Monitor

CBCP

JANUARY 7 - 20, 2019 VOL. 23 NO. 01 CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

UGNAYAN A3: NEWS A6: LOCAL NEWS B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS

The Newspaper Abuse expert hopes summit Priests urged: Be a newscaster, Message of Pope Francis for the
Supplement of will include bishops’ accountability writer of ‘God’s News’ 52nd World Day of Peace
Couples for Christ

Beware of ‘antiChrists’,
archbishop tells Catholics
By Roy Lagarde
Priest decries
A ranking Catholic leader
has warned of today’s ‘greed for
antiChrists who calls God
stupid and tells people “it power’ with
is useless to go to Church
and attend mass.”
upcoming polls
In his New Year message, “AS the elections approach,
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of people are being killed
Lingayen-Dagupan cautioned the because of man’s greed for
faithful against those who speak ill power,” said Fr. Joel Mozura
of God and the Church. in a recent Mass held at
“Do not listen to him who tells the Mary Mother of Hope
you it is useless to go to Church chapel, Trinoma, Quezon
and attend Mass. Whoever teaches City.
you that is antiChrist and there are In their quest to stay in
many of them, including those who power, some politicians
look at it is a joke,” he said. resort to killing their rivals,
The archbishop did not name said the priest, who noted
President Rodrigo Duterte but that some of “the victims of
clearly referred to the latter’s assassinations were innocent
attacks against the Church. ones.”
In an open letter to his godson According to Mozura,
named Seth, he said he feared the some leaders seek to install
child and other kids “might catch themselves and perpetuate
the wrong values”. themselves in power at the
“Nothing is easy these days when expense of “innocent lives.”
it comes to rearing children like
you,” said Villegas. Massacre of baby boys
“You are subjected to so much He pointed out that
vulgarity and violence that I fear… Scriptures mentions how
can ruin your future as a good Herod murdered innocents
Filipino and as a good child of God,” in his attempt to keep the
he lamented. throne.
Duterte is well known for Mozura recounted how
his outrageous statements and Herod exploited his authority,
unfiltered attacks at his critics, ordering the massacre of all
including the Church, of his deadly baby boys aged two years
drugs crackdown. and below, because of his
These include the “God is stupid” fear of the rumored birth of
and “kill bishops” remarks. In the the Messiah.
A sea of devotees surrounds the image of the Black Nazarene as it winds through Hidalgo Street in Manila’s Quiapo district during Power / A7
past, he also criticized Pope Francis this year’s “Traslacion” on Wednesday evening, Jan. 9. From the Quirino Grandstand, the image reached Quiapo Church at around
AntiChrists / A7 2am the following day or after 21 hours, concluding the traditionally biggest religious procession in the country. ROY LAGARDE

True devotee loves God and

others, says Cardinal Tagle
Pope prays for new year marked by
tenderness, brotherhood, peace
A New Year is a chance Basilica. he said. “He is the blessing
for a new start, a time to The Catholic Church also for every person and the
remember that all people marks Jan. 1 at World Peace whole human family. He is
are brothers and sisters Day, an observance the pope the source of grace, mercy
and a time to nurture spoke about when, after and peace.”
amazement that God Mass, he recited the Angelus Pope Francis chose as the
became human to save all with tens of thousands theme for this year’s World
people, Pope Francis said. of people gathered in St. Peace Day: “Good politics
The Jan. 1 feast of Mary, Peter’s Square. So many is at the service of peace.”
Mother of God, also is a people were in the sunny “We must not think
time to remember how square that Pope Francis politics is reserved to those
strong maternal love and remarked, “It seems like who govern,” the pope said.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle gives his homily at the midnight Mass for care are, and how they a canonization,” which “We are all responsible for
the feast of the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, are the secret to making usually is when the square the life of the community, Pope Francis holds his crosier as
Jan. 9, 2019. NICEFORO BALBEDINA he celebrates Mass marking the
life more livable, the pope is full. of the common good, and
feast of Mary, Mother of God, in
said during his homily at a Mary shows to the world politics is good to the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican
CARDINAL Luis Antonio does not share the same
feast day Mass in St. Peter’s her son, the prince of peace, Tenderness / A3 Jan. 1. PAUL HARING/CNS
Tagle of Manila has warned reasoning. You are devoted
against fanaticism and because you love him or her.
appealed for real devotion
that open one’s heart to God
That’s what Jesus showed
us.”
Faithful urged: Be bearers of ‘faith news’, not fake news
and other people. To love, according to him, IN a homily on the first in the Gospel of today’s
Speaking during the is among the characteristics day of the new year, the reading. “Like the shepherds
midnight Mass for the feast of the true devotion to God. Solemnity of Mary, Mother in the Gospel, let us all be
of the Black Nazarene at The two other qualities of God, Puerto Princesa carrier of good news, not
Manila’s Qurino Grandstand of a devotee, he added, are Bishop Socrates Mesiona gossip. Faith news and not
on Jan 9, he said that piety is faithfulness and oneness reminded faithful to be false news,” he stressed.
embracing God and others with God and other people. bearers of good news and “These days, there’s so
with true love. “An overflowing love shows not fake news. much negativity in this
“A real devotee loves. The loyalty and service to others,” During the Mass held world, we need more good
essence of devotion is love,” said Tagle. “And oneness with at the Puerto Princesa news to uplift the spirit of
Tagle said in his homily. God and those you love is not Cathedral, the prelate our brothers and sisters,”
On the other hand, the an imitation but union.” p rop ose d thre e p ossible he added.
cardinal said that fanatics Cardinal Tagle also came new year’s resolutions. The Vicar Apostolic also
“only hold to something that to the defense of the devotees One of these is to “try to urged the Mass attendees to
gives value to them”. against accusations of be bearers of good news” be more prayerful and kinder
“A fanatic, once he does “fanaticism”. starting 2019. as new year’s resolutions
Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona suggests three new year’s
not get what he wants, will “It seems that every year Mesiona told the faithful this 2019. (Katya A. resolutions for the faithful, including one on being a bearer of “faith
stop,” he said. “But a devotee Devotee / A7 to emulate the shepherds Santos / CBCPNews) news.” PHOTO COURTESY OF KATYA SANTOS
A2 WORLD NEWS January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Knights of Columbus: Anti-Catholic

Top officials of Vatican press office resign
Saying they thought Pope Francis should be
bigotry is nothing new
“completely free to assemble a new team” for Vatican NEW HAVEN, Conn.— held that Catholics were unfit
communications “at this time of transition,” the Catholics can be good US for public office,” he added.
director of the Vatican press office announced he and citizens and honest public The Knights of Columbus
the vice director had resigned. Pope Francis accepted servants, the head of the has always adhered to
the resignations of Greg Burke and Paloma Garcia Knights of Columbus wrote Catholic teaching, Anderson
Ovejero, the press office announced Dec. 31. The pope Thursday in a message to said, adding that “our
appointed Alessandro Gisotti, coordinator of social members of the Catholic primary motivation” is
media at the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, to charitable organization. Christ’s commandment “that
serve as interim director of the press office. Neither of “There have been times we love God completely and
the outgoing journalists issued a formal statement, but in our country’s past when our neighbor as ourselves.”
Burke, 59, a former U.S. television news correspondent, uninformed or prejudiced It is this commandment
tweeted the comment about it being the right time people questions whether of love that compels the
for the pope to assemble a new team. Paolo Ruffini, Catholics could be good Knights’ charitable work, he
appointed prefect in July, said in a statement that citizens or honest public noted.
resigning was “their autonomous and free choice.” servants,” Supreme Knight “This love also motivates
(Cindy Wooden/CNS) Carl Anderson wrote in the us to stand with the Church
letter. on the important issues of Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. ALAN HOLDREN/CNA
Christian faith is concrete, pope says at Mass “Sadly, it seems that in life and marriage, precisely
The saints were Christians who were “crazy for some quarters, this prejudice because the Church’s teaching regardless of the popularity abortion constituted “the
concreteness,” knowing that faith is not an idea, but remains.” reflects and is based on that of doing so,” Anderson killing of the innocent on
a relationship with Jesus, which leads to actions that Anderson’s Jan. 3 letter love. We stand with our exhorted. a massive scale” and asked
demonstrate love, Pope Francis said. Celebrating w as occasione d by tw o Church because we believe “Let us also remember Buescher if he agreed with
morning Mass Jan. 7 in the chapel of the Domus senators objecting last month that what our faith teaches that, from our founding, we Anderson.
Sanctae Marthae, the pope said the celebration of to a federal judicial nominee’s is consistent with reason, is have embodied the truth Senator Cory Booker (D-
Christmas is the celebration of a faith that is concrete. membership in the Knights. timeless and transcends the that a good Catholic is a good NJ) noted the nominee’s
The first reading at Mass was a passage from the First Senators Mazie Hirono changing sentiments of any citizen who shows civility and previously outspoken
Letter of John, which says Christians are commanded (D-HI) and Kamala Harris particular time or place.” dignity even in the face of opposition to abortion
to believe in the name of Jesus and love one another, (D-CA) asked whether his The Supreme Knight also prejudice.” and asked, “why should a
with “concrete love, not a fantasy love,” the pope said. membership in the Knights noted that in his letter to the Buescher was nominated litigant in your courtroom
“Concreteness. This is the challenge,” he said. “Not ideas of Columbus would prevent Knights’ 2013 convention, to serve on the U.S. District expect to get a fair hearing
and beautiful words.” (Cindy Wooden/CNS) Brian C. Buescher from Pope Francis had asked Court Nov. 3. The Senate from an impartial judge in
hearing cases “fairly and that the organization “bear Judiciary Committee held a case involving abortion
Vatican court convicts Italian of money laundering impartially.” Buescher is witness to the authentic a hearing on Buescher’s rights?”
The Vatican City State court sentenced an Italian an Omaha-based lawyer nature of marriage and the nomination Nov. 28, sending Buescher ran in the
contractor, who had done work for several Vatican nominated to sit on the US family, the sanctity and him written questions Dec. 5. Republican primary for
offices, to 2 1/2 years in jail for using a Vatican bank District Court for the District inviolable dignity of human Hirono had asked Nebraska attorney general in
account for money laundering. The conviction and of Nebraska. life, and the beauty and truth Buescher if he would end 2014. During that campaign
sentencing of Angelo Proietti, 63, was handed down The Supreme Knight noted of human sexuality.” his membership with the he described himself as
Dec. 17 and announced by the Vatican press office Dec. that Buescher’s “fitness Anderson pointed out the no Knights of Columbus if “avidly pro-life” and said
27; his lawyer told the Wall Street Journal he would for the federal bench” was religious test clause of Article confirmed, so as “to avoid opposition to abortion was
appeal. The Vatican court also ordered the confiscation questioned by Hirono and VI of the US Constitution, any appearance of bias,” part of his “moral fabric.”
of the more than 1 million euros ($1.14 million) Proietti Harris “precisely because and the free exercise clause saying the organization “has In his responses to the
had in his account at the Institute for the Works of our Order holds firm to the of the Constitution’s First taken a number of extreme questions from the Senate
Religion, the formal name of the Vatican bank. The Church’s teachings on the Amendment, saying, “any positions.” Judiciary Committee,
conviction is the first concluded under Vatican City sanctity of life and marriage.” suggestion that the Order’s And Harris described Buescher said if confirmed
State laws enacted by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI in Anderson said, “Such adherence to the beliefs of the Knights as “an all- as a federal judge, he
2010 to prevent money laundering and the financing of attacks on the basis of our the Catholic Church makes male society”, and asked if would follow established
terrorism through accounts at the Vatican bank. (Cindy Catholic faith are hardly new. a Brother Knight unfit Buescher was aware that rules regarding conflicts
Wooden/CNS) The Knights of Columbus was for public office blatantly the Knights of Columbus of interest, and that he
formed amid a period of anti- violates those constitutional “opposed a woman’s right would not seek to advance
Vietnam, Vatican agree to upgrade diplomatic Catholic bigotry.” guarantees.” to choose” and were against personal opinions, but would
relations in near future From the founding of the “Let us continue to express “marriage equality” when he make rulings in accord with
Delegations from the Vatican and from Vietnam Knights of Columbus until our love of God and neighbor joined. t h e j u d i c i al p re c e d e nt s
reported continued progress in their discussions, including the presidential election of by helping those in need and Harris raised a statement established by the US
agreeing on “upgrading” relations with a permanent John F. Kennedy, “many still by standing with our Church, from Anderson saying Supreme Court. (CNA)
papal representative “in the near future,” a Vatican press
statement said. “They shared the belief that this step will
help relations between the two sides grow and develop
Argentine archbishop temporarily closes monastery after monks arrested
further,” said the statement, released Dec. 20. The two
official delegations met in Hanoi Dec. 19 for the seventh
meeting of the Vietnam-Holy See joint working group,
which is trying to pave the way for full diplomatic relations
between the Vatican and the communist government. The
last working group meeting was at the Vatican in 2016.
(Carol Glatz/CNS)

Pope Francis: Prayer is about God’s love, not

wordiness
When praying, remember the words of Jesus when he
taught the ‘Our Father,’ Pope Francis said Wednesday,
meeting God as his beloved child and speaking from the
heart. Some think that to pray is to use many words. “I
too think of many Christians who believe that praying is
to talk to God like a parrot, no! Praying is done from the
heart, from inside,” the pope said Jan. 2. “He does not need
anything, our God: in prayer he asks only that we keep open
a channel of communication with him to always discover
ourselves [to be] his beloved children and [that] he loves
us so much.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) BUENOS Aires, Argentina— Archbishop abuse of authority between 2009 and As for the administration and
Marcelo Daniel Colombo of Mendoza, 2015. They allegedly abused a man who management of the monastery,
Pope to diplomats: Remember transcendent Argentina has temporarily closed the tried to enter the monastery. Archbishop Colombo said that it will
dimension of human persons Christ at Prayer Monastery in the Both priests maintain their innocence. be the direct responsibility of the
Upholding the dignity of the human person, and the town of Tupungato, after two of the They will remain in custody while the Archdiocese of Mendoza in the person
rule of law, are essential for good politics, Pope Francis community’s founding monks were facts of the case are being determined. of Fr. Aldo Vallone, who will serve as
said Monday to the diplomatic corps accredited to the arrested on sexual abuse charges. In his statement, Archbishop Colombo Diocesan Moderator of the Christ at
Holy See. Such politics promote the common good “Without pre-judging the guilt of said that the monastery was left with only Prayer Monastery.
and establish and maintain peace between nations, he these priests, which is being evaluated four brothers and authorities. As a result, he “Sharing the pain that these events
said, by considering “the transcendent dimension of by the canonical and state criminal is closing the monastery until further notice. cause us, I ask you to accompany us
the human person, created in the image and likeness justice system, it becomes necessary “The youngest brothers, who very with your prayers,” the archbishop
of God.” The pope made his annual address to the for us, right now, to consider the way recently entered will return to their said. “I know of many people who love
diplomatic corps Jan. 7 in the Vatican’s Sala Regia. to continue this experience of religious family homes and will continue to the Monastery…I ask them to try to
“Respect for the dignity of each human being is thus the life in this context,” the archbishop said be spiritually accompanied in their understand the unprecedented situation
indispensable premise for all truly peaceful coexistence,” in a statement. vocational search,” the archbishop said. this poses and the indispensable
he said, “and law becomes the essential instrument for On December 27, a police delegation The two older members, “one prudential action which is expected of
achieving social justice and nurturing fraternal bonds entered the monastery and arrested Fr. professed and the other a novice, the Church in cases like these.”
between peoples.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) Diego Roque and Fr. Oscar Portillo, two already a priest, will from now on live Colombo asked for prayers for all
priests from Buenos Aires who have led in a parish community to be designated those who have suffered abuse. He
Vatican: Investigation underway of bishop accused the monastery since 1996. and will be able to continue discerning and called on Our Lady of the Rosary
of abuse, misconduct The priests are accused of sexual their vocational call in a climate of to accompany the community. (ACI
A bishop from Argentina who had been working in abuse, including abuse of a minor, and spiritual recollection.” Prensa)
the Vatican’s real estate administration office is the
object of a preliminary diocesan investigation after Mass grave of Christians killed by Islamic State found in Libya
accusations came to light of sexual abuse, abuse of power
and mismanagement in his former Diocese of Oran. The MISRATA, Libya— A mass Islamic State members. The appeared to show the Islamic their bodies was found last
interim director of the Vatican press office, Alessandro grave of 34 Ethiopian grave appears to be located State members shooting and October.
Gisotti, told reporters in a note Jan. 4 that accusations Christians executed by the on a farm near the coastal city beheading the Ethiopian Islamic State and other
of sexual abuse against Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, 54, so-called Islamic State group of Sirte, 170 miles southeast Christians, who were all wearing terrorist organizations are
emerged in the “autumn” of 2018. “On the basis of in 2015 has reportedly been of Misrata. orange jumpsuits, on a beach. still active in Libya and retain
these accusations and from news appearing recently unearthed in Libya. Islamic State gained The Christians were in Libya to control of parts of the country.
in the media,” Bishop Luis Antonio Scozzina of Oran The bodies have been control of Sirte in 2015, seek work as migrant workers, A suicide bomber attack on
“has already begun to collect some testimony which exhumed and will be but United Nations-backed according to International the Libyan foreign ministry
still needs to get to the Congregation for Bishops” at the eventually repatriated to forces regained control of the Christian Concern. in the capital Tripoli, for
Vatican, Gisotti wrote. The case will be handed over to Ethiopia, the Libyan interior city in December 2016 after The 2015 incident which Islamic State claimed
a special commission for bishops if credible evidence is ministry says. months of deadly fighting. happened just months after responsibility, killed at least
found, he added. “During the preliminary investigation, Libyan government According to the Libyan Islamic State members three people and injured 21
(Bishop) Zanchetta will abstain from working” at the authorities found the mass Express newspaper, a executed a group of nearly on Christmas Day. A senior
Vatican office, Gisotti wrote. (Carol Glatz/CNS) grave Dec. 23 after obtaining propaganda video posted to two dozen Coptic Christians; Libyan diplomat was among
information from arrested social media in April 2015 a mass grave containing those killed. (CNA)
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 NEWS FEATURES A3

