•A3 Pope invites Copenhagen
representatives to rediscover the
‘moral dimension of human life’
US urged to cut military
aid to RP due to human
rights record
THE US government is reportedly increasing
its military aid to the Philippines, prompting
an outcry from a ranking Catholic Church
official.
Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the
US government should cut military aid to the
country due to unabated extra-judicial killings
under the Arroyo administration.
Lagdameo, former president of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, instead
Military aid / A6
December 7 - 30, 2009
CBCP urges restraint on martial law
COURTESY CALL. Papal nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams (center) is flanked by CBCP President Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar and Palo Archbishop
Jose Palma, CBCP Vice-President, at his residence in Taft Avenue, Manila, Dec.1. Other members of the CBCP Permanent Council are Bishops Emmanuel Cabajar of
Pagadian; Edgardo Juanich of Taytay; Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran; Archbishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga; Bishops Rolando Tria Tirona of Infanta; Jaro Auxiliary
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza; Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena; and San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David. Not in photo is Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes. Also
in photo are Msgr. Juanito Figura, Secretary General; Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, Treasurer; and Msgr. Joselito Asis, Assistant Secretary General.
Odchimar assumes
CBCP presidency
TANDAG
Bishop
N e r e o
Odchimar
formally
assumed
the presi-
dency of
the Cath-
olic Bish-
© CBCP Media
ops’ Con-
ference of
the Phil-
ippines
(CBCP) on December 1, 2009.
The 69-year-old prelate who was elected last July
by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86
dioceses will serve a two-year term. He is the 18th
head of bishops’ collegial body.
Prior to his election, Odchimar was the vice-
president of the CBCP. He succeeds Jaro Archbish-
op Angel Lagdameo who served for two terms.
Pressing issues
Odchimar vowed to be more responsive to
“urgent” issues affecting the church and the
country.
He said he will continue the projects of his
predecessor.
Odchimar was ordained priest on Dec. 19, 1964
and spent most of his priestly ministry in the
Archdiocese of Manila.
He took his Philosophy at the Sacred Heart
Seminary in Palo, Leyte and Theology at the San
Carlos Seminary in Makati City.
The CBCP head pursued further studies at the
University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary,
where he obtained his Bachelors degree in Canon
Law, magna cum laude (1982) and Doctorate in
Canon Law, also magna cum laude (1983).
Odchimar also completed masteral studies in
Business Administration at the De la Salle Uni-
versity in Manila.
He was ordained bishop on Nov. 27, 2001 and
appointed Bishop of Tandag on that same year.
Permanent council
Along with Odchimar, also assuming their posts
are the members of the CBCP Permanent Council
who were elected during the bishops’ plenary as-
sembly last July.
The Council is chaired “ex officio” by the CBCP
President. His members include Palo, Leyte Arch-
bishop Jose Palma, elected CBCP vice president.
Regional representatives are Bayombong
Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando Auxiliary
Bishop Pablo David, Taytay Bishop Edgardo
Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes for
Luzon; Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and
Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza for the
Visayas; and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar
and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles for
Mindanao.
Members of the CBCP are assembled as a "ple-
nary assembly" twice a year. When the plenary
assembly is not in session, it is the Permanent
Council that acts for the entire conference.
One major function of the council is to prepare
joint statements or pastoral letters of the hierar-
chy on matters decided by the plenary assembly.
(CBCPNews)
www.youthpinoy.com www.cbcpnews.com/podcast
•B1 Young people of Asia
Agents of renewal and
•C1 The CROSS
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI
transformation and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
Namfrel seeks early 2010
polls in ARMM
DUE to the recent spate of violence in Magu-
indanao, a poll watchdog called on the Com-
mission on elections to hold elections in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
ahead of the rest of the country in 2010.
The National Citizens’ Movement for Free
Elections said such move must be done so that
the poll body’s attention and that of the security
forces will be focused in the region.
If that is the case, the group said, there might
be less shenanigans.
“We urge the Comelec to consider holding an
Vol. 13 No. 25 Php 20.00 ARMM / A6
By Roy Lagarde
AS martial law grips the southern province, the
Catholic hierarchy urged the authorities to exercise
restraint to prevent the escalation of tension.
Bishop Nereo Odchimar, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phil-
ippines president, said it is needed so as to avoid any interpretations
in putting Maguindanao under military rule.
Such action is also important to ensure that peace and the protec-
tion of human rights in the area is the highest priority, he said.
“We call for restraint on the part of the administrators of martial
law so as not to give people the reason to suspect of any hidden
agenda behind the exercise,” Odchimar said.
“Abuse of power should be avoided and martial law should not
be unnecessarily prolonged,” he stressed.
The CBCP head’s appeal was contained in statement released
Tuesday night, his first after he assumed presidency on Dec. 1.
Due process
While the public awaits the Supreme Court decision on the legality
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
of the martial law proclamation, Odchimar said the church’s urgent
call is to bring justice to the victims of the Maguindanao carnage.
He said “due process” should also be granted to the accused as
warranted by the present situation and for the protection of human
rights.
“We are supposed to be guided by the rule of law enshrined in
our constitution and legislation and not by the rule of men who
imposed their will on the weak and powerless with utter disregard
of honesty and fair play,” Odchimar also said.
“The exercise of civil power should be geared towards the promo-
Restraint / A6
Family life groups carve blueprint
for social involvement
“FAMILY and Life issues will be a major con-
sideration in choosing public officials in the
coming 2010 elections and this will be an op-
portune time to bring public awareness to the
moral dimensions of the electoral issues,” this
was part of the resolution formulated during sues involved in the forthcoming elections. affecting family and life.
the recently-concluded First National Confer- Speaking to the participants, he underscored the The issues discussed in the conference were:
ence of the Episcopal Commission on Family importance of the family as the foundation of soci- World Population Collapse and the Lessons for
and Life (ECFL). ety. He remarked in his closing homily, “Just as the the Philippines; Truth and Meaning of Human
With its appropriate working theme “The house that was built on rock could withstand the Sexuality; New Age as a Spirituality of Knowl-
Family Serving the Church and Society”, the wind and rain, so must the family remain firmly edge and Experience; The Gospel of Life and
conference was held from November 30 to De- founded on God. The family is the foundation of Reproductive Health; The Effects of Pornogra-
cember 3, 2009 at the St. Michael Retreat House society and if this foundation is weak, then society phy and Entertainment Violence on the Family;
in Antipolo City. itself will be weak.” The Hidden Dangers of Sex Education; and The
Commission on Family and Life Chairman and Fr. Melvin Castro, CBCP-ECFL executive secre- Family in God’s Plan.
San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Paciano tary said the conference was convened in order to “In addition, topics on Home and School Part-
B. Aniceto, expressed satisfaction that the Fam- establish common core knowledge of family and nership and the Moral Dimensions of the 2010
ily and Life Directors and members resolved to life issues among the Directors and members of the Elections were discussed to help the Family and
pursue a more active education campaign to Family and Life Ministry in the parishes. Life members engage educators and legislators
promote family values. The increasing concern about anti-family legisla- to uphold the values of marriage and family,”
He assured the members that the ECFL would tion in Congress prompted the ECFL to convene he said.
issue guidelines to clarify the family and life is- its members and make them aware of the issues Blueprint / A6
2nd National Congress of the Clergy set in 2010
CLOSE to 6,000 priests and bishops Benedict XVI, will be the Spiritual congress. To culminate in June 2010, the
nationwide are expected to gather Retreat Preacher of the congress. Aside from plenary talks, other celebration was declared by His
for the 2nd National Congress of the His talk will center on the theme of spiritual activities such as recitation Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the
Clergy from January 25-29, 2010 at the the Year for Priests: “Faithfulness of of the rosary, station of the cross and clergy to deepen their commitment
World Trade Center, in Pasay City. Christ, faithfulness of priests.” spiritual sharing will fill up the five- and undergo an “interior renewal
Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, OFM Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle day event. for the sake of a more forceful and
Cap, Papal Preacher to the late Pope will give a reflection on some of the Priests coming from far-away dio- incisive witness to the Gospel in
John Paul II and the present Pope talks that will be given during the ceses will be accommodated by host today’s world.”
families within Manila archdiocese Some dioceses have also celebrated
and neighboring dioceses of Para- Diocesan Clergy Congress to cel-
ñaque, Cubao, Pasig, Kalookan and ebrate the Year for Priests.
Novaliches. The Bicol clergy had its congress
The assembly which is being last November 9-13, while the Ecclesi-
spearheaded by the Commission on astical Province of Manila’s Congress
the Clergy of the Catholic Bishops’ of the Clergy was held on November
© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) 17, 2009 at the SMX Convention Cen-
headed by Manila Archbishop Gau- ter, MOA, Pasay City.
dencio Cardinal Rosales is in con- The January 2010 national congress
junction with the Catholic Church’s will be the second nationwide gather-
celebration of the “Year for Priests” ing for the clergy. The first assembly
Participants to the Clergy Congress of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila held last which the Holy Father proclaimed was held on July 5-9, 2004. (Kate
November 17. last June 19, 2009. Laceda)
Arroyo told: Quit House bid
royo 2010 political plans political survival.
might be interpreted as a “She manifests addiction
means to protect her personal to power, exhibits lack of
interests. propriety and remains fix-
THERE is a strong opinion “I wholeheartedly suggest resources to win if she ated to have a Cha-cha (Char-
among bishops in the prov- she gives others a chance to runs,” he added. Political survival Arroyo / A6
inces for President Arroyo serve and not give in to temp- The arch crit-
to drop her plan to run for tation of power,” he said. Improper ic of the Arroyo
Pampanga’s second district Catarman Bishop Emman- As far as Laoag Bishop administration
in the 2010 elections. uel Trance said while no law Sergio Utleg is concerned, also gave his
Of the 11 bishops reached prohibits a President to seek he said “I think she should views regard-
by CBCPNews, majority of for a lower position, he said retire.” ing Arroyo’s
them openly said Arroyo she should not run for the Basilan Bishop Martin Ju- plan to run in
should not run for the sake sake of propriety. moad said Arroyo’s congres- 2010 elections.
of decency. “She would have shown sional bid only showed the Lingayen-
Archbishop Angel Lag- political delicadeza or some absence of delicadeza in the Dagupan Arch-
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
dameo, former president of the statesmanship if she does not country. bishop Emeri-
Catholic Bishops’ Conference run,” said Trance. “It’s not proper for a for- tus Oscar Cruz
of the Philippines (CBCP), He said Arroyo must mer president to seek a lower said that Ar-
said Arroyo should retire have personal reasons if position,” he said. royo’s congres-
from politics and give others a she runs indeed. “Maybe Legazpi Bishop Emeritus sional bid was
chance to lead Pampanga. she has the assurance and Lucilo Quiambao said Ar- motivated by
www.cbcpnews.com www.cbcpmedia.com www.clergycongress2.org
 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

Pope calls for concrete action

on climate
VATICAN CITY, Dec. 7, 2009—Pope Benedict XVI has called on the
UN Climate Change Conference to come up with concrete action to
combat global warming.
On the eve of the conference in Copenhagen, the Pope appealed
to all people of goodwill to “respect the laws that God has placed
in nature.”
The integrity of creation “demands the adoption of sober and
responsible lifestyles,” above all out of concern and respect “for the
poor and for future generations,” he said.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on Sunday,
Dec. 6, the Pope expressed hope that the conference’s deliberations
“would help identify actions that are respectful of creation and that
will promote a jointly responsible development, based on the dignity
of the human person and directed to the common good.”
The UN conference runs Dec. 7-18. It brings together more than
100 heads of state and other top-level representatives of most of
the 192 member-states of the UN, including the Asian superpowers
China and India.
The Holy See, which has official observer status at the UN and full
diplomatic relations with 176 countries, is participating at the confer-
ence with a five-person delegation, including experts in the field.
The delegation is led by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Holy
See's permanent observer to the United Nations, in New York, who
will address the conference.

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organization for more than
150 official Catholic charity and development organizations world-
wide, is also participating in the climate summit as an NGO. It is
bringing delegates, bishops among them, from 25 countries includ-
ing Bangladesh, Cambodia, India and Indonesia. They will lobby
governments to reach a “fair and effective binding agreement” on what needs to be done.
Together with Catholic International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CICDSE), Caritas
is encouraging governments to seize a "once-in-a-generation chance to save the human family from a
future of climate chaos."
Pope Benedict’s words added moral weight to appeals that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and
scientists have made to the world’s political leaders, urging them to agree on the action needed to fight
global warming.
© www.propeller.com
A main goal of the UN conference is to agree on ways to keep the average rise in global temperatures
to less than 2 degrees Celsius above their pre-industrial levels.
Some scientists warn that a temperature rise greater than this would likely have a devastating impact
on the planet, especially on the world's poorer nations.
They are urging world governments to stick to the proposal of a 40 percent reduction in carbon emis-
sions by 2020 amid fears that the United States and China—the world’s biggest polluters—will broker
for a reduction of only 20 percent. (UCAN)

Connection between USCCB

Pope wishes success to and gay rights activist sparks
Copenhagen talks controversy
WASHINGTON D.C., Dec.

Notes importance of human dignity, common good

4, 2009—Conservative blogs
were buzzing on Friday with
the discovery that a member
of the USCCB’s Subcommittee

VATICAN CITY, Dec.
6, 2009—Benedict XVI is
wishing success to world
leaders gathering in Den-
mark seeking a global
pact on climate change,
recalling that the way to
© www.knowledgeability.net
© www.usccb.org
Some 190 nations will be represented at the biggest climate change
meeting in history. Representatives are seeking a pact to replace the on Catholic Health Care is an
one established in 1997. active homosexual and gay rights
"I hope that the work will help to identify actions respectful of activist. However, though Mary Kay
creation and favorable to solidary development founded on the Henry’s bio states that she is a labor ad-
dignity of the human person and oriented toward the common viser to the U.S. bishops, the USCCB communications director
good," the Holy Father said. told CNA “she is not a consultant.”
Henry, the international executive vice president for the Ser-

protect the earth must
include respect for God's
laws and the moral di-
mension of human life.
The Pope today men-
tioned the U.N. confer-
ence after praying the
midday Angelus. The talks in Copenhagen are set to start Monday
and run through Dec. 18.
He affirmed that to safeguard creation, people must change their
lifestyles. And he defended the interests of the poor and future
generations.
"I invite all persons of good will to respect the laws placed by God
in nature and to rediscover the moral dimension of human life," the
Pontiff concluded.
The Holy See is among the states that will be represented at the Co-
penhagen talks. Its delegation is led by Archbishop Celestino Migliore,
the Holy See's permanent observer at the United Nations. (Zenit)
vice Employees International Union (SEIU) was recently named
one of the nation’s “Top 25 Women in Healthcare” for 2009 by
Modern Healthcare. Her biography at the SEIU website explains
that “Her faith and values as a practicing Roman Catholic led
her to pursue union organizing as a vocation.”
“Mary Kay is also active in the fight for immigration re-
form and gay and lesbian rights. She is a founding member
of SEIU’s gay and lesbian Lavender Caucus,” her description
continues.

Australian bishops ready for

According to SEIU, “The Lavender Caucus is the Lesbian/
Gay/Bisexual/ Transgender (L/G/B/T) Caucus of the Service
Employees International Union whose purpose is to facilitate
open and respectful communication between the L/G/B/T

canonization of Mary Mackillop

SYDNEY, Australia, Dec. 4, 2009—Bishops of
Australia gathered for their five-day plenary
session which saw them discussing issues
ranging from the protection of marriage
to the hoped-for canonization of the first
Australian saint.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Confer-
community and the labor movement.”
The last line of Henry’s SEIU bio reads, “She and her partner,
Paula Macchello, have been together for 20 years.”
Henry is listed on the USCCB website as a member of the
within the Australian society, as issues of con- Subcommittee on Justice, Peace, and Human Development who
science rights, abortion, and the definition of helped produce the working paper, “A Fair and Just Workplace:
marriage have been on political agendas. Principles and Practices for Catholic Health Care.”
Their discussion “touched on a number ModernHealthCare.com also mentions that Henry is a labor
of important areas, including the defense of adviser to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Catholic
marriage as being a special kind of relation- Health Care & Work Subcommittee.
ship which is defined as the commitment of However, in an email asking to confirm Henry’s advisory role
© www.sosj.org.au

ence (ACBC) met Nov. 23-27 in Sydney.
They were visited by the president of the
Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Cardinal Paul
Cordes, to reflect with them on the charitable
mission of the Church.
And anticipating an event that will have
many repercussions in the local Church, the
bishops discussed the hoped-for canoniza-
tion of Blessed Mary MacKillop for some
time next year.
According to a statement from the confer-
ence, “the bishops pledged to work [...] to
ensure that the canonization of Australia’s
first saint would be a time of grace for the
Church in Australia, noting that it would
present a wonderful opportunity to engage
with the community about what it means to
live a holy life.”
The ACBC also had to consider the Church
a man and a woman to live as husband and
wife to the exclusion of all others and for
life,” the statement said. “Their discussion
also affirmed that the Church deplores unjust
discrimination against homosexual people,
while confirming that in society the making
of certain distinctions is essential.
“The bishops concluded their discussion
by saying that the Church must speak up for
crucial institutions such as marriage while
supporting people in all walks of life. Basic
human rights can and should be afforded to
all people without sacrificing the bedrock of
society that is marriage and the family.”
Educational issues
The Australian bishops also took up vari-
ous education-related themes.
One was the need to teach the faithful
about the Eastern rites and particularly, to
meet the needs of Eastern rite students in
Catholic schools.
And for the Latin rite, the need to prepare
for a new translation of the Roman Missal
was discussed.
As well, the bishops approved two
pastoral letters: One is a letter to priests
to mark the Year for Priests; the other is a
letter to Catholic women, to mark the 10th
anniversary of the release of the Bishops’
Social Justice Statement, which followed
the “Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus”
research project. (Zenit)
at the USCCB, Sister Mary Ann Walsh, the conference media
director simply told CNA, “She is not a consultant.”
CNA spoke with another woman in the Justice, Peace and Hu-
man Development office at the USCCB who said a press release
on the topic would be available on Friday afternoon.
But by Friday night, no press release had been posted on the
USCCB’s website.
Similarly, a call from CNA to Henry was not returned. (CNA)
Religious leaders show solidarity
with former ‘comfort women’
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 4, 2009—Asian religious leaders
have voiced support for former “comfort women” by joining a
weekly rally calling on Japan to make an official apology for its
war-time atrocities.
“As a Japanese, I

Vatican Council ‘expert’ dies at 101

PUNE, India, Dec. 4, 2009—Je-
suit F`` ather Josef Neuner, a
prominent theologian at the
Second Vatican Council has died
at age 101.
The priest died at 11.15 p.m.
on Dec. 3 at Sanjeevan Ashram
(monastery of saintly life), the
headquarters of the Pune Jesuit
province, where he had lived for
the past 15 years.
On Dec. 4, his body, draped
in vestments, with a rosary and
a wooden cross in his hands, lay
in the ashram chapel as nuns,
priests and laypeople, carrying
flowers, came to pay their last
respects.
His funeral was scheduled for
later that day and he was to be
buried in a cemetery in Pune’s
Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, where
he had taught for several years.
“He died peacefully in his
sleep,” Fr. Bertram Rosario,
Jesuit provincial of Pune, told
UCA News.
Jesuit Father Anil Soares, as-
sistant to the provincial, said
Fr. Neuner had been admitted
to a private hospital with sus-
pected pneumonia on Nov. 29.
“He was put on a ventilator but
responded to treatment and was
brought home” on the evening of
Dec. 3, he added.
“No one expected him to die.
He didn’t appear to be suffering
from a major ailment. He seemed
cheerful and alert to the core,”
Fr. Soares added.
Church people have hailed Fr.
Neuner as a stalwart of Church
renewal after the Second Vatican
Council (1962-1965).
He was one of four periti (ex-
perts) from India at the council
and contributed to its many
documents, especially “Nostra
Aetate” (Declaration on the Re-
lation of the Church with Non-
Christian Religions) and “Ad
Gentes” (Decree on the Mission-
ary Activity of the Church).
feel shame and guilt
He had worked with Jesuit
seeing these ‘grand-
theologian Fr. Karl Rahner and
mothers’ still protest-
helped codify the Church’s de-
ing on the street. I
crees on priestly formation.
strongly urge the Jap-
It was Fr. Neuner who drafted
anese government to
Pope Paul VI’s speech to Hindus
make an official apol-
when the pontiff visited Mumbai
ogy and compensate
(then Bombay) for the Eucharis-
them,” Fr. Paul Ka-
tic Congress in 1964.
zuyoshi Okura told
Fr. Neuner had also acted as
the protesters.
a bridge-builder between Reli-
The secretary-general of the Committee for Justice and Peace
gious and diocesan priests, be-
in Tokyo archdiocese said that on his return to Japan, he will step
tween theology and spirituality,
up efforts to persuade his government to meet their demands.
Christian theology and Indian
Fr. Okura was among some 40 religious leaders from around
religions, India and Europe, and
Asia who joined 70 protesters in front of the Japanese Embassy
the Church and the world.
in Seoul on Dec. 2.
He was also known for his
The rally, the 894th since the weekly protests started on Jan.
association with Blessed Teresa
8, 1992, was organized by the Korean Council for the Women
of Kolkata and was the first to
Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan.
write about her in German. He
The rallies started just before a visit by then Japanese Prime
once said that Blessed Teresa
Minister Kiichi Miyazawa in 1992. Since then, they have been
was among those who had em-
held every Wednesday.
bodied the Vatican Council II
‘Comfort women’ / A7
spirit. (UCAN)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009
A3

Pope invites Copenhagen representatives to

rediscover the ‘moral dimension of human life’
VATICAN CITY, Dec. 6, 2009─Following the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, the Holy Father commented on
the United Nations Conference on Climate Change which will begin on Monday in Copenhagen. He expressed his
hope that the conference would uphold an attitude of respect and responsibility for creation.
The Pontiff’s poignant message was the latest in his work to raise awareness of nature, which has led some to
name him "The Green Pope."
Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, he reiterated the same message he has given on other oc-
casions. He stated his hope that the representatives at the conference, who come from most of the world’s nations,
will help to localize actions that are "respectful of creation and that support development, grounded in the dignity
of the human person and oriented to the common good."
For the safeguarding all of creation, Benedict XVI urged the adoption of "sober and responsible lifestyles, above
all towards the poor and future generations."
He concluded saying, "to guarantee the full success of the conference, I invite all people of good will to respect
the laws made by God in nature and rediscover the moral dimension of human life.
The Conference will convene government representatives from at least 170 countries, according its official website.
The purpose of the summit is to evaluate and renew pledges made in the Kyoto protocol and to engage greater
commitment from participating nations, especially in regard to carbon emissions. (CNA)

Suffering can benefit

the Church, says Pope
VATICAN CITY, Dec. 3, 2009─The experience of sickness and suf-
fering can become a school of hope, maturity and union with Christ,
and benefit the whole Church, Benedict XVI says in his message for
the 18th World Day of the Sick.
This year's world day, celebrated on the Feast of Our Lady of
Lourdes, Feb. 11, coincides with the 25th anniversary of the estab-
lishment of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.
The Holy Father's message, published today in Italian with transla-
tions forthcoming, pointed out that "with the grace of God received
and lived in daily life, the experience of sickness and suffering can
become a school of hope."
In this Year for Priests, the Pope asked the sick to "pray and of-
fer your sufferings for priests, so that they will be faithful to their
vocation and that their ministry will be rich in spiritual fruits, for
the benefit of the whole Church."
The text also mentioned those who care for the sick and suffer-
ing. Benedict XVI thanked them and encouraged them to continue
carrying out this "important task" and showing "more generous
apostolic zeal."
Specifically the Holy Father encouraged priests ─ whom he ad-
dressed as "sign and instrument of the compassion of Christ" ─ to
spare no effort in offering care and consolation.
"Time spent by the side of someone being tested is revealed
fruitful in grace in all the other dimensions of pastoral care," he
affirmed.
Papal preacher says priests
Love made service
The Pontiff also pointed out the need to
express the "humanitarian and spiritual ac-
tion of the ecclesial community to the sick
and to those who suffer."
He mentioned health care facilities directly
managed by dioceses and those that were born
from the generosity of religious institutes.
The Bishop of Rome describes these in-
stitutions as "a precious patrimony" that
respond to the fact that "love also needs an organization, as a premise
for an ordered community service."
"The creation of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry,
25 years ago, is part of this ecclesial concern for the world of health,"
he added.
Spreading Christ’s
love through Facebook
"In the present historical-cultural moment, one sees even more
the need of an ecclesial presence that is attentive and on the spot at
the side of the sick," the Pope observed.
He also called for "a presence in society capable of transmitting in
an effective way the evangelical values for the protection of human
life in all its phases, from its conception until its natural end." Church in Australia suggests
Citing "Spe Salvi," the Holy Father affirmed that "what cures man
is not to shun suffering and flee in the face of pain, but the capacity
to accept tribulation, to mature in it and find meaning in it through
getting involved, being careful
union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love." (Zenit) SYDNEY, Australia, Dec. 4, 2009—The Church in Australia is
affirming its desire to take advantage of social networking sites
as a way to communicate the love of Jesus Christ, though it is
recommending caution in certain respects.
A social networking protocol was approved by the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) during its Nov. 23-27 ple-

should avoid ‘frenetic activism’ nary meeting in Sydney.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa
VATICAN CITY, Dec. 8, 2009—In his first
Advent reflection for Pope Benedict XVI and
members of the Roman Curia, Father Rani-
ero Cantalamessa, Preacher of the Pontifical
Household, warned that a threat exists today
that, “because of the low number of priests,
affects the clergy and the entire Church: it’s
called frenetic activism.”
Using the writings of Abbot Chautard
as inspiration for his reflection,
Father Cantalamessa said that
in order to understand how to
follow Christ, one must journey
down a path founded upon “a
personal relationship that is full
of trust and friendship with the
person of Jesus,” who is the soul
of every priesthood.
Referring to Chautard’s book,
“The Soul of Every Apostolate,”
the papal preacher underscored
that the work was published just
a few years before Vatican II, “in a period in
which there was great enthusiasm for parish
work.” The book addressed “the heart of
the problem, denouncing the danger of an
empty activism.”
Chautard wrote: “God wants Jesus to be
life of our works.” For this reason, in reflect-
ing on the need for priests to be servers of
Christ, Father Cantalamessa remarked, “On
the invisible passport of the priest where
‘profession’ is listed, one ought to read:
servant of Jesus Christ’.”
The essential service of the priest to the
Lord Jesus is thus “to continue His work in
the world,” by being a witness to the truth, the
saving will and the love of God for man.”
According to L’Osservatore Romano,
Father Cantalamessa also explained that
communicating Christ to others does not
mean being his successors, as “Jesus has
no successors, because He is not dead, He
is alive.”
In his work the priest must strive to make
man become friends with God, he continued,
citing the passage in which the Lord calls His
disciples “friends” and not servants.
He concluded his reflection emphasizing
the importance of prayer in the life of the
priest, as only with an intense prayer life
can a priest be fully dedicated to his pastoral
work. (CNA)
The bishops cite Benedict XVI in observing that communica-
tion technologies have "extraordinary potential" and can be
considered "truly a gift to humanity."
But in taking advantage of social networking opportunities, the
bishops affirmed that representatives of the Church "need to be
aware of appropriate boundaries and activities when communi-
cating in the name of the Church in an online environment."
Being friends
The ACBC protocol makes the clear affirmation that on or of-
fline, respect for human dignity must be priority.
The prelates then list a series of observations to help everyone
from bishops to youth ministers to exercise proper caution.
For example, the protocol notes the dilemma of having a
public or personal profile on MySpace or Facebook. It observes
that with a personal profile, there can be "a way of controlling
who appears on the person’s page as a 'friend'"; whereas with a
public profile, there is no control over "who appears as a 'fan' on
your page, but it has the advantage of people understanding that
'fans' are different to 'friends' and that no acceptance or rejection
of 'fans' is implied."
The episcopal conference stipulated that there should be
permission from the bishop for a Church worker to set up a
personal profile where those to whom he is ministering are his

FABC official dares Asian youth: ‘Live the Eucharist’

"friends."
"It is advisable that people exercise great care and judgment in
accepting 'friend' requests from people to whom they minister,
SILANG, Cavite, Nov. 27, of violence and bloodshed.” but then she ture of retali- especially young people," the protocol recommends. "In this way,
2009—Leading the closing lit- He said the young people in drew him up; ation and appropriate boundaries can be maintained."
urgy of the 5th Asian Youth Cotabato and in other areas in “the man was vengeance do "Moderation of official Church social networking activities is
Day in Cavite on Nov. 27, Arch- the Philippines are growing up her neighbor, likewise; to crucial," the bishops further affirm. "Comments which are rude,
bishop Orlando B. Quevedo, in the culture of political power they grew up live the Eu- disrespectful or even bullying in nature should be immediately
OMI, underscored the value of at any cost and the culture of together, they charist in that removed."
sacrifice even as he challenged bloodshed in order to defend went to school way and say
the youth to manifest the mean- their families. together.” justice is to be Left out
ing of Eucharist in their lives. He admitted it would be dif- “She wept done, but jus- Finally, the ACBC points out an issue that can sometimes be
Quevedo, who is also Secre- ficult to call on them to “live the and embraced tice with for- lost in the discussion, which they titled "the digital divide."
tary General of the Federation Eucharist.” the man and giveness?” The prelates said it is important for all Church entities, and
of Asian Bishops’ Conferences Quevedo recalled the ex- her faith in In closing, particularly those involved in youth ministry, "not to rely exclu-
(FABC), said the coming to- perience of the victims of the God came Quevedo told sively on social networking as a means of communication."
gether of the Asian youth is easy genocide in Rwanda in 1993 back to her of the example The protocol explained: "To do this could be to exclude the
to accomplish, but “sharing the and 1994 where hundreds of and said she of Pope John poor ─ those who cannot afford a computer, who live in remote
Word and living the Eucharist thousands of people died in the has forgiven Paul II who localities with poor Internet connectivity, who struggle with il-
© CBCP Media

would entail sacrifice.”
“The problem of Asia is cor-
ruption, in many countries in
Asia there is corruption, brib-
ery, extortion but if you contrib-
ute your tithe to the temple, you
are also offering a sacrifice,” he
explained.
conflict between the Hutus and him,” Queve- showed the literacy or who face other challenges which place them outside
the Tutsis. do said, quot- world the val- of the online world.
Many of those killed during ing the sister. ue of forgive- "Going to Church and hearing others talk about their social
the genocide were Catholics Turning to ness when he networking experiences can be profoundly isolating for those
Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI unable to take part. Social networking should only ever be one of
“but blood was thicker than the congrega- forgave Meh-
faith, blood was thicker than tion, he asked: “Can young met Ali Agca who attempted to a range of communication methods that we use to invite people
the water of baptism” the prel- people growing up in a cul- kill him. (Melo M. Acuña) into closer relationship with Jesus Christ." (Zenit)
ate said.

