CBCP

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Vol. 10 No. 8
JulyMission
31, 2006 Society
Marks Fil-Mission
Sunday
Caring for Vocations
and Shepherding
Seminarians
Self-Sufficiency Through
Giving: A Modified Tithing
Program
2006 AMRSMP
Convention
Statement
1
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“Show Evidence,” Collegio Filippino

Archbishop
Appeals
CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP) head Arch-
bishop Angel Lagdameo has chal-
lenged the accusers who linked him
CBCP Monitor Elects New Officers
THE community of the Pontificio
Collegio Filippino (PFC) in Rome
elected its new set of “co-
responsibles” this year.
Fr. Richard Tan of the Diocese of
Calbayog was elected as the new main
along with five other bishops to the Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace coordinator while Fr. Nemer Chua and
alleged plot to oust President Arroyo Fr. Oscar Cadayona as vice coordina-
to come out with evidence. tor and Treasurer, respectively.
Show Evidence / P4
July 31, 2006 Vol. 10 No. 8 Php 16.00 Collefio Filipino / P16

Men Religious vow to Fight Social ills

By Ma. Lourdes Ebilane

THE superiors of major religious tice the perpetrators, “whoever they

congregations of men in the Philip- may be.”
pines have united to more aggres- They also vowed to continue
sively tackle the issues of poverty, working to eradicate corruption in the
corruption and political killings that government’s institutions and other
continue to plague the country. areas where they carry out their mis-
In a statement after a recent con- sion.
vention in Cebu, the Association AMRSMP represents major re-
Major Religious Superiors of Men ligious congregations of priests,
in the Philippines (AMRSMP) af- brothers and their mission partners,
firmed they will fight political killings, who work in various ministries in the
environmental destruction, corrup- country.
tion and the alleged railroading of Gathered for an annual assem-
charter change process. bly in Lipa City last June, the Asso-
“We have spent time in reflect- ciation of Major Religious Superiors
ing on the conditions of the people of Women in the Philippines
that we serve and we are compelled (AMRSWP), on the other hand,
to address the concerns that plague called on government leaders to train
our society today,” it said. their attention to the suffering Filipi-
The group wants the govern- nos and urged their religious sisters
1st East, West and South Luzon Regional Assembly of Prison Chaplains and Volunteers in Prison Service Assembly
ment to put an end the extra-judicial and lay partners to live their pro-
at Quans Worth Farms, Lucena City, July 28-30. killings in the country and the cul- phetic calling by exposing and de-
ture of impunity by bringing to jus- nouncing the prevailing social evils.

Church Offers Mass for Family Seen as Key to Solving Youth Problems
OFWs in Lebanon By Roy Lagarde lenges prevalent among the youth nation, poverty, lack of access to
today. quality education and peer pressure.
THE Catholic Church has offered prayers for the ENHANCING family values is the “We, as their parish priests, The participants of the gather-
safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in key to solving the problems con- want to know what the youth are also ing expressed that because of pov-
Lebanon and Israel as fighting between the two cerning the youth of today. This has thinking in view of guiding them to erty, most of them were left with no
countries has become more critical. been the consensus of those present become better persons,” said Fr. choice but to work and earn
Organized by the CBCP Episcopal Commis- during the “Vicariate Reload,” a gath- Vicente Servania, Mary Help of Chris- money for a living. They have
sion for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itiner- ering of around 400 youth from eight tian parish priest who was among the to help their parents earn more
ant People (ECMI) together with the Manila parishes of the Diocese of priests who joined the discussion to income in order to keep up
Archdiocesan Ministry, a special mass was held Parañaque last July 22, 2006. come up with collaborative strategies with their basic daily needs
July 23 at the Nuestra Señora de Guia Church in Organized by the Vicariate of to help the youth. and be able to pay their debts.
Ermita, Manila. San Martin de Porres, the youth gath- From the many youth issues The youths declared that
The Archdiocese of Manila, meanwhile, has ering held lately was part of the first presented, the ones related to bro- the family is the “foundation”
started integrating in all its Masses a special prayer vicariate general assembly held at the ken homes topped as the most com- that serves as their “guide” on
for peace in the Holy Land as well as the entire Mary Help of Christian Parish where mon among the youth today. The whatever they do.
Church Offers / P4 young people shared about the chal- other problems stem from discrimi- Family Seen / P4 Parañaque Bp. Jesse E. Mercado, DD

Tobias: Providing Sanctuary, A Moral Imperative

WHEN a person so-called Oakwood Mutiny and the
CRS Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Corridor in Lebanon
needs refuge from alleged moves last February to over- CRS is also advocat- from supplies and escape routes
perceived persecu- throw the Arroyo administration. ing for the establishment because access roads have been
tion, the Church “My position is clearly within of a humanitarian corridor destroyed by tricity has taken a
must be open to the bounds of Christian moral im- into Beirut for the safe pas- severe toll on the industrial sec-
anyone without ex- peratives in providing sanctuary to sage of aid workers and tor, and many businesses have
ceptions. those who are fleeing from ‘justice’ life-saving relief supplies. come to a complete halt as they
Novaliches Bishop Antonio and persecution,” he said. CRS aid workers report cannot produce their goods, es-
Tobias pursued this pastoral concern A pastor at heart, the bishop transport of humanitarian pecially those that produce food
after he admitted of coddling ren- emphasized that the Church is and assistance is becoming in- or other perishables.
egade soldiers that were part of the Tobias / P4 creasingly difficult. “What we’re seeing is the

PNOC Recalls Coal Mining Project

“Israeli forces have degradation of human dignity,”
declared that all trucks and says Tom Garofalo, CRS Country
BALTIMORE, MD, July 21, large transport vehicles are legitimate Representative for Jerusalem,
THE Philippine Na- that they were pulling fired power plant lo- 2006—Catholic Relief Services targets for air and missile attacks,” Gaza and the West Bank. “The
tional Oil Company out of the project be- cated in a mine site. (CRS) joins Pope Benedict XVI reports Mark Schnellbaecher, CRS assault on Gaza has come to re-
(PNOC) has withdrawn cause of the lack of “We absolutely and the United States Conference Regional Director for the Middle semble a siege; the most vulner-
its proposed coal min- community support. reject PNOC’s pro- of Catholic Bishops in calling for East. “As a result, truck drivers are able suffer and die and there is in-
ing project in Isabela The coal project posed mine-mouth an immediate ceasefire to end the unwilling to work for fear of being sufficient discussion of a diplo-
province after a decade was supposed to have coal-plant because it violence in the Lebanon and Gaza, bombed, creating a complete cut-off matic solution by Israel or the
of dispute with church been built adjacent to will threaten the lives of before it expands into a wider and of supplies from Beirut to the villages United States.”
leaders, environmental- towns of Naguillian, the people in the sur- deadlier regional conflict. We con- in the South - Marjeyoun, Tyre, Ain In Gaza, CRS is distributing
ists and local residents. Benito Soliven and rounding communi- demn Hamas’ and Hezbollah’s pro- Ebel, Bint Jbeil, and others.” non-perishable food items such as
In a dialogue with Cauayan City but they ties,” said Isabela Anti- vocative terrorist and cross-bor- The situation is particularly sardines, beans, lentils, oil, olives,
Isabela folks and envi- all rejected the PNOC’s Coal Mine Alliance der attacks, as well as indiscrimi- acute in Lebanon’s third largest city tea and sugar, and household
ronmentalists, PNOC request for endorse- leader Fr. Tony Ancieta nate Israeli military action which of Saida (Sidon), where residents and items such as dish detergent,
President and Chief Ex- ment of the project. in a phone interview. is causing the death and suffering the many internally displaced people soap, dishes and basins. These
ecutive Officer This would have been The decision also of civilians. who fled from the south are cut off CRS Calls / P2
Eduardo Mañalac said the country’s first coal- PNOC Recalls / P4

vol10-n08.pmd 1 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
2 World News Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Catechesis of Creation for Methodists Adopt Catholic-Lutheran

Protection of the Environment Declaration on Justification
VATICAN City, July 20, 2006—Made social prob- SEOUL, South Korea, July 25, 2006— mon prayer; to continue theological ment,”
public today was the text of a Mes- lems.” In a historic step on the road toward dialogue, and to “an increase in joint which grew
sage from Benedict XVI to the Ecu- T h e Christian unity, the World Method- witness to the Gospel of Jesus out of the
menical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Holy Father ist Conference adopted the Catho- Christ.” Anglican
Constantinople for the 6th sympo- expresses lic-Lutheran joint declaration on jus- Dialogue between the Method- Church,
sium on the environment organized the hope tification July 23. The declaration had ist and Roman Catholic churches has “has al-
by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as that the been previously approved by the been ongoing for more than four de- ways un-
part of its “Religion, Science and En- Amazon Vatican and the Lutheran World Fed- cades. A Methodist statement about derstood
vironment” project, the theme of symposium eration in 1999. the declaration was drafted and cir- itself as deeply indebted to the bibli-
which this year is “The Amazon “may once Cardinal Walter Kasper, presi- culated among all member churches cal teaching on justification as it was
River: source of life.” again draw dent of the Pontifical Council for Pro- of the World Methodist Council for understood by (Martin) Luther and
The symposia of the project are the atten- moting Christian Unity, called the consultation and approval, and all the other reformers,” the resolution
always held afloat, and this year’s tion of peoples and governments to signing in Seoul, South Korea, “his- responses were positive. On July 18, said.
edition is being celebrated from July the problems and urgent needs of toric” and “a gift of God.” delegates to the World Methodist “But it has also always em-
13 to 20 on a ship sailing along the an area ... so threatened in its eco- The agreement on justification, Conference voted unanimously to braced elements of the doctrine of
Amazon River. The aim of the project logical balance.” He also highlights which explains how people are made adopt the declaration. justification which belong to the
is to promote “awareness of the how, with this initiative, the Ecumeni- just in the eyes of God and saved by The 1999 declaration said: “By Catholic tradition of the early
grave problems threatening creation, cal Patriarch Bartholomew I has Jesus Christ, “provides a basis for a grace alone, in faith in Christ’s sav- church.”
and commitment to joint action sought to demonstrate “Christian more profound common witness be- ing work and not because of any As a guest speaker, Methodist
among Christians and men of religion support to the people of the Ama- fore the world,” the cardinal report- merit on our part, we are accepted Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, general sec-
in attempting to solve them.” zon regions.” edly said at the signing. by God and receive the Holy Spirit, retary of the World Council of
The symposium, which is also “In our common commitment,” Two representatives from each who renews our hearts while equip- Churches, said the signing was “a
taking place under the patronage of says Pope Benedict in his Message,” of the three church bodies signed ping us and calling us to good giant step to … overcoming Chris-
the Catholic Church in Brazil, is be- I see an example of that collabora- the agreement. works.” tian divisions.”
ing attended by, among others, Car- tion which Orthodox and Catholics Cardinal Kasper expressed his The Methodists said the decla- “Our world needs a church that
dinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, arch- must seek constantly in order to re- hope that the joint agreement would ration “corresponds to Methodist bears witness to the Gospel in word
bishop of Sao Salvador da Bahia, spond to the need for a shared testi- lead to a commitment to deepen com- doctrine.” “The Methodist Move- and deed,” he added. (CNA)
and by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, mony. This means that all Christians
vice dean of the College of Cardi-
nals, who delivered the Pope’s Mes-
must cultivate that interior openness
of soul which is dictated by charity Cor Unum: Special Collection of Funds for Lebanon
sage to the Patriarch Bartholomew I. and has its roots in the faith. In this
In that Message, the Pope thanks way, they can together offer the VATICAN City, July 22, 2006 - The ter the thousands of displaced The communique also indicates
Bartholomew for “your support for world a credible witness of their Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” to- people. where to send donations for this
the Brazilian episcopate’s commit- sense of responsibility towards the day published the following commu- “This aid is directed towards a special collection of funds:
ment in Amazonia and your activity defense of creation.” nique: project being promoted by Caritas Italian Post Office current ac-
in favor of the environment, the de- Remarking on the presence at “Given the persistence of the Lebanon, the Custody of the Holy count number 603035, made out to
terioration of which has grave and the symposium of figures from the conflict in the Middle East and of Land, the AVSI Foundation and Pontifical Council Cor Unum, stating
profound repercussions upon great monotheistic religions, the the terrible plight of the peoples in- other organizations present on the the reason: for Lebanon. Banca di
peoples.” Pope observes how “reciprocal re- volved, the Pontifical Council ‘Cor ground, in order to supply materials Roma current account number 101010
“The task of highlighting an spect” between faiths also comes Unum’ wishes, in the name of the for welcome centers (mattresses, - ABI 3002, CAB 5008 (from abroad:
appropriate catechesis of creation - about through initiatives such as this Holy Father, to demonstrate its close- blankets and sheets), drinking wa- SWIFT code: BROMIT)—made out
in order to recall the meaning and one, which concern the interests of ness to those who are suffering, ter, food and hygiene kits, and medi- to Pontifical Council Cor Unum, stat-
religious significance of its protec- all. “It is necessary,” he concludes, sending preliminary aid to help shel- cines.” ing the reason: for Lebanon. (VIS)
tion - is intimately connected to our “to find common ground in which to
duty as pastors,” writes the Pope,
“and could have an important impact
bring together the commitment of
each individual to defend the habi- Papal Meeting to Discuss New Appointment?
on the perceived value of life itself tat ordained by the Creator for hu-
and on the adequate solution of ... man beings.” (VIS) ROME, Jul. 24, 2006—Cardinal Pope all afternoon. 22 to head of the Vatican City-State
Tarcisio Bertone met privately with According to sources, governorate, also beginning on Sep-
Pope Benedict XVI during the Holy Bertone’s meeting with the Pope in- tember 15.
Congo Bishops Say Conditions for Father’s vacation in Valle d’Aoste on
Monday. The current archbishop of
volved certain important matters,
particularly the appointment of the
Pope Benedict will leave Les
Combes on July 28, having arrived
Fair Elections not Met Genoa—who will succeed Cardinal
Angelo Sodano as the Vatican’s Sec-
future Secretary for Relations with
States, the number 2 position within
there on July 11. According to re-
ports, the Pope made his vacation
CENCO’s chairman, retary of State on September 15— the Secretariat of State, often com- productive as well as relaxing by tak-
Archbishop Laurent arrived in the village of Les Combes pared to the secular governmental ing the time to work on several
Monsengwo of by automobile for the private meet- post of foreign minister. projects, in particular, a book on
Kisangani, told the mis- ing with the Holy Father. Journalists The current “foreign minister” Jesus which he had begun the draft-
sionary news service who saw the cardinal said he arrived of the Holy See, Archbishop ing before his election as pope last
MISNA that the Congo- around 11 am and remained with the Giovanni Lajolo, was named on June year. (CWNews)
lese population needs to
be reassured on all as-
pects of the elections.
“We reject the incom-
Kerala Christians: “New Education Law is Undemocratic”
prehensible slowness and
hesitation, the regrettable The Kerala Profes- munities from each other. “The cam-
double dealing, inadmis- sional Colleges Bill 2006 paign mounted against us, claiming
sible subterfuges that so reserves the right to de- that we have more colleges, is in-
far have impeded the cide whether a commu- tended to create a negative feeling
KINSHASA, Congo, July 24, 2006— country from proceeding along the nity is a minority or not, against Christians among other com-
Congo’s Catholic bishops have path towards elections, in an atmo- and on this basis to de- munities.”
threatened to withhold their recog- sphere of comprehension and na- cide how many schools Fr Joseph told AsiaNews: “The
nition of the validity of the upcom- tional harmony,” he said. this community can run as Christian community pioneered in
ing July 30 general elections, saying Congo’s electoral commission is well. The state govern- establishing education institutions in
that all the conditions for a transpar- organizing the elections with the help ment will also be empow- Kerala nearly 150 years ago and all
ent, free, and democratic vote have of the United Nations in an effort to ered to decide the propor- the communities derived benefits
not been met. move on from the 1998-2003 civil war tion of minority students from its work... The new law aims to
The Bishops Conference of the that killed about four million people. a school may accept in re- annihilate the development work of
Democratic Republic of Congo Congolese bishops have been lation to other students. minority communities, apart from the
(CENCO) said in a statement on active in preparing the people for Christian institutes have fact that it goes against the Consti-
Thursday, the bishops said instead elections, but they have been dis- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, taken the case to the state’s high tution. These communities should be
there have been allegations of ma- heartened by contradictory declara- July 24, 2006—Priests from all the court that should issue a ruling this encouraged to contribute to the de-
nipulation, deception, and fraud. tions on the electoral lists and fail- churches in Kerala yesterday read week. velopment of the nation rather than
In the message directed at the ure to list the exact number of vot- out a pastoral letter exhorting believ- Christian leaders declared yes- being punished for services ren-
voters in the country with over 30 ers, the presence of “reserve” ballot ers to protest against the state’s new terday to be a “day of prayer and dered, which is what this law does.”
million Catholics, titled, “The end of boxes, the suspicious location of higher education act. The letter, fast to protest the law”, which, as He continued: “In fact, it is mi-
transition in national concord,” the servers in the electronic counting jointly drawn up and signed by lead- they wrote in the letter, “excludes norities who invest all their resources
leaders said these irregularities had system, and the absence of a clear ers of all rites, condemned the law Christians, who form only 19% of to build up institutions while the gov-
created tensions a few days before elections timetable. (CWNews) as “unconstitutional, anti-demo- the population of Kerala, from the ernment takes the benefit from them
the elections. cratic and anti-minority”. definition of minorities… This means in the name of social justice.”
Fr Babu Joseph, spokesperson we will have to run our institutions “It is the government,” he
of the Bishops’ Conference of In- like government institutions. This added, “that collects taxes from the
dia, shares their view. In an inter- move penalizes us.” public and therefore it has the duty
CRS Calls / from P1 view with AsiaNews, he accused the The letter, signed by the Arch- to provide an education for the less
items, which will assist approxi- American Jewish Joint Jerusalem government of “wanting to abdicate bishop of the Syro-Malankara rite, wealthy. But it seems that now it
mately 1,300 families (about 10,000 Distribution Commitee, based in its responsibility to guarantee edu- Cyril Mar Baselius, on behalf of all wants to abdicate that responsibil-
people), will be distributed through New York, to aid people displaced cation for all and of planning to dump bishops, said Christian institutions ity by dumping it onto the shoul-
CRS’ local partners. by cross-border shelling in north- it onto the shoulders of a minority would press ahead with legal action ders of a minority that has worked
CRS is giving $50,000 to the ern Israel. (CRS News) that has worked hard and is being to fight the new act. It also accused hard to create institutions with their
punished for this.” the government of distancing com- scarce resources.” (AsiaNews)

vol10-n08.pmd 2 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 News Feature 3
Church’s Social Doctrine Urges
with the poor around us; because we are fol-
lowers of Christ and have to see him in the
poor, the doubles of Christ; and because at

‘Preferential Love for the Poor’

the end, we will be examined on love, particu-
larly on love of the poor.”
The preferential love for the poor, Fr.
Gomez added, requires everybody to practice
by Bob R. Acebedo “poverty in spirit, a simple lifestyle, and soli-
darity with the poor.”
Quoting the noted Catholic writer Jose
Luis Martin Descalzo who once quipped that
“no one can be poor in spirit while living like
the rich man,” Fr. Gomez said that “poverty in
spirit” implies “the power to recognize the Lord
in the poor, the downtrodden, and the ‘fallen’
on the many roads of injustice, oppression and
exploitation.”
A “simple lifestyle”, Fr. Gomez further ex-
plained, demands that “we live simply so that
others might simply live”. “When we see
people dying of hunger, or merely surviving,
how can we waste food, or other resources, or
simply have too much?”
Moreover, “solidarity with the poor”, Fr.
Gomez said, is “sharing with and accompany-
ing the poor on their way to their equal dignity
and rights.” Distinctively so, “solidarity with
the poor”, Fr. Gomez stressed, may also imply
condemning rich countries and international
lending institutions for exploiting poor coun-
tries with unjust debt schemes and forcibly
pushing them into an interminable poverty.
Fr. Gomez explained, “Vatican II notes that
if a person is in extreme necessity, he has the
right to take from the riches of others what he
© Denz Dayao

himself needs. St. Thomas Aquinas asked him-

self: Is theft justifiable in case of necessity?
He answers in the affirmative: In case of neces-
sity everything is in common. In this case
there is no theft—morally speaking. Could we
THE Philippine Church’s declaration of 2006 of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Gomez threatened specie of the earth. Poor are those not apply this doctrine also to poor countries
as Year of Social concerns has precipitated, no pointed out that all are “obliged to share some- human beings who lack what is needed to live in relation to their huge debt to rich countries?
doubt, a new wave of dynamism towards a thing—or much—with the poor around us.” a truly human life. In Asia, the priority of ser- Why should the poor countries pay back when
clearer understanding of the Social Doctrine “Preferential” love (or option) for the poor, vice to the poor is focused on migrants, indig- the rich countries do not need the money and
of the Church. according to Fr. Gomez, means “to choose the enous and tribal peoples, women and children. for the poor countries the payment is a great
In a conference on “Human Rights and poor as a priority of justice and, principally, of PCP II presents to us faces of our poor: the obstacle for their basic development? Some
the Eradication of Poverty” held last July 15 at charity.” rural and urban poor, tribal Filipinos, street chil- rich countries have begun to erase some of
the University of Asia and the Pacific, Pasig Gomez clarified however that such “prefer- dren, farmers, fishermen, women, and the dis- the debt, which from being external debt is
City, Fr. Fausto Gomez, OP, a noted professor ential love for the poor” should not exclude “lov- abled,” Fr. Gomez said. becoming also an eternal debt!”
in Moral Theology, has stressed that the So- ing the rich”—but only “preferentially” the That all are “obliged” to render preferen- The conference, jointly organized by the
cial Doctrine of the Church calls even more for poor—pointing out that the virtue of charity tial love for the poor, Fr. Gomez cited some Society of Catholic Social Scientists (Philip-
people to exercise “preferential love for the after all demands loving “all” unconditionally. compelling reasons. “Because God created the pine Chapter) and the School of Economics of
poor.” “The poor are the economically and so- earth for all, including the poor, who are also the University of Asia and the Pacific, was at-
Citing as basis the moral principles of “hu- cially deprived: the powerless, the entitled to their share in the goods of the earth; tended by noted academicians, Church
man dignity, common good, solidarity and marginalized, the oppressed, and the exploited. because we are stewards of God’s creation and groups, the business sector and non-govern-
subsidiarity” articulated by the Compendium In our ecological context, the poor are the most are obliged to share what truly belongs to God ment organizations.

