•A3 •A7 •B1 •B8

Vocation video Australian bishops offer Evangelizing a Bishop Pabillo presides

wins award election guidelines digital world ‘Misa ng Bayan’

Macarambon
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

CBCP urges transparency

appointment dismays in Comelec appointments
PPCRV CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philip-
THE appointment of Moslemen Macarambon as pines (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel
commissioner of the Commission on Elections Lagdameo says he is pleased new officials will
turned to be a bad news for a Church-backed be serving the Commission on Elections
poll watchdog. (Comelec).
The Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting But unconfirmed reports have already sur-
(PPCRV) said Malacañang ignored calls for Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace faced about the nomination process for the up-
transparency in the selection process to fill up coming vacancies in the Comelec and the CBCP
vacant posts at the Comelec. head says the secrecy must end now.
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Vol. 11 No. 22 Php 20.00 CBCP / A6
Macarambon / A6

New papal nuncio arrives,

vows support to RP Church
THE new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Arch-
bishop Edward Joseph Adams arrived on All Saints
Day and was tendered a red carpet welcome right
at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Ma-
nila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales with
seven other prelates and well-wishers.
Shortly after the welcome ceremony, a closed-
door meeting immediately followed inside the
airport’s presidential lounge.
According to Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes, the
nuncio assured them of his support for the Church
and the local bishops with their mission as a faith-
ful stewards.
“He (Adams) just said that he will do his best for
the Church and the country,” said Reyes.
Caloocan bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, mean-
while, said Adams is so excited to be in the Philip-
pines.
“He said he is ready for the challenges that his
new assignment would entail,” Iñiguez quoted
Adams as saying.
Others who met the nuncio were Bishops Fran-
cisco San Diego of Pasig, Honesto Ongtioco of
Cubao, Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan, Jesse
Mercado of Parañaque and Auxiliary bishops Ber-
nardino Cortez of Manila and Francis De Leon of

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Antipolo.
“As we would welcome the Holy Father any-
time so we welcome his ambassador or represen-
tative in our midst to unite us with the Holy Father
who is the successor of Peter and the Vicar of
Christ,” CBCP President Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo said in a statement released immedi-
ately upon learning of the appointment of the new
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on November 1, 2007, is welcomed by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of Manila together with 7 members of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; “As I prepare to come to the Philippines my only wish is that I may be of service to the Church as I seek to represent worthily among you our Holy Father,
New / A6 whose ministry is essentially one of love,” he says in his letter to CBCP.

Cremation gains wide acceptance

JUST as they fought over Sonny Aravilla’s pecially that of the resurrection of the mation is taking place, the family and “If funeral Mass is not celebrated, the
life, his wife and his parents did fight dead and the immortality of the soul. friends of the deceased are encouraged funeral liturgy is held in the presence of
over his body. The catechism of the Catholic Bishops’ to gather in prayer,” the ECL said. the remains. The rite of final commenda-
Cleofe Aravilla, who had the lawful Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) The commission said a liturgy of the tion and committal concludes the Mass
right to make decisions about Sonny’s says cremation is no longer forbidden “Word” may be celebrated or devotional or the funeral liturgy,” it further stressed.
remains, still and bravely opted for his “unless it has been chosen for reasons prayers like the holy rosary may be said. As additional guideline, the Church
cremation. His “ashes” were placed in a which are contrary to Christian teaching.” The Church’s belief in the sacredness also requires the columbaria be built in
cemetery in Bulacan. The Church holds that the cremated of life and the resurrection of the dead a separate chapel adjacent to the church
But his parents, who are conservative remains of the body be treated with the asks us to celebrate funeral liturgies with or in a crypt.
Catholics, wanted him buried, not cre- same respects that the body was treated the body or ashes present while affirm- In today’s modern society, for some,
mated, recalling the church’s age-old prior to cremation, including the use of ing the value of human life. choosing cremation is part of that prepa-
burial practice. the “worthy urn” for it. “When cremation precedes the funeral ration for death. The Church continues
Cremation may be a confusing issue The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mass, the rite of final commendation and to prefer and encourage the faithful to
for Catholics. At one time, the church Liturgy (ECL) strongly prefers that cre- committal may be performed in the cre- bury or entomb the bodies of their de-
prohibited cremation but this is no mation take place after or before the fu- matorium chapel before cremation. Af- parted loved ones.
longer the case. neral Mass. ter cremation the funeral Mass may be But if cremation is chosen for worthy
Today, cremation is only prohibited “When cremation is held after funeral celebrated in the presence of the cre- motives, the Church wishes to support
if the person choosing such method is Mass, the rite of final commendation and mated remains,” the ECL said in its the faithful in honoring the life and
doing so to deny Church teachings, es- committal conclude the Mass. While cre- Guidelines for Cremation memory of the departed. (Roy Lagarde)

Erap’s pardon stirs Disaparecidos’ Arroyo quit Priest excommunicated

moral questions families await justice calls mount for breaking Church law
A ROMAN Catholic priest, who fell afoul with
THE executive clemency granted to convicted plun- WHILE government authorities inquire and inves- PRESSURE is building up on President Gloria- the Church after breaking the “seal of confes-
derer former President Joseph Estrada stirred nega- tigate circumstances surrounding human rights Macapagal Arroyo, with three Catholic prelates sion,” was formally excommunicated last
tive feedback from the country’s Catholic Church violations in the villages of Nueva Ecija, the vic- demanding her resignation over allegations of cor- month.
leaders. tims’ families eagerly await results at the soonest ruption. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines possible time. The Malacañang has denied any wrongdoing, promptly declared the penalty of excommuni-
(CBCP) head Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said it’s San Jose de Nueva Ecija Bishop Mylo Hubert C. saying they are happy with the way Pres. Arroyo is cation “latae sententiae” against Fr Alejandre
unfair for other convicts of crimes with “lesser grav- Vergara, in an interview with Catholic-run Veritas handling the government to wipe out poverty and Galias in a decree dated September 21, 2007.
ity” but grew old behind bars. 846 Wednesday morning said “the tension which boost the country’s economy. Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said Galias
It saddened him to know that while more sus- prevailed two years ago has in a way, simmered But Bishops Antonio Tobias, Deogracias Iñiguez violated a Church law declaring that every
pected offenders with cases still pending in court, down.” He said the village residents are slowly and Julio Labayen came out strongly in opposition priest who hears confessions is bound under
they continue to suffer from “justice delayed jus- returning to normal lives after a series of enforced to an administration they believe has brought very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy
tice denied.” disappearances and summary killings believed to shame to the nation. regarding the sins that his penitents have con-
“Will they be given the same privilege or con- have been carried out by death squads identified The bishops said in a joint statement that Pres. fessed to him.
sideration?” asked Lagdameo, who is also the arch- with the military. Arroyo has shown culpable violation of the Con- He said a formal complaint reached his of-
bishop of Jaro. Farmer leaders, cause-oriented and partylist stitution and betrayal of public trust. Priest / A6
Erap’s / A6 Disaparecidos / A6 Arroyo / A6

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 CBCP Monitor
A2 World News Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

U.S. Bishops prepare Religious education

extolled at UNESCO
document on politics PARIS, France, October 23,
2007—Religious education is a
fundamental element for the
full development of the human
person, the Holy See said in an
address to a meeting of
personal reality, but also a so-
cial reality, and as a fundamen-
tal element for the improvement
and maturity of individuals.”
“Certain fundamental prin-
ciples exist that constitute the
Statement to urge Catholics to participate in civil life UNESCO.
Monsignor Francesco Follo,
patrimony of peoples and are
cement in the common life, to
the permanent observer of the be able to construct a true so-
Holy See to the U.N. Educational, cial and world order of justice
sciences in accordance with God’s truth. We Scientific and Cultural Organi- and peace,” he said.
recognize that the responsibility to make zation, said this at the opening Monsignor Follo added that
choices in political life rests with each in- of the agency’s 34th general con- the integral development of in-
dividual in light of a properly formed con- ference last week. The confer- dividuals and of peoples cannot
science, and that participation goes well be- ence, being held in Paris, will be limited to scientific and eco-
yond casting a vote in a particular election.” continue through Nov. 3. nomic concepts, and said that re-
Statements on political life have been re- The papal representative ligious liberty is important for
leased by the bishops every four years for spoke of the urgent need for re- the development of “a culture
about three decades. ligious education, “not as just a of peace.” (Zenit)
The draft to be discussed in November
explains the necessity of opposing actions
that are intrinsically wrong, such as abor-
tion and euthanasia, and affirms the obli-
gation to promote the common good by
Fundamentalists beat 5 sisters in
combating such threats to human life and
dignity as hunger, poverty, racism, unjust
immigration policies and unjust war.
Madhya Pradesh
The proposed draft also urges Catholics they attacked us with
“to become more involved: running for of- sticks”, says Sr. Jincy.
fice, working within political parties and Dharma Raksha
communicating concerns to elected offi- Samiti convenor
cials.” It suggests that Catholics should be Kamal Waghela ac-
“guided more by our moral convictions cused the sisters of
than by our attachment to a political party converting people in
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 25, 2007— bishops’ role in helping to form consciences or interest group.” the area to the Chris-
The U.S. bishops will offer an updated state- in political life. The document says “Catholic voters tian faith, and said
ment on faith and politics after their gen- “In this statement, we bishops do not in- should use Catholic teaching to examine that “after the prayer,
eral meeting next month, ahead of the 2008 tend to tell Catholics for whom or against candidates’ positions on issues and should picked a quarrel on
election year. whom to vote,” the draft states. “Our pur- consider candidates’ integrity, philosophy, this issue which lead
The proposed statement focuses on the pose is to help Catholics form their con- and performance.” (Zenit) MUMBAI, India, October 27, to clash between the sisters and
2007—The accusation of forced our workers”.
conversions to Christianity has The spokesman for the Indore
once again been used as a pretext diocese immediately responded

Truth of the Knights Templar unveiled to justify Hindu fundamentalists

violence against members of the
Catholic community.
Yesterday 5 sisters of the Poor
to these accusations: “It is noth-
ing but finding an easy way to
justify the brutality done to
women religious, we will fight
Clare’s order were savagely with tooth and nail”.
Vatican publishes acts of 14th-century trials beaten with sticks by a group of Archbishop Leo Cornelio,
activists from Dharma Raksha Chairman, Catholic Bishops
VATICAN CITY, October 25, Samiti (Committee for the pro- Council of Madhya Pradesh and
2007—Due to what a Vatican tection of religion), a fundamen- Chattisgarh too used strong
archivist calls a “sketchy” er- talist organization in favor of sati words to condemn the episode:
ror, a document exonerating (the ritual suicide of the widows). “We have been suffering silently
the Knights Templar of heresy The incident took place yesterday but it looks that the fundamental
is only now being made pub- afternoon in Raseli, Indore dio- organizations take it as a weak-
lic. cese, Madhya Pradesh. The police ness from our part, it is an attack
This morning in the Old have refused the diocese’ at- on women and human freedom.”
Synod Hall, the a number of tempts to report the incident. Fr Anand Muttungal, Regional
Vatican officials and laypeople The religious sisters currently Public Relations Officer and
presented “ Processus Contra hospitalized in grave conditions Spokesperson, said, “We wel-
Templarios ” (Trial Against the in Bhandari Hospital, are all very come the support extended by left
Templars), a compendium of young: Sr. Jincy, 40, Sr. Sayujia, parties, secular organizations,
reprints of the original acts of 27, Sr. Pavitra, 26, Sr. Sweta, 26 various inter-religious forums
the hearings against the and Sr. Anna Maria, 27. “We had and NGOs.” He warned, “the fun-
Knights Templar, the group gone to attend the Rosary Prayer damental organizations are pre-
novelist Dan Brown linked to at Mr. Anil‘s house. paring the ground for the assem-
the Holy Grail in “The Da Vinci He is a Catholic by birth and bly election to be held in 2008”.
Code.” the driver of our convent, when (Nirmala Carvalho / AsiaNews)
The volume is the third in the
“Exemplaria Praetiosa” series of
the Vatican Secret Archives, is-
sued in collaboration with the
Scrinium publishing house.
Three Church of Ireland
Despite its hefty price tag—
$8,377—the 799 available cop-
ies of the volume have been ent V decided to save the or- been ignored because a catalog conclusion the Templars were
parishes seek to become
sold to collectors, scholars and
libraries from all over the
world, reported the Vatican
der, as recorded by the “Parch-
ment of Chinon.” King Philip
IV later pressured the Pontiff
entry in 1628 was “too vague.”
“Unfortunately, there was an
archiving error, an error in
guilty of abuses, but not “a real
and true heresy.”
“There were a lot of faults in
Catholic, move could bring in
press office. The 800th copy
will be given to Benedict XVI.
The military order of the
to reverse the decision, and the
order was suppressed in 1312.
The acts of the hearings
how the document was de-
scribed. More than an error, it
was a little sketchy.”
the order—abuses, violence ...
a lot of sins, but not heresy,”
she said.
400,000 Anglicans
Poor Knights of Christ and of against the Knights Templar Frale was interested by the “Processus Contra DUBLIN, Ireland,
the Temple of Solomon was (1308-1311) had been kept in the 1628 entry because it included Templarios” was presented by October 26, 2007—
founded in Jerusalem in 1118 Vatican Secret Archives, but un- a reference to Clement V’s aide, Archbishop Raffaele Farina, ar- Three Church of Ire-
to protect Christians in the til recently, had not been re- Cardinal Berenger Fredol, who chivist and librarian of the land parishes have
Holy Land. viewed since the early 20th had gone with other important Holy Roman Church; Bishop asked to be received
The order eventually fell century. cardinals to interrogate some- Sergio Pagano, prefect of the into full communion
into disfavor with King Philip one. Vatican Secret Archives; Frale with the Catholic
IV of France, who wanted their Discovery The book reproduces all of and Marco Maiorino, officials Church, The Irish
money, or perhaps, wanted to the documentation of the pa- of the Vatican Secret Archives; Catholic newspaper
cancel the debts he owed it. The Barbara Frale, an official at pal hearings convened after Franco Cardini, a professor of reports this week.
French king arrested members the Vatican Secret Archives, Philip IV arrested and tortured mediaeval history; Valerio The decision would
of the Knights and resorting to found the “Parchment of the Templars on charges of Massimo Manfredi, an author pave the way for
torture, extracted confessions Chinon” in 2001. Frale told the heresy and immorality. and archaeologist; and over 400,000 Angli-
of heresy. Associated Press the 3-foot- Frale said the parchment re- Ferdinando Santoro, president cans to become
In 1308, however, Pope Clem- wide document probably had veals the cardinals reached the of Scrinium. (Zenit) Catholic.
The parishes, lo-
cated in the counties
Down, Tyrone and
Laois, are members

Benedict XVI: Religion is not a vehicle of hate of the traditional rite

of the Church of Ire-
land. The rite
emerged in 1991 af-
Urges promotion of the “Spirit of Assisi” ter the House of Bish-
ops of the Church of
Ireland decided to
NAPLES, Italy, October 21, is justified in the name of God, Understanding highlighting in those circum- start ordaining
2007—Violence in the name of it is important to re-emphasize stances the intrinsic link that women.
God can never be justified, that religion can never be a ve- The Holy Father confirmed unites an authentic religious at- Traditionalist Anglicans re- the text of a letter to the See of
Benedict XVI told a gathering hicle of hate; never, in the name that the Catholic Church intends titude with a living sensibility for jected this decision as a “defiance Rome seeking full, corporate, sac-
of interreligious leaders in of God, can we justify evil and “to continue along the road of this basic good of humanity. of both Scripture and Tradition.” ramental union.”
Naples, urging them to pro- violence.” dialogue to promote understand- “In 2002, after the dramatic A plenary meeting of the Tra- A spokesman said “the letter
mote peace and the “spirit of “On the contrary,” he added, ing among different cultures, tra- events of Sept. 11 of the previous ditional Anglican Communion, was cordially received at the
Assisi.” “because they speak of peace to ditions and religious wisdom.” year, the same John Paul II again the umbrella organization for Congregation for the Doctrine of
Pope’s appeal today re- the human heart, religions can “I ardently desire that this called religious leaders to Assisi traditionalist parishes, decided to the Faith.”
sounded in the archdiocesan offer precious resources for spirit spread more and more, es- to ask God to stop the grave petition Rome to be received into “The Primate of the Traditional
seminary of Capodimonte on building a peaceful humanity.” pecially where the tensions are threats to humanity that were full communion with the Holy Anglican Communion has agreed
the first day of the 21st Interna- Benedict XVI met with vari- strongest, where freedom and looming, especially because of See. that no member of the College
tional Encounter of Peoples and ous participants in the meeting, respect for the other are denied terrorism. While only a few hundred An- will give interviews until the
Religions. The meeting, orga- including Orthodox Patriarch and men and women suffer the “In respect of the differences glicans in Ireland will be affected Holy See has considered the let-
nized by the Community of Bartholomew I; the Anglican consequences of intolerance and of the various religions, we are if an agreement is reached, the ter and responded,” he said.
Sant’Egidio in Naples until Oct. archbishop of Canterbury, misunderstanding,” the Pope all called to work for peace and Traditional Anglican Commun- This petition for corporate
23, has as its theme “Toward a Rowan Williams; one of Israel’s added. to an active commitment to pro- ion itself has over 400,000 mem- communion is very rare; though
World Without Violence: Reli- chief rabbis, Yona Metzger; the He continued: “This meeting mote reconciliation between bers who could all join the Catho- there have been many individual
gions and Cultures in Dia- rector of the Al-Azhar Univer- turns our minds back to 1986, peoples. It is this authentic ‘spirit lic Church. conversions. Recently the wife
logue.” sity in Egypt, Ahmad Al- when my venerable predecessor, of Assisi’ which is opposed to According to a statement from of the Church of Ireland Bishop
“Faced with a world lacerated Tayyeb; and the Imam of the John Paul II, invited major reli- every form of violence and abuse the Traditional Anglican Com- of Killala, Anita Henderson, was
by conflicts,” the Holy Father United Arab Emirates, Ibrahim gious representatives to pray for of religion as a pretext for vio- munion, “the bishops and vicars- received into the Catholic Church
said, “where at times violence Ezzedin. peace on the hill of St. Francis, lence.” (Zenit) general unanimously agreed to in a private ceremony. (CNA)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 News Features A3
Vocation video wins award
Film hailed as “Extremely Moving”
W A S H - ported that 80% of newly ordained priests Popular
INGTON, in the United States say a priest invited them
D.C., Octo- to consider the vocation. Monsignor Edward Burns, executive direc-
ber 26, “I thought it was extremely moving,” said tor of the episcopal conference’s Secretariat
2007—The the U.S. bishops’ conference general secre- for Vocations and Priestly Formation, noted
U.S. bish- tary, Monsignor David Malloy, “and it sort the broad reception of the DVD and the
ops’ video
promoting
priestly vo-
gave that great reminder for why we got in
this in the first place. In fact, I would love
for my nephews to see it at some point.”
project.
“This program has reached almost 50% of
our dioceses and is now going interna-
Cardinal urges Religious
cations—
called by
one viewer
The video, combining images, music and
testimonies, reveals many elements of the
daily life of a priest. A dramatic representa-
tional,” he said. “Nineteen countries have
contacted us regarding this program. It is not
only a resource for the Church in the United
to get blogging
“the best tion of a priest giving last rites to a dying States but hopefully a resource for the Church
look at the boy shows how the example of the priests’ universal. The testimonies of young men who
priesthood I ministry can inspire vocations. have watched this production have made it Says Internet youth forums
have ever Another viewer, David Morton, said he all worthwhile.”
seen on was “moved to tears.” Bishop Blase Cupich of Rapid City, chair- need real Christian message
film”—was named winner of the Gabriel Joseph Campo, producer of “Fishers of man of the episcopal Committee on Voca-
Award. Men,” said the production staff has “always tions, said the project has exceeded expecta-
ROME, October 28, 2007— “The teaching emergency is
“Fishers of Men,” an 18-minute DVD that had a positive view and appreciation of the tions.
Benedict XVI’s vicar for the Dio- central in Benedict XVI’s con-
is part of a vocational recruitment project Catholic priesthood throughout the world, “‘Fishers of Men’ has appeal across the
cese of Rome expressed his hopes cerns,” the cardinal said. “For
launched last year by the U.S. episcopal con- and we are grateful for the opportunity to board and reminds all Catholics why they
that religious men and women him, education in the faith coin-
ference, received today the Gabriel Award portray what it means to be a priest in the treasure their priests,” Bishop Cupich said.
increase their use of information cides with service to society, be-
in California, given by the Catholic Acad- film, ‘Fishers of Men.’” “Anyone interested in the priesthood, what-
technology, and thus take advan- cause to form someone in the
emy for Communication Arts Professionals. “Serious filmmakers always work to pro- ever his age, responds to the DVD’s message:
tage of what he called a new form faith means to form the human
More than 60,000 copies of the video, pro- duce something of extraordinary artistic The priesthood is a call to service.
of apostolate. person.
duced by Grassroots Films of Brooklyn, New quality,” he continued. “When the work can “With modern cinematography the film-
Cardinal Camillo Ruini spoke “Simply giving motivations
York, have been distributed. The bishops’ serve a noble goal such as inviting men to makers have captured the timeless calling of
to the religious at the Pontifical for living defeats nihilism and
project takes into account that a 2007 survey the priesthood, it’s doubly rewarding for the the priesthood: Follow and be like Jesus.”
Urbanian University during the gives value to the human person,
sponsored by the vocations secretariat re- artists.” (Zenit)
diocesan gathering of the Union a value that is based on Christ
of Major Superiors of Italy, which himself, the fact that God became
represents 1,287 communities a man.”
and 22,000 religious in Rome. The cardinal asserted that an

Holy See praises efforts towards According to the Roman dioc-

esan weekly RomaSette, Cardi-
nal Ruini said: “A priest from
educator’s testimony and content
can matter more than pedagogi-
cal techniques.
Novara told me that the theme He called for catechists to be
reconciliation in Korea of ‘Jesus’ is very much discussed
by youth in blogs. The focus,
though, comes from destructive
creative in finding occasions for
promoting Benedict XVI’s book,
saying it shows the solidity of
books that are widespread today, faith in the historical Jesus of the
VATICAN CITY, October 11, 2007—Today in
and not from Benedict XVI’s book Gospels, and bases the identity
the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the Let-
‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ of the Christian in a personal en-
ters of Credence of Francis Kim Ji-young, the
“What will the idea of Christ counter with Jesus Christ.
new ambassador of the Republic of Korea to
be in 10 years if these ideas tri- Cardinal Ruini said that in
the Holy See.
umph?” Catholic schools, “the religious
In his English-language address to the dip-
can witness to Christ in all their
lomat, the Pope mentioned “the remarkable
The true Jesus lessons, in the sciences, in history
growth of the Catholic Church” in Korea
and even in Italian literature, in
which, he said, is “due in no small part to the
The 76-year-old prelate admit- an inseparable union of faith and
heroic example of men and women whose
ted, “I don’t understand the culture. Your creativity ought to
faith led them to lay down their lives for
Internet, but especially young find new techniques for the vo-
Christ and for their brothers and sisters.
religious ought to enter blogs and cational challenge, which ought
“Their sacrifice,” he added, “reminds us that
correct the opinions of the youth, to develop in step with society.”
no cost is too great for persevering in fidel-
showing them the true Jesus.” (Zenit)
ity to the truth. Regrettably, in our contem-
porary pluralist world some people question
or even deny the importance of truth. Yet
objective truth remains the only sure basis

Italy moved by teen who

for social cohesion. Truth is not dependent
upon consensus but precedes it and makes it
possible, generating authentic human soli-

offers life for the Church

darity.
“The Church—always mindful of the
truth’s power to unite people, and ever at-
tentive to mankind’s irrepressible desire for
peaceful coexistence—eagerly strives to
strengthen concord and social harmony both
in ecclesial life and civic life, proclaiming the duce weapons with frightening potential for only because of the favorable results obtained
and the Pope
truth about the human person as known by unspeakable destruction.” through these alternative methods, but more
ROME, October 24, 2007— In Oc-
natural reason and fully manifested through The Pope noted how Korea “has achieved importantly because they harmonize with the
tober of 2006, Carlo Acutis was
divine revelation.” notable successes in scientific research and aforementioned intent by respecting the life
15 years old and was fading fast
Turning to consider the Korean people’s development,” especially in biotechnology of the human being at every stage of his or
from leukemia. A native of Milan,
desire for peace on the peninsula and in the which has “the potential to treat and cure ill- her existence.”
Acutis touched family members
region as a whole, Benedict XVI reiterated nesses so as to improve the quality of life in Pope Benedict concluded his remarks by
and friends with his witness of
“the Holy See’s support for every initiative your homeland and abroad.” However, he recalling how “the promotion of human dig-
offering the sufferings of his ill-
that aims at a sincere and lasting reconcilia- added, “discoveries in this field invite man nity also summons public authorities to en-
ness for the Church and the Pope.
tion, putting an end to enmity and unresolved to a deeper awareness of the weighty respon- sure that young people receive a sound edu-
His testimony of faith, which
grievances.” And he praised the country’s sibilities involved in their application,” and cation. ... It is incumbent upon governments
could lead to his beatification in
efforts “to foster fruitful and open dialogue “under no circumstances may a human be- to afford parents the opportunity to send their Carlo Acutis
the coming years, has moved
while simultaneously working to alleviate ing be manipulated or treated as a mere in- children to religious schools by facilitating
Italy. Antonia recalls clearly that
the pain of those suffering from the wounds strument for experimentation. the establishment and financing of such in-
“The Eucharist: My Road to “shortly before his death, Carlo
of division and distrust.” “The destruction of human embryos, stitutions. ... Catholic and other religious
Heaven: A Biography of Carlo offered his sufferings for the Pope
“Every nation shares in the responsibility whether to acquire stem cells or for any other schools should enjoy the appropriate latitude
Acutis” is the title of the book by and the Church. Surely the hero-
of assuring a more stable and secure world. purpose, contradicts the purported intent of of freedom to design and implement curricula
Nicola Gori, a writer for the ism with which he faced his ill-
It is my ardent hope that the ongoing partici- researchers, legislators and public health of- that nurture the life of the spirit without
L’Osservatore Romano, and pub- ness and death has convinced
pation of various countries involved in the ficials to promote human welfare. which the life of the mind is so seriously dis-
lished by Ediciones San Pablo. many that he was truly some-
negotiation process will lead to a cessation The Church does not hesitate to approve torted.” (VIS)
According to the publishers, body special.
of programs designed to develop and pro- and encourage somatic stem-cell research: not
Carlo “was a teen of our times, When the doctor that was treat-
like many others. He tried hard ing him asked him if he was suf-
in school, with his friends, [and] fering a lot, Carlo answered:
he loved computers. At the same ‘There are people who suffer

Pope says: Pray for Martyrdom a real possibility, says Pope time he was a great friend of Jesus
Christ, he was a daily communi-
much more than me!”

cant and he trusted in the Virgin Reputation for holiness

Encourages all Christians to a life of daily sacrifice Mary.

a “New Pentecost” VATICAN CITY, October 28, one’s life, is rooted in baptism.
Succumbing to leukemia at the
age of 15, he offered his life for
the Pope and for the Church.
Francesca Consolini, postula-
tor for the causes of the saints at
the Archdiocese of Milan, thinks
Those who have read about his there is reason to open Carlo’s
at Sydney’s World 2007—After noting the beatifica-
tion of 498 Spanish martyrs,
Benedict XVI affirmed that all
Christians should be ready to give
“Their example gives witness to
the fact that baptism commits
Christians to participate boldly in
the spread of the Kingdom of God,
life are moved to profound ad-
miration. The book was born of
a desire to tell everyone his
cause of beatification when the
required wait of five years after
his death has been met.

