capax Dei”—capable ours that is very much in need of healing want their turn at it so that they will all rise to the challenge
people—sooner than you may think. I have of relating to God. “Man was made to see God,” and of his loving presence. of statesmanship.
been hearing groups of young people asking said St. Thomas Aquinas. Especially today our country is also calling
questions, wondering what they must do, But we must hasten to add that we can on us to do our part in shaping our future NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
seeking a way to respond to these challenges. refuse this offer. We are free to say YES or through honesty in our dealings with others Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference on Human Development
Indeed, it is time to ask: what do we do now, NO to God. This capacity for God is not an in any form of human relationships. We are October 4, 2008
what is expected of us? exigency of human nature, as if we were asked to care for the earth, respect life, and
It has been a little over three months since obligated by our being human to relate to uphold the dignity of the little ones. We are
the 23rd World Youth Day. In Sydney together God. Rather it is based on a free response asked to be hardworking students, law-
with the paternal guidance and pastoral on the part of human person, just as God’s abiding citizens and, when the opportunity
wisdom of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict self-giving through his Word in the Spirit, lends itself, be sincere public servants who Nuestra / B3
XVI, they reflected on are not corrupted by dawn procession, celebrated the Eucharist. The novena Masses were
the theme, “You will In our personal or communal journey through life, fear or favor. There celebrated at 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. On her feast day on October
receive power when the are times when we are 12, thousands of devotees—Christians, Muslims and Lumad—flocked
Holy Spirit has come we encounter hearts that are broken, bodies that asked to speak out in to the shrine. Six Masses were celebrated from sunrise to sundown,
upon you… and you will are hurting, hopes that are dashed, lives that protest at the systemic each Mass having a huge crowd participating. The interminable queue
seeking to pray at and touch the image of Nuestra Señora La Virgen
be my witnesses” (Acts are lost – in sin, a life of violence, drug abuse, evils that we see in our
del Pilar that endured through the night had to be put on hold for
1:8). Taking off from that institutions as well as
grace-filled experience, hopelessness and despair. Hence in and through the corrupt practices of the celebration of the Eucharist.
we can say that, indeed, our participation in our parishes, in our youth our leaders. At all times The Pontifical fiesta Mass was celebrated at five o’clock in the afternoon,
again, with a huge crowd in attendance. Preceding the Pontifical Mass was
we are being called to an groups, in our schools, in the workplace, in our we are asked to let God a grand procession from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to
important task on behalf use us to bring about
of the Church. We know homes, wherever we find ourselves, we will have change in our country
the Shrine of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar with Archbishop Valles
leading the faithful. The city officials joined the procession. Archbishop
that our presence in this to bring the graces of WYD ‘08 to these lives. and in this world that He
Valles presided at the celebration of the Pontifical Mass with the clergy of
world at this particular created and continues to Zamboanga concelebrating with him. After the Mass, colorful fireworks
point in time is not a mere coincidence. is a free initiative of God. care for and transform. burst up in the skies to the delight of the people.
We are all here for a purpose, and that is Hence, if we want to say YES to God, we In our personal or communal journey
to participate in the mission of the Church, need to journey in holiness. through life, we encounter hearts that are Deeply religious people
that is, to give witness to the Gospel of Jesus Pope Benedict in his Message to the broken, bodies that are hurting, hopes that Zamboangueños are deeply religious and deeply Marian. The city
Christ and transform the world and ready it youth stressed that holiness and mission are dashed, lives that are lost – in sin, a officials were in attendance at the Pontifical fiesta Mass and honored
for the full flowering of God’s reign. are inseparable. life of violence, drug abuse, hopelessness Our Lady, La Virgen del Pilar, with a floral offering after the Mass. The
One of the first effects of the presence of Anyone who would like to follow Jesus and despair. Hence in and through our city mayor led the public in a prayer of consecration of the city to Our
the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians is that must take the path of holiness. But holiness is participation in our parishes, in our youth Lady. The city government and some private organizations organized
it enables us to adhere to the person of Jesus not about doing pious acts; it is rather “being groups, in our schools, in the workplace, in our Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2008 with celebratory events that lasted
Christ with all our being, accepting him as like God”. True Christian worship leads to homes, wherever we find ourselves, we will for three weeks starting on October 1, climaxed on October 12, and
our Lord and Master. Once animated by a personal encounter with the Lord, and have to bring the graces of WYD ‘08 to these ended on October 19. Some fabulous attractions were, the Regatta,
the Spirit, we change our attitude towards therefore to an intimate union with him. We lives. We will bring to them the Good News a boat race held on Basilan Strait where vintas with brightly colored
the world and reality, acquire the values of gaze upon the face of God made manifest in of God’s love by living simple and upright batik sails competed; a three-kilometer public sardines-eating party
Christ, and view and interpret everything Jesus Christ and made accessible to us through lives, by reaching out, by being of service along the paved shore of Cawa-Cawa Boulevard; painting exhibits by
through the eyes of his Spirit. the Spirit, for our holiness does not come to others, by communal action on behalf of a Muslim artist; Chavacano song festival, street dancing, floral floats
The same Spirit opens our eyes to the from ourselves. Human beings do not possess justice and truth, by being witnesses and signs parade; various sports; and a search for Miss Zamboanga 2008.
