•A3 critics

George Weigel slams

of John Paul II’s •B1 ‘In resurrectione tua,
Christe, coeli et terra •C1 The News Supplement for
Ugnayan

fast track to sainthood laetentur! Couples for Christ

CBCP head slams

journalists for fake news
THE head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP) has faulted some
journalists for fabricating news.
CBCP President Bishop Nereo Odchimar
was reacting against newspaper reports quot-
ing him attacking Davao City’s proposed birth
control ordinance.
In the reports, Odchimar was quoted say-
ing: “We will counter any government official
pushing for the passage of a city ordinance
April 25 - May 8, 2011 Vol. 15 No. 9 Php 20.00 Fake / A6

Rome, world prepare for beatification of Pope John Paul II

VATICAN City (CNS)—As the
countdown continued for the
beatification of Pope John Paul II,
church and civil authorities put
the finishing touches on logistical
plans to handle potentially mas-
sive crowds at the main events
in Rome.
Meanwhile, Vatican officials
were heartened at the massive
response to online projects de-
signed to make the beatification
a universal experience.
Pope Benedict XVI will cel-
ebrate the beatification Mass in St.
Peter’s Square, May 1. Because no
tickets are being handed out for
the liturgy, no one really knows
how many people to expect.
Estimates range from 300,000 to
1.5 million, and crowd control
barriers will be set up for blocks
around the Vatican.
Immediately after Mass, the
faithful can pray before Pope
John Paul’s unopened casket,
which will be set in front of the
main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The veneration is expected to
continue most of the day.
A large crowd is also expected
for the prayer vigil April 30 at
the site of Rome’s ancient Circus
Maximus racetrack, where Pope
Benedict will make a video ap-
pearance. Rome church officials
have organized that event to
underline the strong connection
between the Polish pope and the
Diocese of Rome.
The French nun whose heal-
ing was accepted as the miracle
needed for Pope John Paul’s
beatification will share her story
with pilgrims at the prayer vigil.
Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre, a
member of the Little Sisters of the
Catholic Motherhood, had been
diagnosed with Parkinson’s dis- remained a mystery, Vatican of-
ease and believes she was cured ficials said their online initiatives
in 2005 through the intercession had already taken the beatifica-
of the late pope. tion to groups and individuals
The morning after the beatifica- around the world. For example,
tion, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s special beatification
the Vatican secretary of state, will Facebook page at www.facebook.
celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving com/vatican.johnpaul2 has had
in St. Peter’s Square. That liturgy, more than 6 million visits and has
too, is expected to attract tens of gained nearly 50,000 followers.
thousands of people. Similar pages have been opened
While the size of the crowds Beatification / A6

Speak the truth with Congregation for Divine

Worship and the Discipline
of the Sacraments

courage—CBCP head Decree Concerning

Liturgical Worship
By Pinky B. Barrientos, FSP
in Honor of Blessed
THE triumphant joy of the
Resurrection should challenge
John Paul II
every Christian to preach the ON account of his exceptional virtue
truths of faith without fear in the acknowledged by the entire Catholic
face of ongoing attacks on the Church throughout the world, the
dignity of life, a high-ranking Beatification of Venerable John Paul II
of happy memory is to be celebrated
Catholic prelate said. at the Basilica of St Peter in Rome with
the Supreme Pontiff Pope Benedict XVI
CBCP president and Tandag Bishop Nereo
presiding. Given the extraordinary
Odchimar, in an Easter message, called on
nature of this event and the numerous
the faithful anew to safeguard the dignity
requests received concerning liturgical
of life and counteract “every form of attack
worship in honor of the new Blessed
against the dignity and welfare of human-
at certain times and in certain places,
kind.”
the Congregation for Divine Worship
“Let us not be selfish as to deprive others
and the Discipline of the Sacraments
of their right to live,” Odchimar said in his
sees fit to communicate in a timely
message.
manner what has been decided in that
The Catholic Church has been staunchly
respect.
opposing the reproductive health bill being
deliberated in Congress, citing the proposed
Mass of thanksgiving
measure as anti-life and anti-family.
It has been decided that during
On March 25, an interfaith rally was or-
the year following the Beatification
ganized by the Archdiocese of Manila at the
of John Paul ii, that is, until 1 May
Luneta Grandstand calling on all Filipinos to
2012, it will be possible to celebrate
unite and fight the passage of the RH Bill.
a Holy Mass of thanksgiving in cer-
Odchimar urged the people to contribute
tain places and on certain days. The
in building a transformed society, encourag-
responsibility of establishing the day
ing everyone to “work for peace that lasts
or days as well as the place or places
and justice that enhances human condi-
for gathering the People of God for
tion.”
this purpose belongs to the Diocesan
He said the rising of Jesus from the dead
Bishop. Having considered the local
makes us the “victorious children of the res-
needs and pastoral benefits, one Holy
urrection” and it would be “unjust of us not
Mass in honour of the new Blessed
to proclaim the triumphant joy of Easter to
may be celebrated on any Sunday
those who are seeking for light and life.”
during the year or on another day of
The prelate exhorted the faithful to remain
the week designated in numbers 10-13
steadfast in preaching the truth of the gospel
of the Table of Liturgical Days.
even amidst opposition of “those whose
Similarly, in religious communities,
hearts are hardened by pride and humanly
it is the responsibility of the Superior
motivated principles.”
General to establish the days and plac-
He said there are people even now who
es of such celebrations for the entire
have remained firm in their unbelief, because
religious community.
either they have not heard the gospel, or
As far as regards the celebration of
simply trapped in atheistic values.
Mass, besides the permission to sing
But Jesus’ resurrection has conquered
the Gloria, the appropriate collect is
death and “once and for all crippled the
to be prayed in honour of the Blessed;
Courtesy of Bataan Technological Park, Inc.

fortress of darkness” and all the “evil en-

slavement” characteristics of our society
today, he said.
“Our Lord himself who became man like
us went through even the worst of human
degradation and suffering in the hands of a
corrupt humanity. His agony in the garden
of Gethsemane uncovered human fear in the
face of death.”
Jesus’ rising from the dead has overcome
Speak / A6
The Blessed Pope John Paul II
the other prayers, as well as the Pref-
ace, the Antiphons, and the Readings,
are to be taken from the “Common of
Pastors: For a Pope”. If the celebration
falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time,
A shrine dedicated to soon-to-be beatified Pope John Paul II appropriate texts for the First Read-
rises at a former refugee camp in Morong, Bataan which the
pontiff visited 30 years ago. The shrine will be inaugurated ing, Responsorial Psalm, and Gospel
at the former Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC) may be taken from the “Common of
now known as the Bataan Technology Park, Inc. (BTPI) on Decree / A6
May 2, a day after the pope’s beatification in Rome.

Tripoli prelate lauds Filipino
nurses in Libya
FILIPINO health personnel
may have varied reasons in
opting to stay in war torn
Libya, but a Tripoli prel-
ate lauded their presence
there as a shining witness
of Christian commitment in
serving the needy.
Msgr. Giovanni Inno-
cenzo Martinelli, apostolic
vicar of Tripoli, said the
presence of Filipino nurses
in war-torn Libya providing
health care assistance to the
wounded gives an example
of Christian witness to the
Catholic community and
the rest of the population, ac-
cording to a news report from
AsiaNews.
“Nurses and doctors con-
tinue to provide their ser-
vices with passion and con-
scientiousness,” the vicar
said, “giving their all to
the Christian community in
Libya”.
The same news report noted
that Filipino nurses are em-
ployed in almost all of Libyan
health facilities and many are
working in Benghazi, Misra-
Does PNoy really know RH Bill’s contents?
Laguna clergy asks
tah and Brega, areas where SOME Laguna priests have expressed doubts
hostilities between govern- whether President Benigno “Noynoy” Simeon C.
ment forces and the rebels are Aquino has studied thoroughly the contents of
ongoing. the controversial Reproductive Hill bill (RHB),
The prelate also lauded the otherwise known as House Bill No. 4244 (the
steadfast faith of the Catholic proposed Responsible Parenthood, Reproduc-
community in Tripoli, com- tive Health and Population and Development
posed mostly of Filipinos Act of 2011).
and sub-Saharan African mi- The clergy are baffled by the president’s claim
grants. that he is against abortion, and yet he continues
On weekends, at least 200 to strongly push for the approval of the ques-
people take part in Masses tionable bill.
and pray together, he said, The priests are asking whether P-Noy knows
bearing witness on the im- that by definition “reproductive rights” which
portance of the Christian RHB is trying to promote, is actually pushing for
Tripoli / A6 Illustration by Bladimer Usi Laguna / A6

www.cbcponlineradio.com www.cbcphealthcare.org www.cbcpmedia.com

 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

George Weigel slams critics of John

Paul II’s fast track to sainthood ROME, Italy, April 25, 2011—
Scholar and papal biographer
George Weigel batted aside
criticism of John Paul II’s speedy
canonization process, saying
accusations that the pontiff is
responsible for scandals that
took place under his watch are
ultimately unfounded.
“The investigation into John
Paul II’s life has been very thor-
ough, and the results fill four
thick volumes,” Weigel told
CNA in an April 25 interview.
Author of the 1999 biography
of John Paul II, “Witness to
Hope,” Weigel first countered
the claim that the late pontiff’s
canonization process has moved
too quickly.
“John Paul himself waived the
five-year waiting period usually
prescribed between someone’s
death and the official opening
Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem
ment that the sex abuse scandals States and in devising appropri- knew that Maciel was a socio-
which came to light during Pope ate remedies for it.” pathic fraud and didn’t care.”
John Paul’s pontificate—as well as However, as for Pope John “There isn’t a shred of evi-
the problems that began to surface Paul himself, “once it became dence that would sustain a
with Fr. Marcial Maciel, founder clear, in April 2002, that this positive answer to any of those
of the Legionaries of Christ—are could not be handled by the questions,” he stressed. “To even
disqualifying factors. American bishops themselves think that such could be the case
“As a matter of fact, in the U.S. and that a papal intervention is to utterly miss the character of
and elsewhere, the majority of was required, he intervened and the late Pope.”
abuses cases did not happen on made unmistakably clear that Weigel added that it’s “gro-
John Paul II’s watch, although ‘there is no place in the priest- tesquely disproportionate, from
the revelations of them did,” he hood for those who would harm any serious historical point of
explained. the young.’” view” to “focus so much atten-
“John Paul II was a great re- As for the Pope’s relationship tion on Maciel at the time of John
former of the priesthood, and the with Fr. Maciel, Weigel said that Paul II’s beatification, as if his
Church’s ordained ministry is in John Paul II was “deceived” by case offered a privileged win-
far better shape today, because of the ex-priest, along with “many, dow into a twenty-six and a half
him, than it was in 1978.” many people.” year pontificate that changed
“Unless one understands that, The papal biographer said that the history of the Church and
one is not in a very secure posi- the only relevant questions with the world.”
tion from which to assess how respect to the beatification are Weigel also addressed the crit-
John Paul handled the abuse “whether John Paul II’s failure icism that Pope John Paul failed
crisis when it burst into public to see through Maciel’s decep- in his duties, given the decline of
view in 2002,” he added. tions was willful or venal or Christianity in Europe in recent

of a beatification process in the
case of Mother Teresa—another
instance where there was great
popular conviction about the
deceased’s sanctity,” he said.
Weigel also took on the argu-
Weigel acknowledged that malicious.” decades as well as the scandals
certain Vatican offices, especially Weigel explained that the first under his pontificate.
the Congregation for the Clergy, situation would mean “he knew “He didn’t fail, and those who
“were slower than they ought to about Maciel’s perfidies and did suggest that he did are living in
have been in recognizing the na- nothing about the situation,” a very strange place,” he said.
ture of the problem in the United and the second would mean “he (CNA/EWTN News)

Anglican ordinariate adds 900 members

LONDON, April 24, 2011—This week,
some 900 Anglicans joined the Catholic
Church. While this may be a small start
to some, Monsignor Andrew Burnham is
encouraging his flock to remember that
there were even fewer Christians at the
first Easter.
Some 30 groups of former Anglicans,
including more than 60 clergy, joined
the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of
Walsingham, the new ordinariate for for-
mer Anglicans coming into the Catholic
Church under the plan proposed by the
Pope in “Anglicanorum Coetibus.”
At the reception of some 20 new mem-
bers on Tuesday at the Oxford Oratory,
Monsignor Burnham noted that even
1,000 new Catholics is still not “statisti-
cally significant.” The priest is one of three
former Anglican bishops who were ordained
to the Catholic priesthood in January.
“Every time we hear a set of national sta-
tistics,” he said, “even the statistics for rare
diseases, the numbers seem to be in the 1,000s
and tens of thousands. What significance
have 20 or 30, 60, 900 or 1000?”
He warned of a “dangerous” scenario
that the “groups of incoming Anglicans will
simply melt into the crowd,” and that the
“Pope’s imaginative and prophetic gesture
in ‘Anglicanorum Cœtibus’ will have come
to nothing.”
“But, there is a much more exciting scenar-
io which could unfold,” Monsignor Burnham
continued. “And here we need to go back to
the first Easter. Even smaller numbers than
now were involved.
“By the end of the Last Supper the dis-
Vatican Briefing
ciples were down to eleven. By the time Bloggers look forward to Vatican meeting
Jesus died on the cross there were only Bloggers worldwide, from moms to bishops, are looking forward
two there—Our Blessed Lady and John to the May 2 meeting in the Vatican regarding the use of blog
the Beloved Disciple. At the Garden technology in dialogue with the Catholic faith. Lisa Hendey, a
of Resurrection there were ones and California-based Catholic mom who was chosen as one of the 150
twos.” participants in this meeting, shared hopes “to learn more about
“From those small beginnings,” he af- the Vatican’s plans for employing technology, and specifically
firmed. “Christianity moved from being social media, in catechesis and evangelization.” (Zenit)
a small suspiciously-Galilean, rather un-
fashionable Jewish sect to becoming the Prelate condemns World War II gypsy genocide
official religion of the known world. And A history of discrimination and persecution, including genocide
not entirely successfully at first.” perpetrated by the Nazis during World War II, calls for an ac-
“I pray that groups of former Angli- tive integration of gypsies in society, says Archbishop Antonio
cans, as here in Oxford, may grow and Vegliò. The head of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and
flourish within the fertile soil of the Travelers stressed the importance of this integration so that the
Catholic Church,” the monsignor stated, people of this cultural group will be able to overcome their fear
adding that the growth of the Church of being absorbed and deprived of their identity. (Zenit)
lies in “the contribution of each one of
us.” (Zenit) Pope contrasts Easter joy with suffering humanity
In his Easter message, Benedict XVI contrasted the joy of the

First visit to Vietnam by a

Resurrection with the sufferings and “painful situations” that
continue to afflict mankind, such as natural disasters, poverty,
illness and war. Before imparting his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to
the city of Rome and the world), the Pope noted that at Easter

representative of the Holy See

HANOI, Vietnam, April 21,
2011—Bishop Leopoldo Girelli,
representative of the Holy See
to Vietnam, undertook his first
visit to the country. The prelate
arrived in Hanoi last Monday
on the invitation of the Viet-
namese Bishops’ Conference,
welcomed by Archbishop Peter
Nguyen Van Nhon and many
other bishops as well as men
and women religious.
His trip includes a stop in
Hanoi for Holy Week and Easter
celebrations with Mass in the
“the hosts of angels, saints and blessed souls join with one voice
in our exultant song. [...] But alas, it is not so on earth!” “Here,
in this world of ours,” he said, “the Easter alleluia still contrasts
with the cries and laments that arise from so many painful situ-
as well as apostolic delegate to ations: deprivation, hunger, disease, war, violence.” (Zenit)
Malaysia and Brunei, and first
non-resident representative to Pontiff mourns Cardinal Saldarini
Vietnam. This appointment is Benedict XVI affirmed his personal grief at the death of
the first concrete outcome of Cardinal Giovanni Saldarini, the retired archbishop of Turin
talks between Holy See and who died April 18 at 86. A papal telegram sent to the current
Vietnam, which have been go- archbishop of Turin, Cesare Nosiglia, noted the cardinal’s
ing for a quite some time. In “long illness lived with confident abandonment in the Lord.”
2009, a joint Holy See-Vietnam “Thinking with affection of this dear brother who served
group was set up to formalise generously the Gospel and the Church,” the Bishop of Rome
negotiations. expressed to Archbishop Nosiglia, to the whole Turin com-
On 19 April Msgr. Girelli, the munity and to the deceased cardinal’s family his “profound
archbishop of Hanoi and other participation in your sorrow.” (Zenit)
five prelates celebrated Chrism
Mass. Msgr. Girelli thanked Vatican newspaper goes online in English
www.thanhniennews.com

capital’s cathedral and a meet-
ing with the city’s Catholic com-
munity. He will also participate
in the biannual meeting of the
Vietnamese Bishops’ Confer-
ence in Ho Chi Minh City on
25-28 April. Afterwards, he will
travel to various dioceses in the
southern part of the country
before leaving for Singapore
on 2 May.
On 13 January 2011, Benedict
XVI appointed Msgr. Girelli as
apostolic nuncio to Singapore,
his hosts for their warm wel- For the first time ever the Vatican newspaper will now provide
come, expressing admiration a daily news service in English. Up until now L’Osservatore
for the country’s “dynamic and Romano has only printed a weekly English edition. Its daily
robust” religious life. He also edition meanwhile has always been in Italian. But now the
urged priests to remain united Vatican’s semi-official paper has launched a new website
with their bishops, and lead aimed at providing constantly updated coverage in both
a religious existence “with a English and Italian. The newspaper says it eventually wants
chaste spirit and a big heart”. the faithful did not participate sheep need true shepherd’ and to expand the languages available online to include German,
He also reminded them that in the welcoming ceremony; ‘The sheep need no rent-a- Spanish, French, Polish and Portuguese. However, these of-
they do not live for themselves however many of them were shepherd’. ferings would only be updated weekly. (CNA)
but for others. outside the Archbishop’s Resi- The faithful reportedly pre-
State media did not report dence, carrying banners that sented a letter to Msgr. Girelli
these Church-related events. said, ‘Welcome the Holy See’s whose contents are not known. St. Adalbert of Prague, bishop and martyr,
Some reports did suggest that Representatives to Hanoi,’ ‘The (AsiaNews) remembered April 23
On April 23, the Catholic Church will celebrate the martyrdom

Abu Dhabi: Filipino Catholics visit seven churches,

of St. Adalbert of Prague, a bishop who lost his life standing up
against the pagan practices of Central Europe during the 10th
century. Originally given the name of Wojtech, the boy who

braving distance and desert

ABU DHABI, April 22, 2011—Even
though they had to emigrate to the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) to earn their living,
in Abu Dhabi Filipino Catholics have not
given up on living their faith, despite the
usual difficulties and restrictions imposed
in Muslim countries. On Good Friday,
Abu Dhabi’s small Catholic community
(pictured) went on the traditional pil-
grimage of the ‘Seven Churches’ (Visita
Iglesia) visiting the few Catholic places
of worship that exist in the country, hun-
dreds of kilometres from one another in
some cases.
Orlan Santos, who works as a clerk for Al
Ain Hospital’s emergency department, was
one of the organisers of this year’s Visita
Iglesia. He said dozens of people took part
in the event, despite the distance and desert
heat. Many of them are foreign Catholics in
United Arab Emirates for work.
“In the Philippines, the churches are all in
the same neighbourhood, but here they [are]
hundreds of kilometres from one another
and we have to take the bus” to visit them,
he explained.
In order to maintain an atmosphere of
silence and meditation, pilgrims recited the
Mysteries of the Rosary during the trip.
The tradition of the ‘Visita Iglesia’ was
brought to what is now the Philippines by
Spanish missionary in the early 18th century.
The custom follows the traditional visit
to seven Roman basilicas. It is something
that brings together all Filipinos on Good
Friday.
Worshippers can choose the places they
want to visit and at each church, they can
meditate at two of the 14 stations of the Way
of the Cross.
For this pilgrimage, Abu Dhabi Filipinos
chose St. Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi, St.
Mary’s churches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
St. Francis of Assisi Church in Dubai, St. Mi-
chael’s Church in Sharjah, and St. Anthony
de Padua Church in Ras al-Kaimah.
Although for many of them, the Visita
Iglesia is only done for “tradition’s sake”,
Orlan Santos said, for him that is not the case.
“I can only hope that my children would
follow what they see in us, and teach this to
their future kids as well.”
Santos is one of the over 250,000 Catholic
foreign workers in the United Arab Emir-
ates, the only Gulf state that allows a certain
degree of religious freedom and has not op-
posed Christian places of worship.
About ten million Filipinos work abroad,
about two million in Muslim countries, most
of which ban churches and public display of
the Christian faith.
In order to help migrant workers, the Cath-
olic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
has set up a website (www.visitaiglesia.net);
this enables overseas Filipinos to visit in a
virtual pilgrimage the main Catholic places
of worship in Manila.
This year, the site received about 50,000
visits per day since the start of Holy Week.
On Good Friday, about 100,000 visitors
are expected, twice as many as last year.
(AsiaNews)
would be known as St. Adalbert was born to a family of nobility
in the Central European region of Bohemia during the mid-900s.
When Wojtech became seriously ill during his childhood, his
parents resolved that they would offer their son to God as a
priest if their prayers for his survival were granted. (CNA)
Vatican withdraws recognition of international Catholic
press group
The Pontifical Council for the Laity has withdrawn the canonical
recognition of the International Catholic Union of the Press as a
Catholic organization because of operational irregularities. “It is a
disaster from a functional point of view,” said Guzman Carriquiry,
undersecretary of the council. Carriquiry said that the council’s
decision had nothing to do with questions involving faith or morals
but were motivated by questions involving the rights of members
and the transparency of UCIP’s staff and top officers. (CNS)
Quest for God’s love, wisdom must never stop, pope
says
Never stop searching for God and being open to receiving
his love and wisdom, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Driven by
love, God has set out toward us” in order to “meet the unrest
of our hearts, the unrest of our questioning and seeking,” he
said April 21 during the chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“That restlessness for God, that journeying toward him, so as
to know and love him better, must not be extinguished in us,”
said the pope in his homily. (CNS)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
A3

Pope prays for peace, freedom

in world’s troubled spots
VATICAN City, April 24,
2011―In an Easter blessing
to the world, Pope Benedict
XVI prayed that Christ’s res-
urrection may open paths of
“freedom, justice and peace”
for troubled populations of the
Middle East and Africa.
The pope urged an end to
violence in Libya and Ivory
Coast, assistance to refugees
flooding out of North Africa
and consolation for the victims
of the Japanese earthquake. He
prayed for those persecuted
for their Christian faith, and
praised their courage.
He spoke from the central
balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica
April 24 in his blessing “urbi et
orbi” (to the city of Rome and
to the world), after celebrating
Mass for nearly 100,000 people
in St. Peter’s Square. Broadcast
to many countries and live-
streamed on the Internet, it
was the last major event on
the 84-year-old pontiff’s heavy
Holy Week schedule.
Pope Benedict said the res-
urrection of Christ must not
be viewed as “the fruit of
speculation or mystical experi-
ence.” It happened in a precise
moment and marked history
forever, giving human events
new strength, new hope and
new meaning, he said.
of the Middle East, so that the Albania, China, Peru, Russia,
light of peace and of human Singapore and Switzerland.
dignity may overcome the He poured holy water from a
darkness of division, hate and golden shell over each catechu-
violence.” In Libya, he said, men’s head, and later accepted
diplomacy and violence need offertory gifts from the newly
to take the place of armed baptized.
fighting, and the suffering In a sermon, he analyzed
must have access to humani- why the Christian’s sense of
tarian aid. environmental responsibility
The pope alluded to the is directly connected to the
civil unrest that has spread core beliefs of the faith.
throughout northern Africa “We relate to God the cre-
and the Middle East, encour- ator, and so we have a respon-
aging all citizens there, espe- sibility for creation,” he said.
cially young people, to work “Only because God created
for a society where poverty everything can he give us life
is defeated and where “every and direct our lives.”
political choice is inspired by The trajectory of salvation
respect for the human person.” history, which reaches a sum-
The refugees who have fled the mit with Christ’s resurrec-
conflicts deserve a generous tion, reaches all the way back
response by other populations, to creation, he said. For the
he added. Christian, he said, the account
The pope said the many of creation is not about the
forms of suffering in “this scientific process involved,
wounded world” make the but something deeper: it says
Easter message all the more that the source of everything is
meaningful. not pure chance, but “creative
“In our hearts there is joy reason, love and freedom.”
and sorrow, on our faces there The pope rejected an evolu-
are smiles and tears. Such is tionary account that excludes
our earthly reality. But Christ a divine purpose.
is risen, he is alive and he “It is not the case that the
walks with us,” he said. He expanding universe, at a late
then offered Easter greetings stage, in some tiny corner of
in 65 languages, including Chi- the cosmos, there evolved
nese, Hindi and Swahili. randomly some species of liv-
www.zimbio.com
good time for Christians to re-
mind themselves that the faith
embraces everything about the
human being, from his origins
to his eternal destiny.
“Life in the church’s faith
involves more than a set of
feelings and sentiments and
perhaps moral obligations,”
he said.
On Good Friday, the pope
presided over a nighttime Way
of the Cross liturgy at Rome’s
Coliseum, where tradition
holds that early Christians
were put to death. Kneeling on
a platform on a hillside facing
the ancient amphitheater, the
pope opened the ceremony
with a prayer that drew atten-
tion to the constant struggle
between good and evil in hu-
man history.
He appeared to refer to the
priestly sex abuse scandal
when he spoke of the “hour of
darkness” when “an emptiness
of meaning and values nul-
lifies the work of education,
and the disorder of the heart
disfigures the innocence of the
small and the weak.”
The meditations for the 14
Stations of the Cross were
written this year by an Augus-
tinian nun, Mother Maria Rita
Piccione. The texts encouraged
Christians to develop the abil-

“The entire cosmos is rejoic-
ing today,” and every person
open to God has reason to be
glad, he said.
But the joy of Easter con-
trasts with “the cries and la-
ments that arise from so many
painful situations: depriva-
tion, hunger, disease, war,
violence,” the pope said.
He prayed that “the splen-
dor of Christ reach the peoples
The pope arrived at the
Easter liturgy in an open jeep,
riding through a crowd that
overflowed the square into
adjacent streets. Many of the
pilgrims were Poles who had
already arrived in Rome for
the May 1 beatification of Pope
John Paul II.
As clouds gave way to sun-
shine, the pope celebrated
Mass on an altar surrounded
by flower gardens of yellow
narcissus, cream-colored roses
and blue delphiniums—all
donated and shipped to Rome
by Dutch florists.
After the Gospel reading, an
Orthodox choir sang a hymn of
psalms of the Byzantine liturgi-
ing being capable of reasoning
and of trying to find rationality
within creation, or to bring ra-
tionality into it,” he said.
cal tradition, marking the fact “If man were merely a ran-
that the Catholic and Orthodox dom product of evolution in
celebration of Easter fell on the some place on the margins of
same day this year. the universe, then life would
In a lengthy Easter vigil make no sense,” he said. “Rea-
Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica the son is there at the beginning:
night before, the pope baptized creative, divine reason.”
and confirmed six adults from The pope said Easter was a
ity to listen to the subtle voice
of God that speaks through the
human conscience, and not to
ignore the needs of the poor
and suffering in their midst.
In a closing talk, the pope
said that reliving the drama
of Christ’s crucifixion demon-
strates that the cross is not a
triumphal symbol but rather
the sign of “God’s immense
love” for humanity. (CNS)

Youth challenged to create new Faith in God begins with

Renaissance with social media creation, says pope
ROME, April 15, 2011―The Secretary Delivers homily at Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s
of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council
on Social Communications says he VATICAN City, April 23, 2011―Faith us so much that he suffered for us, that
wants to challenge young Catholics in God and in the events of salvation from his death there might emerge a
to “be geniuses and creators of a new history must necessarily begin with new, definitive and healed life.”
Renaissance” using social media. a belief in God’s role as Creator, says
Monsignor Paul Tighe likened Benedict XVI. The Easter revolution
the blossoming of social media to In his homily at the Easter Vigil, held Benedict XVI said that the events of
the ancient architectural wonders tonight in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope Easter fundamentally changed the ori-
created during the first Renaissance. asked, “Is it really important to speak entation of the week for early Church.
“The magnificent churches of Rome also of creation during the Easter Vigil? In the Jewish tradition, the week culmi-
were built during the first Renais- Could we not begin with the events in nates on the seventh day, which is the
sance using the new technology, art which God calls man, forms a people Sabbath, the day of encounter with God,
and engineering of the time. Young for himself and creates his history with and a day of rest.
people can now do the same today men upon the earth?” For Christians in the early Church,
using the wonderful new technolo- “The answer has to be no,” he stated. however, the first day of the week, Sun-
gies at their disposal including new day, became the day to commemorate
www.katoliko.org

“To omit the creation would be to mis-

media,” he said in an April 15 inter-
view with CNA.
The pontifical council Msgr. Tighe
works for was established in 1948
by Pope Pius XII primarily to moni-
tor and critique the film industry.
Since then its work has expanded
as modern forms of communica-
tions have proliferated. Presently the
Council is helping to overhaul the
Vatican’s presence on the Internet,
bringing all the Church’s major news
agencies together onto one web-
site. That includes the newspaper
“L’Osservatore Romano,” Vatican
Radio and Fides news agency.
Msgr. Tighe now wants young
Catholics to realize the potential of
this digital age.
“The first thing is that for young people
‘new media’ isn’t actually new. It’s just
everyday life to them. So I want them to
have a sense of how things were before
and how exciting this digital age actually
is. It has big potential,” he said.
He also noted that the social media
can be used to draw people to Christ.
“It’s interesting how the new technolo-
gies are being used by young people as
a way of seeking friendship with others.
That’s not just a cultural phenomenon.
It’s actually in our nature—made in
understand the very history of God with
men, to diminish it, to lose sight of its
true order of greatness.”
“The sweep of history established by
the image and likeness of God—to God reaches back to the origins, back to
seek friendship. I’d hope young creation,” the Pontiff explained. “Our
people can then open up to that profession of faith begins with the
ultimate other, God, through the words: ‘We believe in God, the Father
same means.” Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.’
Msgr. Tighe pointed to websites If we omit the beginning of the Credo,
such as “Sacred Space” which, he the whole history of salvation becomes
says, provide online “silence and too limited and too small.”
solitude” for anybody seeking God. According to the Holy Father, the
Meanwhile, the project to bring central message of the creation account
all the Vatican’s media outlets onto in Scripture was summed up best by St.
one website should be complete John in the opening words of his Gospel:
by Easter Sunday this year. (CNA/ “In the beginning was the Word.”
EWTN News) “The world is a product of the Word,”
Benedict XVI stated, “of the Logos, as
the Resurrection, the day that Christ
showed himself to his disciples, and the
day of the Eucharist.
“The structure of the week is over-
turned,” the Pope noted. “No longer
does it point toward the seventh day, as
the time to participate in God’s rest. It
sets out from the first day as the day of
encounter with the Risen Lord.”
“This change is utterly extraordinary,
considering that the Sabbath, the sev-
enth day seen as the day of encounter
with God, is so profoundly rooted in
the Old Testament,” the Pontiff added.
“If we also bear in mind how much the
movement from work towards the rest-
day corresponds to a natural rhythm,
the dramatic nature of this change is
even more striking.”