Youth Day their lives for Christ.

The Pope said this today before
leading the midday Angelus, and
cooperating if necessary with the
sacrifice of one’s own life,” he said.
“Certainly not everyone is called
simple and incredible human and
profoundly Christian story.”
“As a little boy, especially af-
“His faith, which was unique
in such a young person, was
pure and certain. It made him
after the largest beatification cer- to a bloody martyrdom. ter his First Communion, he always be sincere with himself
emony in the history of the There is also an unbloody ‘mar- never missed his daily appoint- and with others. He showed ex-
SYDNEY, Australia, October 26, Holy Spirit in our lives,” the Church, held today in St. Peter’s tyrdom,’ which is no less signifi- ment with the Holy Mass and the traordinary care for others; he
2007—Pope Benedict XVI’s call bishop said. “He wants WYD Square. In the celebration, presided cant, such as that of Celina Rosary, followed by a moment was sensitive to the problems
for a New Pentecost at World to be a ‘New Pentecost’ for Aus- over by Cardinal José Saraiva Mar- Chludzinska Borzecka, wife, of Eucharistic adoration,” recalls and situations of his friends and
Youth Day was featured in re- tralia.” tins, prefect of the Congregation mother, widow and religious, be- his mother, Antonia Acutis. those who lived close to him and
marks made by Bishop Julian Bishop Porteous cited Pope for Saints’ Causes, the Church rec- atified yesterday in Rome: It is the “With this intense spiritual life, were with him day to day,”
Porteous, auxiliary bishop of Benedict XVI’s speech on July 4. ognized as blessed 498 martyrs silent and heroic testimony of Carlo has fully and generously Consolini explained.
Sydney, The Catholic Weekly “World Youth Day is much from the religious persecution in many Christians who live the Gos- lived his fifteen years of life, leav- Carlo Acutis “understood the
reports. more than an event. It is a time 1930s Spain. pel without compromises, fulfill- ing a profound impact on those true value of life as a gift from
Bishop Porteous spoke in a of deep spiritual renewal, the The Holy Father said, “Adding ing their duty and dedicating who knew him. He was an ex- God, as an effort, an answer to
homily at a Mass marking the fruits of which benefit the such a great number of martyrs to themselves generously in service pert with computers, he read give to the Lord Jesus day by day
visit of a delegation from the whole of society,” the Pope the list of beatified persons shows to the poor. books on computer engineering in simplicity,” she went on. “I
Pontifical Council on the Laity. said. “Together we shall in- that the supreme witness of giv- “This martyrdom of ordinary and left everyone in awe, but he should stress that he was a nor-
Echoing Pope Benedict, he voke the Holy Spirit, confi- ing blood is not an exception re- life is a particularly important wit- put his gift at the service of oth- mal boy who was joyful, serene,
exhorted event planners to take dently asking God for the gift served only to some individuals, ness in the secularized societies of ers and used it to help his sincere, and helpful and loved
to heart the theme of World of a New Pentecost for the but a realistic possibility for all our time. It is the peaceful battle of friends,” she added. having company, he liked hav-
Youth Day, the Bible verse Acts Church and for humanity in the Christian people. It includes men love that all Christians, like Paul, “His immense generosity ing friends.”
1:8, “You will receive power third millennium.” and women of different ages, vo- have to fight tirelessly; the race to made him interested in everyone: “After his death many felt
when the Holy Spirit comes Bishop Porteous expressed cations and social conditions, who spread the Gospel that commits us the foreigners, the handicapped, compelled to write down their
upon you and you will be my his great hope for World Youth pay with their lives in fidelity to until death. May Mary, Queen of children, beggars. To be close to own remembrance of him, and
witnesses.” Day. “All the signs are there Christ and his Church.” Martyrs and Star of Evangeliza- Carlo was to be close to a foun- others say they are going to ask
“The Pope wants us to focus for a wonderful event,” he said. The Pontiff said that fidelity to tion, help us and assist us in our tain of fresh water,” his mother for his prayers,” Consolini said.
particularly on the role of the (CNA) Christ, even to the point of giving daily witness.” (Zenit) said. (CNA)
 CBCP Monitor
A4 Opinion Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

EDITORIAL

Fishers of Men
WITH the worsening dearth of vocations, the Episcopal
Conference of the United States launched a vocational recruitment
project sometime last year. Veering away from the traditional
search-ins and vocation talks, the main feature of the campaign
was the production of an 18-minute video documentary on
vocations entitled “Fishers of Men”.
This has made a big difference. A couple of weeks ago, the
documentary won the Gabriel Award given by the Catholic
Academy for Communication Arts Professional. Since last year,
more than 60,000 copies of the video have been circulated among
youth circles in dioceses not only in the U.S. but also in other
countries—with touching testimonies of young people, to boot.
With the number of vocation still on the tolerable level, this hi-tech
vocation campaign may not yet be necessary in the Philippines.
But it is only a matter of time. The phenomenon of massive
secularism which greatly impacts on the nurturing of vocations in
the Filipino home may actually be in our shores in no time.
What is presently observable though, even today in the Philippines,
is the mushrooming migration of the youth to the digital world. The
Filipino youth today speaks the language of the “youtube”, the
“friendster”, the “WiFi”, the “blog” and all things electronic.
And this is not only about vocations—but even about catechesis
and the whole gamut of the Church’s apostolate, which may need
some changing of the nets if only because we wish to become
effective fishers of men.

Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD

Barangay Elections All are members of
THERE are some painful truths that remain clear and evident with In and Out of Season Barangays
the recently concluded Barangay and SK elections. Not that they
were not known before. It was just that there was then the lingering
hope that they would be somehow disproved or rendered still THE forthcoming Barangay Election on Oc- the Barangay” will be explained to the the 41,800 barangays. In fact in many par-
debatable. But with the said elections, they are now undeniable tober 29 will showcase how genuinely alive barangay members in order that they may ishes, barangay officials are also officials or
is our democracy. On that day the country, genuinely and consciously participate in the members of Barangay Parish Pastoral Coun-
and incontrovertible realities. Let it be emphatically pointed out composed of 41,800 barangays, will be functions of their barangay. The law states: cils. In some cases, the barangays are further
that elections have been long since in the sphere of partisan choosing their barangay officials. All Fili- “Role of the Barangay as the basic political divided into smaller units called Basic
politics. pino citizens are members of a barangay. unit: the barangay serves as the primary unit Ecclesial Communities.
We encourage those of voting age to come of government policies, plans, programs, The barangay activities offer great and
The conclusive truth is that in this otherwise blessed country, what to the polling places to vote for their projects and activities in the community and many opportunities not only for social, po-
are supposed to be signal occasions to demonstrate a working barangay officials. as a forum wherein the collective views of litical and economic interaction; they are also
democracy and to show basically upright public officials and It is good to be reminded that according to the people may be expressed, crystallized and practical venues for faith interaction and shar-
the Omnibus Election Code (Art. VI, Sec. 38) considered, and where disputes may be ami- ing and inter-religious dialogue. In these
civilized voters, have just been once more pitifully negated by a
barangay elections shall be non-partisan, i.e. cably settled.” (Sec. 384) non-partisan smallest political units of gov-
good number of them. And there is a big doubt and strong no political party, organization or group shall All members of the churches, parishes, ernment, as happens in many Parishes and
reservation that Philippine elections would be something for intervene in the nomination and election of municipalities, Basic Ecclesial Communities Municipalities, the Church and the state can
Filipinos to look forward to and be proud of. any candidate. Unfortunately, there are many are also members of the barangay. If they are wonderfully interact and cooperate for the
barangays which have fallen under the con- taking interest in how their churches or par- common good in the spirit of social co-re-
From the top to the bottom of the political spectrum, among both trol of political parties or politicians. As a ishes operate, similarly they should be inter- sponsibility.
the old and the young politicos and voters, the following composite result they are more in the service of some ested in what is going on in their barangay Come October 29 may our Barangay Elec-
truth can be said about elections in this country. One, they confirm politicians or political party than the com- with respect to the common good. As parish- tion be freed from the violence and corrupt
mon good of the barangay. ioners, they need to be aware of the laws of practices that happen during local and na-
the truth that politics are but a family affair, a family business. tional elections. May our Barangay Election
There is a great need for education and so- the Church. As barangay members they are
Two, they prove the consequent fact that elections are thus cial awareness of how the barangay, this legally empowered to get involved in the produce the leaders that our civil society need
occasions to kill or die for, to sell or buy votes, to cheat or be smallest political unit of government, func- common affairs of their barangay. for the common good. With the correct so-
cheated—with neither second thought before their commission tions. We hope that what the Local Govern- There are some 2,000 Parishes all over the cial conscience and sensitivity, the barangay
nor remorse thereafter. Three, only sitting and aspiring politicos ment Code of 1991 describes as the “Role of country. These Parishes also include most of members can make this happen.
are salivating with the thought of elections, with millions of other
people dreading the event, despising the event or simply
considering it is an occasion to get back at the candidates by taking Oscar V. Cruz, DD

Recognition
their money—the more the better, the merrier.
That elections and politics in the Philippines are in effect but
family affairs, family business, are best proven and exemplified
Views and Points
by the holder of nothing less than the highest public office in the
land. With two sons having beforehand won elective offices THERE has been a good amount of bitter criti- It might be good to point out the very Lately, there is the much admired and ad-
practically hands down, that makes them three in prominent cisms and loud lamentations about the com- touching and unnerving “I am sorry” spec- mirable use of the now infamous “Executive
political fronts. Thus it is that even at the base of the political monly perceived misdeeds attributed to the tacle. It was impeccable in its ample prepara- Privilege”. What is meant to protect the coun-
pyramid, barangay chairmen have children, close relatives as national leadership. Accompanied by proper tion and fervent invocation. In fact, it was try from the revelation of matters of national
kagawad and/or SK chairmen themselves of members. Many invectives there are too many negative pro- accompanied by the proper quivering voice security, is now wantonly invoked to cover-
nouncements about the incumbent highest and tearful eyes. It is undoubtedly memo- up very scandalous transactions and high
closely related politicos are big happy families. official in the land. For people to be positive rable in both its text and context. It even be- anomalous agenda in and by the Executive
Murders. Rampages. Grave threats. Fish fights. Gun fires. Vote and constructive, this seems to be the cry and came a hit expression for a long time, among Department. There is even that now stand-
the need of the days—for a change. The occa- so many people, here and abroad. ing Executive Order equivalent to a com-
buying. Illegal election activities. Flying voters. Missing voters’ sion has come for objective appreciation, for Furthermore, the said devious and where- mandment in terms of “Thou shall not tell
lists. Fires. Missing Comelec officials. Unprotected and unpaid positive recognition. fore dubious executive acts happen in such a the truth.” Here is ingenuity par excellence.
teachers attending to the polls. Election protests. All these are but It is thus about time that the national lead- fast pace that people have no time to ponder “Divide and conquer.” “Take the offen-
some of the many socio-political atrocities that closely ership be thus given proper affirmation for on their respective significance and implica- sive.” “Strike where the enemy is weak.”
accompanied the last Barangay and SK elections. its singular and consummate expertise in tions, and much less time even but to remem- These could be some of the well learned prin-
being deeply involved in one scam after an- ber them. The Malacañang occupant is rather ciples and much applied lessons by the na-
The assumption akin to certitude is that the more candidates spend other, in arousing strong suspicions in its effective in causing deliberate confusion tional leadership. The same must be a good
engagements in this and that corrupt and cor- among thinking people and cause-oriented pupil in the Art of War. The teacher should
money to pay for loyalties, buy votes and anything for sale to win
rupting practice. And this pattern of disturb- groups. These are thus successfully confused be very proud for the brilliance for their ex-
the elections, the more they will recoup from public funds as a ing and disgusting acts appears to be rather about which issue to focus and work on. This ecution. This is intelligence at its best. This is
matter of course, once elected. Those who lost—”cheated”—are regular and continuous since it assumed is positively known and admiringly called a demonstration of well honed skills and
either left alone holding empty bags or will court the winners for power long before May 2004. Consistency is productivity in the difficult world of com- profound ingenuity.
favors to get some of their money back at least. the much appreciated operative word here. merce. This is recognition.

Melo M. Acuña
ISSN 1908-2940 A break from the daily
Issues and Concerns grind
CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
IT was both an honor and a privilege to be standards as well as trade relations exist- called “Slowfood”—an exact opposite of
Pedro C. Quitorio part of an international conference spon- ing between countries. Call centers in the what we usually have, fastfood “cuisine.” I
Editor-in-Chief sored by the International Labour Organi- Philippines have already caught the atten- asked one of our facilitators about
zation on Communicating Labor Rights. tion of the participants, along with the “Slowfood” and he said it was simply go-
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos Coming from a developing country, it was millions of overseas Filipino contract ing back to the basics, organic farming. It
Associate Editor Feature Editor a rare privilege to interact with fellow workers that continue to sustain the is indeed a growing trend these days. As
print and broadcast journalists from Asia, country’s economy. soon as we get there, I would surely ask
Melo M. Acuña Rosalynn Garcia Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. I left Manila early evening last October what fertilizers they use for optimum re-
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor This writer had the chance to be with 28 27 and had the chance to see Frankfurt In- sults. One thing is sure though, they don´t
fellows listening and interacting with re- ternational Airport, and lined up at the have Jocjoc Bolante’s fertilizers here.
Dennis B. Dayao Ernani M. Ramos source persons from different parts of the Passport Control area before I took a 98- One of the concerns raised by participants
On-Line Editor Circulation Manager
world at the International Training Center seater four-engine jet for Turin. has something to do with violations of hu-
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez in Turin, Italy. They also have dogs at the airport sniff- man rights in and out of the workplace with
News Editor Comptroller Sharing experiences and learning from ing bags and, at times, arriving passengers. special emphasis on their own versions of
other participants indeed widens one’s ho- One thing caught my attention: I went to extrajudicial killings or summary execu-
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP rizons. To my surprise, a number of the a church nearby last Sunday at 6:00 PM only tions of trade union leaders. The Philippines
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with participants are Catholics, practicing to find it closed. It may be true Filipinos was mentioned in one of the discussions as
Layout by Denz Dayao

editorial and business of fices at 470 Gen. Luna St.,

Catholics, all concerned with human rights, fill the churches here in Europe. Should it was reportedly made to explain about
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. labor standards and the timely teachings my schedule allow, I would have the chance reports on extrajudicial killings.
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net of the Catholic Church. to meet Filipinos in Rome and see the Wondering about all these, a fellow par-
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor The issues are inter-related, from find- Vatican as soon as the conference is over. ticipant asked: Isn’t it that majority of your
ing jobs to labor conditions, rights and Part of the course is a visit to a company people are Catholics?
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Opinion A5
Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD Bp. Guillermo V. Afable, DD
Marriage and its
Tidbits religious dimension DADITAMA
THE perception of marriage in its flesh and from religious values and proclaiming them When it talks on the union of man and
blood realities can be gleaned from cases
submitted to a Church court for resolution.
as fully independent of God. Influenced as it
is by models of life that are too often pre-
woman in a perpetual and exclusive contract
of giving and accepting each other in the
A call to restorative
It is from these messy, if not unknown, ele-
ments of the contested matrimonial bond
sented by the mass media, today’s mental-
ity asks, ‘Why must one spouse always be
rite of marriage, it has to be taken within
the context of a sacrament and therefore justice
that the truth of marriage is ferreted out. faithful to the other?’ within the area of faith.
Leafing through the acts and decisions of A person of faith can easily answer that Christian marriage is more than a piece AS I had expected, the convicted plunderer, former President
the Roman Rota the Holy Father, the late question; but a person who is cut off from of legislation; more than the union of a male Estrada will soon be pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal–
Pope John Paul II, discovered a tragic pat- that religious dimension of marriage is in a and a female hit by a chemical reaction called Arroyo. Indeed, the pardon was announced last October 26. He
tern in marriages submitted for resolution. quandary. Caught in a crisis, this person of love. It is a sacred union. It starts with the was immediately released from detention the day after. There
He found out in rhythmic regularity that no faith “will even reformulate the preced- free choice of the man and the woman in was obvious haste in the processes that led to his release which
marriages which broke down are unions ing question in this way: why it is always love, mutually surrendering themselves to looked suspicious to some observers in the light of the current
wherein the spouses have ruled out the reli- necessary to love the other spouse even each other which they do by entering into controversies the administration is embroiled in.
gious dimension of marriage. I am wonder- when so many apparently justifying reasons marriage whose meaning and values do not Pardon is an act of benevolence, mercy and grace. It disre-
ing whether this discovery may also be true would lead one to leave?” depend on them alone but on God himself. gards the demand of retributive justice which is focused on
in other matrimonial courts. Confronted with such a phenomenon, the For God is the Author of marriage, delicately punishment. It is supposed to be a virtuous act. Supposedly, it
Along this vein Pope John Paul II in his Holy Father enjoined the audience to help endowing it with proper laws and regula- seeks to heal and bring peace and restoration to the victim, the
address to the judges of the the families to value the significance of the tions. And more. Due to the reality of sin, community and the convicted criminal.(Restorative justice) As
Roman Rota, highlighted the importance sacramentality of marriage in their own lives. making him/her prone to the temptations social beings, the good that pardon seeks to achieve does not
and the significance of the religious dimen- He also urged them to always consider the of the flesh and the pride of life that only benefit the individual who is pardoned and his family,
sion of marriage and the family. He cited religious dimension when dealing with sac- oftentimes sours the relationship between but also benefits the entire community who had been harmed
the phenomenon of many recent matrimo- ramental marriage. He said: “The consider- man and woman, God saw to it that union unjustly by the crime committed. It seeks therefore, the com-
nial cases and observed that there is a pat- ation of the sacramentality highlights the of man and wife become a source of grace, mon good, as in this case, the good of the entire Filipino people,
tern. The pattern is the diminishing aware- transcendence of your function, the bond that elevating it into a sacrament. Here the especially the impoverished farmers, fisherfolks, and the in-
ness of the spouses of the significance of the links it to the economy of salvation. The reli- spouses are caught up by the Christ who digenous peoples. It would become unjust if this pardon was
sacramentality of the Christian marriage. gious dimension should for this reason per- gives that great promise: “My grace is suffi- done simply to benefit President Gloria Arroyo and her prede-
Spouses do not consider anymore the tran- meate all your work. From handling scien- cient for you.” cessor, Joseph Estrada.
scendence of Christian marriage, its inti- tific studies on marriage to the daily activity Marriage therefore bestows that sacra- Such a pardon, to be complete, must therefore become mu-
mate meaning, its intrinsic supernatural of the administration of justice, there is no mental grace to “perfect the couple’s love tual. The forgiven reciprocates the magnanimous act of for-
value, its positive effects on the conjugal life room in the Church for a vision of marriage and to strengthen their indissoluble unity. giveness. Then and only then; can reconciliation and peace be-
and family. He also observed that secular- that is merely immanent and profane, sim- By this grace they help one another to attain gin to happen. Mutual forgiveness includes, first the offender’s
ism has much to blame to this modern phe- ply because such a vision is not true theo- holiness in their married life and in wel- taking responsibility and second, admitting humbly his ac-
nomena in Christian marriage. He said: logically and juridically” (op. cit., 6). coming and educating their children” (cf. tions, and third, recognizing the harm that have been caused
“Today’s strongly secularized mentality Down the centuries the Church has main- CCC, n. 1641). To ease out this religious di- and taking steps to repair the harm done. This is called making
tends to affirm the human values of the in- tained with insistence the ever-enduring mension, therefore, is detrimental, if not sui- amends for wrongs committed. Only then can the common
stitution of the family while detaching them doctrine of marriage and its sacramentality. cidal, to the union. good be eventually served. Only then can all (administration,
opposition, independents) move on together for the good of
all. When this happens, the executive pardon would have been
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS worth it all.