Environmental group calls for national discernment, unity

Quevedo said he just arrived
from his ecclesiastical province
of Cotabato which caught in-
ternational headlines because
of the November 23 infamous
massacre that brutally killed
more than 57 people.
Authorities “are still finding
bodies in that killing field,” even
as he spoke, the prelate said.
`Quevedo said the massacre
took place because of two things
“a culture of political power
at any cost and a culture of
vengeance—vendetta.” It is best
described in the local dialect as
“rido” which justifies retalia-
tion, “blood for blood, a culture
He also recalled a Tutsi reli-
gious sister who witnessed the
massacre of her family inside
a Catholic church where they
fled for refuge. Her story was
narrated before the African
Synod of Bishops last month
in Rome.
The nun vowed to avenge the
death of her family. But when
she visited the prison after a
few weeks where the murder-
ers were locked up, one of
them clung to her feet, sought
forgiveness and cried, the prel-
ate said.
Quevedo said the nun’s first
reaction was to kick the man,
MANILA, Nov. 28, 2009—The EcoWaste
Coalition, an environmental group that
promotes eco-friendly polls in 2010, called
for national discernment and unity in the
aftermath of the Maguindanao bloodbath.
“The butchery should trigger a national
discernment and unity that will solidly reject
the four Gs that have constantly contaminated
and blemished our electoral processes: guns,
goons, gold and garbage,” they stated.
The Maguindanao massacre has taken 64
defenseless lives of ordinary people, lawyers
and journalists last Monday that were part of
the convoy of Vice Mayor Datu Ismail "Toto"
Mangudadatu of Buluan town.
The group also challenged the political
parties, candidates and supporters to honor
the victims of the massacre by “committing
to a clean, green and peaceful pursuit” po-
litical exercise.
They have also sought for the immedi-
ate action of the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) and law enforcers for a peaceful
path towards next year polls.
“We call upon the Commission on Elec-
tions and all our law enforcement agencies
to defend the ballot from warlords and their
armed thugs by implementing a total gun ban
with immediate effect,” the group affirmed.
“We urge President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo to disassociate herself from the al-
leged architects of the bloodbath and ensure
the rule of law and justice without fear or
favor,” they added.
The group also joined the nation in pray-
ing for a peaceful country and justice for the
victims of the tragedy.
“We grieve for all the victims of political
violence and join the rest of the nation in
praying for the reign of peace, justice and
harmony in Mindanao and throughout the
society,” they said.
Eco-waste Coalition is a network of non-
government and public interest groups pro-
moting ecological wellbeing. (Kate Laceda)
A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

EDITORIAL

The rebellion spin

AT press time when the historic joint session of Congress
deliberating on the merits or otherwise of Proclamation 1959—that
declared martial law in Maguindanao province—is still on progress,
the growing popular logic does not see how Malacañang based
its daring on Section 18, Art VII of the Constitution that states:
“In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires
it, (the President) may, for a period not exceeding sixty days,
suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the
Philippines or any part thereof under martial law.”
Neither could the Palace—but, of course, it did—base the
proclamation on R.A. 6968 which provides that the crime of
rebellion or insurrection “is committed by rising publicly and taking
arms against the government for the purpose of xxx depriving the
Chief Executive or the Legislative, wholly or partially, of any of
their powers or prerogatives.”
Simply put, the case in Maguindanao, according to Bishop Ted
Bacani who was a member of the commission that drafted the
1987 Constitution, was a blatant criminal act and not a rebellion
against the government. He posed: “A close ally of President
Arroyo was being implicated in the massacre so how can you
justify the imposition of martial law?”
But be that as it may, or in the words of Cotabato Archbishop
Orlando Quevedo “Since Martial Law has been declared. Let it
be. I let the lawyers debate it. I pray that Martial Law resolve the
abnormal situation and deal swift justice for the victims.”
The only rub is—and this may stink as in other past machinations
authored by the powers that be—the Martial Law gambit may
actually degrade the case of a mass murder into a political rebellion
that subsumes any and all other crimes thereby paving the way
of the perpetrators out of justice and jail.
A constitutionalist par excellence, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, warns Illustration by Bladimer Usi
rather seriously: “Murder committed in pursuance of rebellion
is not considered a separate crime and is therefore absorbed by
the charge of rebellion… rebellion runs the risk of being granted
amnesty, which can be pardoned by the President following final
Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD
conviction.” The drama may actually end up giving the criminals
a holiday in court. Requiem for democracy
If such should be the case, then CBCP President Bishop Nereo
Odchimar admonishes: “We are supposed to be guided by the
rule of law enshrined in our constitution and legislations and
Pastoral Companion and press freedom
not by the rule of men who imposed their will on the weak and
powerless with utter disregard of honesty and fair play. The “THINK Mindanao, Feel Mindanao, Bring Peace to Mindanao”— in Cagayan de Oro, where the provincial government recently
exercise of civil power should be geared towards the promotion the theme for this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (November 26- erected a monument to Press Freedom, the additional names of
of the common good.” December 2) stands out in sharp contrast to the details surrounding slain journalists will likely fill up the remaining spaces reserved
the Maguindanao Massacre that took place on November 23. for these modern-day martyrs.
Without mentioning the “mysteries” of the 2004 elections that How could 57 defenseless persons, including women, human But thirdly, it was a blow against the peace process itself in
reportedly unfolded mostly in Maguindanao, is it rather possible rights lawyers, and 27 journalists be gunned down mercilessly? Mindanao. The governance of the Autonomous Region for Mus-
that the declaration of Martial Law and the consequent filing of For what conceivable reasons? By whom? And how could the lim Mindanao (ARMM) has been discredited and placed under
rebellion cases may actually be a spin?
perpetrators have even tried to hide the gruesome evidence—slain the supervision of the central government. The institution of the
bodies and vehicles altogether—by burying all this into a freshly ARMM in the first place was meant to provide the initial answer
dug mass grave? But, even as we condole with all those who have to the Muslims’ clamor for self-determination. Yet, it is this very
The Manipulative use of human rights lost a loved one, and express our outrage at this unspeakable crime,
we can try to delve deeper into the various factors that helped cre-
institution that has fallen captive to the forces of traditional poli-
ticians, compounded by other cultural practices such as the rido
ate the situation now confronting the nation. among feuding families.
IN the Philippines today, the incidence of human rights violations First, the massacre was an attack on our democratic process. An What then can be done? The calls for immediate justice, regard-
has escalated in areas where the Military and the NPA (and other
rebel groups like the MNLF, etc.) are fighting for control. And it opponent’s filing of his certificate of candidacy was abruptly ended less of political ties, have been made. Beyond this, in our own
is innocent civilians, who, needless to say, are subjected most to en route to the COMELEC office. Already in previous elections, localities, we can ensure that the democratic process and freedom
the abuse of rights by both sides in the conflict. The situation is voters in Maguindanao were perceived as being under the grip of of the press are duly respected, particularly during this election
most deplorable. And we cannot deplore it enough. local warlords and political dynasties. The allegations of tampered period. We can make sure that the era of “guns, goons, and gold”
election results in the past have not been resolved—due in no small becomes a thing of the past. And that we can focus more on prin-
But even more deplorable, to our way of thinking, is a part to the collusion of higher officials and the party in power. ciples, party platforms, and people’s participation.
development—hardly recognized generally as an evil, we are Secondly, it was an assault on the freedom of the press. Media The task forward is painstaking and daunting. But it is the only
afraid—in the way human rights abuses are talked about and practitioners, despite their avowed neutrality in reporting the viable alternative to the marshalling of more backhoes to bury
reported. To give it a name, we call that evil “the manipulative news, were nonetheless included in the summary execution. Here democracy and press freedom into the ground.
use of human rights violations.”
Thus, each time that “massacres” of civilians take place (Mendiola, Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Lupao, Paombong come to mind), inevitably such killings are
trumpeted here and abroad as incontrovertible proof that nothing
has changed in regard to the government’s already dismal record A fitting burial
on human rights violations. Now, after the discovery of the mass
graves of Quezon and the more recent slaughter of a Church
Love Life
community in Davao del Sur, the very charges that are liberally
hurled against the military and government are now turned against I WAS in Second Year High School biology wrapped in cloth inside a shoebox. A pro- lovely monument on the spot where they
the CPP-NPA, the NDF and their allied groups. class when our teacher took us to the science life counselor would accompany the mother buried all the fetus and human bones that
laboratory to look at bottles of dead fetus on to the Tomb of Aborted Babies in La Loma had been displayed for the past 50 years in
What this means simply is that the issue of human rights and their display inside the glass covered cabinets. Catholic Cemetery where we have been their science labs. They acknowledged that
continuing violations have become a political and ideological— While my classmates said all kinds of gross maintaining the area since 1992. During the it was when I conducted a pro-life seminar
not, as it should be, a human and moral— concern, and it is this time of Sec. Lito Atienza as Mayor of Manila, in their school that they decided to have a
expressions, I stared and felt much pity at
particular development that we in the CBCP would like to address
in this statement. those babies floating in preservative liquids. he put up Tombs for Aborted Babies in North ceremony of burying these human dead with
My teacher’s point for showing us the bottles Cemetery in Caloocan and South Cemetery the entire student assembly attending and
We find it most distressing that the killing of innocent people was for us to learn the different stages of in Makati. (Both these cemeteries are actu- praying. The administration informed me
and other violations of human rights are actually cause for development of the unborn baby. ally maintained by the City of Manila). The that they would hold a ceremony every year
rejoicing. This is putting it too strongly, perhaps, but we fear it High school days passed by and I practi- burial ceremony allows the mother to finish during Pro-life Month in February to honor
is equivalently what is happening today in the Philippines when cally forgot about that day in the lab, until I her grief and helps in her contrition and these dead in order to help the students ap-
one or other political group positively gloats over massacres or reached college and took up Nursing in St. healing to be able to go on in life. preciate the humanity of the unborn.
cases of tortures, etc. When these are perpetrated by an opposing Paul College (now University) in Malate, Every Dec 28, Feast of the Holy Innocent I believe that the dead unborn babies
group and its crime is treated as only one more piece of propaganda Manila. Once again, I saw a display of spec- Martyrs, the Rachels Support Group of should be buried and not put in display
ammunition to be used to destroy its credibility before the bar imens—not only of frogs and butterflies but Aborted Women gather around one of those in the school laboratories. Schools can eas-
of public opinion. of human skeletons and fetus in bottles. This Tombs to have the Mass for Aborted and ily buy plastic, rubber or resin models to
This is what we mean by “the manipulative use of human rights time, it would be many days a week that we Miscarried Babies and to listen to testimonies teach the development of the baby inside
violations”; the reprobation and publicizing by one political bloc would have to go to the lab to dissect frogs on how abortion was not the answer to their the womb. Videos and photos abound with
of violations of human rights not specifically to put a stop to them and memorize the names of each bone in the problem pregnancy but in fact, had rendered such instructions that it is not necessary to
(despite the rhetoric) but merely to blacken the political image skeleton so that the sight of the fetus in the more devastation to their life. have those displays of fetus in bottles. They
of the other. This is using the misfortune of others—the victim, bottles was taken for granted. I was very happy then when I learned that deserve a fitting burial that their own mother
that is, of human rights abuse—to one’s narrow advantage. This It was only when I got involved in pro-life St. Paul University in Malate had buried the was not able to give them.
is putting the suffering of the people secondary to what political mission that I realized that keeping those fetus specimens in the science lab this year. This December 28, let us remember our
and ideological mileage can be gotten from it. specimens in the bottles was not right. Part of The President of the University, Ms. Wynna beloved children who were not given birth-
post-abortion healing is to assist the woman Marie Medina accompanied me today to days. For sample prayers and Mass for the
The Manipulative use of human rights violations, bury her aborted baby. Teary-eyed mothers the garden inside their campus where the Unborn, contact Pro-life Office at 733-7027,
A CBCP Pastoral Statement, 1989 come to us carrying the baby in a bottle or Knights of Columbus erected for them a 0919-233-7783 or email life@prolife.org.ph.

Fr. Melvin P. Castro

www.cbcpmonitor.com
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Retracing the Footsteps
Speaking of Mary of Christ (Part 2)
AT the Sea of Galilee, we were provided with a boat where the 21 Persons.  It was such a touching experience to have renewed our Baptis-
of us Filipino pilgrims were all on board. As we started the ride, the mal promises in the very water with which the Lord was baptized. The
Pedro C. Quitorio boat operator suddenly played the Philippine National Anthem and Jordan River is said to be the “most alive” river since all the water it
Editor-in-Chief the crew members raised a small Philippine flag.  It was a wonderful receives from the Sea of Galilee it simply passes on to the Red Sea.
surprise to see and hear the Philippine symbols in a foreign land and There was no big crowd that morning, and we were able to have
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos over the lake where the Lord walked over, at that. our silent part totally to ourselves, there was even a closed circuit
Associate Editor Feature Editor While riding the boat, we read the Gospel part that speaks of the storm camera that allowed everything to be recorded and, of course, its
over the lake, and the apostles had to awaken the Lord, and with one DVD recording to be sold to us later on (yes Virginia, almost every-
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado word of His, the storm calmed down.  We took the opportunity to pray thing has to be paid for in our contemporary lifetime).
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor and ask the Lord to calm and dispel all the storms in our lives.  And that After lunch we drove towards village of Ein Karem, which means
when we do pass through the storms of our lives, we shall be strong and “the spring in the vineyard.”  There we first visited the Church of
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos
News Editor Circulation Manager at peace, for the Lord is not only near us but is actually with us. St. John the Baptist, built on the traditional home of Zacharias and
The next day, October 15, Memorial of Santa Teresa de Jesus, better Elizabeth.  A stone marker points to the exact place where St. John
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez known as St. Teresa of Avila, we started the day by celebrating the was born.  Outside the Church, one will see the Benedictus, the words
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller Holy Mass at Dalmanutha, traditionally the site where Jesus sighed uttered by Zacharias after his tongue was loosened right after the
for mankind.  It is a place of meditation marked with a Cross facing birth of St. John, translated into many languages.
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- the peaceful waters of the Sea of Galilee. And deeply Marian as we are, from the gate of the Church of St.
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and After the Holy Mass we then proceeded to Yardenit, part of the Jordan John the Baptist our small group proceeded to the Church of the
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
river which is located within the state of Israel.  Although it is not the Visitation in a procession, praying the Rosary and singing Marian
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. actual site of Christ’s Baptism, it is part of the Jordan River nonetheless. hymns.  One can just imagine and feel the delight that as we were
ISSN 1908-2940 There we renewed our Baptismal vows, to renounce forever Satan, his praying the Second Joyful Mystery, we were actually retracing the
pomps and works, and to affirm our faith in God, one in Three Divine Mary / A6
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL
Spaces of Hope
WHEN the tide is raised all sorts of boats rise with it, from large to
small ones, from the lowly banca to the mighty battleship, and from
the old to the new.
Raising the tide is a good metaphor for the challenge of promot-
ing principled partisan politics in the country today. The rising tide
of public dissatisfaction over the low tide of corruption and bad
governance can be addressed by calling on people to step up rather
than step down.
This is indeed a tall order. The way we conduct our elections can
arguably be considered the original sin of graft and corruption.
Raising the tide begins with a realization that elections are partisan
by nature since voters have to choose among candidates. How they
make up their minds results in either principled or unprincipled
partisan politics.
There is a river of change flowing through our land, fed by vari-
ous tributaries of change. Meaningful political change is one such
tributary. People are searching for meaningful political change that
leads to a transformed nation. This river must be connected to a
bigger body of water. It cannot rise solely by its own power.
This body of water is our Christian faith. The common civic space
we share with people unrelated to us or whom we do not even
know need to be nurtured by the ocean of Christian ideas, ideals,
moral and spiritual energies. Church leaders do not directly engage
in partisan politics but help raise the tide by providing moral and
spiritual guidance. The lay faithful, on the other, are called to be in
the frontlines of such work.
The Church has been trying to raise the tide of politics by ensur-
ing credible elections. Now another effort has begun that is distinct
from, parallel with, and complementary to this usual engagement,
and seeks to help emerge credible candidates.
This beyond-the-usual engagement assumes that good intentions
are not enough and that there is room for conversion in the line of
Zacchaeus. This requires providing “evangelical formation and
pastoral accompaniment to a new generation of Catholics working
in politics” (Benedict XVI). By opening this gate, the Pope opens the
door to the circles of discernment for elections or CiDE, an initiative
promoted by the Dilaab Movement.
CiDE is a process of accompaniment by forming the practical
Changing of the guards
Opinion
Raising the tide of
Philippine politics
consciences of voters and candidates by raising specific questions
on the kinds of leader people seek. It sets into motion a bottom-up
mechanism for answering these questions in a deliberate, proactive,
methodical, communal, and God-centered way. CiDE helps release
and channel pent-up energies of people for meaningful political
change from a faith perspective.
But CiDE is just one side of the coin, so to speak. The other side
is Candidates’ Circle of Discernment or CCiD.
Last November 20, 2009, an extraordinary gathering took place at
the Talavera Retreat House in Greenbelt Drive, Quiot, Pardo, Cebu
City where 11 of Cebu’s political aspirants for 2010 responded to
the invitation for a day of listening and discernment initiated by
Dilaab.
This was a low-key, non-partisan, non-media and by invitation
only—the event provided spiritual space for individuals who have
decided or are still deciding to run for an elected office in the prov-
ince of Cebu.
Running for a public office is no walk in the park. Becoming a
public servant is a very demanding role vis-à-vis oneself and one’s
family. It is not for the fainthearted. Those who are thinking of run-
ning for public office need all the help they can get to arrive at a
wise decision. This requires a practical process of decision-making
that involves the self, one’s family, and other significant others. It
demands listening. Thus the theme: “Listening, the Crucial Quality
for Individuals Discerning an Elected Position.”
With the help of the COMELEC, partners and friends with associa-
tions to the various political parties, over 250 invitations were sent to
potential political aspirants from the barangay to the congressional
levels in the province of Cebu. The response was highly encourag-
ing. However, due to conflict with prior critical official and personal
commitments, several could not make it to the first recollection but
committed to join the forthcoming event.
Calmly sitting side by side while listening to God speak to their
hearts were known rivals and allies in the political arena. Everyone
had only positive things to say about the discernment recollection.
Among the feedback: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet my
would-be co-candidates and get to know them better… Although I
Hope / A7
Jose B. Lugay
A5
Nicolo F. Bernardo
Lifeguard
Loving God and the
Healthy Brain
IS belief in God good for the brain?
It depends on the kind of God you believe in.
This is the gospel being spread by neuroscientist Andrew
Goldberg and therapist Mark Waldman in their work How
God Changes Your Brain (Ballantine Books, 2009). The authors,
dubbed as “neurotheologists,” have been exposing brain-scan
studies suggesting how prayer and meditation—especially
contemplation on a loving God—can reduce stress, depression
and anxiety, and increase feelings of security and compassion,
which are definite brain uppers.
Goldberg, an associate professor in radiology in the University
of Pennsylvania, popularized the new interdisciplinary field of
“neurotheology” with his earlier books Born to Believe, Why We
Believe What We Believe, Why God Won’t Go Away, and The
Mystical Mind. His findings, including studies on glossolalia or
“speaking in tongues,” had been featured in BBC, Good Morning
America, Discovery and National Geographic Channel. Some
clips are also in the You-Tube.
According to the authors, contemplating on positive imagery
and grand themes such as God strengthens neurological circuits
associated with cognitive health, consciousness, empathy, and
social awareness. They question the recent spate of antireligious
books by Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and Christopher
Hitchens (God is Not Great) that argue that religious beliefs are
unhealthy, dangerous, and bad for the intellect.
“Mantras and repetitive prayers like the Rosary have been
shown to have a distinct, powerful, and synchronous effect on
the cardiovascular rhythms of practitioners,” write Goldberg
and Waldman. They also found out that “expectation” or faith
governs the neurological mechanism called the “placebo effect”
which stimulates the immune system and a person’s motiva-
tional system.
Our image of God makes us understand our brains and our-
selves. From early childhood on, the authors show how God is
understood in one’s mind from personal ideas, images, sensa-
tions, and relationships, with their definite effect on specific
brain structures. In other words, the way you think of God also

Laiko Lampstand reshapes your brain, for better or for worse.

A CHANGE in any system, process or
procedure sometimes brings with it unan-
ticipated surprises or even problems. To
a tourist in Buckingham Palace, one of the
attractions was the changing of the guards.
Her majesty’s roaming guards wore plumed
headgear and sabers dangled at their sides.
At the command of the leader, they moved in
unison, swinging their arms with precision,
lifting them higher than usual; footsteps
marching in cadence, turning and stopping
all at the same time. Tourists including my-
self went nearer to get candid photographs
of the ritual and as we crowded nearer and
nearer to the marching guards, one of them,
bothered by the disturbance, lifted his foot in
a skewed direction kicking one tourist right
smack on his butt. While it was unbecoming
of a Buckingham Palace guard to show his
anger in this way, the violation of a proce-
dure (to provide free space for their move-
ments) triggered this untoward action.
When one is planning for change, like a
takeover of the functions of one leader by
another, it pays to be meticulous in arranging
the program of activities. LAIKO recently
had a change in leadership after a 10-year
stint of Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes as Chairman
of the Episcopal Commission on the Lay
Apostolate (ECLA) of CBCP and National
Director of LAIKO. His tenure, taking over
from then Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, was
smoothly done since Archbishop Lagdameo
was chosen by CBCP as a continuing member
of ECLA as Vice-Chairman. In the same way,
with the takeover of Bishop Jess Mercado
as Chairman of ECLA, Bishop Reyes, as he
retires this year, will serve as Vice-Chairman
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
of ECLA with 4 other member bishops. The
changing of the guard within an organiza-
tion that is vital to the lay movements and
Diocesan Councils of the Laity benefits
greatly if the transition is smooth.
Last November 24, the 2008-2009 LAIKO
Board arranged a Thanksgiving Mass for
Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes at Pope Pius XII
Catholic Center followed by a Testimonial
Dinner at Sampaguita Dining Hall, PCC.
The chapel was filled with the leaders of
27 member lay organizations, 6 Archdioc-
esan Councils of the Laity and other guests
enough to fully pack the Church. At the
Sampaguita Hall, the arrangement was
festive with a printed backdrop of Bishop
Gabby looking as young as when he worked
as the late Cardinal Sin’s right hand man.
His homily during mass reminded us all
that the laity is called to be holy. While the
participants agreed that becoming holy no
matter how difficult, is the direction that
all members of LAIKO should take, it is
easier said than done. During the sharing of
memories by LAIKO stalwarts—Atty. Pedro
Ronquillo, Engr. Jose Lugay and Dr. Jose
Villanueva—who had more chances as past
LAIKO officers to work closely with Bishop
Reyes, they recounted their experiences in
dealing with the Bishop acting as Chairman
of ECLA. He was uncompromising in his
stand when it comes to defend the integrity
of LAIKO as they serve the Church and lay
communities. LAIKO’s Executive Assistant,
Joseph Jesalva, shared an incident which is
remembered by all members of the Board at
that time—Bishop Reyes refused to accept a
large donation from the Philippine Charity
Weak and vulnerable
Sweepstakes to support the 50th Anniversary
of the Catholic Action of the Philippines. It
was the LAIKO Board’s resolution to hold
the celebration at the Philippine Convention
Center. This was estimated to cost more than
P1 million. The offer of PCSO would have
been the answer to the prayer of LAIKO’s
officers. Joseph was agog and surprised why
such an offer was rejected outright by Bishop
Reyes and calmed down only after hearing
his explanation and motivation—LAIKO
should be protected from interest groups
who had hidden agendas that may question
the integrity of LAIKO’s programs once we
become beholden to the donor. The late Sonia
Ronda saved the day when she assured the
Bishop that there will be monetary support
for this important activity even if she had to
hock her residence to produce the cash. In the
end, the donations came fast from member
organizations and Mrs. Ronda’s loan was no
longer necessary. interest in other people’s concerns or act aggressively against
The exit of the 2008-2009 LAIKO Board and
the coming in of the newly elected LAIKO
Board for 2010–2011 with Bishop Jess Mer-
cado as the new Chairman of ECLA was also
well planned and started with the celebra-
tion of the mass at CBCP’s chapel where the
induction and oath taking took place. This
was last December 4, with the atmosphere of
Christmas prevailing, considering the early
media hype egging everyone to patronize
certain places to shop for Christmas. An early
Christmas celebration held at the LAIKO
Building complete with games and exchange
of gifts induced everyone to know each other
specially the newly elected ones from Luzon,
Laiko / A6
In studying the state of mind and brain activity of different
believers and unbelievers, they found out that an experience of
God as loving and compassionate, in a way that decreases guilt,
fear, anger, or religious anxiety, is associated with a healthy
functioning anterior cingulate of the brain. A close relationship
between “you” and “God” as to feel His presence also wires up
the parietal-frontal lobe. This is very evident among charismat-
ics and mystics. Further, a person who feels safe in God has the
brain’s striatum at work.
A philosophical, intellectualized God, meanwhile, dealing
with spiritual issues of “why, what, and where,” gets the frontal
lobe more involved. “A person with an overly active frontal lobe
might become absorbed in mathematically proving the existence
of God,” the authors suggest.
On one hand, a simplistic image of God mostly conceived
by young children, which can hardly process abstract spiritual
concepts, is associated with occipital-parietal circuitry.
Then, the god of fundamentalists and fanatics: an angry,
frightening, punitive and authoritative God, which suppresses
the frontal lobe’s ability to logical thinking and overly stimulates
the amygdala.
Goldberg and Waldman caution against anti-social religiosity
based on fear and negativity. “Focus on fear may damage the
anterior cingulate, and when this happens, a person will lose
them,” they say. Brain-scan studies have shown that antici-
pation of a future negative event willed by God turns down
activity in the anterior cingulate, generating higher levels of
neuroticism.
Incidentally, fear-based faith creates symptoms of post-
traumatic stress disorder. Highly anxious individuals are usu-
ally attracted to fundamentalist religions since their absolutist
and strictly structured belief codes provide them their needed
certainty.
Research has also shown that religious self-loathing can evoke
feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide where logic and
reasoning have little effect. In the words of the authors:
“When things don’t go the way we think they should, the
brain will wonder what went wrong…If you blame yourself,
guilt can shut your frontal lobes down. If that happens, you lose
your ability to analyze the situation, and the longer you stay
focused on negative self-beliefs, the more likely you become
depressed.”
The authors’ prescription? Smile, laugh, and talk with others.
Finally, the no-God brain. The brain scans of atheists and
agnostics show little activation on areas that activate meaning,