Bishop lauds parents’ role in priests’ early formation

St. John expresses it. [...] ‘Logos’ means
‘reason,’ ‘sense,’ ‘word.’ It is not reason
pure and simple, but creative Reason,
that speaks and communicates itself.
DAGUPAN City, April 23, 2011—Lin- It is Reason that both is and creates
gayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates sense.”
Villegas praised the memory of the “The creation account tells us, then,
priests’ parents and their contribution that the world is a product of creative
to the clergy’s early formation dur- Reason,” he continued. “Hence it tells
ing the chrism mass celebrated at the us that, far from there being an absence
Cathedral of St. John de Evangelist on of reason and freedom at the origin of
Holy Thursday. all things, the source of everything is
He extolled the sacrifices of parents creative Reason, love, and freedom.”
in bringing up their children imbued As a result, the Holy Father explained
www.rcald.org
He stated that the “revolutionary
development” of the early Church “can
be explained only by the fact that some-
thing utterly new happened that day.”
On Easter, Benedict XVI said, “the
world had changed”: “This man who
had died was now living with a life that
was no longer threatened by any death.
A new form of life had been inaugu-
rated, a new dimension of creation.”
“The first day, according to the Gene-
sis account, is the day on which creation
begins,” he said. “Now it was the day
of creation in a new way, it had become

with the truth of the Catholic faith and
the love of God.
Reflecting on the gift of priesthood,
Villegas reminded the clergy that their
journey to the priesthood did not com-
mence on ordination.
Instead, he said it began way back in
infancy, at home under the care of one’s
parents and family.
“Before we knew the church, we first
knew our family. Before we saw the
father of the parish, we first knew the fa-
ther of the home. Indeed the first priest
we knew was our father at home—he
provided for us, he disciplined us, he
cared for us, we kissed his hands and
he blessed us. Before we heard that the
Archbishop Socrates Villegas embraces his priests during the chrism Mass held at the Cathedral
of St. John de Evangelist.
Church is our holy mother, we first
experienced the caress of our mother
at home. Before we tasted the Bread of
Life, we first tasted the sweet milk from
our mother’s breast. In the beginning,
there were no priests; there were only
parents,” Villegas said in his homily.
He reminded the priests not to fall
into the temptation of thinking they are
better off than their parents because of
their long seminary training and ad-
vanced studies.
“The greatest in the kingdom of
that the creation account of Scripture
and St. John’s Gospel affirm “that in the
beginning is reason,” and that mankind
was not the product of random evolu-
God is not the most educated or the tion “in the expanding universe, at a
most popular or the most influential late stage, in some tiny corner of the
but the one who stoops down to serve. cosmos.”
The greatest is the servant,” Villegas “If man were merely a random prod-
stressed. uct of evolution in some place on the
He commended the parents’ simple margins of the universe, then his life
but deep piety, telling priests that it is would make no sense or might even
“our mother’s novenas that we now be a chance of nature,” he said. “But
ridicule as self proclaimed intellectu- no, Reason is there at the beginning:
als were the prayers that sustained creative, divine Reason.”
us and continue to nourish us in the The Pontiff urged the faithful to “place
ministry.” ourselves on the side of reason, freedom
Bishop / A7 and love—on the side of God who loves
the day of the new creation.”
“We celebrate the first day,” the Holy
Father said. “And in so doing we cel-
ebrate God the Creator and his creation.
Yes, we believe in God, the Creator of
heaven and earth. And we celebrate the
God who was made man, who suffered,
died, was buried and rose again.
“We celebrate the definitive victory
of the Creator and of his creation. We
celebrate this day as the origin and the
goal of our existence. We celebrate it
because now, thanks to the risen Lord, it
is definitively established that reason is
stronger than unreason, truth stronger
than lies, love stronger than death.”
(Zenit)
 A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

EDITORIAL

Tell the world of his love

THE beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1 will

have a healing effect on the Catholic Church that had been
bruised for over a decade now by multifaceted onslaughts
due mainly to sexual aberrations of some of her clergy. As
pastor of the universal church for over 26 years (1978-2005),
he mended conflicts not only within the walls of the church
but even in the secular world. He can do no less now as a
beatified pastor.
The first non-Italian pope after 455 years, Pope John Paul II
became a pastoral protagonist in two global upheavals: the
fall communism in Eastern Europe which sprouted in his own
Poland in 1989 and the passage to the third millennium of
Christianity. In his apostolic letter “Novo Millennio Ineunte”,
he laid out his vision of the Church’s future and called for
a “new sense of mission” to proclaim the Gospel to every
facet of social and economic life.
It was to this “new springtime of Christian life” that he
saw in his apostolic letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente a
substantial impetus of the Church to pursue more deeply
the “aggiornamento” envisioned by the Second Vatican
Council. He came up with the new code of canon law and
the universal catechism of the Catholic Church. He issued
definitive pastoral letters and exhortations that responded
head-on with the rapidly changing perspectives the modern

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

world.
Acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the
twentieth century, he was also touted as one of the most
travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during
his pontificate. He was fluent in many languages: Italian,
French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian,
Russian, Croatian, Esperanto, Ancient Greek, Latin and his
native Polish. He has beatified 1,340 faithful and canonized
483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors
during the last five centuries. Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD
He used the media as his global pulpit and redefined its The joy of Easter is
real
engagement more than Inter Mirifica, a Vatican II decree
on the media and social communication, could have ever
imagined—thus, even making the internet as a new forum Tidbits
for proclaiming the gospel.
More than anybody else, he saw with distinct clarity the future THE ‘Alleluia Songs’ that re- of a man who meets Christ and Israelites, were saved by God triumph on my foes” (5-7).
of the world in the youth that he inspired not to be afraid of verberate in the stillness of this touches Him in a more personal from hands of Pharaoh who The joy of Easter is Jesus Him-
their own youthfulness. He never failed to be in the thick of early Sunday morning with their way during the time of Lent— pursued them to bring them self. He was crucified, died and
all world youth gatherings, which he institutionalized, until tunes of happiness and uplifting Christ who forgives him his sins, back to Egypt and to their chains was buried. But God came to
his frail body could bring no more. feelings, the play of lights that reconciling him to the Father; as slaves. Having seen how God him, raised Him from the dead,
starts with the blessing of the fire the Christ who saves him from drowned the pursuing chariots and made Him Lord of the liv-
For many, he was a friend of humanity. For others, he was a on Black Saturday evening, the his despondent thoughts caused and charioteers Moses sang ing and the dead. It was not for
conscience of the modern world. But for the Filipino youth, resumption of the intonation of by his irresponsible behavior the original song of ‘Alleluia:’ him that he had undergone all
he was the Pope who challenged them “to tell the world of the” Gloria” and the deafening towards his wife; the Christ who “I will sing to the Lord, for he these, but “for us men and for
his love.” pealing of the bells, the solemn brings him back from the painful is gloriously triumphant; horse our salvation.” The joy of Easter
movements of the liturgical hurts and gnawing pains he has and chariot he has cast into the then is a proclamation to all of us
rites of the Easter Vigil that are incurred from his employer who sea” (Ex 15:1). It is this kind of sinners who have been cowering
building up its pace into a fast has no appreciation for his work, intervention of God that King from the grace of God because of
crescendo, the excited greet- no regard for his person. The joy David composed the ‘Alleluia our fear of His holy anger and
ings of “Christ is risen, Christ is of Easter is not a conjured up Songs’ in the Psalms. Psalm 118 right judgment, a proclamation
truly risen”, all these are there thing, a make-up hope, an empty for instance expresses this feel- that everything, death included,
A cause for alarm not at all to conjure up from optimism born from external ing of joy this way: “Alleluia. is over. Jesus conquered sin;
the Christian Faithful the joy of manipulations. The joy of Easter In danger I called to the Lord; Jesus conquered death.
WE wish to register our strong and unqualified objection to Easter. Rather, they are there to is real. It is true—“Christ is risen; the Lord answered me and set Of course, it is not as simplistic
actions of the government and its instrumentalities which depict in the best possible way, Christ is truly risen.” me free. The Lord is with me; I as that. We are not here viewing
(despite any contrary intentions) work towards the destruction to portray and describe in liturgi- The joy of Easter was the am not afraid; what can mortals some acts of a magician grace-
of the Filipino family. cal symbols, songs, prayers, and feeling of Moses when he and do against me? The Lord is with fully waving his wand to take
actions the exhilarating feeling the Chosen People of God, the me as my helper; I shall look in Tidbits / A5
The blatant promotion of direct contraception and direct
sterilization which separate the two aspects of the conjugal
act—the expression of love and openness to the transmission Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
of life—is contrary to the will of God. Already the
evils spawned by these practices have been abundantly
demonstrated by the experience of many nations where
Mysteries of the New
contraception has met with common acceptance. The
acceptance of abortion, the breakdown of families, the
Way (Nova Via) Love Life
encouragement of pre-marital sex, the increased incidence
of sexually transmitted diseases are only some of the evil
consequences. FOR centuries, Catholics have been praying original flavor. For us Asians the way of life is Where does our true happiness lie?
the three Mysteries of the Rosary: the Joyous, more convincing than the formulated truth. Third Mystery: The Preaching to Love our
We especially object to the promotion of contraception as an the Sorrowful, and the Glorious Mysteries. Not that the truth of faith is not important, but Neighbor as We Love Ourselves (Mt. 5:40-
abrasive act of insensitivity to the sentiments of the majority Then a few years before His Holiness Pope that people are looking for witnesses who live 45). Many times we are satisfied if we help a
Church whose ethical principles prohibit such practices. John Paul II passed away, he instituted the the “New Way” of Jesus. little our poor neighbors. We are content in
This manifestation of insensitivity comes at a time when Luminous Mysteries that has become part First Mystery: The Journeying to Egypt (Mt. giving some amount. We feel that in doing
the President of the Republic is asking us to unite and work of our weekly recitation of the rosary. Last 2:13-15). People today move continuously. so, we have fulfilled Jesus’ law of love. We
together for our countrymen’s welfare. month, Rev. Fr. Vicente Cajilig, OP, pre- The missionaries, the tourists, the migrants, forget the true meaning of charity is to love
This insensitivity is compounded with injustice when the sented to us the Mysteries of the New Way the business people, the workers, and others. our neighbors as we love ourselves. Our joy
promotion of contraception is accompanied by undue pressure during our Pro-life day of recollection. As a There are difficulties they have to face and as believers will depend on our capacity to
on health care workers to do acts which their conscience Dominican priest, we could feel his passion handle in the new place or new country, or new love and capability to be loved.
tells them are wrong. for making the rosary loved and effective environment. The means of travel are advance. Fourth Mystery: Preaching of Forgiveness
as a way of evangelizing the faithful. And Planes, vessels, trains, cars, etc. are available. and Healing (Mt. 9:1-2). Our world is full of
We ask our people—pastors, religious and lay people was this not one of the original aims of the The Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph had only division and conflicts - wars in Middle East,
alike—to stand up in a united way for the teachings of the rosary – for the unlettered Christians to be a donkey to rely on. During their pilgrimage Africa, South Asia, etc. The politicians decry
Church on contraception, sterilization and abortion, and able to join the monks in praying the 50 here on earth, believers have a lot to learn from terrorism, but can governments truly declare
to refuse to promote contraception and sterilization and psalms in the Prayers of the Day, also called the journey of the holy family. they have clean hands? Moreover, families
abortion should they be ordered to do so by their superiors. the Divine Office? Second Mystery: The Preaching of the are disturbed by domestic divisions and
There are times when we must bear witness to Christ and I will now quote lengthily from the mate- Beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-10). Human beings have struggles. Only the Church preaches the im-
dare to say, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts rial of Fr. Vic on what he calls the Novo Via a natural desire to be happy. Media tells us portance of genuine forgiveness and healing
5:29). The government itself has said that it will not order or the Mysteries of the New Way that he to find happiness from sex, power, fame and as Jesus did. We must be one with the Lord
health workers to perform acts violative of their consciences
himself composed. money. The teaching of Jesus presents a dif- in spreading that forgiving is divine, and that
and that those who refuse to perform such actions will not
in any way be punished. We ask Catholic health workers By way of introduction, he says: St. Stephen, ferent fountain of joy. He underscores the forgiveness itself brings healing.
to report to us, the bishops, violations of this standing the first martyr of Christianity died for the teaching that happy are the pure, the poor, Fifth Mystery: The Preaching on Father’s
government policy. “new way”. St. Paul, a man from Tarsus, after and those who are victims of injustice. The Love for Creation (Mt. 6:26-30). Imagine
a special encounter with the Master, spent his happiness of the world does not last. Even Jesus preaching about the love of the Father
Save the Family and Live, 1993 time making voyages in order to spread the famous people who have all the money, for His own creation: He dresses the lilies
“new way”. The “new way” has been eclipsed fame, and power commit suicide because of the field and cares for the birds of the air.
in the doctrinal formulation of faith, losing the earthly happiness is ephemeral and passing. Love Life / A5

www.cbcpmonitor.com Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM

cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
John Paul II
Living Mission Missionary Pope
THE Catholic Church worldwide read aloud, before audiences in mission document of Vatican II, pastoral choice in his Message for
rejoices as Pope John Paul II is the millions, more than 20,000 Ad Gentes] Cardinal Daneels of World Mission Sunday in 1981
Pedro C. Quitorio beatified by Pope Benedict XVI addresses. As pope he issued Brussels wrote: “this document [the year of his first visit to the
Editor on May 1, 2011 in Saint Peter’s more than 100 major documents, best exemplifies who this pope Philippines]: “My trips to Latin
Square in Rome. Catholic and including 14 encyclicals, 45 apos- is; it is the fruit of his mission in America, Asia and Africa have an
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Gloria Fernando secular media are certain to cover tolic letters, 14 apostolic exhorta- every continent. There is nothing eminently missionary purpose.”
Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor the event from a wide variety of tions, and 11 apostolic constitu- better to define his pontificate Everywhere he went John Paul
perspectives, emphasizing the tions. John Paul II beatified 1,338 than to say: he is a missionary II emphasized a central point:
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos many and diverse contributions and canonized 482 people, more pope.” “I wish to invite the Church to
News Editor Circulation Manager of this 264th pope of the Catholic than all of his predecessors in the In RM (1) the pope described renew her missionary commitment”
Kris Bayos Church whose pontificate extend- last four centuries combined. his missionary commitment: (RM 2).
Marcelita Dominguez
ed over 26 years (1978-2005). Undoubtedly, one of the major “From the beginning of my Pon- The pope was concerned that
LAYOUT BY KRIS BAYOS

Features Editor Comptroller

When John Paul II died on
April 2, 2005 the Reuters News
fact sheet noted some remarkable
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communica-
tions Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices statistics regarding his pontifi-
at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. cate. He traveled a total of 775,231
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940 miles around the world; this is
3.24 times the distance from the
earth to the moon. John Paul II
emphases of John Paul II was
his focus on the renewal of the
Church in her missionary iden-
tity and commitment. When his
mission encyclical Redemptoris
Missio (Mission of the Redeemer:
RM) was published on December
7, 1990 [25th anniversary of the
tificate I have chosen to travel to
the ends of the earth in order to
show this missionary concern.
My direct contact with peoples
who do not know Christ has
convinced me even more of the
urgency of missionary activity….”
John Paul II echoed his explicit
“missionary activity specifically
directed ‘to the nations’ (ad gentes)
appears to be waning…. For in
the Church’s history, missionary
drive has always been a sign of
vitality, just as its lessening is
a sign of a crisis on faith” (RM
Living Mission / A5
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
Opinion A5
Oscar V. Cruz, DD Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS

Views and Points Child abuse …and that’s the truth

RECENTLY there was some
kind of a public uproar about a
perceived abused child dancing
wildly crying—beamed across
the country through a national
TV station. Its loud censure and
downright condemnation were
registered by this and that sector
of society, all of which were ap-
palled by their adjudged public
and atrocious child abuse. Mass
media was flooded by many and
different protests from individu-
als as well as from this and that
advocacy group. And rightly so.
Social sensitivity has a proper
place in social phenomena—be
these inspiring or disheartening.
No. This is in no way meant to
counter the registry of scandal
and pain about the said event.
Much less is this intended to
absolve all those concerned in
the TV production. As it is well
said, let the axe fall where in
should—in due time. The truth
of the matter is that the issue has
reached the proper civic forum
and public office for its eventual
resolution in terms of absolution
or punishment in cash and/or in
kind. One thing is certain: Child
abuse of whatever kind and
degree has no place in civilized
society.
But yes, this is intended to
raise precisely the issue of fla-
grant and gross child abuses in
the country that have been long
existent and persistent—abuses
of children which can be consid-
ered a hundred and one percent
more serious and atrocious than
the above cited recent TV phe-
nomenon. Yes. This is meant to
ask the question why is it that
things seem to be “all quiet in
the Western front” when other
really abominable and punish-
able forms of child abuses have
been long and openly on-going
in Philippine society? Why are
those concerted voices and ac-
tions directed at doing away
with but a single moral malady
and social atrocity?
Child Prostitution. Child Por-
nography. Child Labor. These
are some odious and obvious
forms of veritable child abuse.
It would only be the blind and
deaf, the mute and dumb who
would dare say that these vile
realities are non-existent in
Philippine society. All of these
forms and manners of abuse
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
trample upon the innocence and
helplessness of children—not
to mention the desecration of
their intrinsic human dignity
and violation of basic human
rights. One thing is certain:
Children thus abused grow up
with confused socio-affective
traits, disoriented personality
constitutions—if not one form or
another of antisocial personality
disorder. Translation: said chil-
dren remain lifetime victims of
the abuses perpetuated on them.
They usually bring the trauma to
their death bed.
Calling all those incensed by
but some TV moments about
but one child. There are good
number of abused children
begging for their attention and
concern. Help!
Reading between the
lies
DEAR Congressman: you had for so long given us the impression
that you were against the RH Bill until one day when you were
identified in the papers as one of its supporters. We were shocked;
we could hardly believe someone we had trusted and respected
could actually espouse what this RH Bill stands for.
Sir, I have tried several times to get through to your office to ex-
press concerns aired by some of your constituents, mostly women.
I say “some” because we cannot show you a million signatures
opposing your stand. We are ordinary mothers, grandmothers,
maiden aunts, sisters, professionals and plain housewives who
only want the best for our families. And we voted for you. We had
simply wanted your ear for a few minutes, but we have not been
fortunate, so please understand why we are instead writing this
open letter to you. We have a fair knowledge of what the RH Bill
is about but none of us is a lawyer, a politician or a theologian, so
please bear with us if our thoughts are not as organized we would
want them to be. We are merely speaking from our guts.
Sir, we are not aiming to convert you for we still would like to
believe that you mean well, but we do pray that the RH Bill may
never be passed.

Our prayer is heard! We reject the RH Bill because it is based on the premise that we
do not need God to live fruitful lives. To us God-fearing, God-loving

CHRIST is risen! May the blessings of the
Risen Christ be with us always! Easter
always brings hope to everyone. The resur-
rection of Jesus Christ after his suffering
and death on the cross always inspire the
Christendom to value the gift of life. The pro-
lifers should never stop in their advocacy to
reject the RH Bill. Let it be our gift back to the
Lord for redeeming us from our sins. After
the Holy Week recess of our lawmakers, let
us continue to monitor and convince them
to vote against the passage of the Bill.
***
At last, our collective prayer is heard. Our
beloved Pope John Paul II will be beatified
at St. Peter’s Square on May 01, 2011at 10
a.m., Feast of the Divine Mercy. It will be
remembered that he died on the eve of the
Feast of the Divine Mercy. The late Pope has
a special devotion to the Divine Mercy. He
even entrusted the world to Divine Mercy.
In his Apostolic exhortation, Christifideles
Laici, Pope John Paul II advocates for lay
empowerment; he supports various forms of
activity of the lay people in the life and mis-
sion of the Church, like the World Youth Day.
During the pontificate of Benedict XVI, an
important Congress of the Catholic Laity was
held in September 2010 in Seoul, Korea with
the theme Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia,
where we had the opportunity to participate as
one of the delegates from the Philippines.
Beatification is the last formal step to can-
onization or sainthood. As we had gathered
from the Vatican website, on May 09, 2005,
Pope Benedict XVI began the beatification
process of Pope John Paul II; that he waived
Rev. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ B. Belizar, Jr., SThD
Duc in Altum
the five year rule which provides that five and damage to properties, but also injury
years must pass after a person’s death before and death to unfortunate victims. The local
the beatification process can begin. This was government units should require its officials
done “so that the cause of Beatification and to conduct information campaign to the
Canonization can begin immediately.” In the residents on how fire can be prevented and
case of Pope John Paul II, “exceptional cir- what to do when fire struck.
cumstances” was cited in order for the wait- In the same manner, corporations, espe-
ing period to be waived. The “exceptional cially those in high rise buildings, should
circumstances” may refer to the people’s conduct fire and earthquake seminar; fire
cries of “Santo Subito!” (“Saint Now!”) during and earthquake drills should follow. For
the funeral of the late Pope. the residents and tenants of Alpha Salcedo
According to the Vatican press release, im- Condominium in H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo
mediately after the Beatification Ceremony, Village, Fire and Earthquake Seminar will be
the faithful can pray before Pope John held on April 30, 2011 at 10:00 in the morning
Paul’s mortal remains, which will be set in at the Penthouse Function Room.
front of the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica. Lives and properties can be saved only
“The deceased pope’s remains will be in the if everyone is well-informed on what to do
casket in which he originally was buried in when such disaster strikes. Do not panic; be
2005 and will not be visible. The casket will not afraid.
be reinterred in the Chapel of St. Sebastian
on the main level of St. Peter’s Basilica in a ***
‘private’ ceremony, which will occur only The Diocese of Pasig is now happy with
after the large crowds have stopped coming the appointment by the Holy Father of their
to pay their respects.” There will be a prayer new bishop, Most Rev. Mylo Hubert Claudio
vigil the night before the beatification. Vergara; he was bishop of San Jose, Nueva
The feast day of Blessed John Paul II will Ecija, before his appointment as the second
be inserted in the liturgical calendar of the bishop of Pasig.
Diocese of Rome and Dioceses of Poland and Happy Birthday to Rev. Fr. Jun Bartolome,
will be celebrated every year on October 22. Oeconomus of the Diocese of Kalookan and
Parish Priest of Sagrada Familia.
*** We would like to extend our deepest
The past two weeks had been a very condolence to the family of Most Rev. Jesse
challenging experience for the firefighters Mercado, Bishop of Parañaque and National
of Metro Manila. Fire happened almost Spiritual Director of Sangguniang Laiko ng
everyday—from Culiat and Agham Road in Pilipinas and Rev. Fr. Edwin Mercado for the
Quezon City, to Parañaque City, to Caloocan death of their mother Lady Leticia Mercado,
City, then to Guadalupe, Makati City. Fire member of the Diocese of Kalookan Papal
leaves not only millions of pesos in loss of Family, a Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice awardee.
The addict and the
Filipinos, that is a lie. Being rooted in a paradigm that takes God
out of the equation, how can the RH Bill be good for anyone? It
is studded with half-truths, pseudo-truths and truthisms cleverly
formulated to mimic the truth. Reading between the lies, we get
this picture of the RH Bill:
1. It wants us to think that human reason and human intelligence
are all we need for everything to be right with the world.
2. It coerces everybody else to think that way, and rejects the truth
that the God who created and loves us will never abandon us.
3. It is maka-hayop, not maka-tao, promoting pleasure without
pain, irresponsible sex, dangerous couplings, and a hedonistic
mentality that will eventually drag future generations downward
to moral incoherence.
4. It undermines the worth of human beings by implying that
they are what their genitalia define, nothing more.
5. It ridicules our faith by offering overly pragmatic solutions to
perceived problems.
6. It tramples upon the life-giving values—family, sacrifice, hope,
compassion—that have kept our nation afloat in spite of history’s
tyranny, human greed and natural calamities.
7. It intends to mislead people and then uses commendable
phrases such as “reproductive health” and “responsible parent-
hood” to disguise its dark intentions.
8. It dishonors fathers and mothers by robbing them of the right
and the responsibility to rear their children according to their deeply
held religious convictions.
9. It reduces the question of reproductive health into a simplis-
tic choice between natural family planning and artificial family
planning, labeling natural as unnatural and stupid and equating
artificial with modern and smart.
10. It spits upon the Constitution—pity that many of our lawmak-
ers themselves would violate the Constitution by pushing this bill!
Where are they leading this country to?
11. It seduces young people by instilling in them a false sense of
independence and sophistication in knowing their parents will be
legally helpless about their sex life.
12. It anaesthetizes the conscience of the young, saying it’s per-
fectly okay to experiment with sex as long as they are “protected”;
this is contrary to what we teach our children.
13. It corrupts children by infusing in them a contraceptive
mentality, giving them “sex education” too early in order to abort
their maturing in the love of God.
14. It deceives the women it claims to inform and empower,
praising only the convenience that contraception offers but not its
deadly side effects.
15. It is oppressive, maintaining the First World myth of over-
population at the expense of our poor.

By the roadside
EASTER is not abstract. Easter is up to his ‘enslavement’, if I may
not just a feast. Easter is very per- call it that way. I said that I was
sonal. Easter is a fact in people’s glad he was specifically looking
lives. This I found out years ago for spiritual help from a priest
in a strange encounter. and that his problem also has
The parish secretary told me other components that a clinical
a man was looking for a priest psychologist or doctor may be
to talk to. When I appeared, he better equipped to help him. He
began to speak but halted, as if promised me to see one after the
unsure of himself. He seemed in meeting.
some kind of pain. No, he was It was almost a whole after-
not ill, if by ill you mean bodily noon chat on prayer, the sacra-
illness. He hesitated once more. ments and especially the sacra-
But he did not hide. “I’m an ad- ment of Penance, of the Paschal
dict, Father,” he said tersely. I Mystery, of how Moses leading
remembered conjuring images of Israel out of Egypt speaks of the
heroin or other substances of the living God who abhors people
same kind and bottles of alcohol. being in the grip of slavery, and
I was getting ready to dismiss our that our basic slavery is to sin and
meeting with, “I’m sorry, I may its many ugly faces and tentacles,
not be competent to give you the such as his addiction to porno
help you really need.” But it was which, I stressed, is basically
my turn to hesitate. On the other rooted in the distorted view of the
hand, he seemed like a bird trying body as an object man can treat
to force its way out of a cage. “I’m at his pleasure instead of temple
an addict to porno, Father. I’ve of the Spirit he ought to rever-
been into porno at the internet…I ence. There is only one way out,
have collections of porno materi- I said—Jesus Christ whom we
als, shows, films, literature. Name can access through the Scriptures,
a porno show or film, I probably prayer and especially the sacra-
have it. I’m here because, because ments. He offered no resistance to
I’m looking for spiritual help…” what I later feared amounted to a
I tried to be encouraging. I spiritual bombardment I was giv-
commended his courage to face ing him. But, to be honest, I saw
resurrection
no signs in our conversation that
it was getting through. Until he
asked me to hear his confession,
that is. It took almost four hours
for him to decide to go to con-
fession. But the decision didn’t
surprise me at all. It seemed of a
piece with why the meeting hap-
pened in the first place.
Having given the absolution, I
recall feeling relieved he will be
in somebody else’s hands to help
him deal with the other aspects
of his ‘addiction’. One blissful
aftermath of being a minister of
the sacrament of Penance is the
sense of being an instrument of
someone’s inner liberation. On a
personal level, another is forget-
fulness. People seem surprised
when I say this but whenever
I turn away from a confession
most of the time I feel my mind
is a blank sheet once again. As
we used to say in Latin class
of a classmate who understood
nothing of the day’s lesson,
“tamquam tabula rasa”.
Then, several weeks after, I
stumbled again into my friend
the “addict”, unintentionally
and without warning, in church.
He asked me if I still remem-
bered him. Of course, I said. “I
just want to thank you, Father,
for that afternoon meeting. After
my confession, I made a decision
to get rid of all my porno files
and materials. What stuck in my
mind was the body as ‘temple
of the Spirit’. I never knew how
good it feels to be free…” As if
his smile didn’t say it all.
While he was still speaking my
own mind raced to a privileged
visit I had to a place whose spe-
cific name I couldn’t recall near
Bethany in mid 90s. I was in an
organized tour of the Holy Land
by priests and a few lay couples.
Someone took a picture of me as I
was coming out of what tradition
says was the tomb of Lazarus.
My hands were extended in an
unmistakable imitation of the UP
oblation. I was trying to catch the
feeling of the resurrection, nay,
resuscitation of Lazarus (with
apologies to the experts).
But here was Lazarus before
me. His resurrection was no
less real.
And the words of the Liberator
poured into my ears seemingly
out of nowhere: “I am the Res-
urrection and the Life. He who
believes in me, even if he dies,
will live…”
16. It imposes an alien lifestyle on Filipinos, seeing children as
mere mouths to feed, treating pregnancy as a sickness and un-
bridled sex as a human right.
17. It steals from the people by using tax payers’ money to buy
contraceptive devices for people who can’t and won’t control their
sexual appetites.
18. It tramples upon not only our freedom now, but also the
freedom of future generations to raise their children according to
their cherished beliefs.
19. It wants to scratch out the cross from Christianity, scoffing
... And that’s the truth / A7
Living Mission / A4
2). John Paul II made the faith- a deep commitment to this devo-
mission link very explicit when tion as it was propagated by Sister
he noted: “Mission is an issue of Faustina Kowalska, a fellow Pole.
faith, an accurate indicator of our One can also note the intimate
faith in Christ and his love for link with mission. Is not mis-
us” (RM 11). sionary evangelization all about
Blessed John Paul II has done proclaiming God’s abundant
everything in his power to renew love, compassion, and mercy?
mission, because he continually Mission is grounded in being so
asserted that mission is at the filled with God’s loving mercy
heart of the Church: “the Church that one wishes to proclaim it to
here on earth is missionary by the world. Mission makes God’s
her very nature” (AG 2). He was merciful love contagious.
deeply convinced that “mission- One might assert that for his
ary activity renews the Church, missionary commitment and
revitalizes faith and Christian insights John Paul II “deserves”
identity, and offers fresh enthu- beatification! However, the
siasm and new incentive. Faith beatification process is not quite
is strengthened when it is given to that simple! Yet, the Church cel-
others!” (RM 2). ebrates since she has been gifted
The choice of the date for the with an extraordinary apostle of
beatification (May 1, 2011) is cer- Jesus Christ. We rejoice to pray:
tainly not accidental; it is the Feast Blessed John Paul II, renew the
of Divine Mercy. John Paul II had missionary heart of the Church!