THE Philippines, being a sponsibility of the Catho-

Mission Society Marks

predominantly Catholic lic Church in the Philip-
country in Asia and after pines of spreading the
over 400 years as recipi- Faith to other countries
ent of foreign missionary and peoples. “Fil-Mission
efforts, is now rather a Sunday is a day of thanks-
major source of priest giving for the gift of faith

Fil-Mission Sunday
missionaries serving sev- that we have received from
eral countries in the Asia God through the efforts of
Pacific region, and even the missionaries in the
beyond. past. It is an opportunity
In its celebration for us to reflect on our
marking the Filipino Mis- common missionary call-
sion Sunday or Fil-Mis- ing or responsibility to By Baltz Acebedo
sion Sunday last July 30, share our faith with other
the Mission Society of people, especially with rial assistance—for the aries. Through your gen- we received from God;
the Philippines (MSP), those who have not yet cause and efforts of the erous gifts the MSP will and in response to the
the flag bearer of the heard the Good News,” Fr. Mission Society of the be able to train more semi- missionary challenge of
Catholic Church in the Messiona told CBCP Philippines. narians, send more mis- evangelization as a pre-
Philippines for foreign Monitor. “How can we sup- sionaries and share our dominantly Christian
missions, proudly re- With its theme “Eu- port our own Filipino mis- Faith to more countries,” country in the region.”
vealed that its numerous charist: A Mission of sionaries? First, we ask for the MSP’s appeal added. The Fil-Missioners
all-Filipino diocesan mis- Thanksgiving and Shar- your prayers. Most of The Mission Society or MSP missionaries
sionary priests are now ing,” MSP marked this our missionaries have to of the Philippines (MSP) serve the pastoral needs
scattered in several year’s celebration of Fil- face loneliness, sickness, is a community of zealous of the local communities
Asian countries like Tai- Mission Sunday with cultural barriers and even and committed Filipino di- in their respective mis-
wan, South Korea, Thai- mission awareness and sometimes threats to per- ocesan missionary priests sion areas. Some of them
land and Japan; and in promotion campaigns in sonal security as they who live out the charism assist in the formation of
some countries in the Pa- several parishes in Metro preach the Gospel in for- of spending their lives by the local clergy. They
cific region like Papua Manila. Fr. Eladio Oliver, eign lands. They are do- proclaiming the gospel in also take part in the hu-
New Guinea, Australia, MSP’s Bursar General, in ing extraordinary work so the foreign missions. The man development of the
New Zealand, American an interview with CBCP they need and equally ex- Catholic Bishops’ Confer- flock under their care and
Samoa, Cook Islands; Monitor, said that during traordinary strength that ence of the Philippines es- engage in dialogue with
and even in Guyana, last July 30’s celebration can only come from tablished the MSP in 1965 other religions. In some
South America and the of Fil-Mission Sunday, God’s grace; they need to mark the 4th Centennial countries, they also min-
Netherlands. MSP missionary priests, your prayers,” Fr. Oliver celebration of the begin- ister to the needs of the
According to Fr. seminarians and together said quoting the MSP’s ning of the Christian Faith overseas migrant work-
Socrates C. Messiona, with the Fil-Mission Aux- appeal that was read dur- in the Philippines. ers.
MSP, Father Moderator of iliary Association ing the Sunday masses in The mandate that In 1967, the Catholic
the Mission Society of (FMMA), its lay volun- some parishes. the Catholic bishops Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines, the cel- teer group, joined the “Second, we ask for gave to the MSP is “to the Philippines declared
ebration of Fil-Mission Sunday masses in some your material support for recruit, train and send Fili- every last Sunday of July
Sunday is an occasion for 14 parishes in Metro Ma- our Fil-Missioners. We pino missionaries in order as the Filipino Mission
Filipinos to be aware not nila to campaign for mis- can take part in the mis- to share our faith with Sunday or Fil-Mission
only about the efforts of sionary vocations and sion work of the Church other countries espe- Sunday for the whole
MSP missionaries but appeal for public sup- by sharing our material cially in Asia as a sign of Catholic Church in the
also of the collective re- port—prayers and mate- blessings to our mission- our gratitude for the faith Philippines.

vol10-n08.pmd 3 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
4 News Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Bishops Chide Arroyo’s SONA Show Evidence / from P1

“I appeal that the sources of
such stories will clarify themselves for
“It is very possible that an accu-
sation is being leveled against the
WHILE they extolled President Arroyo’s programs for royo should have discussed the several impeachment the sake of common good,” said credibility of the bishops, because of
the country, Catholic bishops scored her State of the complaints she is facing because it shows the real pic- Lagdameo. The prelate admitted he our stand on issues which are not
Nation Address (SONA) saying it did not deal with the ture of the country. is saddened by the reports “fabricated pleasant to certain groups”
country’s real situation and problems. “It’s something that undermined the situation of without proof as to their veracity.” Lagdameo said.
Lingayen-Daguapn Archbishop Oscar Cruz said the country,” said Iñiguez, also the chair of the Catholic Two former “jueteng” witnesses The CBCP head also said that if
what the President did was a futuristic approach because Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Public have accused, through a television he and other bishops have spoken
the present state of the nation is “dim and dismal.” Affairs Committee. news program, six prelates in a con- against the conduct of anyone or any
“While it is understandable to say where the coun- The Citizens’ Battle Against Crime and Corruption spiracy to overthrow the Arroyo ad- group— in favor or against the gov-
try is going and what people can expect, it is incongru- (CIBAC) yesterday filed the sixth impeachment complaint ministration. Richard Garcia and Abe ernment— it was for the interest of
ous to have a SONA precisely so much focused instead before the office of House Secretary General Roberto Riva claimed the bishops had also the common welfare.
on what it is not,” he said. Nazareno. planned to push Sen. Panfilo Lacson “As bishops we always pro-
Cruz noted that Arroyo’s SONA “cannot but be House Speaker Jose de Venecia immediately referred as alternative to Arroyo. mote peace, non-violent and consti-
commended in its content and spirit,” but it provided to the Committee on Justice all six impeachment bids The erstwhile witnesses identi- tutional means of reform in govern-
blurred directions for achieving the reforms and address- lodged against Arroyo. fied other bishops as Archbishop Os- ment,” he said.
ing the poverty. This, he said, was done to break speculations that car Cruz, Bp. Antonio Tobias, Bp. Cruz, meanwhile, belittled Garcia
Arroyo vowed to share power with provinces and he and other pro-Arroyo legislators are blocking the re- Deogracias Iñiguez, Bp. Julio and Riva’s claim. He said he is con-
outlined a massive spending in her vision of a great ferral of the complaints to protect the president. Labayen and Bp. Teodoro Bacani. vinced and confident that no one
future for the country basically in terms of an aggres- The complaints filed by different groups had been Garcia and Riva served as Cruz’s would believe anymore the allega-
sive nationwide socio-economic development outlined endorsed by some minority lawmakers. witnesses during the Senate investiga- tions of his two former witnesses be-
in her SONA recently in Congress. Bishop Antonio Tobias, meanwhile, was dismayed tion on “jueteng” early last year. They cause of their “tarnished” credibility.
The bishops, however, are cynical with Arroyo’s over Arroyo’s enumeration of accomplishments saying took refuge with Tobias until they with- Bacani, for his part, said he is cer-
agenda becoming concrete realities. they totally contradict the current situation of most Fili- drew their testimony in August. tain that Garcia and Riva’s statement
Cruz underscored that there must be a sufficient pinos. Contrary to the reports, are intended to discredit the bishops.
funding to do them, unity among government leaders “Arroyo said that poverty had been reduced but I Lagdameo said they did not have any He cautioned of more allegations
and enough time. Arroyo has less than 4 years left in her don’t agree because there are still two million people meeting together with any group— to come. “I think common sense tells
term to have her plans done. that are poor,” he said. including any member of the me that this is only the beginning.”
“But then, if the same national leadership cannot He said the issue of legitimacy remains unsolved Magdalo group—to unseat Arroyo. (CBCP News)
even clean the country of a stupid illegal numbers game and hounding Arroyo from governing the nation.
like ‘jueteng’, it is quixotic for it to even imagine that it Tobias added that the President must also learn to PNOC Recalls / from P1
can deliver so many fantastic and grandiose national offer self-sacrifice and let the truth prevail on the con- drawn from anti-coal stance through a lot at stake here,” the priest said.
projects,” he said. troversies and issues haunting her bureaucracy. (CBCP a petition signed by more than 15,000 Victory
Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez also said Ar- News) people and resolutions from local “The people of Isabela have de-
government officials of said three feated a coal plant,” he stressed. “And

CBCP’s Committee on Church’s

places, all strongly rejecting the pro- unity was the key factor for the victory.”
posal. He said the “victory” is a tribute
Protest rally to the communities in the province

Cultural Heritage Bares Projects An island-wide resolve to stop

coal mining was known among the
young and old who protested in front
who have been tirelessly working
against the said project ever since it
was proposed.
RECOGNIZING indeed the rich cultural heritage of the the Visayas leg; and tentatively in Surigao City, for the of the Philippine National Oil Company Coal, according to Greenpeace,
Catholic Church as an invaluable aid to evangelization Mindanao leg. in Taguig, Manila few days before the is the dirtiest fossil fuel. “The acute
and catechesis, the Committee for the Cultural Heritage The CCHC is also currently following up the PNOC came out with a decision. and long term environmental and so-
of the Church (CCHC) of the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- Vatican-Philippines Bilateral Agreement on the Care of To drive their message home, cial costs associated with coal us-
ence of the Philippines cannot pose as bereft or wanting the Cultural Heritage of the Catholic Church in the Phil- parishioners from Isabela and volun- age make it expensive and unaccept-
in programs and activities to pursue its mandate of pro- ippines. The final document, reportedly already in the teers from Greenpeace, a non-profit able burden to its host communities.
moting, protecting, and conserving the ecclesiastical possession of the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, organization, some wore protective The coal moreover is a major con-
cultural heritage. is due for submission to the Holy See. coveralls and gas masks, blocked the tributor to climate change, the great-
Headed by Bishop Julito Cortes, the Committee The CCHC is doing a final review of the Draft Stat- gates of the PNOC with signs dis- est threat to our world today.”
for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, during the utes of the Society of Ecclesiastical Archivists of the playing skulls to symbolize the ill- Greenpeace Southeast Asia Cli-
CBCP’s midyear plenum last July 9-10, revealed its vari- Philippines (SEAP). effects of coal plants to the environ- mate and Energy Campaigner Jasper
ous accomplishments, ongoing projects and other fu- The Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the ment and to human health. Inventor said the growing resistance
ture activities. Church is also networking with the Culture Committee “We made sure that the mes- “to this dirty fossil fuel” should be a
As of date, the CCHC is already preparing the of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK), sage gets out and clear to the gov- signal to the government that coal is
second issue of its official publication, Pintakasi, in joint whose members signified their desire to network with ernment that we strongly oppose not a wise investment.
efforts with the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. the CBCP’s CCHC to observe and obtain information coal mining,” Ancieta said. “If President Arroyo is serious
Pintakasi’s second issue will include papers presented about heritage work and advocacy in the Philippines The project, he said, will only in achieving a ‘Green Philippines’ in
during the 2nd biennial National Convention of Church Future projects of the CCHC include the 5th Biennial taint their air and water supply and five years, the government should
Cultural Heritage Workers held in September 2001 in National Convention of Church Cultural Heritage Work- ruin crops, devastating health and stop construction and expansion of
Butuan Diocese, and some speeches delivered during ers in Mindanao next year. livelihoods. more coal plants in the country,” he
the 1st Ordinary Regional Fora on the Church Cultural The CCHC is also mulling the formation of a board “I think people have realized there’s added. (CBCP News)
Heritage held in July 2002. of experts in heritage particularly in pursuing one of its
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2nd Ordinary stipulated functions, articulated by the CBCP statutes, Church Offers / from P1
Regional Fora on the Church Cultural Heritage are al- which states that the Committee “shall serve as a con- Middle East. President Archbishop Angel
ready well under way. A series of fora will be held in sultative Body on the scientific conservation of cultural The full text of the prayer reads Lagdameo to immediately convey the
Legazpi City, Albay, for the Luzon leg; in Cebu City, for ecclesiastical goods.” (Sr. Pinky Barrientos, FSP) as follows: message of Pope Benedict XVI to all
“We pray for peace in the Middle the Philippine bishops.
Tobias / from P1 East, especially in the Holy Land and CBCP President Archbishop
Lebanon. May the governments at war Angel Lagdameo, for his part,
will always be a haven for people in need “without ques- to all those who need it. with each other come to realize that promptly responded by sending a cir-
tions” and “exceptions.” “Let not this government pervert this act of Chris- nobody wins in war and that peace is cular letter containing the Pope’s
“As pastor of the flock, all request for sanctuary tian charity and turn it into something so sordid and the only way to genuine community message to all the bishops.
are given the presumption of credibility as we make no vile to cast aspersions of obfuscation and deceit to tar- of humankind. We pray to the Lord.” In the letter, the Pope said, “what
judgments of good or evil on anyone,” said Tobias. nish the character and integrity of the cleric who dares “We pray for those who are suf- is happening in the Holy Land... is a
In this case, he said, the soldiers were put in a to practice his faith about Christian charity,” he said. fering and grieving because of this con- cause of new and serious concern for
disadvantage by state laws and needed our help. At press time, the government was reportedly study- flict of powers in the Holy Land and everyone, especially for the many vic-
He said some of Mrs. Arroyo’s allies today who ing the possibility of filing charges against the prelate Lebanon, that they may continue to tims among the civilian population.”
were troubled in the past took refuge in the Church but and sought the help of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference hold on to the power of love and peace “At the root of such pitiless con-
they are still welcome if needed. of the Philippines (CBCP) in an investigation. rather than the destruction of hatred trasts there are unfortunately... viola-
Government leaders cautioned the bishop that he But Tobias is fearless saying he is ready to face his and vengeance. We pray to the Lord.” tions of rights and of justice,” he said.
could be charged for criminal offense for harboring the supposed “misdeeds” and submit himself for any in- Earlier, a message was relayed by Around 34,000 Filipinos work in
mutineers saying that no one is above the law even the vestigation. the Vatican through Papal Nuncio Lebanon and most of them are work-
servants of God. “Let the country be my judge,” he said. Archbishop Fernando Filoni asking ing in Beirut. There are 25, 000 do-
But Tobias justified that his action did not help Meanwhile, the militant group Kilusang the CBCP to offer special prayers for mestic workers and the rest work in
them to break the law but to give them respect and the Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) expressed their full unity in the war-ravaged region. hotels or United Nations missions.
moral bearings to guide them in their actions. support to the bishop for his “humanitarian deed and Filoni then requested CBCP (CBCP News)
“Sanctuary is sacrosanct. It is beyond the laws of exercise of rights and responsibilities as both Church
man. Human institutions of the State, the administra- leader and a citizen.” Family Seen / from P1
tion of man’s law by the State are not contradicted by “We emulate and give our high respects to our bish-
“Because there is no solid foundation the First Diocesan General Assembly held
my grant of sanctuary for these young men who came ops. Their courage and steadfastness are raising our
among broken families, the youth will look on February 20-24, 2006 that considered
seeking comfort and aid,” he pointed out. hopes and spirits in this tortuous journey for national
for guidance from other people,” a represen- youth apostolate as one of the diocesan
Tobias earlier confessed he provided shelter and economic sovereignty as the basic condition for a demo-
tative from the Holy Infant Jesus Parish said. pastoral priorities.
refuge for three days and three nights to Magdalo sol- cratic and just society,”
The youth will meet and gain friends. The eight parishes composing the Vi-
diers, including Army 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan, who fled The CBCP also reiterated its support for Tobias in
But most of the time they will meet friends cariate of San Marin that joined the event
from their detention cell in Fort Bonifacio last January. helping some members of the Magdalo group.
who will drag them to vices like smoking, were San Martin de Porres, Mary Help of
The bishop also stressed he has no regrets for help- Tobias said he is overwhelmed by the support given
drinking alcohol, and worse, taking drugs. Christian, Holy Infant Jesus, Holy Eucha-
ing the fugitives saying that what he did was for the by his fellow bishops, which earlier offered to send him
It was noted that the best that should rist, Our Lady of Beautiful Love, Our Lady
common good. “We wanted to resolve the problem in a lawyer if he need one.
happen to the youth is to build better fami- of the Most Holy Rosary, San Agustin,
peaceful way.” “I really felt the support of the CBCP. My fellow
lies. With broken families come broken Mary and Immaculate Quasi-Parish.
Tobias also called on the government not to de- bishops called me from their dioceses,” he added. (Roy
youth values. The diocese of Parañaque was estab-
stroy the tradition of “Christian charity of sanctuary” Lagarde)
The youth gathering was the result of lished only in 2002.