mysteries of God so that we can see life’s holiness in their substance, as does God. We of hope – always seeking the inspiration of One thing admirable about Fiesta Pilar is the fact that the religious
the same Spirit of Jesus, the greatest gift to celebration remained on focus amidst the merrymaking that is typical
events and history in his light. acquire this, as it were, by our participation
of Filipino fiestas. The religious factor of the celebration did not lose
Jesus had told his disciples at the Last in the Holy Spirit, through a life of prayer and humankind from the Father.
flavor and importance; it beautifully remained the priority feature. A
Supper, “when the Paraclete comes, whom I sanctification. This enables us to acquire the With the help of our Blessed Mother, we will city government official reminded the constituents of this hierarchy
shall send to you from the Father, he will be “mind of Christ” and follow in his ways. respond generously to God’s urgent call. of values as he called on them to participate in the Eucharist and
my witness. And you too will be witnesses, Although we already have been redeemed other religious celebrations.
because you have been with me from the by the Spirit, sadly there remains inherent + Joel Z. Baylon, DD Fiesta Pilar is truly a people’s fiesta, not just the catholic people’s
beginning” (Jn 15:26-27). in us the tendency to return to our former Bishop of Masbate feast, but one where all the people of Zamboanga celebrate and
To give witness to Christ in the name of state of being—decadent, unredeemed, at Chair - CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth honor The Lady of the Pillar, someone whom they commonly hold
the Spirit means to become involved with the mercy of our selfishness. The Holy Spirit 28 October 2008, Feast of Sts. Simon & Jude dear. Fiesta Pilar is interfaith dialogue at its best!
CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
Seminarian / B6
before he is admitted to the semi- ing of oneself to the irreplaceable A candidate for the priesthood chosen by the candidate himself substituted by forms of analysis lecting the due information from
nary or house of formation. assistance of grace. cannot impose his own per- and accepted by the formators. or of psychological assistance. their respective bishops or major
The assistance of experts can 10. It is possible that the candi- sonal conditions, but must accept According to the possibilities, Moreover, the spiritual life, by it- superiors, especially concerning
be useful for formators, includ- date—notwithstanding his own with humility and gratitude the the candidates should be guar- self, favors a growth in the human the causes of the dismissal or
ing when they are marking out a commitment and the support of norms and the conditions that the anteed a free choice from among virtues, if there are no barriers of departure.
path of formation tailored to the the psychologist, or psychother- Church herself places, on the part various experts who possess the a psychological nature. Bearing The previous formators have
candidate’s specific needs. apy—could continue to show of her responsibility. Therefore, requisites indicated. these two principles in mind, the the explicit duty of furnishing
When evaluating whether it himself unable to face realistically in cases of doubt concerning the If the candidate, faced with a spiritual director can find that, in exact information to the new
is possible for the candidate to his areas of grave immaturity— candidate’s suitability, admis- motivated request by the forma- order to clear up any doubts that formators.