Tidbits / A4 Love Life / A4

away from us this reality of sin and
death. They are there to haunt us as
long as we live. But the Risen Lord has
given us the power to face them, to
conquer them. With him and with our
undaunted faith of His resurrection, we
can gradually extricate ourselves from
the clutches of sin and from the fear of
death. The personal experience that we
had with Him during the time of Lent
should give us the necessary assurance
that He is a personal God, a living God,
a God who saves, a God who protects.
With this personal experience we face
the challenges of the future with hope
and courage, for we know that we are
not alone in this. Your salary is still the
same, but you know better that it is
sufficient to support your family and
can make decisions within this budget
without compromising the Law of God;
your wife still suffers the trauma of the
breast scarred due to the presence of
cancer, but you are not upset anymore
for you know that even in that God has
better plans for all of you; you still have
unholy feeling for your secretary, not re-
ally pretty but charming and caring, but
you know better that this is but a pass-
ing fancy of irresponsible day dreams
that could be shaken off by recalling
Jesus who died for you.
Yes, the resurrection of Jesus does not
change your status in life, neither does it
provide you in an instance the courage
to face the realities of life. But it does
give us the hope that what seems impos-
sible before is no longer that impossible;
it does give us the perception that the fu-
ture ahead of us, though still unknown,
is no longer threatening; it does give
us trust in God amidst the mess in this
world, the mistakes that we make, the
pains that others inflict on us, the unjust
treatment that we receive. For, we have
met Jesus in a personal level this past
Holy Week. Pope Benedict XVI puts it
this way: “We see as a distinguishing
mark of Christian the fact that they
have a future: it is not that they know
the details of what awaits them but they
know in general terms that their life will
not end in emptiness. Only when the
future is certain as a positive reality does
it become possible to live the present as
well” (Spe Salvi, 2).
That Jesus is truly risen is a reality that
we have witnessed. This is a positive
reality that transforms our perception
of life ahead of us. As St. Paul himself
assured us: “For those who love God
all things work together unto good, for
those who, according to his purpose are
saints through his call” (Rm 8: 28-29).
All life is a gift of God. We should not
kill the babies in the womb. We should
not pollute the environment. We should
take care of our natural resources. We
should not denude the mountains and
we should keep our rivers clean. This
present world we live in is the same
world that the future generations will
need in order to survive.
Someday, I hope the Vatican will
adopt these Mysteries of the New Way
as we need to be reminded often of these
teachings of Jesus. To contact Fr. Vicente
G. Cajilig for more information on the
Mysteries of the New Way, you can
email him at vcajilig@yahoo.com
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

JPII beatification stirs fond memories among Filipino bishops THE upcoming beatification of
Pope John Paul II at the Vatican
on May 1 has stoked the af-
fectionate memories of Filipino
prelates on the late pope.
Various prelates interviewed
separately by CBCPNews said
they have fond recollections of
the Polish-born Pope John Paul
II, scheduled for beatification
this coming Sunday, May 1, 2011
in fitting and elaborate ceremo-
nies at the Vatican.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Ca-
www.thefraternityofstgenesius.blogspot.com
brera Arguelles described the
late pontiff as “a great proph-
et.”
In a text message to CBCP-
News, Arguelles said the late
pontiff had a special place in
his heart.
“The third millennium is the
hour of Asia as the Good News
will return to where it all start-
ed,” Arguelles explained. He
called on the Filipino faithful to
make the belief into a reality.
As far as Lingayen-Dagupan
Archbishop-emeritus Oscar V.
Cruz is concerned, he described
Pope John Paul II in his book as
“a saint long since.”
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop
Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ said
Pope John Paul II was a pioneer
in inter-religious dialogue when
he began the worldwide prayer
for peace during the feast of St.
Francis of Assisi in 1986.
Caceres Archbishop Leonardo
Z. Legazpi, OP said he has talked
with the former Karol Wojtyla
several times, and had breakfast
and lunch with him.
“He was very paternalistic
in my regard and very charis-
matic,” the 75-year old prelate
said.
For his part, Prelature of Isa-
bela de Basilan Bishop Martin
Jumoad said he first met the late
pontiff in September 2002 when
new bishops from all over the
world had an audience at the
Vatican.
“During the picture taking,
I touched his shoulder and he
just looked at me and smiled,”
he said. He added that experi-
ence was “heaven” for him. He
vividly remembers the pontiff as
very accommodating and had a
good listening skill.”
Virac Bishop Manolo delos
Santos said the most remarkable
asset of Pope John Paul II was
his charism which went beyond
Catholics. He also praised the
deceased pontiff for his genuine
concern for the young.
Elected to the papacy in Oc-
tober 1978, Pope John Paul II
became the 265th successor of
Peter. He later became known as
the first Pilgrim Pope for having
logged more than 1,167,000 kilo-
meters in travels, visiting places
in the world no other pope has
ever visited.
He visited the Philippines
twice, the first of which was
from February 17 to 22, 1981
which took him to the Philip-
pine countryside and addressed
farmers, fishermen, students and
Vietnamese boat people. He also
presided over the beatification
of San Lorenzo de Manila and
Companions.
From January 10-15, 1995,
Pope John Paul II led thousands
of youth from all over the world
for the 10th World Youth Day at
the Luneta. The closing liturgy
attracted some 5 million strong
youngsters and other Catholic
faithful forcing government
leaders to ferry the pontiff to
Quirino Grandstand by helicop-
ter. (Melo M. Acuña)

Cardinal Sanchez to bishops: Befriend solons, enlighten them

WITH President Benigno “Noynoy”
Aquino’s intent to bring back the
Reproductive Health (RH) Bill in his
legislative agenda, one of the three
living Cardinals in the Philippines
urged bishops to befriend congressmen
and enlighten them with Catholic
teachings.
Retired Jose Cardinal Sanchez told
this writer that when he was still a
bishop in Bicol, he was a friend to all
the congressmen so it would be easy
for him to confront them should there
be any bill that would contradict the
Catholic doctrine.
“If there are bills contradictory to the “He is now losing his popularity. He ing the controversial birth-control bill. Catholic Church,” of which the RH bill
Catholic teachings, I would go to these has no firm idea on marriage. It is too He also emphasized that common is a part of.
congressmen one by one to enlighten much politics now and no longer reli- sentiment Filipinos share is that they Sanchez is also worried about same
them with the Catholic teachings and gion. Her mother (the late former presi- are pro-Church and pro-family. sex marriage which has already been
they would easily agree with me. And dent Corazon Aquino) and her sisters The Cardinal also shared that Albay passed as law in Brazil, the country with
as friends, they would find it hard to have more faith than him,” he said. Representative Edcel Lagman, the pro- the most number of Catholic adherents
go against the bishop,” the 91-year-old Instead of pushing for the RH bill, San- ponent of RH bill, studied as a scholar in in the world. He feared that it may also
Cardinal said. chez said that the government should try Russia, which has a communist form of be accepted in the Philippines.
However, he admitted that it would to improve the family and not destroy it. government. He said that Lagman was “I did not come here to fight the RH
be hard to do it now since many legisla- He also said that the every family’s needs “affected totally by the communist way Bill; I came here to protect the Catholic
tors are non-Christians. should by addressed by improving their of looking at things.” doctrine,” Sanchez said. “[RH bill] is in-
Sanchez noted that the president is livelihood and earnings. On the other hand, the Cardinal significant as far as the problems of the
being influenced by politics over reli- With the president losing much of the said the main reason for coming back world are concerned. But I’m happy that
gion that is why he is being criticized public support, Sanchez claimed that to the Philippines is to ward off the it is being faced seriously by the Philip-
severely by several groups. the congress would not succeed in pass- “tendencies that threaten to destroy the pine Church.” (Brylle B. Tabora)

Fake / A1 Beatification / A1

allowing the distribution of
condoms and other contracep-
tives. We will tell people not to
obey them.”
“We are ready to oppose any
government plan to promote
artificial contraception. The
Catholic Church will organize
mass protests against the repro-
ductive health bill that it says
promotes illicit sex through the
distribution of condoms,” the
report added.
According to Odchimar, he
did not issue any statement on
the matter yet and was never
Tripoli / A1
community despite the uncer-
tainties that war bring.
Although Philippine media
have reported that some Fili-
pino nurses were taken hos-
tage and being used as human
Laguna / A1
“legal or safe abortion.”
“Perhaps the president does
not know the whole content
of RH Bill. He said that he is
against abortion perhaps just
to appease the Catholic hierar-
chy,” said Fr. Jerry Oblepias,
the Director of the Diocesan
Family Life Ministry in La-
guna.
Oblepias is aware that by
definition “reproductive rights
may include some or all of the
following: the rights to legal
or safe abortion, the right to
birth control, the right to access
quality reproductive health-
care, and the right to education
and access in order to make
reproductive choices free from
coercion, discrimination, and
violence.”
Pro-Life advocates explained
that this (legal or safe abortion
pushed by reproductive rights)
is one of the hidden agenda
behind the RHB which avid
proponents led by Bicol Con-
gressman Edcel Lagman and
his minions consistently hide
from the public.
They declare that when the
bill becomes a law, it would be
like opening a “Pandora’s box”
where all these murderous
evils would be revealed and to
oppose it at this time would be
too late.
A Manila daily has recently
quoted Aquino as saying: “I am
against abortion,” and added
that he was in favor of “giving
couples the right to choose how
best to manage their families so
interviewed by any journal- at the www.pope2you.net site The beatification date was dioceses of his native Poland, Chapel of St. Sebastian in the
ists. aimed at younger audiences and chosen carefully. May 1 is Divine his feast day is to be inserted upper level of St. Peter’s Basilica.
While he is against distribu- on the Vatican’s YouTube chan- Mercy Sunday, a day with special automatically into the annual He had been buried in the grotto
tion of contraceptives to the nel. They offer photos, tributes, significance for Pope John Paul, calendar. Oct. 22 was chosen as beneath St. Peter’s, but the new
public by the government, the key quotes and video highlights who made it a church-wide feast the day to remember him because resting place is more easily ac-
CBCP head disowned the state- of Pope John Paul’s pontificate. day to be celebrated a week after it is the anniversary of the liturgi- cessible to the steady stream of
ments supposedly issued by The beatification events will be Easter. The pope died April 2, cal inauguration of his papacy pilgrims who come to see the
him in the news reports. live-streamed at many of the 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy in 1978. pope’s tomb.
Upon cursory check with sites, ensuring worldwide par- Sunday. Other places can petition the Not long after Pope John
some reporters it was learned ticipation. May 1 is also Europe’s “labor Vatican to insert the Oct. 22 feast Paul’s death, Pope Benedict set
that a PR man distributed to “Six years have passed since day” holiday, which meant the day into their liturgical calendar. him on the fast track to beatifi-
reporters the press release con- John Paul’s funeral, and the beatification events would not Likewise, parishes and churches cation by waiving the normal
taining a fake statement. world of communications has disrupt the normal business can be named after “Blessed Pope five-year waiting period for the
“That’s putting words into my changed greatly, with many of Rome. Many Romans were John Paul” in Rome and Poland, introduction of his sainthood
mouth,” Odchimar said in a state- more online opportunities avail- planning to leave the city for with other requests considered cause. Even so, church experts
ment on April 16. (CBCPNews) able to the church,” said Jesuit the weekend, although church on a case-by-case basis. needed years to review the
Father Federico Lombardi, the leaders said Italians would still Throughout the universal massive amount of evidence re-
Vatican spokesman, who was be the biggest national group church, Catholics will have a year garding the late pope, including
coordinating several of the Inter- attending the beatification. Poles to celebrate a Mass in thanksgiv- thousands of pages of writings
shields by Gaddafi’s forces, net efforts. were expected to be the second- ing for the pope’s beatification. and speeches.
Msgr. Martinelli said he does “Moreover, John Paul II was largest group, followed by pil- The Vatican has published the More than 120 witnesses were
not have sufficient informa- much loved by the younger grims from Spain and the United text of the opening prayer—for- interviewed, and studies were
tion to verify the news citing generations who use the new States. mally the “collect”—for his feast conducted on Pope John Paul’s
difficult situation in the war media. He is a figure who adapts The Vatican has used the run- day Mass. The English text reads: ministry, the way he handled
zones. (CBCPNews) well to the Web, because he left up to the beatification as a teach- “O God, who are rich in mercy suffering and how he faced his
us with a wealth of images and ing moment about the saint- and who willed that the Blessed death. The Vatican took special
spoken words that one is happy hood process, emphasizing that John Paul II should preside as care evaluating the reported
to see and listen to again in their Pope John Paul will be declared pope over your universal church, miracle in France, and Vatican
that in the end, their welfare original context,” he said. “blessed” not for his achieve- grant, we pray, that, instructed officials emphasized that no pro-
and that of their children are The Diocese of Rome has also ments as pope but for the way by his teaching, we may open cedural shortcuts were taken. The
best served.” launched a multilingual be- he lived the Christian virtues of our hearts to the saving grace of process was completed relatively
“My [humble] advice [to our atification website that offers the faith, hope and love. Christ, the sole redeemer of man- quickly: six years and one month
President] is to understand that diocesan-approved prayer asking Church officials have an- kind. Who lives and reigns.” from death to beatification is a
Easter is a celebration of life. for graces of Pope John Paul in nounced that in the Diocese of Following the beatification modern record in the church.
And [my advice] to those who 31 languages, including Chinese, Rome, where Pope John Paul ceremonies, Pope John Paul’s (John Thavis/Catholic News
support the RHB, they don’t Arabic, Russian and Swahili. served as bishop, and in all the casket will be relocated to the Service)
deserve to celebrate Easter
[because] it may be an outright
Speak / A1
contradiction,” the priest said.
Fr. Eduardo Arupo, parish the final enemy of humankind—death, End apathy and get involved Act quickly
priest of St. Francis of Assisi Odchimar said. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also said the love that comes from
Parish in San Pablo City is also “This incorruptible remembrance of God Villegas said that Easter is a feast of love, and the resurrection should move us out of com-
wondering why PNoy does not putting an end to the definitiveness of death that love made possible by Jesus’ resurrection placency and reach out to the poor.
know the deeper issues behind is a strong message of hope—that in all of should move us to action and get involved in “Love takes responsibility. Love is rich
the highly contested bill. this, every work of evil shivers before the the various issues the country is facing. in mercy. Love is kind. We cannot continue
When asked of his opinion power of goodness,” he furthered. He said that “we must prove that [Jesus] with Easter and continue to ignore the poor.
whether PNoy really knows the has indeed risen from the dead not by wise It is not hard to meet the poor if we are not
full meaning of “reproductive A call to renewal argumentations but showing that our lives playing blind to their presence,” he said.
rights”, an important theme The resurrection of Jesus is an invitation have been changed by Jesus Christ.” Lamenting the rise of criminality, abortion
in RH Bill, the priest said “Di for every Christian to a renewed conduct and As Easter people, we must allow love to and drug use, the prelate urged for swift
natin alam na sa isip ni PNoy way of life, according to Manila Archbishop rule our life and say “goodbye to indifference action to curb if not stop the menace, saying
e. Baka yun lang kasi sinabi rin Gaudencio Rosales. and apathy, insensitivity and heartlessness, that “we cannot claim to be Easter people”
sa kanya ng ilang Although to respond to a call for renewal callousness and audacity,” Villegas said in and “remain insensitive” to the crisis.
malapit sa kanya e.” (We do is not easy to do, “especially if it meant get- his Easter message. “We cannot claim to be an Easter people and
not know what’s in the mind ting rid of one’s selfish and pleasure-seeking “The victory of Easter is the victory of the yet not do anything about the silent moans of
of PNoy. Perhaps those are the ways”, still the celebration of Easter offers Greatest Lover of all who died that we may aborted babies. We cannot sing Alleluia and
only things that are fed to him hope to every Christian. have fullness of life. We who are an Easter remain insensitive to rising criminality, the
by his trusted allies). “The Resurrection of Jesus opened to us people must pour love into our bleeding commercialization of sex and the unabated
Fr. Raul Matienzo parish new ways of behaving, honest relation- world, bind the wounds of our society and availability of shabu in the neighborhood,”
priest of Sts. John and Paul ships, a compassionate mutual sharing of bring it back to life—through love,” he said. the archbishop further added.
Parish in Calamba City, react- goodness―and a distinctively Christian love
ing to the same question by and care for the value of life,” the cardinal Spread the values of Christ Stand up for life
this writer said PNoy is only said in his message. The young prelate said there is a need to The young prelate slammed the reproduc-
playing politics. Urging the faithful to pray and support ef- evangelize the areas of politics and econom- tive health bill, reiterating that “contraception
“Perhaps he is allowing him- forts to achieve honest and good governance ics, even as he urged the faithful to spread is a corruption of love and life” and is never a
self to be influenced by the in the country, he said aspirations for a “new the values of Christ in these fields. solution to the country’s many problems.
aggressive campaign of phar- and honest leadership, like the newness of “The risen Lord pricks us to get involved “Obedience to the Ten Commandments
maceutical/laboratory agents Christ’s Resurrection ushers hope among in politics and make it a liberating not a cor- is normal. Let us not extol impurity and
[who produce condoms, pills, those who believe in inspiring service.” rupting kind of politics. The risen Lord urges ridicule virtue,” he said.
IUDs, injectables, etc.] and his The challenge of this new life, he said, was us to bring Christian ethics to economics “Polluting the minds of children by teach-
hands could be tied already.” to trust in the truthfulness of others which and put charity not profit as its overriding ing them sex without God cries to heaven for
(Fr. Romulo Ponte) was guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus. principle,” he said. divine justice,” he added.

Decree / A1
Pastors”.
Inserting the new Blessed into local
liturgical calendars
The annual celebration of Blessed
John Paul II is to be inserted into the
liturgical calendars of the Diocese of
Rome and all the Dioceses of Poland
as a “memorial” to be observed on 22
October.
As for the liturgical texts, the Collect
and the second reading of the Office of Bishops when it involves an entire terri- dedicationis ecclesiae, Praenotanda, n. From the Congregation for Divine
Readings, together with its Response, tory, a Diocesan Bishop when it involves 4) unless a celebration in his memory Worship and the Discipline of the Sacra-
are to be inserted into the “Proper of an individual dioceses, and a Superior has already been inserted into the local ments, 2 April 2011.
Saints”. The other texts are to be taken General when the request pertains to a calendar; in this case the indult is not
from the “Common of Pastors: For a religious community. necessary and the memorial is elevated Antonius Card. Cañizares
Pope”. to a liturgical Feast in the church named Llovera
With regard to other local calendars, Dedicating a church to God in honor for the Blessed (cf. Congregatio de Cultu Praefectus
any request that the celebration Blessed of the new Blessed Divino Sacramentorum, Notificatio de
John Paul II be observed as an Optional An indult of the Apostolic See is cultu Beatorum, 21 May 1999, n. 9). Iosephus Augustinus Di Noia,
Memorial is to be submitted to this needed to dedicate a church in hon- All things to the contrary notwith- O.P.
Congregation by a local Conference of our of Blessed John Paul II (cf. Ordo standing. Archiepiscopus a Secretis
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
A7

Church youth choir stages concert

to help ailing friend
CAGAYAN DE ORO City, April
17, 2011— It is said that music
unites peoples from all walks of
life, economic status and religious
affiliations and beliefs to help
someone rise above the grief.
The Angelicus Youth Choir of
the St. Ignatius de Loyola Parish
in Camp Edilberto Evangelista
in Barangay Patag used music
to gather enough funds to help
an ailing member get the much-
needed treatment.
Helped by Fr. Leonides “Yoy”
bers, who used their God-given
talents in singing and music to
provide assistance to Rochelle
Panis, who will be undergoing
an operation on her head.
The two-hour concert show-
cased the individual talents of
the members not only in sing-
ing but also in dancing. It also
showcased the collective talent
of the award-winning Angelicus
Youth Choir.
Even the beneficiary’s father,
MSgt. Roseller Panis, showed
concert, which was based on a
famous mobile phone television
advertisement, after a parishio-
ner “came crying for help after a
Mass one Sunday morning.”
Learning of the need, the
Angelicus choir family readily
extended assistance. But it was
the Angelicus Youth Choir who
really took the challenge of help-
ing a comrade in need.
Being students without any
financial capability yet, they
came up with the idea of stag-

Photo courtesy of Lynlyn Pinarok

Cruel Jr., division Catholic chap-
lain of the Philippine Army’s
4th Infantry “Diamond” Divi-
sion, the Angelicus Youth Choir
staged recently the “Voice of
Healing: Concert for a Cause”
inside the St. Ignatius de Loyola
chapel itself.
Parishioners inside Camp
the audience why he brought
home the champion’s trophy in
the nationwide contest “Sing-
ing Soldier” in Eat Bulaga in the
early 1990s.
Belting out “This is the Mo-
ment,” the elder Panis showed
that he is still a soldier to reckon
with although he is already
ing a concert for the benefit of
Rochelle.
And God did the rest: All
1,000 tickets were sold out at
P50 each for a total earning of
P50, 000. All this went toward
the operation and treatment of
Rochelle.
After the concert, Fr. Yoy

Photo by Bong Fabe

Evangelista and their friends retired—a talent to reckon with expressed his gratitude to the
from the surrounding environs in singing. St. Ignatius de Loyola chapel pa-
of the camp packed the chapel to Fr. Yoy disclosed that they rishioners for answering his call The Angelicus Choir, after the concert with Rochelle (in red shirt).
lend support to the choir mem- came up with the concept of the for assistance. (Bong D. Fabe)

Mati celebrates Earth Day 2011

MATI, Davao Oriental―More than
700 people coming from different ba-
rangays of Davao Oriental rallied the
cause of an endangered Mother Earth
during the 41st World Earth Day held
on April 12.
The villagers including children
cuddled by their parents came from
the barangays comprising the three
gulf towns and one city of Davao Ori-
ental—Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro
and Mati City— converged in the City
Poblacion and lined the streets crossing
the side of the San Nicolas de Tolentino
Cathedral and an adjacent spacious
gasoline station.
Intense noonday heat did not ham-
per but instead added to the fire of the
impassioned environmental advocates
who marked World Earth Day ten days
earlier than the actual date, as April
22nd this year fell on Good Friday.
The barrio folks came out of their
farm-fields and fishing grounds and
assembled for an orientation at the St.
Scholastica’s Enfide managed by the
Order of St. Benedict sisters in Bigue,
Barangay Dawan prior to the rally.
Everyone partook of an agape lunch
prepared the night before by the women
coordinators representing the body clus-
ters. After lunch, nine cargo trucks and
two vans packed with people formed
an orderly Earth caravan procession
towards the makeshift stage in Mati.
Spearheading the event was Panalip-
dan Davao Oriental, a multi-sectoral
group dedicated to Environmental pro-
tection, while other organizations and
private individuals stood by to witness
the activity or militantly listen and ex-
press support to the talks and messages
delivered by adults and youth from the
religious and civic sectors. Group sing-
ing and role playing entertained the
crowd waiting for the program proper
to start at 1:30 pm.
Representatives from the Alyansang
Magbubukid sa Sidlakang Davao Oriental
(Almasid), Farmers in Sustainable Agricul-
tural Development (Fasad), Kinaiyahan,
Katungod Panalipdan (KKP), the Social
Action Apostolate, youth organizations,
various religious sisters, the media, and
Mati Bishop Patricio Alo delivered chal-
lenging and provoking talks in the context
of natural calamities being experienced
and ecocidal crimes such as destructive
logging, mining, and fishing.
A common message focused on
the theme: “Barugan ang Kabuhatan,
Panalipdan ang Nasudnong Bahandi sa
Kinaiyahan” (Uphold Creation, Protect
the Nation’s Rich Resources and Envi-
ronment). ing by the bishop upon all present.
Bishop Patricio H. Alo cited the 1st
chapter of the Book of Genesis on the
creation of the world and man and
woman, picking verse 28 which reads,
“God blessed them and said to them,
‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth
and subdue it…’”
The bishop thanked everyone present
for their cooperation and acknowledged
the active initiative of the organiz-
ers ― Panalipdan and the Benedictine
Sisters― encouraging each person and
group to live the selfless love of Christ
by showing respect to one another and
the natural environment: air, land, for-
ests, and springs and streams of water.
The program ended with a special bless-
Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970
every 22nd of April. During the 1st Earth
Day, around 20 million demonstrators
rallied in the streets calling for a parliamen-
tary discussion that the issue on environ-
mental crisis be addressed in the political
agenda. (Sr. Marietta Alo, OND)

Ledesma urges PNoy’s Briefing

intervention in Lumbia CARP case
CAGAYAN DE ORO City—Archbishop
Antonio J. Ledesma urged Malacanang’s
intervention in the ongoing dispute over a
111-hectare agrarian reform estate in an up-
land barangay here and to give assistance to
the victims of the dispute.
This, as an agrarian reform undersecretary
directed the executive director of the Center
for Land Use Policy, Planning & Implemen-
tation (CLUPPI) to immediately provide
information on the status of the application
for conversion of the estate.
Ledesma said they’ve found out that sev-
eral members of the Donggay-Bermoy faction
of the Palalan CARP Farmers Multi-Purpose
Cooperative (PCFMPC) were victims of il-
legal demolition and illegal detention.
“We are earnestly requesting your admin-
istration to investigate the matter and protect
/ assist the victims as investigation and court
litigation processes are still in progress. Your
humanitarian act in addressing this problem
will not only give them justice but will also
contribute something for a lasting peace
in Mindanao,” Ledesma said in his March
29 letter to President Benigno Simeon C.
Aquino III.
In his letter, which was also furnished to
Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and Agrarian
Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, the
prelate narrated that “many families in the
above-mentioned place are now rendered
homeless with insufficient means of basic
necessities as security guards of very power-
ful and influential buyers with armed escorts
continue to control the victims’ properties
without any police or military intervention,
despite court orders to stop them.”
Last month, couple Fernando “Datu Da-
langpanan” Bermoy, 63, and Leona Bermoy,
57, victims of the illegal enforcement of a de-
molition order by the Department of Agrarian
Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB), filed
criminal complaints before the Provincial
Prosecutor’s Office against lawyer Florencio
Narido Jr. Beverly Domo, and 23 others for
arson, robbery, illegal detention, illegal demoli-
tion, grave coercion and malicious mischief.
The couple also demanded a total of P1.130
million in damages (P800, 000 estimated cost
of properties destroyed and P330, 000 esti-
mated costs of stolen items).
Included in the complaint are the manager
or president of the Dasia Security Agency and
10 of its security guards, who allegedly con-
spired with Narido and Domo in harassing,
intimidating, threatening and coercing the
Bermoys into leaving the 111-hectare land so
that the faction of Narido and Domo will be
free to take control of the land and sell it.
Datu Dalangpanan Bermoy is presently the
leader of the Lumbia Tribal Association (LUTA).
He is the former chairperson of the Palalan CARP
Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (PCFMPC)
while his wife, Leona, is presently a member of
the PCFMPC’s Election Committee.
The dispute over the 111-hectare estate
...And that’s the truth / A5
awarded to the PCFMPC on September 8,
1992 started when the Narido-Domo faction,
who want to convert the land for develop-
ment purposes, sold the estate to Joseph Tilap
of Mt. Carmel Engineering Services for P250
million (at a price of P250 per square meter)
in the name of the PCFMPC.
Narido earlier said that his faction decided
to sell the estate so that investors will develop
the land because as an agricultural land, it
has not seen any development since it was
awarded to the PCFMPC.
DAR Undersecretary for Support Ser-
vices Operation Jerry Pacturan, meanwhile,
stressed that “the conversion application, if
approved, would dislocate the ARBs/actual
occupants and farm cultivators.”
In his March 7 memorandum, Pacturan
ordered CLUPPI Executive Director Rolando
Cua “to provide the [Greenminds, Inc.] with
factual information on the status of said con-
version application, if legally possible.”
Pacturan also noted that Greenminds, in co-
ordination with the PCFMPC under chairman
Andrew Donggay, have developed part of the
estate into a model ecological demonstration
farm dubbed UMANIKA or Uma Ni Kalinaw
(Farm for Peace).
The purely organic Farm for Peace is grow-
ing at least 36 kinds of vegetables and 50 dif-
ferent herbs. It also has a Robusta coffee nurs-
ery that supply planting materials for Nestle’s
coffee farms, and a 40-hectare mango orchard
and some cashew trees. (Bong D. Fabe)
Pulangi 5 hydro power plant to pull down power rates
in Mindanao
CAGAYAN DE ORO City—The proposed 300-megawatt
Pulangi 5 Hydro Electric Plant in the province of Bukidnon is
the only solution to the power woes of the island, according
to officials of the First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative. Raul
Alkuino, FIBECO chairperson, warned that if no new hydro
electric power plants are constructed in Mindanao, Mindan-
aoans will not only experience brownouts but will also suffer
the consequences of higher power rates. (Bong D. Fabe)
New Zealand NGO wants Phl mining firms’ permit scrapped
ANTIPOLO City—Auckland Philippines Solidarity chal-
lenged the Aquino administration to scrap the mining permits
of big mining conglomerates in order to protect, not only the
Philippine environment but the indigenous communities,
as well. APS said that it is ironic that the government leads
a tree planting and clean-up drive as part of its Earth Day
celebration while it continues to promote large-scale mining
that destroys the environment and leaves thousands of people
homeless. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
11 OFWs win human trafficking case
QUEZON City— Migrante International welcomed the deci-
sion of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
(POEA) over the case of the “Los Angeles (LA) 11”, who were
victims of human trafficking. The favorable decision was is-
sued last March 23, stating that ADMAN Human Resources
Placement and Promotions, Inc. and Investor Assurance
Corporation have violated some laws pertaining to the de-
ployment of overseas Filipino workers in the United States.
(Noel Sales Barcelona)
OFW leader in Saudi receives death threats
ANTIPOLO City—Migrante Middle-East (ME) regional coordi-
nator John Leonard Monterona has been receiving death threats
due to his advocacy of protecting the rights and welfare of
overseas Filipino workers. Monterona disclosed to this reporter

The CBCP Media Office wishes to

that someone has been calling him, very early in the morning,
at self-discipline, the beauty of ab- Why do the rich and powerful telling him that he would be “silenced” if he would not stop his
stinence, sacrifice for family’s sake, blame us and our children for their

thank the following donors for the

“noisy” campaigns for the OFWs. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
and fidelity to one’s spouse. imagined shortage in our planet’s
20. It belittles the capacity of the resources? Do our poor squander

Visita Iglesia Online project:

Filipinos to tap their inner resources,
to turn to the God within, to tran-
scend want and misfortune and be-
come what God wants them to be.
Mekeni Food Corporation Dear Congressman, this is what
saddens us about your support
of the RH Bill. You do not seem
Philippine Chamber of Commerce to see that it is not just a question
of Pro-RH vs. Pro-Life, State vs.
and Industry Church, Antiquated vs. Modern
as your media friends would have
fuel on automobile races, speed
boats, air shows, war craft and heav-
en-knows-what other adult toys
they invent in the name of progress?
Why don’t they turn their guns and
golf clubs into ploughshares and
pruning hooks for a change?
Sir, we voted for you believing you
would protect our interests. Please do
not betray us by endorsing a culture
of death that will lead us to a national
Bishop / A7
He continued to say that the given up their son to God.
best formation a priest can get Calling the Church a home
is not from any seminary but
from home.
and a nest, Villegas said it is a
place where he can always go
“The best seminary is the back to repair his broken wings
home. The best rector is the fa-
ther at home,” Villegas said.
and heal his wounded soul.
However, there is no place to
The prelate said priests can
learn from their parents some
heal better than the chest of the
mother who nursed us as infants,

Figaro (SM Megamall and Podium people believe.