vol10-n08.pmd 4 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 Feature 5
Caring for Vocations and Shepherding Seminarians
Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D.
Bishop of Boac

Introduction Holy Orders, the nurturing of the gift

of the priesthood according to the
UPON further reflection on the topic Priesthood of Christ, the Eternal
assigned to me, I was inspired to give Priest, takes a lifetime. This is the rea-
this the subtitle, “CARING FOR THE son why a priest has to maintain his
FUTURE OF THE CHURCH.” With- deep connectedness to God in prayer
out vocations and without the care- especially through Eucharistic spiri-
ful shepherding of seminarians—our tuality and life of virtues.
future priests—the life of the Church The story of how the apostles
is jeopardized. Caring for vocations were called and then gradually trans-
actually extends to those called to formed by our Lord Jesus Christ—
consecrated life and even to those this is what we now call seminary for-
called to married life or to single bless- mation—is somehow repeated in ev-
edness because they too are also ery candidate to the priesthood. Like
called by God to holiness; but for Peter and Andrew, James and John,
this particular moment, we will limit and the rest of the apostles and dis-
our focus on vocation to the priest- ciples, he is uprooted from the first
hood, religious or diocesan. This seedbed of life—that is the family, and
will bring us later on to our reflection even the community. Then, God
on shepherding seminarians. placed him in the seedbed of voca-
We are all familiar with the topic tions—that is the seminary—where
at hand because all of us started with he is eventually crafted and carefully
our experience of a call from God. We honed to be His priests. It is in the
heard God’s call through some people seminary that he is offered his iden-
© Roy Lagarde

around us. For many of us, we entered tity and slowly being introduced to
the seminary through the invitation of his mission for God and His Church.
a priest. Some of us initially thought It is in the seminary that a candidate
of entering the seminary through a to the priesthood is gradually trans-
vocation campaign in our school lis- formed into the thoughts, ways, and
tening in awe to the priests and nuns holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shadows Over My Beloved Country

telling us their vocation stories. A few Configuration to Christ is the direc-
of us were enticed by playing basket- tion and purpose of the whole forma-
ball with seminarians who spent their tion program in each seminary under
summer apostolate in our parish. This the bishop’s supervision. And like
may solicit a smile from us, but it is any gift freely given, the gratuitous By Rev. Euly Belizar, Jr.
also a reality that some vocation sto- gift of vocation can also be freely re-
ries started from our grandmother— turned or utterly rejected. WHEN I came home to the Philippines on the fourth Thurs- creetly ask the same question to DPWH authorities and I
yes, our lola—who was so consis- Aside from being a gift of God, day of November, 2004 I didn’t quite expect to find Utopia. get an answer I find so much beyond belief, “Well, we just
tent in going to church, so very caring vocation is also a mystery. Only God Even Lolo Jose Rizal (that’s how we used to call him back don’t have enough funds”. If that is really the case, then
to priests and more importantly, the knows why among so many young in high school and college) already called la patria why, I ask, can the department afford to hire so many
lola who prayed assiduously that men of our age, he called us—and adorada also nuestro perdido Eden. ‘Our lost Eden’. employees that scarcely do anything more than receive a
one of her grandsons would become a not them—to enter the seminary. And Those words have haunted me to this day (especially these monthly paycheck and play chess or pass around tsismis
priest someday. the deeper mystery is, from among days, if I may add). But I’d have remonstrated with Lolo during office hours? I often wonder if this state of things
Some of us may have acciden- the many seminarians who may pos- Jose. I still see traces of our Eden in the lush greenery of isn’t true in other provinces.
tally read a vocation poster at the sess more outstanding human quali- Samar’s forests, in the chaotic serenity of our white-sand Third, there is the culture of impunity of crimes against
entrance of a church or may have read ties, we are the ones who reached the (and even black-or-gray-sand) beaches (if you disagree, life (among other crimes, for there are others that occur
a book on the Lives of Saints. The day of our ordination and were cho- just come in the weekends), in the awesome majesty of our with equal impunity). Very recently the head of the repub-
list of vocation stories is endless be- sen by God to be his priests. Quoting plains and mountains, in the gentle kindness and hospital- lic went to the Vatican to proudly report to the Holy Father
cause God continuously calls man to His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal ity of simple barangay folks. Yes, Lolo Jose. My beloved the ‘timely’ (for the trip to Europe, that is) demise of the
serve Him and His Church. I heard Vidal in his message to the National country isn’t anymore “our lost Eden” but only a “hid- death penalty in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. To some
God’s call to the priesthood when I Congress of the Clergy, “Why you den” one that has to be rediscovered and coaxed out of observers the move was ironic; to others, hypocritical.
used to tag along with my mother vis- and I received this gift is the mystery. the shadows. The death penalty, it’s true, is no longer
iting my eldest brother who was then It is a “mystery of divine election.” Ah, speaking of shadows—these executed by law but it is, even to this
in the seminary. I remembered enjoy- The mysterious character of vocation make me agree with Lolo Jose on his “lost “From the pulpit I writing, being carried out by motorcycle-
ing the food whenever we visited has been the common subject of li- Eden” phraseology. There are just so have mustered as riding men in bonnets all over the repub-
him—something I still enjoy today. I
admired the seminary basketball team
turgical readings for ordinations, cit-
ing the expression of unworthiness
many shadows over my beloved coun-
try right now that it’s simply so easy to
much courage as I lic and the targets are not criminals but
leaders of militant organizations, plain
my brother played for in several cham- of a Jeremiah or one of those reluc- lose sight of our Eden. Let me talk of three. can, with our activists, journalists, sometimes even re-
pionship and exhibition games. After tant prophets. First, there is our continuing mas- bishop and other ligious workers who loudly register their
finishing my elementary studies I
took the entrance examination at the
Since many of us became semi-
nary formators, we are very much
sive poverty. Despite official (they’re
often understandably very rosy) reports
priests in my protests over unjust conditions in the
country. It’s simply shocking, I know,
minor seminary and everything was aware of the mysteriousness of vo- of poverty reduction or alleviation, the diocese, to denounce for a Pinoy in America or elsewhere to
history, as the cliché goes! cation to the priesthood. On many truth isn’t so hard to detect even when such travesty of the hear all these things (for Pinoys in the
In all of these events, God made
His voice heard gradually, lovingly,
occasions we have to discern the will
of God for a particular seminarian. On
you travel around Metro Manila. High
rise buildings, imposing flyovers and stu-
sanctity of human Philippines it would be a shock not to
hear them). These are realities that can’t
and slowly into our hearts and con- many occasions we have to wait for pendously sleek malls, such as the one life. “ be simply wished away. I used to remem-
sciences. God in His unfathomable signs if a candidate to the priesthood called ‘Mall of Asia’, do not banish from ber my hometown, Borongan, Eastern
ways and plan has called us to be His is indeed being called by God for the view the scandal of shanties, many of which stand in line Samar, to be a simple, even idyllic place. Now all that is a
priests. Unworthy though we are, He priestly ministry or just following his and in sharp contrast to these modern amenities alongside cruel memory. To date we have more than eleven cases of
set us apart from among other candi- personal agenda. Even with the aid highways and bi-ways. Not that I hate official figures and extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the same motorcycle-
dates to the priesthood to serve Him of psychological tests and other sci- scientific statements on our poverty situation. I simply riding killers in bonnets (in some cases they take them off)
and His Church. entific matrix we experienced how as think those are, in this case, needless. All that anyone that prowl the islands. And (this one is for Ripley’s Believe
As priests and bishops, we have seminary formators we have to go needs to do is open his eyes, ears and mind. Many voices It or Not) not one of these has been solved (to put hope in
our own vocation stories to tell. I back to prayer to know God’s myste- from government say it’s our exploding population that is the equation, let me add an adverb) yet. From the pulpit I
encourage you to go back to your rious plan for each candidate to the at the bottom of our being at the bottom of the economic have mustered as much courage as I can, with our bishop
vocation story after this conference priesthood. As seminary rector for ladder. But, again, all one needs to do is to travel by plane and other priests in my diocese, to denounce such trav-
and allow God to speak to you again, nine years, the truth that vocation is and look down on the islands. All the populated areas are esty of the sanctity of human life. (I notice that our diocese
to listen to His assurance that He a gift and mystery encouraged me to just tiny specks of the still vast uninhabited, undeveloped has become, for the local population, a mini-CBCP in issu-
loves you so dearly and it is the rea- spend hours of prayer to consult God lands below (and they call that ‘population explosion’?). I ing pastoral statements defending the integrity of the en-
son why He called you to be a shep- for each and every vocation that is personally think that the real causes are a host of factors, vironment or upholding the sanctity of human life against
herd of His flock. entrusted to my care. We are all aware among which are the lack of true agrarian reform which is the vicious political killings now obtaining all over the
that in seminary formation, the Holy at the root of our social inequity, corruption, destructive land. I also notice we sometimes reap similar results. Pas-
Vocation is a gift and mystery Spirit is the Formator Par Excellence. political culture etc. But I’d be going ahead of myself. toral statements could fall on deaf ears).
Each vocation is a unique dia- His will should always be over and Second, there is the seemingly interminable bad gov- Lately a parishioner asked me if I may not have made
logue of friendship between God and above all human decisions. ernance responsible for a seemingly ineradicable ineffi- myself a target for having vehemently denounced from
man. Vocation to the priesthood is a ciency in delivering basic services. A good case in point is the pulpit the killings as sins not only of the killers and the
gift of God. It is a heresy to claim that The Importance of Prayer for the state of road disrepair in my province (Eastern Samar). masterminds but also of all of us who make them possible
it was the candidate to the priesthood Votions We are already in the Third Millennium but on coming to when we succumb to the culture of silence in word and in
who presented himself to God—to be “It is the duty of bishops to en- Samar you would think you traveled by time machine back deed, a culture on which the culture of criminal impunity
a priest. It is God who calls; man sim- courage people to foster vocations, to 1950 or, to put it more kindly, 1960. I’d been asking our feeds. In a flash I felt something that, to my mind, many
ply responds. It is God who initiates and to see that all their energies and local politicians why we still presently have primitive, pot- who accept this culture feel—fear. Then I realized I was
the call; man merely continues to fol- undertakings are closely coordi- holed roads (that would have put the Wild, Wild West to face to face with what could be the greatest threat to life,
low that voice that called him. Re- nated, sparing themselves no sacri- shame) and invariably they repeat statements, such as, decency, democracy and, most of all, the practice of the
sponding to God’s call to be His priest fice in their efforts to help, as fathers, “It’s not really my responsibility but that of the Depart- Christian faith in the Land of the Morning.
is a daily decision. Though one be- those who in their judgment have ment of Public Works and Highways”. Then I try to dis- Cry to heaven for my beloved country.
comes a priest by the Sacrament of Caring for / P10

vol10-n08.pmd 5 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
6 Opinion Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Editorial

Tears for OFWs

THE ongoing repatriation of thousands of
OFWs in Lebanon typifies the saga of the so-
called modern-day Filipino heroes that pitiably
wrestle daily with precariousness, indignity and
instability. But for lack of a better domestic
option and despite the uncertainty of personal
safety, the number of Filipino workers going
abroad keeps swelling by each day.

They are heroes, all right. And that’s be-

cause they buoy up literally an ailing economy
in their home country. Last year, for instance,
about US $10.7 billion were remitted to the
country through the official route of the bank-
ing system. And, according to economic
sources, about 50% more are remitted — yet
unaccounted — because they are sent through
informal channels. This has been the reason
why the OFW remittances have become a
stable source of foreign exchange more than
the combined totals of foreign aid (or borrow-
ings) and investments.

Observably, the burgeoning remittances

are fueling domestic consumption and, in ef-
fect, sustaining local business. In that sense,
the OFWs may be said to consequently re-
duce direct poverty as may be seen in OFW
families being able to construct new houses
Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD
Spirituality in the
and afford home appliances. The only rub is, Insta Workplace
most of these monies are spent in consumer
goods rather than in investments and similar
initiatives that could propel future economic LAST January, the CBCP presented a goal place.” This has been scholarly prepared workers who are in the C, D, and E
values. on which a roadmap for the Philippine by Ms. Isabelita “Sabsy” Palanca under classes, whose families suffer many dis-
public life could be conceptualized. The the guidance of a Salesian, Fr. Ely Santos, advantages, from lack of food, education,
CBCP said in its Pastoral Statement “what SDB, a Jesuit, Fr. Tony de Castro, SJ, and social and health benefits.
But while the government is flaunting on clearly emerges is the continued and ur- Dominican, Fr. Mon Merino, OP. The Bishops-Businessmen’s Con-
OFWs as its lucky charm, a remittance-based gent need for renewal on the public life The vision of “Spirituality in the ference on Human Development has
national economy is not really as rosy as it of our country” through the adoption of Workplace” is to offer an instrument for taken interest in Ms. Palanca’s work be-
looks—because it is dependent on the perfor- correct moral values. transforming workplaces as “Communi- cause it believes that Catholic Social Prin-
mance of economies of other countries and The CBCP has declared 2006 as “So- ties with Ethics and Governance.” Its ciples must be lived and applied in the
not of its own. That being the case, as what cial Concerns Year” under the auspices mission is to trailblaze a movement among workplaces. The workers all too often
is happening now in Lebanon, that economy is of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Im- our workers that will renew public life suffer from human rights violations. At
very vulnerable to the downturns of foreign maculate Heart of Mary. One of the so- through moral values. The workplaces the same time they have to be made
economies. One million Filipinos not remitting cial concerns is the condition or circum- and the workers are a very important seg- aware of the rights of the people they
for a month or two, for instance, because of stances of the working population, such ment of Philippine society. More than work with and work for.
as: the workers, the laborers in the farms, 60% of our population are workers of We must start the education in moral
the war will unmistakably create a big ripple in industry, in factories, in plantations some sort, professional and non-profes- values and human rights from the begin-
in the national economy. This maybe the wis- and in government offices. Included in sional. They too should be object and ning. We advocate that Catholic schools,
dom of the NGO that is presently campaign- the list are health workers and media prac- subject of social transformation in the colleges and universities be the foremost
ing for a halt in remittances. titioners. The welfare of the country de- country. proponents of formation in moral values
pends on them more than on politicians. These workers are the ones supply- and human rights. When the government
On a long-term basis, the OFW There is a workbook published lately ing food in the tables of the wealthy and takes care of the workers, the workers will
economy—which is what the country presently entitled, “The Spirituality in the Work- the governing class. These are the same take care of the country.
is—is more precarious rather than secure. But
that is about macroeconomics. A more dev-
astating scenario is about the social costs ex-
acted of Overseas Filipino Workers and the World Meeting of Henrietta T. de Villa

country as a whole. One will not dare imag-

ine a future where 40 million Filipino children Families Faith and F ir
Fir
iree
are growing up without mothers or fathers or
both, without shedding a tear. IT was exciting, so full of expectations the love of the Lord puts us in touch with one giving for the family and in defense of the
way to Valencia, Spain. Cardinal Alfonso another. Immediately Marilou Amistoso family. In that sprawling ode to modernity—
Lopez Trujillo, president of the Vatican’s Calero, a Filipina wife and mother, and a Feria Valencia—where the International
Pontifical Council for the Family sent such brilliant career woman living in Spain for Theological and Pastoral Congress was
a warm letter inviting me to the V over 30 years gave me a breath-taking 2- held, so palpable was the unyielding real-
ISSN 1908-2940 Encuentro Mundial de las Familias that hour taxi tour of Madrid and a hip barstool- ization that the love that comes from God is
moved me to immediately pack a suitcase type of Spanish tartlet-tasting in the infinitely greater than any marriage prob-

CBCP Monitor
and fly Lufthansa on 02 July. O, my favor- crowded salon of Cocina de Mallorca in lem, than any threat to annihilate the family
ite travel agent, Catholic Travel, put me the center of Madrid. as the future of humanity.
on a circuitous route—on the way there, And then finally … Valencia. Doing The ITPC Congress, though still heavily
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace 4 airports as stop-overs with an average immigrations was fast. The airport being European and South American in content, was
3-hour wait in each for my connecting compact was not difficult to navigate. So an awesome assembly of the world’s families.
flights; on the way back, 3 airports for my I headed straight to the luggage carousel Many of the congress speakers were the same.
Pedro C. Quitorio Pinky Barrientos, FSP connecting flights with a 7-hour wait in … waited for the suitcases and various But it must be grace that puts a new enthusiasm
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager
Munich, 4 hours in Frankfurt, and about 2 packages of our flight to be unloaded. The into these speakers, and a new openness in the
Baltazar R. Acebedo hours in Guangzhou. In the beginning, I carousel went around, I went around— hearts of those listening to them. Hearing Kiko
Marcelo T. Dalanon was somewhat miffed at this itinerary. But once, twice … ten times. My suitcase was Arguello for the 3rd time proclaim that the family
Managing Editor Circulation Manager
then, it turned out to be a grace … as al- nowhere. Not only mine, but also those is in crisis, that every 30 seconds a marriage
Dennis B. Dayao Ma. Lourdes G. Ebilane ways for those who love God. of 2 other Filipinas and 3 foreigners. After somewhere in the world is breaking up, that as
On-Line Editor Marketing Supervisor The wait in the first 2 stop-overs gave almost an eternity of describing my suit- an ordinary painter he heard the Lord tell him to
me the chance to comply with all the rosa- case, finally I was handed a slip for my prepare the world for a new time, could perhaps
Roy Q. Lagarde Leah Cariaso ries I had promised to pray for many friends missing suitcase with the parting advice elicit a “so what’s new” from the audience. But
News Editor Comptroller and even strangers asking for prayers. that if they find if they would let me know. no, my mind and my heart—the same for the
The last stop before Valencia, was Madrid. The prayers of my husband and children, multitude there—were stirred anew, because
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with
I had looked forward to this one because and my beloved Mother Butlers back with this ordinary Spanish painter came thou-
Layout by Mark Front

editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., I was going to finally meet there a friend home proved more powerful than the in- sands from different parts of the world who live
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Edito- of my Theresian friend. She assured me efficiency of airlines. Two days later, my his Neocatechumenal Way. What other proof
rial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. that her friend would know me the mo- suitcase arrived. does one need that indeed the 3 altars of the
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website: ment I stepped out of the Madrid airport. How does one describe the combus- family—Eucharist, bedroom, dining table—are
www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor And she did … and for some strange rea- tion of grace when families in multitudes sanctified places where parents and children
son, I did too. It must be grace—the way from 61 countries come together in thanks- Faith and Fire / P8

vol10-n08.pmd 6 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 Opinion 7
Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD
Ecclesial Movements Jose B. Lugay