live the charism of celibacy in even given the gradual nature of sion to the seminary or house of tors, should refuse to undergo a are otherwise irresolvable and to Let particular attention be paid
faithfulness and joy, as a total gift all human growth. Such areas of formation will sometimes only psychological consultation, the proceed with greater certainty to the fact that often candidates
of his life in the image of Christ immaturity would include strong be possible after a psychologi- formators will not force his will in the discernment and in spiri- leave the educational institution
the Head and Shepherd of the affective dependencies; notable cal evaluation of the candidate’s in any way. Instead, they will tual accompaniment, he needs to spontaneously so as to avoid an
Church, let it be remembered that lack of freedom in relations; personality. prudently proceed in the work of suggest to the candidate that he enforced dismissal.
it is not enough to be sure that excessive rigidity of character; 12. The formational institution discernment with the knowledge undergo a psychological consul- In the case of a transfer to
he is capable of abstaining from lack of loyalty; uncertain sexual has the right and the duty to ac- they already have, bearing in tation – without, however, ever another seminary or house of
genital activity. It is also necessary identity; deep-seated homosexual quire the knowledge necessary for mind the aforementioned canon demanding it. formation, the candidate must
to evaluate his sexual orientation, tendencies; etc. If this should be a prudentially certain judgment 1052 § 1. Should the spiritual director re- inform the new formators about
according to the indications pub- the case, the path of formation regarding the candidate’s suitabil- quest that the candidate undergo any psychological consultation
lished by this Congregation.[25] will have to be interrupted. ity. But this must not harm the can- V. The Relationship between a psychological consultation, it is previously carried out. Only
Chastity for the Kingdom, in fact, The same is also true if it be- didate’s right to a good reputation, those Responsible for Formation desirable that the candidate, as with the candidate’s free, written
is much more than the simple lack comes evident that the candidate which any person enjoys, nor the and the Expert well as informing the spiritual consent can the new formators
of sexual relationships. has difficulty living chastity in right to defend his own privacy, a) Those Responsible in the director himself about the results have access to the communication
In light of the objectives in- celibacy: that is, if celibacy, for as prescribed in canon 220 of the External Forum of the consultation, will likewise of the expert who carried out the
dicated above, a psychological him, is lived as a burden so heavy Code of Canon Law. This means 13. In a spirit of reciprocal trust inform the external-forum for- consultation.
consultation can, in some cases, that it compromises his affective that the candidate’s psychologi- and in co-operation with his own mator, especially if the spiritual In the case of a candidate who,
be useful. and relational equilibrium. cal consultation can only proceed formation, the candidate can be director himself will have invited after a previous dismissal, has
b) Subsequent Formation with his previous, explicit, in- invited freely to give his written him to do this. undergone psychological treat-
9. During the period of for- IV. Request for Specialist Evalu- formed and free consent. consent so that the expert in the If the spiritual director should ment, if it is held that he can be
mation, recourse to experts in ations and Respect for the Can- Let the formators guarantee psychological sciences, who is believe it useful that he himself accepted into the seminary, let
the psychological sciences can didate’s Privacy an atmosphere of trust, so that bound by confidentiality, can directly acquire information from first his psychic condition be
respond to the needs born of any 11. It belongs to the Church the candidate can open up and communicate the results of the the consultant, let him proceed accurately verified, insofar as
crises; but it can also be useful to choose persons whom she participate with conviction in consultation to the formators in- according to what has been in- possible. This includes collecting
in supporting the candidate on believes suitable for the pastoral the work of discernment and dicated by the candidate himself. dicated in n. 13 for the external- the necessary information from
his journey towards a more sure ministry, and it is her right and accompaniment, offering “his The formators will make use of forum formators. the expert who treated him, after
possession of the moral virtues. It duty to verify the presence of own convinced and heartfelt any information thus acquired to The spiritual director will infer having obtained the candidate’s
can furnish the candidate with a the qualities required in those co-operation”. The candidate is sketch out a general picture of the from the results of the psychologi- free, written consent.