Do you know why we pray hard
suicide. YourfellowCongressmenlook
up to you; please enjoin them to have
lessons on humility.
“We cannot thank the Lord for
he told the priests.
“When our people hurt us,

branches) for you, sir? Because you seem un-

aware that you yourself are a victim
in this battle between good and evil,
Employers Confederation of the being used as a pawn by the rich
against the poor, by world powers
Philippines against the impoverished nations—
yes, against your own people! They
are the authors of the depopula-
Manila North Tollways Corporation tion agenda that is behind the RH
Bill. Brilliant decision makers who
Bank of Commerce (Port Area)
think they know everything and
therefore do not need God. They
do not wish to be nudged out of
And several individual online donors the comfort zones their genius has
built. (Or have you never heard of
a depopulation agenda?)
faith in the Filipino, not in those preda-
torsposingasouraltruisticBigBrothers
when all they covet is our land.
The RH Bill is coming from a place
of fear, the fear of losing the worldly
power and wealth. Filipinos have
nothing to fear, because we have
faith. In our simplicity we believe we
are children of a loving Father who
knows our needs and guides us to
meet them—in His way.
Thank you for reading thus far.
We assure you of our prayers. And
with all due respect, we will be
giving your mother and your wife
a copy of this letter.
the gift of our priesthood with-
out learning from our simple
parents the virtue of humility
and purity of heart,” he said.
In spite of the paramount role
he holds in the Christian com-
munity, the priest will always
be a son before his parents’ eyes
as he is a child before God’s, the
prelate furthered.
Thank God for parents
Thanking God for the gift of
parents, Villegas said he can
only imagine the reward await-
ing parents in heaven for having
when the church ignores us,
when those we serve attempt
to destroy us, when it feels like
walking in the valley of darkness,
we only long secretly to meet
our mother again to cry on her
shoulders, to allow her to wipe
our bloodied faces and receive
new strength to move on to our
crucifixion,” Villegas said.
He urged the priests to thank
and bless their parents as he re-
minded them that they can only
be the good priest they are now
because of their holy parents.
(CBCPNews)
 A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

Vincentian youth leaders commit to

deeper spiritual life
VINCENTIAN youth leaders
gathered for a three-day camp
had pledged to live a profound
spiritual life and become role
models to fellow youths.
Participants made their pledge
at the conclusion of the youth
camp. The pledges were given
back to the participants to re-
mind them of their commitment
to their fellow youth and their
founder.
The Vincentian youth camp
was held in Silang, Cavite on
April 8 and has assembled
together youth leaders and
representatives from all over
Luzon.
Jun Cruzat, Vice President of
SSVP Philippines gave a talk on
nancies, abortion and the likes.
In the context of youth spiri-
tuality, these things should be
considered as harmful in today’s
spiritual well being of a young
catholic,” he said.
When asked about possible
solutions on these problems that
the youth are currently facing,
Cruzat said that SSVP youths
have committed themselves to
deepen their spiritual life.
“SSVP youths have pledged
that they will boost their spiritu-
ality and will not in anyway, be
affected by these problems that
are rampant today”.
Participants were also chal-
lenged to: 1) to be more active
in the apostolate of SSVP; 2)
am…Empowering the Youth”,
the theme was anchored on the
CBCP Year of the Youth theme,
“Stand Firm in the Faith… Do all
your work in love”.
Karl Michael Hila, National
Youth Coordinator, said the
camp aimed to bring the Vin-
centian spirituality to the 82
participants.
Karl Marlinga, a participant
from Lucena said that the holistic
activities they had at the camp
provided them with necessary
skills to live their life better amid
challenges.
“We [did] not only enjoy, but
also [have] been mold, equipped
with skills, knowledge, values
and attitude that we can use in

youth spirituality and discussed
relevant topics such as addiction,
teen pregnancies and abortion.
“I presented the issues that
the youth are facing right now,
like drug addiction, early preg-
have visible action of the youth
towards spirituality and lastly,
3) better serve the poorest of the
poor as what the motto of SSVP
all about.
Dubbed as “Reinventing Ozan-
Contributed photo
our life,” he said.
Becoming a role model to
others is a responsibility he and
the other youth participants
acknowledge and accept, he
added. (Jandel Posion)

Filipino community marks 60th year of

diplomatic relations between PHL, Vatican
THE Filipino community in the ligious communities in Rome to nation and the See of St. Peter. of Elpidio Quirino that the Ap-

Markings
APPOINTED. Pope Benedict
XVI has appointed Bishop Mylo
Hubert Vergara as the new bish-
op of the Diocese of Pasig, April
20. Bishop Vergara takes over
the seat left vacant by Bishop
Emeritus Francisco San Diego,
who retired last December 23,
2010. A native of Manila, Vergara
was born in October 23, 1962.
He finished his studies at the
Ateneo de Manila University with
a degree in B.S. Management in
Engineering and Masters in Phi-
losophy. He took his Licentiate in
Sacred Theology at the Loyola
Vatican celebrated the 60th an-
niversary of diplomatic relations
between the Philippines and
the Holy See on April 14 with a
Eucharistic celebration presided
by His Excellency Most Rev.
Dominique Mamberti.
Archbishop Mamberti is the
Secretary (Relations with States)
of the Vatican’s Secretariat of
State or the Vatican’s foreign
minister. Prior to his current as-
signment at the Vatican, he has
held posts as apostolic nuncio to
Sudan (2002) and Eritrea (2004).
Philippine Ambassador to
the Holy See, Mercedes Tuason
has invited all Filipino priests,
religious and lay members of re-
the event which was held at the
Cathedra Petri (altar of the chair
of St. Peter) inside the Basilica of
St. Peter.
Designed by Gian Lorenzo
Bernini, the chair of St. Peter
is held by four doctors of the
church: Sts. Ambrose and Atha-
nasius (left); and Sts. Augustine
and Chrysostom (right). The
chair represents the teaching
authority of St. Peter and his suc-
cessors in the See of Rome.
Ambassador Tuason was
grateful that the liturgical cel-
ebration was held at the altar
of the chair of St. Peter in order
to highlight the bonds of com-
munion between the Philippine
In his message to the Philip-
pine bishops at the end of their
ad limina visit (29 Novem-
ber 2010), Pope Benedict XVI
pointed out this special “bond
of communion which stretched
back over four centuries to the
first offering of the Eucharistic
sacrifice upon our shores.”
Pope Benedict XVI prays that
this communion of faith and
sacrament “may continue to
serve as a leaven in the broader
culture, so that current and
future generations of Filipinos
will continue to encounter the
joyful message of the Gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It was during the presidency
ostolic Delegation to the Philip-
pines was raised to the status
of Nunciature. Archbishop Egi-
dio Vagnozzi became the first
Apostolic Nuncio on 9 April
1951, and H.E. Manuel Moran
became the first ambassador of
the Philippines to the Holy See
when he presented his Letters of
Credence to Pope Pius XII on 4
June 1951.
The celebration hopes to
strengthen more the diplomatic
bond between the Philippines
and the Holy See which has
been marked by fruitfulness in
promoting the gospel values for
all God’s people. (Fr. Jose V.C.
Quilongquilong, S.J.)

Bishop to new graduates: face

School of Theology and finished
his Doctorate in Sacred Theology
at the University of Santo Tomas.
A few years after his ordination to the priesthood in March 24, 1990,

reality, keep learning

he was appointed Dean of Studies and Professor of Philosophy at the
Holy Apostles Seminary at EDSA, Guadalupe, Makati City. He also
served as Rector of the same seminary from 1994 until 2001, while at
the same time a member of the Presbyteral Council and head Chaplain
of associations. Among his other pastoral assignments include his stint
as parochial vicar of the Parish of St. Andrew the Apostle; as parish
priest of the Santa Rita de Cascia Parish, Philamlife Homes, Quezon A CATHOLIC bishop has advised new Tagle’s message came just a few days after tempted to distort the truth and fabricate
City from 2001 to 2004; President of Radio Veritas Global Broadcast-
ing System in 2002; and Chancellor of the New Diocese of Cubao in
graduates to keep on learning and face Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz advised details on their resumes in the hope of
2003. Vergara was appointed Parish Priest of the Parish of the Holy the realities of life outside the school new graduates not to be picky but to be open landing a better job.
Sacrifice University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City in 2004. campus, including unemployment. to learn from their first jobs despite a salary In an interview, fresh graduate Angelica
In February 2005, Vatican appointed him bishop of San Jose, Nueva Imus Bishop Antonio Luis Tagle told probably smaller than expected. Osorio talked about being optimistic in the face
Ecija. As bishop of Pasig, Vergara will lead a territory of 78 sq kms and around 1,200 new graduates of Far Eastern She said that fresh graduates should “ac- of gloomy prospects for the 2011 graduates.
a Catholic population of 1,143,000.
University (FEU) that the real world is differ- quire a job experience that could lead them “We must face the consequence that the
CELEBRATED. The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral celebrated its 30th ent from the classroom and that the process to better paying jobs in the future.” real world has offered. Huwag sumuko at
anniversary as a Basilica on April 27 with the unveiling of a Marker of learning new things should never end. At present, DOLE estimates that about harapin ang buhay,” she said.
containing a Papal Declaration of the Manila Cathedral as a Basilica “You are not a student if you know ev- 18.8% of young Filipinos between 15-24 years Twenty year-old Kathleen Sison, a mass
at 5:30 in the afternoon. Together with the unveiling of Marker were
the blessings and inaugurations of the Rufino J. Cardinal Santos Bell erything...Kaya hindi niyo dapat sabihin old are unemployed. communication graduate, said that life is
Garden; Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Ground Belfry; Archbishop Gabriel M. na alam na namin ‘yan,” Tagle said. Despite the harshness of this reality, Tagle indeed tough and greater responsibility
Reyes Audio-Visual Room/Souvenir Shop and Manila Cathedral Basilica He was addressing the nursing, com- encouraged young people to “follow Jesus” should be exercised in job-hunting.
Carillon Bells. The Misa ng Arsobispo and the 30th anniversary logo puter science and mass communication by choosing not to resort to dishonesty just “You become a better person when you
were launched during the 6 pm Mass. The message of the Holy Father
was read and plaques of appreciation were distributed to donors also graduates during a baccalaureate Mass to improve their job-hunting prospects. get a decent job even if the salary is not
during the Eucharistic celebration. It is said that during Pope John Paul at the university grandstand. He cited instances where graduates are much,” she said. (Jandel Posion)
II’s visit to the Philippines in February 1981, he personally expressed
his wish to then Jaime Cardinal Sin that the Manila Cathedral become a

Manila archdiocese to hold fun run for

Basilica. On April 27, 1981, Pope John Paul II issued a Papal Bull raising
the status and dignity of the Manila Cathedral into a Minor Basilica.

WYD delegates
ORDAINED. Rev. Ulysses Salgado Cabayao, SJ; Rev. Ismael Villarino
Chan-Gonzaga, SJ; and Rev. Richard Villacrusis Ella, SJ; ordination to the
priesthood, April 16, 2011. Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma
presided the ordination rites held at the Oratory of St. Ignatius of Loyola,
Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.
THE Youth Ministry of sion on Youth in tandem Slated on May 1 at the
CELEBRATED. Golden Jubilee of religious profession of Sr. Ma.
Lucina Cabili, Victoria, Northern Samar; Sr. Alfonsa Canon, Legazpi
the Archdiocese of Ma- with the Ministry on grounds of Philippine
City, Albay; Sr. Ma. Fortunata Gaspillo, Kabankalan City, Negros nila is holding a Fun Biblical Apostolate. International Conven-
Occidental; Sr. Ma. Salome Paderogo, Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Run to raise money for Organizers are aim- tion Center (PICC), the
Samar; Sr. Ma. Soledad Samonte, Cavite City; Sr. Irenea Vergara, delegates to the World ing for 10,000 partici- World Youth Day Fun
Alangalang, Leyte; Sr. Ma. Agustina Santos, Tondo, Manila; and Sr. Youth Day in Madrid pants to the event. Run will culminate with
Ma. Lina Gonzaga, Jaro, Leyte, among the Augustinian Recollect
Sisters (AR); April 26, 2011. Also celebrated on the same day was this coming August. The Cardinal called a celebration of the Holy
the silver jubilee of Sr. Ma. Alma Limotlimot, Pinamungajan, Cebu; Sr. Proceeds of the proj- on the clergy, religious Eucharist also at the
Juliet Natinga, Lebak, Cotabato; Sr. Teodora Gentapa, Talibon, Bohol; ect will finance youth communities and arch- PICC grounds at 7 a.m.
Sr. Ma. Corazon Barroca, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; and Sr. delegates from the 13 diocesan school direc- The Manila archbish-
Marilyn Cula, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental. Most Reverend Pedro
Arigo, Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Princesa led the Thanksgiving Mass vicariates of the arch- tors to promote the event op said the Eucharistic
at the San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila. diocese to the WYD and encourage the lay celebration will be said
2011, according to faithful, especially the also in union with “the
DIED. Fr. Rodolfo Valdes, SJ, April 6, 2011; in the Jesus Lucas Infir- Manila Archbishop youth, to participate. universal Church in
mary of Loyola House of Studies. Fr. Valdes entered the Society of
Jesus on June 20, 1946 and was ordained priest on June 20, 1959. Gaudencio Cardinal He further asked the thanking God for the
He was 86. Rosales. clergy to announce the beatification of Pope
The event is being forthcoming event in all John Paul II, the father
DIED. Sr. Ma. Pacis Cuadra, FSP, 83; April 20, 2011. A native of Leyte, spearheaded by the masses throughout the of the World Youth
Sr. Pacis entered the congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul in 1950
and made her first profession of religious vows in 1955. Archdiocesan Commis- month of April. Day.” (CBCPNews)

Group to hold sign language classes for the deaf

THE Catholic Deaf Care, a group organized
by the Episcopal Commission on Health
Care (ECHC) that caters to the needs of deaf
people in the country is conducting Sign
Language classes this summer at St. Louis
University in Baguio City.
The sign language classes aim to equip
deaf adults, volunteers, parents, teachers and
adults concerned of the deaf with knowledge
of sign language, the best way to communi-
cate with the Deaf.
Classes are categorized into three levels.
The basic level will be held from April 30 to
May 8, followed by the intermediate level
and advance level, but only if there are suffi-
cient number of students from May 7 to May
15 and May 14 to May 22, respectively.
Deaf adults who have limited knowledge
or no knowledge of Sign Language and
are accompanied by a parent, relative or
friend will be given without expense the
basic level or a course on basic communi-
cation skills.
Students who will complete the basic
level course will receive an American Sign
Language Dictionary.
A certificate of achievement will also be
given to all those who will complete the 20
hours practicum for each level.
Students who will attend the lecture
regularly and pass the examinations will
likewise receive a certificate of attendance
in each level.
Students with perfect attendance to given
classes and attested by the parish priest as
Catholic and willing to serve the deaf will
be refunded the P1,000 deposit. A deducted
refund will be given to students who will not
attend classes regularly.
In 1989 the ECHC founded the group Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes with RVM’s Superior General Maria Evelyn C. Aguilar
(7th from left), Consultors General and Jurisdictional Superiors during the congre-
Catholic Deaf Care which operates through gation’s 19th Ordinary General Chapter at the Betania Retreat House in Tagaytay
the dioceses and parishes. (Vanessa Puno) City, April 27, 2011.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
‘In resurrectione tua, Christe,
coeli et terra laetentur!
In your resurrection, O Christ, let heaven and earth rejoice!’
Urbi et Orbi Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Easter 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Rome and across the world,
Easter morning brings us
news that is ancient yet ever
new: Christ is risen! The echo
of this event, which issued
forth from Jerusalem twenty
centuries ago, continues to
resound in the Church, deep
in whose heart lives the vibrant
faith of Mary, Mother of Jesus,
the faith of Mary Magdalene
and the other women who first
discovered the empty tomb,
and the faith of Peter and the
other Apostles.
Right down to our own
time—even in these days of
advanced communications
technology—the faith of
Christians is based on that same
news, on the testimony of those
sisters and brothers who saw
firstly the stone that had been
rolled away from the empty
tomb and then the mysterious
messengers who testified that
Jesus, the Crucified, was risen.
And then Jesus himself, the
Lord and Master, living and
tangible, appeared to Mary
Magdalene, to the two disciples
on the road to Emmaus, and
finally to all eleven, gathered
in the Upper Room (cf. Mk
16:9-14).
The resurrection of Christ
is not the fruit of speculation
or mystical experience: it is an
event which, while it surpasses
history, nevertheless happens
at a precise moment in history
and leaves an indelible mark
upon it. The light which
dazzled the guards keeping
watch over Jesus’ tomb has
traversed time and space. It is a
different kind of light, a divine
light that has rent asunder
the darkness of death and
has brought to the world the
splendor of God, the splendor
of Truth and Goodness.
Just as the sun’s rays in
springtime cause the buds on
the branches of the trees to
sprout and open up, so the
radiance that streams forth
from Christ’s resurrection
gives strength and meaning
to every human hope, to every
expectation, wish and plan.
Hence the entire cosmos is
rejoicing today, caught up in
Pastoral Concerns
the springtime of humanity,
which gives voice to creation’s
silent hymn of praise. The
Easter Alleluia, resounding in
the Church as she makes her
pilgrim way through the world,
expresses the silent exultation
of the universe and above all
the longing of every human
soul that is sincerely open to
God, giving thanks to him for
his infinite goodness, beauty
and truth.
“In your resurrection, O
Christ, let heaven and earth
rejoice.” To this summons to
praise, which arises today
from the heart of the Church,
the “heavens” respond fully:
the hosts of angels, saints and
blessed souls join with one
voice in our exultant song.
In heaven all is peace and
gladness. But alas, it is not so
on earth! Here, in this world
of ours, the Easter alleluia
still contrasts with the cries
and laments that arise from
so many painful situations:
deprivation, hunger, disease,
war, violence. Yet it was for
this that Christ died and rose
again! He died on account
of sin, including ours today,
he rose for the redemption
of history, including our
own. So my message today is
intended for everyone, and,
as a prophetic proclamation,
it is intended especially for
pe opl es a n d commun i t i e s
who are undergoing a time of
suffering, that the Risen Christ
may open up for them the path
of freedom, justice and peace.
May the Land which was
the first to be flooded by the
light of the Risen One rejoice.
May the splendor of Christ
reach the peoples of the Middle
East, so that the light of peace
and of human dignity may
overcome the darkness of
division, hate and violence. In
the current conflict in Libya,
may diplomacy and dialogue
take the place of arms and may
those who suffer as a result
of the conflict be given access
to humanitarian aid. In the
countries of northern Africa
and the Middle East, may
all citizens, especially young
people, work to promote the
common good and to build
a society where poverty is
defeated and every political
choice is inspired by respect for
the human person. May help
come from all sides to those
fleeing conflict and to refugees
from various African countries
who have been obliged to
leave all that is dear to them;
may people of good will open
their hearts to welcome them,
so that the pressing needs of
so many brothers and sisters
will be met with a concerted
response in a spirit of solidarity;
and may our words of comfort
and appreciation reach all
those who make such generous
efforts and offer an exemplary
witness in this regard.
May peaceful coexistence be
restored among the peoples of
Ivory Coast, where there is an
urgent need to tread the path
of reconciliation and pardon, in
order to heal the deep wounds
caused by the recent violence.
May Japan find consolation and
hope as it faces the dramatic
consequences of the recent
earthquake, along with other
countries that in recent months
have been tested by natural
disasters which have sown pain
and anguish.
May heaven and earth
rejoice at the witness of those
who suffer opposition and
even persecution for their
faith in Jesus Christ. May the
proclamation of his victorious
resurrection deepen their
courage and trust.
Dear brothers and sisters! The
risen Christ is journeying ahead
of us towards the new heavens
and the new earth (cf. Rev 21:1),
in which we shall all finally live
as one family, as sons of the
same Father. He is with us until
the end of time. Let us walk
behind him, in this wounded
world, singing Alleluia. In our
hearts there is joy and sorrow,
on our faces there are smiles
and tears. Such is our earthly
reality. But Christ is risen, he
is alive and he walks with us.
For this reason we sing and we
walk, faithfully carrying out
our task in this world with our
gaze fixed on heaven.
Happy Easter to all of you!
Homily of Pope Benedict
XVI at the Easter Vigil
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The liturgical celebration
of the Easter Vigil makes use
of two eloquent signs. First
there is the fire that becomes
light. As the procession
makes its way through the
church, shrouded in the
darkness of the night, the
light of the Paschal Candle
becomes a wave of lights,
and it speaks to us of Christ
as the true morning star that
never sets – the Risen Lord
in whom light has conquered
darkness. The second sign
is water. On the one hand,
it recalls the waters of the
Red Sea, decline and death,
the mystery of the Cross.
But now it is presented to
us as spring water, a life-
giving element amid the
dryness. Thus it becomes
the image of the sacrament
of baptism, through which
we become sharers in the
death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
Yet these great signs of
creation, light and water,
are not the only constituent
elements of the liturgy of
the Easter Vigil. Another
essential feature is the
ample encounter with the
words of sacred Scripture
that it provides. Before
the liturgical reform there
were twelve Old Testament
readings and two from the
New Testament. The New
Testament readings have
been retained. The number
of Old Testament readings
has been fixed at seven,
but depending upon the
local situation, they may
be reduced to three. The
Church wishes to offer
us a panoramic view of
whole trajectory of salvation
history, starting with
creation, passing through
the election and the liberation
of Israel to the testimony of the
prophets by which this entire
history is directed ever more
clearly towards Jesus Christ.
In the liturgical tradition all
these readings were called
prophecies. Even when they
are not directly foretelling
future events, they have a
prophetic character, they show
us the inner foundation and
orientation of history. They
cause creation and history to
become transparent to what
is essential. In this way they
take us by the hand and lead
us towards Christ, they show
us the true Light.
At the Easter Vigil, the
journey along the paths of
sacred Scripture begins with
the account of creation. This is
the liturgy’s way of telling us
that the creation story is itself a
prophecy. It is not information
about the external processes
by which the cosmos and man
himself came into being. The
Fathers of the Church were
well aware of this. They did not
interpret the story as an account
of the process of the origins of
things, but rather as a pointer
towards the essential, towards
the true beginning and end of
our being. Now, one might
ask: is it really important to
speak also of creation during
the Easter Vigil? Could we
not begin with the events in
which God calls man, forms a
people for himself and creates
his history with men upon the
earth? The answer has to be: no.
To omit the creation would be to
misunderstand the very history
of God with men, to diminish it,
to lose sight of its true order of
greatness. The sweep of history
established by God reaches
back to the origins, back to
creation. Our profession of faith
begins with the words: “We
B1
www.zimbio.com
believe in God, the Father
Almighty, Creator of heaven
and earth”. If we omit the
beginning of the Credo, the
whole history of salvation
becomes too limited and
too small. The Church is
not some kind of association
that concerns itself with
man’s religious needs but
is limited to that objective.
No, she brings man into
contact with God and thus
with the source of all things.
Therefore we relate to God
as Creator, and so we have
a responsibility for creation.
Our responsibility extends
as far as creation because
it comes from the Creator.
Only because God created
everything can he give us
life and direct our lives.
Life in the Church’s faith
involves more than a set of
feelings and sentiments and
perhaps moral obligations.
It embraces man in his
entirety, from his origins
to his eternal destiny. Only
because creation belongs to
God can we place ourselves
completely in his hands.
And only because he is the
Creator can he give us life
for ever. Joy over creation,
thanksgiving for creation
and responsibility for it all
belong together.
The central message of
the creation account can be
defined more precisely still.
In the opening words of his
Gospel, Saint John sums
up the essential meaning
of that account in this
single statement: “In the
beginning was the Word”. In
effect, the creation account
that we listened to earlier
is characterized by the
regularly recurring phrase:
“And God said ...” The
Homily / B2
 B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

The Easter Eucharistic Precept and the

Law of Annual Confession
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso,
J.C.D.
EASTER is here again and I hear
conflicting criteria regarding the
so-called Easter Precept and the
sacrament of Confession. Some
say that the Church prescribes that
the faithful go to the Sacrament
of Reconciliation at least once a
year¾during Easter Time¾and
receive the Eucharist. On the other
hand, there are those who say that in
this age and time of too many people
and too few priests, it is not practical
to bother them unless one has mortal
sins, so that the once-a-year precept
refers more to going to Communion
rather than going to Confession. Can
you enlighten me on this?
The Easter Eucharistic Precept
Due to a widespread neglect
of the sacrament of the Eucharist
in the Middle Ages, various
Church Councils, from the
6th Century onward, enacted
laws obliging the faithful to
receive the Holy Eucharist,
especially on the principal feasts.
The IV Lateran Council (1215)
established a general law for
the Latin Church requiring the
reception of Communion at least
once a year at Easter by those who
had attained the age of discretion.
This law, which was confirmed
by the Council of Trent, was
incorporated in the 1917 Code of
Canon Law. The actual Code of
1983 retains the annual precept,
with some modifications:
Can. 920 ¾ §1. All the faithful,
after they have been initiated
into the Most Holy Eucharist,
are bound by the obligation of
receiving Communion at least
once a year.
year, counted from the previous
Communion (cf. c.203).
In the Philippines, this precept
applies as legislated in the
universal law of the Church,
and no special faculty is needed
to comply with the Easter duty
outside Easter time: each faithful,
in conscience, shall decide
whether he has sufficient reason
to do it in the prescribed time.
Finally, it must be said that since
the same Code of Canon Law, in
c.914, imposes the responsibility
of ensuring that children who
have reached the use of reason are
nourished by the divine food as
early as possible on the parents and
those who take their place as well
as on the pastor, one can conclude
that¾in the case of children¾the
observance of the Eucharistic
precept indirectly bears upon the
parents or guardians and upon
the parish priest too, who thus
become the secondary subjects
of this ecclesiastical law. This was
actually stated in the 1917 Code
(c.860), which though removed
in the present Code as something
not strictly proper in a book of
law, nevertheless is quite morally
binding.
The Law of Annual Confession
In the Philippines, fortunately,
one hardly needs to be reminded
of the Eucharistic precept: the
Sunday Masses are noteworthy
for their long queues of people
coming to receive the Holy
Eucharist. In this connection, it
would be good to be reminded
of yet another disposition of the
1983 Code of Canon Law:
Can. 989 ¾ After having
attained the age of discretion,
each of the faithful is bound by
an obligation to faithfully confess
the Church (Reconciliatio et
paenitentia, 33).
Indeed, the faithful are all too
aware of that warning of St. Paul
to the Corinthians: Therefore
whoever eats this bread or drinks
this cup of the Lord unworthily,
will be guilty of the body and
the blood of the Lord…for he
who eats and drinks unworthily,
without distinguishing the body,
eats and drinks judgment to
himself (I Cor 2, 27-28).
Herein lies the nexus between
the Easter Eucharistic precept
and the law on yearly confession
of serious sins: To receive Holy
Communion worthily at Easter
time, it seems logical that the
best way to prepare for it is
with individual sacramental
Confession.
Duty of Pastors to Facilitate
Confession
If the obligation exists for the
faithful to go to confession at
least once a year in case of serious
sins, and the just man falls seven
times each day, there seems to be
a corresponding duty on the part
of the sacred ministers to enable
the faithful to fulfill the duty.
Indeed, a series of simple
calculations can serve to quantify
this duty of the pastor¾at least in
a general way. In the Philippines,
there is an average of 15,000
Catholics for every priest. Now
according to the population
profile of the Philippines, roughly
68% of the population falls in the
10-60 years old bracket¾which,
presumably, is the age group to
which (roughly) the law of annual
confession applies. Assuming
that the same percentage holds
for the Catholics too, then there
should be 10,200 Catholics of

© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

¾ §2. This precept must be
fulfilled during the Easter season,
unless it is fulfilled for a just
cause at some other time during
the year.
The primary subject of this
precept, therefore, are all the
faithful who have received First
Communion, barring excusing
causes such as moral or physical
impossibility. This obligation
to receive Holy Communion
at least once a year should
be fulfilled normally during
Easter time, understood as the
period from Palm (Passion)
Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.
The satisfaction of the Eucharistic
precept outside this period
required a just cause¾such as
illness, or residence in a remote
area where there is no minister
to celebrate Mass or administer
Holy Communion¾but it must be
satisfied within the space of one
serious sins at least once a year.
Definitely, the canon does not
lay down this law for any specific
time of the year, nor does it lay it
down for everyone. It binds only
those who are aware of having
committed a mortal sin and
have not yet had it absolved in
sacramental Confession, and he
may go to Confession any time
during the year. But the long
queues in the confessionals of
many churches during Lent and
Easter season are an eloquent
manifestation of the common
sense of the faithful that even
the just man falls seven times
each day; furthermore, as John
Paul II reminded the faithful: the
individual and integral confession
of sins with individual absolution
constitutes the only ordinary
way in which the faithful who
are conscious of serious sin are
reconciled with God and with
10-60 years of age for every
priest in the Philippines. Even if
each of these faithful only went
to the minimum once-a-year
confession, this would mean that
the pastors, if they are to fulfill
their duty, should on the average
hear about 30 confessions daily
throughout the year.
There has been a lot of talk of
the need for moral recovery in
Philippine society and politics.
Such moral recovery cannot
happen in a collective way, in a
mass action. The moral recovery
of a society depends ultimately
on the individual personal
conversion of its members—a
conversion that is not possible
without the Sacrament of
Reconciliation. Here indeed
is a point of self-examination
for the pastor of souls, and a
possible point of redress for the
parishioners.
Homily / B1
world is a product of the
Word, of the Logos, as Saint
John expresses it, using a key
term from the Greek language.
“ L og os ” m e a ns “ r ea son” ,
“sense”, “word”. It is not
reason pure and simple, but
creative Reason, that speaks
and communicates itself. It
is Reason that both is and
creates sense. The creation
account tells us, then, that the
world is a product of creative
Reason. Hence it tells us that,
far from there being an absence
of reason and freedom at the
origin of all things, the source of
everything is creative Reason,
love, and freedom. Here we
are faced with the ultimate
his death there might emerge
a new, definitive and healed
life.
The Old Testament account
of creation that we listened to
clearly indicates this order of
realities. But it leads us a further
step forward. It has structured
the process of creation within
the framework of a week
leading up to the Sabbath, in
which it finds its completion.
For Israel, the Sabbath was
the day on which all could
participate in God’s rest, in
which man and animal, master
and slave, great and small were
united in God’s freedom. Thus
the Sabbath was an expression
of the Covenant between God
afresh at every celebration of
the Eucharist, when the Lord
enters anew into the midst of
his disciples and gives himself
to them, allows himself, so to
speak, to be touched by them, sits
down at table with them. This
change is utterly extraordinary,
considering that the Sabbath,
the seventh day seen as the day
of encounter with God, is so
profoundly rooted in the Old
Testament. If we also bear in
mind how much the movement
from work towards the rest-
day corresponds to a natural
rhythm, the dramatic nature
of this change is even more
striking. This revolutionary
development that occurred

Origin and use of the Paschal Candle alternative that is at stake in

(Fa ther E dwa r d narium rite the light
McNamara, professor destined to dispel the
of liturgy at the darkness of night was
Regina Apostolorum offered to Christ as the
university, answers splendor of the Father
the following query:) and indefectible light.
This Sunday rite was
Q: Can you explain logically carried out
the origin of the with greater solem-
paschal candle nity during the Easter
and how long after Vigil.
Easter is it to be lit There is clear
during Mass? Is it evidence that this
to be brought out solemn rite began no
into the sanctuary later than the second
and lit also during half of the fourth
weddings and century. For example,
funerals throughout the use of singing a
the year, as is done hymn in praise of the
in one parish I candle and the Easter
visited?—E.L., mystery is mentioned
Fresno, California as an established
custom in a letter of St.
A: The origin of Jerome, written in 384
the paschal candle to Presidio, a deacon
is uncertain. The from Piacenza, Italy.
most likely origin is Sts. Ambrose
that it derived from and Augustine are
the Lucernarium, also known to have
the evening office composed such Easter
with which early proclamations. The
Christians began poetic and solemn text
the vigil for every of the “Exultet,” or
Sunday and Easter proclamation
especially that of now in use, originated
Easter. in the fifth century
In turn, this rite but its author is
is probably inspired unknown.
by the Jewish custom The use of the candle
of lighting a lamp has varied over the
at the conclusion centuries. Initially it
of the Sabbath. was broken up after
The rite therefore the Easter Vigil and
has its roots in the its fragments given to
very beginning of the faithful. This was
Christianity. later transferred to the
In the Lucer- following Sunday; but
from the 10th century
the use prevailed of
keeping it in a place of
honor near the Gospel
until the feast of the
Ascension (now until
Pentecost).
From around the 12th
century the custom
began of inscribing
the current year on the
candle as well as the
dates of the principal
movable feasts. The
candle hence grew
in size so as to merit
the attribution of
pillar mentioned in
the “Exultet.” There
are cases of candles
weighing about 300
pounds. The procession
foreseen in the present
rite requires much more
moderate dimensions.
The paschal candle is
usually blessed at the
beginning of the Easter
Vigil ceremonies and
is placed on a special
candlestick near the
altar or ambo.
During the ceremony,
five grains of incense
representing Christ’s
wounds are inserted in
the form of a cross. An
alpha above the cross
and an omega below
(the first and last letters
of the Greek alphabet)
indicate that Christ is
the beginning and end
of all. The current year
is traced on the four
sides of the cross.
The candle remains
the dispute between faith and
unbelief: are irrationality, lack
and man and creation. In this
way, communion between
God and man does not appear
at the very the beginning of
the Church’s history can be
explained only by the fact
of freedom and pure chance as something extra, something that something utterly new
in the presbytery
the origin of everything, or added later to a world already happened that day. The first
during the 50 days
are reason, freedom and love fully created. The Covenant, day of the week was the third
of Easter season
at the origin of being? Does the communion between God and day after Jesus’ death. It was the
and is lit for all
primacy belong to unreason man, is inbuilt at the deepest day when he showed himself
liturgical offices.
or to reason? This is what level of creation. Yes, the to his disciples as the Risen
After Pentecost it
everything hinges upon in the Covenant is the inner ground of Lord. In truth, this encounter
is left next to the
final analysis. As believers creation, just as creation is the had something unsettling about
baptismal font.
we answer, with the creation external presupposition of the it. The world had changed.
During the year
account and with John, that Covenant. God made the world This man who had died was
it is lit during all
in the beginning is reason. so that there could be a space now living with a life that
baptisms and funeral
In the beginning is freedom. where he might communicate was no longer threatened by
services; the candle
Hence it is good to be a human his love, and from which the any death. A new form of life
is placed next to the
person. It is not the case that response of love might come had been inaugurated, a new
casket during the
in the expanding universe, at a back to him. From God’s dimension of creation. The first
funeral Mass. In this
late stage, in some tiny corner perspective, the heart of the man day, according to the Genesis
way it symbolizes
of the cosmos, there evolved who responds to him is greater account, is the day on which
baptism as a death
randomly some species of living and more important than creation begins. Now it was the
and resurrection
being capable of reasoning and the whole immense material day of creation in a new way,
in Christ, and also
of trying to find rationality cosmos, for all that the latter it had become the day of the
testifies to Christian
within creation, or to bring allows us to glimpse something new creation. We celebrate the
certainty in the
rationality into it. If man were of God’s grandeur. first day. And in so doing we
resurrection of the
merely a random product of Easter and the paschal celebrate God the Creator and
dead as well as to
evolution in some place on the experience of Christians, his creation. Yes, we believe
the fact that all are
margins of the universe, then however, now require us to in God, the Creator of heaven
alive in the risen
his life would make no sense take a further step. The Sabbath and earth. And we celebrate
Christ.
or might even be a chance of is the seventh day of the week. the God who was made man,
The paschal candle
nature. But no, Reason is there After six days in which man in who suffered, died, was buried
may also be lit for
at the beginning: creative, some sense participates in God’s and rose again. We celebrate
some devotional
divine Reason. And because work of creation, the Sabbath is the definitive victory of the
practices, such as
it is Reason, it also created the day of rest. But something Creator and of his creation. We
the fairly common
freedom; and because freedom quite unprecedented happened celebrate this day as the origin
custom of the faithful
can be abused, there also exist in the nascent Church: the place and the goal of our existence. We
renewing their
forces harmful to creation. of the Sabbath, the seventh day, celebrate it because now, thanks
baptismal promises
Hence a thick black line, so to was taken by the first day. As the to the risen Lord, it is definitively
on concluding
speak, has been drawn across day of the liturgical assembly, established that reason is
retreats and spiritual
the structure of the universe it is the day for encounter with stronger than unreason, truth
exercises.
and across the nature of man. God through Jesus Christ who stronger than lies, love stronger
Finally, while
But despite this contradiction, as the Risen Lord encountered than death. We celebrate the
venerable legitimate
creation itself remains good, his followers on the first day, first day because we know that
customs might exist
life remains good, because at Sunday, after they had found the black line drawn across
in some places, I
the beginning is good Reason, the tomb empty. The structure creation does not last forever.
am unaware of any
God’s creative love. Hence the of the week is overturned. No We celebrate it because we know
official liturgical
world can be saved. Hence we longer does it point towards that those words from the end of
role for the paschal
can and must place ourselves the seventh day, as the time to the creation account have now
candle during
on the side of reason, freedom participate in God’s rest. It sets been definitively fulfilled: “God
the celebration of
and love – on the side of God out from the first day as the saw everything that he had
matrimony.
who loves us so much that day of encounter with the Risen made, and behold, it was very
he suffered for us, that from Lord. This encounter happens good” (Gen 1:31). Amen.
 Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
B3