Abuse expert hopes summit will This 'pilgrim grandmother'

include bishops’ accountability walked 570 miles to pray
VATICAN—A member of the
committee organizing Pope Francis’
everyone in the church, everywhere
in the world, realize “the urgency
for families
February summit on the sexual of making the protection of minors MEXICO— Emma
abuse crisis said the meeting should and bringing justice to the victims Morosini has been
include discussing ways to hold a priority.” called the “pilgrim
bishops accountable for handling Vatican Media also spoke to Jesuit grandmother.” Earlier
cases correctly. Father Federico Lombardi, former this year, at the age
Addressing members of the papal spokesman, who published of 94, she earned
Roman Curia before Christmas, an article in mid-December saying that nickname by
Pope Francis said the meeting that church leaders who continue concluding a 570-mile
Feb. 21-24 of the presidents of to believe clerical sexual abuse is a walking pilgrimage in
the world’s bishops’ conferences, problem only in some countries or honor of Our Lady of
the heads of the Eastern Catholic Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a professor of cultures must open their eyes and
psychology and president of the Center for Guadalupe.
churches and leaders of religious Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian take action, otherwise “the church Her 40-day
orders will reaffirm the church’s University in Rome, is pictured in a 2015 will continue to find itself facing one pilgrimage took
“firm resolve to pursue unstintingly photo. Father Zollner has been on the crisis after another.” M o r o s i n i f r o m The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. EDUARDO BERDEJO/CNA
a path of purification.” frontlines of advocating for survivors of People have great expectations for
clerical sexual abuse and developing Monterrey, in
In addition, he said, with the detailed programs to prevent abuse. He the February meeting he said, but northeastern Mexico, to Mexico At various points on her way
help of experts, the meeting said the crisis unfolding again in the they also should take time to look at City, where she prayed at the she was accompanied by medical
will examine “how best to United States is a summons to a new all the church has been doing to face
way of envisioning the church and taking Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and civil defense personnel or
protect children, to avoid these responsibility for it. PAUL HARING/CNS up to the crisis and protect children. before the tilma of Saint Juan Diego. by Mexico’s Federal Police. She
tragedies, to bring healing and “This isn’t something that began Morosini, a native of Italy who was often housed by municipal
restoration to the victims, and or covering up any case of abuse today or yesterday, but decades for more than 25 years has made authorities along her route.
to improve the training imparted will require “a clarification of ago,” he said. pilgrimages to shrines around the During a 2015 pilgrimage in
in seminaries.” procedures, which aren’t so clear, Bishops’ conferences in many world, arrived the afternoon of May 12 Argentina, when she was 91,
Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, especially when we are talking about countries “have undertaken at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Morosini told reporters that she
a me mb e r o f t h e c o mmi t t e e the co-responsibility of a bishop or important initiatives, have in Mexico City, to pray for families, was praying for “peace in the world,
organizing the February meeting, a provincial or head of an Eastern tried to understand what really young people, and “world peace.” for young people, for all these
told Vatican News Dec. 27 that in church with respect to what others happened, how to help the victims The “pilgrim grandmother” has families that are divided. Many are
addition to the goals outlined by the bishops, provincials and superiors and how to establish a culture of visited shrines in Portugal, Spain, separated, some live together but
pope, “we want to see how we also are doing.” prevention,” Father Lombardi Poland, Israel, Brazil and Argentina. aren’t spouses, or they don’t have
can put on the table the question And, second, he said, there said. And, beginning with Pope During this pilgrimage, Morosini children. It’s very sad.”
of bishops’ responsibility, so there must be a change of attitude. “The Benedict XVI, the universal church began walking each day at 6:30 am, The “pilgrim grandmother” was
would be greater clarity about who rules, the laws as such, will not has strengthened its norms and carrying a small suitcase and an applauded by fellow pilgrims when
must do something and who checks change hearts. We see this not procedures for dealing with cases. umbrella, and wearing a reflective she arrived at the the Basilica of Our
if the things the Holy Father and only in Europe, but throughout “We must understand that the vest as a safety precaution. Lady of Guadalupe. Before entering
the church—the dicasteries—have the world. So, we must see how problem is very serious, very For food, Morosini carried milk, the church, she woman knelt down,
ordered be done are, in effect, we can reinforce throughout the important for society and for the juice, bread, and water, receiving kissed the ground, made the sign of
done.” church this attitude of openness church,” he said, and that “there is along the way some donations of the cross and prayed silently for a
Father Zollner, president of and attention to the protection of a real renewal needed in the church, fruits and vegetables. few moments. (ACI Prensa)
the Center for Child Protection minors because that is the attitude there is a long road to travel, but, at
at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian
University, said the pope’s
Jesus teaches us.”
Father Zollner said he hoped
the same time, we are not starting
from zero.” (Cindy Wooden/ The pilot bishop of the South Pacific
commitment to not undervaluing the February meeting would help CNS)

Hong Kong bishop dies at age 73

HONG KONG— Bishop with its own political and
Michael Yeung Ming- economic system. The
cheung of Hong Kong territory was a British
died in hospital Thursday colony from 1842 until
at the age of 73, after 1997.
suffering liver failure due There are some 581,000
to cirrhosis. Catholics in Hong Kong,
He had been admitted or about eight percent of
to Canossa (Caritas) the population.
Hospital Dec. 27, and died Bishop Yeung
the afternoon of Jan. 3. previously told CNA in an
A board of eight senior interview that the Catholic Bishop Luciano Capelli, Bishop of Gizo, aboard his airplane.
members of Hong Kong’s Church “mustn’t compete
Church administration with the communist party GIZO, Solomon Islands— Known hospitals, schools and communities,
met Jan. 4 to discuss the for power and authority in as the “flying bishop” of Solomon bringing medicine and basic
Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung of Hong Kong, who died Jan.
diocese’ future leadership, 3, 2019. GCATHOLIC.ORG this world. The Lord Jesus Islands, Bishop Luciano Capelli necessities.
and decided to hold off on never told the disciples to visits Catholics across dozens of Capelli said that isolation is a
choosing an acting bishop He then earned a requires the fostering compete with the Roman islands by piloting a small airplane major challenge for people in his
as interim leader of the master’s degree in of genuine ecology and empire...the Church has, he also uses to deliver food and diocese, adding that this is resolved
diocese until after Yeung’s communications from unceasing efforts to bring however, her role to play. medicine. “with a presence.”
funeral, the South China Syracuse University in about integral human She is called to have a Capelli, an Italian, was a Salesian “Presence is possible only if there is
Morning News reports. 1982, and later a master’s development,” and good attitude to dialogue, missionary in the Philippines for 35 a means to take you.” Thanks to the
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph degree in education from said that “the Chinese and at the same time she years before coming to the Diocese of airplane, he can visit each mission
Ha Chi-shing of Hong Harvard University in government has generally is called to tell the truth, Gizo in October 2007. He arrived six location between three to five times
Kong reportedly told the 1990. encouraged the religious and to speak out against months after an earthquake destroyed a year, whereas without it he would
media that the diocese Since August 2003 he sector to participate more social injustice, when the homes, schools, and churches across have to use a dangerous and more
was particularly saddened had served as the head of in social and charitable latter happens.” the Solomon Islands, a nation of costly boat, he told Askanews.
by Bishop Yeung’s death, Caritas Hong Kong, and services.” Yeung’s death comes at nearly 1,000 islands in Oceania. Capelli has been particularly busy
because his condition was vicar general from The Caritas Institute a time of rapprochement “My first task was to encourage the since October 2018, when he decided
had been described as 2009. of Higher Education, of between the Vatican and people to rebuild the cathedral, the to send one of his dioceses’ two
stable only a few hours He was appointed which Yeung was chair, the Chinese government. seven parishes and the 12 schools,” priests to Italy for advanced studies.
before his death, though auxiliary bishop of Hong held a Requiem Mass for Last month, two bishops he explained in an interview with Speaking to Missio Italia, the
he had evidently been Kong in 2014, and coadjutor the bishop’s soul Jan. 4. of the Vatican-approved the Missioni Don Bosco portal. prelate said that “it’s a sacrifice,
facing health problems for bishop in 2016. He The school is seeking to be underground Catholic The Diocese of Gizo is comprised of and to no little account, depriving
several years. succeeded Cardinal John recognized as a university Church in China some 40 islands with a total population us of 50 percent of the clergy! But
The bishop’s funeral Tong Hon Aug. 1, 2017. and change its name to “St. agreed to step aside in of 136,347 inhabitants, 11 percent of I trust that the Lord will make new
Mass will be said Jan. 11. From the very Francis University,” the favor of bishops of the which are Catholics, i.e. about 15,000. vocations flourish and there will be
Bishop Yeung was born first homily after his organization announced communist-supported With financial support from the new ones to come for a an effective
Dec. 1, 1945 in Shanghai, installation, Bishop in 2014. Chinese Patriotic Catholic Italian Bishops’ Conference, Capelli and courageous evangelization.”
and ordained a priest of Yeung talked about As a special Association, in the wake was able to take flying lessons and “We have been working a lot these
the Hong Kong diocese serving the poor, the administrative region, of a September 2018 the diocese received an ultralight years with young people and the
in 1978 after studying sick, and t he ne e d y, Hong Kong has a large deal signed between the small airplane. new generations to train catechists
at a pontifical Roman because, in his words, degree of autonomy Holy See and the Chinese In the plane, which he himself and leaders in the communities. I’m
university. “the well-being of society from mainland China, government. (CNA) has piloted since 2011, he visits not afraid!” (ACI Prensa)

Tenderness / A1

degree that everyone does his or It will make money, but not for everything and everyone with the “amazement” they should us despite our mistakes, our
her part in the service of peace.” everyone. We will all dwell in the bitterness and malice!” have experienced at Christmas, sins and the way we treat our
After greeting hundreds of same house, but not as brothers In fact, he said, “showing oneself amazement that God was born world,” he said. “God believes in
people who participated in a and sisters.” to be ‘malicious’ even seems at a baby, “held in the arms of a mankind, because its first and
march for peace, carrying signs Pope Francis prayed that Mary times to be a sign of strength. Yet woman who feeds her creator.” preeminent member is his own
with the names of countries would help all people learn to look it is nothing more than weakness. “God has become one with mother.”
suffering because of violence, at the world and each other as We need to learn from mothers humanity forever. God and man, The church, which is called to
Pope Francis prayed: “Through she does, providing for people’s that heroism is shown in self- always together, that is the good be a mother, the pope said, also
the intercession of the virgin needs, loving them and leading giving, strength in compassion, news of this new year,” he said. must be renewed and filled with
Mary, may the Lord grant us to be them to Jesus. wisdom in meekness.” “God is no distant lord, dwelling amazement at the fact that it is
artisans of peace—and this begins “In today’s fragmented world, For Catholics, he said, Mary “is in splendid isolation above the “the dwelling place of the living
at home, in the family—every day where we risk losing our bearings, not an optional accessory: she heavens, but love incarnate, born God” and “a mother who gives
of the new year.” a mother’s embrace is essential,” has to be welcomed into our life” like us of a mother, in order to birth to her children.”
Earlier, in his homily at the he said. “How much dispersion because Jesus entrusted her to his become a brother to each of us.” Without that awareness, the
Mass, Pope Francis paid homage and solitude there is all around disciples and his disciples to her Jesus himself “pours out upon church risks turning into “a
not only to Mary, but also to all us! The world is completely as their mother. humanity a new tenderness,” the beautiful museum of the past,”
mothers and all those who show connected, yet seems increasingly “She is the queen of peace, who pope said, which helps people he said.
tender care for others, including disjointed. We need to entrust triumphs over evil and leads us “understand more fully God’s Pope Francis ended his New
in political and economic life. ourselves to our Mother.” along paths of goodness, who love, which is both paternal and Year’s homily praying that Mary
“A world that looks to the Too many people, he said, restores unity to her children, maternal, like that of a mother would “take us by the hand.
future without a mother’s gaze forget they are beloved children who teaches us compassion,” who never stops believing in her Clinging to you, we will pass
is shortsighted,” he said. “It may and instead “live in anger and Pope Francis said. children and never abandons safely through the straits of
well increase its profits, but it will indifference to everything! He urged people to begin them.” history.” (Cindy Wooden /
no longer see others as children. How many, sad to say, react to the new year holding on to “God-with-us, Emmanuel, loves Catholic News Service)
A4 opinion
January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Good politics: A way to peace

EVERY year, for 52 years now, the Holy Father gives a
reflection on peace on New Year’s Day as his message for
the celebration of the World Day for Peace. This year the
message of Pope Francis is entitled: GOOD POLITICS IS AT
THE SERVICE OF PEACE.
This is a good reminder for many Christians who think that
the Church should keep off from politics. Jesus has come to
save the world, and this includes the world of politics. All
people of good will agree that politics too need truth, justice,
peace and love. Politics is at the service of common good. This
shows that politics is to be guided by moral norms. Politics
can veer away from the right path either through ignorance,
weakness of the character of leaders, or sheer ill will. Hence it
too should be saved from abuses, weaknesses and ignorance.
It too needs the light of Good News. For this reason no less
than the Pope himself speaks of politics and gives it guidance.
Pope Francis wrote: “Politics is an essential means of
building human community and institutions, but when