By the Roadside
SOMETIMES conversations linger in your mind. One did in mine.
I mean the one I had with Lola Nena (not her real name) several
Advents ago. She used to take care of a barangay chapel where I
would celebrate Mass on schedule. I remember one rather murky
Advent Sunday when I casually asked her a standard question
after Mass: “Lola, what’s your Christmas going to be like?” I was
caught off guard by her honesty. “Maluya, Padre…” ‘Maluya’ is
the Waray’s way of saying “Nothing much”. But what struck me is
what it literally means. It means ‘weak’, ‘vulnerable’. I don’t recall
what I said to her but her word kept haunting me like a ghost past
Halloween.
At first I thought of what she meant. That she didn’t have much
money to celebrate the holidays by. That living alone and raising
a grandchild almost single-handedly wasn’t exactly her idea of a
‘perfect Christmas’. That being virtually forgotten by her relatives
who pretended she lived somewhere far (maybe, I thought to my-
self, for fear of being asked to play Santa Claus to her) and by her
own children who themselves were struggling to survive in a place
called Manila didn’t sound like ‘silver bells’ to her even when noisy
carolers said so. That being made to subsist on what her children
sent her—quite infrequently—and what she could eke out of selling
‘bibingka’ (rice cake) and ‘salokara’ (rice pancake) didn’t give much
cause for singing ‘hosannas’ in celebration.
But in all this what I found even more baffling was, Lola Nena’s
voice didn’t have any trace of complaining. To her everything was
just a statement of fact fully noted, assessed and accepted. To her
everything was said simply to answer my question.
Nonetheless, the word wouldn’t go away. In fact, it came back to
me with the full force of impact not unlike a Manny Pacquiao’s left
hook to the jaw (sorry for the analogy to non-boxing fans) when I saw
the image of the baby Jesus being carefully placed on the crib during
that Christmas Midnight Mass. Exactly. The baby Jesus struck me as
‘maluya’, as weak and vulnerable, just like Christmas as described
by Lola Nena, just like Lola Nena herself and, if you wouldn’t mind,
just like you and me, just like the rest of humanity.
Perhaps without meaning to, Lola Nena took me to the very heart
of Christmas. The only Son of the Almighty God preferred to leave
the inestimable power and glory of being at the Father’s side in
value, pleasure, or discomfort. Thus, subjects with neural dam-
age were found to be either obsessed with religion or has no
interest in religion at all. “If the emotional circuits of your brain
are weakly stimulated, then God will have little meaning in your
order to share our weakness and vulnerability as creatures, as hu-
life,” write the authors.
man beings, so he could later take us where we could share his life.
Atheists can benefit from meditation though. But like the be-
Long ago it was heard that the God of Abraham was a God who
lievers, they must meditate on something transcendent or other
loved Israel as a son. It never occurred to anyone that this God is
grand themes.
Love itself. Nor did it dawn on sages and kings that this God didn’t
All these studies seem to support the healthy image of God
just talk the talk. He also walked the walk. In fact, he walked the
by Jesus—a loving, positive Provider, in contrast with control-
infinite distance between heaven and earth, between Godhead and
freak and vindictive pictures of deities of old, or, of having no
humanity so we would have a glimpse of Love, his Love, that it is
God at all. Our frontal lobes (the most recently evolved part
as real as the sun, the snow and the rain, as well as the joy and the
of the brain) provide us with a logical concept of a rational,
pain of being human.
personal, and loving God, while our limbic system (the oldest
There were Christmases I spent in some places of opulent Europe
part of the brain) creates an emotionally meaningful experience
and America as a student priest. But I must confess that I often
of Him. Accordingly, in order to have a positive perception of
missed the stark Christmas of Lola Nena. And I wondered why. I
God, one needs to have just the right balance of frontal and
stumbled into an answer after one Christmas Midnight Mass in an
limbic activity.
Italian village as I watched people sang carols, shook hands while
Meanwhile, going to church has also been shown to improve
exchanging greetings and kisses, and disappeared into the night
brain function, but only if done frequently, or for many years,
leaving behind a deafening silence. A thought crossed my mind.
observe the authors. Studies have shown that regular attendance
How easy it is to hide your weakness and vulnerability behind a
at religious activities lowers blood pressure and reduces risks
multi-layered façade of efficiency, wealth, comfort, sense of power
of death. For older individuals, religious activity has increased
and self-sufficiency. How easy it can be to make the crib just a
benefits.
piece of decoration when you think you need nothing, unmindful
Mind-map proponent Tony Buzzan makes a similar observa-
of having received everything.
tion in his The Power of Spiritual Intelligence. “Ritual can be
To me Lola Nena’s assessment of her Christmas nearly equaled the
considered a hearth to which you go for warmth, rest and re-
experience of being inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
generation…gives you order, stability, security, and certainty,”
and being shown by the tour guide the place where Jesus, according
writes Buzan. “The value of ritual comes from the ‘good news’
to tradition, was born. I was shocked to find myself in a cave-like
center: the Brain Front!”
compartment so small, dingy, damp and remarkably unimpressive.
On the other hand, people under “religious struggle”—those
“Maluya,” as Lola Nena would say.
who are preoccupied by thoughts of being punished by God,
The bottom line is: Love isn’t love unless it makes us weak and
possessed by demons, remunating guilt, discontent and fear, or
vulnerable, just as the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity had
having negative attitudes toward the clergy, have shortened life
become. The shining testament of Love isn’t a Taj Mahal or a Palace
span, and poorer recovery rates from illnesses.
in the Sky. It is a baby so weak and vulnerable he knows what you
While the authors do not seek to prove or disprove the exis-
go through when you are hungry, tired or thirsty, when you are full
tence of God, or the personality He really has, or the belief system
of energy and happy, when you are sad or lonely.
one should subscribe to, the studies they collated suggest the kind
No wonder God loves the weak and vulnerable. He used to be one
of God perhaps only a sound mind can think of. Their findings
himself. No wonder we should also love the weak and vulnerable.
are themselves a revelation: a peek into the signposts of a healthy
We love ourselves in them. Nay, we love our God in loving them.
brain and perhaps, its loving and rational Creator.
Have yourself a blessed little Christmas!
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

Missionaries call for breakup of

political dynasties Panlilio faces grave sanction
REDEMPTORIST Missionaries of the Cebu Province called for the The group also dared President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to
SUSPENDED Catholic priest, Eddie Panlilio, current Pampanga
governor, is facing a major sanction as he opted to continue his
political career over his priesthood.
Laicization, a grave sanction that strips Panlilio of all ties to
dismantling of all political dynasties in the Philippines particularly instantaneously tear down all the political, military and economic the priesthood, maybe imposed on him for “disobeying” orders
in Maguindanao. powers of all family dynasties involved in the Maguindanao carnage to quit from politics.
“We call for the dismantling of all political dynasties in Maguin- that is “if it is in her Constitutional Emergency Powers in Maguin- San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto said Panlilio
danao and in the whole Philippines,” the missionaries said. danao not to wait for any enabling law.” has to abide with the impending sanction “whether he likes
In this light, the group urged the government for the immediate “We also call on our government leaders to act swiftly and it or not”.
passing of an enabling law, “with provisions that give teeth for its bring all the perpetrators of this heinous crime behind bars,” “He cannot disobey the church law twice. I’m sorry for that,”
uncompromising implementation for the whole country.” they declared. he said.
“The continued existence of political dynasties is one of the root The group also registered their condemnation to the “barbaric mas- The sanction, according to Aniceto, would finally allow
causes of this dastardly crime,” the missionaries said. sacre of civilians and journalists in Maguindanao.” (Kate Laceda) the governor to take government office without violating
Restraint / A1 church law.
tion of the common good,” he added. Panlilio filed his certificate of candidacy for re-election un-
Odchimar also called on the Arroyo ad- der the Liberal Party, of which he is the Pampanga’s provincial
ministration to justify its basis for declaring directorate.
martial law, amid criticisms from various Aniceto said the Catholic hierarchy will definitely have to
sectors of being inconsistent with constitu- initiate the necessary dispensation procedures for the priest-
tional provisions. turned governor.
“That’s a very sad decision because that means that he has to
First time abide with the impending sanction that the church will impose
President Arroyo on Sunday declared on him,” he added.
martial law in Maguindanao, seemingly to The archbishop said they have exerted all efforts to ask Panlilio
quell an alleged rebellion. to remain with them.
Arroyo’s controversial move is the first “But now that he is running again we have to initiate the
time martial law has been declared in the canonical process. He will not be working as a priest anymore,”
Philippines since the reign of Ferdinand he also said.
Marcos, who had the whole country under Once dispensed from his clerical duties, there’s no more
military rule from 1972 to 1986. turning back for Panlilio—he can no longer officiate in Masses
Officials insisted martial law was neces- and other sacraments for the rest of his life, another bishop
sary as heavily armed gunmen threatened said.
violence if their Ampatuan clan leaders were Archbishop Oscar Cruz, head of the Catholic bishops’
taken into custody. dispensation office, earlier said Panlilio will be released
from his priestly obligations the moment Pope Benedict XVI
© www.bayan.ph
Within hours of the declaration, police
arrested five members of the Ampatuan dispenses him.
political clan—including the patriarch and Cruz added that Panlilio should have sought dispensation
the governor of Maguindanao—who are during his 2007 gubernatorial campaign. (CBCPNews)
suspected of masterminding the killings. Militant groups demand justice for victims of Maguindanao massacre and call on government to scrap martial law.
Andal Ampatuan Sr. had ruled the prov- siastical jurisdiction the tragedy occurred ration and should therefore be scrapped. Blueprint / A1
ince with Arroyo’s support and the backing and martial law imposed,” Odchimar said. According to Bishop Emeritus Teodoro The national conference was attended by 146 participants from
of a private army. Quevedo earlier said he hoped the state Bacani of Novaliches, the Constitution that 47 dioceses nationwide. Castro noted that this was 50% of all the
Authorities said the discovery of big weap- of martial law “will be only for a short they hewed in 1986 does not provide martial dioceses and archdioceses in the country, thus ensuring a good
ons caches on Ampatuan property hardened period.” rule can be imposed without an actual rebel- representation of the members of the Commission. The participants
their resolve to impose martial law. “The longer it is, the more likely human lion taking place. were the Family and Life Directors of the parishes and their lay
rights violations occur,” Quevedo said. “The case in Maguindanao was a criminal collaborators.
Short martial law “Let the lawyers debate martial law. act and not a rebellion against the govern- The participants received a message from Pope Benedict XVI
The CBCP did not pose any objection to Meantime, let it be. Legal problems were ment,” he said. through Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State.
the imposition of martial law so far. posing obstacles to arrests and searches. I “A close ally of President Arroyo was be- The Holy Father conveyed his spiritual closeness with the confer-
But like the position of Archbishop Or- hope the martial law can facilitate the pursuit ing implicated in the massacre so how can ence delegates and assured them of his prayers and blessing, that
lando Quevedo of Cotabato who has eccle- of justice,” he said. you justify the imposition of martial law?” they may carefully discern the challenges married couples and
siastical jurisdiction over Maguindanao, Bacani furthered. families faced and elaborate on new strategies to help them live their
it wanted the martial law lifted as soon as Unconstitutional The bishop said the government’s basis for vocation with joy and fidelity.
possible. The lone bishop member of a commission placing Maguindanao under military rule is This was the first time that the ECFL held a national conference.
“We stand by the position taken by the that drafted the 1987 Constitution asserted weak and inconsistent with constitutional Participants asked for a regular gathering in order to be updated
Archdiocese of Cotabato within whose eccle- that there was “no just cause” for such decla- provisions. on the family and life issues and be able to formulate plans among
themselves, prompting the ECFL to institute the National Confer-
Military aid / A1
ence as an annual activity.
want the Obama administration to strongly de- ment has committed to increase defense and security Castro announced at the closing that the 2010 conference would be
nounce the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines assistance for the Philippines. on Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 2010 at the same venue, the St. Michael Retreat
since 2001. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the House in Antipolo City.
He said not being vocal on this issue sends a US Congress has pushed for a higher US military aid to Incidentally, the reported release of the Commission’s “Catechism
wrong message to the Philippine government. the Philippines in 2010 compared to previous years. (Guidelines) for Filipino Voters” did not push through as the original
“The US government must reconsider its financial Romulo said the US has doubled the amount of materials were submitted to CBCP President and Tandag Bishop
support for a military that is accused of violating hu- military aid to the Philippines for next year. Nereo Odchimar for his imprimatur. (Melo Acuña)
man rights in the name of war on terror,” he said. He said the Obama administration has recom-
According to the prelate, the Obama government mended $15 million in regular military assistance, ARMM / A1
must then “shift” its military aid to the hundreds but the US Congress increased it to $30 million. early election in the ARMM, perhaps one week early, and to put the
of hungry and uneducated Filipinos. However, $2 million of the allocation “may not be entire ARMM, especially Maguindanao, under Comelec control,”
He said freedom from poverty and lack of educa- obligated until the Secretary of State reports in writing Namfrel said.
tion is the most basic human rights. “Human rights to the committees on appropriations” the Philippines’ But a bill for early elections must first be approved by Congress
violations will continue if they will not be served,” compliance on several conditions which include the in order for early voting to be held.
Lagdameo said. prosecution of human rights violators, and an end to Namfrel made the appeal following the poll-related violence that has
Philippine authorities earlier said the US govern- Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo military harassment of civil society. (CBCPNews) claimed 57 lives so far in Maguindanao province on November 23.
Mary / A4
Among the fatalities were members of the Mangudadatu clan—
Genalyn Mangudadatu, the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmail
steps of Our Lady as she went to visit and pilgrimage on earth the ultimate end is the a deeper and more special one having seen
Mangudadatu and his two sisters.
serve her cousin Elizabeth. Heavenly Jerusalem. and touched where Christmas begun.
Mr. Mangudadatu asked his wife to file his certificate of candidacy
There near the gate of the Church of the Early the next day, we left for the town After lunch we proceeded to the Church
for governor of Maguindanao to the provincial capitol in Shariff
Visitation were two very interesting statues “City of Bread,” Bethlehem.  There, true to of St. Peter in Gallicantu, literally the cock
Aguak.
in metal, that of Our Lady and St. Elizabeth, its name, was where Word became Flesh crows signifying the fulfillment of Christ’s
The group of Mangudadatu, however, was stopped along a
with that of St. Elizabeth obviously preg- that became our Heavenly Bread. At the prophesy that Peter would deny Christ three
checkpoint in Barangay Saniag in Ampatuan town and was brought
nant. We entered the rather small Church, Shepherd’s Field, we celebrated our Christ- times before the cock crows.
to the remote area of Barangay Salman where the gruesome killing
prayed there, and outside where the mul- mas Mass. Just a note, in the Holy Land, as The door of the Church shows it all.  On one
was done.
tilingual versions of the Magnificat, Our in other duly recognized shrines, one can side of the panel is Christ with three fingers
More than a dozen journalists, who were invited to cover the event,
Lady’s song as her response to St. Elizabeth’s celebrate the Mass proper to that Church.  straightened looking at Peter telling him that
were also among the fatalities.
praise.  The Tagalog version could not be Hence, even if it were not Christmas, one he would deny Christ three times and at the
For the poll watchdog, the recent incident is not just mere election-
absent, and singers as we are (well, that is, is allowed to celebrate Christmas Day Mass other side of the door panel is Peter with the
related violence but “criminal acts that need to be dealt with to the
our group excluding my non-singing self), in Bethlehem. rooster near him, his left hand at his chest, his
fullest extent of the law.”
we sung the Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri. After the Holy Mass, we excitedly pro- right raised up palms open as if saying, No,
Namfrel also urged the dismantling of all private armies and the
At the Upper Chapel is the Blessed Sac- ceeded to the Basilica of the Nativity which I can’t do that to you.
confiscation of their firearms starting with known warring factions
rament, there we paid our visit and to my houses the Grotto of the Nativity and the The place was originally where the house
not only in Maguindanao but also other “hot spots” during elec-
surprise, a painting of the Wedding Feast at Altar of Christ’s Birth. A silver star marks of Caiphas, the High Priest, stood. And at the
tions.
Cana, with the following words at  the bot- the traditional place where Christ was born. lower part of the Church is where the prison
It also called on the poll body to impose the total gun ban now
tom, Mediatrix Nostra Potentissima. Indeed, The line of people was long! We had to wait cells are located, including a pit where Christ
and not wait until January 2010.
there at the Wedding Feast when Our Lady our turn and, mientras tanto, we prayed the was probably kept some hours before He was
“We call on the PNP (Philippine National Police) to strictly imple-
acted as truly the Mediatrix between men Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.  It was sentenced to death.  It was at that pit that He
ment the ban to prevent further violence as we approach the 2010
and Christ who is ultimately the source of such a wonderful feeling as we drew close was all alone, it is a cold and dark pit. We read
elections,” Namfrel added. (CBCPNews)
and who is All-Grace. to the exact site and when it was our turn part of the Gospel, sang a religious hymn, and
From Ein Karem, in the late afternoon, we to venerate the exact place, one but cannot where we spent some moments of silence to Arroyo / A1
travelled towards the Holy City of Jerusalem, help to feel the divine presence.  There at that contemplate Christ’s passion.  During that ter change)—once elected—as soon as possible, to target the Office
the highlight of our pilgrimage. exact very place, God became man and dwelt silent moment, the lights were put off, and of Prime Minister,” he said.
We arrived already in the evening, go- amongst us. The very reason of everything one can just feel the coldness and darkness of
ing straight to the hotel knowing that the and for everything, there at the simple but being alone. Shut off from the world outside, ‘She’s free’
next days will be spent in this holiest of all most hallowed of place, He was born.  I am with memories of betrayal in His heart, what Virac Bishop Manolo Delos Santos said that if there is no consti-
cities. Truly, if in our religious pilgrimage very sure for those who have been there, each could have Christ felt? But He endured it for tutional impediment for Arroyo to run as congresswoman, then “let
the highlight is Jerusalem, in our spiritual succeeding Christmas celebration would be you and me… (to be continued) her constituents decide”.
Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said the president’s decision
Laiko / A5 to run “is not proper” but hastened to add “she’s free.”
Visayas and Mindanao regions. At the time these activities fice in Maguindanao to file their over from the losers in managing
There were calendars galore, not were happening, good news certificates of candidacy. The all government positions. The God save Pampanga
because of LAIKO’s “kaya natin” about the new CNN hero, Efren gruesome murder of innocent rules of the game in a democratic San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said they in
financial status but because of Peñaflorida and his kariton push- victims has continued to be in country like the Philippines are the province knew that Arroyo is running for Congress.
outgoing President Linda Ta- cart filled the air—an inspiration the headlines since November 23 full of anticipatory measures to “We knew that she’s running and she has long been campaigning
corda’s perceptive analysis that to similar advocacy groups of the until today, December 6, when prevent cheating, and for this using her position as chief executive without qualms,” the prelate
LAIKO calendars distributed to Church. The DepEd realizing Malacanang declared martial reason Congress approved the said.
the dioceses of different regions that this affected their image law for Maguindanao after ar- implementation of the auto- He said the chief executive has visited her district for about 50
will be an effective instrument negatively positioned to give resting the father of the gover- mated elections. The rules of the times, visiting various villages.
for LAIKO’s programs to be re- support to Efren’s volunteers— nor. What is the reason for this game changed and it is obvious “She has perfected the politics of patronage which the CBCP
membered and thereby establish another case of changing of the senseless killing of innocents? to the Ampatuan family that has condemned many times in its pastoral statements,” he further
a continuing relationship with guards for the education of street It is an attempt of the Ampat- the Mangudadatus have a big said.
them. children uan family to thwart the chang- chance to win. The Ampatuans, a The prelate also expressed misgivings about the Arroyo admin-
LAIKO’s changing of the Then came the Maguindanao ing of the guards after the 2010 typical warlord political dynasty istration.
guards was well planned and massacre of 57 men and women elections. The control of power used their highly armed civilian “As the saying goes, ‘Tell me who your friends are.’ The kind of
it augurs well for a brighter including 30 media workers and – over men and government volunteers to prevent the chang- friends Arroyo has in Maguindanao tells a lot about who she is,” he
cooperation among the member the wife of the candidate of Vice- funds and resources are the main ing of the guards that would said. “The kind of friends she has in Pampanga tells no less. May
organizations and dioceses in the Governor Mangudadatu who issues. Election, a political activ- end their stronghold of power God save Pampanga and the rest of the Philippines,” David said.
coming years. was going to the COMELEC of- ity, decides that the winner takes in Maguindanao. (Melo M. Acuña)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009
A7

Briefing
Redemptorists seek justice for massacre victims
‘Don’t be bystanders,’
prelate urges faithful
DAVAO CITY—The Redemptorist Missionaries of the Cebu
Province are demanding justice for the victims of the Maguin-
danao massacre. In a statement, the missionaries also called for
the dismantling of all political dynasties, saying it is one of the
root causes of “this dastardly crime.” (Mark Ventura)

Prelate asks people to open their hearts wide

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur—Nueva Segovia Archbishop Ernesto Sal- PALO, Leyte—Palo Archbishop Jose Palma will focus, among others, “on encouraging
gado urged people to accept Christ with a wide open heart. has called on the Catholic faithful to be the lay to be more active and not to wait for
pro-active in participating any Church- the priest on what to do.”
In his homily during the archdiocese’s celebration of Christ
related activities and stop being mere “Majority of our lay are only waiting for
the King feast on Nov. 22, he called on all to welcome in their
“bystanders.” the priest on what do. They are always on
hearts God “whose will, must reign over the wills of men.” The call of the highest Church official in the receiving end. There is no “owning”; that
(Fran C. Quitoriano) the region was made yesterday as he led we are all part of the Church,” Palma said.
a Holy Mass coinciding on the launching The Church, he said, is encouraging or-
Local parish launches ‘Messengers of Hope’ of the Diamond Jubilee of the archdiocese ganizations or activities which are focused
TUGUEGARAO CITY—With 115 families still reeling from the in 2012. on the teachings of God and on Catholic
effects of typhoon “Pepeng” last October, Fr. Carlos Evange- By becoming more active, the faithful will Church like the Couples for Christ and
lista, parish priest of St. Thomas Aquinas in Abulug, Cagayan not only help flourish further the Catholic pastoral councils and the Basic Ecclesial
launched “Messengers of Hope”, a fund-raising project to help religion in the region but more so spread the Communities (BEC).
farmers in Barangays Bannag and Gara-gara recover and start words of God, the archbishop said. The BEC, in particular, is being pushed
working on their livelihood. (Buddy Cagurangan) “As Catholics, we should not only be with intensity by Palma.
mere participant bystanders but be active And in line with the Diamond Jubilee cel-
MILF: Beheading is barbarism participants,” Palma said. ebration of the Archdiocese of Palo, several
COTABATO CITY—Saddened over the brutal killings in As a diocese, Palo was established in 1937 goals are to be undertaken, the archbishop
Maguindanao, the MILF leadership stressed that beheading is thus its 75th year celebration. It was, howev- said.