deeper knowledge of his person- whom she admits to the sacred asked to be sincerely and trust- candidate’s personality, and to cal consultation the appropriate In the case where a candidate,
ality, and can contribute to over- ministry. ingly open with his formators. infer the appropriate indications indications for the discernment after having had recourse to an
coming, or rendering less rigid, Canon 1051, 1º of the Code of Only by sincerely allowing them for the candidate’s further path of that is of his competence, as expert in psychology, asks to
his psychic resistances to what his Canon Law foresees that, for the to know him can he be helped formation or for his admission to well as the advice he must give transfer to another seminary or
formation is proposing. scrutiny of the qualities required on that spiritual journey that he ordination. the candidate, including as to house of formation and does not
The candidates can give them- in view of ordination, one should himself is seeking by entering the In order to protect, in both whether to proceed on the path want to agree to the results being
selves to God with due awareness provide, inter al., for an evalua- seminary. the present and the future, the of formation. available to the new formators,
and freedom, in responsibil- tion of the state of the candidate’s Important, and often determi- candidate’s privacy and good c) Help of the Expert to the let it be remembered that the
ity towards themselves and the physical and psychic health. nant in overcoming possible mis- reputation, let particular care be Candidate and Formators suitability of the candidate must
Church, when they have better Canon 1052 establishes that understandings, will be both the taken so that the professional 15. The expert—insofar as it is be proved with positive argu-
mastered not only their weak- the bishop, in order to be able to educational atmosphere between opinions expressed by the expert asked of him—will help the can- ments, according to the norm of
nesses, but also their human and proceed to ordaining the candi- students and formators—marked be exclusively accessible to those didate reach a greater knowledge the aforementioned canon 1052,
spiritual forces. date, must have moral certainty by openness and transparency— responsible for formation, with of himself, of his potentialities and and, therefore, that all reasonable
A certain Christian and voca- that “positive arguments have and the motivations and ways the precise and binding proscrip- vulnerabilities. He will also help doubt must be excluded.
tional maturity can be reached, proved” his suitability (§ 1) and with which the formators will tion against using it in any way him to compare the declared ide-
including with the help of psy- that, in the case of motivated present their suggestion to the other than for the discernment of als of the vocation with his own Conclusion
chology, illumined and com- doubt, he must not proceed with candidate that he should have a a vocation and for the candidate’s personality, thus encouraging the 17. Let all those who, according
pleted by the contribution of the the ordination (§ 3). psychological consultation. formation. candidate to develop a personal, to their different responsibilities,
anthropology of the Christian Hence, the Church has the right Let them avoid the impression b) Specific Character of Spiri- free and conscious attachment to are involved in formation offer
vocation and, therefore, of grace. to verify the suitability of future that such a suggestion is the pre- tual Direction his own formation. It will be the their convinced co-operation, in
Nevertheless, one cannot over- priests, including by means of lude to the candidate’s inevitable 14. The spiritual director’s task task of the expert to furnish the respecting the specific competen-
look the fact that such maturity recourse to medical and psycho- dismissal from the seminary or is not easy, neither in discerning candidate with the appropriate cies of each, so that the discern-
will never be completely free of logical science. In fact, it belongs house of formation. the vocation nor in the area of indications concerning the dif- ment and vocational accompani-
difficulties and tensions, which to the bishop or competent su- The candidate will be able conscience. ficulties that he is experiencing, ment of the candidates may be
require interior discipline, a spirit perior not only to examine the freely to approach an expert who It is a firm principle that spiri- and their possible consequences sufficient, thus “bringing to the
of sacrifice, acceptance of struggle suitability of the candidate, but is either chosen from among those tual direction cannot, in any for his life and future priestly priesthood only those who have
and of the Cross, and the entrust- also to establish that he is suitable. indicated by the formators, or way, be interchanged with or ministry. been called, and to bring them
The expert, having carried out adequately trained, namely, with
his evaluation, and also taking a conscious and free response of
into account the indications of- adherence and involvement of
fered him by the formators, will their whole person with Jesus
Abhorrent Poor
Disturbing Below average
Acceptable Average
Wholesome Above average
Exemplary E
xcellent
Sweethearts and senior high Musicals 1 & 2, HSM 3: Senior Title: High School Musical 3: Senior Year
schoolers in Albuquerque, New Year boasts of crisp cinematog- Running Time: 112 min.