A Wave of Mercy Flows from the

Wound in His Heart Biblical Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday
By Father Thomas Rosica, there is need of God’s merciful
CSB love, in whose light we see the
inexpressible value of every
human being. Mercy is needed to
“DOUBTING THOMAS” is insure that every injustice in the
a term often used to describe world will come to an end.
someone who refuses to believe The message of mercy is that
something without direct, God loves us—all of us—no
personal evidence; a skeptic. matter how great our sins. God’s
It refers of course to Thomas, mercy is greater than our sins, so
one of the Twelve Apostles, that we will call upon him with
whose name occurs in all the trust, receive his mercy, and
Gospel lists of the apostles. let it flow through us to others.
Thomas is called “Didymus,” the Essentially, mercy means the
Greek form of an Aramaic name understanding of weakness, the
meaning “twin.” capacity to forgive.
When Jesus announced his
intention of returning to Judea An urgent need
to visit Lazarus, Thomas said Throughout his priestly
to his fellow disciples: “Let us and episcopal ministry, and
also go, that we may die with especially during his entire
him” (John 11:16). It was Thomas pontificate, Pope John Paul II
who, during the great discourse preached God’s mercy, wrote
after the Last Supper, raised about it, and most of all lived
an objection: “Lord, we do not it. He offered forgiveness to the
know where you are going; and man who was destined to kill him
how can we know the way?” in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope
(John 14:5). who witnessed the scandal of
Little else is recorded of divisions among Christians, and
Thomas the Apostle in the New the atrocities against the Jewish
Testament, nevertheless, thanks people, did everything in his

to John’s Gospel text for today
(John 20:19-31), his personality
is clearer to us than that of some
others of the Twelve.
Thomas would have listened
to Jesus’ words, and he certainly
experienced dismay at Jesus’
death. That Easter evening
when the Lord appeared to
the disciples, Thomas was not
present. When he was told that
Jesus was alive and had shown
himself, Thomas stated: “Unless
I see the mark of the nails in his
hands, and put my finger in the
mark of the nails and my hand
in his side, I will not believe”
(John 20:25).
Eight days later, Thomas made
his act of faith, drawing down the
rebuke of Jesus—”Because you
have seen me, have you believed?
Blessed are they who did not see,
and yet believed.”
The real Thomas
Thomas the Apostle is one of
the greatest and most honest
of the lovers of Jesus, neither
the eternal skeptic, nor the
bullish, stubborn personality
that Christian tradition has often
painted. This young apostle
stood before the cross, not
comprehending the horrors of
what had happened. All his
dreams and hopes were hanging
on that cross.
Thomas rediscovered his
faith amidst the believing
community of apostles and
disciples. This point must
never be forgotten, especially
in an age when so many claim
that faith and spirituality
are attainable without the
experience of the ecclesial
community. We do not believe
as isolated individuals, but
rather, through our baptism,
we become members of this
great family of the Church. It
is precisely the faith professed
by the ecclesial community we
call Church that reinforces our
personal faith.
Each Sunday at Mass, we
profess our faith either in the
Nicene Creed or the Apostles’
Creed. In doing so, we are saved
from the danger of believing in a
God other than the one revealed
by Christ.
Let us not forget the Catechism
of the Catholic Church: “Faith is a
personal act—the free response of
the human person to the initiative
of God who reveals himself. But
faith is not an isolated act. No
one can believe alone, just as
no one can live alone. You have
not given yourself faith as you
have not given yourself life. The
believer has received faith from
others and should hand it on to
others.
“Our love for Jesus and for
our neighbor impels us to speak
to others about our faith. Each
believer is thus a link in the
great chain of believers. I cannot
believe without being carried by
the faith of others, and by my
faith I help support others in the
faith” (No. 166).
Divine Mercy Pope
Divine Mercy Sunday
celebrates the merciful love of
God shining through the Easter
Triduum and the whole Easter
mystery. The feast recovers
an ancient liturgical tradition,
reflected in a teaching attributed
to St. Augustine about the Easter
Octave, which he called “the
days of mercy and pardon,”
and the Octave Day itself “the
compendium of the days of
mercy.”
Pope John Paul II’s interest in
Divine Mercy goes back to the
days of his youth in Krakow
when Karol Wojtyla was an
eyewitness to so much evil and
suffering during World War II in
occupied Poland. He witnessed
the round ups of many people
who were sent to concentration
camps and slave labor.
In his hometown of Wadowice,
he had many Jewish friends who
would later die in the Holocaust.
During that time of terror and
fear, Karol Wojtyla decided
to enter Cardinal Sapieha’s
clandestine seminary in Krakow.
He experienced the need for
God’s mercy and humanity’s
need to be merciful to one
another.
While in the seminary, he met
another seminarian, Andrew
Deskur (who would later become
cardinal), who introduced Karol
to the message of the Divine
Mercy, as revealed to the Polish
mystic nun, St. Maria Faustina
Kowalska, who died at the age
of 33 in 1938.
At the beginning of his
pontificate in 1981, Pope John
Paul II wrote an entire encyclical
dedicated to Divine Mercy ―
“Dives in Misericordia” (Rich
in Mercy) ― illustrating that
the heart of the mission of Jesus
Christ was to reveal the merciful
love of the Father. In 1993, when
Pope John Paul II beatified Sister
Faustina Kowalska, he stated in
the homily for her beatification
mass: “Her mission continues
and is yielding astonishing fruit.
It is truly marvelous how her
devotion to the merciful Jesus is
spreading in our contemporary
world, and gaining so many
human hearts!”
Four years later in 1997, the
Holy Father visited Blessed
Faustina’s tomb in Lagiewniki,
Poland, and preached powerful
words: “There is nothing that
man needs more than Divine
Mercy. ... From here went out
the message of mercy that Christ
Himself chose to pass on to our
generation through Blessed
Faustina.”
In the Jubilee year 2000, Pope
John Paul II canonized Sister
Faustina ― making her the first
canonized saint of the new
millennium ― and established
“Divine Mercy Sunday” as
a special title for the Second
Sunday of Easter for the universal
Church.
Pope John Paul II spoke these
words in the homily: “Jesus
shows His hands and His side
[to the Apostles]. He points, that
is, to the wounds of the Passion,
especially the wound in His
Heart, the source from which
flows the great wave of mercy
poured out on humanity.”
One year later, in his homily
for Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001,
the Pope called the message of
mercy entrusted to St. Faustina:
“The appropriate and incisive
answer that God wanted to offer
to the questions and expectations
of human beings in our time,
marked by terrible tragedies ...
Divine Mercy! This is the Easter
gift that the Church receives
from the risen Christ and offers
to humanity at the dawn of the
third millennium.”
Again in Lagiewniki, Poland,
in 2002, at the dedication of the
new Shrine of Divine Mercy,
the Holy Father consecrated the
whole world to Divine Mercy,
saying: “I do so with the burning
desire that the message of God’s
merciful love, proclaimed here
through St. Faustina, may be
made known to all the peoples
of the earth, and fill their hearts
with hope.”
In his Regina Caeli address
of April 23, 2006, Pope Benedict
XVI said: “The mystery of God’s
merciful love was at the centre of
the pontificate of my venerated
predecessor.” Now that same
www.terminartors.com
Providence has desired that this
year, on Divine Mercy Sunday,
Benedict XVI would proclaim
blessed his predecessor, Pope
John Paul II, the great apostle and
ambassador of Divine Mercy.
God loves us all
We must ask ourselves: what is
new about this message of Divine
Mercy? Why did Pope John Paul
II insist so much on this aspect of
God’s love in our time? Is this not
the same devotion as that of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Mercy is an important
Christian virtue, much different
from justice and retribution.
While recognizing the real pain
of injury and the rationale for
the justification of punishment,
mercy takes a different approach
in redressing the injury. Mercy
strives to radically change the
condition and the soul of the
perpetrator to resist doing evil,
often by revealing love and one’s
true beauty.
If any punishment is enforced,
it must be for salvation, not for
vengeance or retribution. This
is a very messy business in
our day and a very complex
message ... but it is the only way
if we wish to go forward and
be leaven for the world today;
if we truly wish to be salt and
light in a culture that has lost
the flavor of the Gospel and the
light of Christ.
Where hatred and the thirst for
revenge dominate, where war
brings suffering and death to the
innocent, abuse has destroyed
countless innocent lives, the
grace of mercy is needed in order
to settle human minds and hearts
and to bring about healing and
peace.
Wherever the dignity of and
respect for human life are lacking,
power to heal the wounds caused
by the historic conflicts between
Catholics and other Christian
churches, and especially with
the Jewish people.
Today, on the day that the
Church proclaims blessed this
great apostle of mercy and peace,
I remember with affection and
deep gratitude the stirring words
that John Paul II spoke at the
concluding Mass of World Youth
Day 2002 at Downsview Park in
Toronto.
These words keep us focused
on the importance and necessity
of mercy in the Church today: “At
difficult moments in the Church’s
life, the pursuit of holiness
becomes even more urgent. And
holiness is not a question of age;
it is a matter of living in the Holy
Spirit. [...]
“Do not let that hope die! Stake
your lives on it! We are not the
sum of our weaknesses and
failures; we are the sum of the
Father’s love for us and our real
capacity to become the image of
his Son.”
Today let us pray with joy and
gratitude:
O God, who are rich in
mercy
And who willed that the
Blessed John Paul II
Should preside as Pope over
your universal Church,
Grant, we pray, that instructed
by his teaching,
We may open our hearts to the
saving grace of Christ,
The sole Redeemer of
mankind.
Who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever.
Amen
(Basilian Father Thomas Rosica,
chief executive officer of the Salt and
Light Catholic Media Foundation
and Television Network in Canada,
is a consultor to the Pontifical
Council for Social Communications.
He can be reached at: rosica@
saltandlighttv.org.)

Live Pure ignites hearts for God and country

By Xavier Padilla
A common complaint against the
youth of today is that they are apathetic
and jaded. The youth will not go into the
streets for a cause, and instead would
rather stay home and surf the net. The
youth, instead of sweating playing
basketball, end up on their couches
playing NBA on their PlayStations. In the
current fight against the Reproductive
Health Bill in the Philippine Congress,
the youth have been sorely quiet. And
at the same time as all this lack of
outdoor inactivity, we see a rise in indoor
activity—more teenage pregnancies and
young people getting into pre-marital
sex.
The Live Pure Movement is addressing
this problem with the youth today in
theirown way. The Live Pure Movement,
upon the invitation of the Sangguniang
Kabataan (SK) Provincial Federation
of Isabela, under the leadership of Ms.
heard the message of chastity, purity and
standing up for what is right. They also
heard the message of human dignity
through the World Youth Alliance,
who went around with the Live Pure
Movement to the different forums.
Two whole weeks were spent going
around and speaking to full gymnasiums
of young people hungry for the truth.
They did not know that their true nature
is rooted in how they are made in God’s
image and likeness. They did not know
the ill effects of the RH Bill. They did not
know that the youth have to speak up
and stand out for the RIGHT cause—the
cause of life.
The Live Pure Movement team of
Xavier Padilla, EJ Aguila, Jermer Cruz, RJ
Moriones, Fyron Umali, Gam Guarnes,
Raine Eguico, Sweet Roque, and Sabrina
Gasgonia set hearts on fire carrying
nothing but their conviction to live a
chaste life for the Lord.
With each forum, there were messages
of affirmation and transformation sent to
contributed photo

Krystyna Louise C. Dy, SK Isabela
Provincial President and SK National
Treasurer, went around the province
of Isabela conducting chastity forums
in different public and private high
schools and colleges. Some 15,000 youth
the team. Such as from Nica Angela Bello
who said: “I love Live Pure Movement.
It change(d) my outlook in life.” And
also Danielle Anne Reodica, saying:
“We learned a lot and we will apply all Members of the Live Pure Movement with Ilagan Bishop Joseph Nacua, OFMCap.
Pure / B7
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

By Ren Aguila
Mornings with the Word But the story is not over. Bishop
David, who is also Chairman of
the Episcopal Commission for the
ALLELUIA, the Lord is risen! Biblical Apostolate, mentioned in
With the May They Be One remarks given last Holy Monday
(MTBO) Bible Campaign on its to MTBO benefactors and friends
third year of making the Word of that a new program is in store.
God in Scripture more accessible “Our B-FAST is just a 1st gear,”
to people, we look at one goal that the bishop said, “We hope to shift
was set for this project: to help to a 2nd gear for a faster run after
build unity through community. several months, and we hope to
At the Last Supper which we call it B-RICH (Bible for Renewal
remembered last Holy Thursday, in Christ)!” Apart from that, the
Christ prayed for that unity so parish plans youth and kids’
that all may believe. camps with a biblical focus over
Inplaceswithawell-established the summer.
basic ecclesial community This story is one of many we
movement, the MTBO Bibles at the Philippine Bible Society
have found their way to the have heard from recipients across
hands of small groups, allowing the country, where more people
more members to encounter the have become more engaged with
Bible in daily life and to enrich God’s Word. Over the last few
the experience of Bible sharing. months, we have shared some of
The “new way of being Church”, these in our MTBO box, and we
which began in Latin America hope that more people will learn
and spread throughout many about how this project is slowly
Catholic countries, is firmly set as but surely changing lives and
the basis of Philippine church life. communities across the country.
In every generation, this new way We also hope that people will

of being church is being renewed
in very interesting ways.
One of these is BFAST, or Bible
For Faith and Action Sharing
Team, a recently launched
initiative from the Holy Rosary
Parish in Angeles, Pampanga.
Under the leadership of Bishop
Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S.
David, Auxiliary Bishop of San
Fernando, Pampanga; and two
senior lay leaders, Lucy Surla
and Benny Ortega; the program
helps to bring the Bible to the
front and center of parish life
by emphasizing a small group
context for sharing and living the
Word. Launched in March 2011
after several months of initial
organization and formation, the
program encourages interested
parishioners to form teams of
between 5 to 7 people who get
together for “a simple breakfast
of coffee and pandesal” and
for the sharing of God’s Word.
Pope Benedict XVI endorsed
such activities in his exhortation
Verbum Domini, which was
given after the Synod of Bishops’
session on Scripture in the
Church.
Chairman of Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David with Bible Apostolate volunteers.
Participants register with the
parish and then take part in a
workshop on bible sharing. They
learn about bible sharing as a
way of building community with
each other and with God. Using a
process of reading, reflection, re-
reading, and relating the Gospel
of the next Sunday to particular
life experiences, members learn
to connect the Good News to their
lives. The meetings conclude
with prayer after another time
of silence.
How does the MTBO Bible
distribution project come into
play here? In order to enrich
the experience of sharing God’s
Word, participants are urged to
purchase MTBO Bibles from the
parish at the subsidized cost of
PHP 50. To help offset the cost of
these Bibles, Lucy Surla, the head
of the parish’s formation team,
says that “we have started setting
up collection boxes in our chapels
to raise money for MTBO.”
Surprisingly, a good number of
requests were for Bibles in the
Cebuano language.
The workshop is part of the
formation process required of
communities taking part in the
MTBO campaign. In addition
to this, mandated organizations
are made aware of MTBO and
the initial formation process
is conducted through them.
Moreover, the parish holds a
regular Formation Hour every
Wednesday evening where
parishioners can walk in and
learn more about Scripture.
Bishop David himself leads
the Formation Hour on the last
Wednesday of the month.
It is too early to say how far
BFAST has made an impact,
but the MTBO project itself
has generated an enthusiastic
response within the parish.
“More people became involved
[in the parish],” says Surla, “and
they are happy that they can now
read the Bible. Having a Bible is
something for them.” She relates
the time she found some of the
boys working at Nepo Mart, a
local market, reading MTBO
Bibles in their free time.
The BFAST program is just
one of the ways Bible advocacy
has become a pastoral priority
at Holy Rosary Parish. Earlier
in the year, the National Bible
Week celebrations in the parish
featured a full program of
activities to raise awareness and
knowledge of God’s Word.
Among the activities staged
within the parish was a Bible
Enthronement ceremony during
the main mass of the day on 23
January, and a Bible collection
and promotion campaign urging
people to give their excess Bibles
to public schools and selected
families in the barangay. A
Contributed Photo
special daily Formation Hour
took place during the week,
and the youth were involved
through contests in storytelling,
poster making, and Bible verse
finding. A Bible exhibit featured
different versions of Scripture
in different languages and facts
and trivia about the Bible and its
translations.
The culminating activity was
a Bible Rally held on 5 February,
where a motorcade went through
the streets of Angeles to promote
awareness of the Bible and the
availability of MTBO Bibles
at a reduced cost. Along the
way, Bishop David exhorted
people to purchase MTBO Bibles
and become more engaged
with God’s Word. The message
touched many people, and in one
poor neighborhood, people were
overheard saying that they were
willing to forgo buying rice for a
day to buy a Bible instead.
continue to support MTBO by
prayer and good stewardship.
TheMayTheyBeOneCampaign
empowers people to make the
treasure of Scripture their own,
and it empowers the Church by
building up communities of faith
where Christians strengthen one
another. These communities, we
believe, will be there for people
who have doubts and fears, just
as the two disciples on the road
to Emmaus had. And we pray
that they will see in the People
of God the face of Christ who
walks in their midst.
“[The disciples] said to each
other, ‘Wasn’t it like a fire burning
in us when he talked to us on the
road and explained the Scriptures
to us?’” - Luke 24:32
(Ren Aguila is a researcher and
writer for Philippine Bible Society.
For more information on BFAST and
other similar formation activities,
please contact Lucy Surla of the Holy
Rosary Parish at lucysurla@yahoo.
com. To support May They Be One,
please contact the CBCP-ECBA at
5279386 or the Philippine Bible
Society at 526 7777.)

Christian Muslim Forum builds peace through the Bible, Qur’an

By Sr. Marietta Alo, OND
AN inter-faith group found a most
effective way of working for peace—that
of sharing on the holy verses of the
Qur’an and the Christian Bible.
The Christian Muslim Forum
Association, Inc. (CMFAI) of Mati, an
interfaith group founded in 2002 has a
practice which it never failed of doing
come every forum. They read the Qur’an
verses and relate or compare similar
quotes in the Christian Bible.
A Moslem selects the Qur’an text and
any Christian may question its meaning
and present the allied Christian text.
After the sharing on the Holy Books,
open forum ensues where anyone can ask
questions or elicit opinions on any issue.
Luisito “Chito” Gutierrez, one of the
forum’s early organizers, explained that
the focus on the Holy Book(s) is the key
factor to their unity and common search
for peace, as everyone accepts as divine
truth whatever is written in the Sacred
Books or Scriptures.
He strongly asserted how his own
encounter with verse 3:45 in the Qur’an
on “ISAH MESSIAH” categorically
pointing to Jesus as the Messiah had
called him to return to the Catholic faith
established by Jesus.
In addition, he quoted other Qur’an
texts that he couldn’t accept for their
violence, such as 47:4 “When you meet
your enemy smite their necks, bind their
hands, kidnap and ransom them.”
CMFAI has a vision of attaining a
“true life-giving witness to a dynamic
culture of peace and fellowship, mutual
trust and love among Christians and
Muslims as integral to the search of
peace of mankind.”
Since its humble beginnings in 2002 at
the St. John of the Cross Clergy House
compound with the blessings of Mati
Bishop Patricio H. Alo, and the joint
leadership of early active organizers,
Islam-balik-Catolico couple Luisito
“Chito” and Sojoselina “Bebing”
Gutierrez, Fr. Nestor Morata, Imams
Carlito Sagupan and Ruperto L. Manuel
Al Hajj, Presbyterian Pastor Ricardo
Estipona, and religious sisters and
interested observers from both Catholic
and Protestant faiths, the forum has
expanded in its membership.
Bebing Gutierrez, the secretary/
treasurer counted to date 297 members
of the forum, adding that she and her
husband always find time to attend
services or important events hosted
by different Christian denominations
of Mati.
CMFAI members meet every 2nd and
last Friday of the month, at 1:00 pm at
the Agricultural Nursery grounds in
Mati City.
The association leaders expressed
their plan to change the venue of their
Peace Forum meetings from Mati City to
each of the 10 towns, starting with San
Isidro in the gulf towns on May 23, 2011,
and after covering all the four gulf towns,
to proceed to the six coastal towns.
CFC-FFL District Servant Saturnino
D. Sibbaluca, CMFAI’s chairman of
the board explained that their unique
approach to attain peace brings to fore
the significance of the art of listening,
understanding, respect, and acceptance in
the fellowship of the comparative study,
forging unity amidst diversity of faith,
while they also try to complement peace
efforts of the local government units.
He also expressed the group’s support
for the pro-life anti-RH bill stance of
the Catholic Church, while “Chito”
Gutierrez quoted a Qu’ran verse saying,
“Do not kill your children for fear of
poverty.” Their Call: “Let Peace come
to us – Obey the Will of God…Insha
Allah!”
CMFAI officers led by its president
Pastor Cesar C. de Guzman and
Sibbaluca, were guests of the Mati
Catholic Media (Cable TV and Radio)
recently on the occasion of their 9th
anniversary celebrated April 4, 2011.

Choose life not death

By Dr. Ricardo S.D. Ledes-
ma
EVERYDAY we wake up is a
blessing. All life is a blessing
and a precious gift from God
for which we should all be very
grateful. As a recipient of this
gift of life, we should share
this precious gift to others by
choosing to nurture and save it.
Abortion which frustrates
this gift is defined as any action
resulting directly in the ejection
or expulsion of an unborn
fetus from the womb of the
mother. The Catholic Church
recently amended its definition
and teachings of abortion by
declaring that it is not only the
expulsion of the immature/
unborn fetus but also the killing
of the fertilized zygote (ovum)
ideas of compromising life of the
unborn claiming that legalizing
abortion will render the action
safe for the mother. This amended
definition and teachings on
abortion therefore forbids
the use of birth control bills,
abortifacients, contraceptives
and intra-uterine devises (IUD)
that prevents the implantation
of the already fertilized zygote
or ovum.
Abortion is a crime. The
Catholic Church has repeatedly
stated that abortion constitute
the killing of an unborn child.
Early on the church prohibited
abortion in any form at any time
and for any reason.
The Philippines is now the
center of the controversial RH
bill sanitized with the title,
“Responsible Parenthood,
Reproductive Health and
* Medical data report high
percentage of condom failures
in preventing pregnancies and
venereal diseases such as HIV/
AIDS.
* Artificial contraceptives are
dangerous to women’s health.
Use of birth control pills and
IUDS are not safe with the
reported high incidence of cancer
besides killing the embryo.
* Legalizing abortion is not
the answer to increasing poverty
level in our country. It could
even worsen poverty level as
we are depriving life of potential
manpower that could help
alleviate worsening economic
crisis. Mandatory programs on
how to increase utilization of
our vast idle resources (land &
manpower) should be strongly
implemented.
* RH bill is a curse. It doesn’t
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