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a
whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalization
and even destruction.” When properly exercised, politics is a
way of loving, which is the core of the message of Christ, and
it can bring well-being to the citizens. But when abused, it can
create a lot of harm. So the Holy Father continues: “Political
office and political responsibility constantly challenge those
called to the service of their country to make every effort to
protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a
worthy and just future. If exercised with basic respect for the
Launching the
life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed
Living Mission
become an outstanding form of charity.”
When Pope Francis speaks about the virtues that politics Year of the Youth Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM
should have, he quoted from the “Beatitudes of the Politician”
that was proposed by Vietnamese Cardinal François-Xavier
Nguyễn Vãn Thuận, who died in 2002. It is to be recalled
that this Vietnamese Cardinal had been a prisoner of the THE Philippine Church is able to draw upon many once said to the disciples who his 2017 letter Pope Francis
Vietcong for 13 years, yet he bore no grudge against his captors now on the seventh year of insights of Pope Francis asked him: ‘Teacher, … where recalled some events of the
and was even a good influence in the concentration camps its nine-year journey towards and the Synod as it seeks to do you live?’ He replied, 2016 World Youth Day held
where he was imprisoned. When assigned to Rome after his 2021, the 500th anniversary engage the youth and connect ‘Come and see’ (Jn 1:38).” in Krakow, Poland. He
release, he became the head of the Pontifical Commission for of the arrival of Christianity them with the Church. Pope Francis continues: noted: “At the opening of
Justice and Peace, so he did a lot of reflection with the whole in the Philippines. Thus, Pope Francis determined “Jesus looks at you and the last World Youth Day, I
church on the politics that can bring about peace. Here is his 2019 is dedicated to the the theme for the 2018 Synod invites you to go with him. asked you several times: ‘Can
reflection: Youth; 2020 to Ecumenism of Bishops: “Young People, Dear young people, have you we change things?’ And you
“Blessed be the politician with a lofty sense and deep and Interreligious Dialogue; the Faith and Vocational noticed this look towards shouted: ‘Yes’!”
understanding of his role. and 2021 to missio ad gentes Discernment.” In 2017 he you? Have you heard this Francis notes: “A better
Blessed be the politician who personally exemplifies [mission to the nations]. This wrote a letter to the youth voice? Have you felt this world can be built as a result
credibility. nine-year “novena” seeks the of the world, telling them: urge to undertake this of your efforts, your desire to
Blessed be the politician who works for the common good comprehensive renewal of “I wanted you to be the journey? Francis invites change, and your generosity.
and not his or her own interest. our local Philippine Church. center of attention, because young people to “undertake Do not be afraid to listen to
Blessed be the politician who remains consistent. This program of a you are in my heart.” This a journey of discernment to the Spirit.” Thus, taking a
Blessed be the politician who works for unity. spiritual journey to 2021 same perspective motivates discover God’s plan in your cue from Pope Francis, the
Blessed be the politician who works to accomplish radical was promulgated by the the Philippine Church as it life. Even when the journey Philippine Church, during
change. Philippine bishops (CBCP) in celebrates its “Year of the is uncertain and you fall, God, this Year of the Youth,
Blessed be the politician who is capable of listening. 2012. It is pure coincidence Youth.” rich in mercy, will extend eagerly seeks to engage and
Blessed be the politician who is without fear.” that the Philippine “Youth” Come and See. In his hand to pick you up.” accompany the youth in their
How we wish that our politicians would have these virtues Year begins shortly after extending his invitation for Here in the Philippines we idealism and enthusiasm
so that they can be blessed and our people would be happy. the conclusion of the 2018 the youth to become involved clearly perceive the heartfelt to renew both Church and
Finally, Pope Francis reminds us that “peace is based on World Synod of Bishops on in renewing both the Church invitation of Pope Francis to society. We earnestly pray
respect for each person, whatever his or her background, on the Youth. Yet, it is truly a and society, Pope Francis the youth to make this same that the many pastoral efforts
respect for the law and the common good, on respect for the felicitous occurrence! The notes: “I would also remind “faith journey.” of our local Church will prove
environment entrusted to our care and for the richness of the Philippine Church will be you of the words that Jesus Change and Renewal. In genuinely successful!
moral tradition inherited from past generations.” So when
good politics is at the service of peace it respects and promotes
Detox and detach
fundamental human rights. May the year 2019, which for our
country is an election year, bring us politicians who really And That’s The Truth
serve with the common good in mind, and thus bring about
Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
much needed peace to our people.
`(Guest editorial by Bishop Broderick Pabillo)

Explore, adapt, innovate

WONDER what people normally crave of reunions and homecomings and yearn to take a break from the Christmas
WHILE we may have our own particular niche in life that after Christmas—after the last gift is parties—office party, barangay party, break—irony of ironies! Super-active
is fit to our personal condition and circumstances, we have opened, the last fruitcake is consumed, parish party, senior citizen party, consecrated persons tell me they do
to realize that we are not meant to be imprisoned there, but and the last party guest leaves you in homeowners’ association party, ad crave solitude, long for a real break
should rather have an attitude of openness to the flowing peace? Merriment can be tiring—let’s infinitum. And even when you feel devoid of creature comforts and away,
developments of the times. face it—especially in this country where stupid telling your kids (or their kids) to far faraway, from their communities or
That is why we have to feel the necessity to continually explore people greet you Merry Christmas as be good because Santa Clause is coming parishes. Not to escape, no, but to detox
the things, adapt ourselves to the changing circumstances and early as September, and then it’s eat- to town, you grin and bear it because it’s and detach, to recharge, to reconnect
make the necessary innovations along the way. Of course, we drink-shop-shop-shop and be merry better to be stupid and kind than to be with the divine in them—so they may
should remember that there are things that should be held as until after the last firecracker dies and sensible and cruel. become stronger servant leaders when
permanent, absolute, unchanging. These are the essential things the Christmas tree is laid to rest. Every honest person I know admits they return. And why not? It’s but
that define their nature as designed by God the Creator. In our culture where Christmas Christmas can be wearying—especially human to desire solitude, as English
To guide us in this, we of course can use our sciences and and consumerism are fast becoming for priests who hardly sleep during the poet William Wordsworth says: “When
technologies, but we should give priority to what the Church inseparable BFFs, it’s considered anti- Simbang Gabi stretch and yet, out of from our better selves we have too long
teaches, since the Church has been entrusted by Christ himself social not to ho-ho-ho with the flow. politeness, can’t say No to parties galore. been parted by the hurrying world,
to define what is truly proper to our human nature. Because You’re labeled a Scrooge or a Grinch, (“Oh, but my blood pressure….?” “Don’t and droop. Sick of its business, of its
of this, the Church is dubbed as the ‘expert in humanity.’ But and that’s like a life sentence. Whether worry, Father, me gamut naman eh!”) pleasures tired, how gracious, how
other than these permanent things, there are also many other we enjoy it or not, we have to teach So, after this season of playing along benign is solitude.”
things that can and should change as we cruise through life. ourselves to embrace the endless round with this silly and wonderful world, they And That’s the Truth / A6
These things are earth-and-time bound. They are expected
to vary according to time and place, and other factors, like
culture, age, gender, etc. Let’s beam with hope Candidly Speaking
It cannot be denied that each generation, for example, has its
peculiar characteristics. We have to be as sensitive as possible Fr. Roy Cimagala
to these distinctions. We should not stick to our own usual ways
of understanding and doing things. It’s in these latter things
Editorial / A6
LET’S try our best to be men goal. We should not allow our journey towards our hope. How many people have

Monitor
and women of hope, of real, ourselves to be swallowed up definitive home in been confused and lost in
CBCP great and abiding hope, by them. heaven. that way?
which means that we have a To be hopeful and mindful So it’s wrong to say that That is why we need to
clear vision of our ultimate of our ultimate end should just because we are meant spend time meditating on
goal in life and are confident not diminish the seriousness for heaven, we should not be the word of God and on the
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE that with God’s grace and our we have to put into our daily very serious in our business life of Christ so we don’t get
effort we can reach it. Let’s duties and responsibilities. or politics or in whatever distracted from what is truly
Pedro Quitorio beam with hope and not just We should not say that just field of human endeavor. If our path to follow and so
Editor-in-Chief keep it inside, if only to give because we are meant for our temporal duty is about that our faith and hope grow
our present troubled world heaven, for a supernatural making money, for example, stronger everyday. When
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas some real glow. destination, we can take it for the glory of God, then we there is true hope, we can
Associate Editor Design Artist We should try to avoid easy in our temporal affairs. should not shy away from manage to be at peace and in
being tied down by the here Let’s remember what Christ making as much money as joy no matter what situation
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite and now, though what we wanted us to learn from his possible. we may find ourselves in.
News Editor Circulation Manager
have in the here and now is parable of talents. (cfr. Mt Let us strengthen this hope We would just be game with
Marcelita Dominguez always important and crucial 25,14-30) We are meant to everyday, trusting always everything.
Christine Paguirigan
Managing Editor Comptroller in our journey of hope in life. be fruitful and productive in the assured promises of Meditating on God’s word
Yes, we have to be immersed out of the many blessings Christ especially when we and on Christ’s life will surely
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP - in the things of this world, and endowments God has are sharply tested in life. We teach us what to do to equip
Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, but clearly knowing that given us. How we fare in cannot deny that the drama ourselves properly for our
CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. these things are only means, our earthly life somehow in our life can be such that, real pursuit in life. We have
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Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. materials, occasions and determines whether we are if not handled properly, can to develop the virtues, we
instruments to reach our truly progressing or not in undermine our faith and Candidly Speaking / A6
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01
opinion
A5

This thing called being new

Whisper from the Desert
By the Roadside Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD

“Do not be scared to begin But is it right for anyone until now if even we in the things new.
again. Life is a series of
beginnings, in-betweens and
to unceremoniously dismiss
the prospect of newness as
Church have allowed the
truth of these words to sink
On the other hand,
Scripture reminds us what
Duterte’s War Against
endings. No one reaches
the last leg without making
simply an ingredient of a
mindless ritual?
in, especially in a way that
this becomes palpable in the
happens when the Author
of newness is allowed into
the Church
the first. By then, the last I say Nein, No. For us who way we carry ourselves, our our life programs. Isaiah
“KILL your bishops, they are useless fools. All they do is
becomes the first leg again.” strive to follow the Master visions, our missions, our declares: “Even youths grow
criticize.” This is what President Duterte told his audience in
— Yago the Owl who was born in a manger, every effort at evangelization. tired and weary, and young
a speech in Malacañang on Dec. 5, 2018. He also said that 90
we should rather get in touch The consequences of not men stumble and fall. But
percent of priests are gay, and the Church should therefore
EACH year it is the same with the why behind the doing so are too blatantly those who hope in the Lord
not moralize. Earlier on, he falsely accused Bishop Pablo
greeting: “Happy New pursuit of newness. And it clear to ignore and they will renew their strength.
David of stealing from the Church’s offerings and suspected
Year!” But wait. Is life not soon will dawn on us that it abound around us: They will soar on wings like
him of being an addict. He threatened that if he catches him
an invisible circle, time’s has its roots in our link to him individual, communal, eagles; they will run and
involved in drugs, he will behead the bishop. In another
inescapably spiraling web or through our baptism. We have political, economic, social, not grow weary, they will
speech, Duterte told Catholics to stop going to church and
a veritably repetitious cycle become incorporated into his cultural programs of change walk and not be faint” (Is
to instead, build their own chapels at home. Statements like
that brings us where we first Body; in effect, newness must that are stuck in the gridlock 40:30-31). Pope Francis in
these are unprecedented which no previous president in
took off? Take, for instance, become essential to our very of individual-collective- his message for January 1,
the Philippines or elsewhere in the world have ever done.
the ritual we oblige ourselves system of living life. Paul the institutional selfishness, 2019 on the occasion of the
These are statements that one does not expect from any sane
to go through of celebrating Apostle to the Gentiles says to pride and arrogance that Solemnity of Mary the Mother
government leader, not even in non-Christian countries, how
a year’s ending and another us point-blank, as he did, to do not and cannot arrest of God and the World Day of
much more in a great Catholic nation. No amount of spinning
year’s beginning. Every new the Corinthians: “Therefore, crime, corruption, wars, Peace points to Mary as our
can justify this statement as just a joke. After inspiring the
year sends most everyone if anyone is in Christ, the new widespread famine, model of someone who, in
police and death squads to commit extrajudicial killings,
into misty visions: nostalgia creation has come: The old terrorism, displacement and receiving and giving Jesus,
Duterte is inciting people to murder bishops. This deserves
of the year(s) past, fraught has gone, the new is here” (2 forced migrations of peoples, has also become a source of
condemnation and should be added to the complaint against
with a sense of fulfilment Cor 5:17). The old creation in ecological catastrophes in blessing that engineers real
him in the International Criminal Court.
over some achievements us is the old self too that we forms unheard of before, trade change for us and the whole
It appears that Duterte has stepped up his war on the
of sorts, or with a measure must constantly send packing wars, new forms of racism world. Real change has come
Catholic Church in the Philippines which he regards as the
of guilt or regret over goals into our yesterdays because and bigotry in the name of upon mankind through God’s
enemy. He already started doing this before being elected
only half- or partly realized we refuse to be immersed national security. We could action in and through her
when he called Pope Francis “son of a whore” for the traffic
and resolutions that simply endlessly in slavery to sin and go on. The bottom-line for the Son and hers after her Son.
caused during the papal visit in 2015. As president, he
tapered off even before the the dark shadows of living believer is unmistakable: The “She blesses the path of every
continued his tirade against the Church, calling her the most
second “whereas”. Then we outside of God’s grace. Author of real change and man and every woman in this
hypocritical institution that is “full of shit.” He vowed to
find ourselves facing again a But that is not enough. We renewal is seldom, if ever, year that is beginning, and
destroy the Church by exposing the abuses of the clergy. At
new year to welcome with new must also allow the Master allowed or even considered which will be good precisely
one time, he falsely accused Bishop Teodoro Bacani of having
resolutions, some rehashed to disabuse us of our fanciful in the crafting, processing, in the measure in which
two wives. He declared that the Church will be irrelevant
out of old ones, or simply thinking that newness is managing and the directing each person welcomes the
within thirty years. In several speeches, he declared that he
extending our hands in mock primarily a business of of change. Like the proverbial goodness of God that Jesus
doesn’t believe in the God of the Catholics—whom he called
resignation because we are our making. The book of spiral and endless circle, came to bring into the world.”
a “stupid God” due to the Bible’s creation story which he
foreseeing similar outcomes Revelation has the Master those who advocate change Submitting ourselves to the
considers ridiculous. He has been distributing copies of the
in the days ahead. Still, reminding us: “‘See, I make find themselves facing the One who makes all things new
book “Altar of Secrets.” His attack on the Church appeared
others among us, however all things new!’ said the same evils or even unleashing does not really mean only a
to take a violent turn when three priests were killed one after
pessimistic and cynical the One sitting on the throne. alternative evils in their passive mode to God’s action
another, while one was wounded. Another priest was able
world around them has And he said to me, ‘Write efforts to actualize their in us. In Mary we realize it
to evade an assassination attempt. The president’s latest
become, see themselves and this down, for these words notions of change. They signifies a hearing of the Word
statement against Bishop David and other bishops indicate
the future with bravely bright are trustworthy and true” conveniently ignore, not to that is inseparable from a doing
that the leaders of the Church, especially those critical against
eyes. (Rev 21:5). I have wondered say forget, who makes all By the Roadside / A7
him are fair targets for assassination. Being a priest or bishop
will not keep one safe from the death squads.
Make Christ What has become obvious is that Duterte is waging a war

Duc in Altum against the Church. The question is why is he doing this?