The breastfeeding We know that pardon, given and received, is a most difficult
process because of the painful burden of past injustice, abuse

Madonna Love Life and crime that impinge on the forgiving and the forgiven.
Such a past is difficult to forgive and forget. Yet, forgiveness
and reconciliation is the only path to peace, as the Church
teaches. Such forgiveness is not only necessary, but also not
HAVE your ever heard of Our Lady of La venas to be distributed, and helping fund the impossible. With God nothing is impossible.
Special thanks goes to Fr. Nick Blanquisco,
Leche? Her feast is celebrated every year on reproduction of the statues that came in dif- who was her parish priest at the time she While the main protagonists in this whole issue would seem
October 11. She is the patroness of mother ferent sizes. Soon after, I was asked to be the to be only President Arroyo and Citizen Estrada, the Filipino
started the movement at Our lady of Fatima
and mothers-to-be. spiritual director of the movement, joining Parish in Mandaluyong City, for allowing people are also quite rightly the third protagonist. The betray-
Although in the past I had seen many pic- them for recollections and for the annual cel- als of trust and misconduct by public officials ultimately harm
the statue to be placed on one of the side-
tures of Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus, it ebration of the feast on October 11 held at altars in the church. When the group were the citizenry. Corruption, as the former Ombudsman, Simeon
was only in the year 2000 that I was invited the Harrison Plaza chapel, through the kind- Marcelo asserts, is a crime against the poor who have been
deciding on what day to choose for the feast,
to join the Our lady of La Leche movement ness of the owner, her cousin Belen Ticzon- putting it on the same day as that of Our Lady deprived long enough of their just share of the goods and ser-
here in the Philippines because I was the co- Martel. Dozens of pregnant women would vices the government is obligated to render to the public.
of Fatima would not have been wise since
ordinator of pro-life. I still remember the show up for the special blessing after the the parishioners would of course honor their We, as Church, cannot but continue to denounce this injus-
day that Remedios “Baby” Ticzon-Gonzales Mass and receive gift packs for their babies. tice and form of violence. We also continue to call on everyone
primary devotion to Fatima. Christmas Day,
visited me in the convent and told me of her I truly admire Baby Ticzon and her small the day that Mary would naturally have to a change of heart and mind; a call to a moral revolution. It is
concerns on how to promote the devotion. group of about ten women as they zealously the plight of the impoverished poor that cries for a halt to the
started breastfeeding her Baby, would not be
She said that a rare antique statue of the contact hospitals where they would regularly good either as the holiday festivities would continuing politics of patronage by the aristocracy. Would the
Blessed Mother was bequeathed to her by an bring the five-foot statue of Our Lady to the presidential pardon ultimately serve the interests of the poor?
outshine our celebration. I then suggested
uncle, Ramon R.Ticzon, who passed away in maternity wards and pray with the newly- October 11, which is traditionally the Feast We all sincerely hope so.
1999. delivered women to bless them and their ba- While we call the two main protagonists to restorative jus-
of the Maternity or Motherhood of Mary.
In the beginning, she did not even know bies. They have also traveled to private Official permission to promote the devo- tice, this holds true also with all the other co-accused in the
how to call this icon of the nursing Blessed homes, health centers, maternity clinics and plunder case, who are still at large. This holds true also for all
tion was given by His Eminence Cardinal
Mother. No one was familiar with the im- homes for unwed mothers. They solicit or Sin, and later Cardinal Rosales, who also au- other public officials guilty of graft and corrupt practices,
age. Her daughter-in-law, Tere, who was personally contribute in order to produce whether proven, convicted or not. May they all remember and
thorized the group to continue with the
pregnant at that time, was searching in the novena leaflets, stampitas, posters, calendars propagation of this devotion. do as Nicodemus of the Gospel (Luke 19:1-11), who recognized
internet when she came across the La Leche and statues. Together, they embarked on the the truth, humbly repented and restored justice and love to all.
At this time when our DOH and many pro-
League, a group promoting breastfeeding. task of spreading the devotion, particularly breastfeeding groups are intensely fighting Thus salvation came to his own house and to those he had
The website included an article on the devo- to pregnant and childless women. wronged.
the aggressive promotion of infant formula
DADITAMA / A6
tion to the breastfeeding Mary in one of the Numerous answered prayers by those who by multi-national pharmaceuticals, this de-
shrines in Florida. Further research informed used the novena have been reported. I my- votion should be evermore promoted to edu-
her that there is such a devotion; in Spain as self promote it in my radio and television cate the people on proper maternal and child
well. programs and I have mailed a lot of the no- care.
Through the years, I have been assisting venas to those who text or write to me, espe- For copies of the novena to Our lady of La
Nicolo F. Bernardo
the group in clarifying the direction of the cially those longing to have a baby after so Leche, you may contact me at 0920-945-5494
movement, identifying the prayers and no- many years of childless marriage. or the La Leche Movement at 531-3063.
Lifeguard
Jose B. Lugay
Recollection/Retreat for
Laiko Lampstand the SSS Bids and Lessons from ghosts
Awards Committee PHILOSOPHY taught us, at least according to ultra-skeptic David
Hume, to doubt reports of the supernatural. That empirical,
THE laity according to Lumen Gentium “could nical questions concerning the bidding pro- tion. On Sincerity in Fighting Corruption ordinary probabilities are supposed to work as collective proof
best serve the Church not in the parish but in the cess while at the same time touch on the moral Survey, the ratings from Very Good to Mod- against any other possibility. Either the reporter is hallucinat-
world” and that “all the baptized, clergy, reli- aspect of their decision making – a new chal- erate was as follows: 1) Local Church Lead- ing or misinterpreting an experience, or there is some hoax at
gious and laity have the same mission of evangeli- lenge indeed since this touches on values and ers : +71, 2) Supreme Court: +40, 3) SSS: +38, work.
zation—the mission of Jesus Christ; his priestly, culture of the persons operating in a govern- 4) DOH: +26. Doubt is one rational reaction we take whenever somebody
prophetic and kingly function. ment bureaucracy with its own culture and The small group headed by Dr. Bella reports of an otherworldly experience. It’s a safeguard against
This was our introduction to the module values. Dumas, designed the modules which started wild beliefs. But it can also be self-limiting when inspired not
on the Role of the Laity during the retreat of With the approval of our National Direc- with a Reflection and Prayer relevant to the by a careful open attitude, but by an absolute presumption—a
the members of the Bids and Awards Com- tor, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, LAIKO’s Ad- selected topic. The spiritual aspect of the 2- certainty, not doubt, that there is no other reality beyond the
mittee (BAC) and the Technical Working vocacy for Good Governance Committee, a day session was provided by the talk of material. Here, the burden of proof falls not just on the be-
Group of the Social Security System (SSS). It small group consisting of Atty. Mia Zafra, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes on “The Moral Re- liever of both the natural and supernatural reality, but on the
is Spirit-led, this request for a recollection/ Dr. Bella Dumas, Mr. Ed Tirona, Mr. Ric sponsibility of Public Servants, the mass and believer of material-only reality as well.
retreat from a government institution with- Rivera and Mr. Joseph Jesalva designed the homily of Rev. Fr. Ric Dumas, SVD and his As everybody who has done a thesis knows, a methodology
out any prodding from us. We received the module. It was a challenge since this will be homily on the gospel of the day Luke 12:13 – sets the scope and the limit of whatever results that may come
letter from Assistant Vice-President Santiago the first of its kind and its success will be 21, the parable of the rich man and his boun- from an observation. This should explain why a purely scien-
D.R. Agdeppa, Assistant Vice-President, con- vital to the social transformation objective tiful harvest—a most appropriate topic for tific methodology and perspective can never admit a super-
curred by Senior Vice-President and BAC of LAIKO. people who are motivated to get rich through natural reality (if it does, it’s not scientific!).
Chairman, Miguel E. Roca, Jr. dated August This came at a time when the headlines corruption. When somebody asked me whether one can prove God by
17, 2007 addressed to me as the BAC Observer were blazing with corruption issues—the The values alignment portion of the ses- empirical science, I answered No—unless you turn God into a
of the Social Security System. It states, “This NBN-ZTE bribery exposed by the son of sion was provided by the talk of Atty. Mia being of material science and therefore not God, or you rede-
is to respectfully inquire from your office Speaker Jose de Venecia who implicated the Zafra on Stewardship, and the 2 sessions of fine science in such a way that it accommodates the abstract
whether the Catholic Bishop Conference of First Gentleman and Comelec Commis- Dr. Bella Dumas on Towards Building a Cul- and immaterial. (Thus, the atheist Bertrand Russell attempted
the Philippines has a program which we, the sioner Bienvenido Abalos. Corroborated by ture of Discipleship and Servant Leadership. The to explain spirits as disembodied “conscious energy.” Scien-
members of the Social Security System Bids the testimony of NEDA Commisioner technical aspects of the session were provided tists a century ago proposed a theory of either.) Any other
and Awards Committee (SSS BAC) and its Romulo Neri, the Comelec Commissioner by the sharing of experiences by our BAC reality cannot fit into the empirical picture not because the
support staff, can take on to apprise ourselves decided to resign. Then came another scan- observers, Ed Tirona, Ric Rivera and Pepe non-empirical can be proven untrue or true by the empirical. It
on the latest observations and recommenda- dal implicating the President which was Lugay. The session given by the Resident cannot, because in the first place, we are talking of a reality
tions about bidding in government in gen- openly denounced by three Bishops followed Ombudsman of DOH, Atty. Hilario Favila with its own law, manifestation, and methodology. You can-
eral and SSS in particular coupled with a spiri- by CBCP’s condemnation—the distribution provided the process for monitoring and fil- not argue for or against a premise using a method that to begin
tual recollection /retreat.” in Malacañang of cash money in envelopes ing of complaints by the BAC Observers on with, prejudges the matter (or rather, the spirit) out of the ques-
We had a ready training module for Vol- (P500,000) to Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga irregularities committed during the bidding tion. Such is the folly of empiricism. Whichever cannot be quan-
unteer Observers for the Bidding Process ac- and Gov. Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan, and process. tified or qualified in the clinic is presumed false.
cording to R.A. 9184 which we conducted last others. It is in the question and answer period and I thought of these during All Souls’ devotion. Believers in
September, 2006 jointly with the Bishop Our Advocacy Group’s drive for social the sharing of the SSS Vice Chairman of the supernatural realities often risk being dismissed as “supersti-
Businessmen’s Conference. We offered the transformation has found a starting point— reports of the Observers to SSS that this tious.” What’s the basis for that? If you would look closely at
same to Archbishop Paciano Aniceto for the good people in government willing to mindset was reached—it is best to prevent the history of science, you would know that it followed theo-
training lay leaders of San Fernando start the reform. The Social Security System’s corruption through moral formation than “to ries and hypotheses here now gone tomorrow. A breakfast
Pampanga to help Governor Ed Panlilio in President, Corazon de la Paz., lost no time in catch the thief”. We congratulate SSS Top with philosopher Michel Foucault and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
his drive for good governance. While wait- approving the budget for the planned retreat Management for supporting the moral for- would be enough to undo overconfidence on dogmas of sci-
ing for this proposal to materialize, the SSS that was eventually held at the CBCP–NASSA mation of the members of the Bids and ence. Its grand narratives are true until proven guilty and in-
BAC surprised us with this request. BEC Retreat House in Tagaytay. This is no Awards Committee, the Technical Working sufficient. (Has not Einstein debunked Newton yet?)
The training module has to be specific to surprise since SSS has been rated favorably Group and supporting staff. May your tribe Lifeguard / A6
their needs. It should touch on relevant tech- in the 2006 Survey of Enterprises on Corrup- increase!
 CBCP Monitor
A6 Local News Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

Justice system must Bishops refuse to

lead probe in
address existing problems corruption cases
THE country’s justice system needs to address He said corruption has resulted in poverty to have been condemned for good.” ROMAN Catholic bishops rejected and made a directive ordering the
existing problems that contribute to the in- which fanned an increase in criminal inci- “The Holy Father is aware of the needs of our a request to lead a probe into the Presidential Anti-Graft Commis-
crease in inmates in various detention and dents. prisoners as he called on everyone to find timely alleged cases of corruption under sion (PAGC) to investigate the al-
penal facilities. Bishop Arigo welcomes moves to construct and relevant alternatives to help convicts begin the administration of President leged bribery.
This was the gist of CBCP-Episcopal Com- new and bigger facilities to house detention new lives,” Bishop Arigo further said. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Golez, however, expressed ap-
mission on Prison Pastoral Care Chairman prisoners serving shorter sentences. “Con- Citing earlier studies, Bishop Arigo said a Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad prehension with the move, saying
and Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro D. Arigo’s gestion is one of the more serious problems lot of the country’s convicts are still in jail said conducting inquiries, which it was insufficient since the PAGC
views as the Catholic Church celebrates faced by prisoners and people who run them,” because of poverty. “Only a few of them may is not the competence of the “cannot come with a credible
“Prison Awareness Week.” the prelate said. be considered threats to society,” the prelate Church, falls under the direct duty probe.”
Bishop Arigo said the current situation He called on government officials to re- observed. of officials in the government. Bishop Jumoad also challenged
“seems to be conducive to the commission of visit and review the country’s existing reha- He said people should be aware of the sad Jumoad is among the 18 prel- the PAGC to be transparent and
crime” despite police reports that the bilitation programs and correctional strate- realities of the country’s justice system for ates of Mindanao who met Na- immediately made public the re-
country’s crime volume has been signifi- gies “because by the looks of it, instead of them to help restore people’s lives. (Melo tional Security Adviser Norberto sult of their investigation.
cantly reduced over the past few months. having offenders turn in a new leaf, they seem Acuña) Gonzales during the regional pas- The Mindanao bishops earlier
toral assembly on October 22 in issued a pastoral statement calling
Surigao City. for a “through and impartial in-
New / A1 Macarambon / A1 CBCP / A1 It was learned that Gonzales vestigation” into suspected corrup-
Pope Benedict XVI officially Secretariat of State—Vatican The Palace on November 1 ruled There are currently two seats in urged the bishops to take the lead tion and bribery scandal.
named Archbishop Adams, 63, as City, Kenya, Honduras, Ireland, the appointment of Macarambon the Comelec that are vacant in- in the investigation into serious They also expressed support to
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philip- Denmark and Czech Republic. as the new Comelec commissioner. cluding that of resigned chairman accusations of graft and corruption the growing clamor for “moral
pines last September 3. He had The Pope in 1996 appointed It said the decision was above Benjamin Abalos while the post in the government. integrity and fiscal transparency”
been serving as apostolic nuncio him as the Apostolic Nuncio in board and went “through the pro- of the seventh commissioner is yet Rep. Roilo Golez also called on from the country’s leaders.
to Zimbabwe. Bangladesh and elevated to the cess.” to be filled up. the bishops to spearhead a probe Among the 18 bishops were
The papal envoy, in his first dignity of Archbishop with the But PPCRV national chairper- Two election commissioners, on the alleged ‘cash gifts’ by Davao Archbishop Fernando
letter to the Catholic Bishops’ titular see of Scala. He has been son Henrietta De Villa opposed the Resurreccion Borra and Malacañang to congressmen and Capalla, Ozamis Archbishop Jesus
Conference of the Philippines the Papal nuncio in Zimbabwe procedure of Macarambon’s ap- Florentino Tuason, Jr., are set to local executives which many have Dosado, Zamboanga Archbishop
(CBCP) after his appointment, since August 22, 2002. pointment. retire in February next year. described as a form of bribery in Romulo Valles, Tandag, Bishop
said he is glad to be serving for Besides English, the 63-year old She said Macarambon was not Archbishop Lagdameo is urg- the wake of impeachment com- Nereo Odchimar and Surigao
the Catholic Church in the Phil- American prelate also speaks flu- even in the list of nominees report- ing the government for a trans- plaint against Pres. Arroyo. Bishop Antonieto Cabajog. (Melo
ippines. ently Italian, French and Spanish. edly submitted by Malacañang to parent procedure in appointing The Palace denied the accusation Acuña)
“As I prepare to come to the Phil- Archbishop Adams will be the the poll body. new poll officials.
ippines my only wish is that I may 15th in the line of Apostolic Del- “The appointing power is still He said a “wide consultation”
be of service to the Church, as I
seek to represent worthily among
you our Holy Father, whose min-
egates and Apostolic Nuncios to
the Philippines.
An apostolic nuncio or papal
with the president but a wide con-
sultation is also necessary,” De
Villa said in an interview over
is necessary to restore the cred-
ibility of the Comelec.
A church-backed poll watchdog
Bishops urged to lead
istry is essentially one of love,” he
told the Filipino bishops.
Born in Philadelphia, USA on
legate is considered the represen-
tative or ambassador of the Holy
See to the bishops of the Episco-
Radyo Veritas.
The PPCRV has been calling on
the government to use a selection
earlier called on President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo to appoint
“women and men of untarnished
probe on Makati blast
August 24, 1944, Archbishop pal Conference and particular process similar to the Judicial and integrity and proven record of A MILITANT group asked the Puno and CBCP president Arch-
Adams was ordained priest in churches. Bar Council of the Philippines, competence” to the Comelec. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of bishop Angel Lagdameo could lead
May 1970. He has a Doctorate in His principal task, according to which suggests appointees for va- The Parish Pastoral Council for the Philippines (CBCP) to lead an the probe to “galvanize the public
Canon Law. church law, is to make firm and cancies at the Supreme Court. Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said independent probe into the explo- support” to the independent body.
He entered into the Diplomatic effective the bonds of unity be- “This would guarantee transpar- they will be promulgating their sion in a Makati mall. “The high tribunal chief justice and
Service of the Holy See in 1976 tween the Pope and the heads of ency of choosing appointees to the own nominees and elevate them The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Archbishop Lagdameo are per-
and served successively in the States and the bishops. (Roy Comelec,” De Villa added. (Roy to President Arroyo for consider- Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas ceived by the Filipino public as cred-
following countries: Rwanda, Lagarde) Lagarde) ation. (CBCPNews) (Pamalakaya) said it is high time a ible, objective and logical thinkers
credible body should work on and they are politically and morally
Erap’s / A1 Arroyo / A1 Glorietta blast that killed 11 people fit to lead the probe,” he said.
“The pardoned president could and harmed hundred others. The group said there are people
not be more privileged, consider- “It is time a well-respected like Senator Antonio Trillanes who
ing the many prisoners with lesser group composed of real truth want to disclose their knowledge
crimes of plunder and injustice seekers and advocates should be about the blast incident but they
who are rotting in jail only be- given chance to work on Glorietta don’t want to issue statement to
cause they have no influence with blast,” the group said. police and military authorities.
the government and justice sys- The government on Tuesday The detained senator said he
tem,” he said. said an independent investigating would tell everything he knows
“The pardoning president has body should undertake a probe about the alleged Malacañang in-
spoken; the case ends there. But rather than entrust it to the mili- volvement in the blast only to an
where is “restorative justice?” tary and police authorities. independent commission.
Lagdameo further asked. Aside from the CBCP, the “To accommodate them, an in-
The CBCP head sought for fair fisherfolk alliance said the investi- dependent and well trusted group
treatment of prisoners worthy of gation should be done hand in is a must,” said Hicap.
the same clemency “for the sake of hand with the Supreme Court (SC) The bishops have already offered
their poor families.” and its former justices. prayers and condolences to the vic-
“A president pardoning a con- They said political analysts, hu- tims of the deadly explosion.
victed president may have bigger man rights advocates, forensic ex- Lagdameo called on the faithful to
implications than meet our eyes perts, known scientists, indepen- also pray for the solution of the many
now. And so reflection must con- dent lawmakers, lawyers and para- crises facing the country today.
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

tinue, but this time with civil soci- legal groups and objective groups “(The) explosion diverts our
ety. May it bear the desired fruit of capable of ferreting out the truth concentration and adds up to our
unity and reconciliation,” he said. about the October 19 tragedy. common national problems that
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Bishops Julio Labayen (from right), Deogracias Pamalakaya head Fernando are crying for satisfactory solu-
Oscar Cruz and Caloocan Bishop Iñiguez and Antonio Tobias revived their call in a Hicap said SC chief justice Reynato tion,” he said. (CBCPNews)
press conference last October 19 for Arroyo’s res-
Deogracias Iñiguez, meanwhile, ignation following the bribery scandal hounding
Priest / A6
saw Estrada’s pardon by the her administration.
Malacañang as a political ploy. fice accusing the priest of violat- punishable sin of excommunication
Cruz, a former CBCP president, ing the “seal of confession” has been committed, “then he could
“It is time for the sovereign leged distribution of hefty “cash you cannot fool all the people all
said the matter has become a po- which spurred him to immedi- just declare it according to law.”
Filipino people whom she has gifts” to congressmen and local the time,” the bishops said in
litical issue for political expediency ately call for an investigation. Cruz revealed that the direct vio-
betrayed to now speak up as one public officials after their meet- their statement.
so that beleaguered Arroyo ad- “We found out that he really lation of the sacramental seal of
voice and resoundingly ask her ing with Pres. Arroyo in “If a regime is morally bank-
ministration could hold on to violated such rule and thus in- confession by a confessor is one of
to step down,” the statement Malacañang. rupt, has propensity for false-
power. curred an automatic excommuni- the common grounds why some
read. Only recently, the President has hoods and repeatedly lies with
Iñiguez, for his part, said some- cation,” Bastes told CBCP News. priests get punished.
They said Pres. Arroyo must also been harshly criticized over impunity, there is no other alter-
thing is fishy behind the granting As a result, the priest is now He also said that an order from
be held liable to the people add- its alleged involvement on the native for the people but to de-
of pardon to Estrada. barred from administering any the pope, Benedict XVI, to cease
ing, “Her acts, or omissions, of supposed bribery-laden and mand that the leader, the chief
“The way we know the govern- sacrament and from holding po- the penalty is the only way for the
bribery, graft and corrupt prac- overpriced national broadband executive, commander in chief,
ment … if you give something, sitions within the Church. beleaguered clergyman to return
tices (are) punishable by law.” network deal with China’s ZTE the president, steps down and re-
you will receive something in re- Bastes sent copies of his decree to to his priestly duties.
Standing as advisers to the Corp. signs,” it said.
turn,” he said. “I don’t have any other dioceses in the country. “It requires the Holy Father to
multi-sectoral group Kilusang The bishops said they are ap- The prelates also called on the
problem with the pardon, but there Galias’ punishment is the most lift an excommunication,” he said.
Makabansang Ekonomiya palled that Pres. Arroyo and her people to join the Catholic Bish-
are higher values with this case.” serious ecclesiastical penalty that “It is quite serious.”
(KME), the three bishops said allies think that they can ‘fool’ ops’ Conference of the Philip-
(CBCPNews) could be levied against ministers His own bishop earlier tagged
they would launch a mass move- people all the time and then just pines (CBCP) in its call for trans-
of the Church. Galias as the priest behind a scam
Disaparecidos / A1 ment to urge Pres. Arroyo to quit get away with it. parency and honesty in the gov-
Excommunication of priests is allegedly being operated by a
her post. “You (Arroyo) can fool some ernment, saying there had been
group convenors were among never a merely “vindictive pen- group posing as a religious con-
The government has been be- people all the time: You can fool an “unscrupulous use of money.”
those who took the brunt of en- alty”, but is always a “medicinal gregation in Bicol region.
set by the controversy on the al- some people some of the time but (CBCPNews)
forced disappearances and sum- penalty” intended for them to Bastes said the “Sons/Sisters of
mary killings. correct their misbehaviors. Mary, Adorers of the Holy Eucha-
Lifeguard / A5
Bishop Vergara said village Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop rist (SMAHE),” founded by Galias,
residents have remained vigilant Yet because scientific terms strable? As it goes, extra-sensory hereafter? About hell, purga- Oscar Cruz, Judicial Vicar of CBCP’s has no authority to recruit or solicit.
as they await investigation re- are couched in very technical phenomena seem to follow a tory, heaven? What do we know Dispensation Section, said excom- “Being not a religious superior,
sults. “There would be no closure language, they look intelligent methodology, an explanation, about these? What do human ex- munication can be incurred either he is forbidden to recruit for voca-
to the violent incidents unless in- and infallible. Infallible because beyond matter. Why cannot we periences tell? “ferendae sententiae” (imposed as the tions, men and women, as well as to
vestigation results are made and not too many understand them be open to that? Because many Catholics dis- sentence of an ecclesiastical court) solicit funds for his group,” he said.
appropriate charges are filed in and can debunk them. But every- Theology, exorcism, prayers miss the issue, they loss the or “latae sententiae” (incurred at the The prelate said Galias’ group
the interest of truth and justice,” one knows that scientific claims for the dead, religious rites, chance to catechize, to discourse, moment the offensive act takes place). is neither a religious institute or
the prelate said. may be helpful but are insuffi- these are some of the “method- to give lessons of faith. Those “The moment you broke the seal congregation, nor a public asso-
Then Calbayog Bishop and now cient to explain all human phe- ologies” that try to explain who report having paranormal, of confession then you are penal- ciation with canonical rights.
Palo (Leyte) Archbishop Jose S. nomena, not even the most im- “ghost or supernatural phenom- extra-sensory experiences in- ized by the law itself,” Cruz said. “Hence, it does not possess a ju-
Palma reported almost similar in- portant thing we value: love. ena.” An explanation is a better ex- stead turn to “psychics” or to If the bishop, he said, is convinced ridical personality according to
cidents in Samar when then Ma- Another is this universal hu- planation if it could better establish ghost busters of all sorts. Or that he has all the evidence that a Canon Law,” he said. (CBCPNews)
jor General Jovito Palparan was man experience that seems to or describe phenomenal patterns again, to science overtures lim-
DADITAMA / A5
assigned commanding general of point to an other-worldly life, with constancy or system. And it ited by its very method. Yet the
the Army’s 8th Infantry Division of another reality: encounter appears that empirical science Scriptures are full of stories of I sincerely hope that citizen Finally, as we revisit the call
in Catbalogan, Samar. with spirits of the dead. The ex- cannot hit the right formula for apparitions of spirits. Moses and Estrada and company will be able to restorative justice, perhaps, we
It will be recalled General perience could be sensible: you unwanted ghosts and the paran- Elijah, for example, during Jesus’ to rise to the occasion of nation do well to remember one thing
Palparan was relieved of his assign- might see, hear, feel, or smell. ormal. It follows. Anything in Transfiguration. building where all parties be- that the Lord Jesus taught us
ment in Eastern Visayas at the be- Yet what you perceive could not denial of something cannot, “I was once like you, you will come part of the solution rather about forgiveness. When the
hest of lawmakers Catalino V. be purely empirical when it does would not. be like me.” It’s a Roman prov- than part of the many socio-cul- woman caught in adultery (Jn.
Figueroa and Reynaldo S. Uy but not observe empirical law, when Mea culpa if I am making erb that I think cuts short what- tural-economic ills besetting our 8:1-11) was pardoned by the Lord
was appointed Commanding Gen- it questions empirical method- philosophical/theological ever message the presence of nation. And for those entrusted Jesus, he concluded by saying,
eral of the Army’s 7th Infantry Di- ology. To see is to believe? lapses here or I sound like Jaime corpses and souls bring. It makes with the administration of gov- “Neither do I condemn you, go
vision in Laur, Nueva Ecija. There you have it! But science Licauco. I am pushing the issue us face the reality of our own ernment, from the President and sin no more.” There is so
Much earlier, General Palparan and technology cannot explain as a lead for religious experts to death, and the possibility of life down to the Barangay kagawad, much more good works to be
was called “Butcher of Mindoro” by it. There are attempts to explain tackle the supernatural, with the in the hereafter. Once every year, may they all render genuine pub- done. Finger-pointing would
cause-oriented groups for his “ruth- it out, but are the explanations diarrhea of ghosts tales during we the living, reflect on what lic service to all especially the simply distract us from that
less” campaign against communist sufficient and final? Or accord- Halloween. Are these true or sooner or later, we shall, after least and the last in their com- which matter most. (E-mail add:
rebels. (Melo Acuña) ing to rules of science, demon- not? What do these tell about life all, all be. munities. daditama_now@yahoo.com.ph)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Features A7
Australian bishops offer Cardinal Tauran: No need
to create “United
election guidelines Focus on 8 key
platform points Nations” of religions
deeply disturbing” and also men- flecting accurately contributions from the
makes no sense.
tioned that “respect for human life Commonwealth, states, and parent and pri-
“Now there are just as many
also requires constant vigilance to vate contributions. There should be no bar-
possibilities as there are creeds for
ensure that euthanasia and assisted rier to education because of an incapacity to
achieving peace,” the cardinal
suicide are never legalized in Aus- pay.”
stated. “Personally, my first reac-
tralia.” Similarly, the bishops insisted that every
tion is not one of enthusiasm,” he
“The deepest questions are raised person has a right to health care. “Significant
said about proposal launched by
by the creation and deliberate de- reform is needed to ensure that households
a group of participants at the Ecu-
struction of human embryos for maintain their capacity to obtain basic health
menical Meeting for Peace which
stem cell research. The Catholic care. Without such reform, involving both
ended this week in Naples.
Church is not opposed to stem cell the Commonwealth and states, Medicare will
“On the one hand we have di-
research. On the contrary, we not be able to keep pace with the steady in-
plomacy, with its techniques, and
strongly support research based on crease in user charges and fees.”
on the other, religions with
adult stem cells, as well as those
prayer. Prayer is the language of
Archbishop Philip Wilson, ACBC President that are derived from umbilical Protecting water
religion, and therefore, before
cord blood. The Church supports
thinking about a great UN of the
MELBOURNE, Australia, October 26, 2007— ethical stem cell research through its research The bishops made reference to the drought
religions, men of religion must in-
The bishops of Australia are encouraging citi- institutes, healthcare services, teaching hos- that continues to plague Australia and called
struct their faithful in the prayer
zens to head to the ballot box and “apply the pitals and health professionals,” they added. for government policies to safeguard water Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
for peace and their young people
test of the common good” above their own supplies.
ROME, October 26, 2007—The to listen to others and to their con-
individual interests. Reducing pressure Regarding immigrants and refugees, the
president of the Pontifical Coun- victions,” Cardinal Tauran ex-
The prelates urge Catholics “to take their bishops said, “We believe that all asylum
cil for Inter-religious Dialogue, plained.
democratic freedoms seriously and become Noting the rights of the family, the bish- seekers, regardless of how they arrive in
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, said He stressed that there is “al-
involved in the political process,” as the na- ops wrote, “At a time when family life is sub- Australia, should have their claim processed
during an interview with Vatican ways a need for dialogue and talk-
tion prepares for elections to the federal Par- ject to unprecedented pressure, families must in Australia, according to international con-
Radio that the proposed creation ing,” but each conversation must
liament on Nov. 24. be supported in every possible way. vention.
of a “United Nations of religions” take place in its own context and
The Australian bishops’ statement, re- There must be legal recognition of the Claims should be processed as speedily as
to promote dialogue for peace form. (CNA)
leased last week, called attention to eight key unique nature of marriage between a man possible, ensuring that people do not spend
areas for voters to consider: life, family, in- and a woman, and proper protection for the long periods in detention. People who are
digenous peoples, education, health, environ- rights of children. Tax arrangements and so- found to be refugees should receive perma-
ment, immigration and refugees, and peace.
“Respect for life and the fostering of the
inherent dignity of the person underpin what
cial service support nets should be aimed at
strengthening families and reducing the pres-
sures on them.”
nent visas which allow them to access gov-
ernment services and employment, giving
them the security they need to build a new
Talibans attack Catholic
it is to be human,” they wrote. “All human
life is to be respected, particularly the most
vulnerable, including the unborn, the sick and
The bishops said indigenous peoples
should be adequately represented in the pro-
cess of government, “so that Australia’s first
life in Australia.”
Finally, the Australian prelates urged
world peace, saying “it is not God’s way to
schools in Swat Valley
elderly, people with disability, and commu- peoples may be heard and their hopes and oppose violence with greater violence. […]
nities ravaged by poverty, abuse, famine or aspirations pursued as a national priority.” We support efforts to build a culture of peace
war.” Noting the role of the Church in educating by promoting overseas aid policies which
The bishops said they welcome “the grow- Australians, the bishops said, “Funding mod- provide access to proper nourishment, health,
ing consensus that the level of abortion is els must be fair, open and transparent, re- housing and education.” (Zenit)

