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Hundreds of young people join the launching of Laudato Si Generation – Philippines at the Quezon City Memorial Circle June 22.
COURTESY OF LAUDATO’ SI GEN – PILIPINAS
Prison ministry marks 13 Bishop urges gov’t to stop Cardinal Tagle asks students
years without death penalty premium hikes for OFWs not to bully
THIRTEEN years after from the Philippine
the scrapping of death experience that death penalty
penalty, the Church’s prison is not a deterrent to crime.
ministry has marked the “We argue that there are
anniversary on Thursday other more deeply-rooted
with “disappointment” over reasons for the lack of peace
calls to bring it back. and order in our society
The CBCP Episcopal that our leaders have
Commission on Prison failed to appreciate and
Pastoral Care (ECPPC) acknowledge,” he said.
expressed dismay over the Rather than reviving the
renewed push for capital death penalty, he said that
punishment in the next the Church wants to explore
Congress. alternatives to mete out
“This is disturbing because justice. Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP Commission on Migrants and Itinerant
it is strongly implies that Diamante called it a shift People. FILE PHOTO Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presides over the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Manila
the current set of elected in the paradigm of justice Cathedral June 19. COURTESY OF ROMAIN GARY LAZARO
leaders believe in killing as “from litigation to mediation; INSTEAD of adding burdens “There should be a
a ‘solution’ to the nation’s prosecution to healing; to overseas Filipino workers, moratorium on the said CARDINAL Luis Antonio near them.
peace and order problems,” punishment to reform the government should increase of contributions,” Tagle of Manila has asked the In his homily during the
said Mr. Rodolfo Diamante, and rehabilitation; from freeze all premium hikes to said Bishop Ruperto Santos, students to never bully others Mass of the Holy Spirit at
ECPPC Executive Secretary. retribution to restoration”. be collected from them, a who heads the CBCP’s or allow bullying to happen the Manila Cathedral June
He said that they know Ministry / A6 church official said. OFWs / A6 in their schools or anywhere Bully / A6
A2 WORLD NEWS June 24 - July 7, 2019, Vol 23, No. 13 CBCP Monitor
Pope announces Marian theme of WYD 2022 in Lisbona 'Near twin' of Notre Dame
clock found in storage
The original clock is viewed from this side of the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
World Youth Day 2019 in Panama. VATICAN MEDIA PHOTO FROM NDB FACEBOOK PAGE
VATICAN— At the conclusion two other Bible verses. dear young people, are action in a synodal Church, PARIS, France— A clock The old clock was then put in
of the International Youth “In the two coming years, called to be light in the and this is what you have nearly identical to the one storage, and was discovered
Forum Saturday, Pope I would ask you to meditate dark night experienced by so been thinking about and destroyed in the fire at behind a wooden board amid
Francis announced the theme on these two verses: ‘Young many of your friends who do reflecting on during these Cathedrale Notre-Dame statues and furniture in a
of World Youth Day 2022 man, I say to you, arise!’ not yet know the joy of new past days,” Pope Francis said. de Paris has been found small storage room.
to be held in Lisbon: “Mary and ‘Stand up. I appoint life in Jesus,” Pope Francis Pope Francis told the young in storage. The duplicate Olivier Chandez, who was
arose and went with haste.” you as a witness of what you told the International Youth adults in the forum that he was found at the Church of responsible for maintaining
“Do not tune out the voice have seen,’” the pope said in Forum. hopes to see “harmonious the Holy Trinity in Paris, the clock at Notre-Dame de
of God, who urges you to his meeting with the youth Pope Francis urged the coordination between our in what is being called a Paris, described the discovery
arise and follow the paths delegates at the Vatican’s nearly 250 participants in the journey towards the Lisbon “miraculous discovery.” as “almost a miracle.”
that he has prepared for apostolic palace. International Youth Forum World Youth Day and our This find brings new hope “If we only had the photos,
you. Like Mary, and in The Portugese capital set that the more one brings post-synodal journey.” restoration efforts at the we would have had to
union with her, may you to host World Youth Day Christ to others, the more “You need one another, if landmark cathedral. extrapolate,” he said. “But
daily bring to others all 2022 is just 75 miles from one will feel His presence in you are to make a difference The original clock was with this model, we have all
your joy and love,” Pope Fatima, one of the most their lives. in a world increasingly located near the cathedral the dimensions.”
Francis told the delegates visited Marian pilgrimage The International Youth tempted to divisiveness. Only spire, which collapsed during While the clocks are very
of the International Youth sites in the world. In Fatima, Forum was organized by if we journey together, will we the April 15 fire. It was feared similar, Chandez said that
Forum June 22. the Virgin Mary appeared to the Vatican Dicastery for be truly strong,” he said. there would be no way to there are enough differences
Pope Francis said that he three shepherd children over Laity, Family and Life June “With Christ, the Bread of rebuild the clock, as there to prevent restorers from
desires young people to reflect the course of 1916 and 1917 19-22 to discuss how best Life who gives us strength for were no surviving drawings simply inserting Holy
on this verse taken from St. with a message of peace and to implement ideas from the journey, let us bring his of its mechanism or any Trinity’s clock into the
Luke’s Biblical account of a request for prayer. the 2018 Synod of Bishops fire to light up the darkness digital records of how the refurbished Notre-Dame.
the Virgin Mary’s visitation “We were called to bring in young people’s home of this world!” Pope Francis clock was made. While it has not been
to her cousin Elizabeth after the light of Christ into the dioceses around the world. said. (Courtney Grogan/ The timepiece’s near-twin specifically confirmed that
the Annunciation, as well as darkness of the world. You, “You are young people in CNA) was found by clockmaker the rebuilt cathedral will even
Jean-Baptiste Viot, during include a clock, Viot insisted
a storage inventory at Holy that not doing so would be
Catholic aid group raises millions for persecuted Christians Trinity. unthinkable.
Viot called the find “A cathedral without a
VATICAN— Aid to the Church in “incredible,” and “like finding clock? It’s like an aircraft
Need raised over 111 million euros a second copy of a burned carrier without any planes,”
($125 million) in 2018 to help support book.” said Viot.
persecuted Christians, particularly in the The Church of the Holy Since the April fire, more
Middle East where tens of thousands of Trinity’s original clock was than one billion dollars has
Christians have been forced to flee their replaced by an electronic been raised for the restoration
homes due to ongoing war and conflicts model about 50 years ago. effort. (CNA)
over the last decade.
Releasing its 2018 annual report June Persecution / A1
20, the Vatican-recognized foundation
that assists minority Christian might be wounded people Archbishop Romulo Valles
communities and people persecuted and their behavior might be of Davao said the “core” of the
for their faith said the donations funded a cry for help… Can we empty pilgrimage was really their
“no fewer than 5,019 pastoral projects in ourselves and be the pastor’s dialogue with Pope Francis
some 139 different countries” with 27% love towards the enemy?” which lasted for around two
of the donations going to Africa and 25% Cardinal Tagle said. hours.
to the Middle East. He also encouraged “Before it was one on one,
Pope Francis blesses an icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians at the Vatican on Nov. 16, 2018. Aid to the clergy to continually like an oral exam. This time
Projects in the Middle East have the Church in Need raised over 111 million euros ($125 million) in 2018 to help support persecuted Christians.
increased since the 2011 Arab Spring, the VATICAN MEDIA work and minister to the it was a group audience…
foundation said. In the past seven years, youth and the poor who we can ask anything,” said
it said, the foundation has devoted to the India, Ukraine and Congo. religious literature. remain “underserved” in Valles, who is also the
region “a total of 99 million euros ($111.8 Among the projects supported by the In a statement released by Aid to the the archdiocese because of president of the Catholic
million), of which over 18 million euros funds collected by the Catholic aid group Church in Need, the foundation said their sheer number despite Bishops’ Conference of the
($20.3 million) were in 2018 alone.” were 23.2 million euros ($26.2 million) the annual report’s figures testified to the church’s anti-poverty Philippines.
Over 12% of the total aid, the report for construction or reconstruction of its support, “in a spirit of closeness, to programs. Ad limina visits are
said, went to assisting thousands of homes, chapels, churches, convents, the oppressed and persecuted church” For three weeks, from May traditionally scheduled every
Christians in the Middle East, especially seminaries and pastoral centers. as well as its ability to “react promptly” 20 to June 8, three sets of five years.
in Syria and Iraq, and funded the Donations also funded the formation in areas where Christians are attacked. bishops were in Rome to The visit is the first for
rebuilding of nearly 1,500 Christian of candidates for the priesthood and The donations, the statement said, report on the status of their Filipino bishops under
homes. religious life, education initiatives, demonstrate “that faith has the power dioceses, pray at the tombs Francis’ papacy. They made
The other nations in the top five for transportation as well as the purchase to overcome hatred.” (Junno Arocho of the apostles and met with the last one in 2011 when they
foundation-supported projects were and distribution of Bibles and other Esteves/CNS) Vatican officials. met with Pope Benedict XVI.