Mexico Troy (Zac Efron) and raphy and costumes and sets Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hud-
Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) that are absolutely eye candy. gens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel,
face the prospect of pursuing The young actors prove them- Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman
college hundreds of miles apart. selves up to their roles, perform- Director: Kenny Ortega
A basketball star who loves to Producers: Bill Borden, Barry Rosen-
ing their own songs and dances
bush
sing, Troy could go along with remarkably well. (It should Screenwriter: Peter Barsocchini
his father’s plan for him to join also please the local audiences Music: David Lawrence
the team at the University of to know that Vanessa Hudgens Editor: Seth Flaum
Albuquerque where his father is half-Filipino—another Lea Genre: Musical/ Comedy/ Drama
Jack (Bart Johnson) is coach, Salonga in the making?) Cinematography: Daniel Aranyo
or he could go to New York’s High School Musical 3: Senior Distributor: Walt Disney Studious
Juilliard School where someone Year is family-friendly enter- Motion Pictures
had secretly applied on his tainment all the way, thanks to Location: Utah, USA
behalf. The academically gifted Disney. While it seems aimed at Technical Assessment: ½
Gabriella, on the other hand, tweeners (aged between 12 and Moral Assessment:
has been accepted at Stanford 19), it is nonetheless appealing CINEMA Rating: For viewers of
University in California but for every member of the fam- all ages
hesitates to grab it lest she miss ily, as proven by the response young members—to see a movie
the familiar surroundings and it gets from theater audiences where the teenagers seriously
her loved ones, especially her who are mostly parents treat- think about education for a
one true love Troy. Meanwhile, ing their grade-school kids and decent future instead of drugs
they are kept high and busy by high schoolers on a sem break and unwanted pregnancies?
the coming prom and a play weekend. Some foreign review- We asked teenagers who have
based on their own lives that ers have criticized the movie seen the movie—they like it be-
they have to stage. to be “too clean it squeaks”— cause they can resonate with the
A movie that ought to delight alluding to the chaste relation- characters who have remained
local audiences as Mamma Mia ship between the high school blissfully innocent up to their
recently did—High School Mu- sweethearts—but this only goes senior high year. Regardless
sical 3: Senior Year has for its to show that such critics must of the dark realities about the
assets energetic dances, lively have seen too many Sex and youth that media want to play
music, and songs anybody can the City episodes that they up, this is the greater reality—
sing along with. Viewers can have come to expect the whole that there are still millions of
easily follow the simple plot world to be so oriented. So it’s teenagers out there who are
which is kept free of sub-plots “too clean it squeaks”—what’s emotionally healthy and are not
and unnecessary glitches. As a wrong with that? Isn’t it good in a mad rush to travel the road
big-screen sequel to High School for the family—especially the to perdition.
Buhay Parokya
Look for the three items: The images of Pope
Benedict XVI, Maria Magdalena and the Last
Supper (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)
(L-R) Justice Jose Reyes, Jr., Arsenio Yap, Antonio Yulo, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Alonso Tan, Patrocinio Bacay and Antonio Borromeo
KC Philippines Foundation
turns over 10 housing
units to beneficiaries
By Denise Solina Sis. Ma. Theresa Curia, KCFAPI EVP.
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III led the dedication and blessing of
THE Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation has recently the houses.
turned over ten housing dwellings to chosen beneficiaries at Bagong In his speech, Bro. Jose Tale, Gawad Kalinga Chairman, thanked
Pangarap, GK Site, Tungkong Manggga, San Jose del Monte, Bula- the Knights of Columbus for sharing their vision of building inte-
can. grated, holistic and sustainable communities. Justice Reyes said that
The ten beneficiary-families came from Pangarap Village in Ka- this is only the beginning of a bigger partnership between Knights
lookan City who were screened and selected by the Gawad Kalinga of Columbus and Gawad Kalinga.
Community Foundation, Inc. A medical mission led by Dr. Jaime Talag and assisted by KCFAPI
Construction of the houses began in June this year and was employees was also conducted.
finally completed in September through the Bayanihan sorties of Serviceable home and kitchen appliances and used clothing
the employees of KC Fraternal and its subsidiaries, Gawad Kalinga gathered earlier by KCFAPI employees were distributed to the
community, Knights of Columbus Councils in Manila & Bulacan beneficiaries. They also organized parlor games for the children and
and the KC Luzon State Officers. handed out loot bags for everybody.