our light in 2019 Atty. Aurora A. Santiago

Many people believe that his controversial statements are
simply a way of diverting the people’s attention from the
real issues raised against him: the failed war on drugs—in
spite of the extrajudicial killings that has reached more than
27,000 victims, the unchecked entry of tons of drugs into
the country and the suspicion of the involvement of his own
A Very Happy and Healthy New Year! Oregon, Washington, Vancouver and Australian beauty from Bicol, was family, worsening poverty, rising prices, rampant corruption,
I believe that a healthy person is happy Victoria Island in Canada. I renewed crowned Miss Universe 2018. This the sell-out to China, the collapse of the peace process with the
and is at peace with the Lord. The year acquaintance with friends and relatives. beauty and brain lady wowed everyone NDF, etc. His failure to address these problems has revealed
2018 may have brought us sorrows and 2018 also gifted us with 2 new doctors, with his winning answer to the question: his gross incompetence, greed, and brutality. Others would
frustrations, but let them be drowned my nephew Eric Imperial and niece Ria What is the most important lessons see his behavior and statements as signs of physical and
by the blessings we received. Let us be Imperial. you’ve learned in your life…? She mental illness worsened by drug abuse. He has admitted to
thankful and grateful to our Lord. 2018 gave three new priests to the answered: “I worked a lot in the slums using fentanyl—an opioid more addictive and powerful than
Pope Francis’ advice to the priests: Diocese of Kalookan—Fr. Rene Richard of Tondo, Manila and (the) life there heroin—and marijuana. Others would say he is just joking.
“We are good priests if we go to Jesus Bernardo (my godson—I put on his was very poor and very sad. I’ve always Others believe that his hatred for the Church stems from
Christ, if we seek the Lord in prayer: vestment during the Solemn Ceremony taught myself to look for the beauty in adverse childhood experiences: of allegedly being molested
the prayer of intercession, the prayer of Admission to the Sacred Order), Fr. it, to look for the beauty in the faces of by a priest and of being physically abused by his mother (who
of adoration. If instead we distance Jay Arvin De Leon and Fr. Phillippe the children, and to be grateful. I would was very pious and close to priests and nuns).
ourselves from Jesus Christ, we have to Angelo Garcia; and 2 new Deacons—Rev. bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to Duterte’s war on the Church may also be traced to a mixture
compensate for this with other worldly Paul Woo and Rev. Randy Leonardo. see situations with a silver lining, and of fear and anger vis-a-vis the Church which he believes has
attitudes. But the priest adores Jesus In 2018, St. Clare of Assisi in Longos, to assess where I could give something, the capacity to resist him and bring him down. This is based
Christ, the priest speaks with Jesus Malabon City (also covers North Bay where I could provide something as a on his awareness that the Catholic Church played a vital role
Christ, the priest seeks Jesus Christ and Boulevard South, Navotas City) became spokesperson. If I could teach (also) in bringing down the Marcos dictatorship and also the Estrada
allows himself to be sought by Jesus the 28th parish in Kalookan Diocese, people to be grateful, we could have an presidency. Since becoming president, the Church - through
Christ. This is the centre of our lives. If with Fr. Cesar Malasa, OFM as parish amazing world where negativity could the CBCP and various religious groups—has criticized the
we do not have this, we lose everything! priest. It was elevated from quasi parish not grow and foster, and children would culture of death, documented EJKs, provided assistance to
And then what shall we give to the to parish. have smile on their face.” families of victims, given sanctuary to witnesses, and assisted
people?” In 2018, Bishop Ambo created 13 *** in the filing of complaints at the International Criminal Court.
Last year, I visited my siblings in mission stations ministered by Diocesan January is the birth and death month The CBCP came out with several statements critical of the
the U.S. We had Pilgrimage to 5 of priests and deacons, religious priests, of our father Benito Santiago, Sr. and the extrajudicial killings and upholding the value of life. The latest
the 21 California Mission Churches nuns and brothers. Of the 13 mission wedding anniversary of Tatay and Inay, CBCP statement of concern in support of Bishop David could
established by St. Junifero Serra— stations, two were elevated to Quasi Gloria. Happy Birthday Tatay; Happy have led him to urge Catholics to kill their bishops. Instead of
San Diego de Alcala, San Luis Rey Parish—Nuestra Seňora Delos Remedios Wedding Anniversary Tatay and Inay! just venting his ire on Bishop David he has widened his target.
de Francia, San Juan Capistrano, in North Bay Boulevard North, Navotas We know you are happy with our Lord The threat of violence is meant to intimidate the leaders of the
San Gabriel Arcangel, San Fernando City under Fr. Larry Quitain, SDDH, and Jesus Christ. We love you, we miss you! Church, to instill fear in their hearts so that they will remain
Rey de Espaňa. The main goal of Holy Trinity in Tinajeros, Malabon City Please continue to guide us! We thank silent and will not be a threat to his authoritarian rule.
California Mission was to convert Native under Fr. Richard Omol. More parishes, the Lord for the gift of parents who How should the Church leaders and the vast majority of the
Americans into devoted Christians. quasi parishes and mission stations will struggled to give the best to each other faithful respond to these attacks against the Church?
Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David be created. and to their children. They gave us, their There is no need to be afraid. The Lord has promised
told me that these mission churches Let us welcome 2019 with hope 7 children, the best education in the best that no power on earth can destroy the Church. For the
are his inspirations in creating mission and prayer for unity among Filipinos, schools – lawyer, doctor, 2 engineers, 3 last two thousand years the Church has survived crises and
stations in his Diocese (Kalookan), political will and good governance by CPA’s. We will not attain success were persecutions, outliving kings and emperors who tried to
bring the Church to the peripheries our government officials, and have Jesus it not for our parents. Also, please allow destroy her.
of Society. My siblings and I also had Christ the light in our life. me to greet my sister Flordeliza and In no way should this be seen as a struggle between the
bonding moments during our road *** brother-in-law Roberto Imperial Happy Church and State. The Church should not be seen as an
trip to Las Vegas, Northern California, Ms. Catriona Gray, a Filipina- 29th Wedding Anniversary! institution defending its interest or asserting its power. It is
not a question of which one is more powerful. The Church

Faith and Culture On the trail of the Magi must be prepared to become a powerless, persecuted Church.
It is time for Catholics to make a choice: to remain members
of the Church or to obey the president (stop going to church,
Cristina Montes build your own chapel, kill your bishops) - in other words,
join the Iglesia ni Duterte. The time for appeasing Duterte
is over. Dialogue with someone who intends to destroy the
Church is futile.
“A cold coming we had of from far-off lands to adore sky and referring to their star aged man, and Caspar as a When it comes to cases of clerical abuse, the Church should
it, Just the worst time of the the Christ Child has fired up maps as a guide to what they young man. It has also been not be defensive or engage in cover up. Those who are guilty
year For a journey, and such my imagination since I was were seeing, the way I and my customary to depict one of of sexual abuse, financial anomalies, and corruption should
a long journey:” young, especially after I’ve fellow hobbyists do on dark them with Arabic features, be held accountable. The prosecution of these cases will not
watched that Gospel episode nights with clear skies. the second one as Greek, weaken the Church but rather purify and strengthen her. The
THUS begins T.S. Eliot’s depicted in Franco Zeferelli’s The Gospels do not say how and the third one as African. Church should continue her mission as prophet and humble
famous poem, “The Journey Jesus of Nazareth, with its many the Magi really were, Thus, the Magi have come to servant - speaking truth to power, promoting the Gospel
of the Magi”, which tells of rich Oriental details, the but tradition in the Western symbolize all generations and values of the sacredness of life, of justice and peace and of
the difficulties the Magi had background music evoking world has it that there were all peoples. compassion. The clergy should inspire the lay faithful to be
to endure in their famous exotic cultures, and then- three, since the Gospels As expected, the Magi actively involved in the defense of life and human rights, in
journey to Bethlehem. young James Earl Jones mention that three gifts were have, through time, also been the peaceful struggle against corruption and injustice, in
The story of the Magi playing Balthazar. As an given to the Christ Child. In associated with gift-giving— the work for the common good and the transformation of
has always been one of my amateur astronomer myself, medieval paintings, Melchior but not just the gifts they society. The leaders of the Church, especially the bishops
favorite Gospel passages. I have been fascinated by the has been depicted as an old left to the Christ Child. In and priests, should be prepared to act as compassionate and
The journey of wise men idea of the Magi scanning the man, Balthazar as a middle- Faith and Culture / A6 Whisper from the Desert / A6
A6 LOCAL NEWS January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 CBCP Monitor

Priests urged: Be a newscaster, writer of ‘God’s News’

“BE news writers and casters hosted by the Vicariate of being lived by our own faith,
in the world today.” St. Martin of Tours of the by our own life.”
THIS is what Cubao Bishop diocese’s eastern district. He also stressed the harm
and Malolos Apostolic Ongtioco said priests will be caused when priests lack
Administrator Honesto able to become “newscasters fidelity to their vocation. “…
F. Ongtioco encouraged and writers” only if they are If you are unfaithful to the
some 200 priests present rooted in God. “We can only Gospel and your vocation,
at the Clergy Christmas become good newswriters that will affect the faithful.
Thanksgiving Mass held at and newscasters for God if we We have to make them alive
St. Martin of Tours Parish witness, hear and experience in the faith!”
– Diocesan Shrine of Mahal God in our lives,” he said.
na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa in Trusting God
this town. ‘Fifth Gospel’ “Those who do not live
“People like watching the Challenging the priests, the in God’s ways is a liar. We
news [on] television because prelate said: “The way we live could be liars even as priests
they want to learn of what is our priesthood is how we are when we do not live our
happening. The same goes for able to write God’s News in commitments,” he added.
us. We priests are called to be the hearts of each person we The prelate noted, however,
like St. John. John was a very serve.” the importance of trusting Cubao Bishop and Malolos Apostolic Administrator Honesto Ongtioco celebrates a clergy Christmas
thanksgiving Mass at St. Martin of Tours Parish – Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa,
good writer and newscaster. Ongtioco stressed that God in God: “Yet what we could Bocaue, Bulacan, Dec. 27, 2018. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
As chosen by God we do not himself will give priests the always hold on to is to trust
only hear the Word being necessary grace to do so, God. Because despite our Pointing out priests’ role many troubles, violence, in our preaching and in our
given to us, we are called to saying: “May God assist us failures, our shortcomings, i n t h e w o rl d , O ng t i o c o challenges, fake news, God’s brotherhood.” (Kendrick
speak of it,” said the prelate at in writing the ‘fifth Gospel’, whenever we choose God, said, “The world needs word is here. We need to Ivan Panganiban /
the celebration, which was meaning the Word of God God fills us with love.” us. Because amidst the proclaim it with our lives, CBCPNews)

Wanted: 200k youth to save Marikina Watershed

AS part of the celebration of the
Year of the Youth, an ecological
reach his goal.
According to him, Novaliches
Faithful reminded: ‘Mary
advocate has been going around
dioceses on a mission to have at
least 200,000 young people sign
Bishop Antonio Tobias and his
clergy have already agreed to
support the project. “Imagine that’s
is sign we can all be holy’
up to save the Marikina Watershed. 71 parishes!” he exclaimed, adding HOW “attainable” is holiness? Cathedral Team Ministry, priests
“We need to go beyond the that the diocese will also send 400 If you’ve ever wondered look no from the Malolos Vicariate, and
tarpaulins and formations from youth to join the tree-planting in the further than Mary. the seminary fathers celebrated
one liturgical year to the next as we Marikina Watershed. This was the gist of the the Misa Mayor celebration at
prepare for the 500th anniversary message of Cubao Bishop and 6:00 a.m.
of Christianity in the country,” said 8k organic farmers Malolos Apostolic Administrator “May we live out what Mary
Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD in Filipino He underlined the need to care Honesto F. Ongtioco during a shows to us. She shows to us
during a homily on Dec. 9 at the for the Marikina Watershed that recent Marian feast day. how to be like her Son, Our
Sacred Heart Parish of Kamuning has been neglected over the years. “We must always remember Lord. May we do the same in
in this city. According to Beltran, Bishop that our celebration of the responding to the call of the
“We need concrete action in Honesto Ongtioco has also expressed Solemnity of the Immaculate Lord for each one of us to be
this Year of the Youth by branding support for the project. The Dioceses Conception shows to us how like him,” said Ongtioco, who
the youth stewards of the earth,” of Cubao and Malolos, which he Mary is the sign of our hope. elaborated on the 2018 fiesta
he stressed, referring to the tree- oversees as its Administrator, will Ecological advocate Fr. Benigno Beltran, She reveals to us how we should theme “MARIA: Buklod ng
planting the youth will spearhead. soon have Sunday markets in the SVD is calling on young Filipinos to help hope for salvation. She gives Pagtugon sa Tawag ng Diyos.”
parishes where people can buy heal the Marikina Watershed by joining a us inspiration to become holy Besides the aforementioned,
massive tree-planting as part of the Year
‘Go organic’ organic produce. He said Bishop of the Youth. FR. BELTRAN’S FB ACCOUNT
people,” said the prelate on Dec. the Immaculate Conception
Drawing insights from the Gospel Francis of Antipolo has also recently 8, 2018 during the Immaculate is also the titular patroness
that day about the faith of the agreed to his proposal. the CALABARZON area to provide Conception Parish – Cathedral & of four archdioceses namely:
paralyzed man’s friends and how “Countless women have already the produce for the organic markets Minor Basilica and Immaculate Capiz, Ozamiz, Cotabato
“finding extraordinary means” to died to breast cancer because of he is proposing. Because of this, Conception Major Seminary and Zamboanga; five
get to Jesus healed him, the priest the food they eat that is laden he stressed, the Department of communities’ celebration of the dioceses, namely: Urdaneta,
said he has been seeking the help of with chemicals, so we are doing Agriculture has now reached out Solemnity of the Immaculate Antipolo, Boac, Virac, and the
bishops and priests to “go organic.” something about it through these to him to seek his assistance in Conception. Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto
In this process, Beltran said, he is efforts,” he explained. organizing 8,000 organic farmers Malolos Vicar General Pablo Princesa. (Kendrick Ivan
also getting the bishops to volunteer He revealed that he has already in Region III. (Minnie Agdeppa Legaspi, Jr., together with the Panganiban / CBCPNews)
400 young people per diocese to organized the organic farmers in / CBCPNews)