A4 OPINION June 24 - July 7, 2019, Vol 23, No. 13 CBCP Monitor
EDITORIAL
Monitor
CBCP
JUNE 26 is the feast of St. Josemaria ‘provinciano,’ I was excited with the focused on my academic pursuits and
Escriva who was raised to the altar by idea that I was given a chance to study my worldly goals. In college, this time
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Pope, now St., John Paul II in 2002. In in Manila because of a scholarship grant in Manila, the religious brothers again
his prayer card, he is said to have been and all I had in mind was to conquer tried to invite me to be like them. No
Pedro Quitorio chosen by God, granting him countless Manila and perhaps the world later. way, I said.
Editor-in-Chief graces, to found Opus Dei, a way of I remember that in grade school back But a college classmate of mine one
sanctification in daily work and in the in the province (Bohol), the nuns were day invited me to a place that later on
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas fulfillment of the Christian’s ordinary always running after me to enter the I realized was a center of Opus Dei.
Associate Editor Design Artists duties. seminary. When I graduated from there, I remember that day well. When I
The first time I met Opus Dei, I did not I asked my father if I could enter the entered the place, I felt differently. I
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite know it was Opus Dei I was getting into, seminary. The answer was a flat no. And was impressed by the cleanliness and
News Editor Circulation Manager
and much less was I aware of the role of that was for me at that time the end of the orderliness of the place.
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez St. Josemaria in it. I was only 17 then, any possibility to enter the seminary. I More than that, I was struck by the
Managing Editor Comptroller studying in De La Salle College Manila was not interested anymore in becoming warmth of the people there whom
when the school was still an exclusive a priest. I was focused on more mundane I found to be very nice and friendly
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the boys school. goals. in a natural way. At that time, I was
CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices
at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna I had no intention of becoming a In high school, still in the province, kind of aware of being able to discern
Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ specially spiritual person engaged the priests running the school also ran whether one’s niceness and friendliness
areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612.
ISSN 1908-2940. in the spiritual affairs of people, and after me, egging me to join them. I did is genuine or fake. It was my way of
much less, a priest. A true-blooded not give them any attention at all. I was Candidly Speaking / A7
CBCP Monitor June 24 - July 7, 2019, Vol 23, No. 13 OPINION A5
“Commitment to the poor is based through theirs; secondly, by their That is to say, the Church is very
on the Gospel; it does not have to rely own government. As of this writing, much present among the fishermen, The separation of
on some political manifesto”—St. John even the president appears to hold the the government officials supposedly
Paul II (Conference of Latin American
Bishops, Puebla, 1979)
poor fishermen partly responsible for
their own plight by implying that the
protecting and promoting their
interests, the opposition figures who
Church and State
fishermen ignored the competing claims protest the fishermen’s plight and the
“THE Church should not interfere in politics since the
“If a free society cannot help the on the area by their country and that unsympathetic treatment they have
constitution provides for the separation of Church and state.”
many who are poor; it cannot save the of their perpetrators, counseling them received from their own government,
This is usually the reaction every time bishops, priests and
few who are rich”— President John F. further to be “careful” in their conduct the media that have trained their sights
religious denovunce extrajudicial killings, human rights
Kennedy, Inaugural Adress, January within the own country’s EEZ (exclusive on them, and ordinary citizens reacting
abuse, corruption, anti-poor economic policies, etc.
20, 1961) economic zone). on the sidelines.
What does the separation of Church and state really mean?
Excuse me, but it is simply beyond All the baptized, basic catechesis tells
In the first place, this is not about what the Church is forbidden
IT was an allision. That is, the poor this writer’s ken how the poor fishermen us, belong to the same Body of Christ in a
to do—getting involved in politics. It is about what the state
Filipino fishermen’s boat was stationary, could be more careful than being manner and fashion more intimate than
is prohibited from doing—the establishment of an official
not in motion, when it was hit by a stationary and sleeping. Or, pray tell: blood or nationality. But the question is:
state religion and the use of public money to support such
foreign ship. They were at rest; most has it become illegal or, to put it bluntly, Are they standing where Jesus Christ
religion. This allows for religious pluralism. The free exercise
of them, in fact, were asleep. For still “careless” to rest and sleep in the stands? Do they prefer his preferences?
of religion is recognized and guaranteed. The state cannot
undetermined reason(s), the offending middle of the fishermen’s collectively Allow me a story.
interfere in the affairs of the Church or any other religious
ship fled and left the sinking boat of considered safe side of the ocean? A king saw a very beautiful woman.
groups. Thus, there is no prohibition for the Church or any
poor Filipino fishermen to the elements, On the other hand, the Philippine He inquired about her. It was a love
religious groups from involvement in the political sphere.
till they were eventually rescued by media have feasted on and exposed at first sight. He came to know she
Even members of the clergy can run for public office although
another foreign ship from Vietnam. the incident with the starkness of was a peasant’s daughter. Not wanting
church law does not allow this. The Church is not just the
The nationality of the rescuers is worth detail, though often with the flair for her to know he was a king, he came
clergy—it is also composed of lay people. All the members of
mentioning here not only for their the sensational and controversial. to her dressed as an ordinary peasant
the Church can freely exercise their civil rights and obligations
humanitarian action but also for the But truth has been served by them as and even joined her and her friends in
as citizens of the country. This includes participation in the
fact that they also come from an often well. Ordinary citizens, depending on working, hoeing the soil, planting etc.
electoral process, opposing acts and policies of government
aggrieved and poor sector of another whose side of the political spectrum She eventually fell in love with him. It
that run counter to the common good and the moral values
developing country like that of the they support, have also been busy is then that he revealed himself to be
espoused by the Church. It is, therefore, preposterous to say
victims. It was, in a word, a case of the opposing or supporting actions taken king. In consequence, she distanced
that the Church cannot get involved in politics due to the
poor taking care of the poor. on behalf of or against the victims. herself. On the other hand, the laws
separation between the Church and the state.
Reactions from different sectors Their often opposing political views of the kingdom forbade the king from
From a historical perspective, the principle of separation
in Philippine society are a study of notwithstanding, majority of citizens marrying a woman not from a noble
of Church and state was a reaction to the union of Church
a predictable babel of contrasts. take the side of the poor fishermen. The family. So the king made a decision. He
and state which was expressed in Patronato Real or
Government officials initially reason is mostly the off-again-and-on- abdicated his throne and handed it to
royal patronage. This was operative in Europe and in the
condemned the abandonment by the again patriotic spirit of Filipinos that his younger brother. Then he became a
Philippines for three centuries under Spanish colonial rule.
perpetrators of the poor fishermen; does not always translate into positive peasant and it was then that the woman
The patronato was based on the principle of the state choosing
then, they later changed their tune results. agreed to be his bride.
an official religion—e.g. Catholicism (to the exclusion of other
to characteizing it as “an ordinary Where is the Church in issues like This is the story of God’s Son, Jesus
religions)—and the state’s obligation to support such religion.
maritime incident” or “accident”, a this, it is often asked. Often too the Christ, the King of kings. He fell in love
This means providing financial support for the clergy, the
version adopted by the leader of the Church is understood narrowly to be with us sinners. He left the glory of
building of churches and monasteries, and the defense of the
land, a bit surprisingly because it the hierarchy or the priests and bishops. heaven and became a slave when he took
Church against her enemies.
followed—some say ‘kowtowed’— closely But that is a gross misunderstanding our sinful human nature to himself. Paul
The Church needed the patronage of the state to carry
to the perpetrators’ own. The opposition that dies hard despite document after the Apostle speaks of this eloquently in a
out her mission. In exchange, the state gained the right to
predictably saw the other side of the document, catechesis after catechesis passage every priest and seminarian as
interfere in the internal affairs of the Church. The approval
picture. They came out almost in unison on the preferential option for the poor well as every conscientious lay faithful
of the state was needed for the appointment of bishops, the
decrying the way the poor Filipino and on the Church as meaning all the should know by heart: Philippians
establishment of religious orders and communities, the
fishermen were twice abandoned: baptized, both the hierarchy and lay 2:6-8). This is the so-called love of
construction of churches and monasteries. There were times
first, by the foreign ship that rammed faithful. By The Roadside / A7
when rulers could even call for Church councils to settle
doctrinal controversies and heresies that threatened the unity
Pilgrimage to the Catholic of the state. The state could even interfere in papal elections.