Muslim group attends Catholic Mass in Malaysian “breakthrough”

KUCHING, Malaysia, October 26, 2007—A percent are Christians and 6 percent are Hindu. tors and the parish council to breakfast and a
Muslim group’s recent visit to a Catholic Christians and Muslims commonly believe session of interreligious dialogue.
Church in Malaysia is being called a break- that Muslims are forbidden even to enter a The Muslim visitors asked about the vari-
through in grassroots interreligious dialogue. church. Led by Shah Kirit Kakakul Govindji ous denominations of Christianity, training
On October 14, ten Muslims sat in the pews of the Islamic Information and Services Foun- for the Catholic priesthood, the Church’s min-
at Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Kuching. dation, the Muslim visitors initiated the visit istries and apostolic work, and Christ’s Sec-
Several Church sources told UCA News they themselves. Shah Kirit explained that the pur- ond Coming.
were sure this had not happened in the his- pose of the visit was to discover similarities One parish council member said the meet- ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, October women in Indonesia who were
tory of the Archdiocese of Kuching and had and common traditions shared by Muslims ing created “a sense of amazement.” 23, 2007—The process of decapitated for not wearing the
not heard of it happening anywhere else in and Christians, and to respectfully “agree to At the request of the parish, Shah Kirit prom- talibanisation of Pakistan contin- veil.
Malaysia either. disagree” on differences. ised to send them English-language copies of ues despite formal pledges by the Worried by the turn of events,
Malaysia is a majority-Muslim country. Out Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock of Kuching the Qu’ran. The two groups have discussed a central government and local au- many parents pulled their daugh-
of a population of 26 million people, 60 per- supported the visit. reciprocal visit by Catholics to a mosque. thorities. ters from the school, which was
cent are Muslim, 19 percent are Buddhist, 9 After Mass the parish priest invited the visi- (CNA) Islamic extremism has in fact forced to shut down till next week
reached the Swat Valley, once when local authorities will send
known as the Switzerland of the security agents to enforce security.
Abducted Iraqi priests freed, details Jewish religious extremists suspected Orient, this according to a report
by Minorities Concern of Pakistan ,
However, only half of all non-
Muslim students are planning to

about release still vague in church arson in Jerusalem a local organization which moni-
tors the situation of minorities
come back. Many are actually
thinking about leaving the coun-
and violations of the human try to avoid further violence.
dom the day after the kidnap- JERUSALEM, Israel, October 25, charred, windows were broken, rights of the population. What is happening does not
ping, responded to the news of 2007—Israeli police has not yet about 40 chairs were burned, and One of the cases cited in the worry the Christian minority
the priests’ release by saying he identified those responsible of a everything was blackened by smoke. report involves a Catholic-run alone. In the Swat Valley, a re-
was “extremely happy on hear- blaze at the Baptist Church on The church is used by four sepa- public high school in Sangota, in gion much loved by Pakistanis
ing the news” and that he had Rehov Narkiss (Narkiss Street) in rate congregations, including the Swat Valley. In a recent let- and one of the country’s richest
followed “the recent events Jerusalem, but the Israeli press is two for Messianic Jews, with ser- ter, a group calling itself Janisaran- areas, greater Islamist pressures
closely and with great concern.” unanimously pointing the finger at vices offered in English, Hebrew, i-Islam (Sacrifices of Islam) at- show that the government has
The pontiff expressed his hope Jewish extremist religious circles. and Russian. tacked the school administration failed to stem the flow of
that their release would be “a “We don’t suspect anyone spe- Some of the Russian speakers at- for allegedly “forcibly convert- Talibans from neighboring Af-
sign of peace that we hope is cific but they were extremists for tending the services for Messianic ing students” and “encouraging ghanistan.
Fathers Pius Affas and Mazen Ishoa
possible to develop” as “events sure,” said Charles Kopp, a pas- Jews had been previously threat- un-Islamic behavior.” In an editorial article, the Daily
MOSUL, Iraq, October 22, 2007— of this kind must not happen tor at the church. ened, writes the Jerusalem Post. Mes- The fundamentalist group calls Time says that the “government
Two Catholic priests kidnapped again,” Vatican Radio reported. “Every society has its fanatics sianic Jews consider themselves for the firing of all Christians em- seems unable to control the mili-
more than a week ago in Mosul The freed priests have re- and there is no lack of fanatics here Jewish but believe also in Jesus. ployed by the school and their tant groups, who have been con-
have been released and are in turned to their church in Mosul. in the Middle East,” he added. The church is located in replacement with fervent Mus- trolling the different areas in the
good health, the Agence France- Father Affas, a native of Mosul, The fire, which was set Octo- Rehavia, a leafy upscale Jerusa- lims. It also threatens suicide province and making people’s
Presse reports. has been a priest there for forty ber 23, did not hurt anyone, but lem neighborhood. Ultra-Ortho- bombers “if its orders are not fol- lives miserable,” opposed to ev-
Fathers Pius Affas and Mazen years. it did damage the building. dox Jewish residents of a nearby lowed.” erything that makes Pakistan a
Ishoa were kidnapped last Satur- Iraq’s Christians, most of The sanctuary had opened in area have in recent years begun Instead of finding out what the modern country.
day after receiving threats from whom are Catholics of the 1993 after the older wooden chapel moving into the area and trying school had to say, the local gov- On September 26 various
an unknown group. They were Chaldean Rite, number about was burnt down in 1982. to impose their way of life. ernment agreed with the letter, Christian and Muslim non-gov-
reportedly held for a ransom of one million. Unlike larger The arsonists broke into the In response to the attack, the and issued an order that all fe- ernmental organizations operat-
one million U.S. dollars, but it is groups, they lack a militia of church building, located in the Israeli office of the Anti-Defama- male students cover their heads ing in the country demonstrated
unknown at present whether one their own to provide security. upscale Jerusalem neighborhood tion League, which monitors hate in the school to preserve local Is- in Islamabad against the rising
was paid. Islamists and criminal gangs of Rehavia, just before 11 pm, set- crimes, condemned the attack and lamic morality from conversion tide of violence. They warned the
According to the Rome-based have targeted Christians for kill- ting it afire in three different called for tolerance. and atheism. government that if Islamic ex-
missionary agency Middle East ing and kidnapping. places with flammable materials, “The ADL strongly condemned Extremists enthusiastically tremism is not stopped, humani-
Concern, Syro-Catholic Arch- They are also bombing some Jerusalem police spokesman this arson and apparent hate crime,” welcomed the order, citing the tarian aid of any kind will dry
bishop Basile Georges churches and confiscating Shmuel Ben-Ruby said the New-York based organization case of the three young Christian up. (Qaiser Felix / AsiaNews)
Casmoussa was in charge of ne- homes. Many Chaldeans are Despite fire fighters’ quick action, said. “We urged authorities to do
gotiating the release of the leaving the country, and their made possible by Jewish neighbors everything in their power to pro-
priests.
Pope Benedict XVI, who had
appealed for the priests’ free-
population is believed to have
shrunk to half its previous num-
ber. (CNA)
who called the fire department—a
fact highlighted by the Israeli
press—the floor was severely
tect all religious sites and see that
the perpetrators of the crime are
brought to justice.” (AsiaNews)
Abortionist ordered to release
records of woman’s death
HYANNIS, MA, October 25, 2007— them.
The mother of a woman who died “Although they are not in our

CBCPMonitor Name _____________________________________________________

(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
during an abortion has secured a
court order requiring an abortion-
ist to release her daughter’s medi-
cal records.
hands yet, but should be soon. Let’s
hope they are the same records that
I saw the first time,” Smith told
Operation Rescue. She is also seek-
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address ____________________________________________ Eileen Smith’s daughter Laura ing copies of her daughter’s death
Hope Smith died during an abor- certificate and autopsy report.
___________________________________________________________ tion procedure at the Hyannis, Mas- “The Smith family needs to
The CBCP Monitor is published fort- sachusetts office of abortionist know the truth about what hap-
Phone No.: _________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ________________ Rapin Osathanondh on September pened to their daughter inside that
nightly by the CBCP Media Office, with Mode of Payment 13, 2007. abortionist’s office so they can
editorial and business offices at 470 Mrs. Smith had met with eventually find closure and heal-
Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment
Osathanondh ten days after her ing.
PO Box 3601, 1076 MCPO (Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) daughter’s death. He required her A cover-up is the worst thing
• Domestic to meet him alone in a public place, that could happen for this family
1 Year Php 500.00 refusing to allow her husband to and the community. If
________________________ accompany her. The doctor Osathanondh is responsible for
2 Years Php 900.00
Signature showed Mrs. Smith Laura’s medi- Laura’s death on that abortion
• Foreign: Asia cal records, but did not allow her table, then he needs to be brought
1 Year US$ 55.00 PLEASE SEND TO: to copy them. to justice so that other women don’t
• All Other US$ 80.00 CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601 , Manila, Philippines Upset by what she saw in those suffer her fate,” said Operation
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 records, Mrs. Smith decided to take Rescue Senior Policy Advisor
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com legal action to secure access to Cheryl Sullenger. (CAN)
 CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

PBS to convene 1 Bo Sanchez

st

Philippine Bible Forum leads Kerygma

by Prof. Takamitsu Muraoka, profes-
sor emeritus of Hebrew Language and
Literature of Leiden University, the
Netherlands; Ambassador Henrietta
conference
de Villa, National Chairperson of the BO SANCHEZ, founder of Kerygma
Parish Pastoral Council for Respon- magazine, the country’s leading Catho-
sible Voting (PPCRV); social anthro- lic inspirational magazine, leads the
pologist Dr. Melba Maggay, and Dr. Kerygma Conference, a gathering of
Agustin B. Vencer, Jr, vice-president God’s faithful from all over the country,
of DAWN Ministries. to be held at the ULTRA in Pasig City,
The meeting shall include sessions November 23, 24 and 25.
where invited speakers will discuss Centering on the theme You Have the
various practical topics in relation to Power : Be Nourished. Empowered. Un-
the bible and how it influenced our leashed, Kerygma Conference addresses
lives. Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano will persons who suffer hunger, weakness,
present a paper on the topic A Stranger and imprisonment of the spirit even in
No More: Leaving Home with the Book of the midst or perhaps because of the rag-
Ruth; Pastor Philip Flores, on God’s ing technology revolution.
Message, not just Good Message: The Pas- Because everything’s moving on high
tor and his Bible, Fr. Francis Lucas, on speed these days, at the end of the day,
And the Word was made Flesh: Commu- we end up victims of the curse of our
nication and Spirituality; Pastor Eric time: burnout! The first talk in the
Maliwat, on Bible, Heart Language, and Kerygma Conference, to be given by
the Media, and Fr. Luke Moortgat on Sanchez, addresses this issue. It’s titled
Kerygma: Bringing the Good News to the Don’t Burn Out—Burn Up!
Houses, Slums, and Streets. We tend to burn out because we are
Likewise, noted biblical scholars running the race to secure a good future
and theologians will present and dis- for our family. The second talk, titled
cuss their papers in the forum. Meth- Are You Fighting for Your Family’s Future?
odist Bishop Daniel Arichea, Jr. will gives useful answers to this question that
speak on Revisiting Gospel and Culture nags the mind of the modern man.
and their Relevance for Faithful interpre-
tation of the Scriptures; Dr. Jose M. de
High technology means higher stan-
Mesa on “Hamartia and Pandaraya”: A
dards and since they are not easy to
Contextual Co-Relation; Dr. Jonathan
reach, not a few are bound to feel crushed
Exiomo, on Some Implications of Post
amid the trials of our times. The third
Modernity to a Dichotomic Worldview of
talk, to be delivered on the second day
“Interpretation and Application” in Bibli-
of the conference, is for the many who
cal Studies; and Fr. Gerardo Tapiador,
feel they are at that time When God Is
SSL, In the Light of the Risen Lord: A Bib-
Sleeping in the Storm. And, for those who
lical Theology on Cremation.
feel defeated, the fourth talk assures that
Other speakers will come from the
You’re More Gifted Than You Can Ever
academe: Dr. Madeline Vega of the
Imagine.
Asian Theological Seminary and Dr.
The fifth talk teaches that The Key to
Rebecca Cacho of St. Scholastica’s Col-
All Success Is Attitude and talk six is help-
lege Department of Theology.
ful as it is about how to Change Your Habit
THE Philippine Bible Society (PBS) Manila centered on the theme, “The The upcoming forum aims to put the
and Change Your Life.
will hold a first ever Bible forum in Bible in the 21st Century Philippine Bible at the center, and to highlight its
The third and last day of the confer-
the country on November 19-20 at the Context”. relevance in the life of modern-day
ence focuses on how to Increase Your
PBS Ministry Center, UN Avenue, Plenary speakers in the forum is led Filipinos. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
Miracles and then finally, Expand Your
Borders.
For details, call 725-9999 or log on to
www.kerygmaconference.com.

Pro-Life to hold youth concert

Markings
WITH the end in view of recruiting concerts are appealing to the youth, among others,” Sesalim said.
young pro-life advocates, the Pro-Life the Youth for Life sponsored one to He added that no requirement is
Philippines Foundation, Inc. will host gather them in a venue for socializa- asked for the volunteers-to-be except
a four-hour concert on Nov. 23, fea- tion and for promotion of its advoca- for their availability and willingness
turing the country’s hottest bands like cies as well. to participate in the activities and ad-
Callalily, Imago, Stone Free, Fuse, He said video footages of what its vocacy campaigns of the organization.
Square Box, Butterfinger, Trendstone like to be a pro-life youth volunteer “We hope to train and mold young
and Lease, to promote membership to will be featured in between perfor- pro-lifers in the hope that they may AWARDED. FR. DOMINADOR GUZMAN, JR., SSP, as Emerg-
its youth arm: the Pro-Life Youth. mances of the bands. Through this, he continue spreading the advocacies of ing Author by Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), Octo-
Themed “Rock for Life,” the concert said the organization hopes to recruit Pro-Life Philippines. By promoting ber 25, 2007; during the 29th CMMA awarding ceremonies held
at the Marie Eugenie Theater of the Assumption College, Makati
was adopted from an American pro- volunteers from the audience that will awareness on pro-life issues and con- City. Fr. Guzman, a member of the Society of St. Paul (the first
life organization that caters to youth undergo training under the mother or- cerns, we are helping create a new of the ten religious and secular Institutes founded by Blessed
through music as it promotes aware- ganization. breed of youth—responsible and God- James Alberione), won the Jaime Cardinal Sin 2007 Catholic
ness on pressing pro-life issues. To be “The Youth for Life training aims to fearing,” he said. Book Awards given by the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc.
for his book, “New Every Morning, New Everyday,” a volume
held at the St. Paul University in create awareness on the youth about For more information and ticket
of lectionary-based daily homilies. The award is given in rec-
Quezon City, the concert expects about pro-life issues to decrease incidence of reservation please contact 433-6368 ognition for first-time authors. Fr. Guzman is currently the Cre-
2,000 audiences mostly from Catholic premarital sex, unplanned and un- and 421-7147 or please text Abner ative Director of ST PAULS Publishing.
schools and colleges. wanted pregnancies, and transmission Manuba @ 09218191974. Ticket price
CELEBRATED. CARITAS MANILA, 54 th anniversary of founda-
According to Jonnel Sesalim, since of sexually transmitted diseases, is set at P150. (Kris Bayos)
tion, October 27, 2007. Founded in 1953 as Catholic Charities by
the first Filipino Cardinal, His Eminence Rufino Cardinal Santos,
Caritas Manila (CM) has since evolved into a leading social ser-
vices and development organization of the Roman Catholic Church
of the Philippines. The week-long founding anniversary celebra-
General assembly of chaplains and prison volunteers slated tion included painting contests among CM scholars, exhibit and
awarding; forum on alternative health; mega job fair; and commis-
sioning celebration of 5,000 strong CM volunteers as culminating
AN upcoming 7 th general Face of Christ among the event are Fr. Manoling rections. activity. CM also launched it s official tie-in with online job site,
JobsDB.com. The partnership is aimed to supply parishes with
assembly of the Episcopal Prisoners.” Francisco, SJ who will talk Bishop Gabriel Reyes of computer and internet access and online link with hiring companies through JobsDB; and with
Commission on Prison Pas- ECPPC executive secre- on the theme of the assem- Antipolo diocese will pre- people looking for jobs. The current Chairman of Caritas Manila, His Eminence Gaudencio
toral Care (ECPPC) Chap- tary Rodolfo Diamante said bly; and Sr. Hazel Suarez, side the Eucharistic mass at Cardinal Rosales provides guidance as CM endeavors to upscale its programs and services,
lains and Volunteers in in a statement that the as- R.C. who will speak on Dia- the opening of the summit, aimed to uplift the lives of its beneficiaries. To date, CM scholars has increased to 6,000;
Caritas charity clinics doubled from 13 to 26; and volunteers have grown strong from 3,000 to
Prison Service (VIPS) will sembly hopes “to provide a logic and Team Ministry. while Bishop Pedro Arigo 5,000.
provide opportunities to forum where the chaplains People involved in of Puerto Princesa and
250 delegates in prison and volunteers can address criminal justice system ECPPC chairman will close CELEBRATED. DAUGH-
ministry to share and learn the concerns and issues in both from Church and gov- the assembly on Novem- TERS OF ST. PAUL, 40th
anniversary of foundation
from their experiences in the prison ministry.” At the ernment will direct work- ber 30. of local community of
prison pastoral work. same time, it is also an oc- shops centered on various Other mass presiders of Baguio City, October 28,
The event slated on No- casion for VIPS “to assess, topics such as Restorative the 4-day assembly include 2007. The anniversary cel-
vember 27-30 will be held recommit and evolve a plan Justice, Caring for the Bishop Francisco San Diego ebration echoed with faith
and gratitude the words of
at the Bukal ng Tipan Train- for the prison ministry and Caregivers, Children in of Pasig diocese and Msgr. St. Paul the Apostle in his
ing Center in Taytay, Rizal to give theological and pas- Conflict with the Law and Juanito Figura, CBCP sec- letter to the Ephesians,
and will center on the toral updating.” International Instruments retary-general. (Pinky which their Founder,
theme, “Discovering the Resource persons for the affecting the field of Cor- Barrientos, FSP) Blessed James Alberione, in
praising God also pro-
claimed: “How infinitely rich
is God’s grace to us!” Pre-