Tidbits Laik
Laikoo Lampstand
and the Parish
THE Couples For Christ (CFC), just days
after their 25th anniversary celebration,
Spirit. For them the Holy Mass ceases to
be a routine to comply or an obligation
tual needs?
On Charter Change
and the Mining Issue
sent a strong letter of appeal to all the to go over with. It is a celebration; it is The Parish and its Significant Role
active bishops in the Philippines. In a nut- life. Hence, they attend the Mass with
shell it states: “Please accept us in your much devotion and gusto. They are also By design the parish is irreplaceable.
dioceses and respective parishes. We seen taking care of the old and orphans; It has a unique and fundamental role in
love God and our Mother Church, and they build houses in remote barangays; the spiritual life of the faithful, for it is nec- WHAT do these two issues have in common—charter
are zealous to proclaim the good news of they are with the poorest of the poor help- essarily linked to the sacramental struc- change and the mining issue? These were the two topics
Jesus to all. May we be given the oppor- ing out with their livelihood programs. ture of the Church, the permanent core in chosen by the Bishop Businessmen’s Conference for their
tunity to share that love with others and And, look how they love their family. which Christ acts through the Holy Spirit. 30th General Assembly & Annual Meeting last July 7. Why
bring Christ to the ends of the earth.” These were the same lay men and women The parish is, as the late John Paul II finely discuss them again when these two issues had been the
I am personally struck by the tone of yesterday, residents in the parish, now observed, the ultimate presence of the subjects of previous CBCP pastoral statements?
of the letter. It sounds like the voice of a transformed by the CFC. Church in a territory. It is, in some sense, The CBCP released a “Pastoral Statement on the Al-
stranger at the door pleading for admit- In a way, they are strangers to the the Church itself, close to the homes of leged ‘Peoples’ Initiative’ to Change the Constitution”
tance; of an outsider who begs to be ac- parish, for they attain a spirituality that her sons and daughters. It is the common on April 7, 2006. It explained their stand against the peoples’
cepted as part of the household. And yet does not come from the pastoral program home of the faithful, the first place of the initiative as a process. Their choice of amending the consti-
they are not strangers in the parish. They of the parish; nor from the inspiring homi- incarnation of the Gospels. It is a mother tution is through a constitutional convention instead of
are familiar faces, close relatives and lies of the parish priest, of the sacraments who with its preaching of the Word, the the peoples’ initiative or the constituent assembly. The
friends, all genuine residents of the dio- that the pastor has faithfully administered baptismal font, the Mystery of the Lord’s latter process would ensure discussion of the pros and the
ceses and parishes. Baptized that they to his flock, of the great example of his Supper and the other sacraments gestates, cons of the proposed changes in the constitution by repre-
are, they are duly recorded in the parish life. And so, like strangers, they are gives birth, nurtures to full stature its sons sentatives elected by the people. It must be noted that the
book, expected to participate in the ac- knocking at the door of the parish wait- and daughters. Vatican II expressed this CBCP first issued their stand on charter change on July 7,
tivities of the community in worship and ing to be received. doctrine beautifully in these words: “This 2003 and the present stand is consistent with it.
in the apostolate. They are in short the But why does the CFC or any other Church of Christ is really present in all The statement on mining issues and concerns was is-
lay men and women in the parish. ecclesial community seek the acceptance legitimately organized groups of the faith- sued only last January 29, 2006. This also reflects the same
It is a fact, however, that for some of the parish? What is there in the parish ful, which, in so far as they are united to concern that the CBCP expressed two years ago in their
time many of them were mere passive that it is seeking? Is there something still their pastors, are also appropriately called Pastoral Letter on Indigenous Peoples in which mining dev-
members of the parish, Catholics in name deficient in the ecclesial community that Churches in the New Testament” (LG 26). astated their ancestral lands.
but not in life, indifferent to the call for only the parish can supply? Or, is there Based on this theology the parish is The Assembly had to come up with their yearly action
the apostolate and work of mercy. And perhaps the possibility that the ecclesial defined by law as an organizational struc- plans for the improvement of the common good, support-
then, one day they were there in the movements and faith communities can ture of the Church. It is not an association ing their chosen theme, “Bishops and Businessmen in Soli-
Church, singing and dancing in groups, eventually supply that deficiency and re- of the diocese, but part of its structure. It darity for the Common Good”. This is the primary reason
praising the Almighty, invoking the Holy place the role of the parish in their spiri- Tidbits / P13 why these two issues had to be discussed by many distin-
guished speakers during that day. Considering the present
poverty situation where 60% of our population is strug-
Seventy Times Seven Jo M. Imbong gling for bare existence, the improper implementation of
charter change and the mining law will obviously affect the

to Infinity Text and Conte xt

Context poor to a greater disadvantage than to the rest of the popu-
lation. BBC’s chosen speakers dwelled on these two issues
on different perspectives, taking the side of business, the
Church, the NGOs and the people.
SEARCH, we could, but we search in vain. could only “look upon Him whom they person. For instance, do we know the in- 2On the topic of responsible mining, Bishop Arturo M.
There is, in Holy Scripture, not the have pierced,” Him who had already side of our neighbor’s heart, he whom we Bastes the chairman of the Rapu-Rapu Fact finding Com-
slightest trace of vengeance in Christ made a plea for mercy in their behalf to say we find “hard to forgive?” mission expectedly decried the government’s position to
during his entire public life. His Father, because these hirelings Why do we always say that our neighbor allow Lafayette Philippines, Inc., to resume its operations
His works were labeled as works of “know not what they do.” would forgive us “if he only understood”? for 30 days purportedly to prove to the government that
Satan! Did he rage at the hecklers? The We forgive because we know unde- Why not the other way around also? the company has now the determination and new capabil-
devil mocked his divinity and challenged niably that we are small. Small because But do we really know ourselves ity to implement all DENR’s guidelines on the protection of
him to show it: “If you are the Son of Someone looms it over us, someone Great too? About as much and as thoroughly the environment.. He elucidated further on the geo-ethics
God ... “ (these words still reeking with and High. as we claim to know our neighbor’s “hid- of mining. Destruction of the environment violates the in-
Satan’s primordial sedition.) Did Christ We forgive because in our personal den” life? Oftentimes, if we turned the tegrity of creation and the common good. The final victims
oblige? calculator, all the keys are for minuses searchlight upon our own selves, we are the poor, mostly the indigenous people of the area.
His enemies did everything to dis- just as the Eternal Mercy knows only could be our own worst enemy. Bishop Mr. Paul Dominguez, former presidential adviser for
credit the healing of the blind young man. subtraction. Forgive them for they know Sheen couldn’t have put it better when Mindanao, ably defended the government’s implementa-
Their pathetic meanderings of ill logic not what they do. he said, “If we met ourselves in others, tion of the 1995 mining law. Mindanao is where most of
failed to confuse the lad who now can And He keeps on subtracting, for as we would hate them.” gold, copper, nickel and chromite minerals are found. He
see. The Gerasenes raged at Him when long as we do not change our calculator. The clenched fist is ever a phenom- presented charts to show that Mindanao compared to Luzon
He put a higher value on a possessed The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to enon of our time, as it has always been and the Visayas has been consistently low in terms of in-
man than on a herd of swine. Jesus anger and rich in compassion. even before that. vestments for industrial development and concomitantly
merely “entered into the boat ... and ... Bishop Fulton Sheen once said that I can still hear the shepherdly re- lower in income derived from these investments.
“passed over the water.” if we had full consciousness of the evil minder of Bishop Antonieto Cabajog With the implementation of the Philippine Mining Act
One would think that during the we do, that is, if we had perfect delibera- during the rites of Good Friday at Surigao of 1995, Mindanao is expected to have investments in min-
moment of derision and taunting in Cal- tion and perfect understanding of the con- Cathedral. He told his flock, “Do not pray, ing and explorations to the tune of $ 1,640,000,000 of which
vary, it would have been the perfect time sequences of our deeds, there would be Our Father who art in Heaven ... for- $ 1 billion will solely be from the operation of the Tampakan
for Innocence to protest, for Power to no room for forgiveness. That is why, he give us our sins ... if you cannot say in Copper mines in South Cotabato. (Reference: Mining Re-
shred the nails, for God to shatter the said, there is no redemption for the fallen the same breath that you forgive those visited by Environmental Science for Social Change, BBC)
minions beneath Him with the blinding angels. They knew what they were doing. who hurt you!” Strong words. Words The Mines & Geosciences Bureau claims that with the de-
force of a Matrix superhero. In our case, when we do wrong, it is that cut through the heart. velopment of 10 “world class deposits” making use of state-
But there was none of that. because we can be very ignorant—igno- The question is—will we count sev- of-the-art technologies, the foreign exchange earnings alone
In the end, the minions at Calvary rant of ourselves and ignorant of the other enty times seven to infinity? will be U.S. $4 billion or P 208 billion pesos yearly! This is
the businessman’s point of view.
Taking the side of the inhabitants of victims of a min-
Oscar V. Cruz, DD ing disaster, Bishop Reynaldo V. Evangelista, Bishop of

Vie ws and P
iews oints
Points SONA 2006 Boac, related the experience of the devastation of Boac,
Marinduque due to the Marcopper mine spill. This caused
a permanent destruction of the mined areas and will remain
as such since the old mining law did not provide for its
ONE is rightly inclined to think that a state sically in terms of its being aggressive Thus: when babies are born, they rehabilitation. Their experience in Marinduque has made
of the nation address says where the nationwide socio-economic develop- would no longer be already multi-thou- the people poorer and deprived of livelihood due to the
country is, how the people are. While it ment. It looks with hope and enthusiasm sand pesos indebted to the government. pollution of the river and the destruction of the fishing
is understandable to say where the coun- on what infrastructures should be built, When men and women want to work, they grounds.
try is going and what people can expect, improved and/or promoted—under the can readily find work in the country and A comment from the floor, by Dr. Gonzalez from U S.T.
it is incongruous to have a SONA pre- following conditionalities: do not have to go to a foreign country gave a very relevant and doable suggestion; that is, to
cisely so much focused instead on what ONE: There is enough money to do like Lebanon. When parents want their harness the resources of the sea in place of mining. The
the is it not. The reason for this futuristic them children to have enough food, clothing, Philippines being an archipelago and having a vast coast-
approach is because the present state of TWO: There is unity for doing them shelter and proper education, they have line, fish, like tuna, which now commands a high price
the nation is dim and dismal. Hence, the THREE: There are 3 years, 11 the sufficient resources to provide all abroad may be raised. Developing fishery resources in our
present of the state is better left unad- months, six days to have it done. these. tropical waters, with the right technology inputs can make
dressed. The 2006 SONA wherefore cannot In other words, who would not want the Philippines earn sufficiently, possibly more than what
This is why some say that the SONA but be commended in its content and the 2006 SONA agenda to become reali- our people can earn from mining operations.
2006 was but a good geography lesson. spirit, in its programs and projects. All ties as envisioned and designed by the The presentation for charter change was straightfor-
Others think that it was a blitzkrieg for Filipinos should support its vision and present national leadership? But then, if ward coming from two distinguished speakers, former Sena-
support from the military general, local resolve to have the nation listed among the same national leadership cannot even tor Vicente Paterno and past Comelcc Chairman Christian
officials and certain church leaders. There not merely the “developing” but actu- clean the country of an illegal numbers Monsod. Mr. Paterno dwelled on the transitory provisions
are also those who consider the SONA as ally “developed” countries. Its citizens game like jueteng, it is quixotic for it to recommended by the CONCOM on charter change—the
the preview of an “Enchanted Kingdom”. can then once again claim its rightful even imagine that it can deliver so many interim period where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
No. The SONA 2006 forwards a vi- place of respect and pride in the commu- fantastic and grandiose national Laiko Lampstand / P10
sion of a great future for the country ba- nity of nations. projects!

vol10-n08.pmd 7 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
8 CBCP Commissions Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

cese has existing activities and

plans, but much has to improve in
terms of creativity and network-
ing. New approaches may have to
be tried to get the attention of the
young people. Some dioceses
though have not identified their
vocation directors and vocation
programs, therefore, are not in the
priority list. The lay consecrated
vocation is also being left out in
the promotion of the different
church vocations.
3. In terms of personnel, there is a
fast turn-over of vocation direc-
tors and directresses. The prob-
lem of following up the possible
candidates arises. Sadly, vocation
ministry is considered by some as
a transition ministry to the other
more serious ministries; as if it is a
second class ministry. The col-
laboration of the clergy, religious,
and lay needs to be strengthened.
The support of the arch/bishop is
also important for any vocation
program to work.
4. A National Survey on the state of
priestly and religious vocations in
the Philippines is in order. Re-
search is crucial if we are to un-
derstand where we are and where
we are going. For vocation pro-
grams to be effective, empirical

Episcopal Commission on Vocations

studies have to be conducted.
5. There is a need to come up with a
truly National Vocation Program
(similar to the Fishers of Men Pro-
IN 1972, a handful of concerned in- DVP Main Functions tracting church vocations. well as to network with the other gram of the USCCB). The commis-
dividuals met to address the subject 1. To serve as a national coordina- Meanwhile, the ECV-DVP Na- CBCP Commissions (e.g. Youth, sion needs to maximize the power
of vocations in the Philippines more tion center in promot-ing, inform- tional Vocation Center regularly con- Family, and Mass Media). Not all of the tri-media (TV, radio, and
vigorously and systematically. At the ing, recruiting, screening and ducts a series of Vocation Seminars are represented in the meetings print) for a national campaign for
outset, the group was called the Na- accom-panying vocations to the in 4 Phases. The following have been and conventions. Some dioceses vocations. People are willing to
tional Board of Vocations (NBV). priestly and consecrated life. conducted in 2005 and 2006 facili- do not participate in the DVP ac- work. Funding has been the pe-
Their maiden meeting was held at the 2. To initiate vocation promotion ac- tated by Fr. Rolly Agustin and Sr. tivities; while some activities rennial problem.
Pope Pius Catholic Center in Manila tivities and to assist in the on-going Denny Giroux, DW: could have been maximized if there The first chairman of the ECV
on March 14, 1972. formation of vocation promoters. • Basic Orientation Seminar on Voca- was communication among the was Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who
The first vital accomplishment 3. To collaborate in the use of mass tion Promotions (53 participants) different ministries. Why organize served from 1972 to 1983. He was
of the NBV was the formulation of a media for the promotion of voca- • Spiritual Direction Aspect of Voca- and network? For coordination, succeeded by Bishop Wilfredo
Plan of Action for Vocations in the tions and to disseminate printed tion Promotions (36 participants) for exchanging notes to help one Manlapaz from 1983 to 1990 then
Philippines entitled “A Pastoral Ap- information materials relevant to • Family Relations in Vocation Pro- another (e.g. in exchanging infor- Bishop Vicente Navarra 1990 to
proach to the Vocation Apostolate.” the promotion of vocation. motions (53 participants) mation for vocation promotion, 1999. Bishop Antonieto Cabajog,
It was in 1974 when the Episco- • Human Sexuality in the Vocational data and statistics, experiences of meanwhile, chaired ECV from 1999
Pope Benedict XVI Journey (35 participants) each diocese, resources, and to 2003. Bishop Florentino Lavarias
pal Commission on Vocations (ECV)
Benedict XVI, in his first papal Some dioceses and regions have scheduling of activities). took over the Commission from 2003
was formally organized by the Philip-
message for the World Day of Prayer been very active in promoting voca- 2. In terms of programs, each dio- up to the present.
pine Hierarchy to coordinate programs
for Vocations (the 43rd World Voca- tion activities such as vocation con-
in the promotion, accompaniment and certs, overnight vigils and festivals,
preservation of vocations to the priest- tions Day celebrated May 7, 2006),
hood, the consecrated life, the secular centered on two key points: an under- campaigns in schools and parishes, Faith and Fire / from P6
standing of vocation in the context of summer camps, masses and prayers
institutes and lay missionary groups. for vocations. 2 learn to put their history under the Word of Pope Benedict XVI. Instantly the mourn-
The commission is composed of the mystery of the Church and the im- God. ing of Valencia for the 42 dead and more
portance of praying for vocations. Other dioceses and regions
vocation directors/ directresses and though have yet to consider work- How my heart thrilled to high heav- than 40 wounded from the train accident in
lay vocation promoters from dioceses, The particular church vocations ens to see and hear our very own Gerry estacion de Jesus on the eve of the open-
ing and praying for vocations as a
parishes, religious congregations, are to be seen within the framework and Frank Padilla tell the wondrous story ing of the 5th World Meeting of Families
pastoral priority. ECV said there is
secular institutes and lay associations. of the universal call to holiness, that of Couples for Christ. That the Vatican and was turned into joy. The Pope, for his first
an emerging need for the different
From the time of its inception the everyone is in the state of being regions to coordinate and network the universal Church recognize there is act after landing in the Valencia airport,
DVP has worked hand in hand with the called. Indeed, he asks, “What should to maximize resources and double the something amazing happening in the Phil- prayed and offered a floral wreath at the
Episcopal Commission on Vocations. be said therefore of the temptation, impact on the young people. ippines for the family and through the fam- very entrance of the station that was the
For the past three decades the which is very strong nowadays, to ily, and through the holiness and perse- tragic point of pain. And in the Basilica of
ECV and the DVP have successfully feel that we are self-sufficient to the “Culture of vocations” verance of lay couples, is worth all the Our Lady of the Forsaken (Nuestra Señora
worked together for vocations in the point that we close ourselves to the For the past 32 years, the DVP- stress of losing a suitcase. I could only say de los Desamparados), he literally gath-
Philippines through the following: mysterious plan of God for us?” ECV has been doing its best to stimu- to those congratulating me because I am a ered the families of the victims in his arms,
• vigorous coordination with all Di- Acknowledging the great need late and establish a “culture of vo- Filipino, “God is splendid!” In my heart I shed tears with some of them, planted a
ocesan and Religious Coordina- to continuously pray for vocations, hoped aloud, “Filipino families, become kiss on the picture of the fallen daughter
cations” in the Philippines. There has
tors, on the national and local Benedict XVI observes, “It is not what you are—God’s blessing.” raised to him by the grieving mother. And
been no let up in working and pray-
level; surprising that, where people pray For the Linguistic Mass—Holy for those around, including some hardened
ing for vocations. The DVP group is Mass celebrated in designated parishes Socialists who a week before cheered their
• national conventions which pro- fervently, vocations blossom.”
one of the more persevering sectors for different language groups—I was so Parliament’s approval of homosexual mar-
vide the skills needed for vocation According to ECV, the preced-
in the church today. The members excited to go to San Mauro Parish assigned riages, the encounter with the Pope was
work and formulate the necessary ing words of the Holy Father, in more
are expected to “produce” and to for the Filipinos … walking the distance an encounter with the Lord.
guidelines; ways than one, set the tone for doing
achieve results through growth in from my hotel to the Church because traf- For the Testimonies of Families on
• the development of training pro- vocation ministry in the Philippines:
the number of those who aspire to fic was closed to all vehicles with very few the evening of 08 July, Bishop Soc and I
grams for Vocation Directors and to work and pray together, collabo-
rate and not “to each his/her own” the priesthood, religious and lay exceptions—really few.The Philippine del- lined up with selected families to give brief
Directresses; consecrated life. Yet, some efforts egation was composed of some 40 lay faith- testimonials (all part of a script) to the Holy
• the monitoring of developments/ congregation, seminary or diocese.
seem to be “wasted” because of so ful and priests gathered together by the Father. When my turn came, with confi-
situations crucial to the integrity many factors. CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family dence and smiles I went through my first 2
of vocations, from the promotion Events
Given the challenges of modern The low number of applicants and Life. Kit and Fenny Tatad with their 2 lines. Then I looked at Pope Benedict XVI
stage of recruitment, to initial for- or discontinuance in formation does daughters came as a family. Senator Nene seated on his white chair at the center of
life especially in the spiritual and
mation and ongoing formation. not mean failure on the part of the Pimentel and his Bing came as a couple. the altar. I saw him smiling with recognition
moral formation of the youth, the
Guided by the general orientations ECV-DVP regularly holds a conven- vocation director or directress. ECV Two Congressmen, Edmund Reyes and at me and moving his hands approvingly.
of Vatican II on Vocation Promotions, tion once every two years to pro- said there are just various reasons Banham Mitra blended well with the del- In a fleeting instant I remembered Cardinal
DVP strives to mobilize the “whole mote a “culture of vocation” in our why vocation to the religious life is egation. His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Ratzinger telling me about his Bavarian
Christian community to foster voca- society and identify the many cru- not that attractive to the young Vidal was the main celebrant with Bishop childhood as I sat across him during one
tions so that sufficient provisions are cial factors that affect the “waxing people today. Jose Oliveros of Malolos, Bishop Socrates of my visits with him at the Vatican’s Con-
made for the needs of the sacred minis- and waning” of vocations today. Based on their recent experi- Villegas of Balanga, Bishop Angel gregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In
try throughout the entire Church.” In the 20th DVP National Con- ences and information gathered, Hobayan (Emeritus of Catarman), Arch- that season in Rome, and again there in
DVP also has a responsibility to vention held last April 24-28, 2006 in therefore, ECV propose the follow- bishop Pedro Dean (Emeritus of Palo), and Valencia, my heart could hear God saying,
implement the resolu-tions of the the Diocese of Surigao, the group ing as the direction which the ECV- some 5 other Filipino priests “You are my beloved” … all because His
Second Plenary Council of the Philip- discussed the crucial role of mass DVP, hopefully with the whole- concelebrating. The Mass was festive. I Vicar on earth is Love like Him.
pines (PCP II), it coordinates with media in the vocation ministry. By hearted support of all the bishops, noticed that when Filipinos are in a foreign The Christian family, even in these
other dioceses, parishes, schools, and understanding the dynamics and in- should take: country, especially on a short term basis, it times of bewilderment, passes on the faith
other ecclesial communities, in the tricacies of Mass Media, it was the 1. Organizationally, there is a need seems easier to generate that certain close- when fathers and mothers love their chil-
effort to encourage and stimulate vo- goal of the convention to make it as to coordinate more among dio- ness with kababayans. dren, and impart to them “the art of living
cational awareness and activities. a partner rather than an enemy in at- ceses in the different regions as And then there was the Holy Father and the art of loving.”