Churches in Europe Duc in Altum In its extreme, the patronato led to state absolutism and
control of the Church.
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago In the course of history with the rise of liberal democracy
(Part 2) and secular states, the union of Church and state was replaced
by the separation of Church and state. The Church lost its
privileged status but it was a blessing in disguise since it ended
London, England—As a continuing not the ones in the uphill climb) and by the beach. not just the patronage of the state but also interference and
pilgrimage to the different Catholic joined the 8:00pm Marian procession Then we proceeded to Pisa Cathedral, control of the Church by the state. Paradoxically, nowadays,
Churches in Europe, particularly in front of the Church of the Rosary. The a Romanesque-style Church in its white state control of religion only happens in communist states –
London, France and Italy, I am very congregation prayed the rosary and sang splendor with the Leaning Tower of Pisa bit without the state support or patronage.
thankful that the Lord still gave me the “Ave Maria” in the midst of rain shower. at the background. Its patron saint is Thus, the separation of the Church and state is to the
opportunity and good health to go to It was here where I offered prayers for Santa Maria Assunta. There was a long advantage of the Church for it protects the Church from state
these Churches. Sad to note, most of the my families, relatives, friends, for our queue of pilgrims and due to lack of control and interference. The Church can freely carry out
Catholic Churches are now converted bishops, clergies, deacons, seminarians time, I prayed for everyone in front of her mission in proclaiming the Gospel and the moral values
into Anglican Church, the national and those who requested prayers. I put the Cathedral. of the Christianity, in denouncing evil in society, in serving
religion of England, where the head is one by one into the petition box by the Then, we went to the famous St. the common good, in working for the defense of life and the
the Queen. Grotto the prayers-petitions of those Mark Cathedral in Venice, my 3rd visit, environment, and in the struggle for justice and peace, and
Our next stop was the Church of St. who entrusted them to me. We also surrounded by the waters from Adriatic in operating social action projects that benefit the poor. It
Severin in Nice, France. One thing I visited the house of St. Bernadette. Sea. it is the best example of Italo- does not prevent the Church from involvement in the social
noticed, most of the churches in Nice has Riding the train is the best way to Byzantine architecture. The image of the and political field.
the image of the rooster on its rooftop. travel in Europe. After almost one day Virgin Mary and St. Mark could be seen This means that a government official cannot just tell
At first, I thought it was not a Catholic of train transfers, we reached Vernazza, in the facade of the cathedral. Again, members of the Church to stop attending worship services
Church. The images of St. Therese of Italy. Unfortunately, the Santa Margarita due to long queue, we said our prayers or to stop giving financial contribution. It does not allow any
Lisieux were exhibited here. d’ Antiochia Church was already closed in front of the Cathedral. government official to dictate to the clergy what to preach
We then took the train to the Sanctuary when we reached it. Luckily, we were Luckily, we were able to hear the Holy and what not to preach. It does not allow the state to compel
of Our Lady of Lourdesin France, one of able to visitSan Giovanni Battista Church Trinity Mass at Milan Cathedral where priests to break the seal of confession. It does not require the
the most visited pilgrimage churches in Monterosso, one of the five islands we the patron saint is St. Ambrose. The permission or approval of government officials for the Church
in Europe due to the healing of most visited. It was a 13th century Ligurian guards allowed us to enter the church, to carry out her mission.
of the pilgrims. It was my second visit Catholic Church on top of the hill. The skipping the line, because we are going Thus, it is important to have a proper understanding of what
and aside from having the bath, I was Baroque Altar dates back to 1744. We to hear Mass (Ambrosian Mass). I separation of Church and state really means. Otherwise, it’s
able to attend the 9:00am Mass, did the used the lift (as they call the elevator in noted that the offering of peace was misunderstanding can be used to silence the Church.
Stations of the Cross (near the Grotto, Europe) to see the surrounding areas Duc in Altum / A7
Roadkill
Whatever
Fr. Francis Ongkingco
I WAS strolling with a friend when from rats, cats and dogs. Dogs peaceful revolution has already been Although our society may not horizons and show them new paths.
we spotted a very disgusting sight are a rare sight because they have “roadkilled”. Its relevance may now cradle and nourish a deep historical But if the elderly do not dream,
on the road. It was a grotesquely maneuvering skills that cats don’t be as dry and flat as the concrete road sense, it has one saving grace that young people lose clear sight of the
mangled cat that was like a bloody have. Cats are wired with a defense itself. We, especially the young, seem could actually help consolidate our horizon. (Christus vivit, no. 193)”
three-dimensional Rorschach freeze mechanism that shuts them to have already forgotten this historical people’s identity: our Christian In the age of the Internet, a
spread. down when a threat is nearby. They landmark and simply drove onwards. heritage. Pope Francis, however, virtual information highway, it is
“Oh, my! How horrible! Won’t they freeze when caught in the middle of Undoubtedly, every individual has a reminded us that this heritage is not easy for the young to lose sight of a
remove the poor thing?” she gasped a road and are easy targets for any ‘his-story’, but we do not seem to have passed on like a museum piece to be previous generation’s dreams and
when she managed to reconstruct vehicle. This is one reason there are a clear identity and dignity bound to a studied and observed. It is handed aspirations. It is easy for many ideals
what had occurred. more roadkill cats than dogs. common story that propels us towards on alive and fruitful—in words and and values to be roadkilled in this
I shrugged my shoulders and I occasionally drive through EDSA a brighter future. Some historians deeds—founded in our Christian virtual avenue. Instead of simply
said, “I’m not exactly sure, but such (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue). The affirm that a history could not deeply heritage. writing about static past events and
mishaps are simply left for the cars to avenue was born on the 19th of June take root since an archipelago was Our faith is what will make it personalities, which undoubtedly
flatten, to dry and disappear.” in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal’s birthday. only a bridge for our ancestors to possible for us to forge a story that have a place in our culture, it is more
“That is so unfortunate. In other The Americans also called it Highway pass through. No one really bothered constantly purifies the intellect, important to build spiritual bridges to
countries, a roadkill is reported and 54 or as MacArthur Highway after to stay on and build for good. This inflames the will and delicately guides remove generational gaps so that the
the city’s sanitation department Gen. Douglas MacArthur. may explain the absence of imposing hands to make our history more elderly may pass on their stories, their
disposes it.” EDSA is world-famous for a structures like the Pyramids, the Great attractive for the next generation. experience, and dreams to the young.
“Is that so? That would require historical ‘peaceful revolution’ that Wall or Angkor Wat. This will eventually build a society Among these bridges are family
more taxpayer’s money,” I said. toppled a long-standing dictatorship. Although history isn’t something with a strong identity, with clear dining table conversations, visiting
“True, but it also tells a lot Today, it is infamous for being the merely left carved on structures or goals and for the common good. old or sick relatives, gathering photos
about a country’s standards and country’s largest parking space written on signs, how much harder Thus, the Pope says, “The elderly and letters that can be enjoyed and
sensibilities.” due to the still unresolved traffic can it survive within the fast flux of a have dreams built up of memories read from time to time, keeping a
Her last observation struck me congestion. Finally, this avenue also concrete thoroughfare where events and images that bear the mark family diary, having a family vision
and I realized that a ‘simple’ roadkill hosts random roadkill scenes. are run over, and over again until of their long experience. If young and prayer intentions, and many
could actually spell a lot about who I believe an EDSA roadkill they are flattened and forgotten. people sink roots in those dreams, other spiritually bonding activities
we are as a people and a country. illustrates how little historical sense Thus, it isn’t really clear what we are they can peer into the future; they that gradually build the material and
There different types of roadkill Filipinos have. For example, our passing on to the next generation. can have visions that broaden their spiritual history of our society.