Bro. Patrocinio Bacay, KCFAPI Chairman, Dr. Eric Cayabyab of A marker commemorating the first-ever partnership between
Gawad Kalinga and Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. led the cutting of the the KC Philippines Foundation and Gawad Kalinga was erected in
ribbon in the presence of Bro. Alonso Tan, KC Foundation President, front of the area within the Bagong Pangarap GK site reserved for
Bro. Antonio Borromeo, KCFAPI President, Bro. Arsenio Isidro Yap, the construction of a total of thirty-two housing units to be called
KC Luzon State Secretary, Bro. Antonio Yulo, MACE President and “Knights of Columbus Village”.
KCFAPI launches first coffee table book Leadership Basics seminar held
INTRAMUROS, Manila—The
Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, THE supervisors
Inc. (KCFAPI) launched its first and some assistants
coffee table book at its main of the Knights of
corporate office here on Sep- Columbus Frater-
tember 13. nal Association of
The book entitled “FIFTY the Philippines, Inc.
YEARS OF FRATERNAL SER- (KCFAPI) Head Of-
VICE, A Saga of Faith in Action” fice and Service Of-
features history, programs, proj- fices underwent a
Leadership Train-
ects and growth of the associa-
ing Seminar called
tion. The book basically has the
“Leadership Basics”
following chapters namely: The
last September 15 at
Beginnings, The Phenomenal
the KCFAPI head-
Growth, The Pillars of KCFAPI,
quarters.
The Subsidiaries, The Founda-
Twenty-four participants attended the whole- ment Technology and the School of Professional
tions, and Heading to New
day seminar conducted by the Harry Pound and Continuing Education (SPACE) of De La
Heights.
Company; a leading training company dedicated Salle University – College of Saint Benilde. She
The coffee table book was au-
to helping business professionals enhance their is also a consultant for various organizations
thored by Msgr. Pedro Quitorio,
capacity and capability through relevant, practi- and corporations, and author of three recently
media director of the Catholic
cal and on-target learning solutions. published books: “Mind Your Own Business: A
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Msgr. Quitorio also serves as the spiritual adviser of the Knights Ms. Cecille L. Ayllon, a sought-after lecturer Comprehensive Guide to Entrepreneurship and
of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) and a member of the Board of and trainer conducted the training seminar. Ms. Small Business”; “The ABCs of Strategic Life
Trustees of the KC Fr. George J. Willman Charities, Inc. Ayllon regularly gives leadership, managerial Management” and “The Journey of the Heart”.
The launching was part of the activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee celebration of the KCFAPI. and supervisory seminars to top corporations The “Leadership Basics” seminar had the fol-
Board of Trustees and Advisors Chairman Patrocinio Bacay and President Antonio Borromeo led a in the country for the past five years. She is a lowing objectives: 1) To help the supervisors and
symbolic book-giving ceremony attended by KCFAPI members from various councils across the coun- professor in De La Salle’s Master in Manage- Leadership / C2
try. (Bro. Joselito E. Mañalac)
C2 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
Chairman’s Message
Patrocinio R. Bacay
THE month of November is one of the rare how they touched our lives. In KCFAPI, we also maintain the tradition
occasions each year when families, even We, in the Knights of Columbus, hold of remembering and praying for the souls
clans, gather in reunion to remember and Memorial Service for our departed brothers of our deceased Benefit Certificate Holders.
pray for the eternal repose of their dear and their beloved ones. This is a tradition we My family and I join the officers and staff of
departed members. It is also in this occasion observe in our KC Councils – for we are a KCFAPI as we offer mass for them on Friday,
that we remember and reminisce the good family and a fraternal organization. It binds October 31, 2008 in our head office’s chapel
and happy days we shared with them and us and gives meaning to fraternity. in Intramuros, Manila.
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The Cross C3
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 23
November 10 - 23, 2008
A New Politics
Carl A. Anderson,
Supreme Knight
Catholics can exercise
their responsibility
as faithful citizens by
BECAUSE of the importance of the pro-life issue
in this year’s U.S. elections, I have decided to re-
building a culture of life
excuse support for pro-abortion-rights candidates
through a complex balancing act. They claim other
of public policy is absurd.