© Dennis Dayao / CBCP Media

an act of barbarism that no civilized society will condone. MILF er, made into an archdiocese on November Among these goals include the intensifica-
Secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen said the killing and 15, 1982 by the late Pope John Paul II. tion of the ongoing formation of the clergy
beheading of some 46 individuals in Maguindanao is purely A Mass presided by the archbishop at the and its future members or those under
Palo Metropolitan Cathedral on Dec. 2 was training in the seminary; the intensification
outrageous and deserves the condemnation of every rational
attended by hundreds of priests belonging of the pastoral program like the BEC and
person. (Mark S. Ventura)
to the archdiocese. restructuring of the archdiocesan financial
Palma admitted that several Catholic system.
Study shows strong clamor for peace talks’ resumption faithful appear not to be active in joining And during the Holy Mass held yesterday,
DAVAO CITY—A recent study showed a unified clamor of activities organized or supported by the Palo Archbishop Jose Palma the revised statutes of the Parish Pastoral
Mindanaoans for peace and not war. Conducted by Konsult Catholic Church thus his appeal for them to be more active as Council as amended and the Parish Finance Council were solemnly
Mindanaw, the research arm of the Bishops Ulama Conference the archdiocese is preparing to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee promulgated by Archbishop Palma.
(BUC), the study showed that the people there want peace talks in 2012. The statutes are to take into effect all throughout the archdiocese
to continue in Mindanao. (Mark S. Ventura) The forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration of the archdiocese of Palo. (LSDE/CBCPNews)

Lipa declares 21 pilgrim churches

Pampanga archbishop respects Arroyo Congress’ bid
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—San Fernando Archbishop
Paciano Aniceto said he respects the decision of President Ar-
royo to run for a congressional seat in 2010 for Pampanga’s 2nd
district. Aniceto said he is “respecting” the decision of Arroyo, LIPA CITY—As the church enters the new Communion on the said day, praying one Norte), Monastery of Clarisas Capuchinas
saying that it is her prerogative. “She is our President. I believe liturgical year of Advent, Lipa Archbishop Our Father, a Hail Mary, a glory Be and the Sacramentalis (Lipa City), Monastery of St.
that the President is a mature leader and that is a privilege,” Ramon C. Arguelles will formally proclaim Apostles Creed for the intentions of the Holy Benedict (Pinagtung-ulan, Lipa), St. Padre
he said. (CBCPNews) 21 pilgrim churches in the whole metro- Father and doing an Act of Charity. Pio (Sto, Tomas), St. John the Evangelist
politan province under his jurisdiction. “A plenary indulgence is the Church’s (Tanauan), Immaculate Conception (Bauan),
Maguindanao killers terrorists, says prelate The proclamation of pilgrim churches way of remission of all punishment due to Monastery of Minim Nuns of St. Francis of
COTABATO CITY—Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin is in preparation for the 1st Centennial forgiven sins which can be applied to oneself Paola (Lumbang, Lipa City), Nuestra Señora
Bagaforo said the killers and the masterminds of the Magu- Celebration in 2010 of the Archdiocese or the souls in purgatory and it cannot be de Soledad (Darasa, Tanauan City), Mission-
indanao massacre “should be treated as terrorists of the first of Lipa. applied by one to another person still living ary Catechists of the Sacred Heart (Sabang,
degree.” He said the perpetrators are criminals. “I condemn “From April 10, 2010 to April 10, 2011, on earth,” he further said. Lipa), Binakalan Church (Alitagtag) and
them and ask God to punish them,” he said. (Melo Acuña) the local Church of Lipa will celebrate Listed as Pilgrimage Churches are the Par- Holy Family (Bolo).
is Jubilee Year as Pope Benedict XVI has ishes of St. John the Baptist (Lian), Immaculate “The year 2010 is very crucial for the
Church marks centennial of Ilocano bible endowed the Archdiocese of Lipa with Conception (Balayan), St. Francis Xavier (Na- local Church of Lipa which was founded
BAGUIO CITY—Thousands of people in the Biblical Apostolate special grace throughout the year,” the sugbu), St. Raphael (Calaca), Minor Basilica on April 10, 1910 by Pope St. Pius X,” the
have participated in the Ilocano Bible Centennial Celebration 65-year old prelate said. of St. Martin of Tours (Taal), Shrine of Our prelate said.
held at the Teacher’s Camp, last Dec. 2. With the theme, “May Noting the pilgrim churches proclaimed Lady of Caysasay (Labac, Taal), Archdiocesan He added the Diocese of Lipa comprised
They Be One: 100 Years of Solidarity for the Word,” the event by Pope John Paul II during the great jubi- Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Sta. then of the whole provinces of Laguna,
lee year of 2000, Arguelles announced that Teresita), minor Basilica of the Immaculate Batangas, Tayabas (now Quezon, Aurora
aimed at providing opportunity for the Ilocanos to come
plenary indulgences are gained in visiting Conception (Batangas), Most Holy Trinity and Marinduque) and Mindoro island.
together in worshipping God and expressing solidarity in
these pilgrim churches. and Shrine of the Glorious Cross (Pallocan He recalled it was Pope Paul VI who el-
spreading the Word. (Kate Laceda) “This means that every time a pilgrim West, Batangas City), St. John Nepomuceno evated Lipa into a Metropolitan See in June
visits any of these 21 churches he receives a (San Juan), Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Joseph 20, 1972 with the Dioceses of Lucena and
Hope / A5 plenary indulgence under the usual condi- the Patriarch (San Jose), Metropolitan Ca- Gumaca in Quezon, Boac (Marinduque),
do not have party mates, at any public forum I can promote this, I tions,” he emphasized. thedral of St. Sebastian (Lipa), Archdiocesan the Apostolic Vicariates of Calapan in
will,” said Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo. “I highly recommend this These conditions include the reception Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer (Banaybanay), Oriental Mindoro and San Jose in Mindoro
to all candidates,” commented Rachel ‘Cutie’ del Mar. Mary Ann of the Sacrament of Reconciliation within Divino Amor Chapel (Redemptorist, Lipa Occidental and the Prelature of Infanta
De Los Santos said, “If possible (make it) massive for all who are the octave before or after the prayerful City), Monastery of Mt. Carmel of Our Lady (parts of Aurora and Quezon provinces)
planning to run for office and if possible conduct seminar or retreat visit, participation in the Eucharist and of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace (Antipolo del as suffragans. (Melo M. Acuña)
to voters too so that we can totally change our country.”

Prelate: Advent time calls for ‘inner journey’

We seek to raise the tide by proposing standards for a new politi-
cal culture that makes room for Christian humanistic values and
principles. This new effort by the Catholic Church is distinct from,
parallel with, and complementary to the Church’s usual engage-
ment towards ensuring credible elections by seeking to help emerge DAVAO CITY—A departure who is expecting and beckon- the utter neglect of the spirit in
credible candidates. from the usual notion that Ad- ing us to come inside. Our us,” he said.
CCiD is one of several others that Dilaab hopes to run in Cebu vent is the time when people ex- coming, our advent into this He also said that the real self
and across the country as it moves towards finding the right leaders pect and prepare for Christmas, timeless presence is being is not the thought or desire or
for a broken Philippines. Davao Archbishop Fernando awaited,” he said. behavior but it refers to this
The initial impact of CCiD can be gleaned in a new term agreed Capalla said that it is a season Archbishop Capalla also ex- witness to conceptual thinking,
upon by the participants. They are no rivals or enemies but “co- which calls the faithful to em- plained that the Christian to emotional reaction and sensory
candidates.” It is a good step in the right direction. bark on an inner journey. be authentic and real needs to perceptions.
According to him, this jour- struggle to get in touch with the “If the thinking, feeling, and
ney includes self-discovery real self through prayer and self- perceiving processes are flawed
May They Be One Bible Campaign through sustained and intense awareness exercises. and disordered, it means that
self-awareness or mindfulness “It is not an easy struggle but the person is only in touch
When floods brought by Ondoy swept through parts of the Metropolis, some as other religions teach it. it is the only way to a godly and with his/her false or unreal
of the main casualties were the Bibles of Bible ministers of Our Lady of Grace
“In this sense, it is the Lord holy life. We are embodied spir- self,” said Archbishop Capalla.
Chapel in Brgy. Malanday, Marikina City. The ministers were then faced with
this dilemma: How can they share the Word of God to the parish with about
living in the core of our being its. Our main problem in life is Archbishop Fernando Capalla, DD (Mark Ventura)
100,000 people, if they themselves didn’t even have their own copy of the ‘Comfort women’ / A2
Bible? On November 20, the dilemma was resolved when the first tranche of The Asian religious leaders, who participated in the rally,
May They Be One (MTBO) Bibles were distributed in the chapel. Subsequent
were attending the “Second Asia Inter-religious Conference
distributions for lay leaders and members of the church are on schedule. The
Bibles came just like a stream of fresh water to thirsty souls. But the blessing on Article 9 of the Japanese Peace Constitution in Seoul” from
didn’t stop in the Bible Distribution. Parish priest Fr. Emmanuelle Borelli also Dec. 1-4. They came from countries and territories including
said that the recipients of the MTBO Bibles will undergo Modular Seminars so the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
that they will learn to interpret the passages correctly and apply the lessons in The conference sought the preservation of Article 9 in
their day to day living. Likewise, weekly trainings are being held to equip lay Japan’s constitution that prevents the nation from ever
leaders to hold their own Bible Sharing Activities. going to war again. Concern is mounting over moves by
conservatives in Japan to try and repeal the article.
Target No. of Bibles for Distribution for 2009: 100,000 cps. Religions represented at the conference included Bud-
No. of Bibles Distributed (from Jan 2009 – November 23, 2009): 88,971 cps. dhism, Christianity, Islam and Won-Buddhism, a Korean
indigenous religion.
1. RTPV Tagalog — 40,034 copies
2. TEV English — 10,382 copies
Gil Won-ok, 82, one of four former “comfort women”
3. BPV Bicol — 1,004 copies at the rally, told participants that about 90 of the original
4. RCPV Cebuano — 24,912 copies 234 Korean women who had identified themselves as
5. HPV Hiligaynon — 7,003 copies “comfort women” are still alive, and that Japan should
6. RIPV Ilocano — 4,432 copies address their grievances before they all died.
7. PNPV Pangasinense — 1,204 copies In tears she said, “Many Koreans hailed our nation’s
liberation from Japan in 1945, but we hid ourselves be-
TOTAL — 88,971 copies cause we had the scars of being sex slaves on us.”
Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Kalookan, the Philip-
Parishes/Communities served: Over 300 pines, expressed his solidarity with the victims, noting
Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2009: P10M
that many women in his country also suffered the same
fate during the war.
MTBO Prayer “These Koreans have protested almost 900 weeks,
M – ake us love your Word, O Lord.
T – each us to listen and live by Your Word. which surprises me. This should have been finished a
B – less those who promote Your Word long time ago,” he said. “If the new Japanese government
O – pen our hearts that we may be generous, that others might have a makes an official apology, then the women’s wounds can
copy of the written Word. begin to heal and real forgiveness can be made.”
According to historical records, about 200,000 young Ko-
Support the May They Be One Bible Campaign and help bring God’s rean women were forced to serve Japanese troops as “com-
Word to more Filipino homes. Your contribution of at least P150/month will fort women” or sex slaves during World War II. China,
enable a poor family to own a Bible. For more Campaign info-visit, email or Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also had women
call ECBA – Fr. Oscar Alunday, 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. Telefax
who were forced into becoming “comfort women.”
no. 5279386; ecba_cbcp@yahoo.com; PBS-Mrs. Perry Cartera/Mrs. Juliet
Rivera at 890 UN Ave., Ermita Mla.; perry@bible.org.ph;juliet@bible.org.ph; Despite an apology made to Korea’s national as-
Tel. nos. 5215785/5246523 loc.150, 154-157, Fax No. 5215803; 09178590019 sembly by Miyazawa in 1992, Japan has denied official
/09156727492 /09182802775 responsibility over the use of women as sex slaves during
wartime. (UCAN)
 A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

CBCP Media Office launches podcast

THE public can now listen to news and information resources from the CBCPNews Service, the official
news service of the Episcopal conference, whether in or outside the country.
The Media Office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has launched its
podcast facility at the CBCP headquarters in Intramuros, November 30.
Former CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo led the blessing of the podcast studio
and state-of-the-art equipments for podcasting.
The podcasts aim to further spread the Word through the contemporary means of communication,
which is the Internet.
“Actually this is my last official function here as CBCP president and I am happy to be part of the
launching of this podcast,” said Lagdameo in a speech.
He said the church has always wanted to embrace new technology to carry out its mission of evan-
gelization.
Lagdameo added that the church live in a day of great opportunity and its leaders must continue to
take advantage of every means of communication available.
On Dec. 1, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar officially assumed as the new CBCP president, replacing
Lagdameo who served the post for four years or two consecutive terms.
The CBCP’s podcast program, which can be accessed at www.cbcpnews.com/podcast, also has other
categories like reflections, interviews and other online resources.

© Dennis Dayao / CBCP Media

Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, CBCP Media Director, said catechetical materials in audio format will be
podcasted in the next few months.
“This new podcasting initiative compliments our audio and video streaming and enables us to spread
the Gospel to an even wider audience,” said Quitorio who initiated the project. (CBCPNews)

Internat’l film critic to hold Archbishop Angel Lagdameo blesses the CBCP podcast facility at the CBCP Headquarters, Intramuros, Manila.

seminar on Asian Spirituality in film

INTERNATIONAL film reviewer and author Fr. Peter Malone,
MSC, will be back in Manila in January for another Film and Faith
Seminar, this time on Asian Spirituality in Film.
The seminar, which will be open to media educators, communica-
tion students, catechists and film buffs, is scheduled on January 11-13,
film critics and writers/directors including Clodualdo del Mundo
Jr, who will talk about the Philippine film experience.
Other film educators are also expected to speak on the works of
Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon and Brillante Mendoza.
CFA has been conducting the Film and Faith Seminar Series with
Markings
CELEBRATED. Fr. Francois Jourdan, 30th an-
2010 from 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m., with free film screenings at 5:30p.m., Malone every January since 2007. Film and Faith 1 was on Jesus films niversary of sacerdotal ordination, December
at the CFA Lagerwey Hall in Sta. Mesa, Manila. and the pastoral use of cinema. In 2008, the Film and Faith 2 seminar 9, 2009. A member of the Congregation of
Jesus and Mary (CJM), also known as Eudist
Malone, who had been giving seminars on film in the country focused on using media for values education. Malone went to Cebu Fathers, Jourdan was born in France and was
since 2007, will be discussing the setting for Asian spirituality, the that same year to reprise the Film and Faith 1 seminar. In January ordained priest by Msgr. Armand Le Bourgeois,
nature of faith, belief and commitment. 2009, Film and Faith 3 was a more extended seminar on “Search for a Eudist Bishop. He finished Doctor of Theol-
Since Asia is the region where God in Films”, with a week-long ogy and Islamology in Catholic Institute and
the major religions of the world film festival that featured Signis Sorbonne University, both in Paris. In his early
years as Eudist priest he served in the Eudist
originated, he observed that award-winning films. Parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Ris-orangis,
“Asia is often associated with Malone is a former member of Paris. His missionary assignments include a
spirituality, the many different the Pontifical Council for Social mission post in North Benin, Africa, and Mor-
ways in which these religions, Communications and was the roco where he worked for the promotion of
Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, first President of SIGNIS, the interreligious dialogue with the Muslims. He also accompanied pilgrim-
ages in the Muslim countries around Mediterranean Sea. An advocate for
Christianity and Islam, grew and international Catholic body for non-violent actions, Jourdan taught theology and Islamology in Catholic
developed.” film, radio, and television. He University in Parish for 15 years. He has published several books in French.
He said the Asian cinema is an internationally known lec- Jourdan is currently the formator of their formation house in Tagaytay City
has a unique way of storytell- turer on film and media educa- where he resides together with two other Eudist priests from America and
ing and visualizing the human tion. He is a regular member of Colombia. The congregation works for the formation of priests, religious,
seminarians and lay church ministers.
condition. the Catholic Jury at International
“This means that when we Film Festivals such as Cannes, LAUNCHED. Three-year preparatory
search for spirituality in Asian Venice, Berlin as well as in Asia, period leading to the 75th jubilee cel-
© CFA Media

cinema, we enter into different
mind-sets and religious contexts
and find different expressions
and images from those of the Fr. Peter Malone, MSC
West where Hollywood film-making became a popular norm for
the movies,” he explained.
In our globalised world (including the movie multiplexes that
abound almost everywhere on each continent), there are interchanges
of stories, remakes of Asian stories in Western style – but, also, a
growing appreciation of distinctive Asian cinemas,” he added.
Examples of films dramatizing the major Asian religions and
traditions will be shown. Well-known directors such as Satyajit Ray
(India), Akira Kurosawa (Japan), Zhang Yimou (China), Kim-Ki-duk
(South Korea) and Lino Brocka (Philippines) will be cited.
On the third day of the seminar, Malone will be joined by Filipino
Africa, and the Americas. ebration of the Archdiocese of Palo as a
Aside from being a film re- diocese in 2012. A concelebrated Mass
led by Palo Archbishop Jose Palma at
viewer and speaker, Malone the Metropolitan Cathedral on Decem-
is also the renowned author of ber 2 kicked off the three-year prepa-
several film books. In his 36 years of study and practice of film criti- ration period. With the general theme
cism, he has written some 25 books, including “Movie Christs and “This is the will of God, your holiness” (1
Anti-Christs” “The Film” and “Films and Values.” He is co-author Thessalonians 4:3), the whole prepara-
tory period spans three years, which
of “Lights, Camera...Faith!” a 3-volume movie lectionary. CFA has would be divided into three stages,
also published two of his books, “Film and Faith” and “Film, Faith each with their particular aims: the first
and the Church”. year would be on remembering, looking
Slots for the seminar are limited. Those interested in participating back on the collective experience of the
may contact the CFA Training Department at 713-2732 or 713-2972 diocese since its creation; the second
year (from 2010 to 2011) is aimed at
or email training@cfamedia.org or cfamedia_training@yahoo.com. proclaiming the blessings received
There are special discounts for early registration (by December 18) during that time; the third (from 2011-2012) is aimed at the thanksgiving
and discounts also for groups or for Signis members. (Bob Lopez) aspect of the Jubilee, for all of the blessings received, and the Jubilee
year itself, from Nov. 28, 2012 to Nov. 28, 2013, would be aimed at the

Lay leaders gather to tackle role of laity in politics, governance

celebratory aspect. As part of the preparations, the executive committee
responsible for the Jubilee, chaired by Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, JCD, vicar
general of the Archdiocese of Palo, has defined the goals to be hopefully
achieved before the Jubilee itself, which are first the intensification of the
on-going formation of the clergy and its future members, still under train-
A TWO-DAY gathering of lay of national and local new leaders
ing in the seminary; second, the intensification of the pastoral program,
leaders in the Diocese of Daet has would be selected. especially of the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the archdiocese, and
tackled the important role of laity The well-attended event was thirdly, the restructuring of the Archdiocesan Financial System. During
in achieving social transforma- held under the auspices of the the Mass, the revised statutes of the Parish Pastoral council and those of
tion in the country. local organization of Council of the Parish Finance Council, fruit of much discussion and reflection, were
The event, billed as the First Di- the Laity. Representatives from also solemnly promulgated.
ocesan Convention of the Council all the 30 parishes comprising DIED. Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
of the Laity and themed “Laiko: five vicariates participated in the Ozamiz, Monsignor Emie O. Bienes, 63,
Instrumento ng Pagbabago sa convention. died of liver cancer, December 4, 2009. Born
Simbahan at Lipunan”, was held Daet Bishop Gilbert A. Garcera on September 3, 1946, he was ordained
priest on April 21, 1976. He celebrated the
at the Nazareth Development invited sectoral representatives 33rd anniversary of his ordination to the
Center of the Socio-Pastoral Ac- and various professionals whose priesthood on April 21, 2009. At the time of
tion Center Foundation, Inc. last interventions on the floor made his death, Bienes was parish priest of St.
November 20-21, 2009. the convention even richer. Michael Parish, Tangub City and Vicar Gen-
Dr. Linda T. Tacorda, National Garcera appointed Engr. Victo- eral of the Archdiocese. A teacher before
President of the Council of the Lay leaders from Daet diocese meet for a two-day assembly on November 20-21. rio F. Corporal as President of the entering the seminary, Bienes was former
staff of St. Mary’s Theologate Seminary in
Laity, lectured the participants on the impli- placency and lethargy so as to help in the Council of the Laity of the Diocese of Daet. Gango district in 1977-79. The Catholics of
cations and ramifications of vital role of the transformative struggles for personal and He also appointed other officers to the the Archdiocese of Ozamiz have lost a kind
laity in the Church in all facets of social life social progress. Commission among the nominees. Msgr. and dedicated priest, a good friend and
which includes politics and governance. The convention was held at an auspicious Romeo A. Violeta, P.C., chairman of Com- trusted member of the board of consultors. The archdiocese will offer a
She also encouraged the participants to time when the country prepares for the up- mission on the Laity, gave his all-out support nine-day requiem masses for Msgr. Bienes in all parishes and has called
on all priests and religious to include in their mass intentions the eternal
get involved and go beyond their com- coming electoral exercises where the new set to the lay ministry. (Abel Icatlo) repose of Bienes’ soul.

Pinoys join Bibliodrama Christ the King Symphony

workshop in Indonesia Orchestra to hold concert in Manila
REPRESENTATIVES from the parishes, schools and communi- THE Archdiocese of Manila
ties in the Philippines comprising of religious men and women will present the Christ the King
and seminarians have participated in the Bibliodrama workshop (CKC) Jose Gomez Symphony
held November 18 in Bandung, Indonesia. Orchestra in a concert at the Paco
Resource speakers were Sr. Emma Gunanto, organizer of the Catholic School’s Jaime Cardinal
first Bibliodrama workshop in Indonesia in 2006 and Fr. Oscar Sin Auditorium in Manila on
Alunday, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commis- Dec. 11.
sion for Biblical Apostolate (ECBA). The 60-piece orchestra is
Alunday said that the participants graduated as a new com- composed of high school stu-
munity of potential members of Bibliodrama Indonesia. dents of the Christ the King
“The group was a good combination of how committed women College which is run by the
and men can team up with religious women and vice versa,” Franciscan (OFM) Congrega-
the priest said. tion in Calbayog City, Samar
Bibliodrama formation started in Indonesia in the summer city province.
of Bandung in the island of Java in 2006. The 7 p.m. concert, which will
It was organized by Sr. Gunanto, an Ursuline Sister who also feature the Las Piñas Boys’
has been involved in the Biblical Apostolate for many Choir, will be for the benefit of
years now. Pondo ng Pinoy, a movement for
Bibliodrama is an approach which interprets in a form of an expressing love for God through
artistic representation the chosen biblical texts prepared by the love for fellowmen as symbol-
participating group. ized by small but constant acts
“ECBA is happily sharing its services to the Asian churches as of selflessness.
partners in the vast responsibility of animating Biblical Pastoral Pondo ng Pinoy is being
Ministry,” he said. practiced in more than 14
ECBA is the Biblical Commission of Catholic Bishops Confer- Archdiocese, dioceses and ap-
ence of the Philippines tasked to spread the Word of God in every ostolic vicariates in Luzon and
individual and community. (Kate Laceda) has undertaken projects and
assistance for the poor such
as housing, feeding, micro-
finance, scholarships, environ-
mental protection, health and
livelihood.
Manila Archbishop Gauden-
cio Cardinal Rosales personally
invited the CKC Jose Gomez
Orchestra after he heard them
during a talk on Pondo ng Pinoy
in Calbayog Diocese.
He also described the group
a “unique group of musicians”
whose music and the love and
discipline in their performance
could bring joy and hope to
all of us.”
The orchestra’s Manila perfor-
mance will be the last in a series
which includes Santuario de San
Antonio in Forbes Park on Dec.
7, Mall of Asia on Dec. 8, VOT
in Sampaloc on Dec. 9 and San
Pedro Bautista Parish in Quezon
City on Dec. 10.
For information on tick-
ets please call MAPSA office,
5643712-13, 564-4084 and look
for Noel Misamis. (CBCPNews)
 Pastoral Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
B1
Message of the YAsians of the 5th Asian Youth Day to the Young Asians
Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were sitting there; he then did the same with
the fish, distributing as much as they wanted. (John 6:11)
WE are YAsians!—the young Asians of celebrated our faith—all in the spirit of are full of energy, and we recognize that Mary and our Savior
the 5th Asian Youth Day, coming from coming together, sharing the Word and there is so much more in our lives. Jesus Christ until our
countries all over Asia. We gathered for living the Eucharist. We also realized the vast opportunities present age. Indeed,
the grand YAsia Fiesta in the Diocese YAsia Fiesta made us rediscover our before and around us. Ours is a we young Asians are
of Imus (Cavite, Philippines), 20-27 giftedness, openness and youthfulness. generation enriched with technological so privileged and
November 2009. As one, we ate a lot, We experienced again our creativity advancements for our efficiency and blessed!
we prayed a lot, we played a lot. We and richness in talents. Despite barriers convenience. Our church in Asia is Yet we also
shared stories, we laughed, we cried, we especially in language, we were able to open to learn and collaborate. Also acknowledge with
made many new friends! We walked, we reach out to one another and respect our ours is the rich living Christian heritage humility all the
listened, we talked. We feasted and we differences. Because we are young, we beginning with Abraham to Joseph, Message / B2

The lights
illuminat-
ing the
Our Lady
of the Pillar
Cathedral in
Imus, Cavite
cast a joyous
glow down
b e l o w. T h e
smiles on the
faces of the
A s i a n Yo u t h
Day pilgrims
were unmis-
takable; it was
enough to give
hints on what
most of the peo-
ple already knew.
AYD was going to
be a meaningful
and memorable
event.
-- All photos © Roy
Lagarde/CBCP Me-
dia