vol10-n08.pmd 8 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 Diocese 9
Diocese of Dumaguete

Relentless Witnessing to Faith

and to the Gospel
By Rev. Fr. Glenn M. Corsiga

BEFORE April 5, 1955, the time with the institution of its diocesan ment. He created mission teams and
when Dumaguete became a sepa- Catholic hospital, the Holy Child opened new parishes in many
rate See from Bacolod, the area Hospital. Never feeling weary from parts—extending even to the hin-
under the jurisdiction of what is all the initiatives he did, he estab- terlands—of Negros Oriental.
now the Diocese of Dumaguete lished linkages abroad for financial
was merely the recipient of mission- assistance extended to the young Pastoral Priorities and Direc-
ary efforts of the Spanish friars diocese. He openly accommodated tion
from the Archdiocese of Cebu, the various religious orders, congrega-
Diocese of Jaro and the Diocese of tions and organizations to help in The Dumaguete Diocese, for
Bacolod. Between 1580 (when the spiritual formation and amelio- its part, follows the direction of the
Christian faith was first introduced ration of its people. He organized Second Plenary Council of the Phil-
to what is now the Diocese of diocesan commissions and tasked ippines (PCP II) and National Pas-
Dumaguete) and 1955, Dumaguete them to address the peoples’ tem- toral Consultation for the Church
was yet far from the helm in decid- poral as well as spiritual needs. Renewal (NPCCR). Drawing inspi-
ing for the spiritual formation and After all the basic structures ration from the encyclical letter of
direction of its own people and in were put in place, the Most Rev. the late Pope John Paul II, Novo
the management of pastoral con- Angel N. Lagdameo, second Millennio Eneunte, the Diocese of
cerns of the newly founded par- bishop of the Dumaguete, orga- Dumaguete cannot be less faithful
ishes. The founding, in fact, of the nized in 1991 the First Diocesan in conforming to or adopting
first Catholic school in the place— Synod of Dumaguete to strengthen NPCCR’s nine (9) pastoral priori-
St. Paul College of Dumaguete— the pastoral programs and priori- ties as to embody the Diocese’s
was the initiative of the Bishop of ties of the diocese. Bishop pastoral programs and direction,
Jaro, Bishop Frederick Rooker. Lagdameo introduced the concept namely: (1) integral faith formation;
Pastoral initiatives, therefore, were of basic ecclesial communities. He (2) empowerment of the laity to-
not really based on the actual local started organizing priests through St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Parish Church
needs, as felt by or drawn from the team ministries and awakened
local faithful. people’s interest through various ward social transformation; (3) ac-
This socio-religious back- pastoral celebrations and con- tive presence and participation of
ground influenced the shaping of gresses. Year after year, people the poor in the Church; (4) the fam-
the life and mission of the Diocese gathered by the thousands to heed ily as the focal point of evangeliza-
of Dumaguete when it was estab- and respond to ecclesial calls for tion; (5) building and strengthen-
lished as a local Church in 1955. renewal and evangelization. ing of participatory communities;
The first bishop of the Diocese, Today, the Diocese continues (6) integral renewal of the clergy;
the Most Rev. Epifanio B. Surban, her journey, but whilst aware that (7) journeying with the youth; (8)
DD, took off managing the young forging initiatives or simply ecumenism and inter-religious dia-
diocese with the aim of building it, preaching may not be her only prin- logue; and (9) animation and for-
firmly establishing basic Catholic cipal concern, she has to sustain mation for mission “ad gentes”.
institutions and creating avenues herself through a life of authentic Inarguably, the Christian Faith
for people to be truly evangelized. witnessing to the Faith and to the painstakingly passed on by the
It was therefore during his term as Gospel. The Most Rev. John F. missionaries more than four hun-
bishop when the foundation of a Du, DD, shortly after his installa- dred years ago in this part of Negros
vibrant and evangelizing Church tion in 2001 as the third bishop of has never been futile—not at all.
was laid. Parochial and diocesan Dumaguete, embarked on a chal- The missionaries’ sweat and blood,
schools were founded in many par- lenging mission to steer the Dio- shed and planted in the past, have
ishes; a local radio station, DYWC, cese in accomplishing its divine grown to become the vibrant
was acquired; formation of future mandate to holiness. He formal- Church that it is now. And this will
diocesan priests at the St. Joseph ized priests’ training and formation, continue to grow as, truly, the Dio-
Seminary became a reality; and the and heeded the laity’s challenge of cese of Dumaguete unfalteringly
envisioned apostolate of taking a more meaningful and profound pursues its journey in its relentless
care for the sick became concrete participation and spiritual advance- witnessing to the Faith and to the
Gospel.
(Fr. Glenn M. Corsiga is currently the
Rector of St. Joseph Seminary Col-
lege in Sibulan, Negros Oriental – Ed.)

Important Facts
Population 1,010,896 High Schools
Catholics (91.37 %) 923,680 Diocesan 12
Area 4,955.9 sq. kms. By Religious 9

Bishop 1 Elementary
Priests: Diocesan 4
Diocesan 95 By Religious 7
Religious 15 Kindergarten
Brothers 6 Diocesan 4
Sisters 115 By Religious 5
Diocesan divisions:
Vicariates 7 Catholic Institutions:
Parishes 41
Chaplaincies 15 Retreat Houses 7
Hospital 1
Educational Centers: Clinics 2
College/University Orphanages 3
Diocesan 1 Radio Station (Diocesan) 1
By Religious 1 Catechetical Center 1 His Excellency,
Most Rev. John F. Du, DD
Bishop of Dumaguete

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 CBCP Monitor
10 CBCP Monitor Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Laiko Lampstand / from P7

acts as both president and prime minister. either be on one side or the other—for the sup- ment to reduce the level of poverty in the coun- For this advocacy we need different
Obviously this reeks of political maneuver port of the mining law or for its repeal. Probably try groups of expert volunteers, geologists, soci-
to empower the present political leadership the January 29 statement of CBCP on mining While there are many NGOs and lay ad- ologists, civil, mechanical and chemical engi-
much more than the power they have now. issues was still vivid in the minds of the partici- vocacy groups taking the same stand as the neers, architects, finance experts, chemists,
Mr. Monsod strongly objected to any move pants that no one stood up to take a stand. Church, like Greenpeace, The Dapitan Initia- quality control experts, human resource man-
to cancel the 2007 elections. He says that “A Relevant to both the charter change and to the tive, Defend Patrimony, Stewards of Creation agers, lawyers, etc. who will monitor among
credible 2007 elections can become an in- mining issue is this portion of the statement: and Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, their many other areas, a) the total area covered by
direct referendum on the issue of whether “We are apprehensive that the proposed dele- pleas will be heard but not necessarily acted the mining permit before it is awarded, b) the
the President should serve her full term, de- tion of the nationalist provisions to the Con- upon. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau will incursion of the mining area into the ancestral
pending on how people choose their con- stitution by the Constitutional Commission continue to issue mineral exploration permits domains of the indigenous people, c) the con-
gressmen and senators… (CONCOM) can pave the way to the whole- and the DENR, the mineral production agree- duct of the dialogue between the mining offic-
On the same breath, he brought to light sale plunder of our National Patrimony, and ments. The President is the sole authority to ers and the local government for the required
that whatever options we choose whether undermine our Sovereignty: approve the Financial and Technical Assis- Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), d)
to have charter change through the people’s • To support, unify and strengthen the struggle tance Agreement. the technical aspects of the structures—the
initiative or through constituent assembly, of the local Churches and their constitu- The advocacy groups should continue design of the dam and spillways, the contain-
the results will not be credible without an ency against all mining projects, and raise their work in convincing our legislators to re- ment area for acid mine drainage, e) laboratory
electoral reform. With the incumbent the anti-mining campaign at the national peal the mining law. However our legislators testing facilities for quality control, f) the re-
COMELEC officials, the outcome will be level. will surely consider the lobby group for min- habilitation design and process of mined ar-
tainted with doubts. The good news how- • To support the call of various sectors, espe- ing. With the election year in 2007, this is the eas, etc.
ever is that the 3 new appointees are trust- cially the Indigenous Peoples, to stop the time for them to source funds for their reelec- Their function would be to act as pro-
worthy men, says Mr. Monsod. Let us wait 24 Priority Mining Projects of the govern- tion. Mining company executives are realists cess controllers by having access in all de-
for the fourth appointee and the results of ment, and the closure of large scale mining and profit-oriented. They can justify bribe liberations of the processes cited above as it
the Ombudsman’s verdict on the case of projects, for example, the Rapu-rapu money as “facilitation fees” or include it in the is happening rather than waiting for the di-
COMELEC’s purchase of the automatic vote Polymetallic Project in Albay, HPP Project in “mobilization fee” or “contingency funds” of saster to happen. More importantly, we also
counting machines. Palawan, Didipio Gold-Copper Project in their budget. have to be sure that the men who have the
Prior to the end of the session, the par- Albay, Didipio Gold-Copper Project in Nueva It is predictable that our economic expert, authority to give permits have no record of
ticipants were requested by the presiding Viscaya, Tampakan Copper Gold Project in the President herself, will not give in easily to graft and corruption.
Emcee to write their recommendations for the South Cotabato, Canatuan Gold Project in any advocacy group’s entreaty. Perhaps she Probably, one can easily say, where are
action plan that BBC should pursue for the Zamboanga del Norte, and the San Antonio honestly believes this is the only “gold” mine we going to have volunteers to do this? Well,
coming year relative to the two issues of Copper Project in Marinduque, among oth- (pun intended) that her administration can tap that is the real challenge to all dioceses—to
charter change and mining. On Charter ers; for the accelerated development of the coun- harness their lay leaders for advocacy work
Change, LAIKO Vice-President Mia Zafra • To support the conduct of studies on the evil try as well as paying our foreign debt within of this nature. Prevention of corruption is the
informed the body of LAIKO’s program of effects of mining in dioceses; her tenure. name of the game. Our selected lay leaders to
dissemination of the issues on charter • To support all economic activities that are As realists, lay groups should be ready do this job will also be subjected to the same
change to the different lay leaders of the dio- life-enhancing and poverty-alleviating. with another type of advocacy which will fo- bribe money. This is where evangelization
ceses within Metro Manila and the fact that It is very clear that the Church’s unequivo- cus on the prevention of mining disasters and comes in—the training of our volunteers on
LAIKO is ready to conduct more sessions cal stand is a big NO to mining. Businessmen, not wait for it to happen. This is the same ap- the Social Doctrines of the Church and Ser-
of this nature for other lay groups. however, will want to consider responsible min- proach as the recent moves to mitigate the vant Leadership. We pray that they will also
I have not heard any action plan on the ing, since this is one of the best ways to in- harm that landslides can do—by conducting have the commitment to God and country to
mining issue declared on the floor. The argu- crease investments and eventually accumu- geo-mapping of critical landslide-prone areas do the job for the benefit of all generations to
ments for and against are strong and one may late earnings and funds required for develop- and installing rain gauges in those localities. come.

Caring for / from P5

been called to God’s service.” front of the Blessed Sacrament, he priestly vocations because there are the parishes to support seminarians The Bishop should be a source
(Optatam Totius #2) prays for each individual priest. He so many places in the world that lack and priests through the Association of inspiration to and moral support for
The most efficacious way to pro- will make a tour in his imagination of priests. I’ve been telling my priests of St. John Mary Vianney, Seminary the seminary formators. “It is not only
mote vocations is through prayers. the whole archdiocese visualizing the especially our Vocation Director that Benefactors’ Association and other the bishop’s duty to make his people
The Apostolic Exhortation on the Bish- face of every priest in each parish or we should always think of the Uni- similar groups. active in promoting vocations but he
ops, Pastores Gregis, emphasized that diocesan assignment to ask God for a versal Church and not just our Local The Second Plenary Council of also ought to inspire those who work
“the force which inspires and forms particular grace needed by each and Church of Boac in terms of priestly the Philippines decree #566 says: in the seminary.” (UPPPF # 186) Semi-
vocations is primarily prayer” (PG# every individual priest. I am doing ministry and mission. At present, we “Everyone has the task of promot- nary formators are deeply encouraged
48) Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself that now in our Diocese of Boac, only have three priests performing their ing priestly vocations. To prepare by the familiar presence of the bishop
admonished us to pray for workers to that it is easier for me to go on “a ministry in the Diocese of Dodge City, priestly vocations and purify moti- in the Seminary, not only during spe-
his harvest. “The harvest is rich but tour” of our diocese in my daily Kansas, which is a rural diocese ex- vations, the highest criteria are: the cial occasions, but more so even if there
the workers are few, therefore ask the prayers because we have only four- periencing an acute shortage of mind and heart of Jesus and the good are no special occasions to speak of.
harvest-master to send workers to his teen parishes in Marinduque. priests. As an act of gratitude to our of the Church for the service of which The Directory For the Pastoral Min-
harvest. (Luke 10:2) Pope Benedict Being a formator to the seminar- diocese for sharing to them our a man is called to be a priest.” To istry of Bishops #84 states: “Among
XVI in his message for the 43rd World ians for more than fourteen years, priests, the Diocese of Dodge City is ensure the realization of this very im- diocesan institutions, the Bishop
Day of Prayer for Vocations empha- moderator of the Association of Semi- sending us financial support for the portant decree of the Council, the should consider the seminary to have
sized—”Where people pray fervently, narians for five years, and head of the formation of our seminarians. bishop has been given the highest primacy of place, and he should make
vocations flourished. The holiness of Vocation Team of our Archdiocese for Aside from vocation campaigns and full responsibility of promoting it the object of his most intense and
the Church depends essentially in a couple of years, and now as more or promotions, we are to give moral priestly vocations and of monitoring assiduous pastoral care, because it
union with Christ and on being open than a year as bishop, I gradually de- and even financial support to those the selection of candidates to the is largely on seminaries that the con-
to the mystery of grace that operates veloped, maintained, and witnessed who have decided to enter the semi- priesthood in order to maintain the tinuity and fruitfulness of the Church’s
in the hearts of believers.” a deep pastoral concern for vocations nary to undergo formation to the priest- quality of vocations in his diocese. priestly ministry depends.”
In line with this truth about the to the priesthood. I never miss a day hood. Special attention should be The old Directory on the Pasto-
importance of prayer for vocations, without praying for my priests and given to seminarians coming from poor Shepherding Seminarians ral Ministry of Bishops explicitly men-
the words of His Eminence Ricardo J. seminarians. In my recitation of the or hard up families. “The bishop will As God provides the seed of tions: “With the greatest care the
Cardinal Vidal when he was still Arch- Holy Rosary everyday I always include make every effort to provide finan- priestly vocations in every place and bishop selects seminary directors, a
bishop of Lipa, still reverberates in in my petitions the intention for the cial support and assistance for young time for the Church, the Church her- spiritual director, confessors and pro-
my mind: “The increase of vocations perseverance of priests and seminar- candidates for the priesthood.” (PG# self has the responsibility of nurtur- fessors from among the best priests of
to the priesthood and religious life ians in their vocation. 48) Seminarians feel very much en- ing the seed, watering it with continu- his diocese. (#192) It is unfortunate
is an indicator that the faith and couraged to give their best to their for- ous prayer, providing it with integral that in some dioceses, priests consider
prayer life of the community grows. The Pastoral Care and Promotion mation when they are given proper formation in the seminary and sus- seminary assignments as “too much
If there are no vocations in a parish, of Vocations attention by their bishop. They highly taining it with an on-going formation for them” or not very fulfilling or even
then, we can say that the people (and This Pastoral Care of Vocations appreciate the opportunity given them when the candidate becomes a dea- a temporary short-time assignment.
maybe the parish priest) are not and Diocesan Promotion of Vocations by their bishop to have colloquium con and eventually a priest. The demand to be consistently
praying enough!” is being demanded of us bishops. The with him regularly. In the initial phase of priestly for- present in the seminary to ensure qual-
If there are very few vocations Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of In my more than a year of minis- mation, our shepherding of seminar- ity formation of future priests seems
in our diocese, we should encourage Bishops says, “The pastoral care of try as a bishop of our diocese, I regu- ians depends greatly on our collabo- to be too harsh or utterly demanding
our priests, the religious, and the la- vocations, closely linked with the larly scheduled my seminarians for rators—the seminary priest-formators. for some priests. We should also ac-
ity to be more fervent in praying for pastoral care of young people, is colloquium especially during summer “Each bishop will show his concern cept the fact that not all priests, even
vocations. “Vocations need a vast properly served through a central or semestral vacation. I discuss with above all by selecting with great care those we consider the best intellectu-
network of people who pray fervently diocesan agency for the promotion them the evaluation of their seminary those charged with the training of ally, are fitted to this special pastoral
to the Lord” (PG# 48). As bishops, of vocations. It is therefore appro- formators regarding their performance future priests and by establishing the task of forming future priests. Thus,
we should always pray for more vo- priate to establish in the diocese a in the different areas of formation. Our most suitable and appropriate means “the bishop is to secure stability of
cations especially to the priesthood. single office for all vocations, under small diocese is blessed with thirty- of preparing them to exercise their seminary formation by implementing
Aside from asking God to call boys the direction of a priest, in order to two seminarians. We are truly grateful ministry in a setting so fundamental a program that prepares priests for
and young men to the priesthood, we coordinate the various initiatives, to God for giving us five deacons who for the life of the Christian commu- seminary ministry, secures their ten-
should offer daily prayers for our semi- always respecting the proper au- will be ordained priests before the end nity.” (PG #48) Let it not be said that ure of office, and provides for their
narians that they may persevere in tonomy of each ecclesial institution.” of this year. Regular dialogue with semi- priests are assigned to the seminary on-going formation.” (UPPPF #86)
their priestly vocations. It is also of (DPMB #91) I hope that during this narians was also done by my prede- because they have other place of as- This instruction to bishops clearly
utmost importance for us bishops to time, all of us have a Commission on cessor, Bishop Jose F. Oliveros who signment in the diocese. Much more shows how the Church values priestly
pray for our deacons and priests that Vocation in our diocese, properly was also my former rector and himself so, that a priest is assigned to the semi- vocations and the quality of future
they may be faithful always to their staffed and actively engaged in the a formator to numerous seminarians nary because he has to undergo some priests.
vocation as ordained ministers of God. promotion of priestly vocation. for many years. Caring for and pro- kind of renewal of his priestly life. The The bishop should monitor the
His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Though we have enough priests moting vocations by a bishop is also Seminary is not the place for reform- implementation of the Updated Phil-
Rosales used to tell us when he was in our dioceses, as bishops, we shown when he encourages his priests ing erring priests and much less for ippine Program for Priestly Forma-
still in Lipa that each day while in should continuously campaign for to organize and invite lay people in soothing hurt egos. Caring for / P13

vol10-n08.pmd 10 8/4/2006, 7:25 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 Social Concern 11
THE Archdiocesan Commission on
Service, a charity and social welfare Archdiocese of Cebu disciples immersed in Gospel values.
Through small loans, the poor are
office of the Archdiocese of Cebu, given the access to productive re-