in any form and at any time
from the moment of conception
or fertilization. This amended
definition and teachings thus
includes the use of new abortion
compounds and methods. This
amendment became necessary
due to the introduction of
various new contraceptives and
abortifacients in the market,
and misleading and fabricated
information and definition of
life by pro-abortionists and
lobbyists of the pro-RH bill.
These advocates of RH bill
brainwash the mind of people
with unethical and unsupported
Population Development Act
of 2011” to give the people the
thinking that they will benefit
and receive something “good”
for them if voted into law.
Let me explain in simple
language few scientific and
medical facts on this controversial
RH bill to be put to vote when
Congress resumes session on
May.
1. RH bill is a poisonous bill.
2. It is Anti-life and Anti-
family. RH bill contains distorted
and misleading information on
various issues, and the true facts
are as follows:
promote the culture of life but is
tainted with evil thoughts, evil
policies, evil ways and political
agenda which encourage divorce
and the right to easy remarriage
with the disastrous effects on
family and economy.
* Sex education is good only
if done in the proper time when developmental programs on specifically on the number of of life is threatened. Let us send
children have reached the full age responsible family planning, role illegal abortions and resultant the message clear and strong to all
of maturity (preferable at 12 years of parents in the family, faith and maternal and fetal deaths are our legislators and citizenry who
old) and with the formal consent moral and even on healthy tips unreliable and misleading due are pro-abortionists advocating
and interaction of parents. Sex on the harmful effects of using to the fact that most of these this RH bill. NO TO RH BILL.
education programs should focus contraceptive, abortifacients and illegal and immoral practices are NO TO DIVORCE. NO to any
on quality basic sex education, practice of abortion. underground operations. forms of BIRTH CONTROL
proper counseling on what is * Statistical data in various Our appeal. We have to act PILLS, CONTRACEPTIVES and
good and evil (moral values), surveys reported in media with urgency NOW. Our quality ABORTIFACIENTS.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
Let there be Easter in our midst
LET every heart not be troubled (Jn 14:27).
Live in peace for today the splendor of life
shines forth in the rising of the Lord!
The whole Christenadom today
commemorates the glorious event of Easter.
In Christian tradition, Easter is the earliest
feast of the Church regularly celebrated on
all Sundays in the entire liturgical year. This
feast, known as the mother of all feasts, is
specially celebrated at the end of the Lenten
Season and Sacred Triduum, and marks the
beginning of the Easter Season.
Among Christians, the perpetual celebration
of Easter is of great importance. This special
occasion draws every believer to contemplate
the greatest manifestation of the love of
God perfectly revealed in Christ who died
for the guilt of humanity and rose to life
again conquering the most dreaded sting of
death. On this jubilant occasion, everyone,
especially the sorrowing and the desolate,
is made to witness the dawning of light and
to relive the joys and consolation brought by
the victory of life.
“He is not here; He is risen (Mt. 28:6)!”
From the mouth of a heavenly messenger
comes the message of Good News. But,
in utter truth, the message was not readily
believed. Resurrection then was something
beyond human imagination. Perhaps when
the women came near the tomb and found
Jesus’ body gone, they must have first thought
that somebody removed His body. It was
simply inconceivable—for how can it be?
A body so severely beaten and tortured to
death unexpectedly rose to life.
At first instance, one can be very unbelieving
before this unthinkable phenomenon. In fact,
the closest of Jesus’ disciples are not exempt
to this. They were the first doubters. Jesus’
resurrection is simply too good to be true.
But the truth of it all, so mysterious though
yet irresistibly convincing as it always is,
eventually brought them to a full humble
assent. If it were a tale meant to be told, it
must be the greatest tale founded on barest
Easter Message 2011
THE celebration of the Triduum (three
especially holy days) that recalled the
Passion, Death and Resurrection of the
Lord Jesus Christ focused on the story of
the love of God expressed in Jesus.
In our country the majority of the people
recalled this story of God’s love through
prayers and devout practices; and many
still sand reflectively the “Pabasa”. People
remembered that the pains of the Passion
and the Death of the Lord Jesus Christ to
save us achieved our death to sin and an
end to the wicked way of life.
However, the Resurrection of our
Lord, beyond a triumph over sin and
death, was an opening to a new life,
which at its beginning, was difficult
to believe in. The Apostles even found
these very hard and difficult to accept.
Any new way of life was hard to accept
for anyone, especially if it meant getting
rid of one’s selfish and pleasure-seeking
ways. Still the Resurrection of Jesus
opened to us new ways of behaving,
Easter is the Victory of Love
LOVE is stronger than death! The greatest is
love! The greatest one is the one who loves
the most!
We have been meditating on his passion
since the start of Holy Week but what use is
meditation if it does not increase our love?
We have devoutly gone through the Via
Crucis but what good is prayer if we remain
uncaring? We have fasted and sacrificed but
what use is sacrifice if it does make us more
merciful? We have kept vigil and stayed
awake to await the Easter message but what
use is Easter joy if we do not share it and
give it away? We can only win over death
if we love. Easter is the true feast of love.
Only through love can we rise from death
and overcome the darkness.
Love is a verb. Love calls for action. Easter
must move us to action. Easter is surely a
feast to celebrate but it is equally a mission
to accomplish. The risen Lord sends us
forth back to Galilee where he preached
and healed and proclaimed the kingdom
of the Father—there we must prove that he
has indeed risen from the dead not by wise
argumentations but showing that our lives
have been changed by Jesus Christ. The world
outside our parish churches will not believe
that Christ has risen if our lives do not show
any signs of new life at all.
Many filled up our churches during Holy
Week and many more fill up our churches
today Easter Sunday. But among those who
valiantly fasted and offered mortifications
during these pious days, how many really
poured love into our suffering world and
made our world a little better than when we
began our Lenten exercises? Is our world better
than forty days ago? The victory of Easter is
the victory of the Greatest Lover of all who
died that we may have fullness of life. We who
are an Easter people must pour love into our
Of hearts and systems
WE laud the recent appointment the public clamor for an honest-to-
of Mrs. Heidi Mendoza and goodness and effective campaign
Atty. Maria Gracia P. Tan by against corruption. Those with no
President Benigno Aquino III hidden agenda should have no
as Commissioner and Chair, room for fear concerning these
respectively, of the Commission appointments.
on Audit. This move responds to The COA represents the first
Statements
truth.
However, it is not surprising still that until
today some remain in their unbelief for a
few reasons: Some were simply deprived
of hearing the Gospel; others were too
imprisoned to scientific precision as to reject
whatever it is that does not appeal to logical
category. Atheistic culture nowadays is
equally influential; and in a very subtle way,
it gradually wears away evangelical values
and disproves gospel truths. But for most of
us, this disturbing question often continues to
confuse us: If Jesus has truly won for us the
price of the newness of life and the downfall
of the reign of darkness, why then there still
seems to be so much evil in the world?
Yes, ours is still a world beset by various
forms of evil enslavement. Our Lord himself
who became man like us went through
even the worst of human degradation and
bleeding world, bind the wounds of our society
and bring it back to life—through love.
If indeed we are people ready to love, we
must make our Easter Sunday an occasion
to bring an end to cold indifference—walang
pakialam! Love cares. Love gets involved.
Love reaches out. The risen Lord pricks
us to get involved in politics and make it a
liberating not a corrupting kind of politics.
The risen Lord urges us to bring Christian
ethics to economics and put charity not
profit as its overriding principle. The risen
Lord sends us on a mission back to Galilee
to restore all things to him. Easter people:
spread the values of Christ!
If love has indeed fully possessed us, then
line of institutional defense in
the fight against corruption since
it is tasked with the audit of all
government revenues, resources,
and other expenditures. If only it
functions the way it is envisioned
to be, there would really be little
suffering in the hands of a corrupt humanity.
His agony in the garden of Gethsemane
uncovered human fear in the face of death.
But it did not end all there. Jesus after all
subjugated the final enemy of men—death.
The glorious event of resurrection has once
and for all crippled the fortress of darkness.
This incorruptible remembrance of God
putting an end to the definitiveness of death
is a strong message of hope—that in all of
this, every work of evil shivers before the
power of goodness.
This good news must first and foremost
be preached to “the regions beyond us (2
Cor. 10:16).” St. Paul had these encouraging
words: “How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things (Rom. 10:15)!”
It is equally unjust of us not to proclaim the
triumphant joy of Easter to those who are
seeking for light and life. To those whose
hearts are hardened by pride and humanly
motivated principles, let none of us yield to
an idle surrender. Let the gospel be preached
untiringly.
What awaits us ahead of this earthly life
is life in immeasurable abundance. Hence,
it is unlikely of us to fear as we preach the
truths of our faith. We are now the victorious
children of resurrection and we despise every
form of attack against the dignity and welfare
of humankind. With renewed vigor, let us
become builders of social transformation.
Let us work for peace that lasts and justice
that enhances human condition. Let us not
be selfish as to deprive others of their right
to live. Let us not be too clever as to deceive
others to our own advantage. Let there be
Easter in our midst by our presence that
loves and cares.
+NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD, JCD
Bishop of Tandag
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP)
Easter 2011
honest relationships, a compassionate
mutual sharing of goodness—and a
distinctively Christian love and care for
the value of life. The challenge of this
new life was to trust in the truthfulness
of others which was guaranteed by the
resurrection of Jesus.
New and honest leadership, like the
newness of Christ’s Resurrection, ushers
hope among those who believe in inspiring
service. Pray for and support these efforts
for honest and moral governing.
“Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and
has appeared to Simon.” (Luke 24:34) We
are all called to a renewal in our conduct
by the newness of life that the Resurrected
Christ has opened to us all.
A hopeful year for all, and the Lord’s
blessings be always yours!
+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL
ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila
April 2011
we must break out of our protective shells of
our insensitivity and heartlessness—walang
pakiramdam. Love takes responsibility. Love
is rich in mercy. Love is kind. We cannot
continue with Easter and continue to ignore
the poor. It is not hard to meet the poor if we
are not playing blind to their presence. We
cannot claim to be an Easter people and yet
not do anything about the silent moans of
aborted babies. We cannot sing Alleluia and
remain insensitive to rising criminality, the
commercialization of sex and the unabated
availability of shabu in the neighborhood.
Easter people: act now!
If we are truly an Easter people and love is
our rule of life, we must destroy callousness
and audacity—walang hiya. Contraception is
corruption of love and life. It is not a solution.
It will only open more problems for the soul
of our nation. Sin is abnormal. Obedience to
the Ten Commandments is normal. Let us not
extol impurity and ridicule virtue. Polluting
the minds of children by teaching them sex
without God cries to heaven for divine justice.
Easter people: stand up for life!
Love is a verb not a noun. Easter is a mission
not just an event. We can only share in the
glory of this greatest of all days by making
love reign supreme.
Goodbye indifference and apathy.
Goodbye insensitivity and heartlessness.
Goodbye callousness and audacity.
Let us live in love, for love and with love.
Let us love. Easter is a feast of love and
only those who love will see the glory of
the Risen Christ!
From the Cathedral of Saint John the
Evangelist, Dagupan City, April 23, 2011.
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
April 2011
need even for the Office of the
Ombudsman.
We believe there are many men
and women government auditors
who want to make their positive
contribution to the country. They
Hearts / B7
B5
“Blessed are those
who have not seen
and have believed”
(John 20:29b)
(A Pastoral Letter of the Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, DD.,
Bishop of Daet, on Rekindling the Gift of Faith)
“PAX tecum. Peace be with you!” My dear People of God,
as your Bishop, I wish to convey to you not just the greeting
but the gift of the Risen Christ Whose humble servant and
representative I am in our diocese. He is alive, and His presence
in our midst brings us life, peace and joy.
We see and experience the presence of the Lord in a special
way in our four-fold celebration in the diocese this year. On this
Year on Prayer, we are reminded that the Lord is ever present
among us in varied ways, for example, in the exposition and
adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our churches and chapels,
in the pealing of church bells, and in the wooden crosses that we
put up for Lent and Easter. The Pastoral Visit I have begun this
year is the Lord’s visitation of the various parishes for, by God’s
grace, I have been called to make Him present in our diocese.
So far, I have visited nine parishes and one quasi-parish. The
same rejuvenating presence of the Lord has been experienced
by the young on this Year of the Youth, particularly during
the Diocesan Youth Day held at the Parish of Saint John the
Baptist in Daet which concluded only yesterday (April 30).
Finally, the Quadricentennial Celebration of the foundation
of the first three parishes in our diocese helps to bring to our
present times the power and blessing of the Lord’s presence
that our ancestors in the faith experienced in the past. The
Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria in Paracale opened its 400th
year celebration last February 2. The Parish of Saint John the
Baptist in Daet will open theirs on June 25 and the Parish of
Saint Peter the Apostle in Vinzons on June 29.
How beautiful it is to see the presence of the Lord of Peace in our
midst on this day, the 2nd Sunday of Easter that is also the Divine
Mercy Sunday. From the Heart of the Risen Lord flows unto
us the abundance of God’s merciful love. Quite wonderfully,
today is the
beatification
of Pope John
Paul the Great,
who instituted
the Feast of the
Divine Mercy
on May 23, 2000.
And lest we
forget, today is
the special day
of Saint Joseph
the Worker,
the Patron of
our diocese.
It is fitting for
us to say again
and again in
our hearts the
words in today’s
Responsorial
Psalm, “Give
thanks to the
Lord for He is
good; His love
endures forever”
(Ps 117:29).
Yes, let us remember with grateful hearts the merciful and
life-giving presence of the Lord and the gift of faith that enables
us to see it. But the Lord who invites us to remember with
gratitude also challenges us to rekindle the gift of faith with
vigor and fervor. Having reached their 400th year, the three
founding parishes that have now become twenty-six parishes
and four quasi-parishes cannot afford to rest for they need—we
need—to face and respond to new pastoral challenges.
I ask everyone to continue to pray without ceasing with a
heart always “online” with the Lord and eager to chat with
Him. I earnestly urge you to discern the movement of the Spirit
within each one of us and in our community of faith that we
may see where the Lord wants us to go and what He wants
us to do. I strongly suggest to our dear Parish Priests to take
care of the faithful and bring peace to “those who are near”
and to “those who are far off” (cf. Eph 2:17). Feed the members
of the Parish Pastoral Council and mandated organizations
with the richness of God’s word and the sacraments. Initiate
house-to-house visitation as a way of getting to know your
flock personally as any good shepherd does and to reach out
to those who seldom come to the Church. Let us re-structure
our parish pastoral committees to better serve the needs of
the various aspects and sectors of pastoral life: prayer, liturgy,
faith formation, stewardship, social services, priests, family
and youth. Let us give special attention to our youth to help
them rediscover their personal and Catholic identity and to
deepen their awareness of the great role they need to play in
the life and mission of the Church today and in the future and
to fulfill it generously and enthusiastically. We need to guide
them towards responsible use of freedom and material things
and to defend them against anything and anyone who seeks
to de-form or even destroy them.
As we move forward in our journey remembering the
roots of our faith and rekindling the gift of faith, let us not
lose sight of our focus: to help people see and experience the
loving and saving presence of the Risen Lord in their personal
and communitarian lives so that even if they may not have
physically seen Jesus, they may nevertheless have the spiritual
insight that He alone shows the sure way towards absolute
truth and everlasting life. In everything that we do, let us pool
our resources together and let us synergize to make Jesus more
known and loved.
Mindful that apart from the Lord we can do nothing (cf. Jn
15:5). let us offer to Him our intentions and efforts. Let us once
again ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother of Mercy, and
her spouse and our patron, Saint Joseph, to pray for us and
with us that we may not only remember with gratitude but also
rekindle the gift of faith so that, rain or shine, we may continue
to abundantly bear the fruits of kindness and holiness.
May the light of the Risen Lord enlighten every family and
community so that His Peace will dwell in our hearts and
lives.
MOST REV. GILBERT A. GARCERA, D.D.
Bishop of Daet
May 1, 2011
 Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

The Risen Lord is alive in the new community

Second Sunday of Easter – Year A (John 20:19-31) May 1, 2011
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo,
SThD
AS I was reading Amado Doronila’s The
Fall of Joseph Estrada: The Inside Story, it
occurred to me that the whole story of the
former President’s fall is something like
what we see in cartoons—as the carcass
of an animal begins to disintegrate, a
new, stronger creature arises. Early in
his term, Joseph Estrada’s Presidency
was wounded by a series of scandals
involving corruption, his battle with
the press, and his tinkering with the
Constitution, among others. When Gov.
Luis Singson’s bombshell exploded,
his Presidency was directly hit. And
Clarissa Ocampo’s testimony was like
a final sword thrust to its heart. When
his 11 Senators prevented the opening
of the second envelope, the Presidency
began to leave him, and, as the people
started gathering at Edsa, gradually
entered the body of another, this time,
a woman. When the Cabinet left him,
the Army withdrew its support, and the
Chief Justice sworn in Gloria Arroyo,
the Presidency completely left him, and
took a new flesh to dwell in.
The resurrection of Jesus admits of
various meanings, but one of them is
akin to this. As we noted last Sunday,
God the Father, by raising Jesus from the
dead, vindicated him. The resurrection
proved that Jesus’ enemies were wrong,
after all. But this vindication was
efficacious. Just as the dying days of
Joseph Estrada’s Presidency gave rise
to a new people power gathered around
a new President, so from the death of
Jesus rose a new people. In today’s
Gospel (John 20:19-31), this is indicated
by a significant gesture of Jesus—he
breathed on his disciples (John 20:22).
This action of Jesus readily recalls God’s
creative acts recounted in Genesis and
Ezekiel. In Genesis, it is said that when
God breathed into the nostrils of Adam
the breath of life, Adam became a living
being (Gen 2:7). Thus, the gesture of
breathing completed the action of the
creation of man. Similarly, in Ezekiel, it
is told that when the wind breathed into
and resurrection of Jesus, a new life
was imparted, and a new community
was born. There was, in other words, a
new creation—a new people was born
through the Holy Spirit, which is what
the air breathed signifies, by Jesus’ death
and resurrection.
The second reading describes to us
the form of this new creation: “The
[members of the new community]
devoted themselves to the apostles’
instruction and the communal life,
to the breaking of the bread and the
prayers” (Acts 2:42). A few words
may be said of this text. Though the
instruction included the Old Testament,
it gradually focused on Jesus’ teachings
and the interpretation handed on by the
apostles. Later on, these were collected,
committed to writing, and applied
by preachers, teachers and catechists
to their own particular situation. An
important feature of this community life
was the sharing of goods. Those who
believed shared all things in common.
They would sell their property and
goods, dividing everything on the
basis of each one’s needs (Acts 2:44-
45). The practice obviously brought
each member closer to one another, and
encouraged the development of an ethics
of renunciation of property and rejection
of concentration of wealth. The breaking
of the bread was an early feature of
community life: “Every time then you
eat this bread and drink this cup, you
proclaim the death of the Lord until he
comes” (1 Cor 11:26). The breaking of the
bread refers, of course, to the Eucharist,
which replaced the temple sacrifice
with the destruction of the Temple in
Jerusalem. Finally, no doubt the prayers
consisted of Jewish prayers, although
in the long run, Christians gradually
formulated their own, after the example
of Jesus himself who taught the “Our
Father” to his disciples.
It should be emphasized that
these features of the early Christian
community were an actualization of
the new life in the Spirit of Jesus in
the daily life of Christian believers.
In other words, they reflect the work
of the Holy Spirit in the community.
From these features developed some

those who were slain, they were given a
new life (Ezek 37:10). There is no doubt
that John had in mind these texts when
he wrote today’s Gospel. By saying that
Jesus breathed into his disciples, John
wanted to teach us that with the death
www.aboutjesuschrist.org
of the fundamental structures of the
Christian community. For example,
the apostles’ instruction could be easily
identified with the Church’s task of
evangelization, while the breaking of
Risen / B7

Where do Christians encounter the Risen Lord?

Third Sunday of Easter – Year A (Luke 24:13-35) May 8, 2011
By Msgr. Lope C. Robre-
dillo, SThD
I COULD not find its roots
mentioned in Francisco Alzina’s
Historia de las islas y indios de
Bisayas, nor in William Henry
Scott’s Barangay, nor in F. Landa
Jocano’s Filipino Prehistory,
but I think the practice must be
ancient. I refer to the tradition of
inhabitants in the southern towns
of Samar island, in which they
tender a great banquet to mark
the 9th death anniversary of their
loved ones. I was once invited to
such a celebration. After a mass
offered for their deceased, those
who attended the eucharistic
celebration were given raw
carabao meat. At noon, all of
us were invited to the banquet,
and after a few rounds of drink,
the orchestra started to play,
and dancing began. Whatever
its origin, it seems to me that
the practice answers the need of
the living to connect their lives
with those of their loved ones
who died almost a decade ago.
Celebrations like this refresh
their memory, stirring up events
that were dear to them and their
deceased. I got the impression
that commemorating the death of
their loved ones in such a grand
manner makes them feel as if the
deceased were present with them
in their celebrations, even as they
recall events in their lives that
memory suppressed. The living
encounters the spirit of the dead
as if these were present, as they
celebrate these banquets. That
probably explains why, though
costly, the tradition goes on.
I mention this because it
reminds me of a question
sometimes raised in Christian
faith: if people feel they encounter
the spirit of their loved ones in
these celebrations, where do
Christians encounter the risen
Lord? As should be obvious
from the Readings of the Easter
Season, the central message of
the resurrection is that Jesus
lives on (Luke 24:23), and that
the resurrected Lord is no other
than the same Jesus who walked
with his disciples (John 20:18).
But if he is alive, where do we
find him? In Luke’s Gospel,
the evangelist carefully points
out that the resurrected Christ
is identical with the earthly
Jesus by demonstrating that the
risen Lord performed the same
ministries that he did when he
was still with his disciples before
his death. For instance, he taught
his disciples about Moses and
the Prophets; he interpreted
the Scriptures to them; and he
opened their eyes (Luke 24:27-
31). But while stressing the
identity, Luke likewise points
out that there is a discontinuity
between the risen Lord and the
earthly Jesus. It is for this purpose
that he narrates the incident in
the Gospel today (Luke 24:13-24).
Notice that when Jesus walked
with the two disciples on the
road to Emmaus and joined in
their lively exchange, these two
who had seen the earthly Jesus
failed to recognize him. They
simply thought that he was
just another Jerusalemite who
was rather ignorant of what
happened in the city the past
few days (Luke 24:18).
At the same time, Luke, in
portraying the ignorance of
the disciples, could have in
mind the situation in his own
community in which Christians,
who did not see the risen Lord,
may have felt themselves less
privileged than the disciples
who did see the earthly Jesus.
It seems that for Luke, what
is decisive for the Christian
community is not whether or
not one saw the earthly Jesus
or the risen Lord immediately
after the resurrection, but
whether one can at the present
moment recognize his presence.
To bring the point home, Luke
tells us that when Jesus “had
seated himself with them to eat,
he took bread, pronounced the
blessing, then broke the bread
and began to distribute it to
them” (Luke 24:30b). At this,
the eyes of the disciples, who
failed to recognize him, were
opened, and whereupon they
recognized that it was Jesus
who was breaking the bread
(Luke 24:31). For Luke, then, the
presence of Jesus is recognized
in the breaking of the bread.
Of course, by breaking of the
bread Luke does not mean an
ordinary meal. The wording of
the narrative easily recalls the
institution narrative in which
the same verbs practically
occur: take, give thanks, break
and distribute (Luke 22:19).
That is to say, Luke wants
to say that the risen Lord is
recognized in the celebration
of the Eucharist.
This, to be sure, should not
be taken to mean that Christ is
encountered in the Eucharist
without any connection to
practical life. The reason for this
is that the act of breaking the
bread has significance beyond
the rite. If the bread is broken, it
is because it is meant to be shared.
This implies that such values
as monopoly, exclusiveness,
and selfishness cannot become
media of the Lord’s presence.
To monopolize business and
industry, to place the wealth of
the nation in the hands of a few
oligarchic families, to arrogate to
oneself the rights of others is to
deprive oneself of the encounter
with the risen Lord, however
one tries to create an elaborate
worship of him. No wonder
that a distinctive feature of the
early Church was the holding
of possessions in common
(Acts 4:32b-34). And the early
Christians showed themselves
always ready to help those in
need (Rom 15:26; 1 Cor 16:1-3;
Encounter / B7

Fr. Francis Ongkingco

WHATEVER
Bishop Pat Alo

THERE are some people who
have the knack of making do with
the simplest things in life. They
are generally individuals who
are simple, and do not require
too many things in order to be
content, to carry out a job with a
smile and to constantly aid their
fellowmen. One cannot help but
be easily endeared to these types
of persons in life.
This talent is so attractive
and even sometimes amusing.
They find solutions to the most
difficult cases using the simplest
or most obvious means. They are
optimists who manage to put
their positive attitude into action
and to infect others who may
have already thought of giving
up. They are today’s Ted Bowers
who resolve life’s struggles and
even turn around defeats.
When God makes do with
We might, for example,
have a friend who loves to
cook and manages to find
creative substitutes to expensive
ingredients. Or another,
who instead of e-mailing
or ‘Facebooking’ cuts old
magazines into incredible
personalized greeting cards.
Another fixes appliances and
engines by tweaking local parts
as perfect alternatives to the
more expensive original ones.
They make do with the most
ordinary things to bring about
the most extraordinary results.
Something similar happens
with God.
Our Lord also makes do with
the little that man could offer
Him. Imagine, He doesn’t tell
his disciples that the few loaves
or fish are insufficient for the
huge hungry crowd. Instead,
He simply says, ‘give them
to me.’ Jesus neither required
great things from the sick, the
paralyzed and sinners for Him to
work their cure or conversion. He
made do with their ‘little faith’,
‘their insistence’, and ‘their child-
like simplicity’. The rest was left
to God’s grace and power.
With such a consideration, we
cannot think that we need to do
something special or exceptional
for God to grant us something
amazing. In reality, there is
nothing really for man to offer
to God except for his own sinful
and miserable condition. Yet, it
is a mystery how our Lord seems
to say: “Is that all you have to
give me? Very well, I will make
do with it.”
Thus, the ‘water became wine’,
ENCOUNTERS
the ‘blind saw’, the ‘lepers were
cleansed’. Like children before
God we can really give him
so little, but it is precisely in
our ‘smallness’ that we have
our strength. No wonder St.
Josemaría in the Way tells us: “Do
everything for Love. Thus there
will be no little things: everything
will be big. Perseverance in little
things for Love is heroism. (no.
813)” And even more daring, he
adds: “Do you really want to be
a saint? Carry out the little duty
of each moment: do what you
ought and concentrate on what
you are doing. (no. 816)”
If we act in this way, you and I
–now more humble and trusting
of God,– will become better
instruments when we allow Him
to make do with who and what
we are.
Truly risen!
CONTRA factum non valet argumentum (You cannot
argue against facts). The fact of the Resurrection of Jesus
is incontrovertible. You read the various narrations about
the Risen Jesus in the Bible, the four gospels and letters of
the Apostles, they tell of actual witnesses of the fact of the
Resurrection. St. Paul speaks of more than 500 people seeing
the Risen Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-5). Most of those saints who
attested on the truth of the Resurrection sere supported by
God’s assistance by the proof of many signs and miracles that
served to prove the truth of what they proclaimed.
That’s the history of the belief of billions of people, in
past and present history. We may just enunciate one usual
expression which has already become proverbial, applying
this to the fact of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the Son
of God and Our Savior. You can fool some of the people all
the time, all the people some time, but you cannot fool all the
people all the time. All those billions of believers could not
be wrong in their belief of the Resurrection.
 Social Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
B7

To be a resurrected person
By Fr. Shay Cullen
IT has all the elements of the
Easter story, courage, self-
sacrifice, betrayal, punishment,
humiliation and a love for
another for which there is no
reward but only punishment. It
is a story of betrayal of the most
serious kind wherein parents sent
their two children into harm’s
way and traumatized them for
the rest of their lives. They were
delivered to captivity, torture,
spiritual and emotional death.
For some children, it ends in
physical death, when they resist
abuse they are murdered.
The story of Marcel and
Angelica is about betrayal but
also resistance and resurrection.
Here is a story of a brave
courageous 16 year old who
took every risk to go against her
abusive parents and endure their
anger and punishment, rejection
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
was now sold also. It was too
much for Marcel, she summed
up the courage and bravely
sought to rescue her sister and
endure all the anger and rejection
heaped on her. But she succeeded
and her sister was saved and
brought into the protection of the
children’s home and the foreign
pedophile sex tourist arrested.
But then the judge took the side
of her abusive parents and then
ordered the child to be returned
to the parents and the abuser.
The child’s witness was forced
to withdraw her complaint of
abuse, the charges were then
dismissed and the pedophile
escaped. It appears that justice
was denied and evil triumphed.
But it’s not over yet.
And so it appears that evil
overcomes goodness. Holy
week, with Black Saturday and
Holy Friday are always with
us.
Human rights advocates,
mining machinery from ravaging
their lands, have been beaten,
brutalized and murdered. They,
like Jesus, bravely spoke out and
stood against the forces of evil
and showed their love of the
community and died for their
neighbors and to protect the
environment.
I wrote recently how innocent
children in Zamboanga, were
taken bound, gagged and tortured
to death, the youngest 12 years old.
Children are made in the image
of God, Jesus taught us that great
truth, and the most important of
all in the Kingdom of God are
the children. (Matt 18; 1- 8) The
abusers are best thrown in to the
ocean with a stone around there
neck, he said. He established the
rights of the child. They were
ignored for centuries and only in
our generation are they officially
recognized by the Convention of
the Rights of the Child and have
protection and help.
thousands.
We need every true Christian to
experience a spiritual resurrection
from apathy and indifference,
fear and inaction. They are called
from the grave to live a full life
and to speak out for justice and
human rights. They are filled with
the power of the resurrection
and enabled to challenge man-
made-misery and the injustice
that abuses and oppresses the
poor and the children. They
believe in the power of love,
and they inspire more people
to emerge from the grave of
silence and ignorance into the
light to proclaim freedom for
the innocent.
They are the resurrected, they
are the people emerging from the
death like state caused by apathy
and indifference. They roll aside
the great stones that block the
path to life and equality and they
give voice to the truth. Can we
not strive to be a person like this?

and humiliation to try to save
her younger 14 year old sister
Angelica from a similar fate as she
herself endured sex slavery.
Marcel was sold to foreigners
who are willing to pay anything
to abuse children and her sister
social workers working for
justice, activists protesting
against mining, child abuse and
corruption are beaten, betrayed,
arrested and killed. In Midsalip,
Mindanao, the community
holding a picket line to prevent
But they need much more as
children are under assault and
more are abducted and abused
as ever before. Thousands are
sold into labor camps, trafficked
to brothels and abused by parents
in their own families by the
No greater love can anyone have
than to give his life for his friend,
Jesus said. All our neighbors are
friends. We can live for others
and give our lives for those in
greatest need. There is no better
way to live a full life.

Lola Irene now back home; 600 more Pure / B3

the things we have learned in our real

OFWs waiting for repatration

By Noel Sales Barcelona
HOME at last.
Lola Irene Sto. Domingo, 75, is
now in the arms of her family after
long months of waiting. Sick and
undocumented, she has been in the
care of Bahay Kalinga, a transient
home for repatriating distressed
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for
three months. Bahay Kalinga is being
managed by the Philippine Embassy
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Prior to this, she had run away from
her employer, whom she had worked
for years, after they refuse to pay her.
Old and weak, Lola Irene opted to
run away and looked for some odd
jobs. But illness made her too weak to
work, that a fellow OFW, Marcelina
Maramag, who has been working in a
small dressmaking shop in Saudi took
care of her. Even if it’s illegal to take
care of an absconder, Maramag had
taken care of Lola Irene, feeding her
and sometimes, giving her medicine.
Until, Lola Irene had decided to ask
the Philippine Embassy for help.
John Leonard Monterona, regional
coordinator of Migrante-Middle
East (ME), assisted Lola Irene’s
repatriation. Bombarding the embassy
with letters of plea and follow-ups,
Lola Irene finally arrived at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
morning of April 6, on board Gulf Air
from Bahrain.
Teary eyed, Lola Irene for the first
time, embraced her son Vergel, whom
she left in 1984 when she decided to Jameel Macasanton, 48, from Marawi
work abroad. City, Lanao Del Sur, died in one of
the Philippine Embassy’s shelters
A long saga coming home in Jeddah while waiting for his
In an email interview with Monterona repatriation. He died due to kidney
about the situation of Lola Irene failure as a result of being diabetic.
prior to her going home, here in the Monterona said that it was
Philippines, the migrant worker’s Macasanton’s nephew Arafat Kamal,
leader said that Lola Irene had left the who called him to say that his uncle
Philippines in 1984. had died at the King Abdul-Aziz
“Nang mag-abroad siya by 1984, Hospital.
she’s only 43 years old,” Monterona “I have spoken to Arafat over the
told this reporter in an email. phone that morning of March 28, and
Just like most of the stories of he confirmed that his Uncle Jameel
OFWs who had run away from their died last night due to kidney failure,
employers, Lola Irene was also a victim a complication of his diabetes,”
of maltreatment and abuse. Monterona said in his email. Monterona
“Napilitan pong mag-run away from said that the incident was immediately
abusadong employer [and] eventually reported to Macasanton’s family in
naging undocumented up to now,” Marawi.
Monterona said. Like Lola Irene, Macasanton was
It was on December 16, 2010 when an undocumented migrant worker,
Lola Irene had come to Maramag’s too, in Saudi.
home, begging for assistance. It was “It is known [to his colleagues]
Maramag who had coordinated the that Jameel had been undocumented
case of Lola Irene to Migrante-affiliated since 2008, after he run away from his
Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) employer due to labor malpractices.
and asked for assistance. He just survived looking, and working
“The following day, I formally from, one job to another,” Monterona
endorsed her case to the attention of said.
the Philippine Embassy concerned “There are also two stranded OFWs
officials seeking to provide medical who have suffered stroke, based on the
assistance to her and placed her at reports that we have received here,”
the embassy-run Bahay Kalinga,” said Monterona. “But this information
Monterona said. is yet to be verified with our colleagues
in Jeddah.”
Lucky As of this writing, there are still
Lola Irene could be considered lucky more than 600 distressed and stranded
as she was still alive at the time of her OFWs seeking refuge at the Al-Mina
repatriation. hajj terminal in Jeddah. Living in
deplorable conditions, with no
sufficient food, clothing, water and
other necessities, Monterona said that
the President should look on this.
“This is what we have been saying
since last month, we have repeatedly
called on the PH consulate and the DFA
to seriously attend the stranded OFWs
in Jeddah as they are living under
deplorable condition[s]. Children have
been sick and adult OFWs are coughing
– all complained of no medicines
provided by the Philippine consular
officials,” Monterona lamented.
He also said that because there
is already a reported death among
the stranded OFWs, may be this
time – again may be this time, the
PH consulate in Jeddah and the DFA
and other concerned agencies will
provide too-late-as-always services
and assistance to the distressed and
stranded OFWs in Jeddah.
During the visit of Vice President
Jejomar C. Binay, Monterona’s group
and other organizations of Filipinos
working and living in Saudi had
opened the issue to him, hoping that
the Philippines’ second chief has some
remedies to offer.
“We hope that these OFWs, would
eventually have their papers processed,
so that they can be sent back home. It’s
lonely to be apart from your family;
but it is lonelier, if you don’t have the
means to go back to the Philippines
because you’re penniless and the
people, who should be extending fast
help are working too slow for your
repatriation,” said Monterona.
life situation. Thank you very much for
answering the questions in our mind and
(making) everything clear to our curios
mind(s). And from Mark Phillip Morales:
“(Nice) forum. We learned many things.
Thanks for reminding us about our
misconception about sexuality, dating
and courtship.”
Asked how he feels about being God’s
mouthpiece to many young people,
EJ Aguila answers “I feel blessed to
experience God reaching to people
through the grace of chastity and I am
overwhelmed on how God reached me
by strengthening my conviction to be
chaste.”
At a time where morality is at the brink
of deterioration in this country, the Live
Pure Movement advocates CHASTITY.
To be pure of heart and to use the gift
of sexuality according to God’s designs
for it is what every young person should
live for whoever they are and wherever
they may be.
Since the start of 2011, the Live
Pure Movement has also been able to
speak at numerous schools with Metro
Manila and the provinces. Recently
also speaking to the Diocesan Youth
Commission of Novaliches where
Roy Villafania exclaimed: “Kudos to
(the) Live Pure Movement! Itinaas nyo
ang bandera ng kabataan laban sa RH
Bill!”
And most recently at the “Filipinos,
Unite Under God for Life” rally at
Luneta Grandstand, where the Live
Pure Movement offered itself to the
different Dioceses and schools to be used
as a tool for chastity education among
the youth.
There are still many events lined up
for 2011, and the Live Pure Movement
continues to proclaim the TRUE message
of love to all the youth.

Hearts / B5 Risen / B6

would certainly be animated by good,
united, and effective leadership within
COA as well as strong and sustained
public support for a job well done. We
salute you all!
We also recognize that some
institutional reforms have been made
at the AFP for several years now. We
ask that these reforms be continued and
even strengthened. Let the AFP take
the lead in these institutional reforms
knowing that government corruption
is not the monopoly of any single
institution.
We call on the rank and file at COA
to stand fully behind the leadership
tandem of Atty. Tan, Ms. Mendoza,
and Mr. Juanito G. Espino, Jr. Each has the bread and the prayers pertain to the present structures of our parishes early Church, it can be seen—in the
a contribution to make. the entire worship of the Church, but and dioceses, it is important to ask words of the 1987 Synod of Bishops—as
A wise man once said that “resources, especially the Eucharistic Celebration whether these stand in continuity with “the customary place where the faithful
when the hearts and systems are not and the sacraments. The fellowship of the earliest traditions in the Church. It gather to grow in holiness, to participate
in the right place, are a curse.” The love, on the other hand, is related to the is unfortunate that today, when people in the mission of the Church, and to
Philippines has enough resources ministry of social service in the Church. try to look at their Church—the parish live out their ecclesial communities.”
to more than meet the demands of If these have anything to teach us, it is or the diocese, it seems that their point No wonder that the Second Plenary
development. We pray that COA, that the present practices in the Church of comparison is the world of business. Council of the Philippines (PCP II)
through its collegial leadership and did not come from nowhere, nor were They seem to think that what makes a recommends that the parish “should be
employees, will help put hearts and they invented by the present Church. business corporation successful must a dynamic Eucharistic and evangelizing
systems in the right place. On the contrary, they developed out of be applied to the Christian community. community of communities, a center
the effort of the Church to actualize the However, from the viewpoint of which energizes movements, Basic
FR. ALBERT ALEJO, SJ distinctive features of the early Christian Christian faith, that is far from being Ecclesial Communities and other
(Ehem-Aha! Movement) community in the current situation as correct. The parish, for example, is not apostolic groups and is in turn nourished
the members tried to demonstrate how about profits and successes, or about by them.” By being such, the parish
FR. CARMELO O. DIOLA the Spirit works in the new age. display of achievement. Looked at in exhibits the life of the Spirit that God
(Dilaab Movement) Therefore, as we pause to consider the perspective of faithfulness to the continues to pour out in the Church.