A6 LOCAL NEWS June 24 - July 7, 2019, Vol 23, No. 13 CBCP Monitor
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle watch children perform prior to his “dialogue with the
youth” at the Sta, Cruz Church in Manila June 23. ROY LAGARDE
Pope Francis celebrates Mass marking the feast of Corpus Christi at Santa Maria Consolatrice parish in Rome June 23, 2019. VATICAN MEDIA
I STARTED my homily today with the sign of contrary to God’s holiness. Does the sign of the
the cross. Without gesturing, I said, “In the cross have the same value when performed by
name of the Father and of the Son and of the a thief who is about to steal, or a criminal who
Holy Spirit. AMEN.” Almost automatically, ev- is about to commit murder, or a terrorist who
erybody in the congregation made the gesture is about to detonate a bomb that will hurt a
of the sign of the Cross. I said, “I wasn’t really whole crowd of people? It is blasphemy. It is
asking you to make the gesture of the sign of as blasphemous as an Abu Sayyaf member who
the cross. I just wanted to invoke the name of cries “Allah hu ‘akbar!” (God is great!) before
God for us Catholics, whom we celebrate today cutting the throat of his captive because no
as a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I ransom money had been delivered.
wanted to make you a bit more aware that the After starting with an invitation to make the
sign of the cross is actually the sign of the Trin- sign of the cross invoking the name of God,
ity. But I do understand that for us, Catholics, the priest opens with a greeting that is also
it is almost automatic to sign ourselves with Trinitarian. He says, “The GRACE of our Lord
the familiar gesture, pointing at our forehead Jesus Christ, and the LOVE of the Father, and
for the Father, at our heart for the Son, and the COMMUNION of the Holy Spirit be with
at left and right shoulders for the Holy Spirit. you!” Take note that, unlike in the sign of the
Often we’re not even conscious of what we do cross, in the priest’s opening greeting, the
anymore. I see jeepney drivers and passers-by Son comes first, the Father second, and the
making the sign of the cross as they pass by the Spirit last. How come? It is because it is the
Church. I see people performing the gesture Son who has revealed to us the essence of the
before eating, before sleeping, before a meet- LOVE of the Father. This love is unconditional.
ing, or even before darting off for a marathon. It is not being given as a reward for our good
Even boxers do it in the boxing ring; someone deeds. It is only through Jesus, the Son, that
we all know very well in the Philippines used to we have been made fully aware of that. The
do it before each fight. We all know, of course, Gospel, from John chapter 3, says, “For God
that he has stopped doing it. Perhaps it was so LOVED the world, he gave us his only Son
because he did not really know what it was for, so that all who believe might not perish but
in the first place. Perhaps his newfound fellows might have eternal life.” In short, the essence
in the evangelical Church had dissuaded him of God consists in giving life, not in punish-
from doing it because it had every semblance ing or condemning. This is not so clear yet
of a superstitious gesture, something like a for people who promote a fearful, a wrathful,
lucky charm. I do not blame him for not doing a vengeful God--who rewards only the righ-
it anymore. I’ve also felt a bit queasy myself, teous and punishes the sinners. Because we
seeing him and his Mexican Catholic contend- all have the tendency to sin, we are afraid of
ers both making the same sign of the cross, God. In fact, it is a value to be “God-fearing”,
and then beating each other up violently. It even when we know that what the Bible means
does indeed have the semblance of blasphemy by fear of God is really “reverential fear”, not
against the name of God, which that sign “fear in the sense of terror”. What the New
represents.” Testament emphasizes is LOVE, not FEAR. In
I invite you, dear fellow Catholic Christians, fact, the epistle of John says, “Perfect LOVE
to restore that beautiful sign to its original casts out all fear.”
sense and meaning. We do it precisely to con- The Son is associated with GRACE (“The
secrate ourselves, our bodies, our activities, GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ...”) because
our food, our every endeavor, in God’s name. He reveals to us the Father as a God whose
And so we say, “in the name of the Father, desire is to save, not to condemn. “God sent Finally, why do we associate the Holy Spirit can always unite with people of good will, and
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The His Son into the world not to condemn the with COMMUNION? Because it is the com- transcend cultural, racial, linguistic, political,
gesture is in fact already a complete prayer in world but to save it.” No wonder the Son was munion of the Father and the Son that makes and religious differences. We’re not Catholic if
itself. When we do it before partaking of our named JESUS, from the Hebrew YESHUA, it possible for us to be bestowed or gifted with we can have communion only with people of
food, we’re already saying, “We partake of this which is a shorter version for YEHOSHUA the Spirit. Communion is spiritual union or our own faith and beliefs. We’re in fact forfeit-
food in God’s holy name.” That is why it makes (Joshua) and YESHAYAHU (Isaiah), which solidarity; it is that which enables us to enter ing our catholicity if we believe that salvation
sense why all our liturgies begin with it. We basically means “Yahweh saves”. We are never into fellowship with one another. Communion is exclusively only for us. To be catholic is to
engage in acts of worship in the name of God. to associate God with damnation, but rather is what makes community possible. And we believe that God intends the salvation of all
But does not the Lord’s Prayer say we must with salvation! As St. Paul eloquently declares can become truly human, strong, noble and humankind. We are not being truly “catholic”
“hallow God’s Name”? Yes, hallow (as in hal- in Romans 8: “Who will condemn us?” It beautiful only when we become community, if we cannot be instruments of peace, unity,
loween), which means “keep holy” or conse- couldn’t be the Father, could it? Remember when we build community. I do not mean only and harmony.
crate. But if the activity is meant to destroy, or how the Father “did not spare his own Son but the community in the sense of Church or unity On this Feast Day of the Holy Trinity, let us
defraud, or to commit violence against another handed him over for us all!” It could not be the among those who profess Christ. A Christian is remind ourselves that the sign of the Cross
person, how can it hallow God’s Name? It Son either, could it? “It is Christ who died for always an agent of UNITY and COMMUNITY is the sign of the Trinity. That this beautiful
does the opposite, doesn’t it? It blasphemes us... and who intercedes for us!” Paul ends by in the world. Religion is not the only basis gesture is a prayer. That this sign means we
God’s Name. confidently saying, “Nothing can separate us of unity and community. If we cannot unite consecrate our lives, our actions, our food, in
For Jesus, we’re like orphans who have been from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!” and build community with people because of the holy name of God, who is GRACE, LOVE,
adopted and given “God’s name”. God has And so we understand why we associate the religious differences, we can always explore and COMMUNION.
called us to be members of his family. And Son with GRACE. He is the ultimate expression other grounds for unity. We can unite around If we hallow ourselves in the name of God
so he gives us His Holy Name. We have the of the LOVE of the Father that is bestowed on a common purpose, such as for the common who is Trinity, it means we commit ourselves
duty and responsibility never to dishonor this us through the Son who died for us “while we good, for the good of the environment, for the to becoming agents of GRACE, LOVE, AND
name, never to invoke it in activities that are were yet sinners.” GRACE is unmerited LOVE. protection of the weak and the vulnerable. We COMMUNION in this world. AMEN?
I call this joke of Jesus a clever, albeit a tend to seek God in the theatrics of life, only
rather morbid one too, because it is supposed to find that He is easier to find in silence? It
to make a person think after being induced to was in prayer that Elijah encountered the God
laugh about it. There is a catch in His statement he sought, who alone could heal him and
that makes one realize the ridiculousness of give new strength to his troubled soul. If one
the solution: the purported problem. Cut if off, allows God to rebuild his soul, the rest of the
IF IT CAUSES YOU TO SIN. But can my body body follows.
parts really cause me to sin? Is it the hand that Today happens to be also the feast of one
steals that is to be blamed for the stealing? Is of the greatest Franciscan saints in history:
it not, rather the mind or the will that moves St Anthony of Padua, a great teacher and
the hand to carry out a sinful act? preacher whom people nowadays know better
Why will i cut it off if it’s not what really as an intercessor for finding lost objects. St
causes me to sin? It is the same principle with Anthony was sought out by many people with
stealing, isn’t it? Have you ever wondered a broken spirit, people in his time who felt lost
why the need for a tenth commandment but found themselves again because his words
about not coveting one’s neighbors’ goods led them to God. He was like the angel who
if there’s already a seventh commandment awoke and fed Elijah and made him endure
about not stealing? Or why the need for a the desert journey so that he could climb
ninth commandment about not coveting God’s mountain and encounter God in a still
one’s neighbor’s wife if there’s already a voice. Anthony led many lost souls to God
sixth commandment prohibiting adultery? through his own gentle voice and demeanor.
Because the root causes for both stealing and Thousands, we are told, flocked to him. His
adultery are not our body parts but the human inspiring thoughts on the Scriptures led them
I COULDN’T help but laugh at the things Jesus person asks for an explanation, it only means
spirit. And we do not refer to the human will home like lost sheep found and brought back
says in today’s (Fri June 10) Gospel, Matthew s/he didn’t get it. I wonder how many of Jesus’ as a body part even if we often represent it to the fold by the Good Shepherd.