Young people of Asia
Agents of renewal
and transformation
By Pinky Barrientos, FSP
THE young face of the Asian Church
shone brightly in a faith-gathering of
close to 2,000 young people coming
from all over Asia and the Philippines
at the recently-concluded 5th Asian
Youth Day (AYD5) hosted by the
Diocese of Imus, in Cavite.
Nourished by the Word and the
Eucharist, participants to the 5th
Asian Youth Day ended their five-
day gathering with a statement
containing their commitment to
deepen their love for the Word of
God and the Eucharist despite the
many challenges they experience
along the way.
The Asian youth assembly which
carried the theme “Young Asians:
Come Together, Share the Word,
Live the Eucharist” aimed to inspire
the young faithful to live more
profoundly their Catholic faith.
Youth participants came from
across Asia, representing China, Hong
Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Taiwan,
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand,
Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Singapore, Timor Leste, Bangladesh,
India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Kazakhstan, Kyrjyzstan, Mongolia,
Siberia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and other Asian delegations from
Australia, Germany, France and the
Netherlands.
Asian youth renew commitment to church
ASIAN Catholic youth leaders
departed Manila on Nov. 28
as they pledged themselves to
help spread the Catholic faith
after a 4-day gathering in Cavite
province.
Over 1,500 young faithful
gathered at the Rogationist
College in Silang town Nov. 23
to 27 for the 5th Asian Youth Day
(AYD) hosted by the Diocese of
Imus.
Despite the “difficulties
that beset” them, the youth
acknowledged they have much
to contribute to the church.
“We will deepen our love
for the Word of God and the
Eucharist to keep the fire of Christ
in us burning,” they said.
The commitment was
contained in a statement read
The regional counterpart of the
World Youth Day, the Asian Youth
Day is usually held on years when
There are a lot of
issues confronting the
Church and society
today where the
youth can actively
participate and bring
about the needed
changes we all desire.
As they themselves
acknowledged, they
are sent to “live
out God’s love” and
called “to transform
unjust structures
and to respect the
dignity of all men and
women, to work for
reconciliation, fight
poverty and create a
civilization of peace
and harmony.”
there are no World Youth Day
celebrations. It was initiated by the
youth desk under the Office of the
out at the closing Mass presided
by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando
Quevedo, secretary general of
the Federation of Asian Bishops’
Conferences.
Freedom of faith
The statement cited various
challenges facing the youth and
their Catholic faith and how they
could help overcome them.
“Many among us find it
difficult to identify ourselves
with Christian beliefs and
practices even if we were
baptized Christian at an early
age,” it read.
“Worse, some of us live in
circumstances with little or no
freedom in religious expression,”
the statement added.
Christianity is a minority faith
Korea
to
host
next
Asian
Laity of the Federation of Asian
Bishops Conferences (FABC)
to help the Asian youth
Youth
Day
deepen their spirituality and
become effective witnesses of
Christ’s love to one another.
The first AYD celebration
began in Thailand in 1999,
followed by Taiwan in
2001, India in 2003, and
IT was confirmed. Korea will
host next Asian Youth Day set
Hong Kong in 2006. for 2012.
Filipino Bishop Rolando Tirona
YAsia Fiesta!
The AYD5 slogan YAsia
of the Prelature of Infanta made the
announcement at the culmination
Fiesta aptly conveys a of the 5th Asian Youth which ended
joyful atmosphere which Nov. 27 at the diocese of Imus in the
truly characterized the
youth event. But in
Philippines.
Tirona is the chairman of the Office
the words of Bishop on Family and Life which handles the
Joel Baylon, Chairman Youth Desk of the Federation of the
of the Episcopal
Commission on
Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
“I am pleased to announce that the
Youth of the Catholic next Asian Youth Day will take place in
Bishops’ Conference Korea,” he said.
of the Philippines,
the gathering
The Korean section of the congregation
broke out in loud cheers at the
was not merely a announcement.
festivity devoid Tirona concelebrated the mass at the
of spirituality,
instead it was
Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite at the
final event of this year’s Asian Youth Day.
a faith-filled The liturgical celebration was presided
e n c o u n t e r over by FABC secretary general and Cotabato
manifested Archbishop Orlando Quevedo.
in joyful Concelebrants include Papal nuncio to
celebrations. the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph
“Festive Adams and several other bishops from across
Young / B7 Asia, mostly Filipinos.
“I thank you all for your participation here in
Cavite and look forward to seeing you all again
in three years’ time,” Tirona said.
in Asia and oppression Reportedly, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
among the believers has of Korea lobbied hard for their country to host
long been hampering the Asian Youth Day in 2013.
believers to practice their Speaking to CBCPNews, Fr. Cho Jae Hyen
faith. Pio, youth ministry leader for Korea’s Catholic
Many Christians in Church, said he hopes the gathering will have a
some Asian countries are broad impact.
forced to renounce their “I hope it will strengthen the faith, I hope it will
faith or threatened with reinforce all those values that make Korean society
violence. good like solidarity and respect for life,” he said.
Young Korean Catholics attending the
‘Loss of self-identity’ celebrations in Cavite were jubilant after the bishop’s
The AYD delegates announcement.
said poverty and “I expect Korea to show Asia just how wonderful
the lack of equal we are,” one young woman said.
opportunities are “Korea’s going to be great—we’re all feeling very
also some of the good,” a young man said.
facets that affect Asian Youth Day is held during the years when no
the church and the international World Youth Day celebration is organized,
people. which is once in every three years.
“We are also It was first held in Thailand in 1999, Taiwan in 2001, in
Asian / B2 India in 2003 and in Hong Kong in 2006. (CBCPNews)
 B2
Mentioning
bishops in the
Eucharistic Prayers
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina
Apostolorum university, answers the following query:)
Q: During Mass, at the moment of mentioning the
local bishop, our parish priest has a habit of mentioning:
“Our bishops N.N., N.N., N.N.”—and mentions the local
archbishop and another two bishops. Thus, he does not
make any distinction between the local bishop and other
bishops. I wish to know whether there is a directive about
this matter.—P.G., Qormi, Malta
A: An article on precisely this theme was published in
Notitiae, the official organ of the Congregation for Divine
Worship and the Sacraments. The title of the Italian-
language article, written by Ivan Grigis, is translated as
“Regarding the Mention of the Bishop in the Eucharistic
Prayer” (Notitiae 45 (2009) 308-320). Although it is a study
and not an official decree, the work gathers all the relevant
official documentation on the subject.
The article begins from an observation of a subtle change
in the rubrics in the 2008 reprinting of the official 2002
Latin Missal. In the new version, No. 149 of the General
Introduction to the Roman Missal (GIRM) is modified so
that a bishop celebrating outside of his own diocese should
first mention the diocesan bishop and then refer to himself
as “your unworthy servant.” Formerly, he had first referred
to himself and then the local bishop.
The author adduces that this apparently minor change
is actually based on an ecclesiological principle insofar
as, after the pope, ecclesial communion is established
through the diocesan bishop who as shepherd of that
portion of God’s people convokes them to the Eucharist.
Therefore, whosoever legitimately presides at the Eucharist
always does so in the name of the local shepherd and in
communion with him.
Another change in the reprinted missal is the footnote
at the corresponding part of each Eucharistic Prayer
explaining the optional mention of other bishops. The 2002
footnote says that the coadjutor auxiliary or another bishop
can be mentioned as described in GIRM No. 149. The 2008
version eliminates the clause “or another bishop.” This is
consistent with GIRM No. 149, which only foresees the
mention of the coadjutor or auxiliary and excludes that of
other bishops, even if present at the assembly.
In order to summarize the various rules, we can say the
following: The diocesan bishop or his equivalent must
always be mentioned by name in every celebration.
If there is just one coadjutor or auxiliary, he may be
mentioned by name if the celebrant wishes.
If there is more than one auxiliary, they may be mentioned
collectively, that is, “N., our bishop and his assistant
bishops.” They are not named separately.
Since only those bishops who actually possess pastoral
authority in the diocese are named, it follows that no other
bishops are mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer even if they
happen to be present and are presiding at the celebration.
In this latter case, the presiding bishop refers to himself
in the first Eucharistic Prayer and the other prayers if
celebrating alone. Concelebrating priests however, do not
mention this bishop’s name in the corresponding part of
the other Eucharistic Prayers.
In such cases, a petition for the presiding bishop should
be included in the prayer of the faithful.
Apart from the aforementioned article, we could mention
a couple of special cases. Priests celebrating in Rome can
say simply, “N., our Pope,” and omit any reference to the
diocesan bishop. Some say “N., our Pope and Bishop,” but
this is not strictly necessary, since being Pope and being
Bishop of Rome are one and the same.
During a time of vacancy of the episcopal see, the clause
“N., our Bishop” is simply omitted. The same criterion
is observed for the mention of the pope during a sede
vacante. The name of a temporary diocesan administrator
is not mentioned.
Message / B1
difficulties that beset us. In some ways, there seems to be differences
in understanding of our value, presence, role and potential as young
people both by the church and by ourselves. Many among us find
it difficult to identify ourselves with Christian beliefs and practices
even if we were baptized Christians at an early age. Worse, some
of us live in circumstances with little or no freedom in religious
expression.
We are also burdened by the extremely uneven distribution of
wealth in our countries, which results in the inequity in economic and
educational opportunities. We too are being negatively influenced
by the mass media and new media which in many ways lead us to
the loss of self-identity with their emphasis on consumerism and
secularism.
We are YAsians! Being nourished by the Word and the power
in us, young people—that power to dream, to influence, to make a
difference and to change the world. This is indeed our new season
of grace!
Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those
who were sitting there; he then did the same with the fish, distributing
as much as they wanted. (John 6:11)
We are the fish. We are the loaves—taken, blessed, broken and
shared. We are YAsian! And so are you.
(Note: This statement was read at the closing Eucharistic celebration of
5th Asian Youth Day, November 27, 2009)
Asian / B1
burdened by the extremely uneven distribution of wealth in our
countries, which results in the inequity in economic and educational
opportunities,” they said.
“We too are being negatively influenced by the mass media and new
media which in many ways lead us to the loss of self-identity with
their emphasis on consumerism and secularism,” they added.
The challenges, the participants said, emphasized the need for
them to be more involved in their parishes and their church.
“We are YAsians! Being nourished by the Word and the Eucharist,
we dare to face and overcome these challenges,” according to the
statement.
“We commit ourselves to renew, strengthen and practice our
Christian faith in word and deed, prayer and service, even if others
may judge and think of us differently.”
“With our Church, starting from our families, parishes and
local Christian communities, we shall build bridges of peace,
understanding and love. We confess our limitations and we beg our
elders for support. We appeal to our Church to enable us to live our
faith,” it also said. (Roy Lagarde)
Updates
The duty to observe the
authentic Magisterium
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
Introduction
Time and again, I have been approached
by concerned Catholic parents regarding
the religious education of their children in
Catholic schools and universities. Especially
notorious were the cases of a number of
theology professors in a Catholic University
in Manila who openly declared that they
were atheists, and of those professors in
another Catholic University in Quezon
City who were in open support of the
Reproductive Rights Bill, which had been
publicly denounced by the Catholic Bishops
of the Philippines as patently opposed to the
teachings of the Church on sexual morality.
In both cases, the university authorities
declared that the university had to respect
the academic freedom of the professors. The
question is: Doesn’t Canon Law provide for
the protection of the integrity of Catholic
Doctrine, as taught in officially Catholic
educational institutions?
Canon Law indeed has enough provisions
to protect the integrity of Catholic doctrine
and identity of officially Catholic educational
institutions. Among other means, anybody
who teaches theology at the tertiary level is
obligated by Canon Law to make a Profession
of Faith and to take an Oath of Fidelity to
teach in the name of the Church.
Three Categories of Truths
On 9.1.1989, the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith published new formulas
for the Professio Fidei et Iusiurandum
fidelitatis in suscipiendo officio nomine
Ecclesiae exercendo (AAS 81[1989], 104 106),
to replace the previous formula of 1967.
These formulas were approved by the Roman
Pontiff in a special Rescript dated, 19.IX.1989
(in AAS 81 [1989], 1169). An attentive reading
of the pertinent paragraphs of the Profession
Fidei shows that there are three categories
of truths, enunciated as follows:
1st Category: “[E]verything contained in
the Word of God, whether written or handed
down in Tradition, which the Church either
by a solemn judgment or by the ordinary
and universal Magisterium sets forth to be
believed as divinely revealed.” These are
truths found immediately in Revelation,
which the Church vouches for as contained
in Revelation. These are supposed to be held
“with firm faith”, because their certainty has a
twofold basis: the authority of God Revealing
(fides divina) and the infallible teaching
authority of the Church (fides catholica).
These are commonly referred to in Dogmatic
Theology as De fide Divina et Catholica or
simply dogmas. Examples of these truths
are (1) the Three Persons in One God, (2)
the two natures in the one Person of Jesus
Christ, (3) the Immaculate Conception, (4)
the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
in body and soul to Heaven.
2nd Category: “[E]verything definitively
proposed by the Church regarding teaching
on faith and morals.” These constitute what
Dogmatic Theology has always referred
to as Catholic truths or Church doctrines,
which are to be accepted with a faith based
on the sole authority of the Church (fides
ecclesiastica). Even if the Profession fidei did
not expressly state it, these are as infallibly
certain as dogmas proper.
3rd Category: “[T]he teachings which
either the Roman Pontiff or the College of
Bishops enunciate when they exercise their
authentic Magisterium, even if they do not
intend to proclaim these teachings by a
definitive act.” These are the teachings for
which the CIC stipulates “A religious respect
of intellect and will, even if not the assent of
faith” (c.752).
Source of Confusion
While the 1st and 3rd Categories of truth
had their corresponding provisions in the
Code of Canon Law, there was no expressed
provision for the 2nd Category. Thus, cc.750
& 752 described the 1st and 3rd Categories
respectively, and c.1371 provided for the
penal sanction for their violation. This has
given rise to not a few cases of open dissent,
perhaps emboldened by a seeming lacuna in
Canon Law, especially as regards the penal
provisions.
A more attentive reading of the Profession
fidei, however, coupled with a solid
grounding in Dogmatic Theology, shows
that there was really no lacuna. As Ott would
affirm, the 2nd Category are “as infallibly
certain as dogmas proper”—i.e., the norm for
the 1st Category should hole also for the 2nd.
Hence, when the CIC expressly provided for
the 1st and 3rd Categories, it tacitly provided
also for the 2nd Category of truths.
Nevertheless, since abuses have arisen,
and such may be legally defended against
sanction with the principle of “nulla poena
sine lege”, the Supreme Church Authority
came up with new legislation in 1998 to fill
up that seeming lacuna, in the following
way: c.750 of the Code of Canon Law will
now consist of two paragraphs; the first will
present the text of the existing canon; the
second will contain a new text. Thus c.750,
in its complete form, will read:
Canon 750 − §1. Those things are to be
believed by divine and catholic faith which
are contained in the word of God as it has
been written or handed down by tradition,
that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted
to the Church, and which are at the same
time proposed as divinely revealed either
by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or
by its ordinary and universal Magisterium,
which in fact is manifested by the common
adherence of Christ’s faithful under the
guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All
are therefore bound to avoid any contrary
doctrines.
§2. Furthermore, each and everything
set forth definitively by the Magisterium
of the Church regarding teaching on faith
and morals must be firmly accepted and
held, namely those things required for the
holy keeping and faithful exposition of
the deposit of faith; therefore, anyone who
rejects propositions which are to be held
definitively sets himself against the teaching
of the Catholic Church.
Canon 1371, n.1 of the Code of Canon Law,
consequently, will receive an appropriate
reference to c.750, §2, so that it will now read:
Canon 1371 ─ The following are to be
punished with a just penalty:
1° a person who, apart from the case
mentioned in c.1364, §1, teaches a doctrine
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
www.i1.trekearth.com/photos
condemned by the Roman Pontiff, or by an
Ecumenical Council, or obstinately rejects the
teachings mentioned in c.750, §2 or in c.752
and, when warned by the Apostolic See or
by the Ordinary, does not retract;
2° a person who in any other way does
not obey the lawful command or prohibition
of the Apostolic See or the Ordinary or
Superior and, after being warned, persists
in disobedience.
Ordinary and Universal Magisterium
It is fitting to note also that almost all
infallible teachings in the field of morality
are contained not in solemn definitions (so
called definitive acts or definitively proposed
in the language of the Profession fidei and
in the CIC), but precisely in the teachings
of the ordinary and universal Magisterium.
This has led some to think that there are no
infallible teachings in the field of morality,
inasmuch as, in fact, there are no texts in
which such infallibility is explicitly claimed.
This assertion fails to recognize, however,
that the ordinary and universal Magisterium,
which by nature does not adopt such solemn
expressions, is precisely the normal way
in which the infallibility of the Church is
exercised.
As Pope John Paul II affirms, “The
Magisterium (...) includes the charism of
infallibility, which is present not only in
the solemn definitions of the Roman Pontiff
and the Ecumenical Councils, but also in the
ordinary and universal Magisterium, which
can be considered the usual expression of the
infallibility of the Church.”
Practically all concrete and absolute moral
norms that are under debate today (e.g.,
abortion, contraception, homosexual acts,
premarital relations, euthanasia, divorce,
masturbation), have been taught by the
ordinary and universal Magisterium and are
hence infallible.
Reach of “religious respect (obsequium) of
intellect and will”
A final observation regarding the so-called
religious submission of the intellect and will.
This means more than the usual obedience
required for the legitimate command of
the hierarchical authority of the Church.
Specifically, it means:
1) The ordinary response will be a sincere
adherence not only of the will but also of the
intelligence. In an exceptional case, a teaching
might not be intellectually convincing. Then
the first duty is to doubt oneself, giving
credibility to the Magisterium. This does not
mean that one must stop working on research
and presenting the authorities—in a private
way—one’s own reasons and the possible
formulations that one might suggest as being
better suited for expressing the truth.
2) In any case, religious submission implies
the obligation to avoid every dissent; the only
thing admissible is to suspend or withhold
assent. If dissent is made publicly and
obstinately, opportune sanctions would be
in order (c.1371).
i Ref. Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, Tan
Books and Publishers Inc., Illinois (1960), p.9.
ii Address of 15.X.1988. In Ramon Garcia de Haro, Mar-
riage and Family in the Documents of the Magisterium,
Ignatius Press, San Francisco (1993), p.49.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
CBCP review of 2006-2009
By Archbishop Angel N.
Lagdameo
AS the outgoing CBCP
Permanent Council welcomes
the incoming Permanent Council,
I wish to express my profound
gratitude to the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) for entrusting to me the
presidency of our conference
for two consecutive terms from
2006 to 2009.
The effective management of
any institution depends largely
on the day to day working of
its Secretariat and subordinate
personnel. We have such in the
CBCP, working along with 26
independent and interdependent
Episcopal Commissions
concretizing the CBCP Vision
and Mission.
The objectives of the CBCP
include among others the
formulation of general decrees,
pastoral policies and doctrinal
declarations to enlighten and
guide people’s consciences in
meeting emerging challenges
and new problems arising
from changes in society (Cf.
Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 2).
Let me review what the CBCP
had articulated in our effort to
shepherd and guide our country
in the last four years through our
Pastoral Letters, Statements and
Exhortations.
2006. The CBCP declared the
year 2006 as a “Year of Social
Concerns” under the auspices
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
[cf. “Renewing our Public
Life Through Moral Values”
Pastoral Statement, January
29, 2006].
At that time we observed
that economic benefits were not
being sufficiently shared with the
poor, that apathy and cynicism
in politics, and loss of trust in
political leaders, have taken
hold of the mind and hearts of
many Filipinos. The root cause
of this crisis, we said, is the
erosion of moral values. Among
the responses we proposed was
the promotion of a spirituality
of public service, integrity and
stewardship. But we believed
that even our best efforts in
addressing the problems will
come to nothing without the help
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
(2006 was the 150th Anniversary
of the Feast of Sacred Heart
instituted in 1856.)
Other social concerns we
identified were the mining issues,
the alleged “Peoples’ Initiatives”
to change the Constitution (which
did not push through because of
the vigilance of the citizens), the
controversial “Da Vinci Code,”
the notorious Fertilizer Fund Scam
and the spread of Small Town
Lottery or STL. Two breakfast
fellowships with Christian Church
Leaders and some government
officials were held to share our
common concerns.
The commitment of the Church
would consist in building in
our land “a civilization of love”
(Centessimus Annus, 10), by
building character through honesty
and integrity, by building capacity
through empowerment of the
poor, and by building community
through formation in the spirituality
of citizenship. [Pastoral Exhortation
“Building a Civilization of Love”
May 11, 2006].
The Year of Social Concerns
gave emphasis on the importance
of the Social Doctrine of the
Church as integral part of
our evangelizing ministry, as
emphasized in Pope Benedict
XVI’s first Encyclical “Deus
Caritas Est.
The burning issues which were
being discussed were: the family
under siege by the reproductive
health bills, the prospect of
charter change, the controversial
impeachment process, which
did not occur, the clamor for the
reform of COMELEC, advocacy
contra extra-judicial killings and
endemic corruption in public
and private life. [Shepherding
and Prophesying in Hope, July
9, 2006]
2007. In January 2007 the CBCP
recalled the 40th anniversary of
the Rural Congress of 1967 which
came to the crucial conclusion
that “The Church must go to the
barrios.” The greater number of
the poor are in the rural areas.
Therefore, attending to the rural
poverty would be to help lessen
the urban poverty. The CBCP
said that the one big means
of alleviating rural poverty is
through a determined, vigorous
and honest implementation of the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP). [Pastoral
Statement: The Dignity of the
Rural Poor, January 28, 2007].
In 2007 the CBCP also
commended the group of lay
faithful who worked with great
enthusiasm and dedication
Features
for the May 2007 elections.
These lay groups were the PPC-
RV, NAMFREL, NASSA-VOTE
CARE, Simbahang Lingkod
ng Bayan, the Catholic Media
Network, Legal Network for a
Truthful Election (Lente). These
dedicated groups undoubtedly
contributed to the emergence
of a new political consciousness
among the electorate. Vigilance,
volunteerism and coordinated
TOP: Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, speaking in a joint media forum
of CBCPNews and CMN on the issue of corruption in government.
ON BACKGROUND: At a protest rally in Luneta. BELOW: At a press
conference with Bishop Broderick Pabillo (left) and Archbishop Antonio
Ledesma (right) during the 2nd National Rural Congress.
B3
© Dennis Dayao / CBCP Media
action characterized their work. Statement, on the 2007 National sector will not only threaten
We advocated for Electoral Elections, July 8.] the farmers but also imperil
Reforms through revamp of the The CBCP endorsed a one food security itself. Conversely,
COMELEC, the holding of those year journey “Towards the distributing land to small farmers
responsible for anomalies in past Second National Rural Congress” will provide equitable economic
elections as accountable to the (July 16, 2007). In this year we opportunities on the rural area and
people, and the modernization commemorated the centenary eventually reduce poverty and
of the electoral system in time of the Episcopal Consecration unrests.” (Agrarian Reform, May
for 2010 Election, continuing of Bishop Jorge Barlin (1906), 18, 2008). Important highlights of
education of voters, the cleaning expressed concern on the nation’s 2008 were the launching of the
and publication of voters’ list housing problems and on the Year of St. Paul and the holding
long before election. [Pastoral Human Security Act vis-à-vis of the Second National Rural
terrorism. Congress on July 7-8, 2008 in San
Carlos Seminary, Makati.
2008. In 2008 the CBCP stated A special plenary assembly
that the “darkness in our situation” was held on November 14, 2008
which consists in the subordination in order to articulate the CBCP
of the common good to private or opposition to the Reproductive
personal good is due to the lack Health Bill 5043. (Pastoral
of a social conscience. The CBCP Statement “Standing Up for the
said: “To journey to the light, Gospel of Life”)
we need first to realize that we In 2008, there were series of
have contributed not a little to Bishops–Legislators’ caucuses on
the common malaise – because Rural Concerns and on Family
of the decisions we have made, and Life Issues held. There
decisions that flowed from what was also held a seminar on the
we have become because of our Theology of Pope Benedict XVI.
unconcern, inaction, apathy, often
thinking only of our interest. And 2009. At the NRC-II the rural
so with little sense of the future of poor were given the opportunity
our country, we vote for people to articulate their concerns. It was
we should not vote for... We an opportunity for the church on
have to confess that corruption is various levels to listen and discern
in truth our greatest shame as a her specific role in accompanying
people.” (Pastoral Letter “Reform the rural folk in their journey; the
Yourselves and believe in the small farmers, landless workers,
Gospel” (Jan. 27, 2008) fisherfolks, indigenous people, rural
There is need for personal and women and rural youth. (Pastoral
communal conversion towards Exhortation: God Hears the Cry of
a social conscience. “This the Poor, January 25, 2009).
conversion is for all of us: laity, At the Rural Congress we
religious, priests and bishops.” declared that in the fight against
We reiterated the call for “circles graft and corruption, we should
of discernment” in all sectors encourage our lay faithful to
or levels of the community, in accompany and support upright
order that through communal public officials in their efforts to
and prayerful discernment, serve the people in transparency
the roots of corruption may and truth. We further declared
be discovered and destroyed. that “we shall direct church
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
[Pastoral Statement, Seeking institutions and organizations
the Truth, Restoring Integrity, to be more engaged in works of
February 26, 2008]. solidarity, justice and charity for
As part of the celebration of the poor in rural areas.” Scripture
the NRC-II, we advocated the warns us: “He who shuts his ear
extension of CARP with reform. to the cry of the poor will himself
“Abandoning the agricultural also call and not be heard.” (Prov.
21/13)
In June of this year 2009, we
declared the post-Pauline year
as the Year of the Two Hearts
of Jesus and Mary for Peace-
building and Lay Participation
in Social Change, inspired by
St. Paul’s reflection on “Christ
as ambassador of Peace and
Reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5/18-20;
Eph. 2/12-18). In this year of the
Two Hearts “We challenge our
Catholic Laity to take the lead
in the task of moral renewal
towards a deeper and more
lasting change in the Philippine
society … urging (them) to give a
concrete expression to Christian
discipleship through responsible
citizenship.”
What a providential
coi n ci de n ce , t h e Y e a r of
Two Hearts which the CBCP
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
announced for the Philippines
has also been declared by Pope
Benedict XVI for the Universal
Church as “Year for Priests”
with the theme “Faithfulness of
Christ, Faithfulness of the Priest,”
CBCP Review / B7
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009

Martial law in Maguindanao:

A pastoral perspective
By Archbishop Orlando B.
Quevedo, O.M.I.
“BISHOP, what is the Church’s
position on Martial Law in
Maguindanao?” Muslims and
Christians have asked me this
question. I have reflected on
the question in the light of the
situation in Maguindanao and
of the social teachings of the
Church. It is difficult to provide
an indisputable answer. I can
only provide some prudential
pastoral guidelines for our
faithful to consider.
The situation of injustice and
unpeace in Maguindanao is very
complex. One has to consider
the incredible proliferation
of firearms, legal and illegal,
throughout the province—
and these not only in the
hands of so-called warlords,
CVO’s and police. Liquidations
by motorcycle-riding men,
kidnapping by armed groups,
despite deterrence provided
by the army’s Operation Tugis,
still occasionally take place.
Rido between some MILF
commanders and the Ampatuan
clan has been going on since
Datu Saudi Ampatuan, the
young enlightened mayor of
Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI Datu Piang, was killed some
years ago. This cycle of violence
has affected the peace process
in that area and its surrounding
municipalities. Guns seem to be
everywhere. The functioning of
courts of justice and of election
bodies have been highly suspect
for a long time partly due to
the political allegiances of
court officers. Competence,
transparency, and accountability
in political governance in many
places have to be significantly
improved. In Maguindanao,
family name and relationships
is most important.
The aftermath of November
23, 2009, that day of infamy,
shows how slow government
reaction can be, given all the
above circumstances. Media
and politicians from far away
Manila do not seem to be
familiar with these social,
political, and cultural situation
in Maguindanao. They seem
to think that the police and
the military can easily go into
an area and just arrest the
suspected culprits. Even a
“state of emergency” did not
seem adequate to cope with the
situation.
Thus, a declaration of martial
law. What do I think about it?
Having reflected on the social,
political, and cultural situation
I have described above in the
light of the social teachings of
the Church I offer the following
prudential guidelines for our
faithful in the Archdiocese of
Cotabato:
1. Martial Law is a last
resort. I am not a lawyer and
a constitutionalist. I shall leave
the legal and constitutional
debate to them. I do not know
if all other recourse to resolve
the above situation, particularly
the appalling and most dreadful
crime of November 23 that
cries out to heaven, would be
adequate. The complexity and
the abnormality of the situation
and the need for swift justice for
57 brutally massacred innocent
civilians would dictate an
extraordinary measure. Since
Martial Law has been declared.
Let it be. I let the lawyers debate
it. I pray that Martial Law resolve
the abnormal situation and deal
swift justice for the victims.
2. Martial Law is double
edged. Military rule is out of the
ordinary. The use of weapons to
impose that rule is very risky
for human rights. We know that
even the suspects in the massacre
have human rights. Therefore,
even as justice for the victims is
to be pursued, it should not be
by doing injustice to the accused.
A wrong cannot be made right
by another wrong. Justice is to
be pursued in a just way.
3. Martial Law, as a last
resort, may be necessary only
for the decisive resolution of the
problems in Maguindanao I have
described. Once it is no longer
necessary, it must immediately
cease. The shorter the time, the
better. This is because of the
double-edge nature of Martial
Law. The longer it is exercised,
the more likely it would be for
human rights to be violated
and for weapons to be used
for evil.
We continue to pray for the
victims and their families, some
of whom are our own friends. We
pray for the quick apprehension
and fair trial of all suspects. We
pray for the disbanding of all
armed groups, the confiscation
of all illegal arms, the reform and
restructuring of electoral, peace
and security agencies. We pray
for the arrest and prosecution
of kidnapping and liquidating
bandit groups. We pray for the
return of functioning governing
municipal and regional agencies
not beholden to any political
name. We pray for all the people
of Maguindanao, Christian,
Muslims, Lumads, Buddhists,
Confucianists, etc. that all may
live in peace together as brothers
and sisters, with leaders that
are, in a very true sense, public
servants.