Candidly Speaking / A4 Editorial / A4

have to learn to have recourse God is always in full control that we should try to monitor done again. There is nothing know the happenings there. view and monitoring of
to spiritual and supernatural of things, no matter how as closely as possible and new under the sun.” (1,9) We should have the proper developments around the
means, like praying, making we and the devil mess up make the necessary adaptation Just the same, we also attitude regarding this need, and world, one is only reinforcing
sacrifices, learning how to do things. Even in our worst and innovation. Thus, we know that things vary and start developing the proper skills. what he wants to see and
ascetical struggle, availing of predicament, he can always should also do some kind of change from time to time, We have to be guarded though know. He becomes more
the sacraments, etc. derive something good. As exploration so that we would producing what may appear from the strong possibility of subjective than objective. He
We have to learn how to long as we are at least open to know what are happening in as new things. It is in these getting entangled in distractions will surely miss the target.
be both serious and not too his will, even if we don’t fully the world as we go along. variations and changes that and even temptations that can With this problem at the get-go
serious, knowing that in this get it or understand it, there We are told that there is we should try our best to appear irresistible. of the task, the succeeding stages
life, no matter how much is always hope, because he is actually nothing new under cope, to adapt and to make It is reported that many of adaptation and innovation
we try, there will always be a Father to us who will always the sun, since God is in control some innovations as a people are hooked to the social would be gravely compromised.
surprises, disappointments, take care of us, especially in of everything and things are consequence. Nowadays, media because of “constant The only counter-measure for
setbacks, failures, etc. There are our weak and bad moments. determined by their nature. we are quite privileged since psychological boosts” they this is for one to be truly a man
things that are simply beyond Let’s just try our best that Even in our case, with our we can now avail of the new get from it, and these boosts of God. That’s when he can
our control. And so we have to with all the benefits of hope, we power to go against our technologies that are a big are not necessarily motivated become more objective, more
learn how to accept them with do God’s will as fully, faithfully nature, things are still in help in this task of exploration from the proper spirit of love. discerning, more able to say
a good sense of humor. and lovingly as possible. God’s control. As the book and monitoring. With Google They appear more animated no to distractions. Otherwise,
of Ecclesiastes would put it, and the social media, we by egoism, vanity, narcissism he would just be at the mercy
Whisper from the Desert / A5 “What has been will be again, can easily get in touch with and the like. So it can happen of his passions, biases and
courageous good shepherds, experience inner healing, what has been done will be people in far-away places and that instead of having a good preferences.
ready to offer their lives as that he will reconcile with
they prevent the slaughter the Church into which he And That’s the Truth / A4
of the flock, especially the was baptized, that he will There’s a place in Tuba, Benguet An author (whose name I forget) once black cross silhouetted against a blazing
poor. They must be ready become compassionate, that that perfectly fills that aching need for wrote that silence moves him to talk to red sunset sky and see Jesus rising from
to embrace martyrdom if he will fulfill his promises, solitude—a “house of prayer” that sits the trees and the sky and they answer it. The fleecy clouds in the fierce sunlight
necessary. that he will make amends on a one-hectare lot on a hilltop, at the by the “the trembling of the leaves and morph into menacing shapes in the purple
Meanwhile, instead of for whatever wrongs he has end of the only road that cuts through the movement of the clouds.” There, haze of evening, turning the sky into a
engaging in a word war, committed, that he will be a minuscule subdivision called “Carmel no one will stop you from talking to the battleground for good and evil. Indeed,
the Church should just ready to face judgment from Heights.” At 5,300 feet above sea level— shrubbery and getting answers from the the raw beauty of the place inspires
continue praying for Rodrigo either the International higher than Baguio City—the property flowers. As of last count, 23 different creativity and fills you with anticipation
Duterte—that he will repent Criminal Court or the Divine gives you a 360-degree view of the valleys flowering plants grow on the property—a for the unknown. Even at night in a raging
and undergo conversion Judge whom he called stupid. below and the hills beyond. On a clear day few cultivated, the rest deliciously wild— storm, when you’re alone there groping
after finally listening to And when the time comes, let you can see La Union Bay, but every day, like the land, which is pretty much left in for a candle in pitch darkness, you are
his conscience, that he will him rest in peace. Amen. rain or shine, for a couple of hours or so, the merciful hands of the Creator. fearless, knowing you are loved by the
fog envelops the hilltop and blinds you— When Creator and creation collaborate, Unknowable.
Faith and Culture / A5
like when you’re on a plane that’s gliding the outcome is wondrously fulfilling. So, what is the name of that place?
some countries, children reason to stop following the through the clouds—and that’s how nature In keeping with the spirit of austerity The Address? And how do you find it?
expect gifts from the Magi trail of the Magi. This line by there pulls you into nothingness. that is the foundation of a rich interior It’s odd that we have kept it nameless all
instead of from Santa Claus. T.S. Eliot which I quoted at Out there, silence and solitude engulfs life, nothing luxurious or superfluous is these years, only fondly referring to it as
When I was living in Spain, the beginning describes not you gently because the nearest neighbor kept in that retreat house. All pieces of our “house of prayer”. Nor does it have an
I witnessed children and only the sacrifices the Magi is about 250 meters down the road, and furniture are donations, and used until address to help the postman—or Google’s
even adults looking forward made for the journey, but the only man-made structures in that they disintegrate; beds are simple, and so map makers. But Google can help if you
to receiving their regalos de also that they came back from whole hectare are the house and the are the wooden pews with bare kneelers in search for “Carmel of the Most Holy
Reyes, and malls advertising the journey changed. Despite Way of the Cross that winds along the the chapel—and yet they let you experience Trinity Monastery Benguet”, home of our
shopping deals as such. Here the grave tone with which periphery and ends at the foot of the better sleep and deeper prayer. Books are Discalced Carmelite cloistered nuns, and
in the Philippines, due to the poem ends, there is also six-meter high cross that’s visible from donations, too, but handpicked to allow where we walk down to for daily Mass.
the influences of both Spain a sense that the change was the highway below. Because it was built you acquaintance with the Desert Fathers, Trace the road to its hilltop end and there
and the U.S., children, after for the better. by Secular Discalced Carmelites as a the Saints and Doctors of the Church, you’ll find our nameless house of prayer,
having expected gifts from Indeed, following the trail retreat house, it has carefully preserved and of course, the Big Three: Jesus, Mary glorious in its isolation. If that dot in the
Santa Claus during Christmas of the Magi who searched for its spirit of detachment through the and Joseph. Retreatants claim they are map whispers to you “Meet me, know me,
eve, also expect the Magi to Christ with sincere hearts decades by remaining untouched by amazed they can easily detox and detach love me…” just let us know by emailing
leave money in their shoes and earnest efforts, who were telephone lines, radio, television, and there, realizing they can actually live teresa.de.manila@gmail.com. Our door is
on the eve of the feast of the rewarded in their search, internet—something truly appreciated without eat-all-you-can buffets, Facebook open to all. A truth is hidden in Aristotle’s
Epiphany. and who gave Him precious by those seeking liberation from gadgets or Probinsiyano, after all. But how, pray words “Whoever is delighted in solitude is
By the time this article gifts can only change us for and alone-time with God. Thus, except tell, could you miss man-made pleasures either a wild beast or a god”—but we hope
sees print, the feast of the the better. For God rewards for bird calls at sunrise waking you when God-made beauty is opening the that in our house of prayer on Carmel
Epiphany would have just everyone who sincerely seeks up for Mass, the place is so silent that eyes you never thought you had? It is Heights, the riddle may lead you to your
been over. But this is no Him. you could almost hear the grass grow. sheer wonder to take in the beauty of a own mystery. And that’s the truth.
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

Mindanao churchmen warn against spreading terror rumors

SOUTH COTABATO— Church The prelate called on those who announced on Jan. 7 that the
leaders in the southern Philippines received unverified information plebiscite for the ratification of the
have warned against whipping to immediately report it to Bangsamoro Organic Law would
up fear by spreading unfounded authorities instead of posting it take place on Jan. 21 in areas under
rumors of an alleged terror plot on social media. the Autonomous Region in Muslim
ahead of this month’s plebiscite Father Eliseo Mercado Jr., an Mindanao, including the cities of
on the creation of an autonomous Oblate missionary priest who once Isabela in Basilan province and
Muslim region. acted as peace negotiator with Moro Cotabato.
Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of rebels, also appealed for sobriety Those residing in the province of
Cotabato appealed for calm on Jan. ahead of the plebiscite. Lanao del Norte except Iligan City
8 after rumors spread on social “Whether we are for or against and six North Cotabato towns will
media about armed men supposedly inclusion [in the Muslim region], vote on Feb. 6.
planning to attack the city. we must not forget that we are At least 2.8 million voters are
An air of uncertainty and fear still all united and stakeholders in expected to cast their votes in the
lingers in the city following a New the peace and development of plebiscite.
Year’s Eve bomb explosion outside Mindanao,” said the priest. The new autonomous region, if
a shopping center that killed two Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi accepted, will replace the current
people and wounded more than 30 of Cotabato assured that the Autonomous Region in Muslim
others. authorities were “doing their best Mindanao.
“Do not allow fear to reign over to protect the city.” A Bangsamoro parliament, whose
us. Let us be calm,” said Cardinal “Do not let fear overwhelm us members will be elected by the
Quevedo in an address broadcast because the law is on our side,” she region’s residents, will govern the
on a Catholic radio station to the said. new Muslim region. (Bong S.
region. The Commission on Elections Sarmiento/UCAN) Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Apostolic Administrator of Cotabato. FILE PHOTO

Diocese promotes 11 young saints for ‘Year of Youth’ AntiChrists / A1

in crude language. matter. Respect girls and

The president also mocked women always. You have
the concept of original sin. no excuse to abuse women
Most recently, ridiculed the specially the poor women,”
Christian doctrine of the Holy he added.
Trinity, calling it “silly”. While urging his grandson
His outbursts often got to avoid illegal drugs, the
him into trouble but he prelate urged him not to
has remained unfazed and believe those who offer killing
continued to attack the as a solution.
bishops and threaten his “People who kill and
critics. people who coax others to
Duterte, who claimed to kill are antiGod. They are
have been molested by a antiChrist. Christ came to
priest while a teenager, called give us new life, eternal life,”
on the Catholic hierarchy not Villegas also said.
use religion to criticize him. Duterte, who claimed to
Villegas told his grandson have been molested by a
to never disrespect the name priest while a teenager, called
of God and always treat on the Catholic hierarchy not
women with respect. use religion to criticize him.
“They who call God stupid Finally, Villegas asked his
is antiChrist,” he said. “Pray godson to respect the pope
for these people but do not and other church leaders and
imitate them. Respect them “be a loyal son of the Church.”
as elders but do not follow “We are not spotless like
As part of the celebration of the Year of the Youth, the Malolos Diocesan Commission on Liturgy (DCL) has been promoting eleven youth saints
as examples of Catholic virtue. DOEL PETER PAUL ALVAREZ
their bad example.” angels but in our weaknesses,
“Rape is not a joke. God still uses us for His
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan— Kicking of vocations among young people. stoned by a crowd while carrying the Immodesty is not laughing mission,” he said.
off during the Simbang Gabi or the St. Dominic Savio is the patron saint Blessed Sacrament, and was beaten to Devotee / A1
traditional novena in preparation for of choirboys. Savio was an Italian death.
Christmas Day, the Malolos Diocesan adolescent student of St. John Bosco. St. Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio, patron
Commission on Liturgy (DCL) has He was studying to be a priest when he saint of persecuted Christians, was a
been promoting eleven youth saints as fell ill and died at the age of 14. young Mexican Cristero who was put to
examples of Catholic virtue, especially in Bl. Pier Giorgo Frassati, patron saint death by government officials because
line with the Church in the Philippines’ of youth groups, was an Italian Roman he refused to renounce his faith during
celebration of the Year of the Youth. Catholic social activist and a member a time of anti-Catholic propaganda and
of the Third Order of Saint Dominic violence in a Catholic country.
Young yet holy who joined several youth groups such St. Aloysius Gonzaga, patron saint of
DCL Consultant and Northern District as Catholic Social Action and other the youth and AIDS patients, was an
Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Andres S. Valera Catholic charities that helped the poor. Italian aristocrat who joined the Jesuits,
explained that these saints were chosen, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, patron giving up his nobility and inheritance to
“because of the virtues they exemplified saint of missions, was a French Carmelite follow Christ’s path. Despite being sickly,
as young saints, which we want the nun known as “the Little Flower.” She he continued in his vocation to become a
youth in our diocese to imbibe.” comes from a family of saints with her priest and helped the poor and the sick. The Black Nazarene arrives at the doorstep of San Sebastian Church
According to the St. Augustine parish mother and father, Louis and Zelie The young St. John the Baptist is at around 10:45pm on Wednesday for the traditional “Dungaw”. It
priest and “Itanong mo kung Bakit?” Martin, canonized in 2015. Her sisters featured in light of his jumping for joy in commemorates the Blessed Mother’s encounter with the suffering Christ
Video Series host, the commission chose Marie, Pauline, Leonie, and Celine were the womb of his mother Elizabeth during on His way to Calvary. RON RAMOS/CBCPNEWS
eleven saints to promote starting on all nuns and are on the path to sainthood her meeting with the Blessed Virgin who
Dec. 15, 2018, which has become a usual as well. She promoted the “little way” or was pregnant with Jesus. it is questioned if that is But Colonel said what is
celebration of Simbang Gabi in some doing small things with great love as a right and important—being more important than the
barrio chapels in the parishes. The saints path to holiness. A Filipino tradition a devotee,” the cardinal said. number of crowd and the
were also specially highlighted during St. Maria Gorretti, patron saint of St. Stanislaus Kostka, patron saint “But only devotees will length of the procession
the nine succeeding days from Dec. 16 teenage girls, was an Italian virgin and of students, was a Polish Jesuit novice understand it. If you’re not is the meaning of the
to 23, and two for both the morning and martyr who refused to submit to a young who despite the refusal of his brother to a devotee you’re going to activity.
evening Masses on Dec. 24. man’s sexual advances and who forgave enter the congregation, became one of question it,” he added. “It was orderly, safe,
him for killing her. the most renowned pious Jesuit youth About 2 million devotees and meaningful as there
The saints are the following: who helped the needy during his time. joined this year’s “traslacion” were many testimonies and
• St. Dominic Savio From catechists to martyrs In St. Ildephonse of Toledo Parish which commemorates the discourses of the people’s
• Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati St. Pedro Calungsod, the patron saint in Guiguinto, Bulacan, they added on transfer of the image from experiences about Jesus
• St. Therese of the Child Jesus of Filipino Catholic youth, migrants Christmas, Dec. 25, 2018, St. Josephine its old home in Intramuros Christ the Nazarene,” he
• St. Maria Goretti and catechists, was a Visayan migrant, Bakhita, a Canossian nun who fought to Quiapo Church. said.
• St. Pedro Calungsod sacristan, missionary catechist, and aid against racism and slavery in Africa. After a 21-hour procession, No deaths were reported
• La Niña Maria to Jesuit Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores The Simbang Gabi tradition has been the image entered the church but the chaotic crowds led
• St. Tarcisius who was killed in Guam by Chamoros. a practice of the Catholic Church in the at around 2:21am on Jan. 10. to more than 700 people
• St. Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio La Niña Maria is the young Virgin Philippines since the Spanish period. “This year’s Traslacion suffering injuries ranging
• St. Aloysius Gonzaga Mary, under the care of Sts. Anne and Through an indult or special permission is almost an hour shorter,” from having difficulty in
• Young St. John the Baptist Joachim, her parents. from the Holy See, the Gloria could be said Quiapo Church Rector breathing to fainting
• St. Stanislaus Kostka St. Tarcisius, patron saint of altar sung in these novena Masses and the Msgr. Hernando “Ding” spells. (Roy Lagarde /
servers and first communicants, was white liturgical color is used over the Coronel. CBCPNews)
Not too young to be holy an early Christian Church martyr, who violet color of Advent. (Kendrick Ivan
This list of saints presents a variety according to Pope St. Damasus I, was B. Panganiban/CBCP News) Power / A1

By the Roadside / A5 “He ordered the slaughter use deception and violence,
of children, hoping that one abusing their authority to
of the same Word. Again the I may be accused of trying effort, nations, especially who themselves desire to of them was Jesus,” said the keep themselves in power,
Master himself tells us that to impose a Christian bias like ours, have leaders that belong to one another? Is priest. a netizen observed.
the glory of his Mom is not or mindset, if you will, on hark back to the dark ages civilization being advanced “Millions of pesos were
only that she had given him the largely secular project of strongman politics that and security truly promoted ‘Earliest victims’ spent on fake news during
birth and nurture, something called newness. Perhaps. does not hesitate to trample by walls of mistrust rather The children who were the 2016 elections campaign
you and I can hardly replicate. But that precisely reveals underfoot human dignity than by bridges of dialogue killed by Herod were one of period to deceive voters,”
Nay, her real commonality the inherent weakness of and human rights for the and collaboration? the “earliest victims” of man’s said Jeston Mercado, an
with us, aside from a common our individual (such as one’s sake of social change? How The Master does not think greed for power, added Mozura. entrepreneur.
humanity, is her discipleship. new year’s resolutions) or explain the prevalence of in maxims and methodologies In his bid to consolidate his The today’s leaders also
To a woman in the crowd who collective (such as political leaders that are reminiscent too complicated for the least claim on the throne, Herod use their power to persecute
praised his mother by saying platforms for change) efforts of history’s horrific chapters and lost to comprehend. He also resorted to deception, people and fellow leaders
“blessed is the womb that bore at newness—they are largely of hatred, barbaric bigotry has a simple recipe for our he said. He tried to fool the who oppose their agenda, he
you and the breasts that nursed secular in orientation, and international narcissism part in the pursuit of newness: three wise men by asking added.
you”, Jesus replies, “Yes, but, resources and direction. rather than more enlightened “The time of fulfilment has them to inform him of the “Worst, they attack
moreover, blessed are those The problem is not that we future civilizations of come. The kingdom of heaven whereabouts of the Messiah religion and God to justify
who hear the Word of God and have had too little human understanding, solidarity, is at hand. Repent and believe so he could also worship him. their actions,” Mercado
keep it” (Lk 11:27-28). This effort; the problem is that social justice, shared in the Good News!” (Mk 1:15). But his true intention was to said. “They even killed
allows us a fuller view of the even the greatest human prosperity and peace? What Has he, in so doing, send his men to kill the baby. priests who spoke against
Mother of Jesus who, Jesus effort is never enough. Is kind of newness have we unwrapped for us the secret abuses and corruptions.”
being God’s Son, is certainly the it too surprising that after come into when it translates to “Happy” and “New” in Fake news & murder (Oliver Samson /
Mother of God. thousands of years of human into people alienating people every year? Some leaders today also CBCPNews)
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 01 CBCP Monitor