San Carlos Seminary alumni marks diamond jubilee

cious indeed like ruby were the mission experiences of the sisters beginning with their
pioneers who sowed the seeds of Pauline mission in the diocese and neighboring dioceses
of Northern Luzon. The community highlighted with gratitude the indispensable collaboration
of various people—the bishops, priests, religious and laity, who welcomed them and helped
their mission take root and grow through the years. The occasion was highlighted with a
acting rector Father Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Eucharistic Celebration held at the Daughters of St. Paul Convent, with Most Rev. Carlito
Rolando dela Rosa, OP, will chairman of the Diamond Cenzon, CICM, DD, as the main celebrant together with Fr. Benedict Castaòeda and Fr. Gideon
Antolin Lagrimas, OAR. In his homily, Bishop Cenzon gave emphasis on the challenges and
talk on the Historical Traits Jubilee Committee: with importance of media apostolate and was gratefu l for the presence of the sisters in the
of the Diocesan Clergy. co-chairs: Bishop Francisco diocese.
Manila Archbishop San Diego of the Diocese of
Gaudencio Cardinal Pasig and Bishop Socrates DEDICATED. ST. PAUL SEMINARY CHAPEL of St. Paul
Seminary Foundation, Lalaan 1, Silang, Cavite; November 4,
Rosales, who served as San Villegas of the Diocese of 2007. St. Paul Seminary is the training ground for seminar-
Carlos Seminary Rector in Balanga are also expected ians of the Society of St. Paul. Here, seminarians undergo
the early 80s, will be the to grace the event. formation rooted on four principles of study, prayer,
special guest at a formal Cardinal Vidal will cel- apostolate and poverty, as inspired by Blessed James
Alberione, founder of the Pauline Family. Situated near the
dinner where the Diamond ebrate the Mass on the Nov. entrance of the 1.5 hectare seminary compound, the chapel
Jubilee Awards will be 5 at 5:30 pm with Auxiliary is a testament to the unwavering faith and enthusiasm of
given. Bishop of San Fernando the community of sisters, formators and seminarians who
Priest turned politician Roberto Mallari as have accompanied the realization of a dream with ardent hope and prayers. Fr. Gil Alinsangan,
SSP, the seminary rector said: “Why did it take years for the seminary to have a chapel of its
Pampanga Governor Ed homilist. own? Probably, it was waiting for a kairos, an appointed time. We believe that the chapel
THE San Carlos Seminary ences and social activities Panlilio, meanwhile, will After the Mass, a pro- about to be dedicated in honor of the Apostle to the Gentiles is truly a grace from God through
Alumni Association will centered on the homecom- be the guest speaker on the gram and a fellowship will St. Paul’s powerful intercession.” The chapel’s main altar is a painting of the Resurrected
hold its 75th Alumni Home- ing theme: “Forever: Our second-day. He will talk on follow with performances Jesus and the Apostle Paul lying prostrate. Emanating from the heart of Jesus is a light piercing
the heart of the Apostle Paul. Fr. Armand Tangi, SSP, who executed the painting, has been a
coming on November 5-6, Call, Our Gratitude, Our “Instituting Moral from the Philippine Mad- moving force in making the whole endeavor a reality. Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, bishop of
2007. Mission.” Changes/Reforms in Pub- rigal Singers, The Com- Imus, officiated the solemn dedication, concelebrated by Pauline priests and other clergy.
The two-day event will On the first day, Univer- lic Governance.” pany and other renowned Members of Pauline Family, seminarians, friends and benefactors attended the event.
be highlighted by confer- sity of Santo Tomas (UST) Cebu Archbishop performers. (CBCPNews)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No.
Vol.
October
No. 22
October 29
29 -- November
November 11,
11, 2007
2007
B1
B5 Statements
B2 Updates The bigger picture in the
Is cremation alright? Presidential pardon

B3 Diocese
Diocese of Tandag B6 Reflections
A hope to cherish

B4 Commissions
Finding Jesus through
Saint Joseph B7 Social Concern
Undermining a nation

Pastoral Concerns

Evangelizing a digital world

How Churches can communicate with the youth today
PASSING on the faith to the next generation
is harder than ever in a world that is more
and more secularized. A recent book offers
recommendations on how to get the message
across to a new mentality strongly influenced
having among young people.
Young Catholics in the United States,
Hayes notes, live in a time of revolution-
ary technological changes, uncertainty
about the future, and a desire for instant
sacredness. For example, Hayes notes the re-
newal of interest in Eucharistic adoration and
some forms of contemplative prayer.
“In a world where life seems very fleeting,
young adults search for things they can de-
7
QUESTIONS
by changes in media technology. gratification. Regarding communications, pend on, things that have stood the test of
“Googling God: The Religious Landscape Hayes comments that many young adults time, things they regard as true, and things
of People in Their 20s and 30s,” published by are subject to an information overload. In that are greater than themselves,” Hayes ex-

Most Rev. Ramon B.

Paulist Press, is written by Mike Hayes, asso- the midst of the competing claims for at- plains.
ciate director of Paulist Young Adult Minis- tention, it is difficult for the Church to make The creation of a spirit of community
tries. In the introduction, Hayes explains that its message heard, or to know how to adapt through liturgy is also a point of attraction
while some had doubted if young people
were religious at all, there is a religious awak-
ening among at least some youth.
Hayes provides an interesting examina-
to changes in mentality.
He distinguishes between Generation X,
born between the years 1964 to 1979, and the
Millennials, born from 1980 onward. The
particularly for Generation X, who in many
cases have experienced a lack of family bonds,
due either to divorce or to being in a house-
hold where both parents work.
Villena, DD
tion of young people in the United States, former, he argues, tend to view the world in There are, however, also many young Most Rev. Ramon B. Villena was first appointed as Co-adjutor Bishop
with many points worth reflecting on. His a more pluralistic and explorative manner. people who are not active in their faith. Large of Bayombong in August 17, 1985. He was named bishop of Bayombong
book is also useful for the tips it offers on The latter are looking for something solid to numbers have received little formation in by succession in September 15, 1986. In this issue of CBCP Monitor,
how to use the Internet and other media to base their lives on. Nevertheless, Hayes their faith, others are caught up in the de- Bishop Villena talks about the phenomenon of out-migration and the
communicate. warns against reading too much into gener- mands of work and family life, and some assistance the diocese renders to families of OFWs through the Dioc-
A limitation that does need to be noted, alizations, as there are many differences prefer a private form of spirituality, outside esan Migrants Commission; the renewed evangelization activities of
however, is his superficial rejection of what within each generation. of participation in formal Church-based ac- the diocese through the different diocesan commissions to counteract
he characterizes as overly orthodox Catho- tivities. the threat of materialism; the fallacy of responsible mining and the
lic groups. His cursory dismissal of these Search for the sacred Many of those who are not regulars at local Church’s support of people’s fight against environmental degra-
groups in a few of the book’s passages of- One thing the two generations have in church will, however, come into some con- dation caused by irresponsible mining; the pastoral work for voca-
fers an incomplete vision of the very real common is a desire for contemplation and a tact at critical moments such as marriage, the tions in the diocese; and the ongoing formation of the clergy.
benefits, and considerable success, they are liturgy that provides a sense of mystery and Evangelizing / B4

The diocese of Bayombong is among those who have the high-

The best protection against obnoxious material on the internet is good character est number of OFWs. How does the diocese address the issues

Kids and the Internet: The

related to the phenomenon of out-migration?
Aware of this concern, the diocese established the Diocese of
Bayombong Migrants’ Commission (DBMC). Through this com-
mission, the Sons and Daughters (SDO) of OFWs were orga-

ultimate internet filter

nized. A group of guidance counselors from Catholic, private
and public schools was formed to mold and to look after the
needs of the SDO. Along with this, the Parish Migrants’ Desk
(PMD) was created for easy access in assisting both the OFW and
THE growth of offensive mate- Given this fact, it is encourag- where children are willing to against children accessing offen- their families in the parish level. The Parish Migrants’ Desk
rial on the internet, and the ease ing to see that the new version of obey all the rules. And it is clear sive material over the internet is through our volunteers is active in assisting different cases re-
with which it can be accessed even Windows (Vista) comes with a that it is not possible to protect good formation, or, in other lated to our OFWs like the Lebanon repatriation, debriefing,
by the youngest children, has built-in filter, along with many young people who don’t want to words, good parenting. In many, counseling, assisting in legal cases against illegal recruitment,
been one of the most disturbing other parental controls. One ver- be protected. Children who set if not most, cases where children repatriation of dead OFWs, etc... To set off and equip our volun-
developments of recent times. sion of Linux, the Ubuntu Chris- out to access pornography on- are exposed to damaging mate- teers, the DBMC and our PMD are undergoing regular forma-
Parents have a difficult task ahead tian Edition, also comes with line are likely to succeed in one rials on-line, it is due to their own tions and seminars. A livelihood program from ECMI-CBCP for
of them if they want to protect built-in parental controls. And way or another. attitudes rather than the nature OFWs is also being implemented. And a radio program for the
the children in their care. there are also many commercial For instance, it is not possible of technology. OFWs and their families is being aired over our diocesan radio
One of the keys to success, as and freeware filtering programs for children to be always super- From this perspective, it is station, DWRV, Pulso ti OFW, every 10 –11 AM on Sundays.
our report points out, is to in- available, including a number for vised while using the internet, clear that parents need to help
stall an internet filter on any Apple Mac computers. particularly while they are visit- young people understand that What is your take on the threat of materialism affecting our
computer children may use. The So parents who do not install ing friends or relatives. To make human beings cannot be viewed lifestyle and altering our sense of values due to such phenom-
particular filter you choose is not parent controls, or at least some matters worse, there are pro- as objects, and particularly as enon as globalization?
as important as having one—any kind of filtering device, simply grams available now, and even objects of pleasure alone. People It is unfortunate to think that materialism rapidly conquers
one—installed. But sadly, many have no excuse. whole operating systems, that are not things, but persons with the lifestyle of our people even those in the remote areas of my
parents still admit that despite But there is still the question can run from a CD, a USB flash a profound capacity to love and diocese. At a glance, it is a great threat especially to Christian
all the publicity given to the ex- of whether software is a complete drive, or directly from a hard be loved. Young people need to virtues and Filipino cultures. Family values more than ever are
plosion of unhealthy web sites, answer to the problem. Can it drive. These programs can over- understand that pornography un- also cornered into the pit of destruction. Most likely, children in
they have never managed to get protect all children in all situa- ride any filtering software that is dermines this very basic and pro- families are always vulnerable. Of course, I uphold develop-
around to installing filters on tions? Unfortunately no program installed on the computer. found aspect of the human per- ment, but it must be in the positive sense and be truly humane. In
their computers. comes with that guarantee, even Ultimately, the best protection my diocese alone, I observed, thus I can say, that gradually, we,
Kids / B4
especially the young, are being affected by the culture of con-
sumerism. Having or possessing is deemed more necessary
rather than being. Irresponsible media helped greatly in infus-
Help eradicate pornography in the interner, connect to ing this hedonistic idealism in our lifestyle, especially the young.

CBCPWorld
CBCPWorld
It teaches us to acquire and acquire and it views us as mere
consumers, objects of materialism. Aware of this reality of mate-
rialism brought about by globalization, I am determined to
wrestle with it through renewed evangelization, promotion of
• Quality internet is clean and child friendly. the culture of life, and my advocacy on social justice and peace. I
• Consistent with its mission, the first thing that CBCPWorld does is believe that Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the Life, will
remove pornography from the internet. Hence, its internet con- always be the antidote to these prevailing hedonistic genera-
nectivity is clean and filtered of pornography. tion.
• Unlike other providers, CBCPWorld filters pornography not from
the computer itself, which can be manipulated by students—but How does the family and life apostolate in your diocese re-
right from its gateway, which cannot be reconfigured by users. spond to this challenge?
The Commission on Family and Life is working hand in hand
with other commissions in my diocese. This commission sees to
CBCPWorld Corp.
it that the approach of the implementation of its program must
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines be integral in lieu of the pressing challenges to family and life.
Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612
Catechesis and formation are deemed important in combating
E-mail: friends@cbcpworld.com
7 Questions / B3
Website: www.cbcpworld.com
 CBCP Monitor
B2 Updates Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

I WAS brought up to believe that the only proper way to treat the mortal
remains of deceased Catholics is to consign them to the earth from whence
they came. Lately, however, there seems to be a proliferation of cremation, for
whatever reason of practicality or economics there might be. To top it all, I
have noticed that more and more churches seem even to be encouraging the
practice by the facile recourse to the construction of crypts and columbaria
and the pre-selling of the niches for ashes there, especially as a means of
raising much-needed funds for the parish. Has the Church teaching on this
matter changed?

Is cremation alright?
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

The Previous Legislation was Jesus Christ has risen from the
against Cremation dead¾is better expressed with the
The old Code of Canon Law of burial of the cadaver. 2 On the
1917 (also called the Pio- other hand, there are very numer-
Benedictine Code, in honor of the ous Old Testament texts showing
two Popes directly involved in the practice of burial of the dead

Michael St. Maur Sheil/CORBIS

its redaction and promulgation) (cf. Gen 23,9-20; Jos 24,32-33; Tob
expressly prohibited the practice 1,18), and the same is true in the
of cremation of cadavers, deny- New Testament (cf. Lk 7,12; Jn
ing ecclesiastical funeral to those 19,40-42; Acts 8,12). Finally, bury-
who have been cremated or who ing the dead¾it was
had willed themselves to be cre- argued¾follows “the example of
mated. Other documents of the Christ’s own will to be buried”.3
Holy See of the epoch provided
the same thing.1 This was based The Present Legislation Ear-
on a long-standing tradition from nestly Recommends Burial… cordance with Sacred Scripture legally authorized and progres- religion¾as previously seen.4 In the Faith alluded to in the previ-
the early days of Christianity Can. 1176, §3 of the actual Code and its long practice in the Chris- sively more frequent. Such prac- the same vein, those who chose ous paragraph, which first al-
whereby the cremation of cadav- of Canon Law is quite clear: The tian community. tice, on the other hand, may be cremation for themselves were lowed cremation, provided the
ers was considered anti-Christian Church earnestly recommends motivated by varied reasons¾of no longer denied the sacraments reason for choosing it does not
(in fact it was really a pagan prac- that the pious custom of burying …but Allows Cremation with- both public and private nature, and¾in its time¾a Christian fu- stem from “a denial of Christian
tice), while inhumation (or burial the bodies of the dead be ob- out any Reticence of hygiene, of economics, neral. dogmas, the animosity of a se-
in the earth) was deemed as the served; it does not, however, for- As the aforementioned canon etc.¾that have nothing to do with The only limitation to this ac- cret society, or hatred of the
normal Christian practice. bid cremation unless it has been states: [The Church] does not, religion. ceptance of cremation is that Catholic religion and the
The reason for this Christian chosen for reasons which are con- however, forbid cremation… For such reasons, as early as which is stated at the end of Church.” In this case, Canon Law
tradition in favor of burial stems trary to Christian teaching. Thus, the previous contrary dis- 1963 the Congregation for the c.1176, §3: unless [cremation] has expressly prohibits ecclesiastical
from the latter’s strong religious As can be seen from the first cipline has been derogated. Doctrine of the Faith had already been chosen for reasons which funeral, as stated in c.1184, §1: Un-
symbolism. The paschal meaning clause of c.1176, §3, the practice What’s more, the present Code introduced the new criterion of are contrary to Christian teach- less they have given some sign
of Christian death¾faith in the of burial (or inhumation) is ear- of Canon Law does not require accepting cremation as an option, ing. The full breadth of this limi- of repentance before their death,
resurrection of the body: that one nestly recommended, for the rea- any special reason for the choice considering that it was neither tation can be gleaned from the the following are to be deprived
day all the saints will rise from sons previously mentioned¾i.e., of cremation, thereby coming bad in itself, nor contradictory to 1963 Instruction of the Sacred of ecclesiastical funeral rites: 2°
the dead for eternal glory, as its religious symbolism, its con- into line with the praxis that is Christian doctrine, nor against Congregation for the Doctrine of Cremation / B3

Arriving after the Gospel: Perpetual exposition of

the Blessed Sacrament
No Communion
FATHER Edward McNamara, professor grounded from the theological, canonical Follow-up (of last issue): Mentioning the
OVER the past several years a number of questions have been raised regard-
ing the practice of perpetual exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The Lit-
urgy Committee discussed the issues raised several times and decided to
submit a series of questions regarding perpetual exposition to the Congre-
gation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The follow-
of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum uni- and moral standpoints to support such a blan- Mass Intention ing responses were received from the Congregation at the beginning of
versity, answers the following question: ket impediment to receiving Communion. After our commentaries on reading out July. As these responses indicate, those who are responsible for perpetual
The pastor has a duty to direct and inform Mass intentions (Oct. 9) a priest observed: exposition should carefully review the norms contained in nos. 82-100 of
Q: My parish priest made a regulation that the consciences of the faithful entrusted to “At a concelebrated Mass, each Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass.
anyone who arrives in Mass after the Gospel is him. And while I disagree with his suggest- concelebrant conceivably has a separate
not allowed to take Communion. According to ing the Gospel as a demarcation point for Mass intention. At my monastery, we have Should perpetual adoration or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament take
him, the reason is that Jesus is “the Word made receiving Communion, it is at least clear daily concelebration, and we have a policy place in parishes?
flesh.” Therefore we must recognize Jesus in that he his trying to perform his sacred duty. of never mentioning any Mass intention The Roman Ritual: Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside
the Word before we recognize him in Holy Com- Therefore, the onus of the decision at Mass. Otherwise, it could happen that if Mass (HCWEOM), no. 90, states that, according to their constitutions and
munion. Another priest, who is a professor of whether or not to receive Communion, in one Mass intention is mentioned by the regulations, some religious communities and other pious groups have the
liturgy, has another opinion. He said that people this particular case of a late arrival, falls pri- presiding celebrant, someone may be practice of perpetual eucharistic adoration or adoration over extended peri-
who arrive late in Mass with a valid reason (for marily upon the individual Catholic rather present who has requested a different in- ods of time. If by “perpetual eucharistic adoration” is meant prayer before
example, an unusual traffic jam, attending sick than upon the pastor who can hardly be ex- tention from one of the concelebrants, and the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, this involves no special permis-
children, etc.) should not be denied Commun- pected to be attentive to every late arrival. would have the impression that the re- sion. However, if by “perpetual eucharistic adoration” is meant adoration
ion. Could you please give a clarification on this It is therefore incumbent on those ar- quested intention was not fulfilled.” of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the ciborium or monstrance, the per-
matter? — B.E., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia riving late to examine their conscience as This is certainly a legitimate policy given mission of the local Ordinary is required.
to the reason behind their tardiness. If the the circumstances. There might be particu- Perpetual exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a devotion and practice
A: We dealt with the question of late ar- reason is neglect or laziness, then they lar occasions, however, when the fact that which is permitted to those religious communities that have it as an inte-
rivals at Mass in one of our first columns, would do better attending another full several priests are concelebrating specifi- gral part of their communal life and to pious associations of the laity which
on Nov. 4 and Nov. 18, in 2003. Mass if this is possible. Even those who cally allows for more than one intention have received official recognition.
Then as now, I would agree more with blamelessly arrive late should prefer to to be mentioned, provided that the faith- If a pious association of the laity, which has perpetual exposition as a part
the second priest: that someone who ar- assist at a full Mass although they would ful know that each intention will be en- of its constitution, is established within a parish, the activity of that associa-
rives late out of no fault of their own should be less bound to do so in conscience. trusted to a different priest. tion should be seen as separate from that of the parish, although all mem-
not be denied Communion. At the same time, there are some objec- Even though only one Mass is celebrated bers of the parish are free to participate in it.
I also consider it unwise to set any bar- tive elements to be taken into account be- at a concelebration, each priest legitimately
rier point; I continue to insist that the faith- sides the reason for lateness. Someone who celebrates a Mass and may receive a sti- May perpetual exposition take place in the parish church?
ful should assist at the whole Mass. arrives after the consecration has not at- pend for the corresponding intention. Because perpetual exposition is a devotional practice of a religious com-
It is quite possible that some members tended Mass, no matter what the reason for There is, however, a strict norm that a munity or a pious association, it should normally take place in a chapel of
of the faithful could begin to see the Gospel his belatedness. Such a person should not priest may never receive a stipend for a that religious community or association. If for some good reason perpetual
as the cutoff moment and feel comfortable receive Communion, and if it is a Sunday, concelebrated Mass if he celebrates, or exposition must take place in a parish church, it should be in a chapel dis-
in habitually arriving for the second read- has the obligation to attend another Mass. more rarely concelebrates, another Mass tinct from the body of the church so as not to interfere with the normal
ing, thus assuring that the Mass is “valid.” It is true that Communion may be re- on the same day. activities of the parish or its daily liturgical celebrations.
It is true that the Mass is a whole and that ceived outside of Mass, so Mass is not an For example, if our correspondent, be- When Mass is celebrated in a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is ex-
we must first recognize Jesus in the Word essential prerequisite for receiving Com- sides concelebrating at the community Mass posed, the eucharist must be replaced in the tabernacle before the celebra-
before we recognize him in the Eucharist. munion. This would not, however, justify in the monastery, were to also celebrate for tion of Mass begins.
But this would include the entire Liturgy arriving just in time for Communion at a the people at some other time, he could only
of the Word and not just the Gospel. weekday Mass, as all of the rites for re- accept a stipend for the second Mass. May perpetual exposition take place twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year?
Also, while there is some certain logic in ceiving Communion outside of Mass in- He could have any number of personal Groups authorized to have perpetual exposition are bound to follow all the
choosing the Gospel as such a moment, the clude a Liturgy of the Word and one should intentions to offer at the community Mass, liturgical norms given in Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside
reasons given are not sufficiently well attend the entire rite. but none associated with a stipend. (Zenit) Mass, nos. 82-100. Under no circumstances may perpetual exposition take
place during the Easter Triduum. There should always be a sufficient number
of people present for eucharistic adoration before the Blessed Sacrament ex-
posed (see HCWEOM, no. 88). Every effort should be made to ensure that
there should be at least two people present. There must absolutely never be
periods when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and there is no one present for
adoration. It may prove necessary to expose the Blessed Sacrament for adora-
tion only at stated times when members of the faithful are present.

Who is responsible for overseeing perpetual exposition?

The local Ordinary has the responsibility for the regulation of perpetual
exposition. He determines when it is permissible and establishes the regula-
tions to be followed in regard to perpetual exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
He normally entrusts the superior or chaplain of religious communities or the
local pastor or chaplain, in the case of pious associations, with the responsibil-
ity of seeing that the liturgical norms and his regulations are followed.

Must the local bishop permit perpetual exposition?