Filipinos in Berlin unite in their faith and traditions

By Fr. Edwin Corros, CS
COLORFUL posters of varied activities
depicting an assortment of cultural and
religious programs dominate the walls
of the office of the Filipino chaplain in
Berlin. The posters were personally
conceptualized by Fr. Adonis Narcelles,
SVD who has been serving the Filipino
community of migrants in this famous
German city for at least five years now.
Along those posters were paintings of
different Filipino artists who had lived
and passed by Germany; a testimony
to the strong and vibrant presence of
Filipino culture in the country. This is
how Filipino culture was brought and
nourished in this city where local arts
and culture are well expressed in their
buildings, streets and houses. Thanks to
the leadership of the Filipino chaplain,
whose work is not only to look after
the spiritual and religious needs of the
Filipino migrants, but also helps them
get assimilated into their host country
without sacrificing the loss of their
Filipino identity. This is due perhaps to
the fact that once upon a time, Filipino
national hero Dr. Jose Rizal used to
inhabit the city.
There are approximately 2,000 Filipino
migrants residing in Berlin according to
Fr. Adonis. Their number may not be
that significant compared to other cities
in Europe, but the Filipinos in Berlin
are lucky to enjoy also the presence
of the Philippine Embassy albeit not
necessarily its services. In this city,
the Filipinos are found working in
diverse jobs. Among them are in the
embassies and consulates where most
Filipino drivers had carved their distinct
professional mark among the foreign
diplomatic communities. Asked why
the Filipino drivers are famous among
foreign diplomats? It was not only the
skills of the drivers that earned them
the jobs, but the trust and efficiency that
the Filipino drivers had demonstrated
towards their work. A not so minuscule
example of such character could be
found on how much these drivers take
care of the vehicles entrusted to them.
They do not only keep the diplomat’s
vehicle clean or literally spotless, they
take care of them as they would their
own cars. They could be likened to
the Filipinas in Italy to whom Italian
employers entrust their house’s keys.
The Italians believe that when they come
home, the house is clean and nothing is
missing in the house.
Besides having memorized the
streets and mastered the highways
of Germany, Filipinos also sung well
in cultural centers of Berlin. They are
mostly known in singing operas on
stage. Unfortunately, the Filipino media
are not that familiar perhaps of their
lot, but definitely Berlin has already
been conquered by these Filipino artists
besides New York and London. The
media lapse could be possibly attributed
to the language barrier. Not many
Filipino media people have facility in
another foreign language other than
English which perhaps could be their
most convenient vehicle to international
reportage. Hence, the Filipino artists in
Germany are not that well known in the in the same airline that I took, a group their families overseas is an infrequent especially in the event that their marital
Philippines. Moreover, some Filipino of well wishers were there to provide occasion and I have to be sharp in relationship breaks down in the future.
painters have also made Berlin as their comfort and moral support. These remembering the significant and The attempt to invite such speaker is
home. people had been part of their circle of wonderful experiences that I have laudable as it prevents people from
In the past, the Filipinos in Germany friends, but now are forced to go back. gained. It is very important to appreciate experiencing abuse. Unfortunately in
had been famously identified working Their only mistake was they were caught the varied and distinct characteristics normal circumstance, people prefer to
in the health sector. Along with nurses working without proper documents. of the Filipino migrants in Berlin stay away and just seek help when such
from Korea and Taiwan, Filipinos went Such a dramatic scene at the departure from those in other countries. The unfortunate event happened to them
to Germany at the beginning of the area of Berlin-Tegel International capacity of the chaplain to unite the later. This was echoed by some Filipinas
seventies when the country was in need Airport has made me imagine how their many Filipino organizations in the married to the Germans who had gotten
of nurses and medical technologists. families in the Philippines would now city is an outstanding character of the the same impression while attending the
They had married and maintain their face the immediate cut to their daily chaplaincy’s work among the migrants. forum. “And they will just run to Father
families too in Germany. Their children expenses as the regular remittance will The chaplaincy has also expressed great Adonis when such thing happen later,”
are equally successful in their chosen no longer be coming. I was hoping their concern on the plight of undocumented another lady commented.
professional careers. Some had become loved ones had invested properly the Filipinos. Furthermore, it has raised Generally, ECMI’s visit to the Filipino
lawyers or bankers; while others are in fruits of their labor while working in grave concern on some unexpected community in Berlin was very positive.
universities and in business. Many of Germany, so that their life would not tragic situations involving Filipinos. It has allowed the commission to
them are still well rooted in the language become miserable. Such as the case of a German who had implement the norms and directives
and culture of their parents albeit In such a very short visit, I have committed suicide after having gravely from the Apostolic See. Coordination
not necessarily speaking assaulted two Filipinas. with the receiving and sending Churches
the Tagalog language. The first Filipina whose was achieved even if it did not give
They too have been well eyes were plucked and ECMI the opportunity to meet any local
accompanied by their will remain blind was Church official and solicit certain opinion
parents and always loved reported to be his second regarding the presence of the Filipinos in
to go back to the Philippines wife. The second Filipina his diocese. What was important however
for the holidays. They are he attempted to kill by was for the chaplaincy to be allowed to
lucky to live in two or driving through her flower operate according to the directives of the
three different cultures. shop, and was still in a Church to which the German Church
At one point Filipino, at critical condition when has been very supportive. Moreover
another time German, the sad news came out on the visit has allowed ECMI to touch base
and thirdly Filipino- the local media was his with the chaplaincy and experience the
German, whichever is first wife with whom he actual situation of the Filipino migrants
most convenient. It can be a was divorced. The reason in Berlin whose reality is distinct from
disadvantage sometimes. for both attacking them the other migrant Filipinos also present
The Filipinos married to violently was not clearly in Europe.
the locals are equally big given. Such horrible The Society of the Divine Savior (SVD)
in number. They came in news has left the Filipino has been very supportive and active in
the late eighties and early community in shock the migrant ministry and the positive
nineties. They are well The author giving a talk to the Love Flock Community in Berlin. especially among those fruits of their mission were astonishing
adjusted too to the local married to the Germans. in the kind of migrant communities
customs and traditions One of them confided to that the missionaries had accompanied
and many speak the me that she was not able in various cities where many Filipino
German language albeit to sleep the whole night migrants are present. The work of the
not necessarily fluent. when such news was SVDs among the migrants is not only
They are very active in heard and seen on TV. It limited to the Filipinos. I have witnessed
church life and some are was big news in Germany, this in Portugal where I have also visited
successful in bringing their but may not have reached the Filipino community in Lisbon. In the
husband to the Catholic the Philippines shores. case of Berlin, the chaplain has employed
faith. Many times they have The most privileged part a lot of Filipino cultural activities based
become more missionaries of my visit was to celebrate on the country’s traditions to keep the
than some of the priests mass for the Filipinos community actively participate – an
that I have come to know, on a Sunday. The mass approach that will surely keep them
for they employ a lot of was attended not only by together more than just staging a social
influence on the life of Filipinos but by Western group. The Filipino community in Berlin
their German husband people as well. It was a is a showcase of how effectively migrants
and especially on their clear observation that the could contribute to society when well
children. They may share whole Sunday afternoon of facilitated by a chaplain who has
different interests, but Fr. Edwin Corros (center) with Fr. Adonis (2nd from left) and Mass servers the chaplaincy was hectic, successfully united the usually difficult
their German husband before celebrating the Mass with the Filipino community. notwithstanding the damp Filipinos to gather together. The varied
apparently shows a lot of and cold weather. Several organizations and associations take turns
respect concerning the faith groups were taking time in the animation of the various works and
needs of their Filipina wife. learned so many things about the meeting their own members and ministries during Church’s celebrations.
Another emerging group of Filipinos Filipino migrants in Berlin. The chaplain constituents before and after the mass. The community of Filipinos in Berlin
in Berlin are those who had arrived in an has developed a lot of interesting Early that afternoon I was invited by simply reveals the result of the passion,
irregular manner. They came as tourists activities for the Filipino, but what is the chaplain to deliver a reflection to the hard work and sincere dedication of Fr.
and later on had overstayed their visa. most successful was his capacity to Love Flock Community who gathered Adonis Narcelles in his ministry. His
They work in odd jobs without real bring other migrants to the Filipino regularly at one room of the SVD witnessing as messenger of the Divine
protection. They could get dishwashing mass celebrated in English. He has Building. After the mass, a forum was Word is indeed translated in his work
jobs or work as servers or cleaners in the also assisted me to visit some Filipino held in its meeting hall. Facilitated by among the Filipino migrants in Berlin.
restaurants, but most of them work in the families. This is very important as such the chaplaincy, foreigners married to the
households—employment preferably occasions had provided me to share Germans were given the opportunity to (This article was written after the brief visit
chosen to inhibit themselves from the more intimately with our Filipino listen to important issues which deals on of Fr. Edwin D. Corros, CS, the executive
public’s eyes. Some were accidentally migrants the concern of the Church in marital relationship. A Filipina German secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the
apprehended in the streets and were the Philippines for their kind. Every lawyer for a family court was invited to Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People
eventually deported. Their situation has encounter with the Filipino migrants talk about marital rights. Unfortunately, (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops Conference
become the concern of the chaplain as was a chance to make them feel the typical of most migrants, most Filipino of the Philippines (CBCP), to the Filipino
well, but the Filipino community had concern of the Church for them. It was parishioners did not take advantage Chaplaincy in Berlin last November 18-24,
been more sympathetic to their plight. an occasion to explain what ECMI has of this important forum where the 2009. For more information about the Filipino
At the airport where some of them been doing back in the Philippines. invited speaker could enlighten them Chaplaincy in Berlin, please contact Fr. Adonis
happened to be flying back to Manila The exposure to the migrants and of their spousal rights in Germany, Narcelles, SVD at frdonsvd@yahoo.de.)
 Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
B5

Urgent call for speedy

THE Maguindanao massacre, perhaps one of the
most gruesome incidents in the history of violence
in our country, and the controversial imposition
of martial law, though presently localized, have

dispensation of justice
aroused the attention and concern among the
Filipino people as a nation, and of the world.
Though the Supreme Court has still to rule on
the factual bases of the declaration of martial
law, and Congress has still to decide in joint
session whether to stop or extend its imposition,
our urgent call is for the speedy dispensation
of justice to the victims of the mass murder, for
the granting of due process to the accused as
warranted by the present situation and for the
protection of human rights.
We are supposed to be guided by the rule of law enshrined in
our Constitution and legislations and not by the rule of men who
imposed their will on the weak and powerless with utter disregarded
of honesty and fair play. The exercise of civil power should be geared
towards the promotion of the common good.
Biases for and against the administration can befuddle the issue.
We appeal for sobriety not to let wild speculations and conjectures
fly and at the same time we call for restraint on the part of the
administrators of martial law so as not to give people the reason
to suspect any hidden agenda behind the exercise. Abuse of power
should be avoided and martial law should not be unnecessarily
prolonged.
While the administration has to give justification on the propriety
of their action to Congress within 48 hours and to the Supreme Court
on the legality of the imposition, we the concerned people hope
and pray that the Prince of Peace in the atmosphere of Christmas
would heal our troubled land wounded by fraternal strife, restore
understanding and guarantee an honest election reflective of the
will of the people.
We stand by the position taken by the Archdiocese of Cotabato
within whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction the tragedy occurred and
martial law imposed.

+NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD
www.bayan.ph Bishop of Tandag
CBCP President
December 08, 2009

A crime that cries out to heaven Celebrate, promote, and

TO all People of Good Will:
Last Monday, 23 November
2009, the shocking news of
a horrifying massacre began
circulating through radio,
text messages, and word of
mouth. Twenty four hours
later, there were sti ll n o
complete and accurate reports
on what really happened
along the highway between
Shariff Aguak and Kauran,
Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The
number of people massacred
continues to rise even now,
family-members, friends, legal
advocates, journalists, and
civilians who found themselves
in the wrong place at the wrong
time.
From the beginning there
was no doubt that we were
hearing or reading of a tragedy
unprecedented in the history
of the once empire province
of Cotabato, unprecedented
in its ferocity, brutality and
brazenness.
People cry out to God and to
one another, “How could this
thing happen?” And as more and
more bodies were unearthed
from that now infamous “killing
field,” the wailing and grieving
of hundreds of families related
to the victims as brothers,
sisters, mothers, fathers,
cousins, nephews and nieces, in
laws or friends are turning into
righteous rage and the natural
desire for vendetta. For the sake
of humanity we must not give in
to this desire to seek vengeance
that can so easily spiral into a
cycle of violence.
From the depths of my soul
as a religious leader, I condemn
in the strongest possible way
this barbaric act of massacre as
a conscience-less crime that cries
out to heaven.
As a citizen I demand that
the government, without fear
or favor, use all its powers and
decisively act to identify and
arrest the perpetrators and
apply the full force of the law
on them.
As a believer in the God of all,
I pray for the souls of the victims
and ask the Lord to console,
comfort, and give strength to
their families. I grieve with
them and express my deepest
sympathies.
Many politicians and non-
politicians have quickly blamed
others for this shocking tragedy.
This is only partly right and
conveniently absolves us from
any culpability. My sense of
history leads me to believe that
somehow we all share the blame
to a certain extent. A culture of
impunity has, indeed, grown
through the years. Political
administrations and officials
from all parties from the 1960s
to the present have cultivated
and exploited to their own
advantage a social structure of
traditional leadership that was
meant to be for the good of the
people. This was so with powerful
political families in other parts
of the country. We have not
tried to change this culture of
political convenience and thus
allowed a culture of impunity
to endure through successive
administrations. Elections have
not and will not change this
situation. We simply get more
of the same.
We need to change from the
bottom-up, from individuals
to families, from families to
communities. We need to change
our values that tolerate evil or
choose the lesser evil. We need
to learn new values that will
transform our cultures from
within. For Muslims the Koran,
faithfully and correctly followed,
will be a guide. For Christians,
the Holy Bible, also faithfully
and correctly interpreted, will
provide direction for value
transformation.
Beloved People of Good Will,
yes, indeed, we must condemn.
We must demand decisive action
for justice. We must pray. But we
also must begin to change. With
the grace of God, we can.
+ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO,
O.M.I.
Archbishop of Cotabato
November 26, 2009
defend human rights
A Pastoral Letter of the Isabela Ecumenical
Confence (IEC) To the People of God in
Isabela and All provinces
THE Isabela Ecumenical Conference (IEC) joins the People of
God in celebrating Human Rights Day. Born of historical struggles
for justice and recognition of the dignity of the human person and
community and the integrity of creation, the peoples of the world
in solidarity have set up Human Rights not only to guide and judge
themselves, but also, and above all, Government in all its forms, in
the duty to promote the progress of the people in economic, political
and cultural areas of social life.
Very good news today is that there is now a Philippine LAW
AGAINST TORTURE. The Isabela Ecumenical Conference joins
the nation in welcoming the signing into law of Republic Act 9745,
penalizing acts of torture in the Philippines. We are happy that the
people has RPA 9745 as another standard, aside from the UN
protocols on human rights and the Convention Against Torture, by
which to judge government performance to promote and defend
human rights. We pray the law will be effectively implemented.
The United Nations’ Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) mandates
its signatories to “take effective legislative, administrative, judicial
or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under
its jurisdiction.”
The law accords with values of the Gospel.
The signing into law of RPA 9745 does not wipe out the dismal
human rights record of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and
that of past dispensations. The many cases of torture, such as that

Press Statement of Butuan Bishop on

of the Manalo brothers and of the Filipino-American activist Melissa
Roxas highlight the government’s deficient and defective political
will in the area of human rights. We remember these and cry out

Maguindanao Massacre
THE Diocese of Butuan greatly laments and
joins the Filipino nation in mourning deeply
and in condemning strongly the bastardly act
and barbaric massacre of 47 innocent people,
their civilian supporters, mostly women,
including lawyers, drivers and national and
local journalists and media practitioners
recently in Ampatuan town province of
Maguindanao. The convoy was COMELEC-
bound to file the Certificate of Candidacy
and for other election related purposes
when ambushed. Whether it was politically
motivated or not, the mass killings remains to
be the sole but biggest heinous crime against life
and an affront to democracy, against peace and
order and a great security threat to Mindanao
and the entire country.
We join with the government authorities and
all civilized and humane societies to uphold the
majesty of the law and justice and the inviolable
respect for human life at all times.
We appeal to the masterminds and the
perpetrators of the crime to surrender
www.bayan.ph
with you: “Never Again!”
We agree with Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo,
principal author of the Anti-Torture Law, that the law is a step
forward. Roneo Clamor, deputy secretary general of human rights
group Karapatan, rightly said the law is long overdue, but still a
welcome development.
The passage of the new law adds joy to our celebration of Human
Rights Day.
Ours too is the commitment of the Church present and vibrant
in various Christian denominations to help local churches,
people’s organizations, non-government organizations, human
rights advocates, and solidarity groups educate our people on
the new law and enhance their organized power to have the law
implemented, human rights violators brought to justice, and victims
justly compensated.
Some of the features of the anti-torture law are:
* Criminalization of all forms of torture — physical, mental,
psychological and pharmacological (the latter is done through
administering drugs);
* Non-justification for torture and other inhuman punishments
* Penalization of torturers as principals, as well as their superiors
in the military, police or law enforcement establishments who ordered
the torture;
* Submission by the military of monthly reports listing all its
detention centers, including safehouses, to the Commission on
Human Rights;
* Prohibition to maintain secret detention centers.
* Imposition on torturers of a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,
and other penalties ranging from a minimum of six months to a

immediately to the government authorities
because crime does not pay and violence only
begets violence and not peace.
We recommend that the full force of the law
and the greatest penalties be meted to those
suspects if found guilty to stop the senseless
killings and violence.
We further recommend that those involved
in the mass killings should be barred from
running to any elective or from holding any
appointive positions in government.
Finally, as Bishop of Butuan, I pray for the
abiding love of God for the full enlightenment
of all brethren in Mindanao as we celebrate the
Mindanao Week of Peace 2009.
May the blessings of the Almighty God be
upon all of us.
www.bayan.ph
maximum of 12 years of imprisonment depending on the gravity
of the offense;
* Provisions for the protection of complainants and witnesses
and persons involved in the prosecution and the establishment of
rehabilitation programs for victims.
It remains for the government to pass the Anti-Enforced
Disappearance Bill House Bill 2263) and the House Bill 3259 or the
Command Responsibility Bill. Command responsibility that holds a
superior responsible for crime/s committed by his/her subordinates
for failing to prevent the said crime/s or punish the perpetrator/s.
For now let us all own and help implement the law against torture
and work for its further improvement for the good of all, specially
the least of our brothers and sisters.
Our pastoral blessing to all.
For the Isabela Ecumenical Conference:
MOST REV. JOSEPH A. NACUA, OFM Cap, D.D. (Diocese of
Ilagan)
RT. REV. ALEXANDER WANDAG (Episcopal Diocese of

+JUAN DE DIOS M. PUEBLOS, D.D. Santiago)

Bishop of Butuan RT. REV. EPHRAIM FAUTAGANA (IFI Diocese of Isabela)
November 24, 2009
 Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009

Fourth Advent: Bursting with excitement

4th Sunday of Advent, Year C (Lk. 1:39-45) December 20, 2009
By Fr. Joseph Pellegrino
ONE of my favorite Dennis the Menace
comics is set at this time a year, a few days
before Christmas. It’s a cold day, and Dennis’s
father is lighting a fire in the fireplace. Dennis
comes running in yelling, “Are you crazy?”
Like so many other children, he was already
looking up the chimney waiting for Santa.
Is there anything more exciting in our
world than children waiting for Santa? Sure
there is: a pregnant woman waiting for her
little love to be born. Today’s Gospel presents
two such women. Mary and Elizabeth are
bursting with anticipation, with expectation.
Mary is a young girl, newly married, with a
baby announced by an angel and conceived
miraculously. Elizabeth is an older woman,
one who thought her chance to have a child
had passed. Her baby, conceived naturally,
was also announced by an angel, the same
angel in fact, Gabriel. The women know
that not just their lives will be changed,
but the world will be changed. They greet
each other, and the baby within Elizabeth,
the future John the Baptist, recognizes
the presence of the Messiah within Mary.
Elizabeth is overwhelmed with excitement
as she realizes that her child would have a
vital role in God’s plan for His people. Both
women proclaim their gratitude to God for
working His wonders within them.
Perhaps, as a final preparation for
Christmas, we can spend a few moments
reflecting on the great Gift God has given
us and focus on the gratitude we owe Him.
The great gift of Christmas, of course, is the
gift of His Son. The Christian existentialist
www.cts.edu
was rich and powerful. The King was very
unhappy, though. He wanted a wife to be his
queen. Now a political marriage could easily
have been arranged with another country
but that is not what the King wanted. He
wanted someone whom he could love and
who could love him. Only real love could
fill his vast, empty castle and life.
One day the King was riding through
the streets of a small village kin a remote
corner of the kingdom when he came upon
the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He
immediately fell in love with her. But there
was a problem: she was a peasant girl. The
problem was that he wanted to win her love,
not buy her love.
One of his counselors told him to just
command her to be his wife. Any girl,
especially a peasant girl, would jump at the
opportunity. But the King would not do that.
He could not command love. Besides, for the
rest of his life he would wonder if she was a
loving wife or a loyal subject.
Another counselor told the king to that he
should call on the girl as her King, shower
her with presents of diamonds and gold and
silk gowns, and give her the opportunity
to realize that he truly loved her. But the
King would not do that. For the rest of his
life he would wonder if she loved him or
his wealth.
A third counselor told the king to dress as
a peasant so she would not be overwhelmed,
and gradually reveal his power and position
until she was ready to join him in the castle.
The king did not like the thought of deceiving
her. If their relationship was based on
deception, how could she ever love him?
Finally, the King knew what he would do.
suffering beside the other peasants. After
a number of years, he won the heart of the
beautiful young girl. He took his new wife
to another village in another country, where
no one could have guessed who he was.
After many years, he became sick, and wife
loved him and cared for him. He died a
peasant, but at his funeral the people looked
at his wonderful, caring and in many ways
extremely beautiful wife and said, “That man
married a queen.”
God is the King. He is the Divine Lover.
We are the object of His love. Only God
would love so much that He would become
one of us to win our love. St. Ireneus, an
early doctor of the Church, wrote, “Because
of his great love for us, Jesus, the Word of
God, became what we are in order to make
us what he is himself.”
This is the mystery that excites us. It is
the same mystery that excited Mary and
Elizabeth. They realized that they had each
in their own way been chosen to be vehicles
of God’s plan of love. Elizabeth’s son, John
the Baptist, would point to this Love become
flesh. Jesus, Mary’s son, would be this love.
We also have been chosen to be part of this
plan by the One who loves us and who calls
us to make His Love a reality for others.
With deep gratitude we pray: Lord of all
love, you have come to us so we can come to
you. You have become physical so we can
become spiritual. You have embraced us with
your Love so we can embrace others with your
love. We thank you for choosing us to be part
of your plan. We thank you for allowing us
to join Mary and Elizabeth in the excitement
of your Coming Presence. We ask you now
to give us the strength and the courage to

Soren Kierkegaard told a parable to help He renounced his royal robes, his power proclaim your Presence with our Lives.
explain this gift. and authority. He became a peasant in that There might be only a few days left, but:
Once upon a time there was a king who remote village, living and working and Happy Advent, everyone!

Fr. Russell Bantiles

COGITO Bishop Pat Alo

What’s happening in Maguindanao?
OVER a month of literary slumber (I have
not written for a month in my column in
The Davao Catholic Herald, named Cogito)
is shaken and awakened by the horrors of
Maguindanao carnage, of such repugnance
that it could even make a mute shout.
In these last few days, everyone here in
Pamplona (those who know that I am from
Mindanao) is asking me, “¿Qué está pasando
allí en tu tierra?” (What’s going on there in
Mindanao?). Full of embarrassment, I simply
answered with a deep sigh and asked them
to pray hard for my land.
Everybody’s question is: how is it possible
for man to plan and execute such a barbaric
act? Looking at every detail of it—from the
way the victims are abused (especially the
women), tortured and killed to the manner
of trying to hide the crime, dumping them on
shallow improvised graves—one could make
an idea of the abysmal darkness that lurks in
the concience of the mastermind.
How is it possible? It is only possible when
God is absent in that conscience. As the
Second Vatican Council teaches, when God
is absent in human horizon, not only does
man vanish but also he turns against himself;
he becomes autodestructive and turns into a
beast for his fellowman.
I am one with those who explicitly
condemned these brutal killings. I joined the
voice of those who cry for justice in behalf
of the victims, whose blood—like that of
Abel—is clamoring to heaven. Filled with
indignation, I also contemplate painfully
these heartbreaking incident.
But with a firm grip on my Christian
faith, I know “God can write straight with
Fr. Francis Ongkingco
crooked lines” and that, if God allowed
this to happen—as He could never will evil
things to occur—in the words of St. Paul,
“Everything works for the good of those who
love the Lord”.
As faithful Christians, what are we to do
aside from condemning reasonably the crime
and demanding rightly justice? Let us cling
to God’s mercy and grab God’s hand more
firmly, knowing that all our hope is in God
alone. But in saying this, I am not suggesting
a certain kind of passive reaction—a mere
shrugging of shoulders. Prayer is more
efficient and powerful than action.
Letusnotcontentourselveswithcondemning
this evil act—let us condemn all evil of this
kind! I am saying this because it is very
scandalous to hear people and institutions
condemning the Maguindanao massacre,
yet would not even raise a voice against the
rampant abortion happening around the
world. I am not diverting attention here, just
widening our perspective of what is evil.
Besides, let us not be contented with
condemning the evils outside of us—we
should not forget to condemn also the evils
that we carry within us. Because the evils
that we see around are mere reflections of
the evils that man—by keeping himself away
from God—has succumbed himself to.
We denounce rightly this evil in
Maguindanao. But don’t you think we need
also to denounce our own personal evils—
our sins—in the Sacrament of Confession?
Perhaps, in doing so, God will have pity on us
and will put an end to these exterior evils. Only
when man is purified from his interior evils
can the evils of this world be eradicated!
And you might rightfully say, “The
perpetrators, the criminals should be the first
to purify themselves—confess their crime
and suffer the punishment!” That may be the
ideal thing. But it is not a matter of who’s to
do it first! What’s important is that everyone
does what corresponds to him: condemn
evil—outside and inside of him.
Perhaps, it is the “straight line” or the
“good” that can be gleaned from this
horrifying crime. One day, Jesus asked His
disciples, “Do you think those people Herod
decapitated are more sinful because they
have fallen into such a sad fate? Of course,
not. But if you will not repent, you too will
experience the same.”
Never do we think that the Maguindanao
victims are more sinful than us because they
suffer such fate. But yes, we agree that what
occurred to them is a frightful evil, as frightful
as our personal sins. The only true evil, says
St. Augustine, is moral evil, that is, our sins.
How I wish I could feel as dreadful towards
the horror of my sins as I do towards this
heinous crime!
Why this heinous crime? The answer is
neither too impersonal nor too enigmatic.
Heinous crimes are always possible for
people who have let God slipped off their
conscience, who have denied God a little
room in their heart, who have never felt
any repulsion towards any minimal offense
against God. A heart that has no room for
God is never neutral—it is always filled
with evil. St. Augustine says, “We are all
capable of all heinous crimes in the world.
But thanks to God’s grace we are preserved
from them”.
ENCOUNTERS
Erosion of
vocations
IN the diagnostic loss of vocations to priestly or religious life,
we must realize how the temptations of the world, the devil
and the flesh (or inner pride) work. As in the natural elements
mostly the erosion takes time and is unnoticed. That’s part
of the strategy of the devil, to come in unnoticed. He always
paints evil under the guise of good to deceive people.
That’s why, even in the matter of obedience which is the
foundation of religious life, as St. John of the Cross puts it,
one must be cautious always to do things within the bounds
of obedience. And since obedience ultimately is directed to
God, one’s obedience must be irrespective of the human
characteristics of the authority in the compliance of orders.
Otherwise it becomes a purely human obedience, not an
obedience of faith to the invisible God, the very source of
merit and victory.
In that feeling of freedom and pride of disobedience, you are
just doing harm to yourself. Once you find yourself reaching
a point of no return after those little infidelities, you realize
the truth of the prophet Samuel’s reproof to King Saul who
was rejected by God for not following instructions, rather he
took what was precious in the war booty under the pretense of
reserving them for temple offerings. The prophet’s words: “Is the
pleasure of Yahweh in holocausts and sacrifices or in obedience
to the voice of Yahweh? Yes, obedience is better than sacrifice,
submissiveness better than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).
Even the little acts of dishonesty in finances can cause erosion
in a vocation since the little is always interconnected to the
whole, as a part to the whole. Such as for example dishonesty
in handling money that is not yours or not paying rightful
debts. Jesus’ own words attest to this. “And so I tell you: use
money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure
that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents
of eternity. The man who can be trusted in little things can
be trusted in great; the man who is dishonest in little things
will be dishonest in great. If then you cannot be trusted with
money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine
riches? And if you cannot be trusted with what is not yours,
who will give you what is your very own?” (Lk. 16:4-12).
Wealth is external to man, the spiritual gifts are an intimate

WHATEVER
possession of man.
To end, let’s not forget history: the fall of Lucifer and his
angels from heaven now become Satan and his tempting
devils, the fall of our first parents Adam and Eve, and the
many who lost their vocation and even became leaders of

Spiritual hyperlinks deviating movements. Let’s pray for them and thank God for
His gracces on His faithful and humble people who continue
to follow His ways of love and forgiveness.