Pope appoints new bishop Pope names new

bishop of Daet
of San Jose de Antique
POPE Francis has appointed he was the diocesan director
on Jan. 7 Monsignor Marvyn from 2006 to 2010.
Maceda as the new bishop of In 2010 to 2011, he went on
the Diocese of San Jose de sabbatical leave at Our Lady
Antique. of the Philippines Trappist
Maceda, 49, becomes the Monastery, in San Miguel,
first bishop from Naval Jordan, Guimaras.
which was created a diocese Back in Naval, from 2011
in 1988. to 2017, he was moderator
He succeeds now of the group of ordained
Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo ministers at the Our Lady of
who was appointed to head the Immaculate Conception
the Archdiocese of Jaro in parish and Pastoral Director
February 2018. of the BEC.
The bishop-elect took his He also served as Vicar
philosophical studies at the General of Naval and became
Sacred Heart Seminary in member of the Presbyteral
Palo, Leyte, and his theology Council and Board of
at the San Jose Seminary Consultors. Bishop-elect Rex Andrew Alarcon of Daet
in the Ateneo de Manila Upon his appointment,
University. Maceda has been serving POPE Francis has appointed Saint John the Evangelist
He was ordained a priest as Director of the Naval Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon as in Naga and educator at the
for the Naval diocese on May diocese’s Commission on the new bishop of the Diocese minor seminary.
29, 1996. Clergy. of Daet in Camarines Norte. In 1997, he served as private
Bishop-elect Marvyn Maceda of San Jose de Antique The appointment was made secretary to the archbishop
Among his first With his new assignment,
assignments were as financial administrator and Conception Mission Chapel Maceda becomes the fifth at the Vatican on Wednesday, until 1999 when he went for
parish priest at Our Lady chancellor. in Naval. bishop of San Jose de Jan. 2, at 12 noon (7:00pm, study abroad.
of Mount Carmel Mission, From 2000 to 2010, he He also participated in the Antique with about 54 priests Manila time). In 2001, he obtained his
Diocesan Director for the was priest in charge St. Roch diocesan group of formation and more than 80 religious Alarcon, 47, will be the licentiate in Church history
Youth, while performing Mission Chapel and then of of the Basic Ecclesial w o me n in 2 5 p ari s h e s . fourth bishop of the diocese, at Pontifical Gregorian
the functions as diocesan Our Lady of the Immaculate Community (BEC), of which (CBCP News) succeeding Archbishop University in Rome, Italy.
Gilbert Garcera. Returning home from

Filipinos set to attend World Youth Day The diocese has been
without a bishop since last
April 2017 when Garcera
Rome, he became a lecturer
at the Holy Rosary seminary;
from 2002, director of the
was installed as archbishop stewardship program of the
of Lipa in Batangas. Caceres archdioces and,
Born in Daet, Alarcon took since 2007, superintendent
his philosophy at the Holy of the Naga Parish School
Rosary Major Seminary in and president of the Catholic
Naga City and his theology Association of Education.
at the University of Santo Since 2013 he has held the
Tomas in Manila. office of superintendent of the
He was ordained a priest for Catholic schools of Caceres,
the Archdiocese of Caceres on member of the college of
Nov. 9, 1996. consultors, and spokesman
From 1996 to 1997, he was for the same archdiocese.
parish vicar in the parish of (CBCP News)

Pope Francis passes near to a group of Filipino pilgrims waving a Philippine flag during the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland. ROY LAGARDE

AT least 70 young Filipinos, including “There are still other groups that have St. Pope John Paul II, who was from
some priests and bishops, are set to yet to send the names of their delegates,” Poland, established World Youth Day
attend this year’s World Youth Day he said. in 1985. Devotees, bearing the miraculous images of the Sto. Nino de Cebu,
celebrations in Panama from Jan. 22 He estimated that there would be at The first event was held in Rome in gather at the courtyard of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino on Jan.
to 27. least 250 Filipino delegates attending 1986. Since then it has been staged in 10 to hear the first novena mass, marking the start of the 454th
However, many more are expected the international gathering. various cities throughout the world, Fiesta Señor celebration. PHOTO COURTESY OF DYRF
to register before the big event begins This year, World Youth Day coincides typically every three years.
in the Central American country later with the Year of the Youth in the Among the Filipino church leaders
this month. Philippines. who will be attending the international Pope names administrator for Jolo
Father Conegundo Garganta, The special year was declared by the gathering this year are Bishops Daniel
executive secretary of the Episcopal country’s bishops’ conference as part Patrick Parcon of Talibon, Patrick POPE Francis has appointed
Commission on Youth of the bishops’ of preparations to mark the 500th Buzon of Bacolod, Antonio Tobias of Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon as
conference, said at least 70 youth anniversary of the arrival of Christianity Novaliches, and Cardinal Luis Antonio the new bishop of the Diocese
pilgrims have registered for the event. in the Philippines in 1521. Tagle of Manila. (Joe Torres/UCAN) of Daet in Camarines Norte.
The appointment was made
at the Vatican on Wednesday,
Jan. 2, at 12 noon (7:00pm,
Manila time).
Alarcon, 47, will be the
fourth bishop of the diocese,
succeeding Archbishop
Gilbert Garcera.
The diocese has been
without a bishop since last
April 2017 when Garcera
Fr. Romeo Saniel, OMI, newly
was installed as archbishop appointed Apostolic Adminstrator
of Lipa in Batangas. of Jolo
Born in Daet, Alarcon took
his philosophy at the Holy at Pont i f i c al Gre g o ri an
Rosary Major Seminary in University in Rome, Italy.
Naga City and his theology Returning home from
at the University of Santo Rome, he became a lecturer
Tomas in Manila. at the Holy Rosary seminary;
He was ordained a priest for from 2002, director of the
the Archdiocese of Caceres on stewardship program of the
Nov. 9, 1996. Caceres archdioces and,
From 1996 to 1997, he was since 2007, superintendent
parish vicar in the parish of of the Naga Parish School
Saint John the Evangelist and president of the Catholic
in Naga and educator at the Association of Education.
minor seminary. Since 2013 he has held the
In 1997, he served as private office of superintendent of the
secretary to the archbishop Catholic schools of Caceres,
until 1999 when he went for member of the college of
study abroad. consultors, and spokesman
In 2001, he obtained his for the same archdiocese.
licentiate in Church history (CBCP News)
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Good politics is at the service of peace

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the celebration of the 52nd World Day of Peace, 1 January 2019

Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 1, the feast of Mary, Mother of God. PAUL HARING/CNS

1. “Peace be to this house!” can agree, if they wish to work together for the the possibility of helping to build the future. the violence of war or its effects, even when
In sending his disciples forth on mission, good of the human family and to practise those But when politics concretely fosters the talents they are not enrolled as child soldiers or held
Jesus told them: “Whatever house you enter, human virtues that sustain all sound political of young people and their aspirations, peace hostage by armed groups. The witness given
first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a activity: justice, equality, mutual respect, grows in their outlook and on their faces. It by those who work to defend them and their
son of peace is there, your peace shall rest sincerity, honesty, fidelity. becomes a confident assurance that says, “I dignity is most precious for the future of
upon him; but if not, it shall return to you” In this regard, it may be helpful to recall the trust you and with you I believe” that we can all humanity.
(Lk 10:5-6). “Beatitudes of the Politician”, proposed by work together for the common good. Politics is
Bringing peace is central to the mission of Vietnamese Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn at the service of peace if it finds expression in 7. A great project of peace
Christ’s disciples. That peace is offered to all Vãn Thuận, a faithful witness to the Gospel the recognition of the gifts and abilities of each In these days, we celebrate the seventieth
those men and women who long for peace who died in 2002: individual. “What could be more beautiful anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
amid the tragedies and violence that mark than an outstretched hand? It was meant by Human Rights, adopted in the wake of the
human history.[1]The “house” of which Jesus Blessed be the politician with a lofty sense and God to offer and to receive. God did not want Second World War. In this context, let us
speaks is every family, community, country deep understanding of his role. it to kill (cf. Gen 4:1ff) or to inflict suffering, also remember the observation of Pope John
and continent, in all their diversity and Blessed be the politician who personally but to offer care and help in life. Together with XXIII: “Man’s awareness of his rights must
history. It is first and foremost each individual exemplifies credibility. our heart and our intelligence, our hands too inevitably lead him to the recognition of his
person, without distinction or discrimination. Blessed be the politician who works for the can become a means of dialogue”.[6] duties. The possession of rights involves the
But it is also our “common home”: the world common good and not his or her own interest. Everyone can contribute his or her stone duty of implementing those rights, for they
in which God has placed us and which we are Blessed be the politician who remains to help build the common home. Authentic are the expression of a man’s personal dignity.
called to care for and cultivate. consistent. political life, grounded in law and in frank and And the possession of rights also involves their
So let this be my greeting at the beginning of Blessed be the politician who works for unity. fair relations between individuals, experiences recognition and respect by others”.[7]
the New Year: “Peace be to this house!” Blessed be the politician who works to renewal whenever we are convinced that Peace, in effect, is the fruit of a great political
accomplish radical change. every woman, man and generation brings project grounded in the mutual responsibility
2. The challenge of good politics Blessed be the politician who is capable of the promise of new relational, intellectual, and interdependence of human beings. But it
Peace is like the hope which the poet Charles listening. cultural and spiritual energies. That kind of is also a challenge that demands to be taken
Péguy celebrated.[2] It is like a delicate flower Blessed be the politician who is without fear.[5] trust is never easy to achieve, because human up ever anew. It entails a conversion of heart
struggling to blossom on the stony ground of relations are complex, especially in our own and soul; it is both interior and communal;
violence. We know that the thirst for power Every election and re-election, and every times, marked by a climate of mistrust rooted and it has three inseparable aspects:
at any price leads to abuses and injustice. stage of public life, is an opportunity to in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety - peace with oneself, rejecting inflexibility,
Politics is an essential means of building return to the original points of reference that about one’s personal security. Sadly, it is anger and impatience; in the words of Saint
human community and institutions, but inspire justice and law. One thing is certain: also seen at the political level, in attitudes Francis de Sales, showing “a bit of sweetness
when political life is not seen as a form of good politics is at the service of peace. It of rejection or forms of nationalism that towards oneself” in order to offer “a bit of
service to society as a whole, it can become respects and promotes fundamental human call into question the fraternity of which our sweetness to others”;
a means of oppression, marginalization and rights, which are at the same time mutual globalized world has such great need. Today - peace with others: family members,
even destruction. obligations, enabling a bond of trust and more than ever, our societies need “artisans of friends, strangers, the poor and the suffering,
Jesus tells us that, “if anyone would be gratitude to be forged between present and peace” who can be messengers and authentic being unafraid to encounter them and listen
first, he must be last of all and servant of all” future generations. witnesses of God the Father, who wills the to what they have to say;
(Mk 9:35). In the words of Pope Paul VI, “to good and the happiness of the human family. - peace with all creation, rediscovering the
take politics seriously at its different levels— 4. Political vices grandeur of God’s gift and our individual and
local, regional, national and worldwide—is Sadly, together with its virtues, politics also 6. No to war and to the strategy of fear shared responsibility as inhabitants of this
to affirm the duty of each individual to has its share of vices, whether due to personal A hundred years after the end of the world, citizens and builders of the future.
acknowledge the reality and value of the incompetence or to flaws in the system and its First World War, as we remember the The politics of peace, conscious of and
freedom offered him to work at one and the institutions. Clearly, these vices detract from young people killed in those battles and the deeply concerned for every situation of human
same time for the good of the city, the nation the credibility of political life overall, as well civilian populations torn apart, we are more vulnerability, can always draw inspiration
and all mankind”.[3] as the authority, decisions and actions of those conscious than ever of the terrible lesson from the Magnificat, the hymn that Mary,
Political office and political responsibility thus engaged in it. These vices, which undermine taught by fratricidal wars: peace can never the Mother of Christ the Savior and Queen of
constantly challenge those called to the service the ideal of an authentic democracy, bring be reduced solely to a balance between Peace, sang in the name of all mankind: “He
of their country to make every effort to protect disgrace to public life and threaten social power and fear. To threaten others is to has mercy on those who fear him in every
those who live there and to create the conditions harmony. We think of corruption in its lower them to the status of objects and to generation. He has shown the strength of
for a worthy and just future. If exercised with varied forms: the misappropriation of public deny their dignity. This is why we state once his arm; he has scattered the proud in their
basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity resources, the exploitation of individuals, the more that an escalation of intimidation, and conceit. He has cast down the mighty from
of persons, political life can indeed become an denial of rights, the flouting of community the uncontrolled proliferation of arms, is their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly; …for
outstanding form of charity. rules, dishonest gain, the justification of power contrary to morality and the search for true
he has remembered his promise of mercy, the
by force or the arbitrary appeal to  raison peace. Terror exerted over those who are
promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham
3.  Charity and human virtues: the d’état and the refusal to relinquish power. To most vulnerable contributes to the exile of
and his children for ever” (Lk 1:50-55).
basis of politics at the service of human which we can add xenophobia, racism, lack entire populations who seek a place of peace.
rights and peace of concern for the natural environment, the Political addresses that tend to blame every
From the Vatican, 8 December 2018
Pope  Benedict XVI noted that “every plundering of natural resources for the sake evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of
Francis
Christian is called to practice charity in a of quick profit and contempt for those forced hope are unacceptable. Rather, there is a need
manner corresponding to his vocation and into exile. to reaffirm that peace is based on respect for [1] Cf. Lk 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
according to the degree of influence he wields each person, whatever his or her background, peace among men with whom he is pleased”.
in the pólis… When animated by charity, 5.  Good politics promotes the on respect for the law and the common good, [2] Cf. Le Porche du mystère de la deuxième vertu,
commitment to the common good has greater participation of the young and trust on respect for the environment entrusted to Paris, 1986.
[3]  Apostolic Letter  Octogesima Adveniens (14 May
worth than a merely secular and political stand in others our care and for the richness of the moral 1971), 46.
would have… Man’s earthly activity, when When the exercise of political power tradition inherited from past generations. [4] Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate (29 June 2009), 7.
inspired and sustained by charity, contributes aims only at protecting the interests of a Our thoughts turn in a particular way to [5] Cf. Address at the “Civitas” Exhibition-Convention in
Padua: “30 Giorni”, no. 5, 2002.
to the building of the universal city of God, few privileged individuals, the future is all those children currently living in areas of [6] BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Authorities of Benin,
which is the goal of the history of the human compromised and young people can be conflict, and to all those who work to protect Cotonou, 19 November 2011.
family”.[4] This is a programme on which all tempted to lose confidence, since they are their lives and defend their rights. One out of [7] Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris (11 April 1963), ed.
politicians, whatever their culture or religion, relegated to the margins of society without every six children in our world is affected by Carlen, 24.
B2 FEATURE January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

Pre-nuptial agreements
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

I am a Catholic priest. In a recent agreement were really taken does not exist at the moment of
marriage that I solemnized formally by the spouses as part of celebrating the marriage.
outside Manila, the bride’s father their matrimonial consent.
demanded that the Marriage Pre-nuptial agreements and
Contract contain an annotation Conditioned matrimonial Canon Law
that a Pre-Nuptial Agreement consent in Canon Law The so-called pre-nuptial
had been made (regarding real This matter is regulated in Canon agreement, which of late
estate properties that the bride Law by c.1102, which states: is becoming popular in some
was inheriting from her parents), Can. 1102 — §1. Marriage based Western countries, is still relatively
and that such annotation be made on a condition concerning the future uncommon in the Philippines.
prior to the filing of such Marriage cannot be contracted validly. When it occurs—as in the present
Contract in the City Hall. Though §2. Marriage based on a condition case—it normally involves property
taken aback, since it was the first concerning the past or the present settlements—in the case of death of
time I encountered such a request, is valid or invalid, insofar as the one of the spouses, or the separation
I agreed, since it was too late to do subject matter of the condition of the spouses, or the declaration
anything else. Did I do right? exists or not. of nullity of the marriage—and is
§3. The condition mentioned in an issue exclusively in the sphere
THOUGH we had tackled this §2 cannot be placed licitly without of civil law. However, care should
matter in the past, enough time has the written permission of the Local be taken by the parish priest (or
elapsed for us to need to touch on Ordinary. the solemnizing priest) that such
it again. As we had explained in the past, a pre-nuptial agreement does
In the case under consideration, matrimonial consent should in not in fact formally enter in the
what saved the day for the canonical principle not be subjected to any formation of the consent given
marriage is the fact that there condition, since by its very nature, in the celebration of a canonical
are normally two marriages being marriage implies a total acceptance marriage:
contracted when a so-called Church of the other in the actual moment 1st: because if such a condition
wedding takes place: first and of the celebration of marriage. involves property settlements
foremost, the canonical marriage However, under certain conditions, in the future, such a condition
(which is what we can comment such conditions may be permitted invalidates the consent (and the
about) and the civil marriage (which by the competent authority. marriage), since it involves a
is what the Marriage Contract from As far as a condition concerning condition that does not yet exist
City Hall attests to, and about which the past are concerned, the validity (c.1102, §1).
we shall not comment about for lack of the marriage contracted would 2 nd : because even if such a
of competence). Since the annotation depend on whether or not the condition involves something of
was made in the Marriage Contract condition is met or not—something the past, it should not be allowed
for the civil marriage—assuming which can be verified at the moment without written permission of the
that such pre-nuptial agreements of marriage since the condition is Local Ordinary (c.1102, §3), under
are licit in the civil sphere—, then of the past; nevertheless, the Law pain of illicitness.
there was absolutely no problem as prohibits (under pain of illicitness
far as the canonical marriage was but not of invalidity) the placing of Conclusion
concerned. such conditions without the written From the tenor of the consultation,
Nevertheless, it would be good permission of the Local Ordinary. it can safely be stated that the
to comment on the incidence of On the other hand, a condition canonical marriage was contracted
such pre-nuptial agreements on concerning the future invalidates the validly by the spouses, since the pre-
the validity and/or licitude of marriage, since the condition—on nuptial agreement was a purely civil A pair of wedding bands symbolizing the sacrament of marriage is depicted in a stained-glass window
the canonical marriage, if such which the consent depends—still instrument. at a church in Florida, USA. GREGORY A. SHEMITZ/CNS