5, 27-32. And I am inclined to believe, even as sayings were actually told as jokes, but which figuratively with “the heart”. Now I understand why Anthony became
a Bible scholar, that Jesus meant it as a joke. we no longer find funny because we’re so We all know how a broken spirit can affect known as patron of the lost. Before we think
What will you do with your hand, your eye or far removed already from his linguistic and us physically. Like Elijah in the first reading of him as intercessor for finding lost objects
your foot, if it “causes you to sin”? Get rid of semantic world? who was so depressed he wanted to sleep we should think of him, first and foremost
it! I call this one of Jesus’ clever jokes that was What is funny about the morbid idea and not wake up again. Queen Jezebel had as a patron of lost souls, of people with a
most probably intended not just to make his of plucking out one’s eye or chopping off just murdered all the prophets of Israel. broken heart, of people with a drooping spirit.
audience laugh but also to make them think. one’s hand or one’s foot? Nothing but Elijah knew that he too could get arrested Almost always, these are people who lose
I imagine him saying it tongue-in-cheek. He the ridiculousness of it all, and its being and executed, any moment. Surely his body a sense of direction halfway through their
rubs it in precisely to draw a reaction that purposively ludicrous. Who in his right mind refused to carry on. But the angel had kept journey through life, because of their adult
could be the start of a serious reflection. would do such a thing?! waking him up and prodding him to go on with preoccupations with what the Little Prince
Imagine how people would react to our Jesus has just spoken about the relationship his journey to the holy mountain. calls “matters of consequence”. No wonder St
Pinoy jokes two thousand years from now. between lust and adultery. Surely his male There he seeks God, who alone can revive Anthony’s image always goes with the child
They’d probably not even be able to guess audience has already included in the list of his drooping spirit. He would find him, not Jesus. He has no other mission than to lead
that they were meant as jokes. Jokes, like prospective body parts to be cut off that part in the wind, or in the earthquake, or in the us back to Jesus, and through Jesus, to allow
parables, do not have to be explained. If the of their anatomy that is often activated by lust. fire, but rather in a still voice. Don’t we also us to rediscover the childhood that we’ve lost.
CBCP Monitor June 24 - July 7, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 13 STATEMENTS B5
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Director General of the FAO
for the inauguration of the United Nations decade of Family Farming
relationships in which we learn to live with Lastly, the food crisis in underdeveloped to the assault of the technocratic paradigm”
others and in harmony with the world countries and the grave economic and financial (cf. Laudato Si’, 111). The transmission of
around us. It thus represents a fertile ground crisis in developed countries have prompted these values, embedded in the family, can
and a model for conducting a sustainable renewed efforts in various parts of the world to shape the life of local communities and
agriculture, with beneficial effects not only make farming not only a means of employment, international life itself.
for the farming sector, but also for mankind but also of development for individuals and Mr Director General: this opportunity to
as a whole and for the protection of the communities. The employment of young reflect on and to promote family farming as
environment. In this sense, the family can people in agriculture, in addition to combatting part of the effort to eliminate hunger also
help us appreciate the interconnection of unemployment, can bring new energies to provides an incentive for an increased societal
humanity, creation and agriculture. a sector that is proving to be of strategic awareness of the needs of our brothers and
Family life also exemplifies the principle of importance to the national interests of many sisters lacking the basic necessities of life. To
subsidiarity, which, as a means of regulating countries. The goals of the 2030 Agenda cannot this end, there is a need to provide peoples
human relationships, is capable of shaping ignore the contribution of young people and with a suitable structure that can help set
the social order. Through an appropriate their capacity for innovation. them free from hunger. This will be possible
subsidiarity, public authorities—from the local It is important to reassess educational only as a result of joint efforts, carried out
level to the broadest international level—can systems, so that they can better respond to in a spirit of willingness and determination,
work together with families to develop rural the needs of the agricultural sector and thus and guided by an approach that takes into
areas, without overlooking the goal of the help integrate young people in the labour consideration fundamental human rights
TO Professor José Graziano da SilvaDirector common good and by giving priority to people market. The interests and talents shown and intergenerational solidarity as the basis
General of the Food and Agricultural in situations of greatest need. by young people in the field of agriculture of sustainability. These actions will be vital
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) In this “subsidiarity from below”, which should be encouraged by suitable educational for attaining, also through family farming,
helps us to be attentive and considerate to our opportunities and economic policies capable the objective laid down by the second of
Mr. Director General, neighbours, we can see how family farming calls of providing them with the necessary tools the Sustainable Development Goals.
I am writing to you on this, the opening for the specific contribution of the feminine to put their abilities to good use and thus to May the Lord bless the efforts and activities
day of the United Nations Decade of Family genius, so necessary in every expression become agents of change and development of the Representatives of the nations accredited
Farming (2019-2028), an initiative aimed of the life of society (cf. Compendium of for their communities, with a view to an to the FAO, of all those associated with this
at reaching the Zero Hunger 2030 target the Social Doctrine of the Church, 295). integrated ecology. Educational systems need Organization and of all who contribute to the
and attaining the second of the Sustainable Especially in developing countries, women to pass from simply conveying knowledge realization of this initiative at the service of
Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda: make a significant contribution to agricultural to fostering that ecological culture which our greater human family.
“End hunger, achieve food security and activity. They play a role in all the stages of necessarily includes “a distinctive way of
improved nutrition and promote sustainable food production from sowing to harvesting, looking at things, a way of thinking, policies, From the Vatican, 29 May 2019
agriculture”. in the management and care of livestock, and an educational programme, a lifestyle and a
The family consists of a network of even in more demanding forms of labour. spirituality which together generate resistance FRANCIS
discipleship
July 7, 2019
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 10:1-12.17-20) SO few workers for such an abundant role in it.
July 7, 2019 harvest! This remark, justified in The magnitude of the task to be
the time of Jesus, is more than accomplished should not discourage
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD appropriate today. There is the anyone. It has never been easy to be a
whole world to be brought to Jesus. worker in the field of God. Jesus told
Or better, Jesus has to be made the seventy-two that he was sending
present to the whole world. More them as “lambs among wolves.” (See
than six billion human beings have Lk 10:3.) Proportionally, the wolves
not yet received the Good News. are as numerous today as in the
They are not yet aware of how times of Herod and Nero. We need to
much God loves them and of what be as brave as the Apostles, none of
a wonderful future He has in store whom died of old age, except John.
for them! The harvest is plentiful. Indeed,
The workers are few. This is there is so much to be done. There
not just a fact but also a lament, is peace to be sown and nurtured
an invitation, and a challenge. in the hearts of men, if we want to
For centuries, the Church has see it flourish among the nations.
endeavored to respond to the There is so much healing to be done
challenge through her elite troops: among the numberless victims of
the clergy and the religious. Now, the terrible cancer called “sin.”
she has come to realize ever more There is a Kingdom we have to keep
clearly that she needs many, many proclaiming and establishing, in the
more apostles if she is to fulfill her endless alternation of victories and
mission of preaching the Gospel to setbacks.
all men. If billions of humans do not know
What was never denied in the and love Christ, no Christian should
past is now proclaimed loud and try to excuse himself/herself. Woe to
clear: The Church needs the Laity. us if we do not preach the Gospel!
They are an immense potential of (See 1 Cor 9:16.) This is a duty and
99% that has been kept dormant a privilege that none of us may
for too many centuries. The 1987 delegate to others. The roles and
Synod acknowledged it frankly. styles in this great undertaking may
“Christifideles laici” (the post- be different. They may change with
EVEN IF ONE just limits his reading humiliation. But what is peace? For wholeness and integrity in the life synodal exhortation written by the times and circumstances, but the
to newspaper headlines this month, the prophet, peace is not merely the of the people and community— Pope John Paul II after that Synod) essence remains: every Christian is
it will not take him more than a absence of war. One does not create the right relationship among the proclaims it bravely and as a matter called to be a worker in the harvest
minute to conclude that this is not a desert and call it peace. Using the members of the community and of urgency. The time for a renewed of God, today. Every Christian is
a peaceful world. But despite these image of the New Jerusalem as a nation and the right relationship evangelization has come, and the called to be a herald and builder of
endless happenings of violence and mother who consoles the returning between the people and God. lay faithful are to play their rightful the Kingdom.