ONE day God went to check
Heaven’s pearly gates. He heard
them squeaking badly and
wanted to see if St. Peter had
already oiled them. When He
reached the gates He was not
only surprised to see Peter—as
usual—sleeping on the job, but
also the gates left ajar. Every now
and then they gave out a gentle
harmonious squeak when a stray
celestial breeze blew by.
“Peter, wake up!” God said
trying to control Himself. “Didn’t
I ask you to watch over the gates
and oil them?”
“Uh? [HO-HUM] Ah…ehhr…,”
St. Peter tried his best to hide a wide
yawn escaping from his mouth.
“Yeshh…, I mean, yes, Lord. I’m
sorry. I know you’ll be saying
something about the ‘flesh and the
spirit’ or sumthin’ like that.”
“Never mind, Peter! But why
haven’t you oiled them yet?”
“[YAAHWN!] I’m sorry, Lord!
I was up all night.”
“All night? Doing what?”
“Surfin’ the net…,” he rubbed
both eyes trying to focus on the
conversation.
“The net? But didn’t I tell you
that it only wastes a lot of your
heavenly time?”
“I know, Lord. But you should
really check out this craze of
social networks down there!”
Peter said excitedly.
“You mean social not-
working?”
“Oh, come on, Lord, just give
it a try,” Peter insisted.
“Okay, okay, okay,” God said
and took a seat. “Now what am
I supposed to do?”
“It’s so easy, all you have to do
is click on the links, Lord,” Peter
felt proud to be teaching God a
thing or two.
God took the mouse and
started surfing. “Let’s see, I’m
interested in checking out this
priest who’s been writing silly
articles,” God’s face lighted up
with interest. “What did you say
his name was again, Peter?”
“Oh, you mean Father so-and-
so?” Peter scratched his head.
“Yeah, that one!” God’s
concentrated intensely on the
page as it started to load.
“Yup, that’s him alright,” Peter
said rather blandly.
“You don’t look so excited,”
the Lord noticed Peter’s
expression.
“Oh, no, no…, except that…
Oh, it’s nothing, go ahead, check
him right out!”
God clicked on the profile. The
browser took a while processing
the request, and then suddenly the
screen goes blank and the following
error popped out: ERROR 404:
Unresolved link. Please contact
your internet provider.
“Now what’s that supposed to
mean,” God was puzzled.
“Oh, nothing really, it’s just
that most of the links in his page
are broken,” Peter said.
“I thought you said you were
working on him the other day,”
God frowned at Peter.
“Yes, Lord, but you just have
to give me…,”
“Wait, let’s see check out this
link that says prayer life…,”
God surfed back to the page
and clicked on the link. The
screen went blank and there
was a longer delay this time.
“This is taking an eternity,” God
remarked. Then the same error
popped out.
“He must have something
at least,” the Lord said a little
concerned.
“Why don’t you try that one
that says Related links,” Peter
suggested.
“What’s that supposed to be?”
the Lord said.
“I don’t know,” Peter shrugged
his shoulders.
The Lord clicked on the link
and the screen goes blank and the
message appears: PROHIBITED
PAGE—MAY BE HARMFUL
TO YOUR COMPUTER;
TROJAN APPLICATIONS;
MATURE CONTENT; ILLEGAL
SOFTWARE, etc.
“I’m done with this priest, why
don’t you erase his account!” the
Lord said.
“Lord, be patient. Give me some
time and I’ll figure a way to get his
links connected,” Peter begged.
***
May the Lord who clicks on
the links of our life not find them
broken or unfortunately revealing
that our hearts and minds are far
from Him. The page of our life is
the only one we will have. It is
something our Lord always reads
and it is up to each one to enrich
and update that daily page so that
we may be able to offer God a new
love each time.
God clicks on some aspects of
our life not because He’s out to
investigate what’s wrong with
us. Rather, He does this in order
to see how He can help open us
to new and fruitful horizons in
our piety, sacrifice, good deeds,
and above all, how you and I can
abide more with His will.
Let us foster a firm resolve to
review and improve our spiritual
hyperlinks so that they truly link
us back to God’s heart. These
links are: our prayer, sacrifice,
the sacraments, virtues and our
sincere love for the souls around
us whom we can link back to
God’s love.
(Note to reader: HTTP Error 404
is an error message which means
that the web page you are looking
for cannot be found. The 404 error
is also known as “File not found”,
“Not Found” and “Gone”.)
 Social Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
B7

The ruling elites and Christmas

By Fr. Shay Cullen
THE Christmas and political
season have opened in the
Philippines and it is not a very
happy one. The hoped for
and promised freedom from
poverty, fear, oppression and
violent death that the birth of
Jesus of Nazareth brought to us
2000 years ago is still beyond the
reach of most Filipinos.
Catholicism in the Philippines should have
redeemed the nation and imbued its rulers
and the majority of its people with strong
values of social equality, justice and good
governance but it has tragically failed. The
good faithful Christians somehow cannot
elect a government where the majority of
officials are people of integrity.
Most of us grew up with Christmas
candles, generous gift-giving and pious
church-going believing Jesus would lead us
to a Kingdom of truth, peace and happiness.
But it hasn’t happened. He said we ought
to build that Kingdom here and now with
have their fill as we read in the Gospel of
St. Luke.
Instead of this liberating and enlightening
good news of a Kingdom of justice and
sharing what was fostered instead in
the Philippines for some time was an
interpretation of Christianity that extolled
servitude and presented Christ as a meek
and mild teacher who humbly submitted
to torture and death, and we were to
imitate Christ. Humility and servitude was
promoted as virtue, injustice and hardship
was the suffering that would lead to eternal
reward in the next life according to this
warped theology.
The ruling elite welcome religion and
give donations so long as it supports
their ideology and life style. They oppress
the poor with military and police power
and become even wealthier. The hateful
Herods of this day now rule with power
and impunity above the law that has been
shaped and manipulated by their kin to
further their own political and economic
ambitions. Democracy is largely a facade
for the rich oligarchy.
The birth of Jesus, beautiful and sweet
as we may want to paint it was marred
by dire warnings, death threats, and the
massacre and slaughter of the innocent
children. The powerful ruler, King Herod,
Assassinations, bombings and last
November 23, 2009 the massacre of 57
people, thirty of them journalists, the rest
lawyers, passers-by and members of the
rival opposition family of Vice Mayor
Esmael Mangudadatu. Their convoy of
vehicles was diverted at gunpoint, driven
to a remote area of Ampatuan town where
they were brutally slaughtered.
They were on their way to file his
candidacy to stand for election as governor
of Maguindanao. He dared not go himself.
Mayor Andal Ampatuan, the son of the
incumbent governor, who was to stand
for governor and replace his father in May
next year is in jail and accused of the brutal
mass murder.
Like Herod, he was incensed and outraged
that anyone would dare to stand against him,
his father, or his family dynasty. Backed
by his all-powerful presidential-approved
heavily armed civilian militia, he was indeed
the feared warlord of Maguindanao. His
father had delivered the province in a single
block vote for President Gloria Arroyo in the
previous elections. Like all petty dictators
and tyrants, Herods, and Hitlers, he felt
covered by the presidential mantel, the
cloak of invincibility, the power of impunity.
The thought that he or his family would
have to answer to the Filipino people for

unselfish attitudes and a love of justice. He
recognized the poor as the blessed that God
wants to be lifted up. Mary, his mother,
said the mighty oppressors were to be
put off their thrones and sent away empty
while those that hungry for justice would
eliminated with brutality and death all
possible political opposition after he heard
that a new born child would depose him.
Two thousand years later, in our “modern”
world, the old ways of political savagery of
obliterating opponents continues.
www.blogs.tampabay.com
his alleged crimes is beyond his arrogant
imagination.
At Christmas we ought not to forget
the harsh social and political realities into
which Jesus was born; realities he came to
transform with love and justice.

Young / B1

Impressions on the AYD5 dancing and singing during fiesta

are what we Filipinos are known
for. This typical expression of faith is
Cornelius Sim of Brunei, one of the
plenary speakers during the AYD5
event, the youth of Asia today are
about themselves, and which are
stories of God,” he said.

www.cbcpnews.com/podcast something unique that we can offer

our delegates,” Bishop Baylon said.
The five-day event was preceded
YOUNG people come together by a three-day immersion in parishes
and Share the Word and Live the called “Days in the Diocese” where
Eucharist. We find God in our delegates stayed with different host
country, in our friends and the people families and experienced the realities
here especially in Pasig because we of Philippine life.
have been there many times. Many of the foster families who
─Nuttaya Thitimethisak and had given accommodation to the
Penpannee Jocharoenpanich, delegates had been devastated by the
Thailand recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng
which inundated a greater part of
I DIDN’T know how powerful the Metro Manila and environs. But
youth here until today. We had a despite their sufferings and want the
mass and we had the last prayer in different languages. I really feel touched foster families insisted on lodging
because God has really sent us from the different parts of the world and we the delegates in their homes.
all speak to God . . .no matter how old you are, no matter what language The sense of volunteerism shown
you use. [It was] really fantastic. by foster families who adamantly
─Fung Ki Kam, Hongkong took in the delegates assigned to
them, and of the many youth who
IT is very dynamic. Quite interesting. had made themselves available
─ Shawn Wong, Singapore throughout the entire event really
amazed Bishop Baylon. The prelate
IT is a very great experience to be here and said that the situation of foster
meet such wonderful people from around families can teach a lesson or two to
the world. The geographical barriers are AYD5 participants on the meaning
not here. We feel one with Christ and it is a of poverty and suffering.
festive experience. We feel comfortable. We “Hopefully, their days in the
are very joyous. It is a tradition to share the diocese will make them realize that
faith among young people and also there are in the midst of poverty, the Church
many young people from around the world is alive because of the faith and hope
who are sharing and we find something in of the people, remain unwavering,”
common and that we are Catholics and we he said.
are all part of it. It is great to be here. Indeed, the immersion program
─Sajish Jose and Ruveena, India left quite an impression on the
participants. For many who live in
I FEEL very happy. I am glad to be here. The Eucharist is one thing that countries that restrict if not ban the
empowers us to do many things. public expression of the Catholic
─ Margret Sumer, Bangladesh faith, the Filipinos’ exuberant
demonstration of religiosity comes
THE Asian Youth Day is a very spiritual as truly invigorating.
experience not only for the Filipino delegates but One of the participants, Rosa Da
all the Asian youth because this event is a good Lima from Indonesia marveled
jumpstart to appreciating the Word of God and at the way Filipinos celebrate the
to living the Eucharist. feast of Christ the King. She said
─John Perez, Philippines the obvious devotion of the people
to the Eucharist and the long
IT is a very enriching experience. My relationship procession that accompanied the
with God has grown. Our love for each other has Blessed Sacrament really touched
been expressed in our love for God. Actually, I her because it was something that
was touched by the homily of the bishop. He says she had not experienced in her
young Asian come together, why? Because we country. Others, meanwhile, were
share the Word, we share one body of Christ. In awed by the generosity and cheerful
Christ we are one. attitude of Filipinos who remain
─Theology student from China joyful and faith-filled despite
poverty and want.
(Note: More audio interviews of Asian delegates maybe accessed at www.cbcpnews.com/podcast.
Daily news of the event are archived at www.cbcpnews.com and at www.youthpinoy.com) Asian youth today
To reiterate the words of Bishop
facing enormous challenges in the
face of “rapid modernization and
globalization, diversity and plurality
of cultures.” Their social status
renders them “powerless” even
as they try to compete in the vast
exchange of diverging views and
ideas around them.
The youth event then was a great
opportunity for these young people
to find their voice, to build their
confidence and hone their skill to
become effective evangelizers of their
own fellow youth in a continuously
changing world deeply mired in
consumerism and materialism.
Sharing among them the importance
of the word and the Eucharist in
their lives, they realized that living
the word and the Eucharist means
speaking out for the truth.
In 2008, the Youth desk of FABC
Office of the Laity conducted a survey
among the youth on the importance of
the Eucharist in their lives. The study
revealed that a certain percentage
of Catholic Asian youth have little
understanding of the Eucharist. The
results of the survey were made public
during the FABC regional conference
in Manila in August 2009.
Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona,
who currently chairs the FABC Office
of the Laity that commissioned the
poll, said the survey’s outcome
presents a challenge to the Church,
especially to Catholic leaders, who
have greater responsibility in the
formation of the faithful, particularly
young people. He acknowledged
the need for the Church to reach
out to the youth sector to make
them understand that the Eucharist
is a “very powerful force” that can
prod them to become “agents of
transformation.” The study provided
a situationer for the Asian youth
assembly where the youth were
challenged to live and love the
Eucharist.
At the opening of the AYD5 in the
Diocese of Imus on November 23,
Bishop Tirona noted that the theme on
the word of God afforded the youth
participants a climate to share stories
imbued with faith to one another.
“The challenge for the youth is to
continue telling stories to one another
which maybe sad stories, wonderful
or triumphant stories, but are stories
Hope of the Church and society
Tagged by United Nations as the
most populous continent in the world
with more than 3 billion population,
Asia with its teeming young people
must have been in Pope John Paul II’s
mind when he said that the future of
the world and the Church belongs to
the younger generation.
“Christ expects great things from
young people,” the pope said in
his apostolic letter Tertio Millennio
Adveniente. “If they succeed in
following the road which he points
out to them, they will have the joy
of making their own contribution to
his presence in the next century and
in the centuries to come...”
Would the young people of Asia
dare make a difference in the face of
unjust societal structures that breeds
poverty, corruption and unpeace?
Bishop Tirona believes so, affirming
the great contribution the youth can
give in the area of evangelization, of
renewal and transformation.
Indeed, there are a lot of issues
confronting the Church and society
today where the youth can actively
participate and bring about the
needed changes we all desire. As they
themselves acknowledged, they are
sent to “live out God’s love” and called
“to transform unjust structures and
to respect the dignity of all men and
women, to work for reconciliation,
fight poverty and create a civilization
of peace and harmony.”
Coincidentally, as the youth
gathered and shared among them
their potentials to make a difference,
the world bestowed honor to Efren
Peñaflorida, an Asian and a Cavite
native. CNN named him “Hero of
the Year” for his innovative work of
teaching children using a “pushcart
classroom”. Peñaflorida reached out
to the young and made a difference
in their lives by educating them, thus
giving them hope and the chance
to see the world beyond their poor
social conditions.
Now that is what the youth
are challenged to do. Where the
adults have faltered and failed, the
young can learn and succeed. The
responsibility of guiding them lies
in the families, communities and
parishes where these young people
belong.

CBCP Review / B3

in commemoration of the 150th “Signs of the Times” goes on

CBCPMonitor
Anniversary of St. John Mary as we have been doing. Our
Name _________________________________________________ Vianney. Pope Benedict XVI has advocacies for the good of the
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needs holy priests,” holy priests ever be an isolated performer.
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renewal of church and society. of the various Commissions,
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nightly by the CBCP Media Office, with Mode of Payment for the Year of Priests there will with the Secretariates have all
be a Second National Congress been working together each with
editorial and business offices at 470  Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment of Priests to be held in January no little sacrifice, like a chorus
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Box 3601, 1076 MCPO We see how the hand of God Gloria in Excelsis.
• Domestic is guiding the Catholic Bishops’ I had the distinct privilege of
1 Year Php 500.00 _____________________________ Conference of the Philippines in presiding at our CBCP General
2 Years Php 900.00 Signature this last four years: we placed 2006 Assembly. I am sorry for whatever
• Foreign: Asia the Year of Social Concerns under mistakes or failures I may have
the auspices of the Sacred Heart of committed during my watch. But I
1 Year US$ 55.00
Jesus and the Immaculate Heart was as confident as the CBCP was
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CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines for Peace and Lay participation My gratitude to the CBCP can
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 in Social Change.” never be as great and as profound
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com As shepherds and guardians as the trust that it has gifted me
of the flock, our reading of the with.
 B8
Aiden Breslin (Dennis Quaid)
is a workaholic detective who
specializes in forensic dentistry.
He buries himself in his work in
order to fill in the void left by the
death of his wife after she lost her
battle with cancer. In the process,
Breslin has become an uncaring
and detached father to his two
sons and is more concerned with
the mystery behind a series of
killings rooted in the Biblical
Prophesy of the Four Horsemen
of the Apocalypse. As he is lead
from one murder to another
and draws closer to solving the
puzzle, he realizes the shocking
connection between himself, the
four cases and the family he has
abandoned.
HORSEMEN begins with a
story about four psychologically
imbalanced people
impersonating the symbols
of death and destruction in
Revelations and ends to become
a frustrating mellow drama about
the victims of social indifference
and parental desertion. The
MAC en COLET
Buhay Parokya
Entertainment
Moral Assessment
 Abhorrent
 Disturbing
 Acceptable
 Wholesome
 Exemplary
director’s attempt to force feed
the message to his audience
turns to be a muddled series
of carnage scenes and lecture
about not neglecting our loved
ones. The camerawork is not
tight enough to deliver effective
tension filled moments. The post
production works are decent
but not outstanding. And for
a mystery-thriller, it fails to
achieve that “edge of your seat”
experience for the audience.
Is work priority over family?
The obvious and expected
answer is “no”, however, there
are instances when this is easier
said than done. In these times,
when most families have both
parents working to support
the needs of their children, it is
almost easy to rationalize that
the time spend away from the
home is actually time sacrifice
to build the home. But is it really
worth it? The movie reminds
us that parents need to care for
their children physically and
emotionally. Nothing can ever
Ni Bladimer Usi
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 – December 30, 2009
Technical Assessment
 Poor
 Below average
 Average
 Above average
 E
xcellent
Title: A Christmas Carol
Cast (Voice): Jim Carey, Steve
Valentine, Daryl Sabara,
Amber Gainey,Meade
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producers: Jack Rapke, Steve
Starkey, Robert Zemeckis
Screenwriters: Charles Dick-
ens, Robert Zemeckis
Music: Alan Silvestri
Editor: Jeremiah O’Driscoll
Genre: Animation/ Drama/ Fam-
ily/ Fantasy
Cinematography: Robert
Presley
Distributor: Walt Disney Studi-
ous Motion Pictures
Running Time: 96 mins.
Technical Assessment: 
Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers
age 13 and below with
parental guidance
replace the time one spends with
them to share memories, lessons
and experiences. However, this
message is drown in the series
of senseless killings, gruesome
violence, offensive scenes and
language.
Title: Ninja Assasin
Look for the images of the Cast: Rain, Sung Kang,
Nativity, Christmas Card and Randall Duk Kim,
Bethlehem. (Illustration by Jonathan Chan-Pens-
Bladimer Usi) ley, Yuki Iwamoto, III-
Young Kim, Ben Miles,
Naomie Harris
Director: James McTeigue
Producers: Grant Hill, Joel
Silver, Andy Wachows-
ki, Larry Wachowski
Screenwriters: Matthew Sand,
J. Michael Straczynski
Music: Ilan Eshkeri
Editor: Gian Ganziano,
Joseph Jett Sally
Genre: Action/ Crime/
Drama/ Thriller
Cinematography: Karl
Walter Lindenlaub
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Location: Berlin, Germany
Running Time: 99 min.
Technical Assessment:  ½
Moral Assessment: 
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
Lord Ozunu (Sho Kosugi) is master of a secret society that
abducts children, adopts orphans and then raises them to
become ninja assassins. One of the orphans trained from
childhood is Raizo (Rain), groomed by Lord Ozunu (Sho
Kosugi) to become his successor, and favored over his own
son Takeshi (Rick Yune). Raizo manages to escape the isolated
training camp when his sweetheart, a fellow trainee, is ordered
killed by Lord Ozunu as she is caught one rainy night while
attempting to escape. Soon a fugitive in Europe, Raizo crosses
paths in Berlin with Mika Coretti (Naomi Harris), a Europol
agent who traces a link between the Ozunu and recent political
assassinations. In hot pursuit of Raizo, the Ninja assassins
move West, marking for assassination Mika and everyone
else involved in the Europol investigation. Raizo manages to
escape the Ninja assassins while protecting Mika from the same,
but the long and bloody trail of dead bodies finally leads to a
confrontation between Raizo and Ozunu and Takeshi.
Ninja fans would perhaps go for the action here, finely
choreographed combat scenes that spill blood at every twist, kick,
chop and turn. The story is of revenge, flimsy and implausible,
and certainly possesses no motive that would ever justify the
body count—that is, if the viewer can even keep track. If you
are sensitive, you might wince at certain scenes, as when a very
young boy is whipped mercilessly with nary a whimper allowed to
express his pain. Beastly! You might also tend to duck in your seat
when those double-edged, four-point star-shaped blades virtually
whiz past you to decapitate or mutilate human beings. The fight
scenes, though, are rather dark—to minimize the revolting visual
violence?—but what the eyes cannot see, the ears can hear in the
superbly engineered sound design: guns bursting, chains, swords
and other deadly metal gadgets clashing, immersing the audience
in all in the name of revenge.
99 minutes of unadulterated murder and bloodletting can
weary even the most insensitive viewer. Telling ourselves
the fight scenes are only dance steps—and the blood only
ketchup—we endured it to the finish in order to give it Ninja
Assassin fair judgment. But we also found ourselves wondering
if people that inhuman could really exist—kidnapping or
adopting orphans and raising them into ogres. It reminded us
of photographs circulating in the net of 8-year old boys armed
with assault rifles and programmed to hate humanity and kill
half of it. One thing we have learned from CINEMA’s nine-
year existence is: if some movies are not to your liking—like
slapstick, stupid horror flicks and this bloody thing—you
can still get your money’s worth if you let them lead you into
closely examining the human condition. All movies—from
corn to porn—reflect reality somehow, reality outside or inside
our minds, and being aware of the sickness in reality could
provide us with the impetus to work for its healing. Meanwhile,
be warned: the carnage in Ninja Assassin is enough to make
burgers to feed America for a day. Pass the ketchup, please.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009
C1

The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI
and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

By Joseph P. Teodoro, Vice President-Fraternal Benefits Group

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Phils., Inc. (KCFAPI),
a non-stock and non-profit mutual benefits association is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. It is under the supervision of the Insur-
ance Commission and observes sound actuarial principles.
KCFAPI started its operations in September 1958 from an initial capital of P32,000 which was donated
by 64 KC members and councils.
After 50 years of fraternal service in providing a second-to-none life insurance coverage for KC mem-
bers and their immediate families (wives, parents and children), KCFAPI has also served the Church
by giving support to CBCP and the community through outreach projects like the Gawad Kalinga and
disaster relief aids.
Today, KCFAPI, in fulfillment of its avowed mission of contributing to membership development
and worthy causes for the good of the Order and of the Nation, has sponsored the 2009 Search for
The Outstanding Knights of Columbus Awards (TOKCA).
The TOKCA aims to recognize the outstanding achievement of members in their respective profes-
sions worthy of emulation.
Here are the two hundred eighteen (218) members who accepted the nomination of their councils and
endorsement by their council chaplains. By all measure, they deserve their nomination to the TOKCA.

FINAL NOMINEES
LUZON
ACADEME ANICETO B. LOZANO
BENJAMIN A. ILUMIN
6002
6300
EDILBERTO A. LINA 14592
EMITERIO L. TIBURCIO 13803
FAUSTINO F. MAURICIO 11183
FERDINAND T. CALLUENG 14359
GAUDENCIO J. RODRIGUEZ 8567
LEOPOLDO FELIX G. SAQUING 3706
MARCELO M. ROGUEL 5204
MAURICIO P. PANGDA 6219
PATRICIO T. TENEDOR
PONCIANO A. MENGUITO
7813
8263
RODOLFO L. CARTAGENA 8198
ROLANDO A. ALIP, JR. 13740
ROMEO V. SANTOS 3468
ROMULO Q. APOLONIO, SR 6285
SAMSON G. PAGATPATAN 5431
TEODORO T. GATURIAN 9011
ZOILO B. BALLESTEROS 13464
VISAYAS
CENON R. AGBAYANI, JR.
DIOSCORO A. AVERGONZADO
10088
9218
ELPIDIO M. CABACABA 4432
NOENI S. NEPOMUCENO 9466
MINDANAO
AVELINO G. DIONGSON
CLENIO T. DUMLAO
5097
8167
EDWIN C. ALIDO 6651
ERNESTO G. TAPALES 4269
GENEROSO G. LAMAYO 8434
ISABELO M. DEL ROSARIO, SR 9517
PAULINO R. REOMERO 5098
VICENTE G. TELMOSO 3343

ACCOUNTANCY & BUSINESS HONESTO R. DEQUITO

ALFREDO E. EDUSADA
3468
7653
JOVEN P. DY
MARIO R. NERY
10695
3695
EMILIO C. NUEZ 9218 ROSELO C. ACEDILLA 6511

CATALINO S. ABACAN 3941 PETRONILO A. RAMIREZ 4073

DALMACIO H. GREGORIO 4267
DANILO T. CHUA 6000
FELIX L. GALANG, JR. 4103
FERNANDO V. MARCELLANA 7957
FRANCIS JEHU C. SEBASTIAN 14653
FRANCISCO E. GEMENTIZA 11852
REYNALDO B. ODULIO 3692
RICO M. DIÑO 14592
ROGELIO T. SANTOS 4073
RUBEN C. CRUZ 14405
TEODULO C. SANDOVAL 13548
WILFREDO N. ACASIO 14323

AGRICULTURE ALFREDO G. PARINAS

AMOR M. CAPILLAN
12347
12507
ANTONIO R. SUMAYAO 8618
BENITO P. DELA CRUZ 6146
CRISPULO D. BAUTISTA 5739
FRANCISCO I. DALANGIN 6838
IRENEO A. UYAM, SR. 6219
JOHNY N. NODORA
LAURINO D. MACADANGDANG
8559
11289
ALBERTO P. FUENTES
GENEROSO B. MARAGUINOT
4269
5121
MARIO G. HIPOLITO 5234 MARTELIANO A. ALCONTIN 10125
RAFAEL D. GUERRERO III 5377 PAUL V. BORJA 4269
TEODORO S. SALAZAR 6737
VICENTE C. BAYUCAN 3705

ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ATILANO V. GABERTAN

CARLITO B. VILLOCILLO
11953
6300
CELSO V. VALDECAÑAS 3887
CESAR L. MADRIAGA 8626
CIRILO M. VERA CRUZ 12341
DOMINGO R. PEQUENA, SR. 9198
DOROTEO M. FLORES, JR. 6285
EDILBERTO O. ABRIL 6300
ERNESTO D. LUNARIA 12125
ERNESTO R. REVERENTE 13882
FROMENCIO M. JONATAS
GREGORIO B. SALTING, JR.
11183
4073
DOMINGO L. ZOILO
ROY M. NACARIO
11073
6309
BENJAMIN O. MINDAJAO
VICENTE M. BEDUYA, JR.
3108
6982
MARTIN C. ILAO 6300
NICOMEDES L. CALIGING 6285
RAMON P. DAWAS 3363
ROBERTO C. RIVERA, SR. 5072
RODULFO A. QUINTANA, JR. 12342
SAMUEL S. SABIDO 14323
SIXTO B. LUZ 6737

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ANTONIO C. CABEL

BENITO I. GO
8626
4073
BENJAMIN A. HERNANDEZ SR. 8626
BIENVENIDO N. ORTIZ 11417
BONIFACIO C. ENRIQUEZ 4073
CARLITO N. GALAMGAM, SR. 12205
CARLOS A. ANACTA 4267
DEOGRACIAS S. SALUMBIDES 6681
EDGARDO Z. CUNANAN 6737
EDUARDO C. SANTOS 14779
FRANCISCO M. QUE, SR. 6285
GERVACIO E. SALUMBIDES 7439
JOSEFINO M. MANIPOL, SR.
JUAN D. DULALIA, JR.
8626
9440
LEON B. APOSTOL 11183
NARCISO C. CRUZ 9160
ONOFRE O. BATALLONES, JR 4104
ORLANDO L. AQUINO 6303
OSCAR B. BANZON 3887
RAMON C. TOBIAS 10399
RICARDO G. CACHOLA 10643
ROBERT I. ROSALES 12892
RODOLFO H. MANALO 4407
AMBROSIO VIDAL B. JO, JR.
ERNESTO E. DEIPARINE, JR
11131
5882
NELSON G. LOPEZ 9466
RAMON D. PACLIBAR 5550
ADRIANO B. GOLINGAN, JR.
ALDO U. CARACHO
6501
8167
ALEJANDRO C. NAVATO 8330
ANITO B. LIBRANDO 6603
CARLITO S. CASINO 8167
GREGORIO G. SARMIENTO 9573
JUAN S. ACAIN, JR. 6835
ROLANDO C. QUIDILLA 4576