Building Self-Reliant
was organized in 1959. It existed sources which enable them to man-
under different names: Catholic Aid, age their own development in a self-
Archdiocesan Social Action Center, sustaining manner. This program,
Cebu Caritas, Inc., unto its present which started on March 1997, has re-
name, Commission on Service, after
the Fourth Diocesan Synod of Cebu.
The Commission on Service is
Communities of Disciples markably provided help or assistance
to already 4,500 women members cov-
ering 52 parishes in the Archdiocese
the social welfare and development By Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna, H.P. of Cebu. Not discounting the fact
arm of the office of the Roman Catho- that this approach benefits those who
lic Archbishop of Cebu. It is based are willing to work hard, endure disci-
at the Cebu Caritas Inc. Building, P. pline and work together with others,
Gomez St., Cebu City. the program has noted considerable
Cebu archdiocese’s Commission effects of improvement in the lives of
on Service envisions itself to build the recipients.
self-reliant communities of disciples The CAPS-R Grameen involves
immersed in Gospel values. To the following program components
achieve such vision, it commits it- and services: (1) Capacity Building;
self—as its mandate or mission—to (2) Value Formation; (3) Credit Ser-
serving Cebu’s “community of dis- vices; (4) Savings Mobilization; and
ciples” by: providing technical and (5) Members’ Mutual Savings Fund.
financial resources to the poor; initi- No question, it is ascertained
ating and organizing groups to work that the program indeed precipitated
together as a community imbued some positive implications like,
with Gospel values and ecological among others—(a) banking facilities
concern; facilitating and networking and services are readily extended to
with other Commissions of the arch- poor women who can access small
diocese, Government Organizations loans; (b) exploitation by unscrupu-
(GO’s), People’s Organizations lous money lenders and usurers is
(PO’s) and Non-Government Orga- eliminated; (c) opportunities for self-
nizations (NGO’s) in accord within employment for vast unutilized man-
the framework of the Archdiocesan power resources are created; (d) dis-
Plan or Program of the Archdiocese advantaged people are brought
of Cebu. within the folds of some organiza-
To upgrade directly the quality tional format which they can under-
of life of the beneficiaries and indi- stand and operate and can find socio-
rectly the entire Cebu population, the political and economic strengths
Commission of Service’s vision and through mutual support; and (e) re-
mission are attained through— cipients become self-reliant commu-
health, nutrition and development nities of disciples immersed in Gos-
intervention programs; providing Archdiocesan Welfare Services, the reaved family; (4) Referral services, lessness brought about by disasters pel values.
opportunities and empowerment for Alay Kapwa—Relief, Emergency or problems not met by the office are and calamities. Admittedly, on the whole, the
communities to organize themselves and Rehabilitation (AK-RER), and recoursed to other social welfare or- Thus, the Alay Kapwa—Relief, activities and programs of Cebu’s
and acquire income-generating the Cebu Archdiocesan Program for ganizations. Emergency and Rehabilitation (AK- archdiocesan Commission on Ser-
projects; assisting oneself and oth- Self-Reliance (CAPS-R Grameen). A brief definition of terms is RER) area involves the following vice may yet fall short as to embody
ers, and accessing immediate help to The Archdiocesan Welfare deemed appropriate to understand component services: evangelization; or address the indubitably bigger and
victims of man-made and natural di- Services, a short term program in- the second area of COS’s (Commis- giving information or education on numerous concerns that are un-
sasters; and establishing linkages tended to provide the immediate sion on Service) area of social con- current social issues and problems avoidably brought to the fore dur-
with government and non-govern- needs of walk-in clients and cern programs and services, the Alay like poverty and environmental prob- ing this Year of Social Concern. But,
ment organizations to enhance ser- indigents, include the following ser- Kapwa – Relief, Emergency and Re- lems; solicitation of material and fi- palpably so, the archdiocesan Com-
vices to the poorest of the poor. vices: (1) Material assistance such habilitation (AK-RER). nancial aid or support; and distribu- mission on Service cannot fail to re-
as free medical assistance (free clinic “Alay” literally means offering tion of the resources received main undaunted in pursuing its man-
Current Programs and Ser- on regular schedule to immediate what we have and what we are to through the bishops and parish date of building self-reliant commu-
vices indigents and, upon request, free poor and distressed fellowmen or priests in the archdiocese. nities of disciples immersed in Gos-
medical mission to remote parishes), “kapwa”. “RER” (Relief, Emer- The third social concern pro- pel values—such is our humble con-
The social concern programs and food and clothing provision; (2) gency and Rehabilitation) is a pro- gram area, the Cebu Archdiocesan tribution.
and services being currently under- Transportation assistance (boat and cess through which a particular dis- Program for Self-Reliance, or better
(Msgr. Roberto Alesna, H.P. is currently
taken by the archdiocesan Commis- bus tickets or transportation dis- tressed community is helped to man- known as CAPS-R Grameen, aims at the Chairman of the Archdiocesan Com-
sion on Service may be classified into counts) to needy clients; (3) Burial age its environment and resources bringing the disadvantaged or the mission on Service of the Archdiocese
three principal areas: the assistance, financial aid to the be- in order to alleviate poverty and help- poor into a self-reliant community of of Cebu—Ed.)

TITHING was officially approved by the

Second Plenary Council of the Philippines
(PCP II) in 1991 to gradually replace the
Self-Sufficiency Through Giving: A Modified Tithing Program
arancel system in the country. Accordingly
so, the Diocese of Kabankalan in Negros By Rev. Fr. Rembert Rivera
Occidental has adopted and implemented,
since its endorsement during the First Dioc- also given to the Levites in return for the min- • To serve our basic needs. God allows us to a lower percentage and gradually increase.
esan Synod of Kabankalan (DSK-I) in 1997, istry they rendered to the Lord (Num. 18:2); own things so as to attend to our needs. • Parishioners secure their tithing envelopes
the “Modified Tithing Program” through- and (e) to withhold tithes from God is tanta- But on one hand, we must not lose trust in from the parish and offer their individual
out the entire Diocese. mount to cheating Him (Mal. 3:7-12). God’s providence (Mt. 6:25-34; 7:7-11). While tithes during offertory as they attend the
From its inception, the Diocese of Similarly, from the New Testament, tithing on the other hand, we must not place our Sunday Mass.
Kabankalan’s Modified Tithing Program, continued to be practiced by the Jews. But trust on riches (Mt. 6:19-21, 24; Lk. 12:15-21; • Parishioners are not forced to follow the
under the able supervision of the Diocesan Jesus demanded that it be accompanied with 1 Tim. 6:17). 10% stipulated in the Bible. Rather, they
Vicar General, Msgr. Rogelio Cruz, then righteousness (Mt. 23:23; Lk 11:42; 18:12). The • To share with others, especially the poor and pledge only the amount they can afford,
aimed to achieve the following objectives: early Christians shared their goods in com- the needy. We must also learn to share our but in proportion to the blessings God has
(1) to inculcate in the faithful the awareness mon. They would voluntarily sell their proper- bounty with others, especially the poor and given them.
or realization that they are the Church, and ties and give the proceeds to the apostles who the needy (Prov. 19:17; Mt. 25:40; Lk. 14:12- As a viable alternative to the arancel
thus (they) share in Christ’s mission to teach, would distribute them according to their needs 14; 16:19-31; 1 Tim. 6:18-19). We are com- system, it cannot be denied that tithing—
to sanctify and to serve; (2) to motivate the (Act 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 5:1-10). manded to love our neighbor as ourselves particularly in the Diocese of kabankalan—
faithful to take up their duty to support the (Mk. 12:31). Faith without good works is dead has since been successfully answering the
local Church, i.e. the diocese, parish, or chap- But why do we have to give tithe to God? (Jas. 2:15-17). We must learn to share from fixed or regular expenses or needs of par-
laincy; and (3) to attain self-sufficiency for our substance, and not only our excess (Lk. ishes or chaplaincies like, among others—
the pastoral programs and projects in the We owe everything to God who created 21:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:14). utilities as water and light; salaries of per-
diocese, so that the arancel system may be all things. “The earth is the Lord’s and every- • To promote the kingdom of God. We must sonnel; allowances of the parish priest; main-
eventually phased out. thing in it, the world and all who live in it” (Ps. seek first the kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33). For, tenance of the church, rectory and other fa-
Inarguably, tithing cannot fail to present 24:1). “What have you that you have not re- we are to love God above all else (Mk. 12:28- cilities; apostolate, outreach, charitable
its strong biblical foundations, with both the ceived? And if you received it, why are you 30). Thus we must give to God what belongs projects and activities, etc.
Old and New Testaments being replete with proud, as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. 4:7). to him (Mt. 22:21; cf. Mal. 3:7-12). The proper Nonetheless too, through tithing the par-
sources or teachings about tithing. From the “We brought nothing into the world and we use of our talents will merit us a place in his ishes or chaplaincies are able to support the
Old Testament, we find the following at- will leave it with nothing” (1 Tim. 6:7). kingdom (Mt. 25:14-30). diocese—the bishop and the diocesan com-
tributes and purposes of tithing: (a) tithing God made man caretaker or steward of his missions, the social action office, the dioc-
is an offering of 10% of one’s produce or creation. “What is man that you should be Mechanics of Tithing and its Benefits esan seminary, the missions, and other dioc-
goods as an act of gratitude and thanksgiv- mindful of him?...You have given him domin- esan pastoral programs.
ing to God (Gen. 14:17, 28:20); (b) tithing ion over the works of your hands, you have For its part, the Diocese of Kabankalan In sum, truly it can be said that tithing
became a law strictly observed among the set all things under his feet” (Ps. 8:5,7; cf. Gen. has readily devised the following procedural provides the faithful not only the means or
Chosen People (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21; Neh. 1:27-30). The steward is not the owner and must points in implementing the modified tithing faith experience of thanking God or of shar-
10:37; Amos 4:4); (c) the tithe was intended manage what is entrusted to him according to system: ing God’s blessing to others but, more so, the
as sacred offering to God, but part of it was the wishes of the owner (cf. Lk. 12:42-46). • Parishioners compute their income so they opportunity as well to participate actively in
distributed to the poor and the needy (Deut. According to God’s will, the created goods can estimate the tithes they can give. If tith- fulfilling the Church’s collective mission of
14:22-29; 26:12-15); (d) part of the tithe was of this earth must be used for three purposes: ing is new and hard for them, they start with liberation.

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 CBCP Monitor
12 Commentaries Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Pure and Simple Roles of Clergy and

Fr. Roberto P. Reyes

Laity in Politics

© Denz Dayao
© Denz Dayao

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THE CBCP has spoken, the official the wishy-washy position they gerous and difficult. There are no
Church position has been said, so have, they will only encourage the clear-cut, full-proof solutions. Yes, I believe that our country is now in that interesting stage where a clari-
be it. And in the wake of the Bish- (un)faithful to distrust the clergy there are crooks, corrupt politicians, fication on the roles of clergy and laity in politics is much needed.
ops’ statement, for good or for bad, some more.” (PDI, July 12, 06, P A12) communists and activists of all col- Nowadays, different opinions on the matter are expressed, leaving many
a variety of reactions have also been There are three sets of positions ors from blue to red, from yellow to people confused.
naturally generated. Let us look at here. The first from the bishops state- pink. Amid the ache, I go to the Lord It might be good to remit verbatim the official teaching of the Catho-
some of these. ment, politics which covers political and ask, “what would you do Lord if lic Church, so that everyone can have a clear idea about the matter and
First, the favorable: Press Sec- processes and rules that govern you were in the Philippines today?” can be guided accordingly.
retary Ignacio Bunye, “We concur these as well as the persons who I wait and listen if He too will say, Part of paragraph 43 of the pastoral constitution of the Catholic
with bishops that impeachment is not implement the latter, officially called “Bahala na …naniniguro lang. I Church Gaudium et spes contains the pertinent teaching. I invite every-
the way toward change and resolu- politicians are altogether suspect wait some more and listen again. He one to study it, slowly, calmly. Here it goes:
tion in our current political con- “unless these are guided by no other seems quiet until I feel something • Secular duties and activities belong properly although not exclusively
cerns… the administration welcomes motive than genuine concern for the burning deep within. to laymen. Therefore acting as citizens in the world, whether indi-
and ponders with humility and sin- common good…” (Cf. CBCP State- From my heart of hearts, a vi- vidually or socially, they will keep the laws proper to each discipline,
cere appreciation the moral counsel ment) The second from Malacanang sion emerges: a man walking among and labor to equip themselves with a genuine expertise in their vari-
from the pastoral letter of the and its supporters and obvious ben- the people, on roads of dirt, mud and ous fields.
CBCP…the message offers many eficiaries, the Church, especially its stone, sitting and eating among pros- • Laymen should also know that it is generally the function of their well-
points of agreement and shared ob- bishops is such a wonderful ally. The titutes, tax collectors and sinners. I formed Christian conscience to see that the divine law is inscribed in
jectives between the government church should keep up the good see a man whose robes are soiled the life of the earthly city.
and the Church…” House Majority work. The third from the opposition with dust, mud and various stains • From priests they may look for spiritual light and nourishment. Let the
Leader Prospero Nograles, “The both formal and informal, the church from contact with oily and grimy cart layman not imagine that his pastors are always such experts, that to
House or Congress is not a correct has a duty to encourage hope and wheels, unkempt and stinking beg- every problem which arises, however complicated, they can readily
venue to find guilt or innocence. It’s participation, clarity and courage in gars. I see the man who seems ordi- give him a concrete solution, or even that such is their mission.
the courts that will decide guilt or no moral thinking, judgment, decision nary as he so naturally blends with • Rather, enlightened by Christian wisdom and giving close attention to
guilt, not Congress in an impeach- and action and the capacity to show the crowd. He is full of peace, gentle- the teaching authority of the Church, let the layman take on his own
ment case because Congress de- genuine concern and involvement ness and compassion. But there is distinctive role.
cides, as a policy, whether good or (engagement) in the not so neat and heat, magnetism, light that flow al- • Often enough the Christian view of things will itself suggest some
bad, to remove an official.” (Cf. PDI, pure reality of socio-political renewal most visibly and palpably from him. specific solution in certain circumstances. Yet it happens rather fre-
July 11, 06, page A1) and transformation. He is not distant, safe and secure. quently, and legitimately so, that with equal sincerity some of the
Second, the unfavorable: Sena- Conrad de Quiros has a scath- He has become part of those around faithful will disagree with others on a given matter.
tor Ramon Magsaysay Jr., “says he ing and disturbing critique of the lat- him, the hungry, the sick, the rejects, • Even against the intentions of their proponents, however, solutions
does not understand the est CBCP position, “…the way the the sinners. They come to him or proposed on one side or another may be easily confused by many
CBCP…impeachment is the best, CBCP has answered it ( the question does he go to them? They seem to people with the Gospel message.
most peaceful way of seeking the in the minds of the people, What do belong to each other but not so much • Hence it is necessary for people to remember that no one is allowed in
truth.” Senate Minority Leader we do about someone who stole the as he reveling in dirt, sin and misery the aforementioned situations to appropriate the Church¡¦s authority
Aquilino Pimentel Jr., “That’s the vote?) opens itself up to charges that as he wanting to give life to those for his opinion.
CBCP’s privilege. While I don’t see it’s basically saying, “Bahala na who feel lost, hopeless and de- • They should always try to enlighten one another through honest
how impeachment can succeed, I kayo diyan. We ourselves can’t do prived. No, he does not say “Bahala discussion, preserving mutual charity and caring above all for the
find it strange that they are not con- a thing about it. Or worse, “Pasensya na…naniniguro lang.” Instead, he common good
vinced that complainants seek the na, we just want to play safe.” (PDI, says something that I keep • Bishops, to whom is assigned the task of ruling the Church of God,
public good.” Minority Leader July 12,06, P12) hearing…”Come follow me….follow should, together with their priests, so preach the news of Christ that
Francis Escudero, “If they favor the Conrad describes a church that me.” Perhaps I should ask, “where all the earthly activities of the faithful will be bathed in the light of the
search for truth but not through the is distant, above, away, indifferent, Lord?” But there is no need. I see Gospel..
impeachment, then through what afraid, unsure and unwilling to soil where he goes….and there I want • All pastors should remember too that by their daily conduct and con-
means?” The Hyatt 10 said that the its “impeccably white vestments and and joyfully want to follow Him. cern, they are revealing the face of the Church to the world, and men
impeachment case they filed would unstained hands,” perhaps, a We seem to forget asking this will judge the power and truth of the Christian message thereby.
proceed, with or without the support church that wants to be and remain basic question not only now but al- • By their lives and speech, in union with Religious and their faithful,
of the CBCP. (PDI, July 11,06, page “pure?” Two operative words seem ways, “where is the Lord in all these, they may demonstrate that even now the Church by her presence
A1) to guide the church position, and what does the Lord want me, us alone and by all the gifts which she contains, is an unspent fountain
Third, it is worthwhile noting “Bahala na kayo (That’s your con- to do for others? of those virtues which the modern world needs the most.
reactions from respected citizens and cern not ours.)” “Naniniguro lang Yes, most if not all politicians • By unremitting study they should fit themselves to do their part in
opinion makers. Former Senate Presi- (Just making sure).” are driven by vested interest. They establishing dialogue with the world and with men of all shades of
dent Jovito Salonga, “the bishops These past months, while I are not pure. However, do we be- opinion. Above all let them take to heart the words which this council
may be pushing the people to stage watched events at home from afar, I come pure simply by condemning has spoken:
another people power. The bishops cannot help but feel bad because I their impurity and dismissing their • Since humanity today increasingly moves toward civil, economic and
are virtually telling the people there could not be involved. I feel so far efforts with our “Bahala na and social unity, it is more than ever necessary that priests, with joint
is no more hope.” Former Commis- from what I used to constantly expe- naniniguro lang” attitude? Jesus did concern and energy, and under the guidance of the bishops and the
sion on Elections Chair Christian rience, the dust, heat, crowds, anti- not make statements. Jesus spoke supreme pontiff, erase every cause of division, so that the whole
Monsod said “ that next year’s mid- riot cops, fire trucks, make-shift words directly to persons and amid human race may be led to the unity of God¡¦s family.
term elections were another way out stages, harassment and threats of all crowds. He did not have an office Given this indication, it is quite clear that in secular, temporal mat-
of the political impasse. (Cf. PDI, July kinds, meetings, discussions, sub- nor a title that gave credibility to his ters like politics, the laity takes the more active and direct role, while the
12, 06, Page 1) Conrado de Quiros, “ poenas, preliminary hearings, court words. Crowds sought him and liter- clergy gives guidance and fosters the proper atmosphere for dialogue
That is the richest irony of all. The hearings, etc. ally ate his words because he was and discussion especially when the issues generate different, even
bishops worry that by going through Yet, from where I am I cannot always in their midst. He was one of conflicting positions.
another unproductive political exer- say, “Bahala na kayo…Naniniguro them, one with them, indeed not in In this area, there can be no specific Catholic position, and it is not
cise we will only encourage the pub- lang…” My heart, soul, mind, spirit, their sins but in their feeble and even the mission of the clergy to give one, since the matters are by nature
lic to distrust politicians some more? my entire being aches to be part of impure efforts to find life and more open to valid opinions and the free discussion of men.
They should worry that by taking my people’s struggle. Yes, it is dan- life, God and more God.