war, people—especially those who exiles at her breast and dandles them But will we ever experience it? In
experience war and those who are
victims of human rights violations,
of disinformation and blackmail—
at her lap, the prophet describes
peace in terms of the mournful
experiencing comfort, prosperity
the theology of the New Testament,
such peace—it is experienced—is
often elusive. This is because, viewed
Love without borders
know the need and long for peace. spreading over the land, and all according to the Jewish symbolic 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 10:25-37)
In today’s 1st Reading (Isa 66:10- inhabitants being joyful in mind and universe, evil forces are at work. July 14, 2019
14c), Isaiah speaks of peace that heart. Isaiah’s imagery expresses An example of this explanation is
God will bestow on his people in another way the Old Testament given in a scroll found at Qumran By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
who suffered strife, defeat and idea of peace as an experience of Peacemaking / B7
caves: “All dominion over the sons of evil, peace is now possible. Of community, in the nation and in the To obey the word of God, there are ourselves whether so-and-so is our
of perversity is in the hand of the course, during his public ministry, world, Jesus needs men to spread times when one has to transcend neighbor nor not. We must get into
Angel of darkness; they walk in the he already anticipated this victory it. It cannot be privatized as if it the law. God’s word—hearing action and obey; we must behave
ways of darkness. And because of over evil and triumph for peace were an individual possession, with and doing which constitutes one’s like a neighbor to him.” Thus, this
the Angel of darkness all the sons through his healings and exorcisms. the bearer unmoved by the events, real happiness (cf Luke 11:28 )—is despised Samaritan is presented as
of righteousness go astray; and all “For with what authority and power vicissitudes and concerns in this life. present in the events of our life, in a moral paradigm of one who lives
their sin and iniquities and faults, he commands the unclean spirits Peace always involves relationships women and men in the world. It the word of God and, hence, who is
and all the rebellion of their deeds, and they come out” (Luke 4:36). within communities and between is also present in the man in need. truly part of God’s people.
are because of his dominion… And By undoing Satan’s work, Jesus peoples; it is always about their Hence, one’s acceptance or rejection In effect, contrary to the thinking
all the blows that smite them, all the challenged the demonic power and unity and harmony. If Jesus gave his of the needy is also his acceptance or of many Christians that following
times of their distress, are because its influence. peace to his disciples (cf John 14:27), rejection of the word of God. rules will ensure one’s place in
of the dominion of his malevolence. That is why, in today’s Gospel his disciples must bring it to men. The parable of the Good Samaritan God’s kingdom, achieving eternal
And all the spirits of his lot cause (Luke 10:1-12.17-20), the seventy- This is why in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us an example of what it life—which Christian religion is
the sons of light to stumble; but the two disciples, who were given power sent his disciples for the mission means to go beyond what the law concerned with—is far from being
God of Israel and His Angel of truth by Jesus, could exclaim in triumph: to spread peace: “On entering any says. Though he was regarded as all about laws. God’s word cannot
succour all the sons of light” (1QS “Master, even the demons are house, first say, ‘Peace to this house’. a person who does not properly be wholly identified with them.
3:20-25a). subject to us in your name” (Luke If there is a peaceable man there, observe the law, and for that very God’s word is rather about life,
The influence of Satan’s power 10:17). They penetrated into the your peace will rest on him” (Luke reason was despised and ridiculed, about people in need who are our
is vast and difficult to eradicate. territory of Satan who, unseen by 10:5-6). What Jesus meant here is yet his action on behalf of the man neighbors because God’s word is
This is evidenced in, among men, exercises influence over people not a simple greeting that one gives in need—dressing his wounds, uncomfortably present in them.
others, personal rifts and social and events in the world. Thus, even to people he meets on the way, but hoisting him on a beast, bringing People in need—those who are
and political conflicts where, it is in his public ministry, the power of an announcement of the peace that him to an inn and caring for him wounded psychologically, who
assumed, he dominates. According Satan to sow evil was already being the salvation of Jesus brings. (Luke 10:34)—was a loving response have no power to lean on, who are
to this symbolic universe, illness broken. As Jesus himself said, “I We, Christians, must be peace- to God’s word. He proved to be forgotten by the dominant society,
and physical handicaps are results watched Satan fall from the sky like bearers. We are to be vehicles of the neighbor of the man in need. or who are even our enemies—they
of the activity of Satan’s power. lighting” (Luke 10:18). Though the peace—for it is only through the Unlike the lawyer who wanted to are God’s word to us, inviting our
Also, if there is no harmony and eschatological battle between the communities of disciples will real know who, from the point of view response that does not issue from
prosperity in the land, it is because forces of good and evil has begun, peace come upon earth. We have to of the Torah, was his neighbor, the the pressure of law’s demand. We
his demonic power controls not only now the ultimate victory over Satan be involved in the peace-process. In Samaritan was not interested in must therefore go beyond legalism.
the life of the individual but also the is being won, with the rising of our time, that process would include the fine points—the minutiae—of We must transcend the thinking of
relationship within the nation and Jesus to new life. In the words of not only maintaining the balance of the law; he was more interested in our law-oriented institutions. If
among nations. In the light of this the Johannine Jesus, “Now has power, but even more important, responding to God’s word in the not, then we will feel comfortable
view of reality, one can claim that judgment come upon this world, safeguarding of the goods of persons, man in need, which is the spirit of even in face of uncomfortable
the power of Satan lies behind the now will this world’s prince be free communication among men, the law. He went beyond the narrow situation, because we rest on the
proliferation of prohibited drugs, driven out, and I—once am lifted respect for the dignity of persons legal definition of neighbor. Luke is mantle of law. If not, we can
and other evils that plague our up from earth—will draw all men and peoples, and assiduous practice thus giving us the impression that always assure ourselves that we
present society. to myself” (John 12:31-32). And as of charity (CCC 2304). And it may the lawyer’s question “Who is my remain respectable and good people
With Jesus, however, came new Paul puts it, “then the God of peace be stressed that to spread peace is neighbor?” is entirely wrong. For without doing anything concretely
and full power (cf Matt 28:18). will quickly crush Satan under your not a work of mercy—it is rather a man who listens to the word of commendable simply because we do
Through his cross and resurrection, feet” (Rom 16:20). demanded by our status as disciples God, the correct question should be, not transgress any law at all. That
he vanquished the powers of this But what does the Gospel wish to of Jesus. “Peacemaking is not “To whom can I be a neighbor?”, for is why the word of God challenges
world: “thus did God disarm the teach us about peace? We all long for an optional commitment. It is a every man in need is a neighbor, and us to look beyond the system we
principalities and powers. He peace, for wholeness, integrity and requirement of our faith. We are God’s word to him. As D. Bonhoeffer are confined to by seeing the word
made a public show of them and, well-being--which is meant by the called to be peacemakers, not by puts it, “neighborliness is not a of God in other people, places and
leading them off captive, triumphed Hebrew word shalom, but in order some movement of the moment, quality in other people; it is simply things. Like the person in need we
in the person of Christ” (Col 2:15). to establish this peace not only in but by our Lord Jesus” (NCCB, The their claim on ourselves. We have encounter in the ordinary event of
Because he defeated the forces our individual lives, but also in our Challenge of Peace, 333). literally no time to sit down and ask our lives.
B8 ENTERTAINMENT June 24 - July 7, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 13 CBCP Monitor
Technical assessment: 3
Moral assessment: 3
CINEMA rating: V14
MTRCB rating: PG
Buhay Parokya
a baby alien that had strayed The CGI of the outer space
into her bedroom. In MiB creatures look lifelike; the FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:
London, Molly becomes the baby alien and Pawny (M’s 1. HOLY ROSARY
rookie “Agent M” assigned to minuscule alien sidekick) are 2. POPE JOHN PAUL II
team up with veteran Agent endearing enough; the action 3. SAINT LORENZO RUIZ
H, Henry (Chris Hemsworth) keeps you from dozing off; the
Henry, a glib and cocky gadgets, although generics,
operative who’ll do anything are in new shapes; Riza’s
to accomplish a mission — outlandish costume matches
including having interspecies the character’s eccentricity,
sex with Riza (Rebecca and yet altogether they fail to
Ferguson), a glamorous cross excite. Even the much touted
between human and octopus. chemistry supposedly carried
Riza has three arms and she’s over from Thor Ragnarok by
an arms dealer — how funny Hemsworth and Thompson
is that — and now happens can’t save the day.
to be in possession of a little What, then, spares Men
doomsday weapon that H in Black International from
and M must find and destroy, total oblivion by its fans?
with the full support of MiB If you just close your eyes
London division’s honcho, to the abovementioned
High T, (Liam Neeson). disappointing elements and
With a trite and convoluted focus instead on the human
plot, Men in Black values still enveloped in the
International (the fourth story, you’ll find a number of
of the MiB series), can be desirable and rewarding traits
likened to a dish of boiled demonstrated by the characters:
pasta garnished with nachos, kindness to a stranger (Molly
gelatine cubes, jalapeno saves the life of the baby alien);
peppers, sprinkles, baba single-mindedness in pursuing
ghanoush, and Oreo cookies a goal; gratitude for one’s life
— bland carbohydrates plus saved; self-confidence rooted
garnishings that might be in self-knowledge; sacrificing
palatable or even exotic self-indulgence to give way to
when taken singly but when service. In the end traitors are
together served as a meal uncovered and a good cause is
would make you seriously rewarded; it is unmistakable,
wonder what culinary school too, that good triumphs over
the chef got his hat from. evil.