The bishop is responsible for all matters pertaining to the right ordering
of the celebration of the Eucharist and adoration and devotion to the Eucha-
rist outside Mass. It is his duty to promote and guide the liturgical life of the
diocese. Consequently, he alone determines the pastoral appropriateness of
perpetual exposition in his diocese and accordingly may permit it or not
and may limit the number of places where it takes place.
In addition Volume 11 of the Liturgy Documentary Series: Solemn Exposi-
P Deliss/Godong/CORBIS

tion of the Holy Eucharist was developed by the Secretariat for the Liturgy as
an aid to bishops, priests, deacons, and those persons responsible for plan-
ning and directing eucharistic devotions. A full description of this and other
volumes of the Liturgy Documentary Series is available through the Office
of Publishing and Promotional Services. (Committee on the Liturgy, USCCB)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Diocese B3
By Fr. Jose Ricky Cortez cese is now pre-occupied with the for- renewed worship and renewed so- ince and the stark poverty of the people and deal with it as a sure deterrent to the
mation, and later; the implementation cial apostolate. despite the presence of large logging building of a Community of Disciples
of the National Pastoral Plan. Inspired by the example of the sim- companies such as PICOP, SUDECOR, based on love, justice, and peace! How
Humble beginnings The diocese has 24 parishes within its plicity of Mary and led by the Holy ARTOMCO, SAMILLIA, and other large- can there be peace when the majority is
Surigao was one of the early centers jurisdiction administered by religious Spirit, with the love of the Father, we scale businesses. Added to this was the poor and a few wallows in wealth and
of faith dating back to 1622 when the and diocesan clergy and sisters. Among shall be gifted with God’s Kingdom re- knowledge of the brewing mining issue luxury?
Augustinian Recollects arrived. Earlier, its Catholic Institutions are three col- alized through the love, justice, and peace which set its evil foot in the municipal- The Social Action Center set its min-
the explorer Villalobos explored the leges, 13 high schools, four elementary in our midst.” ity of Carrascal threatening this ing/logging education campaign to raise
area to subjugate the natives. The mis- schools and one primary school. “Nature’s Heaven,” declared as the people’s awareness regarding these issues
sionaries settled in Tandag, Bislig and Social and environmental concerns “cleanest and greenest municipality” in as part of our response in building a Chris-
later in Cantilan, earlier known as Vision-Mission In line with the above-mentioned Vi- Caraga in 2001. tian community of love, justice, and
Caraga. In 1895, the Benedictines came “We the Diocese, the people of God of sion-Mission, the bishop, Most Rev. With the poverty and helplessness of peace. This awareness-raising activity
and remained until 1908. The Mission- Tandag, in the midst of the varied faces Nereo P. Odchimar, took over the dio- the people in the face of economic and was carried through in different parishes.
aries of the Sacred Heart followed and of poverty, envision ourselves to become cese with much hope and expectation political control of the province’s re- The Social Action Center focuses on
also started their apostolic presence in Good News to the poor – through the among the whole flock. Taking up on sources, the new Bishop together with Environmental Advocacy, to save the
the diocese. In 1972, most parishes in the power among us and in the solidarity what the former bishop Most Rev. Ireneo the whole presbyterium critically con- province of Surigao del Sur from the
diocese were under the diocesan clergy. with the whole of creation – thereby at- Amantillo, had painstakingly started, sidered the mining issue in the province. onslaught of mining applications after
The two Surigao provinces, which tain the fullness of life in God. built, and nurtured for more than 29 Faced with more than 30 applications for the questionable approval of the Min-
were just one province before, are situ- Prayerfully owning as the Lord’s years of faithful and zealous service, large-scale mining exploration and ac- ing Act of 1995. The nature of the prov-
ated on the northeastern portion of Community of Disciples we com- Bishop Odchimar made his pastoral vis- tual operations in the whole province, ince easily lends to the environmental
Mindanao Island and were then part of mit ourselves to live by its Gospel its in the diocese. During his pastoral the bishop issued a Pastoral Letter on destruction of mining. This coastal prov-
Region XI. A political subdivision in 1960 of salvation and liberation, visits he saw the seeming paradox of the Mining, which signaled the intent of the ince of mountains has Mount Diwata
gave to Surigao del Sur the bigger por- through the renewal of catechesis, beauty, richness, and wealth of the prov- diocese to squarely face the mining threat range as its backbone with foothills

Diocese of Tandag
tion. At present, these two provinces are spreading towards areas of agricultural
part of CARAGA Administrative Re- lands, which end in a shoreline that
gion. IMPORTANT FACTS: gives over to coral reefs rich with ma-
The diocese comprises the entire civil rine life. To destroy the mountains, and
province of Surigao del Sur, with Tandag Bishop .................................................. 1 the agricultural lands will likely result
as capital. The province occupies about Priests: to erosion, covering the shoreline and
Filipino ............................................ 35
half of the eastern coastline of Mindanao coral reefs with siltation. This could
Out of the Diocese ......................... 4
facing the Pacific Ocean, just a few miles On leave ......................................... 11 mean hunger for the people whose main
from the Philippine Deep, one of the Missionary ...................................... 1 livelihood are farming and fishing.
deepest oceans in the whole world. Deacon ........................................... 1 The diocese launched its pro-environ-
Sisters ............................................ 27 ment campaign, stressing the implemen-
Diocese of Tandag Seminarians: tation of forestry laws, reforestation of
The diocese of Tandag was created on Pre-college ..................................... 3 logging areas, the call to stop illegal and
June 16, 1978, carved out of the Diocese College .......................................... 34 destructive legal logging, respect for the
of Surigao. Bishop Ireneo Amantillo, Theology ........................................ 17 Indigenous People’s ancestral domain
Spirituality Formation Year ........... 1
CSsR, DD, was appointed by Pope John and lands through the implementation
Regency ......................................... 4
Paul I on September 6, 1978 as Bishop of Diocesan Division: of IPRA Law and “NO TO MINING”. The
Tandag. He was installed as its first Vicariates ....................................... 4 said campaign was realized through in-
bishop on November 7, 1978. Parishes ....................................... 24 formation-education, organizing of en-
The diocese covers a land area of 4,861 Educational Centers: vironmental groups and capability
sq. kilometers, and a population of Colleges ....................................... 4 building, mobilizations to express
451,287, of which 84 percent are Catho- Highschools: people’s protest against environmental
lics. Its titular patron is Saint Nicolas de Diocesan/Parochial ................ 10 destruction, especially during the cel-
Tolentino, whose feast is celebrated ev- Elementary ebration of World Earth Day, Environ-
ery September 10. The diocese is a Diocesan/Parochial ................... 2 ment Day, and Creation Day. The litur-
Directed by Religious ............... 2
suffragan of the Archdiocese of Cagayan Pre-schools .................................. 8 gical celebrations and novena prayers
de Oro. Population ............................ 451, 287 in parishes picked up the environmen-
Today, majority of the inhabitants are Catholics .............................. 447,147 tal campaign and expressed it in the
ON
ON BACKGROUND:
BACKGROUND: The The San
San Nicolas
Nicolas de
de Tolentino
Tolentino
migrants from the northern part of the Cathedral,
Cathedral, Tandag,
Tandag, Surigao
Surigao del
del Sur.
Sur. BELOW:
BELOW: Area ................................. 4,861 sq.km prayer life of the church during Sunday
country, although the migrants came in Bishop
Bishop Nereo
Nereo P.
P. Odchimar,
Odchimar, DD
DD liturgies in parish churches and barrio
limited numbers because of the lack of chapels.
arable land. The major dialect is To assist the immediate needs of the
Cebuano. The province has vast forest people, the diocese has a community–
areas; and second only to Davao in log based health program which trains vol-
export during the years 1971-72. Most of unteer health workers in far flung bar-
its industries are timber-oriented, such rios, teaching them traditional health
as the Paper Industries Corporation of using herbal medicines and reflexology.
the Philippines (PICOP) based in Bislig. To augment the farmer’s harvest and
Most fishing is from inland fish-ponds prevent soil destruction, the Social Ac-
as the coastal waters near the Philippine tion Center promotes program of sus-
Deep yield no fish since the place is fre- tainable agriculture. The Indigenous
quented by earthquakes. People’s Apostolate supports the IPs in
In line with the recommendation of their fight for their ancestral domain
the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference through organizing, literacy, operating
(MSPC) and by the decrees of the Second projects and sustainable agriculture.
Plenary Council of the Philippines, the In an effort to empower the faithful,
diocese has committed itself to the for- the parishes steadily build the BECs and
mation of the Basic Ecclesial Communi- facilitate the formation of leaders in a
ties or Gagmayng Kristohanong holistic program of formation-skills,
Katilingban (GKK). training-capability building.
With an information drive going on The formation of BEC leaders is done
at present on the decrees of the PCP II, in each parish assisted by the Christian
coupled with a clarification of the vision- Formation Apostolate, the Bible and
mission statements of the various Liturgy Apostolate, Catechetical and
apostolates at work in the area, the dio- Family Life Apostolate.

Cremation / B2 7 Questions / B1

persons who had chosen the cre- placed in a worthy urn and car- kept permanently at home or these nightmares. My diocese takes other corporations are Oxiana and cations in the diocese. We are us-
mation of their own bodies for ried reverently to the place of family altar. If there is to be a sincerely the formation of couples Metals Philippines who are at ing all means to bring to all this
reasons opposed to the Christian burial. delay in the proper disposal of during pre-cana and after mar- present holders of Exploration per- noble vocation of following the
faith. 3. When cremation precedes the the ashes, these may be kept tem- riage. We are taking the opportu- mit. The Diocese through its So- Lord even through media like ra-
funeral Mass, the rite of final com- porarily in an appropriate place. nities to instruct our faithful dur- cial Action Commission (DSAC) dio and print. With the innovative
Liturgical Guidelines on Cremation mendation and committal may 5. For the sake of reverence for ing sacraments and sacramentals is doing pro-active activities of or- plans and strategies of the said
To complete this discussion, it be performed in the crematorium the remains of the dead, it is rec- and we empower couples and the ganizing and capacitation of commission, the number of re-
is good to know that the Episco- chapel before cremation. After ommended that in churches or laity in their ministry in the people’s organizations (POs) in the cruits is promising. Every year, we
pal Commission on Liturgy of cremation the funeral Mass may chapels, a worthy container be Church. We also take into consid- sites of struggle. To date there are have respondents or searchers in
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference be celebrated in the presence of provided in which the urn is eration the families of OFWs. seven (7) people’s organizations increasing numbers. As the Lord
of the Philippines has issued Li- the cremated remains. If funeral placed during the liturgical cel- assisted and strengthened by the himself observed, “many are
turgical Guidelines on Crema- Mass is not celebrated, the funeral ebration. What is the diocese’s stand on the DSAC, three of these are consid- called, but few are chosen!” We
tion, the dispositive part of liturgy is held in the presence of 6. Columbaria should not be priority mining activities of the ered mature POs. These organiza- praise and thank the Lord if there
which can be summarized in the the remains. The rite of final com- constructed in the main body of government? tions were borne out of the issues are two or three ordinandi each
following norms: mendation and committal con- the church, but in a separate The diocese’s stand on the revi- and struggles that each commu- year. There is really the need to
1. Cremation may take place cludes the Mass or the funeral lit- chapel adjacent to the church or talization of mining industry by nity has to hurdle due to develop- “work and pray hard that the Mas-
after or before the funeral Mass. urgy. Adaptations such as “re- in a crypt. the government is a resounding ment aggression with the govern- ter will send laborers into his vine-
2. When cremation is held af- mains” in place of “body” are (Footnotes) NO. The idea of responsible min- ment as the prime mover. The cur- yard!”
ter funeral Mass, the rite of final made in the liturgical formular- 1 Cf. Sacred Congregation of the Holy ing has yet to be tested and proven rent government’s aggressive pro-
commendation and committal ies. Office (formerly called the Inquisition
and now called Congregation of the
in the Philippines. Rapu-rapu for motion of the mining industry Do you have an ongoing forma-
concludes the Mass. While crema- 4. The cremated remains Doctrine of the Faith), Decree, one, is a big failure as it has most often results not only divi- tion for clergy in the diocese?
15.XII.1886; Decree, 27.VII.1892; Decree,
tion is taking place (a process that should be buried in a grave, 19.VI.1926, in AAS 18 (1926), p.282. bannered itself as the ‘show case’ sion within the affected commu- The clergy in my diocese have a
may take several hours), the fam- mausoleum or columbarium. 2 Cf. I Cor 15:37, 42-44; Catechism of the in ‘responsible mining’. The gov- nity but even within households; monthly recollection, a time of rec-
ily and friends of the deceased are The practice of scattering the Catholic Church, nn.2300, 999 & 1006). ernment recognizes the critical also, human rights violations es- reation, of bonding and most of
encouraged to gather in prayer. ashes in the sea or from the air is 3
Congregation for Divine Worship, Rite role of investment in the mineral pecially on the right of every stake- all, a time of prayer. Every month,
of Funerals: Introduction, 15.VIII.1969,
A liturgy of the Word may be cel- not in keeping with the Church’s n.15. industry for nation development holder to the kind of development I also gather them for our clergy
ebrated or devotional prayers norm regarding the proper dis- 4
Cf. Sacred Congregation for the Doc- and poverty alleviation. The policy that every individual wants, and assembly to update each one of the
like the holy rosary may be said. posal of the remains of the dead. trine of the Faith, Instr. Piam et
constantem, 8.V.1963, in AAS 56 (1964),
objective assures that the invest- the environmental degradation pastoral programs and plans of the
After cremation, the ashes are Likewise the urn should not be pp.822-823. ments in the mining industry will that these ‘development projects’ diocese. We maintain our annual
eventually ‘trickle down’ to the bring that even the resources of clergy retreat every first week of
poor. We have yet to see proofs the next generation are put at stake. the month of November. We also
that there is indeed a direct rela- In my own way, I am accompany- had our metropolitan clergy con-
tionship between poverty reduc- ing the Indigenous People’s and gress. I, together with my clergy,
tion and mining. other anti-mining groups. The am trying to be faithful to our Vi-
Church in Bayombong sustains its carial Gatherings every Sunday
How does the diocese address the support for the people who take evenings and Clergy Night gath-
havoc caused by irresponsible on the lead role in the fight against erings every Mondays. These are
mining on people’s lives and the development aggression. opportunities to have agape, to
environment? share our experiences and to pray
At present, the diocese is host to How are vocations promoted in for each other. We also have in our
three large scale mining corpora- your diocese? diocese clergy renewal programs,
tions. One is the Oceana Gold Phil- The Commission on Vocation sabbatical leave and study leave
ippines Inc., the target frame of is working so well for the promo- to invigorate and renew us in our
mining operations is 2009. The tion of priestly and religious vo- ministry.
 CBCP Monitor
B4 Commissions Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

By Christine B. Zialcita de San Jose, Fr. Francis Siguan, to all

the male parishioners to form a

ON September 1, 2007, I had the

opportunity to attend the mass at
Santuario de San Jose where the
“deeply involved association of un-
conditionally committed men of the
parish with St. Joseph as their pa-
tron saint and model” given that only
Finding Jesus through
Finding Jesus through Saint
Saint Joseph
Joseph
Men of St. Joseph, an all-male or- women were active in parish orga-
ganization of the parish, celebrated nizations. Rising up to the challenge
its 25th anniversary. In that mass I were 15 men who banded them-
heard Rev. Fr. Rony B. Alkonga, selves and regularly met to draw up
OSJ, the Provincial Superior of the the organization’s charter leading up
Oblates of St. Joseph, say to the to the organization’s inauguration
group of men in attendance that on September 1, 1982 with 29 mem-
their task now as Men of St. Joseph bers signing the document.
is to “take care of the interest of Through the years, many people
Jesus”. That just like in the movie have come and gone and the orga-
“The Nativity”, when Mary speaks nization itself has had its ups and
to Joseph and tells him: “I draw downs. However, in preparation for
my strength from God and you.”, the 40th anniversary of the Canoni-
so shall each man and father be—a cal Erection of Santuario de San Jose
man who can be depended on and as a Parish (1967), its Parish Priest,
whose presence is such that allows Rev. Fr. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ, saw it
for the wife and children to be the fit to revive, regroup, and reawaken
best that they can be. this unique association of men to
Fr. Rony went on to mention an actively propagate the devotion to
old adage: “The future of the world St. Joseph. More so, work towards
depends on the hands that shakes creating a desire to pursue a better
the cradle.” and this is no more ap- understanding of the virtues of St.
parent than in today’s world when Joseph and striving to follow in his
the family institution is sorely tried footsteps towards having a deeply
and tested. Yes, we all expect the spiritual life.
raising of the children to be the pri- There is very little written about
mary responsibility of the mother this simple carpenter who was cho-
but then who will the mother rely sen to be the foster father of Jesus The Men of St. Joseph with (from left) Fr. Ferdie Jauod, OSJ, head of Josephite lay organizations; Fr. Noel Magtaas, OSJ, Santuario de San Jose Parish Priest; Fr. Rony
Alkonga, OSJ,Provincial Superior; and Fr. Adonis Mamuyac, OSJ, Resident Priest of Santuario de San Jose, Josephite and Marellian lecturer.
on and draw strength, even cour- and yet, can it not be said that Jesus’
age from, if not the father? After life may be a testimony to the kind helped Him understand the many more than the skills, Jesus must never thought that her intention one.” This was the first time I ever
all, isn’t a FAMILY—Father And of man that he was? In the parish mysteries of life.” have learned from St. Joseph silence, was to get me married off right came up with this answer and where
Mother, I (the presence of children) newsletter “The Carpenter’s Work- Yes, Joseph was Jesus’ father and patience, endurance and rectitude— away but simply for me to find a that statement came from, I do not
Love You? The father comes first shop”, Fr. Noel wrote of the ‘unspo- teacher—taking on the primary important values of a worker. man who will be “right” for me. know; but after hearing Fr. Rony’s
and rightfully so, the head of the ken love’ and affinity between the role in Jesus’ formation. Under Saint Through all those years while Jesus This is a concern and prayer of all homily and reading Fr. Noel’s mes-
family just as St. Joseph was hand- father and the Son. He says, “This Joseph’s guardianship, Jesus was was growing up, Joseph must have mothers for their daughters and sage, it now all makes sense and
picked by God to take care of the unspoken love is probably best ex- “taught the pious ways of the Jews, inspired Him with his obedience mine was no different. A couple of sounds right.
Holy Family and raise His Son, pressed in deeds, in concrete action. how to pray (and assimilate) as well and humility, as well as exempli- weeks ago (and many years since I In Jesus we get a glimpse of Saint
Jesus. How beautiful it must be if only the all the spiritual values which Jesus fied the way of unconditional love”. began my devotion to St. Joseph), I Joseph just as through Saint Joseph,
The Men of St. Joseph came about walls of the Carpenter’s workshop exemplified as a full grown per- Growing up, I was often re- was asked by some ladies why I we find a way to meet Jesus. Let us
as a result of a challenge made by had lips to tell us the story of how son”. Surely, Jesus would have also minded by my mother to pray to remain to be single. I replied: “St. all go to St. Joseph and through him
then Asst. Parish Priest of Santuario Joseph lovingly formed his Son and learned the skills of the trade. “But St. Joseph for a good husband. I Joseph has kept me safe from a bad find our salvation in Jesus Christ.

CBCP office addresses Paglalakbay: The OFW Bible By Pinky Barrientos, FSP
women’s concerns Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, DD, chair of
the Episcopal Commission on Biblical
course of separation. Each story ends with
a prayer based on passages from the bible.
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Office on Women Apostolate has approved the Catholic ver- Nora Lucero, PBS general secretary, said
(CBCP-OW) has recently organized a three-day seminar-workshop for sion of Paglalakbay. at the launching that the bible serves as guide
Women’s desk in Cagayan de Oro archdiocese to train diocesan coordina- The bible comes out in Catholic and Prot- and standard for people in confronting vari-
tors in the task of assisting women and children in crisis situations. estant editions. The Catholic version in- ous issues that directly affect their lives.
The various problems women and children experienced were discussed in cludes the Deutero-canonical books and has “Our loved ones abroad are often left to
the program. Strategies were also laid out on how to address the issues. The the imprimatur of Bishop Bastes. The Prot- cope on their own, with no family, friend
3-day seminar likewise trained the potential counselors with sufficient knowl- estant version has the full endorsement of or minister physically present to give com-
edge and skills on basic counseling, networking, net bonding and organiza- the heads of major Protestant churches. fort, advice, correction and even rebuke
tion. Paglalakbay has been conceived to pro- when needed,” she said.
Dr. Zenaida Rotea, M.D. CBCP-OW executive secretary and Catholic vide OFWs and their families with com- Lucero hoped that Paglalakbay will serve
Women’s League (CWL) National consultant discussed the “Dignity and fort and guide especially in times of diffi- as the OFWs divine companion, stressing
Equality of Women,” providing a global, regional and local perspective on culties. The bible serves not only as a com- that God is always around and a source of
the current plight of women. She also spoke on the various types of violence panion to OFWs but also a reminder that help for OFWs in whatever situation they
inflicted on women, such as, physical, social, emotional and psychological. God is with them wherever they may go may find themselves in.
Marita Wasan from Pro-life Philippines gave a talk on “Sexuality of the in pursuit of a better life for their families. “Through his Word, [God] continually
Youth,” explaining how media play a great role in influencing the sexual The OFW bible is presented differently assures us of his love and compassion, re-
behavior of young people today. from the traditional bible. In fact, the edi- freshing us daily with his grace and
On the third day, Rotea discussed with the participants strategies focusing tion comes in colorful cover showing fa- mercy,” she further said
on the problems of women especially in the areas of education, family/ PAGLALAKBAY, (Journey) a Tagalog miliar OFW destinations. Aside from the Filipinos overseas are estimated to be
migration and poverty. bible specially designed for Overseas Fili- Scriptures, which is taken from Magandang around 7.76 million. Of this number, 2.86 mil-
CBCP-OW teamed up with Catholic Women’s League (CWL) in organiz- pinos (OFWs) has been launched recently Balita Biblia, there are 65 supplemental ar- lion are considered immigrants or permanent
ing the training seminar. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP) by Philippine Bible Society to meet the ticles that describe the gamut of experiences residents, 3.38 million are documented, while
needs of OFWs globally. OFWs and their families go through in the around 1.5 million are undocumented.

Kids / B1

son. Reducing human relations to parents and educators. Part of that the internet are concerned. been given good formation, and
the level of animal-like pleasure- challenge is to help youngsters Young people have to be made are struggling to use their time
seeking can destroy or seriously understand that the maturity that aware that they simply don’t have well, parents should never assume
weaken their capacity to love. is needed to be a successful par- time to waste on long periods they will automatically stay away
Once a human being’s capacity to ent, a successful wife or husband, spent playing computer games, from on-line dangers. It is crucial
give and receive love is under- is something that must be worked watching videos or listening to that parents take up the subject with
mined, what is potentially the at over a lifetime. music. Most parents of children them and explain the dangers.
most rewarding element of hu- This is a struggle that involves who are successful academically Without this kind of parenting,
man life is also undermined. the whole range of human vir- and have a rounded personality all the software in the world will
Helping young people to prop- tues, including self-control, hon- will tell you that it is a real be useless.
erly appreciate the essence of hu- esty, prudence, fortitude and struggle just finding time for ba- (William West is editor of the
man love and the struggle that is temperance. Temperance in par- sics like school work, exercise Sydney family magazine Perspective;
required for a person to reach true ticular, is extremely important and cultural activities. this is lifted with permission from
maturity is a challenge for both where the use of computers and But even when children have MercatorNet)

Evangelizing/ B1

death of family members or Then, on Sept. 25, the Washing- reported May 27. Earlier this year Church as a community is a long-
friends, and times of personal cri- ton Post reported that last year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s standing principle, the document
sis. Hayes recommends using churches in the United States Cardinal Justin Rigali debuted on comments.
these opportunities to reach out spent $8.1 billion on audio and the popular YouTube site, with a The Church is, in fact, “a com-
to young people. projection equipment. Around series of videos containing reflec- munion of persons and Eucharis-
As well as more tried and true 80% of churches apparently have tions on the Gospel. tic communities arising from and
methods such as Eucharistic ado- elaborate video and audio sys- The archdioceses of Philadel- mirroring the communion of the
ration, the rosary and Mass, tems, together with a variety of phia and Boston have also used Trinity” (No. 3). Therefore, com-
Hayes also devotes a section of online materials. streaming video to broadcast munication is part of the essence
the book to explaining how to The article cited a report by some events, thus making them of the Church. This communica-
use modern media. We need to TFCinfo, a Texas-based audiovi- accessible to greater numbers of tion, the Council specified,
make better use of Web sites, e- sual market research firm, accord- people, the article reported. should be characterized by truth-
mail newsletters, blogs and other ing to which 60% of churches fulness, accountability, and sen-
ways to reach out to young have a Web site, and more than Baptizing the Internet sitivity to human rights.
people, he recommends. half send e-mails to their mem- In 2002 the Pontifical Council The council also warned that
bers. Other means now increas- for Social Communications pub- the virtual world has its limita-
Virtual efforts ingly used include podcasts and lished a document titled: “The tions and that pastoral planning
Churches are indeed active in text messages. Church and Internet.” is needed to enable people to
using the latest media technol- A number of services are already “Since announcing the Good make the transition from
ogy to evangelize. Prior to the available for the Bible, and on Oct. News to people formed by a me- cyberspace to a personal commu-
recent visit by Benedict XVI to 2, the BBC reported on one of the dia culture requires taking care- nity, where they can come into
Austria, the Archdiocese of latest, called Ecumen, that will de- fully into account the special char- contact with the presence of Christ
Vienna provided a free service via liver daily prayers, ring tones and acteristics of the media them- in the Eucharist and participate in
mobile phone offering excerpts photos to mobile phones. selves, the Church now needs to the celebration of the sacraments.
of the Pope’s sermons and writ- The more recent phenomenon understand the Internet,” the The Church should make full
ings, the Associated Press re- of social networking sites is not council explained (No. 5). use of the potential offered by
ported July 30. exempt from religion, as the New The Internet offers many advan- new communications technology
On Sept. 21, the London-based York Times reported June 30. A tages, such as direct access to spiri- in carrying out its mission, the
Times newspaper reported that number of Christian social sites tual resources along with a capac- document recommended. At the
the Churches’ Advertising Net- now exist, where believers can ity of overcoming distances. It same time we need to keep firmly
work bought an island in the have social contact without hav- thus offers the Church new possi- in mind, the council exhorted,
popular Internet site Second Life. ing to immerse themselves in bilities for communication. that for all types of media, Christ
The virtual island is con- sites where all sorts of morally New media technologies also should be both our model and
structed as a replica of life in first- undesirable content is present. offer many possibilities for two- the source of the content of what
century Palestine. The aim is for Religious video podcasts are way communication and social we communicate. A model as
it to become a center for religion also available, as the weekly news- interactivity. While these means valid in the 21st century as it was
on Second Life. paper National Catholic Register are new the social aspect of the for the first Christians. (Zenit)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Statements B5

Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference

(MSPC) XIII Statement
The bigger picture in
The call for restoration the Presidential pardon
of moral values A PRESIDENT granting absolute pardon to a
convicted and impeached predecessor is his-
toric indeed. It will give people today and
future generations opportunity to debate and
evaluate. The pardon covers a multitude of
WE, the 208 delegates composed of archbishops, bishops,
sins which are now left to Divine Justice—
priests, religious and lay leaders, representing the 21 local cum—Mercy to resolve. In a death-bed scene,
churches in Mindanao-Sulu, gathered together for the 13th
a dying person might hear God saying: “I
Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference held at Pope John XXIII will forgive you, I know you have already
Pastoral Complex in the Diocese of Surigao, Surigao City from
suffered, but you should be purified some
October 22 to 26, 2007, convey this message to all the faithful more in purgatory.”
and people of goodwill.
On this occasion we are thinking of the
We now find ourselves within the era of globalization. many prisoners whose crimes of lesser grav-
Conscious of the identity, vocation and mission of the Church,
ity have not been proven and yet continue to
we have been reflecting on the restoration of moral values suffer from the fact of “justice delayed justice
through the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). In Mindanao,
denied.” Will they be given the same privi-
we are confronted with issues such as environmental degra- lege or consideration? The pardoned presi-
dation and corruption in political governance. We are facing
dent could not be more privileged, consider-
the truth about our pastoral situation: the opportunities and ing the many prisoners with lesser crimes of
challenges, success stories, and painful realities about our
plunder and injustice who are rotting in jail
shortcomings—the erosion of moral values in Church and only because they have no influence with the
society.
government, justice system and even with
It is in this light that we thereby reiterate the importance of the media. No wonder the statue of justice
BEC as locus, focus, and strategy of integral evangelization.
has covered eyes, ‘para walang favoritism.’
We reaffirm our commitment and our resolve to support the The pardoning president has spoken; the
BEC in collaboration with other Church institutions and agen-
case ends there. But where is “restorative jus-
cies. We are committed to truly make it a catalyst of moral tice?” Where is the justice capable of restor-
renewal in Church and society by transmitting the faith and
ing harmony in social relations disrupted by
performing it through Christian virtues and moral values. the criminal act committed (cf. Compendium
Despite some lapses and limitations, we strongly affirm the
of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 403)
important role of the BEC as a new way of being Church, We appeal for the many prisoners who
helping to identify, intensify and cultivate the core Gospel
may also deserve the same clemency for the
values—a potent force for social transformation. sake of their poor families. A president par-
We challenge ourselves, all the faithful and people of good-
doning a convicted president may have big-
will in Mindanao-Sulu to recover and protect the Gospel val- ger implications than meet our eyes now.
ues of love, peace, justice, life, and the common good. We also
And so reflection must continue, but this time
challenge all the BECs to become real moral agents of produc- with civil society. May it bear the desired
tive dialogue, upholding the virtues of truthfulness and hon-
fruit of unity and reconciliation. I enjoin all
esty, solidarity and compassion, simplicity of life and ser- the faithful to pray that our country will be
vant-leadership arising from the imperatives of the Christian
guided along the path that is “maka-tao,

Mike Alquinto/epa/Corbis
faith. maka-bayan at maka-Dios.”
May Christ the head of the Church, who calls us to be salt
(Lk. 14:34-35: Mt 5:13; Mk 9:50), light (Mt 5:14-16), and leaven MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
(Mt 13:33; Lk 13:20-21) of the world, make us witness to this
Archbishop of Jaro
real presence in the call for spiritual and moral regeneration. CBCP President
May Mary, Mother of the Church and of BECs intercede for us.
October 26, 2007

‘In truth, peace’ Cash gifts or bribes?

A Pastoral Statement of
Catholic Bishops of Mindanao “THE more people and social groups strive
to resolve social problems according to the
for the forthcoming Barangay Elections?
Why were they distributed only to pro-ad-
ingly being shown by our leaders. We are
very much concerned with our youth who
truth, the more they distance themselves from ministration local officials? Why not also to are looking at our leaders for models in hon-
OF late certain controversies regarding the morality and abuses and act in accordance with the objec- the opposition? Who ultimately will profit esty, integrity, and transparency.
legality of government contract like the one on alleged tive demands of truth…The unscrupulous use from these cash gifts? Are they really gifts From the moral standpoint, one should not
broadband facilities as well as the issue on the monetary of money raises ever more pressing ques- or bribes? accept money about which questions can be
expression of political patronage have challenged some tions, which necessarily call for greater trans- “The unscrupulous use of money raises ever asked because it renders responsibility, ac-
high officials of the government. According to the media parency and honesty in personal and social more pressing questions, which necessarily countability, and transparency a dubious sub-
reports these controversies have drawn reaction from vari- activity” (Compendium of the Social Doc- call for greater transparency and honesty in ject matter.
ous sectors, including Church leaders. trine of the Church, No. 198). personal and social activity” (Compendium I encourage and support the plan of our
Gathered in our annual recollection in Siargao, we the In the News too many question marks sur- of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 198). respectable senators to make the appropri-
undersigned 18 Catholic Bishops in Mindanao, declare our round the recent distribution of 500,000 pe- Bribery is not an acceptable word even to ate inquiry on the matter of distributing said
solidarity with those who expect moral integrity and fiscal sos each to governors among whom, appear- culprits: so, it is better called “gifts.” And so, cash gifts.
transparency from our leaders, including ourselves. We ing like a hero, is Pampanga Governor Ed in order to feel good and escape the blame of
believe that the whole truth about any moral issue must be Panlilio. What was the purpose of the cash conscience …bribe is also called a “gift.” MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
ascertained first before subjecting it to moral scrutiny and gifts? Where did they come from? Who was With this sort of thing happening, our coun- Archbishop of Jaro
judgment, otherwise, any statement on the matter maybe the personal source of the cash? Were they try is not only suffering from economic bank- President, CBCP
premature and counterproductive. Hence the need for a for local government projects? Were they ruptcy but also moral bankruptcy, disappoint- October 16, 2007
thorough and impartial investigation as prescribed by law,
truth and honesty, and a sense of patriotism.
Called to be teachers of truth, we hold that law must be
tempered by virtue as the demands of justice are being
served.
As we celebrate World Mission Sunday today, October
Press Statement on the Glorietta explosion
21, 2007, we invite everyone to pray for national unity
through reconciliation which is part of the evangelizing WE express our condolences to
mission of the Church. the victims and their families
To bring this about we pray for sincere repentance and who suffered from the explosion
forgiveness. at the Glorietta Mall in Makati
We pray for the relentless search for and courageous ex- City. We pray that such occur-
position of the truth anchored on the rule of law and moral rence from whatever cause will
principles. not happen again.
And finally we pray for sobriety, calmness and peace to That explosion diverts our con-
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. centration and adds up to our
common national problems that
Most Rev. Antonieto Cabajog, DD are crying for satisfactory solu-
Bishop of Surigao tion.
Most Rev. Jesus Dosado, CM, DD We invite everybody to join us
Archbishop of Ozamis in praying for the solution of the
Most Rev. Nereo Odchimar, DD many crises that our country is
Bishop of Tandag facing today.
Most Rev. Zacharias Jimenez, DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Butuan MOST REV. ANGEL N.
Most Rev. Wilfredo Manlapaz, DD LAGDAMEO, DD
Bishop of Tagum Archbishop of Jaro
Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, DD CBCP President
Bishop of Digos October 19, 2007
Most Rev. Elenito Galido, DD
Bishop of Iligan
Most Rev. Julius Tonel, DD

Our firm stand against contraceptive mentality

Bishop of Ipil
Most Rev. Martin Jumoad, DD
Bishop of Basilan
Most Rev. Fernando Capalla, DD
WE hope it is not true that congress plans to this already in 1990 and at other times!). It is lower rate. The National Statistics Office has
Archbishop of Davao
Most Rev. Romulo Valles, DD appropriate one billion pesos for the pur- not just a matter of being conservative, but already projected a Philippine population
chase of condoms, birth control pills and other also of being morally upright. growth rate of 1.99%. These notwithstand-
Archbishop of Zamboanga
Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos, DD “reproductive health” products to control The Church advocates Natural Family ing, we do not subscribe to the allegations
population growth. It if is true, we categori- Planning as the only morally acceptable way that population must be controlled because
Bishop of Butuan
Most Rev. Patricio Alo, DD cally object to it and instead strongly recom- of practicing responsible parenthood. The it is the main cause of poverty; there are
mend that the one billion pesos be directly Church does not forbid the advocacy of the other grave factors. We will not join coun-
Bishop of Mati
Most Rev. George Rimando, DD appropriated and/or added for hunger and increase or decrease of population provided tries with collapsing population growth rate.
poverty alleviation projects, as well as for the freedom of the couple to exercise sexual We exhort our clergy to proactively
Auxiliary Bishop of Davao
Most Rev. Jose Colin Bagaforo, DD free education of extremely poor children. and family morality according to their reli- preach the doctrine of the Church on prin-
The use of abortifacients, contraceptive gious conviction, are respected. Since the cipled population control. We strongly en-
Auxiliary Bishop of Cotabato
Most Rev. Emmanuel Cabajar, CSsR, DD pills and devises, sterilization, directly willed Church objects to the use of artificial con- courage and support our legislators in Con-
abortion are wrong in themselves. They are traception, the Church likewise objects to gress and the Senate who promote the moral
Bishop of Pagadian
Most Rev. Jose Manguiran, DD against nature and God’s law. They are wrong their dissemination, creating thereby a con- teachings on life, family and population.
not because the Catholic Church forbids traceptive mentality towards a culture of
Bishop of Dipolog
Most Rev. Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD them; rather the Church forbids them be- death. MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
cause they destroy the fruitfulness of human It is not true that the Philippines growth Archbishop of Jaro
Bishop of Jolo
reproductive capacities given by the Creator rate is 2.36%. The United Nations using the CBCP President
and hence are morally wrong. (CBCP said same census data has arrived at a very much October 6, 2007
 CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

By Bishop Jose Rojas, DD one becomes a part of God’s family. will depend on the meaning that we give
So what was terribly wrong with the to death. If death is for the sake of life,
Sadducees? They failed to recognize then we can have hope. But if life must
WE find in the gospel reading a public
debate between Jesus and the Sadducees.
The debate centers on the question on
whether or not there is such a thing as
spiritual realities, myopically confined
as their vision was to the things of this
earth. This too narrow perspective con-
ditioned their idea of heaven. They could
inevitably end in a total shipwreck of
body and possessions, then life itself has
no meaning because it is a blind alley.
Then after all we might be inclined to
Love in the workplace
“resurrection from the dead”. This, of not imagine it beyond what obviously believe Jean Paul Sartre who called death By Msgr. Joseph S. Duran
course, was triggered by the fact that the was a purely earthly image of what they the last and supreme absurdity of life, a
Sadducees did not believe in life after thought it was like. breaking off, a rending, a boundary, a “THE silence of the heavens is a voice more powerful than that of a trumpet. It cries
death. They could not conceive of any- Furthermore, the Sadducees failed to fall into emptiness. Death, like birth, out to our eyes and not to our ears, showing us the greatness of all He has made”.
thing beyond what they could see with see that proofs of life after death abound outside the Christian perspective, is un- These words of St. John Chrysostom affirm the harmony between God, man and
their naked eyes! That was to them what in Scriptures, a resource that they had expected and absurd. We seem to be born the world. Genesis, the Psalms, the Sermon on the Mount, reveal the direct and real
heaven was like, or any talk of life be- much access to, after all. In fact, they in- in a motiveless way and we die acciden- communication between man and God, his creator and father.
yond death—something beyond human voked the writings of Moses to fortify tally. Death would seem to deprive hu- The contemporary Christian’s mission in the world is to restore that dia-
experience here on earth, something in- their proposal to Jesus. But Jesus quickly man beings of their freedom and puts logue between God and man, which has been broken by sin. After the tower
tangible beyond the grasp of the human reminded them that during the encoun- an end to all possibilities of fulfillment. of Babel, new towers (i.e., false philosophies) have been constructed over
eyes. The Sadducees refused to believe ter that God initiated with Moses at the It makes us the prey of the living and the ruins of Marxism and godless secularism. Every century sees a new
attempt by man to ease God out of his mind and the world.
Forty years ago, on October 8, 1967, a priest gave a homily at the University of

A hope to cherish
Navarre in Spain. Later on, he—the future Saint Josemaría Escrivá—published that
homily under the title “Passionately loving the world”. As one of the thousands of
students attending that Mass in the open air, I still recall the forcefulness with which
he said these words: “Have no doubt: any kind of evasion of the honest realities of
daily life is for you, men and women of the world, something opposed to the will
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time of God … He waits for us every day, in the laboratory, in the operating room, in the
army camp, in the university, in the factory, in the workshop, in the fields, in the
(Lk. 20:27-38) home and in all the immense panorama of human work. Understand this well:
there is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ordinary situations,
and it is up to each one of you to discover it.”
But is it possible to find God in the so-called “temporal affairs”? Can one speak of
“loving the world” if St. John the evangelist had said that all there is in the world is
“the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life?”
Certainly, because it is the same St. John who transmitted to us the consoling truth,
that, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” to redeem it. The moment
God became “Emmanuel” (God with us) in order to redeem mankind, the material
world has also undergone a regeneration (Rom. 8:19-21).
In one of his weekly addresses in 1980, Pope John Paul II said that “In man,
created in the image of God, there has been revealed, in a certain sense, the
sacramentality of the world.” (italics added) In other words, as in the analo-
gous case of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, God’s creation – the world
– is a “meeting place” for God and man, where man can recognize the mys-
tery of God who loves him. Dialogue between two friends (as Genesis de-
scribes God’s encounters with Adam in Paradise) comes about spontane-
ously the moment love’s presence is acknowledged.
Bishop Javier Echevarría, the present prelate of Opus Dei, commenting on St.
Josemaría’s above-mentioned homily during a conference in Seville five years ago,
said: “But man was not created only to contemplate the cosmos, to marvel at the
vastness of the universe, but also to imprint there, with the language of his work, his
reply to God’s love (Cf. Gen. 2:15). In entrusting the world to man, God offered him
in immortality, in the same way that “burning bush”, Moses called out, puts us at the mercy of their judgments. the material upon which to write his filial response to the divine love that brought
they refused to acknowledge the exist- “Lord”, the God of Abraham, Isaac and This is reinforced by Albert Camus’ pes- him to existence.” (italics added)
ence of angels and evil spirits. Jacob, the three foundational patriarchs simism according to which at the center Indeed, man’s achievements by his labor and intellect, once separated from his
In the present gospel narrative, it is un- in the history of Israel (Ex 3:6). God is of life stands the human person with its “filial relationship” with God, would end up in either of two things: self-worship
derstandable why the Sadducees tried not the God of the dead, but of the liv- absurd and meaningless existence that (the capital sin of pride) or world-worship (the capital sin of greed, which is accord-
hard to make the idea of the resurrection ing. Indeed, when God manifested his is full of suffering and bounded by death. ing to St. Paul as bad as idolatry). Marxism as an atheistic theory of materialism has
look absolutely ridiculous. They ap- presence to Moses in this story, He told According to his view, it is clear that life been discredited; but pride and greed are “no respecter of theory”—they thrive
proached Jesus and confronted him with him that He was the God of Abraham, tends to fulfillment, while death is a equally well in Marxism and in democracy.
a preposterous argument about a woman Isaac, and Jacob. He shows that these source of absurdity. Life has the first “God is Love”, was Pope Benedict’s bold and simple message to the world
who married seven brothers, one after patriarchs who died hundreds of years word, but death always has the last. in his first encyclical. If only we put love, i.e., God’s gift of love, in our daily
the other. If there were such a thing as ago were still alive in God. God was the On the contrary, and this is what the encounters with other people in the context of our daily work, and if we could
the resurrection from the dead, they ar- friend of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob present gospel assures us, in the face of work with sincere desires to serve others, then God would not be a “distant
gued, who among the seven would be when they lived. That friendship did not meaninglessness and seeming absurdity God” for many people. Quoting St. Josemaría: “Man’s great privilege is to be
the woman’s husband in the next life? cease with death, for as Psalm 73:23-24 of death, Jesus offers an utter new full- able to love and to transcend what is fleeting and ephemeral. He can love his
They thought all the while that their logic states: “I am always with thee, thou ness and even superabundance of mean- fellow men, pronounce an ‘I’ and ‘you’ which are full of meaning … This is
was unassailable and that there was no holdest my right hand; thou dost guide ing. As a matter of fact, the only answer why man ought not to limit himself to material production. Work is born of
way Jesus could possibly answer the me by thy counsel and afterwards wilt to the mystery of death is another mys- love; it is a manifestation of love, and is directed toward love.”
question without having to deny the idea receive me with glory.” tery: the mystery of temporal death for Today, “corporate social responsibility” (CSR) is much-discussed in corporate
of the resurrection from the dead. Hav- Of course, there was something else the sake of eternal life. Death is both a boardrooms and in the media. It is a positive indication of the sincere concern of
ing crafted what they thought was a diffi- the Sadducees had yet to see and realize, completion and a beginning. As seen by businessmen towards people’s pressing needs in healthcare, education, livelihood,
cult trap, they expected to find Jesus baffled that is, the ultimate proof of the resur- Christian faith, the human person is not housing, etc. And we wish that CSR not be seen as reserved to “big business”
and at a loss for words. rection, being the Lord Jesus himself; a being-for-death but rather a being-for- because, in fact, social responsibility is—before being “corporate”—personal. In
But Jesus knew exactly how to deal with particularly his victory over death when life; this means that the Christian faith the end, what counts most is the way we look at our neighbor: either as an indi-
such wily posturing, retorting that the he would have risen from the dead on affirms death but at the same time looks vidual, worthy of respect and love, or as a mere means of achieving financial gains.
Sadducees had no idea of what they were Easter day. Already prior to this great beyond it. Life has a meaning because It makes a world of difference because it can make one see in that work environ-
talking about. He reminded them that event, before Jesus raised Lazarus from death has a meaning; it is a passover, a ment either God or one’s selfish interests.
they did not have the slightest idea of the dead, he clearly proclaimed this passage leading to eternal life. A teacher patiently teaching grammar to her grade school pupils, a car mechanic
what heaven was going to be like and truth: “I am the resurrection and I am Indeed, Jesus is speaking in the gos- putting his best efforts, a town mayor helping farmers improve their rice harvest, a
went on to emphasize the fact that the the life; if a man has faith in me, even pel more clearly of the life to come and waiter cheering up his customers’ birthday party — are they not realizing through
ultimate fulfillment that awaits human- though he dies, he shall come to life; and the life that leads there. He speaks of the their work Our Lord Jesus Christ’s assurance that whatever we do to help our
ity in the life to come is so far beyond no one who is alive and has faith shall present life as leading to “the beyond” neighbor is actually done to Him?
anyone’s imagining that any human cat- ever die…” (Jn.11:25). and not to itself. Thus, all humans may (Msgr. Joseph Duran is the Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in the Philippines.)
egory of social institution like marriage But why should the resurrection and long for completion and fulfillment so
ceases to apply and consequently loses life after death be so important to us Chris- deeply. But what every Christian must
any of its human significance. Indeed, tians? It is because that is precisely the realize is that the real completion and
marriage is one of the joys of this world. meaning that death itself acquires. Death fulfillment of human life is God himself ERRATUM
But in the next life, what really matters is loses its power and it ceases as it were to whose life and glory can be shared only Our apologies for inadvertently omitting the byline of Bishop
communion with God. Those “worthy to be what it is dreaded for. Ultimately, our in the next life. That is the hope that ev- Reynaldo Evangelista from last issue’s Gospel reflection.
attain the coming age” will become chil- present life has whatever meaning we ery Christian, given his/her faith, can - Ed
dren of God. All that is important is how give to death. The meaning of our lives always cherish.

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Bo Sanchez

Taming death Take delight in the

simplest things
THANKS be to God, our country is still We just continue to live on. tery. It refuses to accept what it could not GUESS what I gave my wife on the eve Winnie the Pooh became beautiful in her
so largely infused with Christian piety We can’t explain it thoroughly because understand. of our wedding. hands. (Unfortunately for me, she forgot
that together with the Holy Week, the it’s a belief that exceeds the powers of As a consequence, they can not figure My honeymoon present, if you may. about the excited hormones slambanging
Solemnity of All Saints and the Com- empirical verification. But it is not com- out the objective reality of the spiritual Right after the big wedding of a thou- and sloshing through her veins.)
memoration of All Souls on the first days pletely unreasonable. world, let alone, the supernatural realm. sand guests, at 12:00 midnight, when we That’s why I always say that our honey-
of November draw great crowds of the If we think and reason, if we will and These are Greek to them. These just don’t were finally alone in our hotel room in moon was the most colorful in the world.
faithful to cemeteries to pay homage to love, then we must have something spiri- make sense. They prefer to stick to what a far-away resort as two awkward and And our lives have been such!
the dead. tual in us, since spiritual activities pre- could be touched, seen and compre- giddy virgins with excited hormones We take delight in the simplest things.
Such wonderful phenomenon may be sume a spiritual subject. “Operare sequi- hended. slambanging and sloshing through our Sure, I could have given her a one-
dismissed as a show of a contrived Deus- tur esse” (operation follows being) goes The ways of the simple people who veins, I decided it was time to give her carat diamond ring.
ex-machina show of faith, reinforced by a philosophical principle that applies honor the dead on these November days my honeymoon present. Or a lady’s Rolex.
a mounting evidence of inconsistencies here. may reek of sentimentality and may be Wrapped in a simple brown bag, my Or, a new pair of Ferragamo.
in the life of the believers. Anyway, without being aware of this accompanied by imperfections and exag- bride took one look at it and was petrified. But I didn’t because of two important
That’s how non-believers see it. The principle, we somehow hold on to the geration, but they objectively leap from After all, it was our honeymoon and I reasons.
most they can concede to participating in truth of our spiritual nature and our su- an objective truth about us. could legally give her anything sexy, First, I couldn’t afford them.
this yearly activity is for sentimental rea- pernatural calling. We refuse to be held I pray that they be left in that belief even sexual, sensual, seductive, and all the Second, we’re learning to delight in
sons or for social and political correct- captive by the limits of a rationality that as I encourage them also to go deep into intimate “s” words you can think of and the simplest things.
ness. Nothing more or beyond these. is hooked to the merely empirical. the full meaning as well as the consequences God wouldn’t mind. I have here a list of things you can do
In short, they consider the phenom- And thus we believe that even if we and implications of our death. We have to She closed her eyes and poked her that’s really downright inexpensive.
enon as a superstition, a gratuitous non- die here on earth, there is something in mature in our attitude towards death. hand in the bag and pulled it out. Take a stroll together.
sense built up through years of ignorance us that does not die. It is our soul, the Death should not be a cause of fear. And so there it was in all its green and Watch the sunrise from your window
and blind obedience to Church teaching. spirit that animates us, that is above the That would be useless, since we can not yellow glory, a Crayola box of 64 cray- and pray.
It’s supposed to thrive in a chicken-run wear and tear of earthly life and thus en- escape it. It’s part of our continuing life, a ons, with the built-in sharpener in the Play with a baby.
kind of locality, still removed from the joys immortality. crucial event that brings us from time to middle. Plus three coloring books of Read a good book under a tree.
liberating light of reason and science. If not destroyed by some factors, this eternity. Winnie the Pooh. Watch a Walt Disney film with the kids.
But that is not so. Contrary to what natural tendency to believe focuses our Something in it should attract us to it, (Months back, she told me that one of Order coffee (and nothing else) with
non-believers may say, we have within attention to the spiritual world, and then since it is the doorway to our definitive her fantasies was to have her very own your beloved one late night at a hotel
ourselves, whether strongly or faintly felt, to the possibility at least to a supernatural life. But to cross it, we need to be fully 64-set Crayola. I was about to share my lounge.
an urge to communicate with our dearly reality. This will require the gift of faith. ready and live our earthly life the way it own fantasies with her but decided Sleep till 9:00 AM one Saturday.
departed. That’s the problem with our brothers should be. against it.) Write love letters to your friends.
Such urge springs from the belief that and friends who reject the faith. They What can help us is to study the dispo- So upon seeing the crayons, my bride As early as April, make your own
we continue to live in another form after make their own reason the ultimate guide sitions the saints, and especially the mar- shrieked and went to work at once. She Christmas gifts.
our death here on earth. We believe that in their life. But it is a reason that refuses tyrs, had towards death. They will give poured out the fat little sticks of peach and Smile to strangers.
there is in us something that refuses to to admit its limits, and refuses to be open us concrete ideas of how we can welcome magenta and pink and amber and silver Breathe.
die, in spite of our death here on earth. to anything smelling of faith and mys- and embrace death. and gold… and all the way until 3:00 AM, Take delight in the simplest things.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007 Social Concern B7
one to work for the good of the
By Bel Formanes In solidarity with Yulo farmers and other CARP petitioners