Communion for non-celebrating priests

(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:)

PHOTO BY JOHANN MANGUSSAD

Q: May non-concelebrating priests questions. My answers here are “160. The Priest then takes the and always with Communion under norms which would indicate that
who are part of the congregation necessarily approximative as current paten or ciborium and approaches both kinds being received by all of it should be clearly in relationship
receive directly from the ciborium liturgical norms do not specify the communicants, who usually the concelebrants. It is to be noted with the altar.
held by a priest distributing everything in detail and have to be come up in procession. It is not that if the Priest or Deacon hands The first option of having the
Communion? If they are not allowed, deduced from general principles. permitted for the faithful to take the sacred host or chalice to the crucifix upon the altar is, obviously,
may I ask which document contains The first question seems to be if the consecrated Bread or the sacred concelebrants, he says nothing; that very close indeed and leaves no
the guidelines that forbid this? a non-concelebrating priest may chalice by themselves and, still less, is to say, he does not pronounce the doubt. Such a crucifix should,
Also, the GIRM guidelines say that take Communion himself from the to hand them on from one to another words ‘The Body of Christ’ or ‘The however, be of sufficient dimensions
“a cross with the figure of Christ” ciborium and chalice in the manner among themselves …. Blood of Christ.’” so that it can be seen by the faithful
must be on the altar or close to it. If of concelebrants. The answer is “283. In addition to those The reason the deacon says and therefore should not be so small
it’s not on the altar, how close must no. A non-concelebrant priest may cases given in the ritual books, nothing is because the priest is as to be practically invisible. This
it be? If there is a large crucifix on receive Communion under both Communion under both kinds is a concelebrant and therefore was Pope Benedict XVI’s preferred
the back of the sanctuary, does that species but does so in the manner permitted for: the deacon is not, in this case, solution.
count as “close” to the altar? Or what of the faithful through a minister. “a) Priests who are not able to ministering to the priest but fulfilling Another valid option is to use
if there’s a crucifix nearer to the I remember observing Pope St. celebrate or concelebrate Mass.” a service for the agile communion of the processional cross as the altar
congregation than to the altar? I’d John Paul II toward the end of his The instruction Redemptionis priests in a large concelebration. crucifix. In this case, it is usually
appreciate an explanation. — M.S., pontificate receive Communion Sacramentum says: However, he would be a minister placed very close to one side or at
Manila, Philippines from a deacon at a Mass he attended “98. The Communion of Priest in the case of a non-concelebrating the center, no more than a few inches
but did not celebrate. concelebrants should proceed priest who was present at the Mass. distance from the altar itself.
A: Our reader has asked two diverse The missal foresees this in the according to the norms prescribed While there are no express norms In both cases above, the figure of
questions that might cover details General Instruction of the Roman in the liturgical books, always using as to how close to the altar the Christ faces the altar and not the
left out in earlier replies to similar Missal (GIRM): hosts consecrated at the same Mass crucifix should be, there are several Communion / B7
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 FEATURE B3

Praying bodies, dying bodies

Reflection on the Nazareno and Santo Niño
By Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM

Devotees flock to the carriage of Black Nazarene during the annual Traslacion in Manila. PHOTO COURTESY OF LLOYD LAGARDE

I HAVE shared this reflection on suffering Jesus trying to stand up handkerchiefs, lighting their candles feel awkward to dance. But these of Filipino popular Catholicism.
Facebook two years ago at the from the unjust pain imposed on hoping that at the day’s end, a women can spontaneously utter First, the ‘body’ is central, i.e., the
height of Duterte’s War on Drugs him. Next week, at the Cebu or problem will be solved, a sickness a prayer in the sincerest of their senses, corporeality and physical
(January 9, 2017) when we were Kalibo procession of the Santo Niño, will be cured, a relationship healed. hearts accompanied by graceful presence. There is a need to kiss the
helping bury 5 bodies almost every we will also see bodies—dancing And even if these do not happen, one steps because they have been doing crucifix, to wipe the santo with one’s
week. As the Nazareno procession and singing bodies—also waving, gains some strength to continue to it the whole of their lives. And a handkerchief, to walk through the
goes winding along the streets of swaying to the drum beat in their survive and a hope that life shall be danced prayer is better heard by the procession despite the long route,
Quiapo today (January 9, 2019), I most sincere prayer deep in their bearable no matter how. SantoNiño, they say. to bathe the image of the saint in
read the text again and the message hearts uttering their deepest need It is only people who have a fluvial parade to pray for rain, to
remains painfully the same. The they could not express except in experienced this for a long time who Bodies and Habitus make the Sign of the Cross no matter
streets where the images travel are dance and song to the child Jesus know what this is all about. For these As I was trying to make sense how hastily when one passes by a
the same streets where killings did whom they feel as most sensitive to people, there is no need to explain. of these powerful experiences, I church building or before one starts
and continue to happen. Duterte their utmost desire. They keep coming here every year remember a sociologist by the name a boxing match in the Las Vegas
even in his recent speeches angrily and place their bodies on the line. of Pierre Bourdieu who talks about arena, to kneel down or prostrate
proclaim: “Papatayin ko talaga Beyond Fanaticism and They believe. And no matter how habitus. Habitus are durable bodily oneself, to close one’s eyes, to wave
kayo” (I will really kill you!). Just Opportunism much you prevent them, they will dispositions which we learn as one’s hands and shout ‘Amen’! An
before Christmas, several men were People from outside could not still come no matter what. members of specific societies. We overly ‘mentalist’ or intellectualist
gunned down in the streets of Cebu. understand. On the one side, we I met an 80-year old lady in are identified as members of specific religion, at least in the context of
After this New Year, another man hear voices of condemnation: Quaipo who has been coming to societies because of our habitus. the many countries in the South,
fell in Payatas. And the people who fanaticism, superstition, uncritical this place since she was 20years Since we are ‘born into the game’ of could never survive. Even in the
yearly cheer at the Nazareno and devotion. On the other side, we old. She came alone despite the our societies, we possess the ‘feel’ West where these practices are long
Santo Niño as the images pass by are witness devotional commercialism, warnings of her children. She knows for it. We possess that capacity for gone, people still love to light candles
mostly the same people who applaud touristic instrumentalism and her way here and she feels it is the endless improvisation of taken for (not necessarily in the church) or
for Duterte in adulation. This is the political opportunism at its best safest place to be—despite the bomb granted practices which our society are quite charmed by the repetitious
longest and most painful three years seemingly oblivious to what is threat! She thinks she will get sick if taught us – the wiping, the dancing, rhythm of Taizé hymns.
I have ever felt in my life.  going on within the hearts of the she does not come. the believing. Only those who are Even the Left knows this: protest
In the Quiapo procession of participants. But regardless of I have also talked to old women socialized into them can do and can rallies and mass mobilizations also
the Black Nazarene are bodies— what outsiders say, the devotees gracefully dancing the Sinulog in understand. acknowledge the centrality of bodily
sweating bodies next to each other, continue walking in the procession front of the Cebu Basilica year in This sociological insight is expressions, such as the ‘clenched
rushing and pushing bodies—trying rain or shine, from morning to the and year out—candles in hand and a important to understand the events fist’, the linked-up arms, the one-
to reach, wipe, wave at the passing next dawn – saying their prayers, ready prayer for the one requesting. in Quiapo, Sinulog, Ati-atihan, liner chants or the long marches. A
image which is also a body of the wiping their towels, waving their If you are there for the first time, you Baclaran—and almost the whole ‘sea of protesting bodies’ conveys
the statement of dissent much more
powerfully than an intellectual
debate.

Durability and Improvisation

Second, since practices are
embodied, they are enduring and
stable (i.e., habitus). In fact, it is in
their durability that social agents
feel a sense of order and security
generated by their capacity to master
the game itself. But such permanence
does not connote a sense of stasis.
On the contrary, it is habitus’s
durably structured dispositions
which engender the capacity for
inventiveness and creativity. A ‘new
participant’ in the game is not yet
capable of improvisation. It is the
stable habitus alone which generates
the ‘feel for the game’.
What consequence has this point
for pastoral practice? People love to
go through the same practices year
in and year out: the same rituals, the
same processional routes, the same
meeting places, the same hymns
and gestures, etc. It may even cause
some sense of disorientation if they
are changed too often.
Yet the innovative value of
these regularities could not be
underestimated. A traditional
Marian procession can organically
spill over into a protest march
against Marcos’ martial law; a
repetitious chanting of the Pasyon
Families of victims of extrajudicial killings join the Walk for Life in Manila. Feb. 24, 2018. FILE PHOTO Praying / B7
B4 FEATURE January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

“Urbi et Orbi” Message of His Holiness Pope Francis

Christmas 2018, Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica, 25 December 2018
DEAR Brothers and Sisters, Happy vulnerable sectors of the population.
Christmas! May the Newborn Lord bring
To you, the faithful of Rome, to relief to the beloved land of Ukraine,
you, the pilgrims, and to all who yearning to regain a lasting peace
are linked to us from every part that is slow to come. Only with
of the world, I renew the joyous a peace respectful of the rights
proclamation of Bethlehem: “Glory of every nation can the country
to God in the highest, and on recover from the sufferings it has
earth peace among those whom he endured and restore dignified living
favours” (Lk 2:14). conditions for its citizens. I am close
Like the shepherds who first went to the Christian communities of the
with haste to the stable, let us halt region, and I pray that they may
in wonder before the sign that God develop relationships of fraternity
has given us: “A baby wrapped in and friendship.
swaddling cloths and lying in a Before the Child Jesus, may the
manger” (Lk 2:12). In silence, let us inhabitants of beloved Nicaragua see
fall to our knees and worship. themselves once more as brothers
What does that Child, born for us of and sisters, so that divisions and
the Virgin Mary, have to tell us? What discord will not prevail, but all may
is the universal message of Christmas? work to promote reconciliation and
It is that God is a good Father and we to build together the future of the
are all brothers and sisters. country.
This truth is the basis of the I want to mention, too, all those
Christian vision of humanity. Without peoples that experience ideological,
the fraternity that Jesus Christ has cultural and economic forms of
bestowed on us, our efforts for a colonization and see their freedom
more just world fall short, and even and identity compromised, as well
our best plans and projects risk being as those suffering from hunger and
soulless and empty. Pope Francis delivers his Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 25. the lack of educational and health
VATICAN MEDIA
For this reason, my wish for care services.
a happy Christmas is a wish for Our differences, then, are not journey of peace that can put an end of persons are refugees or displaced A particular thought goes to our
fraternity. a detriment or a danger; they are to a conflict that for over seventy and in need of humanitarian brothers and sisters who celebrate
Fraternity among individuals of a source of richness. As when an years has rent the land chosen by the assistance and food security. May the Birth of the Lord in difficult,
every nation and culture. artist is about to make a mosaic: it Lord to show his face of love. the Holy Child, the King of Peace, if not hostile situations, especially
Fraternity among people with is better to have tiles of many colors May the Child Jesus allow the silence the clash of arms and allow where the Christian community is
different ideas, yet capable of respecting available, rather than just a few! beloved and beleaguered country a new dawn of fraternity to rise a minority, often vulnerable or not
and listening to one another. The experience of families teaches of Syria once again to find fraternity over the entire continent, blessing taken into account. May the Lord
Fraternity among persons of us this: as brothers and sisters, we after these long years of war. May the efforts of all those who work to grant that they, and all minorities,
different religions. Jesus came to are all different from each other. the international community work promote paths of reconciliation in may live in peace and see their rights
reveal the face of God to all those We do not always agree, but there decisively for a political solution that political and social life. recognized, especially the right to
who seek him. is an unbreakable bond uniting us, can put aside divisions and partisan May Christmas consolidate the religious freedom.
The face of God has been revealed and the love of our parents helps interests, so that the Syrian people, bonds of fraternity uniting the Korean May the little Child whom we
in a human face. It did not appear us to love one another. The same especially all those who were forced peninsula and help the path of contemplate today in the manger,
in an angel, but in one man, born is true for the larger human family, to leave their own lands and seek rapprochement recently undertaken in the cold of the night, watch over
in a specific time and place. By his but here, God is our “parent”, the refuge elsewhere, can return to live to continue and to reach agreed all the children of the world, and
incarnation, the Son of God tells foundation and strength of our in peace in their own country. solutions capable of ensuring the every frail, vulnerable and discarded
us that salvation comes through fraternity. My thoughts turn to Yemen, in development and well-being of all. person. May all of us receive peace
love, acceptance, respect for this May this Christmas help us to the hope that the truce brokered May this blessed season allow and consolation from the birth of the
poor humanity of ours, which we rediscover the bonds of fraternity by the international community Venezuela once more to recover Savior and, in the knowledge that
all share in a great variety of races, linking us together as individuals may finally bring relief to all those social harmony and enable all we are loved by the one heavenly
languages, and cultures. Yet all and joining all peoples. May it children and people exhausted by the members of society to work Father,  realize anew that we are
of us are brothers and sisters in enable Israelis and Palestinians to war and famine. fraternally for the country’s brothers and sisters and come to
humanity! resume dialogue and undertake a I think too of Africa, where millions development and to aid the most live as such!