Clarita
sa kaso ni Clarita. mukhang luma ang mga tuwing sasaniban si Clarita. nanggaling mismo kay Clarita,
Ang galing ng pagganap eksena — dekada singkwenta Ang layo na ng narating na itinaboy ng kanyang mga
Sinasamantala ng demonyo ang ating kahinaan, lalo na kapag ni Sta. Maria. Kahit balot nangyari ang kababalaghan ng pelikulang Pilipino sa kababaryo at nag-iisang
bumibitaw tayo sa ating pananalig at kapit sa Diyos. ng prosthetic makeup ang na base sa tunay na buhay — aspetong ito. Proud to be tumangis sa pagkamatay ng
mukha, litaw pa rin ang pag- ginamitan ng madilaw na ilaw Filipino tayo. kanyang ina. Nang sabihin
Technical assessment: 3 Moral assessment: 3.5
CINEMA rating: V14 MTRCB rating: R13 arte niya. Si Buencamino at vignette effect ang pelikula. Lumabas kami sa sinehang ni Emilia sa kanya na “di
na sa unang parte lang ng Minsan, biglang magliliwanag may malinaw na aral na ka namin iiwan at lalaban
Sunud-sunod ang malagim nakumbinsi na rin siya. istorya lumabas ay astang at magmumukhang bago ang nakuha sa pelikula. Una, tayo”, sumagot si Clarita:
na pagkamatay ng mga Pinakiusapan ni Mayor mayor talaga at komportable paligid, kaya nakakalito. Di rin Diyos at Siya Lamang ang “Ngayon ko lang nadinig
taong may kaugnayan kay si Father Salvador (Ricky sa kanyang karakter. Puede masyadong napagtuunan ng makakagupo sa demonyo, ang ‘tayo’.” Nakakayanig.
Clarita (Jodi Sta. Maria), na Davao) at Father Benedicto pang pagandahin ang script at pansin ang bawat eksena kaya hindi ang paring si Salvador Sa sinabing iyon ni Clarita
kasalukuyang nakakulong (Arron Villaflor) na palayasin palalimin ang karakter nina parang sinalansan lang ang na itinuring na pagsubok nakapaloob ang ating papel
sa Manila city jail. Hirap ang masamang espiritu mula Davao at Villaflor, para sana’y mga ito. Ang ganda pa naman sa kanyang kakayanan sa sa mundo: ang ipadama sa
nang magpaliwanag sa media kay Clarita sa pamamagitan hindi lahat ng nasasaloob ng istorya ng dalawang pari eksorsismo ang kaso ni Clarita. ating kapwang nangungulila
si Mayor Arsenio Lacson ng eksorsismo. Napapayag nila ay kailangang isa-isahing at ni Emilia, na may kanya- Pangalawa, sinasamantala ng na sila ay bahagi ng isang
(Noni Buencamino). Ayaw naman ng reporter na si sabihin. Siguro kasi ay kanyang dahilan kung bakit demonyo ang ating kahinaan, malawak na sambayanan, at
kasi niyang dalhin sa usaping Emilia (Alyssa Muhlach) nagsimula agad sa eksorsimo pursigidong matulungan si lalo na kapag bumibitaw tayo ang pamilyang ito — hindi
sinasapian ng demonyo si ang dalawang pari na siya ang pelikula, hindi napaigting Clarita. Gayunpaman, saludo sa ating pananalig at kapit ang kasamaan — ang siyang
Clarita. Kasi nga naman, na ang mag-dokumento sa ang suspense, kaya kulang sa kami sa production setup, at sa Diyos na siyang sandata gagabay at aagapay sa kanila.
taliwas ito sa rasyonal na gagawing eksorsimo kasabay sindak at simpatya sa mga lalo na sa prosthetic makeup natin laban sa kasamaan. At Hindi pagtataboy kundi
paniniwala. Pero sa huli, nag pagsusulat niya tungkol karakter. Para palabasing at mga special effects sa ang pinakamagandang aral ay pagyakap.
Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
CBCP Monitor. Vol. 23 No. 13 June 24 - July 7, 2019 C1
CFC EA Convenes, Clergy and Laity — Together in Missionaries Come Together at the
Elects New CFC IC Upholding the Families of the World Missions Conference
ON JUNE 21, 2019, the Elders leaders are brave.” COUPLES for Christ family and contin- ber, yet firm such
Assembly of Couples for Christ Fr. Jun-G also mentioned that strongly believes ues to defend it. As that it can with-
convened at the SMX Conven- another quality of CFC leader- that family is a gift. the basic unit of stand the rapid and
tion Center for their annual ship is trust. “Our leaders trust As a gift, it is meant society, the family oftentimes ruthless
regular meeting. This year, the that whatever decision the body to be given (by a molds an individual changes that affect
meeting’s highlight was the of elders make, the Lord is with giver), accepted (by into the person he the family.
election of a new set of Board of us.” The community has faced a recipient), opened or she is to be. It is It is in this con-
(upon receiving), in the family where text that this year’s
used (in order to a person learns val- CFC Clergy - Lay
bless others), shared ues, where his tal- Congress, held on
with others (in or- ents are nurtured, June 20 at the MOA
der to be of value), where his dreams SMX Convention
and celebrated, so and aspirations are Center, centered on
that all may see the encouraged and the family, its value,
living Christ alive later realized. As and the attacks on
in each one. an institution, CFC this social and sa-
In unity with the must be tender and cred institution.
Catholic Church, compassionate so as His Excellency
CFC upholds the to mold each mem- CLERGY - LAY, p3
Trustees for Couples for Christ many challenges in the past, “DARE to be Daniel! Dare to a missionary. He exhorted, “All
who will serve from July 1, 2019 but despite all that, the Lord stand alone! Dare to have a pur- of us have been smitten by this
to June 30, 2021. has put CFC in the palm of His pose, and dare to make it known!” Love, by this pursuer in the
Fr. Jun-G Bargayo, SJ cel- hand, and the community has With these words, CFC Presi- person of our great God!”
ebrated the Mass to open the witnessed God’s greatness in the dent Michael Ariola opened the Ariola, who began his CFC
assembly. In his homily, he midst of man’s failings. CFC Missions Conference on life as a Youth for Christ mem-
exhorted, “One of the gifts of “In choosing our next lead- June 21 at the SMX Convention ber and who said Yes to being a
community is leadership. And ers, we must choose those with Center, Pasay. In attendance missionary in Africa for several
leadership in CFC is not about a clear vision. But how will we were almost a thousand mis- years, reminded the delegates of
what we can do. It is about know who they are? As elders, sionaries from CFC and its the life and mission of Couples
courage. Our community has we must always follow the will Family Ministries. for Christ, and that from the
become like this because our ELECTIONS, p2 Ariola shared his journey as MISSION CONFERENCE, p3
C2 June 24 - July 7, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 13 CBCP Monitor
CFC 25th Golf Classic Opens Anniversary Week ANCOP, SOCDEV Give Inform Stakeholders
COUPLES for Christ golf enthusiasts gathered for
the 25th CFC Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 18, 2019,
a net score of 73.6.