Encounter / B6

Gal 2:10). healing our nation’s wounds;

CBCPMonitor Name _________________________________________________

(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
In its pastoral letter issued
during the 1987 Eucharistic Year,
“One Bread, One Body, One
of sacrificing ourselves so that
those who suffer hunger and
other ills which accompany the
People,” the Catholic Bishops’ widespread poverty in our land
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address _______________________________________________ Conference of the Philippines may find meaningful work and
(CBCP) says in this connection: the means to fashion better lives
_________________________________________________ “It may be truly said that the for themselves and their children,
Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ task of the Church is to radiate worthy of sons and daughters
The CBCP Monitor is published the Eucharist in the life of of our Father who is in heaven.
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Mode of Payment the world. In this sense the The Eucharist is “bread broken
Office, with editorial and busi-  Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment ministry of the Church is first to feed a hungry world.’ It is
ness offices at 470 Gen. Luna and foremost a ‘eucharistic also the bread of brotherhood
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) ministry’. Such ministry works and it is in the eucharist and
St., Intramuros, Manila. PO Box
3601, 1076 MCPO toward creating a new world of from that we must find the
_____________________________ Christian communities where motivation and power to realize,
• Domestic
freedom and justice reign, a even in part, renewed social
1 Year Php 500.00 Signature new world of loving and caring, relationships and a new social
2 Years Php 900.00 sharing and working together—a order for our people—based
• Foreign: Asia kingdom of reconciliation and on truth and freedom, justice
1 Year US$ 55.00 peace.” The concluding appeal and love. It is in the eucharist
• All Other US$ 80.00 PLEASE SEND TO: of the letter remains relevant: and from the eucharist that we
“Our present situation summons must find the wellspring of that
CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines us to seek ways of breaking peace which we all seek, with
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 down the many dividing walls such desperate longing, for our
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com in our midst, binding up and country today.”
 B8
 Disturbing
 Acceptable
 Wholesome
 Exemplary
Nagbalik si Ravaan (Robin
Padilla) sa bayan ng Alipur,
India nang mabalitaan nito
ang pagkamatay ng amang
Indiyanong-Muslim. Nailibing
na ang ama pagdating niya at
maaatasan siyang pamahalaan
lahat ng negosyong naiwan
ng kanyang ama. Ngunit ang
pamanang ito ng kanyang ama
ay may kalakip na kondisyon:
kailangan niyang pakasalan
si Linda (Mariel Rodriguez)
na siyang punong-guro sa
paaralang pag-aari nila. Hindi
magiging maganda ang kanilang
pagtatagpo at hindi rin magiging
maayos ang pakikitungo nila
sa isa’t-isa sa simula. Ngunit
pagkalaon ay magkaka-hulugan
din sila ng loob at tuluyang
magpapakasal. Ngunit hadlang
pa rin dito ang ilan dahil
sa ibang relihiyon at lahing
pinanggalingan ng dalawa.
Nagsubok ang Tum: My
Pledge of Love na gumawa
ng pelikulang may kakaibang
timpla at inspirasyon. Nariyan
ang kuwentong pag-ibig na
malapit sa kuwento ng dalawang
tauhan sa totoong buhay at
nariyan din ang lugar ng India
pati na ang pagpapakilala sa
atin sa “Bollywood” na siyang
industriya ng pelikula sa bansang
MAC en COLET
Buhay Parokya
Entertainment
Moral Assessment
 Abhorrent
 Below average
 Average
 Above average
 E
India. Ang resulta’y isang
pelikulang puno ng maraming
elemento na tila hindi rin naman
nagkatugma at hindi nakuha
ang tamang timpla sa kabuuan.
Madilim ang mga kuha ng camera
at mangilan-ngilan lamang ang
pagkakataong maeengganyo ang
manonood sa mga tanawin ng
India. Malamlam at kung minsan
ay over-acting ang mga tauhan
lalo na si Rodriguez. Alanganin
din ang takbo ng kuwento at di
malaman kung saan nito nais
magtungo. Kung ang Tum ay
kuwentong pag-ibig, kulang
ito sa kilig. Kung ito naman ay
drama, kulang ito sa hagod ng
damdamin. Mas lamang ang
pagiging aksyon ng pelikula
ngunit pawang kulang pa rin
sa sipa ang lahat ng ito kung
susumahin.
Malakas ang mensahe ng
pelikula ukol sa pagtanggap sa
iba’t-ibang lahi at relihiyon. Na
ang relihiyon o pagkakaiba ng lahi
man ay di dapat maging hadlang
sa pagmamahalan at kapayapaan.
Magkakaiba man ang tao ng
paniniwala at kulay ng balat ay
iisa ang kanilang adhikain—ang
mabuhay ng payapa sa pag-ibig.
Ganunpaman, naging labis na
nakababahala ang ipinakitang
karahasan sa pelikula. Nariyan
Ni Bladimer Usi
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
Technical Assessment
 Poor
xcellent
TITLE: TUM: My Pledge of
Love
CAST: Robin Padilla, Mariel
Rodriquez, Datu Khomeini
Bansuan, Ejay Falcon,
Nash R Raza, Queenie
Padilla
DIRECTOR: Robin Padilla
SCREENWRITER: Robin
Padilla
PRODUCER: Star Cinema
GENRE: Romantic Comedy
DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema
LOCATION: India, Philippines
Technical Assessment:  ½
Moral Assessment:  ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers
ages 14 and above
ding palabasing masasama
at makikitid ang mga pang-
unawa ng karamihang mga
katutubong Indian. Pihadong
hindi masyadong matutuwa ang
mga taga-India na makakanood
nito. Taliwas sa mensahe
ng pelikula ang ilang mga
imaheng ipinakita dito. Pero sa
bandang huli nama’y ipinakitang
pag-ibig at pag-ibig lamang
ang siyang makakahanap ng
paraan upang magkatagpo ang
dalawang pusong pinaglayo ng
pagkakataon. At tanging pag-ibig
din lamang ang siyang maaring
magpatalikod sa isang tao sa
karangayaan at kapangyarihan.
Look for the image
of Pope John Paul II, TITLE: Gnomeo & Juliet
Dove, and Our Lady CAST: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason
Guadalupe. (Illustration Statham, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Ashley
by Bladimer Usi) Jensen, Jim Cummings, Richard Wilson, Julie Wal-
ters
DIRECTOR: Kelly Asbury
WRITERS: Kevin Cecil, Andy Riley
GENRE: Animation, Family, SciFi/Fantasy
RUNNING TIME: 84 minutes
Technical Assessment: 
Moral Assessment:  ½
CINEMA Rating: Audience all Ages
Is this animated Shakespeare? Not really. Although the title
is a takeoff from “Romeo and Juliet” most of the characters in
Gnomeo & Juliet are garden gnomes in the yards of English
homes. We know this is England because we glimpse a bus
whose destination is Stratford on Avon. These gnomes have
obviously been sneaking off to the movies while their hu-
man owners were not looking. And they have been watching
the Toy Story series because they do the same thing, have a
life of their own but go into their expected poses as soon as
humans turn up.
What might make Gnomeo & Juliet more enjoyable for
film buffs is the strong voice cast. James McAvoy and Emily
Blunt are the starcrossed lovers and Michael Caine is plain
to hear as Juliet’s father. You have to listen quickly to catch
Julie Walters and Richard Wilson as the human Capulets and
Montagues. There is a monstrously huge mower, called the
Terrafirmanator, obtained by a computer savvy gnome, Benny
(Matt Lucas)—and it is ‘voiced’ by wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Someone for everyone! Even a Hispanic-sounding flamingo
from the garden. (And a nice trivial pursuit question: what
film did Maggie Smith and Jason Statham appear in together?
Here it is, she Gnomeo’s mother and he the rather typecast
Tybalt.)
Yes, we know what is going to happen, but it is entertain-
ing to see how this entertainment for children incorporates
Shakespeare. And, yes, the soundtrack replete with familiar
melodies is a collection of Elton John and Bernie Taupin songs
because the film is a product of Elton John and David Furnish
who have turned their attention to children.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
C1

The News Supplement of

Couples for Christ

YFC Goes for the Win!

By Katrina Martin
“YOUTH for Christ, We’re
Armed and Ready!!!”
This was the battle cry that
echoed from a vast field in the
heart of Cagayan de Oro last
April 15 to 17, 2011. More than
6,000 youth gathered for the
18th CFC – Youth for Christ
International Leaders’ Confer-
ence (ILC), in the City of Golden
Friendship, ready to declare
their readiness to do battle for
the Lord in the midst of today’s
turmoil and violence.
The theme for this year’s ILC
was taken from Ephesians 6:11—
“Put on the full armor of God…”
and, from the Year of the Youth
Congress to various sports and
creative competitions, from
the workshops to the highlight
sessions, YFCs from across the
globe proudly declared how
they were being armed by the
Lord and readied for battle.
During the first day of the
three-day conference, youth
heads and clergy from all over
the Philippines attended the
Year of the Youth Congress,
while the rest of the Philippine
delegates had the chance to visit
the various booths in the main
venue and watch or participate
in the first round of the sports
competitions. The 90 foreign
YFC delegates from Malaysia,
Singapore, East Timor, Thailand,
Indonesia, the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA,
and Australia, were treated to a
welcome party as they eagerly
anticipated the conference activi-
ties in store for them.
Later that day, High Mass
was officiated by Bishop Jose
Araneta Cabantan of the diocese
of Malaybalay, after which the
18th ILC officially started with
a YFC Praise Parade of all the
areas and countries present, with
all the dancers dressed to the
nines in various interpretations
of the conference theme. The
delegates were welcomed by the
CDO Vice Mayor Caesar Acenas,
then led into worship by Jerome
Kapistrano from YFC Canada.
Together, the delegates asked
that the Lord open their hearts
to His messages for them in the
coming weekend.
The first session followed
soon after, given by Rommel
Ancheta of Flame Ministries.
Entitled “Made to Win,” the talk
emphasized the immeasurable
providence of the Lord to the
community and stressed that, as
all YFCs have been richly blessed
by the Lord, so will they continue
to be. The speaker challenged
the delegates to reflect upon the
reasons why they were being
blessed by the Lord, as well as
the greater missions He is ask-
ing them to undertake. He also
spoke of how Christ had already
won the victory for each and
every one of the delegates and
how we were all created to win
and share in His victory.
After the Praisefest that fol-
lowed the first session, the del-
egates partied the night away.
Segments about YFC Greenera-
tion, Cross Culture, and Count
Me In were featured before
the night ended with a final
dance-off among the enthusias-
tic crowd.
On the second day of the 18th
YFC ILC, the delegates, youth
and couple coordinators alike,
attended the different work-
shops: Command and Conquer,
On Call, Max PRAY’n, Cap-
tured!, R.O.C.K., To Live and Die
For, Get Tagged!, Heart in Hand,
HIStory.MyStory, Speak Up!,
Families for Life, and To Pastor
and Guide. There were also
sports competitions (badminton,
volleyball, basketball, soccer),
creative competitions (band, set
dance, show choir, individual
dance, gag video), and special
competitions (ultimate Frisbee,
praise parade, T-shirt design,
island booth, amazing race, pho-
tography) that had the delegates
rushing from one venue to an-
other. Afterwards, the delegates
attended High Mass at the main
venue, before proceeding to the
next two sessions.
The Coordinators Got Tal-
ent segment, wherein the be-
loved Titos and Titas performed
dances that awed the audience,
introduced the second session,
Counter/Strike, conducted by
Fr. Francis Lucas, head of the
Episcopal Commission on So-
cial Communications and Mass
Media. Fr. Francis explained
how every day and every venue
becomes a spiritual battleground
for each YFC, and enlightened
the delegates regarding the
weapons of Satan himself. He
emphasized that there are ways
for us, with the Lord’s guidance,
to counter the attacks of Satan.
He reminded the delegates that
although they had already won
the battle, it was solely because
they had embraced Christ in
their lives.
The third session, entitled
“Armed for the Win”, was given
by Metro Manila full-time pasto-
ral worker Raymond Ibarrientos.
He enumerated the components
of the Lord’s Armor that each
YFC needed to put on and em-
phasized that, to be fully armed
and ready for the spiritual battles
ahead, we have to believe that we
need each and every piece of the
armor, know how to use them to
our advantage, and train until
we master them with the help
of faith, courage, and persever-
ance. He enjoined the youth to
reflect upon the areas of their
lives where the Lord is calling
them to put on God’s full armor.
Raymond asked the youth to also
reflect if they were finally armed
and ready for what lay ahead.
As the delegates reflected on
such questions, YFC fulltime
workers went around the venue
and presented each delegate
with rosary scapulars. Goi Vil-
legas, YFC Metro Manila Head
and the worship leader for the
night’s Praise fest, explained that
putting on the full armor meant
embracing the life of Christ and
leaving behind one’s old self to
become like Jesus. He explained
that the scapular was meant to
be a reminder that Jesus loves
us and looks over us, while the
rosary would remind us of how
Christ lived while He was on
earth. He enjoined the entire
ILC delegation to surrender their
lives to the Lord and wear the
scapular as a way of declaring
their oneness in Him.
The last day of the 18th YFC
International Leaders’ Confer-
ence, Palm Sunday, started
with High Mass which was
celebrated by Archbishop An-
tonio Ledesma of the diocese
of Cagayan de Oro. The mass
and opening worship was im-
mediately followed by the last
session: Ready for Battle. The
session speaker was Luzon full-
time worker Wanner Algarme
who reminded the delegates that
it is by being in a constant state
of readiness that justice is given
to Christ’s victory for us. He
explained that such victory may
be attained by simply accepting
His will, believing in His great
promises, and having courage
and confidence in Him. During
the session, sharers from the
different delegations across the
globe spoke of how they were
preparing to be armed and ready
for God, for their families, for
life, and for the poor. The high-
light of the day was when YFC
FTPWs, Mission Volunteers, and
youth heads ushered all 6,000
delegates to form a large human
cross to underscore that Christ is
our shield and armor and that
being in Him shields us from
Satan’s attacks and allows us to
be ready for the many spiritual
battles ahead.
After the closing Praise fest,
winners from the various com-
petitions were announced and
outstanding YFCs and instru-
mental Couple Coordinators
were also honored onstage.
Before the 18th ILC officially
ended, the Misamis Oriental
governance team turned over the
keys to the next ILC to Aklan.
The entire ILC proceedings
were broadcast via livestream
worldwide, through the efforts
of CFC’s Ugnayan Multimedia
Center. About a thousand more
youth around the world and
across the Philippines were able
to watch as the talks and the ILC
activities unfolded.

CFC Youth for Christ Hosts Year of the Youth Congress

By Meynard Soriano Noting that the youth today com- tionship with Christ. The youth can

CFC Honors Ligaya ng

AS a fitting prelude to the 18th Inter-
national Leaders Conference (ILC)
of the Youth for Christ held on the
weekend of April 15 to 17, the youth,
together with the clergy and religious
organizations, held the Year of the
Youth Congress on Friday, April 15 at
the Pryce Plaza Hotel in Cagayan de
Oro, not far from the main venue of
the ILC itself.
Participants at the con-
gress were many of the
YFC delegates who came
over from all over the Phil-
ippines, and even from
abroad. Couples for Christ
was represented by the In-
ternational Council and the
Misamis Oriental Govern-
ance Team and CFC-YFC
Couple Coordinators.
Several religious organi-
zations were also present,
among them: Canossians
Congregation, the Mis-
sionary of Immaculate
Concepcion, Amigonian
and the Mission Society
of the Philippines or MSP,
the Pontifical Mission So-
cieties, Federation of Na-
tional Youth Organizations, CBCP
Episcopal Commission on Youth and
the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate of
Cagayan de Oro,.
Ruel Aguirre, a missionary assigned
to Kalinga, led the opening worship
followed by welcome remarks from
CFC Chairman Joe Tale. Bishop Elenito
Galido of the Diocese of Iligan was the
speaker for session 1 entitled “One Mis-
sion in Christ.” The bishop emphasized
that all of us are of one mind, one heart
and one spirit with each other, with
the community and with the world to-
gether, powered mightily by the spirit
and love of Christ.
prise the majority of the population,
he encouraged the youth to be a dy-
namic force for the transformation of
the church and society, to be agents
of change today and later as adults in
a renewed world. He cautioned the
youth against being influenced by glo-
balization, secularism, modernization
and liberalism, since these influences
lead to a lesser appreciation of reli-
gious and cultural traditions among
the young.
The bishop also told the youth
present that Christ is calling them to
work with Him and to take up their
responsibilities in order to build the
civilization of love. According to the
bishop, “If you follow His Word, it
will light up your path and lead you
to high goals that will give joy and full
meaning to your lives.”
The second session, entitled “The
Gift of the Young and the Church,” was
conducted by Lawrence Quintero, YFC
International Coordinator. Lawrence
enjoined the youth to bring Christ to
other youth, to evangelize them and
to nourish them with a growing rela-
contribute much to the evangelization
mission of the Church by actively
producing candidates to the religious
life, by being pastoral workers and
by sharing their resources and talents
with the different mission activities of
the congregations and the Church.
On the other hand, the religious
organizations and clergy can guide the
youth in discerning their vocation and
giving opportunity to live it out. They
can also direct the youth towards the
different fields of mission and share
with the youth their manpower re-
sources in the various mission activities
of the young.
The sessions were livened up by
the testimonies of various youth
delegates, coming from the different
organizations that promote youth
welfare, among them Richard Tañada
of the Federation of National Youth
Organizations, Stephen Borja a full
time Youth Minister in the National
Secretariat of the National Apostolate
of CBCP and the Episcopal Commis-
sion on the Youth, Maria Liza Vicente,
the Mindanao Sulu Youth Coordina-
Panginoon
Shown in photo are (from left): Joe Tale, Joe Yamamoto, Lito Tayag, and LNP leaders Spanky
Meer, Vic Gutierrez and LNP spiritual director Fr. Herb Schneider.
CFC International Council Chair-
man Joe Tale, Executive Director
Joe Yamamoto and member Lito
Tayag visited the offices of Ligaya
ng Panginoon (LNP) recently. It will
be recalled that LNP founded CFC in
1981 as a means of reaching out to
married couples. In 1993, there was
a parting of ways when CFC broke
away from LNP.
tor of the Mindanao Sulu Pastoral
Council and Julius Comia, fulltime
pastoral worker for YFC. There were
also sharers from the clergy and reli-
gious, namely, Fr. Socrates Mesiona,
MSP National Director of Pontifical
Mission Societies and Executive Sec-
retary, CBCP Episcopal Commission
on Mission and Sister Evangeline
Arcala from the Franciscan Apostolic
The meeting was a very cordial
one, and was the latest in a series
of informal meetings held over the
past three years between the IC
and some LNP elders. During this
last meeting CFC took the occasion
to present LNP with a plaque of
appreciation for its “having been
used by God in the birth of CFC
in 1981.”
Sisters.
The conference ended with the clos-
ing worship led by Michael Ybiernas,
YFC Fulltime Pastoral Worker for
Australia.
For both the youth and the clergy,
the conference was a fruitful exercise
in enhancing areas of cooperation in
expanding Christ’s mission of bringing
His Word to the whole world.
 C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

Joe Tale, CFC Chairman

There are three post- resurrec-
t i o n v e r se s t h a t , p e r so n a l l y f o r
me, somehow break the smooth
tempo in the reading of the Easter
accounts.
Jesus Appears to Mary
Magdalene
Mary stood crying outside the
tomb. While she was still crying, she
bent over and looked in the tomb
and saw two angels there dressed
in white, sitting where the body of
Jesus had been, one at the head and
the other at the feet.
“Woman, why are you crying?”
they asked her.
She answered, “They have taken
my Lord away, and I do not know
where they have put him!”
Then she turned around and saw
Jesus standing there; but she did not
know that it was Jesus. “Woman,
why are you crying?” Jesus asked
her. “Who is it that you are look-
ing for?”
She thought he was the gardener,
so she said to him, “If you took him
away, sir, tell me where you have
put him, and I will go and get him.”
(John 20:11-15)
The Walk to Emmaus
On that same day two of Jesus’
followers were going to a village
named Emmaus, about seven miles
from Jerusalem, and they were talk-
ing to each other about all the things
that had happened. As they talked
and discussed, Jesus himself drew
near and walked along with them;
they saw him, but somehow did not
recognize him. (Luke 24:13-16)
Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
As the sun was rising, Jesus stood
at the water’s edge, but the disci-
Recognizing Jesus
ples did not know that it was Jesus.
(John 21:4)
These verses make me pause, in
a way disturb me, and make me
reflect.
Why?
Well, these verses indicate that
the closest friends and followers of
Jesus momentarily did not recog-
nize Him after He had resurrected.
Mary Magdalene thought he was a
gardener. The seven disciples, in-
cluding Peter and John, must have
first thought he was just another
fisherman. The followers of Jesus
on the way to Emmaus probably
thought he was just a fellow trave-
ler on the road. And to think they
were those few who were with Jesus
up close and personal during his
ministry.
Of course, it is possible that they
did not immediately recognize Him
because they did not expect to see
Him at all after He had died; or, as in
the case of the seven disciples, may-
be He was too far away on the shore
(but what about Mary Magdalene
and the travelers to Emmaus who
saw Him close enough?); or, maybe,
He was again transfigured, in a way,
when He resurrected, and therefore
not easily recognizable.
Perhaps. Or could it be that the
verses simply express what often
happens to us, given our human
weakness -- that sometimes, we
do not recognize Jesus, who we
worship and adore, even when He
comes into our midst.
During the Holy Week, as in many
previous Holy Weeks, our family
simply stayed at home. In what is
becoming our family tradition, we
are happy just being with one anoth-
er, following the Lenten observance
together, reflecting more deeply
about the passion, death and resur-
rection of our Lord Jesus, moving
about the house in a prayerful state,
and as we cleanse ourselves, also
cleaning the house. As we empty
ourselves of what is not of God, we
also empty our home of what need
not be in the home anymore – old
clothes and other stuff, accumulated
magazines, miscellaneous papers
and files, etc. We also get to watch
television for an extended time.
Among the shows we watched
were documentaries that portrayed
the very poor in our country. They
were truly heartrending – the poor
and sick, especially in the remote
areas who, to get medical attention,
had to be carried on a hammock and
transported on foot over rugged ter-
rain to the nearest clinic four hours
away; the poor and homeless who
continue, patiently but painfully,
to eke out an existence in garbage
dumps, under the bridges and over
waterways; the poor who will con-
tinue to be poor due to the sorry
state of our educational system.
Have we as a country, especially
as a Christian community, recog-
nized Jesus enough among the poor
and needy to be moved to give food
to the hungry, water to the thirsty,
clothing to the naked, homes to the
homeless, care for the sick, visit
those in prison, and not to tire in
doing it? Some have done so, as
those heroic teachers who sacrifice
and even risk life, also walking long
distances to teach our children, jug-
gling lesson plans to teach different
grade levels on the same day and
classroom due to the lack of teachers
and classrooms. Some have done
so, silently, without fanfare, in their
own humble way. Some have done
so, as those reporters who went out
of their comfort zones to bring us
one of the sad but real aspects of
the state of our nation.
It is easy to be drawn into hope-
lessness and despair as we look
at the inhumanity around us. But
that is precisely why Jesus came,
to bring hope to the hopeless and
comfort to those who suffer and are
in pain. That is precisely why Jesus
rose from the dead to show us that
there is more to life than what we
currently see, that we should see
beyond the present to a future that is
more beautiful, that notwithstand-
ing the odds, nothing is impossible
with God!
We are an Easter people, not im-
mune to pain and suffering, but
hopeful and joyful because we have
a Lord who has shown us the way.
If perchance we sometimes get frus-
trated, let us be strengthened with
the truth that Jesus has arisen, and
together with Bukas Palad, also
sing :
“ In my Heart, I know my savior
lives
In His glory, in His new life we
partake.”
Whatever be the situation around
us, we know deep in our hearts that
our savior lives, and that He truly
lives in our hearts.
Mary Magdalene, the fishermen
disciples, the travelers to Emmaus
- they all eventually recognized
Jesus. Let us experience with them
the special moments when they
recognized the Lord.
- Mary Magdalene, when Jesus
called her by name: “Jesus said to
her, ‘Mary!’ She turned toward him
and said in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni’ (This
means ‘Teacher’).” (John 20:16)
- the fishermen disciples, when
they caught plenty of fish in obedi-
ence to his instructions to cast the
net on the right side of the boat:
“ The disciple whom Jesus loved
said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ ”
( John 21:7)
- the travelers to Emmaus, when
Jesus broke bread with them: “ He
sat down to eat with them, took the
bread, and said the blessing; then
he broke the bread and gave it to
them. Then their eyes were opened
and they recognized him, but he dis-
appeared from their sight.” (Luke
24:30-31)
Jesus does not allow us to be
strangers with Him for long. He
will initiate moments when we will
recognize Him. He will call us by
name in intimate friendship. He will
bless us abundantly when we act in
obedience to His call. He will meet
us in the Eucharist each time, when
He breaks bread with us.
Jesus wants us to recognize Him
too in the gardeners, fishermen,
fellow travelers, and many other
simple people we interact with each
day. Jesus wants us to see Him in
the poor, in the least of our breth-
ren. We need to be more aware, to
look more intently, for we shall
surely see Him in them.
As we recognize Jesus in others,
He also wants them to see Jesus in
us. Will they? Are we sharing Jesus
enough for others to see Jesus in
ourselves?
This, too, recognizing Jesus in
each other, is what Easter is also
all about.
Happy Easter to all!

Joe Yamamoto, CFC Director

FRIDAY, March 11, 2011 will
forever be remembered as a
day of tragedy. On that day,
Japan suffered an intensity 9
earthquake, the strongest in
the last three hundred years
of its history. A giant tsunami
spawned by the earthquake
obliterated a scenic city by
the sea and created a swath
of destruction in the To-
hoku region. A day of peace
and quiet forever marred by
nature’s fury. But being a
resilient people, expect the
Japanese to turn a page in
time and rise courageously
as they once did.
As a young medical stu-
dent, I fondly remember the
songs and music a dormmate
used to share with me - tra-
ditional Japanese folk songs
rendered poignantly by solo
flute. The songs were about
the sea, the seashore, the
mou nt ains an d th e fi eld s .
Back then I dreamed about
setting foot in the land of
my paternal grandfather not
realizing that God will honor
the desires of my heart, by
sending me and my wife Mila
there on mission for CFC.
Of those songs, I distinctly
remember the quaint, tender
notes of the Song of the Sea-
shore. What a stark contrast --
the tranquil, life-giving sea of
the song and the tempestuous
sea caused by the destructive
tsunami of 2011.
The latest calamity and
tragedy that happened to the
Japanese highlighted charac-
ter traits that we can learn
to emulate. Adversities have
a unique way of uncovering
gems. The earthquake/tsu-
nami double punch uncov-
ered many notable traits and
attitudes that came under the
scrutiny of the world. There
were no observable recrimi-
nations or blame passing,
much less finger pointing.
As rapidly as the water
receded and exposed the
widespread destruction and
tremendous loss of human
lives, the people responded
by moving as one, thus dem-
onstrating their sense of one-
ness and nationhood. Very
evident was the absence of
Unbowed by Sufferings-
Lessons of the Seashore
disorder among the populace;
instead the people quietly
took their place in queuing
for the meager supply of
food and water. As the tem-
porary shelters opened, the
displaced people took their
assigned places obediently
and went to t he extent of
leaving outside the building
their shoes and slippers as if
they were slipping into their
own homes.
To the question of why
there was no looting or dis-
orderliness, the Japanese
humbly answered, ‘atarimae’,
i.e. ‘natural’ or ‘obvious’. For
them, it is natural not to loot
or to take advantage of those
in suffering. That observation
seemed like an anachronism
in these times of hedonism
and selfishness. The Japanese
are teaching us an impressive
lesson in nationhood and
strong community life.
Somehow I could not help
but wonder: are the traits we
are seeing naturally ingrained
or are these vestiges of their
samurai culture? Contrary
to common understanding,
a samurai is not a katana-
wielding swordfighter who
would recklessly chop heads
off. Rather, the samurai of
olden times was about ‘one
who serves,’ which belief
continues to find expres-
sion among the present day
Japanese.
To us in CFC, the idea
or concept of service is not
strange or unknown .We
instantly recognize this as
the very idea and concept of
servant leadership, which is
the model for all Christians
who strive to lead.
By and large the island na-
tion of Japan has remained
unChristianized, with but
a small Christian minority.
Out of a population of more
than 120 million, Christians
account for about a million,
of which Filipinos account
for about 200 thousand. For-
tunately, the Japanese are
tolerant of Christianity or
any other religion and openly
allow the practice of other
people’s religion. Cultur-
ally, there is a subtle mindset
about the people where the
mingling of the temporal
and the spiritual seamlessly
fuse. They refer to this as the
Do, the ‘way of doing’, as in
Chado (the way of the tea),
or Bushido (the way of the
warrior) or Kendo (the way
of the sword). Filipinos, or
specifically we in CFC can
learn from it. In the not too
distant future, there will be a
reality of a CFC-do (the CFC
way). It will happen if we put
our hearts into it.
The next concept is Kata,
which refers to ‘patterns or
forms of behavior’. Broadly,
Kata is stated as Shikata,
i.e. the way of doing things.
How one acts and behaves in
given circumstances is very
much shaped and therefore
determined by his upbring-
ing, education, experiences
and family/community life.
These are the areas of shikata
where the norm of ‘atarimae’
(natural) fits easily.
As a community in rapid
transition, CFC will probably
see the evolution of our very
own Kata, which will help
define our life and culture
such as: how we worship,
how we choose our songs,
putting our themes for the
conferences, etc. Necessarily
all the experiences will be
set into writing and eventu-
ally codified as our very own
cultural heritage.
Achieving the Do and Kata
requires the investment of
time and tireless effort. Only
then can one be free to acquire
the Waza, the skills. Here
again the spirit and commit-
ment to perform to a high
level of proficiency come in.
The acquisition of the skills
comes later after the do and
kata have become part of the
collective mindset of a people
or a community. Appreciation
of the Do and Kata will be-
come intuitive and even enter
into the subliminal.
G-Notes for Success
Can the spirit that motivates
a people like the Japanese be
adapted and find possible
application in a Catholic lay
organization such as Couples
for Christ? A safe answer is
possibly, especially if there
is something beneficial in it.
There are four key words that
define the positive qualities
that might prove beneficial.
Four G words embody the
moving spirit behind a peo-
ple- Giri, Gisei, Gaman and
Gambaru.
GIRI- means ‘obligation,
duty, justice’. Up front, the
trait of giri is a veritable de-
scription of the two greatest
commandments for Chris -
tians -- to love God and to
love one’s neighbor. Mark
12 narrates the encounter
between Jesus and a student
of the law. Their discourse
centered around the core of
our Christian tenets. To em-
phasize the centrality of that
teaching, Jesus responded to
the scribe by repeating the
shema, the centerpiece of the
Jewish morning and evening
services: ‘Hear O Israel, the
Lord is our God, the Lord is
One!’ It is as if the Lord is
speaking to all believers em-
phasizing the cardinal truths
transcending time, culture
and geography.
GISEI - literally translates
to ‘sacrifice’. The life of a
Christian believer will always
be measured by how much
one loved and how much he
sacrificed to make it a reality.
Along the way will be count-
less occasions to be selfless
and to sacrifice, to give and
to care without counting the
cost. Christ daily reminds
us to pick up the cross and
follow. That being the case,
the road to discipleship is
strewn with many calls for
sacrifice.
GAMAN- refers to ‘per-
severance’, especially in the
midst of difficulties and ad-
versity. To a great degree,
people, especially the people
of God, must demonstrate
forbearance and persever-
ance since the life of believ-
ers is far from being a bed of
roses. Hebrews 12:1 stressed
patience and perseverance “...
let us set aside every burden
and sin which may surround
us, and advance, through pa-
tience, to the struggle offered
to us.” God wants believers
to persevere because that is
how He treats His children
(“Persevere in discipline. God
presents you to Himself as
sons. But what son is there,
whom his father does not
correct?”). To underscore the
lesson of not giving up, James
1:3-4 stresses: “knowing that
the proving of your faith ex-
ercises patience, and patience
brings a work to perfection, so
that you may be perfect and
whole, deficient in nothing.”
The trait or virtue called
‘gamanzuyoi’ is considered
the glue that holds the peo-
ple like the Japanese. The
term ‘gamanzuyoi’ connotes
strong forbearance and de-
termination to complete the
tasks at hand. In the after-
math of the Second World
War, the defeated Japanese
bore the unbearable but in
less than a generation, with
dedication and singlemind-
edness to rise, they became
an economic miracle.
Members of CFC, when
properly imbued with that
strong forbearance and de-
termination, will live to be
the embodiment of the call
to be light of the world and
salt of the earth. When CFC
members take the moral high
ground and carry the good
news to the far flung ends
of the earth, then we would
have truly lived out our vi-
sion of ‘Families in the Holy
Spirit, renewing the face of
the Earth.’
GANBARU is a verb that
means ‘to persist’. Thus,
when one says ganbarimasu,
he states, “I will persist, I
will not give up.” When a
community declares, ganbari-
masho, they make a stand,
saying “we will not give up”.
Running the race is a must
and winning is the only op-
tion (2 Timothy 4:7: “I have
fought the good fight. I have
completed the course. I have
preserved the faith.”). The
call to discipleship is serious
endeavor, hence living it out
must carry the attitude of
not counting the cost (Matt.
8:18-22).
One who shows some signs
of slackening in resolve and
wavering of commitment,
you exhort with “Ganbatte!”
or “Don’t give up. ” When
one feels weak, ganbarimasu
is to be complemented with
Akiramenai, “I cannot give
up.”
The fabric that holds the
Japanese people is their sense
of nationhood and being im-
bued with strong traditions
and culture, the so -called ya-
mato damashii (the Spirit of
Old Japan). For us Christians,
the anchor we live by and
deeply hope for is the cross
of Christ. And the fabric that
covers us is the love of God
(Deus caritas est, Benedict
XVI). We just have to claim
that and trust in it. With re-
gards trust, the Japanese have
a word for it, SHIN’ YOU. We
need to trust God; we need to
trust each other.Trust begets
trust. It is a deliberate act
and it does not happen by
accident. It needs to be con-
tinually nurtured.
A fundamental truth is that
one needs to be trustworthy
at all times. Consider that
before people buy in and fol-
low the vision of the group or
the organization, people buy
in first on the leaders. People
will follow leaders they trust-
leaders with integrity and
those who produce the de-
sired and expected results.
There are lessons to be
learned; traits and attitudes
worth emulating. Let us take
the opportunity to be open
and be enriched in the proc-
ess.
Epilogue
When I shared these con-
cepts with our CFC brethren
in Japan, I received additional
fresh insights into the concept
of forming the CFC-do and
the Kata that will go with it.
Once you combine Do and
Kata, the word formed is
Dokata, meaning a worker or
a laborer. The life of a CFC-
jin (CFC person or member)
will be defined by the CFC-do
and the kata which make us
dedicated Dokata in building
the Church of the Home and
the Church of the Poor.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011
Ugnayan C3