GOVERNMENT SERVICE ALBERTO B. FARAON

ALBERTO I. GABRIEL
7957
4267
ANTONIO C. PARAGAS 11289
ANTONIO M. VENTURA 13146
ARMANDO C. VELASCO 3363
ARTURO J. ANGARA 9489
DAMIAN A. DULDULAO 10268
DIOCAESAR S. SUERO 8711
FELICISIMO I. GUERZON 6285
FORTUNATO Z. BEBIRO 13150
HIPOLITO C. MAMURIC, JR. 3706
HORACIO S. TIBANGAY 6219
JAIME H. MANIEGO 10104
JOSEPH R. ORTIZ 4073
LORDAW B. ROXAS 10825
LUCIANO T. PEROS 4758
MANUEL I. FRILLES 6141
MARIO R. ALMADIN
MELITON G. DASSUN
12041
12368
CLAUDIO C. BONIOR
DARIO A. NUEZ
9218
9218
BENJAMIN M. MONLEON
DECOROSO M. GARCIA
6941
13770
PEDRO M. MANLANSING 11183 DEMETRIO C. DIMARANAN 3288 HERSON D. DEMA-ALA 8864
RAMON O. GIRON 10695 EFREN T. HERERRA 5623 JOSE C. ALFANTA 6835
REYNALDO B. BELMONTE 6838 GERARDO S. SOLAS 6036 JOSE C. VILLAFLOR 8434
REYNALDO DT. PARAS 3468 ISABELO C. ARBITRARIO 10747 MAXIMO L. MEDADO 11863
REYNALDO O. PAMBID 10638 MATEO B. BALDOZA, JR 5887 NESTOR I. VILLANUEVA 4576
REYNALDO P. VENTURA 3695 ROBERT N. CONG, SR. 4269
RICARDO G. CANDIA, JR. 8492
ROCKY L. VALDEZ 9087
RODOLFO C. BALINO 6219
ROLANDO B. BRAGADO 12352
RONNIE ISIDRO S. LLAGAS 5183
RUSTOM B. LINGAN 6219
SANCHO N. DE LA ROSA 4334
VENANCIO G. SANTIDAD 4640
WILFREDO W. BIGORNIA 12427

JOURNALISM & MEDIA FREDDIE G. LAZARO 9095 DALMACIO C. GRAFIL

RESSURRECCION S. SALVILLA
8236
5028
INDALECIO DALE B. GARCIA 5351

LAW & JUDICIARY ADOLFO R. MALINGAN

ALLAN S. MONTAÑO
6287
11754
LUIS MEINRADO C. PANGULAYAN
PEDRO S. PRINCIPE
13548
9382
GERVASIO A. LOPENA
WENIFREDO C. CUATON
5698
8185
ALFREDO J. LAGAMON 3108

ANTONIO C. QUINTOS, SR. 3887 PURISIMO S. BUYCO 7745

GABRIEL A. DALADAG 6219 RODOLFO P. BELTRAN 6000
JOVEN F. COSTALES 5178 RODRIGO V. COSICO 11954
JUANITO A. ORALLO 6285

MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE SERVICES ANTONIO B. DICTADO

ANTONIO F. BOADO, JR.
4103
6838
JOSE ARNEL G. MANALILI
JUAN I. PIZARRO, JR.
4317
5708
JUANITO M. AYA-AY
TEODORO A. ANDO
14782
4638
APOLINARIO A. PILIT 6285 RONILO S. BARASHARI 7415
EUGENIO ANTONIO S. LAVARIAS 5893 VICTOR C. SALVADOR 3363
GIL M. MARASIGAN 6681 ZACARIAS C. CANDELARIA 10582
GREGORIO T. DE GUZMAN, JR. 5739

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CANDIDO M. JOAQUIN 12548 ROGELIO A. MANGALIMAN 13723 PEPITO O. PALOMERO 6152

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DERICO G. LAGUA

EDUARDO P. TUAZON
12584
3887
JERICK M. JONATAS
JOSE S. PANGAN, JR
11183
10582
FLAVIO S. SIGAYA
VALENTIN G. OLANDRIA
7508
5883
MATEO P. VILLONES 8812

JAIME R. ROXAS 9440 MIGUEL TENG YU 1000

 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
C2 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

Chairman’s President’s
Message Message
Antonio B. Borromeo
Patrocinio R. Bacay FIRST of all, I would like to greet each and everyone a
Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Much
has been accomplished this year and for that I am most
grateful to all of you who have exerted your best to
THE beautiful season of Christmas is once more around us. It is the time of the year that makes us long to achieve our goals for the year. But above all I would
be with our loved ones, with people who count on us. It arouses a feeling of wanting to share something like to thank the Lord for His continuing guidance
of ourselves to dear ones and friends. Natural instincts fill our hearts and thoughts mainly with wanting to and support for without this we cannot accomplish anything.
make the day most special for our families and people who can very well afford to make their day as they Fr. George J. Willmann has given his life to the Knights of Columbus and as brother Knights,
wish it to be. it is incumbent upon us to share our life not only to our family and friends but specially to
Should Christmas really be that way? Should we devote our efforts on family who are special to us each the less fortunate brethren in our community. Let us do this not only this Christmas but also
day of our lives? Should we not instead turn our hearts and thoughts first to the least of our brothers? Should throughout the year.
we not pray for more compassion so we can moderate the love of self and hurry to the relief of those in need? As we enter 2010 with hope and renewed vigor, let us remember to anchor all our thoughts
Perhaps make us see a neighbor as another self? During this challenging time in our lives, we have to look and actions towards the will of the Lord.
for where compassion is directly needed, where you and I can help someone forget he is the least. For next year we will also be giving due recognition to The Outstanding Knights of Colum-
Perhaps hoping to make him start believing he can have a better life and strive for it. Then that would be bus Awardees in Cebu. The names of the 218 nominees from various fields of endeavours are
a true Christmas for him and for us. listed in this issue.
May our Christmas never be without Christ. May all the wonderful moments of Christmas fill you and Once again, a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you brother Knights and your
your loved ones with happiness. May the New Year be more fruitful for each one of us. families.

For Brother Knights, by Brother Knights

Something We can Proudly Announce
By Joseph P. Teodoro, Vice President – Fraternal Benefits Group
AS of this writing, which is one month before the year ends, KCFAPI
has surpassed the first year contribution income (FYCI) of P102
Million it has generated during the year 2008. KFCAPI has posted
P106 Million in FYCI and well on its way of hurdling the 2009 FYCI
target of P110 Million and may even be more.
We would like to thank all the brother knights and their family
members who have given their complete trust and confidence by
placing their life insurance coverages to KCFAPI.
We must also thank the area managers, fraternal benefits associ-
ates, team leaders and fraternal counselors whose professional com-
mitment, devotion to service and hard work made this achievement
possible.
KCFAPI shall endeavor its best in improving its services to
merit the trust of more KC families and continue to be successful
next year.
Call your fraternal counselor to find out how you and your loved ones
can be a part of KCFAPI’s vision and mission or dial (02) 527-2243.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FC from Biñan Council leads race for FC of the Year Awards
TEOFILO Samson, a fraternal counselor (FC)
from the Biñan Council 7957, is leading the
competition for those vying for the “FC of
the Year” awards.
The result was based on the October 30,
2009 tally of the Knights of Columbus Fra-
ternal Association of the Philippines, Inc.
(KCFAPI), organizers of the FC of the Year
awards.
This award is given to a fraternal counselor
with the highest FYCI from new businesses
brought in during the required period of
time provided that the FYCI is at least 1.5
million pesos and the FC has insured at
least forty creditable new paid lives during
the period.
According to Joseph P. Teodoro, Vice-
President of the Fraternal Benefits Group,
“closely contesting him (Samson) are the
Last year’s FC of the Year Lauro Evange-
lista of the Central Luzon Believers; Amado
Miranda from the Central Luzon Diamonds;
and Multi-awarded Rey Segismundo of the
Northwestern Luzon Thunders.”
The awards night has been set on March
5-7, 2010 at the Legend Palawan Hotel in
Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The FC of the Year and the Runner-up
finishers are entitled to bring their spouses
and two of their children to the Annual
Awards Night. As part of their prize, they
may also bring their spouse to the Asian
Trip. (KCFAPI News)
General Policy Statement on
Promotion of Goods and Services
other than Knights of Columbus
Insurance and Financial Programs
AS a general policy, the Supreme Board of Directors does not permit
and will not authorize any member of the Order or any Knights of
Columbus subordinate council or assembly to enter into any contract,
agreement, or informal arrangement, or to use one’s membership in
the Order, in connection with the promotion of any product or service

KCFAPI conducts voters’ education in Bataan

IN its aim to educate the general
public about the automated elec-
tion system through networking,
the Knights of Columbus Fra-
ternal Association of the Philip-
pines, Inc. (KCFAPI) has recently
conducted a Voters’ Education
seminar in Orani, Bataan.
This seminar, already on its sec-
ond level was conducted by vol-
unteer educators who attended
the first seminar given by no less
than Commission on Elections
(Comelec) Commissioner, Rene V.
Sarmiento, also an active member
of the Knights of Columbus. Orga-
nized and headed by Council 3888
and Gerard Joseph C. Francisco
of the Corporate Audit Depart-
ment, were the volunteer educa-
tors of the said seminar. Both are
employees of KCFAPI.
Over 50 persons attended the
seminar which was composed of
members of the Knights of Co-
lumbus Sto. Rosario Council 3888,
and Daughters of Mary Immacu-
Participants of the voters’ education headed by Council 3888 Grand Knight Arthur late 1097 Sto. Rosario Circle.
Matias and Daughters of Mary Immaculate 1089 Sto. Rosario Circle Regent Lariza At the end of the seminar, the
Mina held in Orani, Bataan last November 29. audience expressed their sup-
Grand Knight Arthur Matias and last November 29, 2009. port in continuing the network-
Daughters of Mary Immaculate Michael B. De Castro, from the ing/educating their families and
1089 Sto. Rosario Circle Regent Financial Management and Ac- communities on the new election
Lariza Mina, the seminar was held counting Services Department system. (KCFAPI News)
other than Knights of Columbus insurance and financial programs.
The purpose of this policy is to preclude the use of, among other
things, the Order’s name, emblems, events, meetings, membership
lists, and facilities to promote such other products and services. The
Board wishes to minimize the risk that anyone would draw the mis-
taken conclusion that the Knights of Columbus (a) has endorsed the
product or service being offered or (b) has guaranteed the integrity of
that product or service. Obviously, the Board cannot make any such
endorsement or guarantee about any product or service other than
those offered by the Knights of Columbus through its own insurance
and financial programs. Furthermore, the Board wishes to avoid
any business association that might expose the Order to liability if a
product or service does not meet a customer’s expectations.
The Board’s position with respect to such proposed contracts,
agreements, informal arrangements, and memberships is based on
Section 162.11 of the Laws of the Order, which regulates the use of
the name and emblems of the Order. On August 2, 2009, the Board
reaffirmed this provision, adopting a board rule of interpretation
with respect to Section 162.11. Below is Section 162.11 and the
Board’s definitive rule of interpretation, which shall be binding on
all members of the Order and all subordinate units.

Fraternal Benefits Group holds Luzon Area Meeting SECTION 162 OF THE LAWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Any member of the Order who after trial, excepting where it is pro-
THE Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) has Among the matters they discussed were the cerned the plans and programs of the FBG in vided that no trial shall be had, shall be found guilty of the conduct
recently conducted an area meeting at the possibility of achieving the DRIVE 110 or sim- 2010 which may include the establishment specified in the subdivisions following shall be fined, suspended or
Knights of Columbus main office in Intra- ply the “Php110 million target” in 2009 and of talent management-IIAP; product port- expelled as set forth therein, to wit:
muros, Manila. the updates on the 2009 sales production. folio; corporate strategy and other major
Attended by Luzon Area Managers, this The group also deliberated on the programs. USING NAME OF ORDER
meeting was held last November 24, 2009. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and For the year 2010, the theme of the Knights 11. Using the name of Knights of Columbus or his membership in
It was facilitated by Joseph P. Teodoro, Threats (SWOT) analysis or the strategic of Columbus Fraternal Association of the the Order in connection with any business or social or other enter-
Vice-President of the FBG and Gari M. San planning method needed to attain the objec- Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) is “Get Every- prise, without permission of the Board of Directors: fine, suspension
Sebastian, Manager of the Fraternal Benefits tives of the team on sales. one Achieve Records (G.E.A.R.) 5 Cambio or expulsion.
Services Department. Additional matters they talked about con- Quinta.” (KCFAPI News)
VOTE RE-AFFIRMING RULE GOVERNING
Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the The Knights of Columbus Fra-
THE USE OF THE NAME AND EMBLEMS OF
THE ORDER
Philippines Inc., ternal Association of the Phil-
ippines Inc., is an established and Board of Directors, August 2, 2009
an established Mutual Benefits Association is currently looking for: progressive mutual benefits associa-
It shall be a violation of Section 162.11 of the
Laws of the Order for any member, acting indi-
Auditor tion operating for 51 years, has been vidually or through any state council, subordinate
Underwriting Supervisor highly committed to provide mutual council, assembly, chapter, home corporation, or
affiliated entity, to use the Order’s name, emblems,
aid and assistance to its members
Underwriting Assistant and their immediate families. or membership lists, or any Knights of Columbus
facility under his or its control, for the purpose of
Accounting Staff promoting, endorsing, selling or advertising any
BRO Staff KC Fraternal firmly believes that product, service, or business or social enterprise
the continued progress and success other than the Order’s insurance program. This
If you are dedicated, service-oriented, and have the promising potential to prohibition extends to all publications, websites,
join us in our continuous drive to provide mutual aid, assistance and excellent of the association depends to a great
mailings, electronic communications and social net-
service to our members. Kindly send your comprehensive resume’ thru fax extent on its human capital. works, contracts, promotional items, and sponsor-
number 527-2244 or hand-carry resume’ with a 2x2 photo and transcript of ships associated with a Knights of Columbus state
KC Fraternal also believes that council, subordinate council, assembly, chapter,
records to: home corporation, or individual Knight. This pro-
through training and a host of
hibition shall not impair the ability of any Knights
other benefits if coupled with hard
of Columbus state council, subordinate council,
work, will help employees and the assembly, or chapter to (1) use the Order’s name,
association attain their goals and emblems, or membership lists, or any Knights of
objectives. Columbus facility to conduct ordinary fraternal,
charitable and fund raising activities, or (2) publish
advertisements in a fraternal publication such as
In our continuous drive to provide a council bulletin or a convention or event book,
excellent service to our members, provided that the product, service, or enterprise
we are currently on the look-out for being advertised does not relate directly or indi-
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES

individuals with promising poten- rectly to any non-Knights of Columbus insurance

tials. He must be dedicated, service
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL oriented, and willing to undergo
ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. training
Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts.,
Intramuros, Manila Our compensation and employee
benefits are comparable, if not
You may also call 527 – 2223 local 202 for queries and look for Ms. Kristianne or better than most companies of our
Ms. April of HRCC. same size and nature of business.
product or annuity.
This rule does not supersede any other rules, mo-
tions, and resolutions requiring the prior approval
of the Board of Directors for the use of the Order’s
name or emblems. If a member wishes to use the
Knights of Columbus name, emblems, or any
membership list in connection with any business
or social or other enterprise that is not part of the
ordinary business of the Order, he should contact
the Office of the Supreme Secretary, through his
State Deputy, for prior approval.
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009
C3

A Season of Hope
Whereas consumerism brings anxiety and restlessness, with Christ’s
birth comes the gift of hope
By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
DECEMBER marks the official start of winter in most of the Western
world. Yet, it is not the only winter that the world is facing. Demog-
raphers increasingly speak of a “demographic winter” wherein birth
rates fall below replacement in most industrialized countries.
There are many causes of this phenomenon, as Pope Benedict XVI
noted in 2006. He pointed out, though, that the “ultimate roots can
be seen as moral and spiritual; they are linked to a disturbing deficit
of faith, hope and, indeed, love. To bring children into the world
calls for self-centered eros to be fulfilled in a creative agape rooted in
generosity and marked by trust and hope in the future.”
Indeed, such a decline is nothing short of a lack of hope. A mate-
rialistic mindset replaces hope in a real future with something else:
an immediate desire for consumer goods and status. This mindset is
sadly brought home to us at this time each year, as Christmas seems
each year to become more of a consumer season than a Christian
one.
In his apostolic exhortation on the Christian family, Familiaris
Consortio, Pope John Paul II observed: “In the richer countries …
excessive prosperity and the consumer mentality, paradoxically
joined to a certain anguish and uncertainty about the future, deprive
married couples of the generosity and courage needed for raising
up new human life: thus life is often perceived not as a blessing, but
as a danger from which to defend oneself” (6).
A society with no hope in the future and a resulting lack of open-
ness to life is, not surprisingly, a society that would trade a celebra-
tion of birth for one of consumerism.
A purely materialistic view of Christmas—even more notice-
able this year as recession-affected merchants desperately seek to
improve their profits—can be a symptom of this same hopeless
outlook on life.
Of course, as Christians, we have the reminder of our hope in
salvation that comes with Christ’s birth at Christmas. With this
event, the process of our own redemption is made possible. Christ’s
birth—as the angels told the shepherds—heralds “peace on earth
to men of good will.”
That is quite a contrast to the anxiety of the consumer mentality.
In addition to Christmas, the Church gives us other feasts in De-
cember that highlight hope, love and new life.
On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we remember the hope
that Mary brought—and continues to bring—to this entire hemi-
sphere. She appeared as a pregnant woman to a defeated people in
search of meaning. Through her message that each person is loved,
she brought the indigenous Mexicans to the fullness of hope in her
son Jesus Christ.
Finally, we celebrate life within the family on the feast of the Holy
Family, where Christ spent 30 of the 33 years of his life. It is a good
opportunity for us to reflect on our own lives and on the way we
bring up our children.
The Christian has hope—on earth and in heaven. Those who put
consumerism first have only anxiety and possessions, which do
nothing to decrease the restlessness of our hearts. As St. Augustine
famously wrote, our hearts are restless until they rest in God. This
rest in God gives the Christian hope, while the consumer has only
yesterday’s purchase.
Hope is no small matter. In 2007, Pope Benedict wrote an entire
encyclical on it. His words deserve serious thought: “If we cannot
hope for more than is effectively attainable at any given time … our
lives will soon be without hope” (Spe Salvi, 35).
Our hope must be based not simply on the here and now, but on the
hereafter; and not just on ourselves, but on the one who made us.
Life, children and family are all founded on love. During Advent
2007, Pope Benedict reminded us that “hope, like faith, is demon-
strated in love.”
As we celebrate the feasts of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Christmas
and the Holy Family this month, let us remember that they are feasts
of hope precisely because they celebrate Christ’s life and loving fam-
ily, and his greatest gift of love to us: our salvation.
Vivat Jesus!

KCFAPI holds corporate planning conference

THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association
of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) has recently held
its yearly corporate planning conference.
This was held at the Golden Sunset in Calatagan,
Batangas last November 20-21, 2009.
Present during the planning were the Group
Heads/Vice Presidents and the Department
Heads/Managers of the Association along with
their Supervisors.
This was headed by KCFAPI President Antonio
B. Borromeo and Executive Vice-President Ma.
Theresa G. Curia.
This conference was organized to be able to
present the yearly reports of every department
and to prepare and discuss the various plans and
programs of KCFAPI in 2010.
The said planning ended with the organization
of the management direction which is to accelerate
their performance in the year 2010.
This year’s theme is “Get Everyone Achieve
Records (G.E.A.R.) 5.”
KCFAPI is a mutual benefits association of the
Knights of Columbus Philippines which is commit-
ted to provide fraternal benefits to all KC members
and their immediate families. (KCFAPI News) KCFAPI Officers and Supervisors during the corporate planning conference held at the Golden Sunset in Calatagan, Batangas last November 20-21, 2009

You may contact KCFAPI through

our TEXT CONNECT INFORMA-
TION SYSTEM (TEXT BILIS)
Send to: 0917-825-KOFC or 0917-
825-5632

To register
KCREG<space>FCCODE<space>
PINCODE<space>CONFIRM CODE
Example: KCREG 00000 123456
123456

To inquire allowance
ALLW<space>FCCODE
<space>PINCODE
Example: ALLW 00000 123456
To inquire for Submitted, Released
& Paid BCs
SRP<space>FCCODE
<space>MMYYYY
Example: SRP 00000 012008

To inquire for the status of Benefit

Certificate
BCINQ<space>ACCOUNT#<space
>BIRTHDATE
Example: BCINQ 1002840
01061971

To text a particular Department

DEPTCODE<space>Your
N a m e < s p a c e > Y o u r
Message
Example: To text Underwriting
Department for follow-up
UND Juan Dela Cruz Follow-up
application of Bro. Joel Garcia

DEPTCODE:
UND - for Underwriting
FBG - for FBG
FMAS - for FC’s Account
SERVICE - for BC Services
CORPSRV
- for FADB
FGJWF -
for Founda-
tions
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
C4 Vol. 13 No. 25
December 7 - 30, 2009

KC councils join ‘Light

Up for Christ’ Program
IN preparation for the celebration of the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Knights of Columbus councils Orderwide participated
in the “Light Up for Christ” Program.
Launched by the Supreme Council, the event was held last De-
cember 1, 2009, 8 p.m.
A simultaneous lighting of decorative lights of Christmas
trees, Nativity scenes and Advent wreaths around the pe-
rimeter of their respective Churches were held by all knights
worldwide.
According to Numeriano R. Torreno, Chairman of the Light Up
for Christ Program, the event was a sign of unity and solidarity in
welcoming the birth of our Savior.
He also thanked the parish priests, chaplains, parishioners and
“all the Brother Knights together with their families and friends
who participated in this meaningful event.”
A sample prayer service blessing has been released by the
Knights of Columbus Jurisdiction which served as a guidance
prayer for the event. (Kate Laceda)

Supreme Knight lauds KC Philippines

for responding to typhoon victims
LUZON State Deputy Alonso L. Tan dis-
closed that Supreme Knight, Carl A. An-
derson, has lauded the KC Philippines for
immediately responding to the needs of
Brother Knights during the recent typhoons
that affected thousands of brother knights
mostly in Luzon.
“We were commended by no less than Su-
preme Knight Carl Anderson, whom he said,
was pleased with the immediate response
of KC in the Philippines to the needs of the
Brother Knights,” Tan said.
Tan added that the Supreme Knight even
justified that the action made by the state
was “really volunteerism.”
The Supreme Knight acknowledged KC
Philippines during the recently held Novem-
ber 20-22, 2009 Mid-year meeting of State
Deputies in Orlando Florida.
Present along with Tan were Visayas State
Deputy Dionisio R. Esteban and Mindanao
State Deputy Sofronio R. Cruz.
The meeting primarily focused on mem-
bership recruitment and development of the
new councils.
Tan said the recruitment of “young,
Catholic and eligible gentlemen” to fortify
their membership was suggested during
the meeting.
The retention programs, new goal struc-
ture and other activities and events of each
state were also discussed.
Bishop William E. Lori, Supreme Chaplain,
meanwhile, called for the continuous support
of seminarians and priests especially in rela-
tion to the celebration of the Year for Priests.
A total of 74 State Deputies who came from
countries like the United States, Canada, and
the Philippines attended the meeting.
The Director for the Philippine Affairs,
Eduardo G. Laczi, also witnessed the meet-
ing. (Kate Laceda)

Columbian Squires conduct leadership training

THE Columbian Squires recently held a Youth
Leadership Training Seminar at the Knights of
Columbus main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Intended for the Circle Counselors and Youth
Directors, the said seminar was organized last
November 21, 2009.
The seminar opened with an inspirational talk
from Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, State Secretary of the
Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction.
This was followed by a series of talks from
Frederick Emerson Castro, State Squire Training
Director, Ph.D., and Ramon Sanchez, State Squire
Executive Secretary.
Castro discussed on the youth of today wherein
he emphasized the outlook of the current genera-
tion about the Church.
“It is sad to know that many youth consider the
Church as merely a physical structure. Many youth
do not consider participating in the Church activities
as putting into life their Christian faith,” he said.
He also affirmed that the awareness of the youth
in the current social issues and belief in the Church
do not denote their involvement in its relative
activities.
Sanchez talked about the context of the squires
counselors.
Meanwhile, Jose F. Cuaresma, Squires Chairman
and Mark Anthony Lodrigito, State Squire Direc-
tor for Squires Advancement Promotions, further
discussed on the Squires Advancement Program.
The seminar ended with the prayer for the
beatification of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ, who
is the Father of the Knights of Columbus in the
Philippines.
The Columbian Squires of the Knights of Co-
lumbus Luzon Jurisdiction is a dynamic organi-
zation of young Catholic gentlemen inspired by
Bro. Barnabas McDonald, its founder.
It is a group of Catholic young men between
the ages of 10-18 who are members of a unit
called CIRCLE.
The group develops responsible youth leaders
through spiritual, physical, intellectual and civic
cultural formation. (Kate Laceda)

State New Council Development Chairman attends Pampanga Charter Presentation

SK Narciso M. Maniacup, PGK during the presentation of the Charter Certificate to GK Adrian N. Anicete as witnessed by
Rev. Fr. Laudemer H. Mangune, Charter Chaplain and SK Aurelio C. Caparas, State Chairman and Council Development
last November 7 in Macabebe, Pampanga. Installation and charging of council Officers held last November 7 at Macabebe, Pampanga.
STATE New Council Development The attendance of Caparas was in lieu of cil officers was headed by Narciso M. Knight Mario M. Cunanan. Outside Guard Redito Y. Calanoc and
Chairman Aurelio J. Caparas attended the absence of the Supreme Board of Direc- Maniacup, PGK, District Deputy of S-17 Among those installed were Chan- the three Trustees namely; Jaime F.
the Charter Presentation and Installa- tors and Luzon Deputy Alonso L. Tan. while the induction and oath-taking of cellor Arturo C. Cunanan; Financial Masangkay (Trustee for 3 years); Felix
tion of newly-elected officers of the San Caparas presented the Charter Cer- service program personnel was led by Secretary Joseph C. Sunga; Recorder N. Reyes (Trustee for 2 years) and Jose
Rafael Council No. 14846. tificate to Charter Grand Knight Adrian Aniciete. Domingo I. Cabrera; Treasurer Benja- S. Mercado (Trustee for 1 year).
This was held at Casa Simpauco, N. Aniciete and Fr. Laudemer A. Man- Installed officials of the San Rafael min B. Sunga; Advocate Reynaldo C. The event opened with a Eucharistic
Caduang Tete in Macabebe, Pampanga gune, the Council Chaplain. Council were headed by Grand Knight Bautista; Warden Albert M. Bonifacio; celebration presided by Mangune and cul-
last November 7, 2009. The formal installation of the Coun- Adrian N. Aniciete and Deputy Grand Inside Guard Orlando P. Carreon; minated with a fellowship. (KC News)

Participants of the Strategic Planning Process Seminar with resource speaker Mr. Norman L. Goss (seated 6th from left) Officers of KCFAPI and Subsidiaries during the awarding of the certificate of appreciation to the resource speaker,
of The Harry Pound Company held last November 17 at KCFAPI home office in Intramuros, Manila. Mr. Norman L. Goss (3rd from right) for the Strategic Planning Process Seminar held last November 17.