Class A had Lyndon Pamintuan as 2nd runner- of New Developments
starting off the week-long activities of CFC’s 38th up, Micray Gonzales as 1st runner-up and Manny
anniversary. Espeleta with a gross of 76, net of 71 as Champion. ANCOP and the Social Devel- of Labor and Employment The ANCOP Shelter Pro-
As early as 5:30 AM, golfers started to arrive at the Overall champion was Carlo Canicosa. opment Programs of Couples (DOLE) in ministering to the gram reported on the annu-
Summit Point Golf and Residential Estates in Lipa In the Team Category, runner-up was the team for Christ gave CFC leaders migrant workers and their al increase in output as far
City, Batangas for the annual fellowship for a cause. composed of AS Tanjangco, Anthony See, Carlo and volunteers an update on families, and addressing is- as community building and
This year, the 117 golfers played for the benefit of Jimenez and Julio Fernandez. The team declared the community’s mission of sues related to migration such organizing is concerned,
the ANCOP Education Sponsorship Program. Champion was composed of Lyndon Pamintuan, Building the Church of the as human trafficking. while ANCOP Health con-
The sun cooperated with the golfers, who offi- Cezar Layag, Ken Padua and Lito Aguilar. Poor, via the ANCOP and OIKOS is entering into new tinues to go to far-flung
cially teed off simultaneously at 7:40 AM. It was a It was indeed a day of sun and fun for the CFC Social Development Summit partnerships and strategizing areas to make healthcare
morning of friendly competition among CFC golf golfers, their friends and the tournament sponsors. on June 21. for the care of the environ- more accessible to all.
old-timers, among them CFC International Coun- Aside from the competition awards, there were Rene de Rueda, head of ment such as planting 1 mil- The ANCOP Finance team
cil members Lito Tayag, who is also CFC ANCOP also raffle prizes and loot bags from sponsors for OIKOS, CFC’s program for lion trees by the year 2021. It reported that proper care of
Chairman of the Board, and Reggie Ragojos, and all the players. the environment, delivered, also helps to promote the care ANCOP funds, coupled with
the young blood of CFC led by Nestle Jeturian and This year’s Golf Classic was a happy mixture of on behalf of Social Develop- for the common home as a way prudent management, is a
his household. players from the Philippines (from as far as Kalinga ment Programs Head Mon de of life for all families in order way of expressing love for
Jeturian, who was also this year’s event head, was and Butuan City), Australia, Singapore, and South Leon, updates on the CFC Co- to create a greater impact. the poor. The group is also
pleased with the turnout of golfers, many of whom Korea. (Alma Alvarez) operatives Federation (CCF), An exciting piece of news constantly learning new ap-
were non-CFC, as well as with the sponsorship Isaiah 61:1 (Prison Ministry), from ANCOP is the addition plications in order to make
response as this would mean more funds for CFC the Migrants Program, OIKOS, of three more mobile training transmittal and liquidation
ANCOP and more scholars. CFC ReForm, and St. Thomas centers for the TVET Program. of funds more effective.
During lunch, the CFC Golf Classic Committee More and Associates (STMA). This endeavor is in partner- ANCOP President Rudy
awarded the winners for Class A, B, and C, the over- Art Alabanza, Head of the Or- ship with Don Bosco Techni- Gaspillo challenged the
all champion, and for the Team Category. der of St. Michael, presented cal School, and aims to reach stakeholders to not allow the
For Class C: 2nd runner-up was Trudy Cruz, 1st for OSM. more people who wish to learn Church to be another NGO.
runner-up was Raph Garcia and Champion was Jojo Based on the reports, there technical-vocational skills Quoting Cardinal Robert Sar-
Ignacio, with a net score of 72.8. For Class B: 2nd has been an increase in mem- and land better jobs. ah, Gaspillo said, “Catholic
runner-up was Ron Castro, 1st runner up was Karl bership and capitalization for Having been ISO accred- charity is not only giving
de los Santos and Champion was Henry Yutuc, with the CCF, as well as the launch ited early this year, ANCOP food... but giving GOD!”
of new products, such as in- has streamlined processes Dom Pangilinan, Country
ELECTIONS, p1 surance, gateway payment which ensure better delivery Coordinator for Papua New
system, travel and tours, and of the programs. ANCOP Guinea, gave an update on
of the Lord. And as much as Yamamoto said, “Two years “The finances of the CFC affordable solar energy panels honored their stakeholders the learning center CFC has
leadership is a gift of CFC, I be- from now, we will be celebrat- Global Mission Foundation Inc. for home use. for being able to submit put up for the women of PNG,
lieve that being disciples or fol- ing the community’s 40th year. are healthy, and we are raring Isaiah 61:1, CFC ReForm deliverables on time. The with Bishop Rozario Mane-
lowers is an equally important This will coincide with the 500th to go and set the world on fire!” and the OSM continue to grow Education Sponsorship Pro- zes, SMM, appealing to CFC
gift that CFC has,” Fr. Jun-G year of Christianity in the Philip- Tayag concluded. in number, as these programs gram has had 783 graduates for help so that the women in
shared, adding that “Of course, pines. Looking forward to that After the reports, COME- have become effective gate- for the past schoolyear, 22 of his diocese can have a source
let us not forget to magnify the milestone, we need to remember LEC Chairman-designate Tony way evangelization venues of whom finished with honors. of livelihood. In response
Lord so that others may see the following commitments we Gimenez took the stage to give the community. Efren Tompong presented to the appeal, CFC ANCOP
not only His greatness but His have made: an overview of the election pro- Aside from holding govern- the first Aeta graduate, Myla pledged monetary assistance
loving ways, His ways of forgiving, • Awake! Let us open our eyes cedure. This was the second time ment corporate fellowships Sevilla of Pampanga, who for the improvement of the
and His compassion.” to the realities of the world that the elections were done elec- and breakfast fora, the STMA will be teaching other Aeta learning center.
During the meeting proper, Joe that we evangelize. We stand tronically, with the help of the has participated in election- children once she finishes Indeed, it has been a boun-
Yamamoto, outgoing IC member shoulder to shoulder with the Mission Information and Systems related exercises and will her training at OB Mont- tiful year for CFC ANCOP
and standing in for Chairman hierarchical Church in re- Technology (M.I.S.T) department venture into voters’ education erssori in Greenhills. and the Social Development
Melo Villaroman who was among sponding to accompaniment. of the CFC GMC. on a national level. The Mi- Cornerstone continues to be Programs. CFC is truly deep
the candidates for election, gave • Arise! Let us make a stand for Of the total 314 members of the grants Program, on the other a venue for gateway evangeli- into building the Church of
the Elders Assembly updates on Christ, for family, and for the Elders Assembly, 256 were physi- hand, continues to collaborate zation while helping children the Home and of the Poor
the state of the community in the poor, and let us do everything cally present, while 35 submitted with the Church via the CBCP reach their potential through for the past 38 years and is
last two years. in love, with compassion, al- their votes via proxy, adding up to Episcopal Commission on Mi- tutoring while at the same bent on doing so for many
Yamamoto emphasized the lowing the Lord to penetrate a total of 291, or 92.7%, one of the grants and Itinerant Peoples time guiding parents in ac- more years to come. (CFC
rekindling of the role of Chapter our own being so we can be- highest quorums ever recorded. (ECMI) and the Department companying their children. Global Comm)
Leaders, who are at the forefront come effective hands and feet In an atmosphere of prayer, the
of shepherding a chapter or in bringing to our neighbors Elders Assembly quietly exercised
the “mini CFC.” He expounded the Gospel. their voting rights. At the end of
briefly on the CFC roadmap
and mission strategy house,
among the strategies of which
• Live as children of light!
Evangelize as you go, go and
evangelize; let us shine the
the voting period, the COMELEC
declared the following as the new
members of the International
Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
are the strengthening of the light of the Lord every day, Council: Francis Rabboni “Bong”
core, expanding the reach and starting with our families, Arjonillo, George Campos, Ri-
answering the cry of the poor. our work, our mission. By cardo “Ricky” Cuenca, Emmanuel
He focused on the pastoral role the power of the Holy Spirit, “Nonoy” Dalman, Jaime “Jimmy” Michael C. Ariola
of the International Council, the you and I are called to change Ilagan, Redentor “Reggie” Ragojos, IC Oversight
restructuring of the mission ge- the world.” Arnel Santos, James Solano, and Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez
ographies (the Americas, Europe, Lito Tayag, CFC Treasurer, re- Ermelo “Melo” Villaroman, Jr. Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor
Asia & Oceania, the Middle East ported on the financial position of Outgoing CFC President Mi-
and Africa for International CFC. He mentioned that the CFC chael Ariola prayed over the new Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla
Missions, Luzon, Visayas, Min- Global Mission Center Finance Council members and their fami- Layout Artist Circulation Staff
danao and Metro Manila for the staff has been going around the lies, invoking God’s protection
Philippines) in order to better Philippine provinces, mounting and guidance for them as they The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at
prepare the next generation of Mission Support Conferences, in settle into their awesome role as 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856
leaders and make evangelization order to determine the financial shepherds of the global family of www.couplesforchristglobal.org globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org
more effective. status of the provinces. CFC. (Alma Alvarez)
CBCP Monitor June 24 - July 7, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 13 C3
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