Arming Ourselves for the Spiritual Battle

By Tony Gimenez
BISHOP Pablo Virgilio David,
National Chairman of the Na-
tional Bible Apostolate and
bishop of the diocese of San
Fernando, Pampanga, conduct-
ed a Lenten recollection for
CFC’s Mission Core Group in
Ateneo last April 3, 2011. The
bishop talked about spiritual
battle and developed his talks on
two Biblical readings. Ephesians
6:10-20, which is CFC’s theme for
this year and Luke 4:1-4:13 that
tells us about the temptations
of Christ.
The bishop drew comparison
between our own spiritual strug-
gles and those of St. Ignatius of
Loyola who founded the Society
of Jesus (SJ). From a worldly sol-
dier, Ignatius was converted into
an ardent follower of the Lord.
He became a soldier of Christ
and applied all his learnings in
soldierly discipline to spiritual
warfare. He instituted a strict
system of prayers.
According to the bishop, Jesus
Christ knew we would always be
engaged in spiritual warfare so
He gave us a weapon-- the Lord’s
Prayer. Bishop David said that the
Lord’s Prayer is divided into two
parts, each with three petitions.
The first part is about God the
Father in heaven and the elements
are: He, who is holy, His kingdom
is coming and His will be done.
The second part is about us,
and the three petitions are: give
us our daily bread, forgive us as
we forgive others and spare us
from final test by delivering us
from evil. The final petition is a
supplication asking the Lord not
to bring us to the “THE TEST,
THE FINAL BATTLE.” We are
asking the Lord not to abandon
us when we are tested, not to
allow us to fail, for the enemy is
powerful.
The bishop noted that many
authors have written many ver-
sions of the Final Battle. Movies
like the Star Wars series, the
trilogy of the Lord of the Rings
and Narnia are based on this.
Notably C. S. Lewis, author of
Narnia, evokes the spiritual war
that we struggle with each day.
In Narnia, C. S. Lewis portrayed
the devil in nontraditional form.
Instead of an ugly creature, the
devil is a beautiful witch who
manipulates and seduces the
hero with candies. According
to the bishop, this is one of the
devil’s ploys and indicative of
his being a liar and a seducer.
In another book by C. S. Lewis,
“Screwtape Letters,” the devil
is portrayed as an expert in ego
massage. He knows where to fool
us where we are most vulnerable.
This expertise was demonstrated
in the Gospel, in the three temp-
tations of Jesus. The devil uses
human pride to tempt us as he
tried to tempt Jesus.
Bishop David warned that
pride has brought about the
downfall of many pious men.
When we are promoted to CEO
or President, General, Ombuds-
man, Bishop, Cardinal, when
we are at the top, people at the
bottom look small. Then we are
easily seduced by power and
pride. We have to remember
that Lucifer was an angel who
fell from grace because of the
sin of pride. The temptation is
about staying in the lofty place,
to GO FOR IT because NOTH-
ING ELSE MATTERS. This is a
very potent delusion.
St. Augustine, in his CONFES-
SIONS, wrote: “I was searching
for you in created things.” For
many of us who have been
converted, the general lament is
“Bakit ngayon lang kita mina-
hal?” Why have I come to love
You only now? Bishop David
stressed that this does not mean
that we should not aspire to
build our careers, to work for
our material needs. He clarified
however that we should have
the proper priorities. Seek first
the kingdom of heaven, and all
these things will follow.
The bishop urged everyone to
reread the Ecclesiastes in the Old
Testament, his “favorite book.”
While its beginning is negative
(“Vanity of vanities, everything
is meaningless”) and expounds
on the meaningless pursuits
of man, it ends with a positive
reminder that ONLY GOD IS
EVERYTHING.
To keep our focus in God,
to bring his kingdom into our
world, to be victorious in this
spiritual warfare, the bishop
reminded us that we need to
arm ourselves with spiritual
weapons. Jesus gave us three
weapons, PRAYER, FASTING,
ALMS GIVING.
According to Bishop David,
PRAYER is our conversation
with God. But since conversation
should be two way, he reminded
us to be like Samuel who starts
his prayer with “Speak Lord,
your servant is listening.” Be-
cause we are Couples FOR Christ,
before we can speak FOR God,
we have to listen first to God.
The second weapon, FAST-
ING, is learning to say no to our
own desires. Fasting teaches
us to distinguish between our
needs and our wants. When we
deprive ourselves voluntarily of
luxurious things, we learn de-
tachment, we learn to live with
the most basic things, we learn to
forego instant gratification.
The third weapon is ALMS-
GIVING – paglilimos. Alms
giving is giving to people we do
not know; people we do not care
about, someone who is a total
stranger, someone totally useless
to us, someone who caused us
pain, who does not deserve it.
When we give alms it must be
giving without expecting any-
thing in return. We should give
without counting the cost.
In conclusion, the bishop
reminded us to read again and
practice Ephesians 6:10 -18 --to
put on the Armor of God, to
be alert and always to keep on
praying for all the Lord’s people.
The evil one attacks us when
our spiritual immune system
is weak, when we are vulner-
able because our self esteem is
low. The bishop ended with the
definitive statement that “Only
God’s unconditional love can
give us the stable sense of self,
so that we can stand firm against
the tactics of the evil one.”

CSI: Christ’s Sufferings Investigated

By Richie Tolentino
THE members of the CFC Mission Core
had the rare opportunity to ponder the
crucifixion of Christ from the medical
perspective at the teaching night held
at the Meralco Theater last April 12. The
speaker for that night was Dr. Victor L.
Gisbert, who is the head of the Makati
Medical Center Trauma and Vascular
Surgery Department, a Marian devotee
along with his family, and a man with a
passion to heal and to share God’s love
to people. His talk, entitled “CSI: Christ’s
Sufferings Investigated,” centered on the
passion of Jesus—from His agony in the
Garden of Gethsemane to His crucifixion
and death on Golgotha.
Dr. Gisbert drew on medical, forensic,
archaeological, and historical evidence
to provide a detailed description of
the pain and suffering that Jesus went
through. First, he cited the gospel ac-
counts of the evangelists Luke and
John—the former being a doctor and the
latter having witnessed Jesus’ passion
from beginning to end.
He referred to documents dating
back to the Holocaust, during which
Adolf Hitler, who was obsessed about
how Christ died, put together a team
of pathologists, surgeons, and forensic
experts to study how the crucifixion was
done. The documents were obtained by
Dr. Pierre Barbet, who wrote a study that
was later published as a book entitled
and then release Him. According
to Dr. Gisbert, the depiction of the
flagellation in the movie “The Pas-
sion of the Christ,” which showed
Jesus bent forward from the waist
with His arms stretched forward,
is probably the closest to the actual
scourging that took place. By look-
ing at the positions and angles of
the whip marks all over the image
on the Turin Shroud, Dr. Gisbert
said it was determined that the
man who was wrapped in the cloth
had suffered 120 lashes and that the
scourging was done by two people
of different heights. They used a
whip made with three thongs at-
tached to a handle, with two tiny
dumbbells made of wood, bone, or
lead at the tip of each thong. These
dumbbells buried themselves into
the skin with each strike of the
whip, and when the whip was
lifted up, skin was pulled out along
with the dumbbells, leaving several
open wounds.
Dr. Gisbert noted that no other cru-
cifixion in history included the act of
crowning with thorns. He explained that
the crown of thorns was not a band but
a cap made from the branches of a plant
now known as Zizyphus spina christa,
a tree with thorns two to three inches
long. Based on the image on the Shroud,
the whole cranium had been covered in
blood, which would have resulted from
the crown of thorns being repeatedly
then face down on a cobblestone street
with the weight of the patibulum over his
back. Referring to John 19:36 where it is
written: “Not a bone of it will be broken,”
Dr. Gisbert stressed that the nose is not
bone but cartilage.
Dr. Gisbert explained that while cru-
cifixion as a particular form of punish-
ment was invented by the Persians and
popularized by Alexander the Great, it
was the Romans who perfected it. In those
days, square nails 8 to 12 inches long were
caused massive bleeding and
instant death. Another physician,
Dr. William Stroud, provided an
explanation for the discharge of
blood and water from the pierced
side of Jesus. He referred to a con-
dition called haemopericardium,
which could have resulted in
blood sedimentation; that is, the
solid contents of blood (red blood
cells) separated from the liquid
contents (the white portions).
Thus, it seemed like “blood and
water flowed out.”
Having presented all the evi-
dence, Dr. Gisbert concluded that
like the man on the Shroud, Jesus
would have died of asphyxiation.
Simply put, He finally ran out of
breath. He added, however, that
while Jesus Christ died in three
hours, based on the annals of the
Holocaust tortures, none of the
Jews who were crucified died in
such a short period. In fact, some
lasted up to three days on the cross. He
further pointed out that Jesus, who was a
carpenter, was fit and healthy. Dr. Gisbert
reminded his audience that “Jesus was
not only man; He is God.” Before His final
breath, Jesus declared: “It is finished”
(John 19:30). Dr. Gisbert opined that “He
willed it [His death]. He wanted to die.”
According to Dr. Gisbert, forensics
has given a face to the image on the
Shroud. While displaying this face side
by side with the photographic negative
of the image, he related that his father,
Dr. Antonio Gisbert, who gave the same
lecture for 40 years in conjunction with
Dr. Pierre Barbet, had only one word to
describe that face: majestic.
In the brief open forum that ensued,
Dr. Gisbert added that archaeological
evidence indicates that the man was cru-
cified naked, and it is uncertain whether
the crown was taken off before the cru-
cifixion. On the authenticity of the Turin
Shroud, he clarified that carbon dating
had traced the origin of the cloth to the
12th to 15th century, which led the head
of the Shroud of Turin Research Project
(STURP) to write a book declaring that
the Shroud is fake. However, a house-
wife who read the book pointed out that
the carbon dating was flawed because
the sample analyzed was from a mended
portion of the shroud. Years later, after
another carbon dating showed that the
shroud was much older, the same author
wrote another book, this time declaring
that the Shroud is real, and from then on
he became a Catholic.
At the beginning of his talk, Dr. Gisbert
said he would know if he has done his
work if at the end of his talk, his listen-
ers would look at the crucifix in another
dimension. Based on the audience’s rapt
attention and appreciative response, he
has clearly done his work well.

“A Doctor at Calvary.” According to Dr.
Gisbert, Hitler ordered the crucifixion
of Jews in the concentration camps, and
these horrible acts are documented in a
book called “Verboten” (Forbidden).
Dr. Gisbert also cited evidence from
the Shroud of Turin, a centuries-old cloth
that bears a full front-and-back image
of a bloodied person. While this image
is believed by many to be that of Jesus
Himself, Dr. Gisbert was quick to say
he is not claiming that it is. He did say,
however, that the man whose image is on
the Turin Shroud underwent flogging,
crowning with thorns, crucifixion, and
all the other tortures that Christ suffered.
Photographic negatives of the Shroud
illuminated every detail of the image,
which has allowed experts to study even
the wounds on the man’s body. Modern-
day forensics has also matched a skeleton
to the figure, placing the man’s height at
5 feet, 10 and ¾ inches.
Referring to Christ’s suffering in the
Garden of Gethsemane where, according
to Luke 22:44, Jesus “was in such agony
and he prayed so fervently that his sweat
became like drops of blood falling on the
ground,” Dr. Gisbert explained that this
is entirely possible – that a man can actu-
ally sweat blood. He said the victims of
tortures during Hitler’s time did so when
they were psychologically prepared
about what they were going to suffer.
This sweating of blood, brought on by
extreme stress and anxiety, is a medical
condition known as haematidrosis.
With regard to Jesus’ scourging, Dr.
Gisbert explained that under Roman law,
flagellation was a punishment for minor
offenses. Pilate had Jesus scourged be-
cause he found Him undeserving of death
and therefore intended only to punish
struck over the man’s head. The mark
of a reversed “E” on the man’s forehead
provided further evidence of this since
after extensive studies, researchers
concluded that the mark was caused by
repeated striking on the head while the
crown of thorns was in place. Research-
ers also discovered that the man on the
Shroud had blood type AB, which is the
rarest in the world.
For crucifixions, explained Dr. Gisbert,
the Romans used a cross (crux) with
two pieces—the vertical piece (stipes
crucis) that was fixed permanently at the
crucifixion site and the horizontal beam
(patibulum) that was carried by the con-
demned. The patibulum was made of the
same wood used for doors and weighed
about 120 pounds. In the case of Jesus,
since He was crucified with two others,
the three beams would have been tied to
each other, with the third patibulum also
tied to the leg of its carrier. This prevented
the condemned persons from attempting
to escape but also made it easy for the
last person in the line to fall as he was be-
ing pulled forward. Based on numerous
reenactments, Dr. Gisbert says researchers
were able to pinpoint the three falls that
Jesus suffered and how these happened.
The image on the Shroud showed two
large imprints on the back of the man,
which matched the way the patibulum
would have been carried. Dr. Gisbert
added that the wood pieces used had a
rough surface that would have scratched
the fresh wounds of a man who had just
been scourged, causing intense pain.
The image also showed abrasion on the
knees, swelling on the eyebrows and
around the eyes, bruising on the cheek,
and a broken nose, which were consist-
ent with the man falling knee first and
Marriage Retreat
used. Curiously, the hand imprints on the
Shroud showed only four fingers and no
thumb. Dr. Barbet later concluded that this
was because the nails pierced the hand at
the so-called Destot’s space between the
wrist bones. In so doing, the Median nerve
Enrichment 2 and 3
responsible for thumb movement was in-
jured, causing the thumb to turn inward.
The nails had to be particularly angled so
that they do not hit bone. Because of their
specific location, they are able to carry the
weight of the crucified man.
Based on the wound imprints, the feet
of the man on the Shroud were nailed
left over right. The trickles of blood from
his wrists also allowed researches to
determine his exact position as he hung
on the cross.
Crucifixion is the most diabolical
means of torture, said Dr. Gisbert. This 3 touched on heeding God’s call,
By Josie Pangilinan
is because a nailed man would have to deepening our love, growing a serv-
push himself up to breathe and then ant’s heart, raising a holy family and
lower himself to exhale. Both movements SOME 24 married couples from home on a lamp stand.
would entail severe pain because the Sydney and Canberra took part in a Saturday night formal dinner
man would be unable to move his arms. weekend retreat in mid-March to en- was made special by the ambi-
Breaking the legs of a crucified man rich their relationship with God and ence created by the service team
would hasten his death since he would with their God-given life partners – flower centered dinner tables,
not be able to raise himself up for air. In and family. The venue was St. Joseph lighted candles, bouquets fit for
his gospel account, John wrote that when Conference Centre in Brin-gelly. a wedding reception, wine in tall
the soldiers “came to Jesus and saw that Speakers from Manila included glasses, singing, dancing and glori-
he was already dead, they did not break CFC International Council mem- ous food. The participants felt that
his legs” (John 19:33). Hence, again, no ber Lito Tayag and wife Linda, they were on a romantic date.
bones were broken. Metro Manila sector head Bong The retreat closed with many sto-
As a coup de grace, “one soldier thrust Arjonillo and Dandy and Susan ries and sharing of experiences. The
his lance into his side, and immediately Calvez. participants expressed gratitude for
blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34). The Marriage Enrichment Re- the sacrifices and good example the
Dr. Gisbert explained that Roman soldiers treat 2 (MER 2) covered topics on service team provided in the organi-
knew exactly which part of the body to what makes a Christian marriage zation, preparation and kitchen du-
strike in order to cause death. Based on work, unity and communication in ties. The team included team leaders
radiological evidence and reenactments marriage, Christian parenting, sex Denis and Ruth Reyes, Nick and Tey
with cadavers, it was determined that the in marriage and empowering our Tenorio, Conrad and Gene Maniago,
man on the Shroud was pierced on the marriages. On the other hand, MER Allan and Irma Torres.
right side of his heart, which would have
 Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
C4 Vol. 15 No. 9
April 25 - May 8, 2011

CFC Singapore puts on the

Full Armor of God
By Maita Cabinian
Last March 26, over 520 mem-
bers of CFC, SFC, KFC, HOLD,
and SOLD Singapore trooped
to the Spring Singapore Audito-
rium for the 2011 CFC weekend
retreat, focused on this year’s
global theme, “Put On the Full
Armor of God,” taken from
Ephesians 6:11-17.
The event began with a ral-
lying opening worship by KFC
West Coordinator Randy Va-
lencia who exhorted everyone
to strip off their pride, fears,
and wrongdoings so that they
would be fit enough to wear
God’s armor.
The first speaker for the day,
Rommel Ancheta, a missionary
for the past 14 years, described
the battlefield - how the foe
came to be and how God has
commissioned His army to
restore mankind’s dignity as
the People of God. He said that
CFC has been called to serve in
this war to fight the good fight in
bringing others to the Kingdom
of God. He shared how his mis-
sion work formerly as the head
of YFC International Missions
and currently as the FLAME Op-
erations Head has been fraught
with challenges but all these
have been overwhelmed by the
rewards of a new baby girl and
of seeing his two-year old son
with arms lifted in worship to
the Lord.
Rommel’s wife, Layle, shared
her experiences as a full
time worker for the past
nine years, a career that
took seed when she
joined KFC as a young
girl. She shared how as
missionaries, the enemy
has been devious in at-
tacking them at their
weakest points which
is their relationship as
spouses, the well-be-
ing of their family, and
their personal doubts
and uncertainties
about their children’s
future. But through-
out all these, she has
been blessed with CFC
leaders who guide and
inspire them.
Rommel continued
with the second talk on
how God uses ordinary people
and makes them martyrs and
saints. All that is needed is to
surrender to God’s plan, like a
child with full faith in his father.
Francis and Rancy Manago,
household leaders, shared their
struggles with having a child
but after accepting the call to
higher service were promptly
rewarded with the gift of par-
enthood.
The speaker then asked each
participant to focus on five
concerns and with each finger
representing a concern, to lift
up their hands in prayer, asking
God for help on these things. He
ended by reminding everyone
that the world is a battlefield and
the power of the evil one casts a
spell over the world. CFC’s mis-
sion is to regain lost territories
for God.
The next talk was given by
Arnel Santos, a Sector Head in
Metro Manila and the Provincial
Area Head for Apayao Province.
He explained what to Stand
Firm Against the Foe means. He
warned that the devil is real and
will even use mission work to de-
stroy our relationship with God.
But God helps us stand through
the renewal of self, of family, and
of the community. His wife Bing
shared their challenges early in
their married life.
Arnel then explained how
the Full Armor of God
equips CFC for the bat-
tle. The Belt of Truth
protects the wearer from
Satan’s lies while Feet
Shod in readiness for the
Gospel of Peace pushes
the army forward in the
face of lethargic faith.
The Shield of Faith pro-
tects the whole self from
the fiery darts of doubt
and uncertainty. The
Helmet of Salvation pro-
tects negative thoughts
planted by the devil.
The Sword of the Spirit
is God’s Word which
provides all the offense
needed when assaulted
by the enemy.
Another CFC Singa-
pore leader, Jonar Lu-
sung, shared the trials that befell
his family as he accepted the call
to higher service.
The last speaker for the
evening was Beng de Leon, CFC
Singapore Mission Head. He
gave biblical accounts of sim-
ple armies conquering greater
legions because God made them
triumphant. None of these vic-
torious armies relied on man’s
strength but on God’s might.
In the same way, God’s secret
strategy for CFC is to Put on
the Full Armor of God, with
prayer at the core of this Armor.
He announced that this year,
prayer and God’s word will be
emphasized with the inclusion
of the Great Bible Adventure
in household meetings, begin-
ning with the meetings of the
Singapore National Council.
He exhorted all CFCs to be a
witness to the least, to the lost
and to the last and implored
CFCs to live their lives care-
fully because for many others,
the members of the community
will be their only exposure to
the Word of God.
He then called on the parade
of colors and flags of the various
CFC family ministries, followed
by the banners of all the mission
areas that CFC Singapore will be
serving this year. An inspiring
praisefest was followed by the
distribution of “God tags” to
identify each member as part of
the CFC Army and to reinforce
what CFC stands for.

Keeping the spirit of Lent alive in U.A.E. First USA-Sponsored

ANCOP Village To Rise

AL AIN, Abu Dhabi — Even though
they are situated in a Muslim country,
most of the overseas Filipino workers
here are not barred from exercising
their Catholic faith. This blessing
enabled them to practice the traditions
familiar to Filipinos during the Lenten
season.
Orlan Santos, who works as a clerk
for Al Ain Hospital’s emergency depart-
ment and who is a member of the local
Couples for Christ chapter, organized a
Visita Iglesia or a novena tour of various
churches in the United Arab Emirates.
With this novena, Catholics in the
Emirates can still offer a solemn prayer
and continue a cultural tradition that
identifies them as Filipinos and as
Catholics.
Catholic churches in the Emirates in-
clude St. Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi,
St. Mary’s churches in Dubai and Abu
Dhabi, St. Francis of Assisi Church in
Dubai, St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah,
and St. Anthony de Padua Church in
Ras al-Kaimah.
Over 250,000 foreign workers in the
Emirates are Catholics, representing
nearly 7 percent of the country’s total
population. They are largely composed
of Filipinos, Indians, Americans, Leba-
nese, and Europeans.
Santos says: “Other nationalities
celebrate with us.” It is no wonder that
Catholic churches in the area are now
“filled with people” of various races,
he says.
Santos has been in the Emirates for
20 years. He met his wife and raised
their two daughters and a son here.
Santos says their children are aware
of such a Catholic tradition. “We have
no household help. Our children are
with us wherever we go. They follow
whatever we do.”
Every Visita Iglesia, Filipinos here
are faced with dilemmas — cramped
space in churches, hot climate in this
country, and distance of each structure
from each other.
“Unlike in the Philippines, the church-
es here are more or less 100 kilometers
apart,” he says. “It is really a sacrifice
even though we are traveling by bus.
Still, we take this opportunity to pray
the rosary while on the journey.”
Santos points out that there is an im-
pression that Catholics do Visita Iglesia
for “tradition’s sake only.” “However,
that is not always the case. I hope that
my children would follow what they see
in us, and teach this to their future kids
as well,” he adds.
ANCOP U.S.A. President Tony Ventura, seated left, with Romy Tanseco, CFC Northern Maryland
(NMD) Chapter Head and Cres Reyes signs the agreement establishing the Kathleen B. Schen-
ning ANCOP Community in San Mateo, Rizal while CFC NMD leaders look on.
THE establishment of the first Mateo, Rizal, was signed by Tony
ANCOP U.S.A. sponsored commu- Ventura, President of ANCOP
nity in the Philippines was firmed U.S.A. and Romy Tanseco, Chapter
up last April 16 during the First Head, CFC Northern Maryland
Men’s Conference held in Vienna, (NMD).
Virginia, USA, by Couples for The signing was witnessed by
Christ. members of the team from NMD
The agreement, which will es- who will be responsible for raising
tablish the Kathleen B. Schenning the needed funds for the completion
ANCOP U.S.A. Community in San of the project.

HOLD Spain holds HER

THE Handmaids Enrichment Coordinator Beth Garcia gave ticularly since the retreat gave
ANCOP Conferences Sweep the Philippines
Retreat (HER) 3- Bring Glad the orientation talk. The re- great focus to CFC’s work with
By Bernie Cuevas launched the ANCOP Global CFC after. ANCOP believes that
Tidings to the Poor - was con- source persons were, Mavic the poor through ANCOP. Walk during the Youth Clergy pastoral formation is key to the
ducted on the first Sunday Chua Manalo, Lorie Abanador HOLD members are now ex- Forum held at the Pryce hotel. continuing transformation of the
of March at the La Inmacuda Caiga, Laila Vidal Villarica and pected to be ready to respond ANCOP has brought its pro- To date, Luzon has had two poor. All ANCOP scholars will
Concepción Hall, San Agustin Aida Olaes Arellano. The re- personally to the cry of the poor. grams down to the level of the Conferences. The first one was undergo KFC and YFC camps
C h u r c h , HOLD Spain is provinces through the ANCOP hosted by CFC Tarlac and was and join the programs of the
Barcelona, Spain. already engaged Conferences by Island. It was conducted for Northern Luzon ministries, again as part of their
HOLD members in the work, by the fastest way to inspire, in- provinces last April 2. The continuing values formation.
Betty Caringal, sponsoring a col- struct, update and answer ques- Hongkong Restaurant was fully The conference format, which
Grace Austria lege student from tions about ANCOP before CFC packed with participants from is the same for all the confer-
and her young Sto Niño Village, leaders and ANCOP volunteers the provinces of Northern and ences, starts with a celebration
daughter April, Tandang Sora down the line. Central Luzon. The second of the Holy Mass followed by
Thess Glodo, Quezon City who The first Conference, held last conference, held last April 10, two talks in the morning: the
Alma Flores, Vida is now taking up March 12-13 at the CICM Retreat was held in Metro Manila at the ANCOP affirmations, founda-
Cansino, Myla de BS Education. The House and hosted by CFC Ne- Philcoa Auditorium. The service tion and thrusts given by Ricky,
la Cruz, Wilma Garcia and Eliza treat was coordinated through Handmaids began this sponsor- gros Occidental, was conducted team had to put up a satellite followed by a presentation of
Permacio attended the retreat. the Pastoral Formation of CFC ship in school year 2010-2011; for the Visayas Island. Despite the venue connected via live video all the ANCOP programs as
The opening worship was led Barcelona under the headship they hope to continue sup- threat of a tsunami after the big feed to be able to accommodate a whole with updates by Eric
by Mavic Manalo while CFC of Ato Glinoga. porting this student until she Japan quake, brothers and sisters the close to 200 participants who de los Reyes, COO of ANCOP.
Head Perry Dimayacyac gave It was an enriching experi- finishes her studies and fulfills from Eastern, Central and West- attended from the MM Sectors The afternoon is devoted to
the opening remarks HOLD ence for the participants, par- her dream to become a teacher. ern Visayas came and crossed and Eastern Luzon. The third three workshops: Education
the seas to attend the conference, and last Luzon Conference will led by Ethel Balenton, Com

CFC Anniversary Book Launched showing their commitment to the

By Tina Rodriguez
ON April 3, 2011, CFC held a
lunch forum to announce that
on the occasion of its 30th An-
niversary in June, it will publish
a commemorative Book aptly
named the “Pearl Book.” The
forum was held immediately
after the Mission Core Lenten
Recollection at the Singson Hall,
Ateneo de Manila University,
and was attended by 116 CFC
leaders, including the Interna-
tional Council, the Metro Manila
Sector Heads and Philippine
provincial area heads.
The launch highlighted the
significance of the Pearl Book in
the history of CFC through a video
presentation, a personal testimony
from CFC leader Alex Escucha
about the importance of CFC
memorabilia, and a briefing on the
Pearl Book by Bernie Cuevas. The
presence of the 29 AD Musicion-
aries and their first-ever public
performance of the original com-
position of the anniversary song,
“The Pearl Of Great Price,” added
to the afternoon’s atmosphere of
celebration and gratefulness.
The lunch forum aimed to
solicit support for the Pearl Book
among the CFC leaders present,
who generously pledged to con-
tribute financially to the funding
of the Book project. It was also
announced that the book will be
sold at a highly affordable price
in order to afford every member
of the community a chance to
own this chronicle of CFC’s his-
tory. The book will highlight the
victory won through the Pearl of
great price, Jesus Christ himself,
as told through personal testimo-
nies of different members of the
CFC worldwide community.
(Note: The Pearl Book will be
available for sale at a reasonable
price to all members by CFC’s 30th
Anniversary in June. For reserva-
tions, advanced payments, and
pledges of financial support, please
e-mail the CFC Pearl Book Mar-
keting Committee through carel.
ariola@gmail.com.)
Lord and the work with the poor.
A study tour of the farms of Mon
and Grace Penalosa was one of
the highlights of the Conference
to stress the focus of ANCOP for
sustainability and empowerment
of the poor especially in the rural
areas.
The Mindanao Conference
was hosted by CFC Iligan and it
was held on April 16 at the Ce-
ladon Pensione in Iligan, Lanao
del Norte. Close to 200 CFC
and Family Ministries members
from the provinces in all the five
Regions of Mindanao packed
the hall, all eager to know more
about ANCOP. The conference
coincided with the Youth for
Christ International Leaders
Conference (YFC ILC) in Cagay-
an de Oro. The YFC Conference
be held in Pagbilao Quezon on
May 14, 2011 to be hosted by
CFC Quezon. There will also
be study tours of the Farms of
Andy Alquiroz and Rudy Lubis
in Batangas before and after the
main conference.
All the conferences started
high and ended high in Spirit as
President and CEO of ANCOP,
Ricky Cuenca stressed on the
very foundation of the CFC
work with the poor which is love
of God and love for the poor.
He presented the principles of
ANCOP which are consistent
with the Core Values of CFC and
our oneness with the Catholic
Church. All ANCOP beneficiar-
ies and partners will undergo the
Christian Life Program as part
of their Values Formation and
they can choose to join or not join
Dev Shelter by Mark Tagalag
and Rizal Ting, and Com Dev
Livelihood led by Rudy Lubis
with resource persons on Hu-
man Resource (Robert Poblete
and Edwin Chavez), Enterprise
Development (Elmer Cadiz),
and Cooperatives (Pol Pinera
and Bernie Cuevas) and Skills
Development (Alex Geremias).
The workshops discussed in
detail how to start the programs
and answered questions raised
by the participants.
All conferences ended with a
very lively closing exhortation
and praisefest. A CD of the
whole proceedings was made
available to the participants to
help them in bringing down
the programs for implementa-
tion when they go back to their
respective areas.