Bishop Pabillo presides

country, not only to call for reforms
in government but also to over-
NOT even the early evening heavy come our individual shortcomings
rain downpour could dampen the and mistakes. The same sentiments
spirit of the farmers as they wait for found their way and expressed in

‘Misa ng Bayan’
the Holy Mass to be celebrated by the several placards carried by pro-
Most Reverend Broderick Pabillo, testing farmers supporting CBCP’s
D.D., inside the UNORKA-Pilipinas call to remove “moral bankruptcy
camp in front of the Department of in government.”
Agrarian Reform (DAR) last Octo- Two peasant leaders spoke and
ber 23, 2007. Bishop Pabillo is the shared their problems. Romy
Vice-Chair of the Central Commit- Olaez, a farmer-leader at the 2,500-
tee working towards the holding of hectare Yulo property in Laguna
the Second National Rural Congress narrated that generations of farm-
(NRC-II), and currently the auxiliary ers since 1902 worked on the farm
bishop of Manila. and later on petitioned for land re-
Before the mass, Bishop Pabillo form coverage. The Yulos, Ayala
and Ms. Belinda Formanes, Execu- and other influential politicians cir-
tive Director of PARRDS, talked cumvented the CARP and suc-
with DAR Under-Secretary Narciso ceeded in having their lands ex-
Nieto and other officials about the empted from coverage using DOJ
situation of the UNORKA land Opinion 44 by reclassifying the land
cases, CARP extension with Re- into commercial, industrial and resi-
forms and other related issues. The dential. To date however, the area
bishop called on the DAR to serve remained agricultural.
the peasants well. Woman peasant leader
The protesting farmers came Liwayway Caparas from the
from agrarian reform areas as far Moldex property in Cavite cried as
as Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, she recalled their difficulties the last
Mindoro Oriental, Nueva Ecija and two years. She said that they coop-
Saranggani province who have erated with the DAR and followed
been at their makeshift camp since the processes of the law but noth-
August 2007 waiting for the resolu- ing happened and when there was
tion of their cases. Torches were lit a deadlock, the farmers’ peaceful as-
while held by them as Bishop sembly was violently dispersed.
Pabillo started the Eucharistic Cel- After the Holy Mass, a down-to-
ebration with Fr. James Regali, rec- earth solidarity fellowship was ar-
tor of the Xaverian Missionaries as ranged where everyone shared in a
Concelebrant and four (4) Sisters “salo-salo” of pansit and gulaman
from the Augustinian Missionaries offered by the Yulo estate farmers.
of the Philippines (AMP) assisting. During the gathering Bishop Pabillo
In his homily, Bishop Pabillo rec- went on listening to the peasants’
ognized the difficulty and long wait rich experiences. No doubt, the
of the struggling farmers but asked bishop touched the heart and spirit
them not to lose hope because God of the marginalized farmers.
is with them, for God is hope and The Bishop’s presence and act of
God is justice. solidarity with the beleaguered
The Mass also remembered the farmers inspired them more and
dearly departed peasant leaders Eric with a newfound vigor claimed
Cabanit, Rico Adeva and 39 others what the Prophet Isaiah declared;
who were killed in the course of their “but those who hope in the Lord will
agrarian struggles. He asked every- renew their strength. They will soar
one to always remember the sacrifices on wings like eagles; they will run
and good deeds of the slain leaders. and not grow weary, they will walk
The bishop also called on every- and not faint (Isaiah 40:31; NIV).” Bishop Broderick Pabillo, D.D., presided the Holy Mass inside the UNORKA-Pilipinas camp in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) last October 23, 2007.

Undermining a nation practiced to this day. But mining in the found to remain among the poorest parts mented and the photo of Timuay Anoy The Church’s stance on mining is both
By Kawagi Andres Fernan modern sense truly boomed in the early of the nation. True economic develop- meeting the President is one of his prized cautious and hardline. While the CBCP
twentieth century with the arrival of the ment had skipped these places, and min- possessions. A handful of years after releases carefully worded, though pow-
SITUATED in the middle of the Philip- Americans. The industry thrived for de- ing towns quickly became ghost towns President Arroyo gave Timuay Anoy his erful statements; warning of the dangers
pines, Sibuyan Island is called the cades until a global downturn of min- once the firms exited. Marinduque was land title; it was her policies which al- of pursuing economic goals, while ig-
country’s equivalent of the Galapagos. eral prices saw companies cut their losses held up as the ultimate example: after lowed that title to become null and void noring community progress, the
The Philippine archipelago is every bit and abandoned their mines across the being home to Marcopper for thirty to serve the interests of a foreign miner. church’s people: bishops, nuns and
the tropics; a land of rainforests, rugged Philippines. In an attempt to revitalize years, in the aftermath of the disaster, The Canadian mining company TVI priests, are frequently directly involved
mountain ranges, and extensive coral the mining industry, the Philippine Min- the company fled from its responsibili- Resources Development (TVIRD) with hot button social issues.
reefs, but even so, Sibuyan Island stands ing Act of 1995 was written and passed. ties and returned to Canada, paying only sought to convert Mt. Canatuan into a In July of this year, the hinterlands of
out in terms of raw biodiversity. Touted by the government as a mar- a fraction of the damage costs, and leav- mine. The Subanen refused, as this Nueva Vizcaya bore witness to a mass
Flora and fauna that exist nowhere vel of modern legislation, the Mining ing behind a river choked with toxic sedi- would desecrate their holy mountain. In action of concerned citizens. A thousand
else in the world call Sibuyan home. Act liberalized the country’s mining in- ments. To this day, the health of the response TVIRD recruited Subanen tribes locals barricaded their town road against
Hardwood trees that have since vanished dustry, working around protectionist people of Marinduque is compromised people from other areas, and manipu- the entry of the heavy equipment of
from the rest of the Philippine islands clauses in the Philippine constitution and by what is left in the river. lated them to craft a false writ of consent Oxiana Philippines Inc. (actually an Aus-
make up its towering forests. The wa- allowed (among other things) for 100% But in these times, mining has made a re- for the mining operation. tralian company) set to begin explor-
ters of the island are so clean that its foreign ownership of mining firms and surgence. The primary author of the Mining In the battle over authenticity, and in atory mining work in a nearby area. For
people can drink from the lines that irri- 100% repatriation of profits. The Philip- Act became President of the Republic and in the face of all the facts, the government several months, the barricade was kept
gate their rice fields. On October 3rd 2007, pine Chamber of Mines calls the act su- 2004, President Arroyo’s policy on mining decided against Timuay Anoy despite his up, as the issue was taken to the courts
Sibuyan Island was the site of a murder. perior to similar mining laws in the shifted from “tolerance” to “aggressive pro- possession of land rights to Canatuan, and the area’s local government units
Local councilor Armin Marin, who USA, Canada and Australia in terms of motion.” In line with this, 23 priority mining and the President’s own recognition of declared their support both for and
was protesting the entry of several min- the standards it sets for safety and envi- sites were identified, places where the his status as tribal chieftain. against mining.
ing firms into Sibuyan’s pristine land- ronmental protection. country’s untapped mineral wealth—be- TVIRD, with the permission of the Phil- In September, blood was nearly
scape was shot dead by the head of secu- A year after the passage of the Mining lieved to number in the billions of dollars— ippine government, then ejected Timuay spilled, as the tense standoff exploded
rity of one of the firms. The councilor Act in 1995, the single worst mining di- could be exploited for the country’s economic Anoy from his home in the area and have into a melee between villagers manning
was unarmed, while the security man saster in the country’s history occurred. gain. One of these places was Siocon. since ringed their mine site with steel the barricade and Oxiana’s security
should not have been armed—a prevail- A tailings’ dam of Marcopper Mining Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte could be fences and armed guards. The remaining people. Local tribal leaders threatened
ing gun ban made his possession of a Ltd. on Marinduque Island burst; spill- called the shame of the mining industry of Subanen have been brutalized by TVIRD’s to wage open war against the company
firearm illegal. Eyewitnesses described ing several million tons of toxic waste the Philippines. The homeland of the in- guards and have had their homes demol- which they saw as encroaching on their
the incident as a verbal tussle that ended into the island’s prime river system; digenous Subanen tribe since time imme- ished and belongings destroyed in order land without permission.
with gunshots, and the councilor fell to obliterating its capability to sustain life. morial, the tribes people live in the foot- to force them out of the area. Mt. Canatuan The area’s bishop, Most Rev. Ramon
the ground bearing bullet wounds in his To be fair, the Mining Act could not hills of their holy mountain, Canatuan. has been deforested, and is on its way to Villena, raised the alarm in the nation’s
head, while his killer fled the scene. have done anything about the situation. Like many tribes across the nation, the being leveled entirely. Timuay Anoy has capital of Manila, while Sister Eden Orlino,
The saga of mining in the Philippines An investigation of the accident re- Subanen fight to be legally recognized. traveled the world to appeal his case, and SPC, kept heads cool at the barricade. The
is one of shattered lives, of lost people, vealed that Marcopper had been practic- Under Philippine law they can apply for while even the UN has heard him, the media attention and ensuing public out-
lost towns, lost islands. It is a tale of ing unsafe dumping practically since and receive an “ancestral domain title”, President of the Philippines has turned a cry forced the authorities to temporarily
choices colliding, of what a government their arrival in the Philippines in the which is official, lawful recognition of deaf ear to his plight suspend Oxiana’s exploratory work.
wants and what people and communi- 1960s. But the massive public outcry, and their claim to the lands they have inhab- Instead, President Arroyo has called While the government’s promises of
ties want and how these two things may the global spotlight on the “Marcopper ited for centuries. TVIRD’s mine the flagship operation of a rich and bountiful future thanks to
be at complete odds. Disaster” forced the Mining Act into Subanen tribal leader Jose Anoy, the Philippine mining industry. mining are everywhere, so too is grow-
Mining has been a part of Philippine limbo and the country’s mineral indus- whose title is Timuay, chieftain, saw his “Development aggression” is the term ing evidence of perfidy and corruption.
life for centuries. Hundreds of years ago, try shrank to almost nothing. people’s long struggle for land come to coined for development done against the In the lull after the events at the barri-
Chinese traders sailed from the main- Soon afterwards, a series of academic an end when President Gloria common will and to no benefit of the cade, the ATM sent an investigative team
land to trade their goods for the gold of studies explored the great failure of min- Macapagal-Arroyo handed him an an- people it affects. In the face of this ag- into Nueva Vizcaya. The team discov-
the first Filipinos. The artisanal tech- ing. The areas of the Philippines which cestral domain title to the lands around gression, the Philippines has birthed ered a map that had been manipulated
niques which extracted this gold are still had hosted mining for the longest were Mt. Canatuan. The handover was docu- some of the fiercest anti-mining cam- to make it seem as though Oxiana’s tar-
paigners in the entire South East Asian geted mine area was far away from the
region. Far from a marginalized minor- nearest town, instead of nearly on top of
ity, the anti-mining campaign has drawn it and would clearly compromise the
support across the board, though its town’s water supply.

CBCPMonitor Name _________________________________________________

(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
strength lies in the actions of communi-
ties with a direct stake in mining.
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (Alliance to
Stop Mining/ATM) network was formed
Though business observers frequently
state that mining would receive a
warmer welcome if it spread the wealth
more evenly, anti-mining campaigners
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address ________________________________________ to counter the government’s all out pro- argue that mining is inappropriate for
motion of mining. With a base of former the Philippines due to issues of ecology
________________________________________________________ and current mining communities— and geography, not to mention policy.
The CBCP Monitor is published counting groups from both Marinduque “Scrap the Mining Act of 1995” is one
Phone No.: _________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ and Siocon—the ATM clearly states that of the main campaign thrusts of the ATM.
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Of-
Mode of Payment its opposition is to the government’s Meanwhile, the government has ex-
fice, with editorial and business of- wooing of mining in the hopes of reap- panded the initial 23 priority mining sites
fices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment ing profits rather than development. to a total of 32, with no slowdown seen.
Intramuros, Manila. PO Box 3601, (Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) The nationwide network counts among In the same week as Councilor Armin
1076 MCPO its numbers members of the academe, Marin was shot dead, Maoist rebels attacked
• Domestic ________________________ indigenous peoples, various govern- a mine site in the southern Philippines.
1 Year Php 500.00 ment officials from all levels and, per- Mining in the Philippines is a set of
2 Years Php 900.00 Signature haps most importantly, the religious. In choices. To the parties concerned, the
the majority Catholic nation, the choices are easy: they have to do with
• Foreign: Asia PLEASE SEND TO: Church, manifested in the Catholic poverty, land, wealth, health, the past,
1 Year US$ 55.00 CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601 , Manila, Philippines Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines the present and the future. And no one
• All Other US$ 80.00 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 (CBCP) is a major force, perhaps the pre- concerned believes they have made a
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com eminent social force in the country. wrong choice.
 CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 11 No. 22
October 29 - November 11, 2007

Moral Assessment Technical Assessment CINEMA Rating

Guide
Abhorrent Poor
Disturbing Below average VA - For viewers of all ages
V13 - For viewers age 13 and
Acceptable Average below with parental guidance
Wholesome Above average V14 - For viewers 14 and above
Exemplary Excellent V18 - For mature viewers 18 and above
NP - Not for public viewing

ferences soon surface and side, the movie shows that

Title: Knocked Up
Running Time: 132 min create friction and complex- despite our flaws, weak-
Cast: Robin Seth Rogan, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, ity throughout the preg- nesses, and struggles, there
Leslie Mann nancy. remains in every person the
Director: Judd Apatow The movie is funny and capacity to love uncondi-
Producers: Judd Apatow, Shauna Robertson, Clayton entertaining technically tionally, forgive when we
Townsend with its bittersweet realism. are wronged, reconcile
Screenwriter: Judd Apatow The performances are like- when there is division and,
Music: Joe Henry, Loudon Wainwright III able and the director por- ultimately, to rejoice in the
Editors: Craig Alpert, Brent White
trays their shortcoming, gift of life. It demonstrates
Genre: Comedy
Cinematography: Eric Alan Edwards fear, and insecurities truth- the downside of being too
Distributor: UIP- Solar fully, not maliciously. Al- liberated in having inti-
Location: LA. California though well told and devel- mate relations and the
Technical Assessment: oped, the movie could have struggles and difficulty of
Moral Assessment: tightened up a little bit trying to create a relation-
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above more especially in the ship because of a pregnancy.
middle part. The perfor- It also presents the com-
ON the day she got pro- is about how far it will go. mances are well delivered plexities of married life and
moted as an on-cam host of Eight weeks later though, and characters are convinc- how at the end of the day,
E! Television Network, 24- Alison realizes she is preg- ingly truthful. However, couples who are truly in
year old Alison Scott nant after several morning presentations of some love and are determined to
(Katherine Heigl) spends the sickness episodes and a se- scenes supposedly for com- make the marriage work
night in bar with her sister ries of pregnancy tests. She edy are done in poor taste. will always find a way to
Debbie (Leslie Mann) to cel- decides to contact Ben The movie has its moments, stay together despite per-
ebrate. She accidentally whose phone number she but not enough of them to sonality differences and bi-
meets Ben Stone (Seth didn’t even bother to get. make it great. ases. However, the film
Rogan), a 23 year old slacker Ben’s initial response of The movie illustrates comic scenes are a bit vul-
and bum who is also in the shock and anger mixed with how parenthood, now mat- gar and offensive. Repeated
same bar with his equally Alison’s frustration creates ter how well it works out in references to drugs, pre-
jobless friends. They Chat, tension, resulting in Ben the end, is a frightening marital sex, nudity, pornog-
get drunk and enjoy the agreeing to take Alison to process, and childrearing if raphy, abortion, living-in
night dancing and eventu- the OB-GYN to confirm the guaranteed to challenge the although done for humor
ally end up for a one night pregnancy. Once confirmed, most stable of couples, may offend sensibilities of
stand. Come morning, they they decide to live together much less a duo who’ve the Filipino culture and
discover how different their and try to make a relation- only recently become ac- give bad role models for the
lives are and decide that this ship happen. But their dif- quainted. On the positive young.

JEAN-BAPTISTE Genouille (Ben Title: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Whishaw), born at a wet market while Running Time: 145 min
his fishwife mother is chopping off Cast: Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman
fish heads, is “adopted” by a slave Director: Tom Tykwer
Producer: Bernd Eichinger
trader when his mother abandons him
Screenwriters: Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger, Tom Tykwer
bloody and naked among the fish en- Music: Beinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer
trails. As a young, hardworking lad, Editor: Alexander Berner
he is sold to a literal slave-driver for Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Adaption
seven francs. While he is loyal, obe- Cinematography: Frank Griebe
dient and works like a beast of bur- Distributor: Dreamworks SKG
den for his master, he has a unique Location: France
quality – an inhuman sense of smell Technical Assessment: ½
that he regards more as an obsession Moral Assessment:
than a gift. Still unable to talk at the CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above
age of five, Genouille, however,
knows the distinct smell of anything creepiest sights known the man: A a wig and bad make-up to live up to
and everything in creation: leaf, frog, corpse floating down the river, fat his role.
rock, wet rock, dry rock, etc. Deliver- maggots on rotting flesh, a dead cat As its title says, Perfume is a “story
ing tannery goods in Paris, he is fished out of a perfumer’s distilling of a murderer”, and serial killers,
caught up by the scents of women, tub, and others. Close ups of nature whatever drives them to be such, are
until he discovers a perfumery shop. are voluptuous, and scenes at the fish bound to disturb the viewer one way
This eventually leads him to the labo- market pulsate with life. Ben or another. Obsessions rob the ob-
ratory of an ageing perfume market, Whishaw as Genouille is magnificient sessed of the faculty to discern right
Guiseppe Baldini (Dustin Hoffman) – while his character may not win you from wrong, and the story of
whom he impresses with his gift and sympathy he is nonetheless able to Genouille proves that. What the
eventually buys him at a price his get you into his world and see it viewer might regard more deeply is
master could not resist. Genouille through his eyes (if not smell it the psychic make-up of the murderer.
learns the art of perfume-making from through his nose). Perfect, too, is the Among the questions it might inspire
Baldini, but what he most wants is to choice of actors to perform in you are: Does Genouille’s being an
distill the essence of human odor. En- Genouille’s role from childhood to unwanted child has something to do
slaved by his obsession, he becomes a adulthood; these actors seem to come with what he has become as an adult?
gruesome murderer who must kill 13 from the same mold so that you get Is the effect of his perfume on people
young virgins. the impression it’s only Whishaw good or bad? The ending seems to be
The cinematography of Perfume – playing the role from boyhood on- his revenge on mankind – coming
like perfume that masks even the hu- ward. Hoffman is convincing as the from a demented mind, of course, but
man body’s most detestable odors – jaded perfumer Baldini, apparently so splendid a revenge you’d be re-
renders beautiful even the ugliest and casting his pride aside and putting on lieved it’s but fiction you’re viewing.

CHRISTMAS time brings the darkness. The film is dotted with on the other hand, we also witness elders encouraged him to forge on. In
Stantons together in their crowded anachronism as Will Stanton steps the thoughtful sister and the car- spite of a setback when he experienced
but warm, family home. As Will back and forth through time, from ing mother of Will. While the film the price of disobedience, he contin-
Stanton (Alexander Ludwig) cel- the past to the present to discover makes liberal use of Biblical sym- ued his search. The redemption theme
ebrates his fourteenth birthday, he where the different signs could be bols, it also blends in Celtic myths with Will as the messiah-figure is evi-
encounters strangers who call them- found. Another anachronistic ele- and Arthurian legend. dent in the story like a light that “shines
selves the Old Ones. The eldest ment is Hollywood’s use of the In a society where corruption in the darkness and the darkness did
among them, Merriman Lyon (Ian Google provider in an internet re- and scandal seem to be a daily fare, not overcome it.” Fidelity to one’s
McShane) reveals Will’s identity as search by Will, an attempt to mod- we can never have enough of films mission leads one to discover himself
the youngest of the guardians of ernize Susan Cooper’s book where that will provide heroes and in- and his inner resources and in the pro-
light and on him the future of the the film is based. But then, lest we spiration for the young. One learns cess recovers someone lost in the past.
human race rests. Will’s mission is forget, we are dealing with fantasy from Will Stanton’s example that However, no one does it alone. Great
to search for the six great signs of where historical accuracy must step “Even the smallest light shines in achievements are realized through the
power. Only then will he be able to back to allow imagination to weave darkness.” While initially feeling efforts and sacrifices of others, the Old
complete the circle of the Old Ones its history. There’s also an ambiva- inadequate to the mission en- Ones protected Will and his loving
and circumvent the forces of dark- lent treatment of women on one trusted to him of saving the world family nurtured him. The Seeker is one
ness who were defeated in the past hand, we see the Dark Rider’s asso- (when he didn’t even know how film that will entertain and commu-
but not completely destroyed. He ciates as seducer and witch, while to speak to a girl), the faith of the nicate positive values to the family.
also learns that he has a twin brother,
Tom, who disappeared mysteri-
ously when they were still infants.
Midwinter marks the ascendancy of
darkness that wants to extinguish
the light. The Dark Rider (Christo-
pher Eccleston) uses all ploys to pre-
vent Will from possessing the signs.
By stepping in and through time,
Will discovers the signs to be iron,
bronze, stone, wood, fire, and wa-
ter. Merriman assures Will of safe
refuge in the Hall of the Elders as no
one could enter there unless he is
allowed to do so. At the height of a
snowstorm, heedless of the elder’s
warning, Will opens the door when
Title: The Seeker: The Dark is Rising
Running Time: 99 min he hears pleading voices outside.
Cast: Alexander Ludwig, Christopher Eccleston, Frances Conroy, Will learns too late the disastrous
Ian McShane, Drew Tyler Bell, James Cosmo, Wendy consequences of his disobedience.
Crewson, John Benjamin Hickey, Gregory Smith, Jim Piddock, How will the circle of the Old Ones
Amelia Warner, Emma Lockhart be completed? Will darkness rise
Director: David L. Cunningham and reign after all?
Producers: Marc E. Patt, Ron Schmidt
Screenwriter: John Hodge Thanks to digital, lightning, and
Music: Christophe Beck visual effects, some frames are ex-
Editors: Geoffrey Rowland, Eric A. Sears quisite compositions – creating the
Genre: Fantasy atmosphere, building suspense, and
Cinematography: Joel Ransom expressing the theme and message ANSWER TO THE LAST ISSUE:
Distributor: Warner Bros. QUOTES IN QUIZ Booklets
of the film. Some shots are in chiar- OUR SOULS MAY LOSE THEIR PEACE AND EVEN DISTURB OTHER PEOPLE’S, available at BOOKSALE
Location: Romania stores in SM, Robinsons and
Technical Assessment: ½ oscuro, seemingly conveying that IF WE ARE ALWAYS CRITICIZING TRIVIAL ACTIONS - WHICH OFTEN ARE
NOT REAL DEFECTS AT ALL, BUT WE CONSTRUE THEM WRONGLY THROUGH selected malls in Manila. For
Moral Assessment: ½ we need darkness to appreciate the OUR IGNORANCE OF THEIR MOTIVES. SAINT THERESA OF AVILA mail order text 09192803036.
CINEMA Rating: For viewers of all ages light but we need the light to dispel