After all, some of the most important move-
who defend the abortion-rights regime of Roe v.
Wade.
print here excerpts from my annual report to the issues are important enough to offset a candidate’s ments in our history—the abolitionist movement During the pope’s visit to the United States last
Supreme Convention: support for abortion rights. which ended slavery, the civil-rights movement, April, he urged those gathered at Yankee Stadium
In eight of the last nine presidential elections, But the right to abortion mandated in the United which finally made racism morally unacceptable in to protect “the unborn in the mother’s womb.”
the crucial “Catholic vote” has picked the winner. States by the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade deci- America—were born as religious movements. That statement drew the loudest, longest applause
America’s 69 million Catholics are again likely to sion is not just another political issue; it is in reality It is significant that both of these movements of his trip.
hold the key not only to the White House, but to a legal regime that has resulted in more than 40 sought to end what were rightly regarded as funda- Imagine the effect if this year millions of Catholic
a great number of other races as well. million deaths. mental violations of the dignity possessed by every voters simply say “no”—no to every candidate for
The bishops of the United States recently stated, Imagine for a moment the largest 25 cities in human person. Legal respect for, and protection of, every office of every political party who supports
“The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the United States and Canada suddenly empty of human dignity lie at the heart of our Constitution, abortion rights.
the moral character of society is a requirement of people. This is what the loss of 40 million human as well as at the core of religious faith. It’s time Catholics stop accommodating pro-
faith.” beings would look like. In fact, 40 million is greater It is time to put away the arguments of political abortion-rights politicians and it’s time to start
At the top of their list of Catholic moral convic- than the entire population of Canada. spin masters that only serve to justify abortion demanding that politicians accommodate us. In
tions, the bishops put “defending the inviolable What political issue could possibly outweigh rights. How should Catholics exercise their re- this election, if a Catholic cannot vote for a pro-life
sanctity of human life from the moment of concep- this human devastation? The answer, of course, sponsibility as citizens? The most important way candidate, then not voting for that office may be the
tion until natural death.” is that there is none. is to build a culture of life. sincerest expression of faithful citizenship.
This is especially important since Catholics of- Some will argue that faith has no place in It is time for Catholics to demand the end of As faithful citizens, Catholics can build a new
ten confront a dilemma in deciding how to vote: politics. But the notion that the First Amendment’s Roe v. Wade. It is time to stop creating excuses politics—a politics that is not satisfied with the
Can we support a candidate who may be attrac- Establishment Clause somehow forbids either a for voting for pro-abortion-rights politicians. It is status quo, but one that is dedicated to building
tive for many reasons but who supports abortion public official or a voter from taking into account time that Catholics shine a bright line of separa- up a culture of life.
rights? Some partisan advocates have sought to personal religious values when deciding matters tion between themselves and all those politicians Vivat Jesus!
SERVICES OFFERED
A. Memorial Services:
1. Retrieval of body from the place of death
2. Preservation of body for seven days
3. Provision of casket (local and imported)
4 Mortuary arrangement at HTMC Chapel or other site at
family’s choice for five (5) days
5. Registration of death certificate and securing of neces-
sary transfer and/or burial permits
6 Appropriate funeral hearse for interment
7. Onr (1) copy of certified true copy of death certificate
(Right) KC Foundations Chairman Justice Jose Reyes, Jr. and KCFAPI Chairman Patrocinio Bacay led the symbolic turnover of
houses to GK Beneficiaries together with KCFAPI President Antonio Borromeo and KC Foundations President Alonso Tan (left) MEDICAL MISSION. Dr. Jaime Talag led the KC Medical Mission during the turnover rites held October 18, 2008
Fraternal Assistance of “Brigada Eskwela 2008.” KC Officers and members of Holy Trinity Council 9063 and KC Lady Knights with
San Miguel Arkanghel Circle 4930 grade schoolers’ Columbian Squires, and San Miguel Department of Education Supervisor, Ms.
BLESSING. Msgr. Pedro Quitorio led the GK Beneficiaries and KC volunteers during the blessing of houses. Lily-Ann R. Mendero rest after a day’s work of cleaning the grounds of San Miguel Central School, Surigao del Sur.
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