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 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 Statements 13
GATHERED in convention in Talisay City,
Cebu with the theme “Prophetic Witness, Re-

2006 AMRSMP Convention Statement

flecting the Mission and Option for the Poor”
we represent consecrated men, priests and
brothers and our mission partners, who work
in different ministers in all parts of the country.
As leaders of our congregations, we fell the
need to continue offering hope to our people
in the midst of political, economic and moral
crises that continue to affect the majority of
the people especially the poorest of the poor.

Our Reading of the Situation:

We have spent time in reflecting on the

conditions of the people that we serve and we
are compelled to address the following con-
cerns that plague our society today: the mount-
ing number of extra-judicial killings, the ill ef-
fects of mining and its control by foreign cor-
porations, the railroading of the charter change
process, rampant corruption in both public and
private sectors, ad the immediate and dire con-
sequences of poverty throughout.
We would like to acknowledge that many
of these concerns are already being addressed
by the individual congregations and by the
mission partners of AMRSP.

Recommendations:

In addition to what is already being done

by individual congregations and the mission
partners, we recommend the following actions:
that the government immediately work to
end the extra-judicial killings that are happen-
ing around the country and the culture of im-
punity be put to an end by bringing to justice The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he
has appointed me. He has sent me to bring the good
those who are responsible for these murder-
poor, to
news to the poor, to proclaim
proclaim liberty to captives and
ers, whoever they may be; and that the Min-
ing Act of 1995 be immediately repealed and to the blind new sight, to se the downtrodden free, to
proclaim the Lord’s year of of favour.
favour. (Like
(Like 4:18)
4:18)
replaced by a new mining law which is envi-
ronmentally sound, sustainable and in the na-
tional interest.

Commitments: could be) best done through a constitutional the Millennium Development Goals for the 21 of each year as a day of remembrance for
convention.” eradication of poverty. the victims of martial law.
We commit ourselves to the following: We will continue working to eradicate cor- We will intensify our efforts to network This is what Yahweh asks of you: only
In agreement with the CBCP position on ruption in our institutions and in those areas and collaborate among ourselves and with our this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk
charter change, “we do not support hasty ef- of society where we live and carry out our min- mission partners to maximize our service to the humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
forts to change this fundamental law of the istry. poor.
land without the widespread discussion and We will work and collaborate critically with As a way of working towards national rec- AMRSMP 2006 Convention Participants
participation that such changes require (which the government, as far as is feasible, to achieve onciliation, we will commemorate September July 19, 2006

Tidbits / from P7 Caring for / from P10

is a group of the faithful that the It is precisely in these cases that the tion in the seminary. He should per- together, eat together, play together and tions that are entrusted to us. But just as
bishop must establish in the diocese role of the movements is not only sonally participate in the formation of above all, I listen to their sharing. I give a bishop has the full responsibility of
for the convocation of the faithful providential, but important. They pro- the seminarians by his encouraging a deepening of their experiences in the shepherding his flock; he is the shep-
around the Eucharist and the devel- duce mature Christian personalities, and motivating presence and most parish and connect the rich pastoral ex- herd of his priests, he is the shepherd of
opment of the liturgical life (SC 42). conscious of their own baptismal especially through his conferences and posure that they had to the total priestly the religious and the laity, and he is also
Structurally, it represents a part of the identity, their own vocation and mis- homilies in Eucharistic celebrations. formation that they are undergoing. “A the shepherd of seminarians who will be
diocese, entrusted to the bishop with sion in the Church and in the world. genuine personal knowledge of the his future priests. The future of the Church
the assigned pastor as his coopera- They offer a significant testimony to The Bishop’s Personal Knowledge candidates for the priesthood in his par- depends greatly on the quality of priests
tor in the care of souls (CD 30). what Christian life should be. In his of the Candidates for the Priesthood ticular Church is indispensable for the who are ordained by their bishop.
The parish is therefore a pasto- encyclical Redemptoris Missio John “Regular contact between the Bishop. On the basis of these direct Indeed, the obligation to promote
ral organization established by the Paul II said these prophetic words: bishop and the seminary community contacts he will ensure that the semi- and care for priestly vocations, monitor
bishop in his diocese. It is not an au- “When these movements humbly constitutes a vital component in semi- naries form mature and balanced per- the quality of formation of seminarians,
tonomous institution, but an entity seek to become part of the life of the nary life. Let the bishop’s own efforts sonalities, men capable of establish- and maintain the holiness of those pro-
that is dependent upon, yet integral local Churches and are welcomed by at being fully human inspire the semi- ing sound human and pastoral rela- moted to the priestly Orders form one
to, the diocese. bishops and priests within diocesan narians” (UPPPF #58). One of the vivid tionships, knowledgeable in Theol- continuum. It is in the bishop’s deep con-
Within the context of these Con- and parish structures, they represent memories that I still treasure when I ogy, solid in the spiritual life, and in cern for vocations and shepherding of
ciliar teachings, the Code of Canon a true gift of God both for new evan- was a minor seminarian is the image of love with the Church” (PG # 48) seminarians that the Church is provided
Law defines the parish as: “A parish is gelization and for missionary activity our Archbishop then who would fre- The bishop’s genuine personal with holy priests. It is also in this way that
a certain community of the Christian properly so-called.” quently visit our seminary community. knowledge of the candidates for the the Church is ensured with sustained and
faithful stably established within a par- Meantime, the zealous pastor of Because he lived just next door to our priesthood is his perfect gesture of dedicated service. God will surely reward
ticular Church, whose pastoral care, the parish, to fulfill his mission to the seminary, he would often surprise us showing his love for the Church. The every effort of a bishop to promote voca-
under the authority of the diocesan lay men and women entrusted to his with unannounced visit. He would quality of new priests in every diocese tions and guide seminarians to a deep
Bishop, is entrusted to a parish priest care, has drawn up the pastoral pro- engage us in casual conversations— whether they are good or bad is sig- love and service of the Church.
as its proper pastor “ (Can. 515, § 1). gram of the parish, complete with vi- ”Have you been kind and well-be- nificantly a result of how the bishop
sion, mission, plans, organizational haved?” Of course, we would readily knows them personally. Conclusion
The Role of the Ecclesial Move- set-ups, programs, objectives, and ac- answer him, Yes”. And jokingly he “When the time comes to confer I am deeply convinced that our care
ments in the Parish tivities. This pastoral organizational would gently twist our hands or make Holy Orders, each bishop will carry for vocations and shepherding of semi-
The parish therefore is the locus set-up and plans are supposed to be a slight finger strike to our ears as he out the necessary investigation. In narians will always be sustained by God
wherein the faithful is placed to meet the standard program of the parish. encouraged us to be good and prayer- this regard, conscious of his grave with His grace. As God promised “I
their Creator in the Word and the sac- Will it not be disturbed or dis- ful seminarians. We respect him so responsibility for the conferring of will be with you till the end of time”
raments, the place where they respond rupted by the insertion of these much and we love him for his fatherly priestly Orders, only after careful in- (cf. Mt. 28). He will always call minis-
to the exigencies of evangelization. ecclesial movements into the life and concern for each one of us. quiry and ample consultation accord- ters for His Church to continue His mis-
However, it is limited in its resources. activity of the parish? To this appre- As a bishop, I always try my best ing to the norms of law will the Bishop sion. The reason why Christ entrusts
It cannot for instance contain every hension, it is good to again listen to to imitate that fatherly concern and ges- receive into his Diocese candidates to bishops the care for vocations and
possible form of Christian life, whether and reflect the words of the present ture that I experienced when I was still a coming from other Dioceses or from formation of seminarians to become
individual or group. It is in this area Holy Father, Benedict XVI, who in his seminarian. In my own little ways I let a Religious Institute.” (PG # 48) holy priests is His love for the whole
that every parish has to be open to the homily of the Mass at the opening of my seminarians feel that I truly support mankind in need of salvation. The qual-
workings of the Holy Spirit that more his Pontificate said: “My true program them in their desire to answer God’s call. The Future of the Church Clearly De- ity of our concern for priestly vocations
often than not are manifested in the of government is that of not doing my The bishop should strive to gain pends in the Bishop’s Care for Voca- somehow reflects the quality of our love
irruptions of ecclesial movements and will, of not following my own ideas, personal knowledge of his seminarians tions and Shepherding of Seminarians for our own vocation. As we encour-
faith communities. but of listening, with the whole Church, especially those in the Philosophy and Sooner or later, all of us here will get age young men to serve God as priests,
John Paul II had oftentimes in the to the word and will of the Lord and of Theology departments. As much as old and gray—some faster than others. we silently tell God and all the faithful
past expressed his optimism and con- letting myself be guided by him, so possible, the bishop should address his We are all passing this world. We should that the life we embraced is indeed the
fidence in the capacity of these move- that it is he himself who guides the seminarians by their first names. “He prepare and mold future priests who are life worth living in Christ.
ments to renew the Church’s apos- Church in this hour of our history.” In calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3) holy, zealous, and totally dedicated to God
(This piece is one of the talks delivered during
tolic action. There are parishes, he other words, in the Church uniformity In order to hasten my knowledge of my and His Church. As bishops, this is a the annual retreat of the bishops held last July
said, that are languishing, turned into is not the ideal, it is catholicity which seminarians, I join them in the evalua- very serious and demanding responsibil- 4-6 preceding their 93rd Plenary Assembly, 2006
mere “providers of pastoral services.” admits of plurality, diversification. tion of their summer apostolate. We pray ity considering the many other obliga- at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.)

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 CBCP Monitor
14 Feature Article Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

The Silence of the Lamb FROM THE INBOX

The Right of the Church to Guide Her Flock

I would like to express my reaction to the article written by
Alcuin Papa, entitled, Church urged: Be more open to sex
education in Philippine Daily Inquirer last July 19, 2006.
The Catholic Church is being pressured by the identified
civic groups in favor of sex education, to concede to the
plan of DepEd to institutionalize the teaching of sex educa-
tion nationwide from elementary grades above. Why should
(For page 14. pictures that may be used in this these civic groups prejudice the Catholic Church for de-
article: crowd of people, a group of priests fending its rights? Don’t they realize that their behavior is
unconstitutional? Article III, Sec. 5 under Bill of Rights of
and religious, church goers or a flock of lambs) the Philippine Constitution states that “… The free exercise
and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, with-
out discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed…”
I hope they will respect and honor our Catholic Church for
doing what She is supposed to do to guide Her faithful. I
am a Catholic and I believe that what the Church says on
matters of faith and morals is God’s.
The Catholic Church knows what is best for Her flock
in dealing with sex education. She always deals with it with
extreme care and sacredness, in an appropriate time and
manner, in an appropriate environment and with appropri-
ate words that observes holy purity and sacredness of
God’s love for man. Such treatments are consequences of
the time-tested philosophical and sacred theological stud-
ies, the Church’s Magisterium, under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit (through the gift of infallibility given to the Holy
Father) the Catholic Church has invested, that cannot be

© Roy Lagarde
doubted. Moreover, such studies had always been imbued
with abundance prayers, sacrifices and holiness.
We can learn from history that whenever God’s de-
signs for love, marriage, transmission of life, family and
nurturance of the dignity of the human person are observed,
By Fr. Romuald P. Zantua, D.S. lived and defended, abundant goodness reigns in the world;
otherwise, corruption, chaos, and all sorts of evil prevail.
THE Book of Ecclesiastes says that there is a time to speak and the law said one was not supposed to speak to in public. The Church Hierarchy has been a Good Shepherd to
a time to be quiet. Both moments need discernment. Jesus broke One can be very fruitful in silence. The silence of the lamb its faithful—protecting them from the evils of confusion,
his silence before Pilate not to defend himself but to remind the brought to its shearer, describes the Lamb of God. No voice of deception and corruption. It deserves the support of all
governor that the only power he had over him came from above. his was heard in the streets. “A smoldering wick he would not because it works for their best interest.
The same thing he did to the servant of the High Priest. quench; a bruised reed he would not even break.” But his Once more, I hope the Catholic Church’s right to guide
Instead of giving the other cheek, he confronted him with the voice reaches to the farthest ends of the earth. Her flock is respected and honored by all, especially by our
truth: “If I said something wrong, tell me what it was, but if Another high public servant whose silence could have government officials and lawmakers. I am a Catholic and I
none, why did you strike me?” Jesus, the Truth, reminded two meant an approving “yes” maintained his silence. His con- believe that what the Church teaches on matters of faith
public servants, both high and low, of the truth. Before Herod, demning silence was construed as a resounding “no” to a and morals is always God’s.
he said nothing. wrong-doing of his king. His silence was more eloquent than In keeping with the Philippine Constitution on the right
Sometimes, when we have accomplished the task of speak- spoken or written words. It is the silence granted to martyrs to profess one’s religious belief and the right of families to
ing, in season and out of season, silence is the best move, with a cause, which fools can never understand. education their children in such delicate and sacred matter,
especially when people are already tired of listening to so many I do not know the context of this hearsay anecdote about I hope DepEd will pay heed to the exhortations of the Catho-
conflicting voices. St. Francis. I heard that he said to his brothers that they were lic Church.
Yes, Jesus knew the right time to speak. In the midst of meant to preach the Gospel always, and, if necessary, by words.
noisy accusing men ready to cast a stone at a woman, he broke Silence can also be deeply and effectively prophetic. In- Evelyn C. Mijares
his silence, only after writing something on the ground. Yes, deed it can be of great service to the truth, especially when the High School Teacher
unprovoked, he could also start a conversation with a person search for the truth has become fruitless.

I wasn’t much of anything, re- with a receding hairline now. (I

Bo Sanchez ally. don’t run out of problems.)
Oh, I was a preacher all right. And insane has happened:
Your Past Doesn’t Define your Future At that time, I was already lead-
ing a small prayer group of thirty (30)
I’ve preached to sooooo many na-
tions all over the world these past
people. Impressed? Don’t be. My au- years, I sometimes wonder if my
I can still see it. “GLOBAL OUTREACH FOR Wow. dience was um... a little bit biased. next flight will be to a planet called
There was a bamboo hut I JESUS” Me, an international preacher. The regular members of my prayer Jupiter.
saw while traveling in a far-flung (INTERNATIONAL) Ha! group were the following: my mother, I’m not boasting. You see, I
island in the country. Right Now they’d be in trouble if that I’m not insane, thank you. my father, my five sisters, their hus- don’t think I can. Ever.
smack in the middle of nowhere, were their central office. You see, I knew myself. I saw bands, my nieces, my aunts, their I still see myself as that bam-
with mountain ranges and farm- Then boy, whoever put that who I was every time I looked at the husbands, my cousins, and the boo hut out in the middle of no-
lands around it, lay this tiny sign had faith. mirror, which I tried to avoid to re- neighborhood dogs. Count that and where. I’m still that fourteen year
shack the size of your regular I actually felt like that bamboo lieve myself of unnecessary stress. I you get thirty very loyal people with old nobody.
toilet. hut when at fourteen years old, a was a small-packaged, toothpick- a few representatives from the ani- All it had to take was God.
I had to stop to take a good prayer group leader “prophesied” to structured, pimple-infested, gro- mal kingdom. And a guy who failed in alge-
look, because it had a sign on me that I will preach to different na- tesquely-formed, fourteen-year-old International Preacher? bra, physics, and chemistry.
top of it. And the sign was big- tions all over the world. creature who also wasn’t very bright. Lunacy. The truth?
ger than the house itself. I read She said she heard God tell her I was struggling in high school alge- But listen. I’m now thirty-three Your past doesn’t define your
it, in big, bold, bright, red letters: that in her prayers. bra, chemistry, physics, and Pilipino. years old. With lesser pimples, but future.

Capiz’/ from P16

but larger communities was tral place of residence where every settlement or administrative center, of the forts toward reduccion. developed, they were re-
one of the earliest colonial they could establish a per- encomienda, a doctrina emerging pueblo (munici- “Later on the mission grouped to become parishes
undertakings in order to fa- manent church and commu- has to be established. The pality). ‘It was here that the station and the larger settle- (or ministerios) for perma-
cilitate their conversion into nity in the Hispanic urban settlement with the largest earliest church and rectory ments associated with it nent priests to minister.”
Christianity, spiritual admin- tradition. population or that which (convento) were erected were generally organized These important his-
istration, civil control, re- “After the geographical was most suitably located and where civil administra- into municipalities or towns torical vignettes may just
cruitment of corvee, and the distribution of the mission- within the area was chosen tive activities, were con- (pueblos) and parishes very well reflect the color-
collection of tributes. The ary orders throughout the for this purpose. This is ducted, eventually in an edi- (parroquias). By the end ful historical saga that the
responsibility for this archipelago, where they usually by the sea or river- fice that came to be known of the eighteenth century, parish of St. Lawrence the
reduccion (resettlement or concentrated their religious side, to take advantage of as the casa tribunal or almost all Christian Filipi- Deacon went through in the
gathering) fell ultimately on works, they attempted to es- fluvial transportations and municipio (municipal build- nos lived in or were as- past two centuries and, true
the missionaries, who de- tablish doctrinas or mis- make living more practical. ing). Once established, the signed to the jurisdiction of to the noble legacy of St.
voted considerable efforts sion stations, and to en- “The actual doctrina or cabecera, with its univer- a municipality-parish. Lawrence the Deacon and
to bringing the dispersed in- courage inhabitants to take central mission village usu- sally replicated ‘plaza com- “Towns during this Martyr, it continues ever
habitants of their wide juris- up residence in the villages. ally became the cabecera plex,’ became the focal time had barrio chapels more to remain undaunted
dictions bajo de campana The Patronato Real re- (more frequently referred to point for religious conver- called visitas, which were in Faith and as a living wit-
(under the bells), into a cen- quired and assured that for later as the poblacion) or sion and the continued ef- regularly visited. As visitas ness to the Gospel.

vol10-n08.pmd 14 8/4/2006, 7:26 PM

 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006 CINEMA Reviews 15
Title: LADY IN THE WATER
Title: WHITE LADY sa simbahan ay himig din nito ang Running Time: 110 mins
Running Time: 110 mins naging tunog. May mga bahagi sa Lead Cast: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard,
Lead Cast: Angelica Panganiban, kuwento ng White Lady na hindi malinaw Bob Balaban, Jeffrey Wright, Sarita
Pauleen Luna, JC de Vera, at kapani-paniwala, maging ang Choudhury, Freddy Rodriguez, Bill Irwin, Jared
Boots Anson-Roa, Jason, Iwa Harris, M. Night Shyamalan
Moto, Franzen Fajardo, Katrina
paglalarawan ng mga tauhan.. Mabait
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Perez, Glaiza de Castro, ba o masama si Christina? Matino ba o Producers: Samuel L. Mercer, M. Night
Ketchup Eusebio, Gian Carlo sira ang ulo ni Lola Tasya? Mahinahon Shyamalan, John Rusk
Director: Jeff Tan ba o mapusok si Pearl? Lubos bang Screenwriter: M. Night Shyamalan
Producer: Roselle Monteverde-Teo napakasama ni Mimi at napakahina ba Music: James Newton Howard
Screenwriters: Don Michael Perez, naman ang loob ng lahat niyang Editor: Barbara Tulliver
Joel Rufino Nuñez kabarkada? Kung minsan ay parang Genre: SciFi
Genre: Horror naglalaro lang ng "takutan" ang mga Cinematography: Christopher Doyle
Cinematography: Tim Jimenez gumaganap. Kahit na nga ang make-up Distributor: Warner Bros.
Distributor: Regal Entertainment ng White Lady ay parang ipinipinta lang Location: USA
Location: Los Baños, Laguna Technical Assessment: ½
Technical Assessment: ng mga pumupunta sa Halloween party.
Moral Assessment:
Moral Assessment: Napakarami ring eksena ng karahasan. CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 Ipinakita sa White Lady na may
and above kaibigang nagtataguyod sa mabuti at
meron din namang nagbubulid sa FROM his cottage by the swimming pool, Cleveland
masama. Kaya nga't kailangang maging Heap (Paul Giamatti), the sad, stuttering, middle-aged
MAY nagmumultong babae sa Arts caretaker-manager of The Cove Apartments, hears
Academy. Ayon sa janitor na nakakita maingat sa pagpili ng mga kaibigan o
barkada at nang hindi mapahamak. May splashing sounds in the deserted pool at night. Once
ay mahaba ang buhok nito, nakakatakot while investigating the phenomena, he falls into the
ang sunog nitong mukha, at nakasuot pakikisama na nauuwi sa
pakikipagsabwatan. Kahit mali ay pool and is rescued by a creature who appears every
ito ng puting damit kaya't tinawag itong inch like a human female except for the ephemeral
"White Lady". Nagparamdam ang sunod-sunuran, huwag lamang
matiwalag sa samahan. Isa pang quality exuded by its waif-like, finely chiseled facial
White Lady kay Pearl (Pauleen Luna), features. It is called a "narf", a sea nymph, who has a
isang probinsyanang Ilongga at mensahe ng pelikula ay ukol sa
pakikipag-relasyon na kung minsan ay mission among humans but whose return to the sea
mahusay na estudyante. Sapagkat is being prevented by a "scrunt", an wolf-like animal
mapapakinabangan si Pearl ay inimbita hindi lamang nakakaabala sa pagaaral
kundi mapanganib pa rin. Bukod sa hindi whose emergence from the grass is signaled by the
siya ni Mimi (Iwa Moto) na sumama sa sprinkler turning on by itself. This narf lives under
kaniyang grupo. Ang popular at laki sa pa handa sa pananagutan ang mga nasa- emphasis by well-timed close-ups and points of view.
kolehiyo pa lamang ay mahirap makilala the pool, can tell your future, and calls herself Story
layaw na si Mimi ang lider ng (Bryce Dallas Howard); her identity as a narf is au- As with other Shyamalan films, Lady in the Wa-
mapagsamantalang barkada na ang tunay na pagkatao ng karelasyon ter imparts a life-sized message composed of many
sa maikling panahon.. Tinalakay din sa thenticated by a similar Korean folk tale told by one
kinabibilangan nina Joshua (Jason of the tenants, Mrs. Choi (June Kyoko Lu) and trans- bite-sized messages. To benefit from his brand of
Abalos), Eva (Katarina Perez), Jowee pelikula kung bakit 2nagbabalik ang wisdom conveyed through the fantastic, the viewer
espiritu nang yumao. Nanghihingi ng lated by her daughter Young-Soon Choi (Cindy
(Glaiza de Castro), at si Hector (Ketchup Cheung). Story falls unconscious when attacked and should turn a blind eye to lapses in logic in the events
Eusebio). Hinihikayat ng grupo si Pearl katarungan si Christina sa kalupitan ng and be open instead to what is being said and left
barkada na nagpahamak sa kaniya. Hindi wounded by the scrunt. Cleveland is joined by some
na siyasatin ang hiwagang bumabalot of the tenants in an attempt to save Story so she can unsaid. For instance, in Lady in the Water, one might
sa White Lady ngunit hindi ito tama ang mensahe na sa paghihiganti ask 'If Story is a sea nymph, why does she need an
lamang matatahimik ang kaniyang return to the sea.
pumayag. Nagsimula na ang sunod- In order to fully appreciate Lady in the Water, the eagle to take her back to the water? Why don't they
sunod na aksidente sa mga barkada ni kaluluwa, na karahasan ang dapat iganti just throw her back into the pool where she lives and
sa karahasang ginawa sa kaniya.. viewer must allow director M. Night Shyamalan to
Mimi. Sa wakas ay natuklasan din ni turn playful in this story, taking a dig at unfriendly let her swim her way to the ocean?' Or 'What hap-
Pearl ang sekreto ng White Lady at Nasaksihan ng mga estudyante at guro pened to the character attacked by the scrunt? Why
nang basbasan ng pari ang bodega na film critics and boldly assigning himself a pivotal role
kung ano ang tunay na nangyari kay in the film. A departure from his usual approach to didn't anybody miss him? Did he die? Where is the
Christina. pinangyarihan ng krimen at inasahan ng corpse? Was the scrunt so famished he licked the
lahat na mamamayapa at lilisan na ang film fantasy (in which The Village is a classic), Lady in
Sa simula pa lamang ng pelikula ay the Water is supposed to be a bedtime story for chil- place clean of every trace of the attack?' One strong
makahulugan na ang ginamit na puting espiritu. .Sa halip ay mukha pa ngang message of Lady in the Water is the supremacy of
nagwagi ang kasamaan sapagkat galit dren, a fairy tale set not in some never-never land of
pamagat sa itim na pondo at hinaluan elves and dwarves or flying sorcerers but right in our innocence over worldliness? to direct their action the
ng mga nagliliparang alipato (apoy na at poot ang nanaig sa White Lady at community depends on a child whose takes guid-
ipinahiwatig na nararapat lamang na own 21st century backyard, a lower middle class apart-
nililipad ng hangin mula sa nasusunog ment complex in suburban Philadelphia populated by ance from his "oracle", a collection of cereal boxes.
na bagay). Inihahanda nito ang kalooban buhay ang kapalit ng buhay. Walang No candles, incense, crystal balls and abracadabras
pagsisisi na nakita sa mga nagkasala at ordinary folk simple enough not to question the pres-
ng mga manonood sa ence of narfs and scrunts in their midst. The movie but plain supermarket cereal boxes "read" with inno-
mangyayari?madalas na sa gabi walang pagpapatawad na iginawad ang cence and sincerity. The leader, according to the ce-
biktima. Nakalulungkot na ito ang calls for little CGI (Computer Generated Images) for
nagaganap ang mga tagpo. Malimit its wit resides in its script, in lines that Shyamalan real boxes, must be one who has no secrets and whose
gamitin ang Ilonggong awit na Ili-Ili nangibabaw sa White Lady---hindi ito word is respected by others. Another strong but veiled
ang diwa ng Kristiyanismo. makes sure get heard. To bring home a point in the
Tulog Anay at maging ang mga kampana dialogue, director of photography Christopher statement for the importance of purity of heart as a
Doyle's camera supplies the enhancement and the pre-condition for saving the world. Very Christian.

Title: NACHO LIBRE IGNACIO/Nacho (John Black) an night. They continue to lose but a movie make. The story line of mon- Now, really? It is the height of na-
Running Time: 90 mins orphan, who grew up under the care the more they lose, the greater is astery cook by day and a fighter by ivete to expect that prayer alone
Lead Cast: Jack Black, Ana de la of the friars, has always dreamed to Nacho's will to win. Despite night is dramatic enough. But the could transform a perennial loser
Rguera, Hector Jimenez, be a "luchador" (mex wrestler). But Ignacio's wearing a mask to conceal drama is not sustained and after a into a champion overnight. It may
Darius Rose, Cesar
Gonzalez
he's stuck as a cook serving meager his identity, he is soon exposed and while it drags and bores. The attempt be dramatic and cinematic, but
Director: Jared Hess and stale food to orphans. One day, forced to leave the community. His of the director and screenwriter tan- that's about all. It is silly to be-
Producer: Steve Nicolaides a young, beautiful nun, Sister loneliness and depression are alle- dem, Jared and Jerusha to combine lieve that this could happen in real
Screenwriters: Jared Hess, Encarnacion (Ana dela Reguera) viated somewhat by Sister hilarious absurdity with religious life. The movie's simplistic as-
Jerusha Hess, Mike White comes to stay in the monastery. Encarnacion's encouragement to sensitivity fails. Also, the movie is sumption detracts, rather than, in-
Music: Danny Elfman Wanting to impress and serve some- fight for a noble cause. Nacho uses plagued by too many inconsisten- spires. Real life and reel life should
Editor: Billy Webber thing more than the barely palatable this to psyche himself up for his cies, goofs and mistakes to enable merge and coincide at least for the
Genre: Comedy food, Ignacio enters a local amateur fight with Ramses (Cesar Gonzales), one to enjoy it. duration of the movie, and in
Cinematography: Xavier Perez "fight night". But, first, he teams the haughty, reigning champion of Nacho Libre has a noble inten- Nacho Libre, this doesn't happen.
Grobet up with Esquelle (Hector Jimenez) the ring. Nacho wants to win in or- tion: to deliver the message that For the film's message to effect a
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Location: Mexico another rag-tag, scrawny, street- der to bequeath a legacy to his be- everyman, even an orphan, could realization (or even a transforma-
Technical Assessment: ½ smart toughie. They lose but earn loved orphans. find his place in the sun with enough tion) in the viewer, it's up to the
Moral Assessment: enough to buy a more delectable "Nacho" combines the come- determination and inspiration. viewer to determine the human
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 dish. Ignacio becomes a cook by dic, athletic, singing and acting abili- Coupled with a noble cause to fight effort one needs in addition to
and below with parental guidance day and Nacho, the luchador, by ties of Jack Black. But one man can't for, anyone could be a champion. prayer to "become a champion."
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vol10-n08.pmd 15 8/4/2006, 7:26 PM

 CBCP Monitor
16 People, Facts & Places Vol. 10 No. 8
July 31, 2006

Capiz’ St. Lawrence the Deacon Parish

Markings
Observes Bicentennial Jubilee Fete
by Msgr. Dexter Irisari, HP

THE parish of St. Lawrence the Dea- and the Departed Paniteños” (Nov.
con in the municipality of Panitan, 1 & 2); “Day for Overseas’ Work-
Capiz is marking its bicentennial ers” (Dec. 17); “Day for the Youth” C E L E B R AT E D .
foundation anniversary this year as (Jan. 14, 2007); “Day for Christian
City and his theological studies in Marcilla,
Archbishop Angel Navarra, Spain. In 1983, he earned his
it celebrates its annual town fiesta Families” (Feb. 11, 2007); “Day for
in honor of St. Lawrence the Deacon, Professionals” (March 4, 2007); N. Lagdameo, 66, Licentiate degree in Canon Law from the
its patron saint, on August 10 with “Day for Farmers” (April 1, 2007); president of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
its general theme, “St. Lawrence the “Day for the Aged, the Sick and the Catholic Bishops’
Deacon and the Church’s Social Disabled” (May 13, 2007); “Day for Conference of the APPOINTED. Sr.
Concerns”. The major activities Government Officials, Personnel Philippines, 66th Grace S.
marking the celebration are the no- and Soldiers”(June 10, 2007); and birth anniversary; Namocatcat, D.C.,
vena masses on July 31 to August 8, “Day for Thanksgiving” (July 15, August 2, 2006. 62, as Information
the vespers mass on August 9, and 2007). Lagdameo, who is Officer and Assis-
the concelebrated fiesta mass on Au- The various preparations and currently the Arch- tant Supervisor of
gust 10. The presiders-homilists and activities for the year-long celebra- bishop of Jaro
specific themes for the novena tion are spearheaded by Msgr. Dex- CBCP Secretariat;
masses, held at 3:00 pm from July 31 ter Irisari, parish priest, Fr. Ramel
(Iloilo) since 2000, assumed office as the after whose appoint-
to August 8, are: Msgr. Dexter Irisari, Talabucon, parochial vicar, and by 17th CBCP president on December 1, ment was approved
“Building a Civilization of Love”; the officers of the Parish Pastoral 2005. Born in 1940 in Lucban, Quezon, by the CBCP presi-
Fr. Ramel Talabucon, “Resisting Council which include, namely, Nida Lagdameo was ordained priest on De- dent Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo last
Graft and Corruption”; Fr. Victor Buenvenida, Faustino Lara, Mary cember 19, 1964 in Lucena City. He was June 15, 2006. First admitted to the reli-
Bendico, “Renewing Politics in Our Ann Villarais, Milagros Dais, first appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu gious congregation of the Daughters of
Land”; Fr. Clemente Fungot, “Pro- Graciosa Diaz, Medina Espiritu, in 1980, and as Coadjutor Bishop of Charity in 1964, Sr. Grace’s prior assign-
tecting Our Environment”; Fr.Butch Francis Dadula, Rachelle Dayang, Dumaguete in 1986, then as Bishop of ments include, namely: as Director for the
Abalajon, “The Scourge of Illegal Joyce Denosta and Angelita Pelaez. Dumaguete in 1989 until his appointment Religious Education Department and
Drugs”; Fr. Aris Pedrajas, “Strength- The parish of St. Lawrence the as Archbishop of Jaro in 2000. Archbishop
ening the Christian Family”; Fr. Deacon was first evangelized by the
Campus Ministry Office of the
Berman Ibañez, “Peacemaking”; Augustinian missionary priests
Lagdameo took his minor seminary for- Universidad de Sta. Isabel; Assistant Di-
and Fr. Edsel Delfin, “Protesting some 200 years ago and, like all mation, philosophy and theology studies rector and Faculty member of the Insti-
Against the Aswang Festival”. other countryside parishes in the at the San Jose Seminary, Ateneo de tute of Catechetics of the Archdiocese of
The Vespers Mass presider and Philippines evangelized by the Manila University, Quezon City. Manila; as National Director of the As-
homilist on August 9, 4 p.m., will be Spanish friars, the manner of evan- sociation of Children of Mary; Religious
Msgr. Vicente Hilata. Archbishop gelization followed a general pat- CELEBRATED . Education Ministry Coordinator of the
Onesimo Gordoncillo will be the main tern. Noel Vincent Abalajon gives a Rev. Fr. Samson Daughters of Charity schools; and as ad-
celebrant and homilist during the historical account of such typical Silloriquez, OAR, ministrator of the Cebu Archdiocesan In-
solemn concelebrated Fiesta Mass pattern of evangelization by the 52, Councilor of stitute of Catechetics, Cebu City. Sr.
on August 10 at 8 a.m. Spanish missionaries: General Curia for Grace finished her Bachelor of Science
The parish is also set to hold “When the Spanish missionaries the Order of the
the following activities in observ- started to preach the Gospel among the in Education degree from the Colegio de
ing the year-long bicentennial foun- early Filipinos, they encountered this Augustinian Recol- Sta. Isabel, Naga City and obtained her
dation anniversary celebration: problem of dispersed settlement pat- lects-Philippines in Master of Arts degree in Religious Edu-
“Ecclesial Basic Communities’ Day” tern of the inhabitants. Thus, the re- Rome, Italy; 25th sacerdotal ordination cation from the De La Salle University in
(Sept. 3); “Religious Organizations’ settlement of the population into fewer anniversary; July 18, 2006; in Marcilla, Manila. She also took special studies on
Day” (Oct. 8); “Days for the Saints Capiz’ / P14 Navarra, Spain. Ordained priest in 1981 Pastoral Theology at the East Asian Pas-
to the Philippine Province of the Order of toral Institute, and on Spiritual Direction
the Augustinian Recollects, Silloriquez from the Center of Ignatian Spirituality in
CWL Holds Leadership Training was first assigned to the OAR commu-
nity in Via Sistina, Rome in 1981-1984,
Quezon City.
then with the San Sebastian College- CELEBRATED. Bishop Manuel Del
By Roy Lagarde
Recoletos, Manila in 1984-1987, and with Rosario, Bishop Emeritus of Malolos
THE newly elected officers and board Special emphasis was given on the
the Recoletos Formation Center in Quezon (Bulacan), 51st episcopal ordination an-
members led by Catholic Women’s spiritual formation of the members espe- City in 1987 to 1994. Prior to his current niversary, July 25, 2006. Ordained bishop
League National President, Josephine S. cially on the importance of the Eucharist assignment in Rome, Fr. Silloriquez served in 1955, Bishop Del Rosario was bishop
Gaviola and advisers held its national and prayers as the source of strength and as parish priest of San Sebastian Basilica of Calbayog from 1955 to 1962, and then
leadership training last July 27-30, 2006 grace to witness and live the Eucharist in in Manila from 1994 to 2001. He took his as bishop of Malolos from 1962 to 1977.
at CBCP-NASSA BEC Development Cen- their ministry. college seminary formation at the He was ordained to the priesthood on
ter in Tagaytay City with the theme “Liv- Towards the end of the seminar, Mrs. Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary in Baguio March 25, 1939.
ing the Eucharist in the Ministry of the”. Filipina Ranada talked on sex education
The main objective of this leadership in public and some private schools de-
training is to discuss the national action tailing its possible consequences.
program for the year 2006-2008 that will “To allow sex education in the class-
be implemented down to the parish level. room is risking the student’s moral and
Topics discussed were concerns for spiritual well being,” she said quoting
women, family, youth and environment Episcopal Commission on Family Life
and identifying the strategies to address (ECFL) head Abp. Paciano Aniceto.
the problems of poverty, migration, deg- After four days of intensive prayer
radation of the environment, problems of and work, the officers and board mem-
the youth such as the use of prohibited bers finally were able to formalize the
drugs and the effects of media on their national action program ready for imple-
moral values. mentation for the years 2006-2008.

Collegio Filippino / from P1

Other officers elected to head the Pope John XXIII instituted the
PCF’s various committees are: Fr. Pontificio Collegio Filippino through an
Melchor Braga, Liturgy; Fr. Venusto Apostolic Letter, and on October 7, 1961
Suarez, Spirituality; Fr. Joselito Jopson, officiated at its inauguration in Rome. To
Music; Fr. Rodelio San Juan, Socials; Fr. date, the Collegio has been home to 564
Wagner Nalitan, Physical Arrangement; seminarians and priests, 50 of whom have
and Fr. William Santiago, Sports. become bishops.
The PCF is the home in Rome of Fili- For the school year 2005-2006,
pino Diocesan priests who have been Collegio Filippino has a population of 40
sent by their bishops to pursue advanced priests (36 are student-priests, three mem-
ecclesiastical studies sub umbra Petri. bers of administration and one assigned
It is thus a community that provides a at the Pontifical Council for the Family),
special type of ongoing priestly forma- four sisters of the Religiosas Misioneras
tion that is significantly influenced by a de Santo Domingo and five lay workers.
proximity to the Holy Father and the cul- The resident priests are often invited
tural diversity that Rome provides. to celebrate the Eucharist in Filipino mi-
In January of 1959, the Catholic Hi- grant centers in Rome and its environs.
erarchy of the Philippines approved a CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE STAMP. The Knights of Columbus in the Philippines
This offers them a perfect opportunity to officially launched its KC Centennial Commemorative Stamp in a turn-over ceremony
resolution authored by the late Rufino minister to Filipino migrant workers, of held last July 7, 2006 at the KC Fraternal’s Fr. George J. Willmann Center in Intramuros,
Cardinal Santos, then Archbishop of which there are many in Rome and to ini- Manila. From left: the KC Centennial Commemorative Stamp; Hon. Alfredo G. Gabot,
Manila, calling for the establishment of Philippine Postal Corporation’s Board of Trustees, and Sir Knight Alberto P. Solis, KC
tiate the building of Christian communi- Supreme Director and KC Fraternal’s Chairman.
the Pontifical Filippino College. ties among them. (CBCP News)

vol10-n08.pmd 16 8/4/2006, 7:26 PM