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
52nd World Day of Peace, Vatican Basilica, 1 January 2019
“ALL who heard were amazed at what the Especially in times of need, when we are
shepherds told them” (Lk 2:18). To be entangled in life’s knots, we rightly lift our
amazed: this is what is asked of us today, at eyes to Our Lady, to Our Mother. Yet first,
the conclusion of the Octave of Christmas, as we should let ourselves be gazed upon by Our
we continue to contemplate the Child born Lady. When she gazes upon us, she does not
for us, lacking everything yet abounding in see sinners but children. It is said that the eyes
love. Amazement is what we should feel at are the mirror of the soul; the eyes of Mary,
the beginning of each year, for life is a gift full of grace, reflect the beauty of God, they
that constantly gives us a chance to make show us a reflection of heaven. Jesus himself
a new start, even from the most lowly of said that the eye is “the lamp of the body”
circumstances. (Mt 6:22): the eyes of Our Lady are able to
Today is also a day to be amazed by the bring light to every dark corner; everywhere
Mother of God. God appears as a little child, they rekindle hope. As she gazes upon us, she
held in the arms of a woman who feeds her says: “Take heart, dear children; here I am,
Creator. The statue before our eyes depicts the your Mother!”
Mother and Child so close as to appear as one. This maternal gaze, which instills confidence
That is the mystery we celebrate today, which and trust, helps us to grow in faith. Faith is a
gives rise to boundless amazement: God has bond with God that engages the whole person;
become one with humanity forever. God and to be preserved, it needs the Mother of God.
man, always together, that is the good news of Her maternal gaze helps us see ourselves as
this new year. God is no distant lord, dwelling beloved children in God’s faithful people, and
in splendid isolation above the heavens, but to love one another regardless of our individual
love incarnate, born like us of a mother, in limitations and approaches. Our Lady keeps us
order to be a brother to each of us, to be close rooted in the Church, where unity counts more
to us: the God of closeness. He rests on the than diversity; she encourages us to care for
lap of his mother, who is also our mother, and one another. Mary’s gaze reminds us that faith
from there he pours out upon humanity a new demands a tenderness that can save us from
tenderness. Thus we come to understand more becoming lukewarm. Tenderness: the Church
fully God’s love, which is both paternal and of tenderness. Tenderness is a word that today
Children dressed as the Three Kings attend Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s
maternal, like that of a mother who never stops many want to remove from the dictionary. Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1. PAUL HARING/CNS
believing in her children and never abandons When faith makes a place for the Mother of
them. God-with-us, Emmanuel, loves us God, we never lose sight of the centre: the In today’s fragmented world, where we risk thinking they are free, they become slaves.
despite our mistakes, our sins, and the way Lord, for Mary never points to herself but to losing our bearings, a Mother’s embrace is How many, forgetting a mother’s affection,
we treat our world. God believes in mankind, Jesus; and our brothers and sisters, for Mary essential. How much dispersion and solitude live in anger with themselves and indifference
because its first and preeminent member is is mother. there is all around us! The world is completely to everything! How many, sad to say, react
his own Mother. The gaze of the Mother, and the gaze of connected, yet seems increasingly disjointed. to everything and everyone with bitterness
At the beginning of the year, let us implore every mother. A world that looks to the future We need to entrust ourselves to our Mother. and malice! Life is such. Showing oneself
from Mary the grace to be amazed at the God without a mother’s gaze is shortsighted. It may In the Scriptures, Our Lady embraces any “malicious” even seems at times to be a sign of
of surprises. Let us renew the amazement we well increase its profits, but it will no longer number of concrete situations; she is present strength. Yet it is nothing more than weakness.
felt when faith was first born in us. The Mother see others as children. It will make money, but wherever she is needed. She visits her We need to learn from mothers that heroism is
of God helps us: the Mother who gave birth to not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same cousin Elizabeth; she comes to the aid of shown in self-giving, strength in compassion,
the Lord, now presents us, reborn, to the Lord. house, but not as brothers and sisters. The the newlyweds in Cana; she encourages the wisdom in meekness.
She is a mother who generates in her children human family is built upon mothers. A world disciples in the Upper Room… Mary is a cure God himself needed a Mother: how much
the amazement of faith, because faith is an in which maternal tenderness is dismissed as for solitude and dispersion. She is the Mother more so do we! Jesus himself gave her to us,
encounter, not a religion. Without amazement, mere sentiment may be rich materially, but of con-solation: she stands “with” those who from the cross: “Behold your mother!” (Jn
life becomes dull and routine, and so it is with poor where the future is concerned. Mother of are “alone”. She knows that words are not 19:27). He said this to the beloved disciple and
faith. The Church too needs to renew her God, teach us to see life as you do. Turn your enough to console; presence is needed, and to every disciple. Our Lady is not an optional
amazement at being the dwelling place of the gaze upon us, upon our misery, our poverty. she is present as a mother. Let us allow her to accessory: she has to be welcomed into our life.
living God, the Bride of the Lord, a Mother Turn to us thine eyes of mercy. embrace our lives. In the Salve Regina, we call She is the Queen of peace, who triumphs over
who gives birth to her children. Otherwise, she Let us allow ourselves to be embraced. her “our life”. This may seem exaggerated, for evil and leads us along paths of goodness, who
risks turning into a beautiful museum of the From Mary’s gaze, we now turn to her heart, Christ himself is “life” (cf. Jn 14:6), yet Mary restores unity to her children, who teaches us
past. A “Church museum”. Our Lady instead in which, as today’s Gospel recounts, she is so closely united to him, and so close to us, compassion.
gives the Church the feel of a home, a home “treasured all these things and pondered that we can do no better than to put our hands Mary, take us by the hand. Clinging to
in which the God of newness dwells. Let us them” (Lk 2:19). Our Lady, in other words, in hers and to acknowledge her as “our life, our you, we will pass safely through the straits of
receive with amazement the mystery of the took everything to heart; she embraced sweetness and our hope.” history. Lead us by the hand to rediscover the
Mother of God, as the inhabitants of Ephesus everything, events both good and bad. And she And in the journey of life, let us allow bonds that unite us. Gather us beneath your
did at the time of the Council. Like them, let us pondered all these things; she brought them ourselves to be taken by the hand. Mothers mantle, in the tenderness of true love, where
acclaim her “Holy Mother of God”. From her, before God. This was her secret. In the same take their children by the hand and lovingly the human family is reborn: “We fly to thy
let us allow ourselves to be gazed upon, to be way, she now takes to heart the life of each of introduce them to life. But how many children protection, O Holy Mother of God”. Let us
embraced, to be taken by the hand. us: she wants to embrace our every situation today wander off on their own and lose their together pray these words to Our Lady: “We
Let us allow ourselves to be gazed upon. and to present it to God. way. Thinking they are strong, they get lost; fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God”.
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 STATEMENTS B5

Young Jesus with the young

Pastoral Letter for the 2019 Year of the Youth in the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan looking forward to
the 100thanniversary of the Diocese of Lingayen in 2028

MY dear people of God: In 2019, we dream of the Church in Lingayen missionary spirit. We envision 2019 as year
Dagupan as young Jesus among the young.   of  young Jesus with the young telling the
We all need companions all the time. In world of His love. Youth ministry cannot be
infancy and childhood, from puberty to Learning TOGETHER  confined to a handful of youth in the parish
adulthood, in our career paths and life choices, Then beginning with Moses and all the hall or the campus ministry office. We must
in sickness unto our deathbed--we all need to prophets, he interpreted to them what serve and teach those who do not feel welcome
be accompanied. Life would be impossible if referred to him in all the scriptures.  (Luke in the Church.  
we went through it alone. The Year 2019 is 24:27)  Let us be reminded that people turn to the
TABIN Year for the Archdiocese of Lingayen In 2018, I invite my fellow pastors and Lord not because of eloquent preaching but
Dagupan. As Catholic Philippines observes parents to adopt an attitude of learning WITH through inspiring life examples. Saint Paul VI
2019 as Year of the Youth looking forward the youth and FROM the youth. When the put it most eloquently “Modern man listens
to the five hundredth anniversary of the first educated and the academically titled start more willingly to witnesses than to teachers,
baptism and first Mass in the Philippines, we to recognize that Jesus is the only lesson we and if he does listen to teachers, it is because
in Lingayen Dagupan offer to our youth the need to learn and the only weapon we have they are witnesses. It is primarily by her
Church as companion, kalakbay. TABIN.   against evil, then we have started the journey conduct and by her life that the Church will
of renewal. Some youth are students but all evangelize the world (EV, 41).  

Be careful
Walking TOGETHER  youth are our teachers. They teach us new zeal The Church has been severely hurt and
It happened that while they were conversing and missionary passion. The questions that wounded by the sins of her priests against
and debating, Jesus himself drew near and young people ask us priests challenge us to the youth and against the Church. Despite the

against many walked with the m b ut their eyes were prevented
from recognizing him.  (Luke 24:15-16) 
   In this walking together with the youth,
be better. When the young criticize us priests,
I encourage you my brother priests to listen
to their young voices as the voice of Christ
limitations of us their elders in the Church,
we have not been lacking in heroic young
leaders in our parishes and schools who serve

antiChrists it is important to renew our appreciation for

three very important interlinked institutions—
the family, the school and the parish. The
himself calling us to conversion and renewal.
All young people are in God’s heart even if
some of them do not share our visions of life.
without pay or recognition. We their spiritual
shepherds are humbled by the sterling
enthusiastic love of our youth.  
An open letter to Seth my godson youth must be given avenues to participate in An attitude of humility and willingness to
on New Year’s Eve the mission of evangelization in the parish. It listen will open new avenues of renewal for us.   2019 Year of the Lord 
has been said that the face of God is mercy. Our youth need to teach us the power of Every day is the Lord’s. All ages and seasons
DEAR Seth,  Today we say that at the forefront of the the cyberspace digital world while we their belong to Him. Every year is year of the Lord.
Church of mercy are the faces of the young. elders in turn must accompany them in this In celebrating 2019 as   Tabin Year of the
Nothing is easy these days when it Let us give the Church a young face. Let us daily reality of their young lives. The youth can Youth, may we recognize in the youth the face
comes to rearing children like give the youth a space to be heard because true be at the forefront of using the power of the of the Lord.  
you. You are subjected to so much love listens. The first step to walking with the worldwide web to spread true information, to To the parents, teachers and priests: The
vulgarity and violence that I fear youth is listening to them.   promote socio-political engagement according young Jesus is among the young. Let the young
you might catch the wrong values There is a healthy kind of restlessness to the Gospel values and to be good citizens teach us as we teach them. Let the young show
which can ruin your future as a good among the youth which we cannot just dismiss of the nation. In entering cyberspace with us the face of Jesus as we keep on trying to love
Filipino and as a good child of God.  in the parishes, schools and families. This the young, we their elders can protect them them like Jesus. 
restlessness can inject greater dynamism to from the dark web of isolation, manipulation, To the young: Show us Jesus and be our
My first advice to you is pray constantly our parishes that oftentimes favor the  status exploitation, cyber bullying and pornography.    guide to see Him more clearly, to love Him
and go to Mass as frequently as you can, quo more than the missionary passion. I Young Jesus with the young teaching the more dearly, to follow Him more nearly.  
if possible even daily. Do not listen to encourage our priests and educators, parents teachers!   Amen. 
him who tells you it is useless to go and guardians to allow the youth to express   
to Church and attend Mass. Whoever this creative restlessness with an encouraging Proclaiming TOGETHER  From the Cathedral of Saint John the
teaches you that is antiChrist and there welcome and a respectful accompaniment. Then the two recounted what had taken Evangelist, Dagupan City, January 1, 2019 
are many of them, including those Oftentimes, we Church elders engender place on the way and how he was made
who look at it is a joke. They are not impatience among the youth because of our known to them in the breaking of the bread. +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS 
for Christ. They are against Christ.   slow, domineering and dragging pastoral (Luke 24: 35)   Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan 
   approaches.   The compass of youth ministry is a December 30, 2018
Inaanak, the name of God is sacred.

Rising of the Manila Cathedral

Promise me never ever to disrespect the
name of God. You might not be able to
understand God always. Our minds are
too limited. Do not force the infinite God

from the rubble of war

to fit into our limited minds. They who
call God stupid is antiChrist. Pray for
these people but do not imitate them.
Respect them as elders but do not follow
their bad example.  
Message of Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to welcome Papal Envoy Thomas Aquinas Cardinal
You have a godly father who respects Maeda, on December 8, 2018
your titas and your Mama. Treat all
women and girls with respect, in fact,
even with reverence. Do not laugh when
older men make fun of women. That is
vulgar and if you laugh or imitate them,
you become vulgar yourself. Rape is
not a joke. Immodesty is not laughing
matter. Respect girls and women
always. You have no excuse to abuse
women specially the poor women.  

Never call people names nor use

cuss words even as expressions. Dirty
words that come out of your mouth—
foul language, lies, gossips, slander,
malicious jokes—make you crass and
ungentlemanly. Shameless crass people
use such dirty words. Do not imitate.
They are antiGod; they cannot be
honorable. God wants you to be refined
and honorable. I have great dreams for
you. 

Do not ever try drugs. Say no to

friends who might offer you drugs. You
kill yourself slowly by doing that. Drug
users and drug addicts are sick. They
need treatment and help in order to be
well again. Do not believe those who
offer killing as a solution. People who
kill and people who coax others to kill
are antiGod. They are antiChrist. Christ Papal Legate Cardinal Thomas Aquinas of Osaka and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle lead the Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the 60th anniversary of the Manila
came to give us new life, eternal life.   Cathedral post-war, Dec. 8, 2018. PHOTO FROM RCAM-AOC

Finally Seth, respect the Pope and AT the outset I would like to greet all of Cardinals. I would like to think that Manila the ground during the war of liberation in
my fellow priests and bishops because you a blessed Solemnity of the Immaculate Cathedral prepared you for a new mission. 1945. Like you, this reconstructed Cathedral
we are signs of God’s love for you. We Conception of our Blessed Mother. Welcome to Now, we welcome you again not only as the is a testament to the power of peace over
are not spotless like angels but in our the Manila Cathedral and Minor Basilica of the Cardinal-Archbishop of Osaka but as the Papal violence. We will always rise again after every
weaknesses, God still uses us for His Immaculate Conception as we commemorate Legate. We could not think of a better choice. storm, earthquake, fire and war, because we
mission.  Walang silbi? Yes we are but the dedication of the post-war reconstructed Cardinal Maeda’s ancestors belonged to believe in peace.
if we are able to do anything good at cathedral in 1958. the hidden Christians in the Japan where Cardinal Maeda is a poet. He almost
all, all is because of God’s mercy. In The “rising of the Manila Cathedral from the Christianity was banned. Families passed spontaneously composes the Japanese poetic
mocking priests and bishops, you do rubble of war” 60 years ago is recognized by on the faith from generation to generation form called haiku, even in his homilies. I heard
what antiChrists do. Be a loyal son of Pope Francis as an important event of faith, with creativity and courage. Christianity him recite haikus in Rome last June after the
the Catholic Church.   hope and love. For this reason, His Holiness was hidden but not absent. Hiddenness has consistory for new cardinals. When I attended
sent someone to represent him and his love for its own dynamic power. Your Eminence, the beatification of Blessed Ukon Takayama
Keep the rosary in your pocket each the Church in the Philippines. We welcome the you carry the un-assuming, humble heritage in Osaka last year, he brought me to a small
time you leave the house; your mother’s Papal Legate, His Eminence Cardinal Thomas of hidden but authentic Christians. Here in Japanese eating place where he made me
name is Mary. Carry a handkerchief in Aquinas Manyo Maeda, Archbishop of Osaka, Manila Cathedral, the longings, cries and taste simple Japanese fish, squid, shrimps,
your other pocket. That is a mark of Japan. The Archdiocese of Manila thanks the thanksgiving of generous of Filipino Catholics vegetables and of course sake. Simplicity,
good manners.   Holy Father Pope Francis for gracing the feast have been lifted to God in hidden but real closeness to nature, brokenness, and silence—
through you. We also thank you for accepting ways. Their hidden faces and voices continue these are the ingredients that make one a poet.
Don’t play with firecrackers tonight. the mission the Pope has entrusted you. to strengthen us in faith. Your Eminence, the Manila Cathedral is a
Keep safe. Happy new year!  Your Eminence, last April 12, 2018, I welcomed Cardinal Maeda has been an advocate for poem to God offered by the Filipino people.
you here in Manila Cathedral. You came with peace. Growing up in Nagasaki, he saw the Please join your haiku to our tula.
Japanese pilgrims who were tracing the sites scars of war. His own mother has been exposed Your Eminence, thank you once again. Please
NINONG FATHER SOC   connected to Blessed Justo Ukon Takayama, to the light and radiation of the atomic bomb convey to Pope Francis our love. And now
December 31, 2018 a Japanese martyr who died in Manila in that fell on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. The please lead us in the Eucharist, the eternal
1615. A month later, Pope Francis announced cry for peace screams from his veins. Your Poem of Jesus, the Mystery Hidden but now
that you were being elevated to the College of Eminence, Manila Cathedral was ravaged to revealed as the Prince of Peace!
B6 REFLECTIONS January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

One with sinners to save them The powerful God in a

Baptism of the Lord, Year C, (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)
January 13, 2019 powerless little boy
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB An exegetical reflection on the Gospel of the
Feast of Santo Niño, Year C (Luke 2:41-52)
January 20, 2013
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

IN RECENT YEARS, there has been voiceless though he is, he is really

a proliferation of various images the revelation of God.
of the Holy Child: in some, he is How did God manifest himself in
dressed like a soldier or a doctor, in this small boy? In today’s Gospel
others, a fisherman or a pilot. I am reading (Luke 2:41-52), he is
not sure why the Infant Jesus was portrayed as one who was devoted
made to take these countenances, to the things of God. Early in his
but the real image remains that of a childhood, he was already concerned
child who wears the garb of a king, about his Father’s affairs: “Why did
with crown on his head, scepter on you search for me? Didn’t you know
one hand, and the universe on the I had to be in my Father’s house?”
other. The reason partly comes (Luke 2:49). His first allegiance
from the First Reading (Isa 9:1-7), was to his Father. And it is not a
which is the most famous messianic simple allegiance. Luke uses the
prophecy. God will liberate his word “must” or “had to be” which,
people from oppression, through the in Luke’s Gospel, characterizes
agency of a child, who is a prince of Jesus’ life: “The son of man must

WE say that people make a Baptist. mankind. The Word, the eternal Son
“prophetic gesture” when they But Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan, of the Father, clad in human flesh
do something striking that is also lost in the crowd of sinners who in Jesus of Nazareth, becomes one
a sign of greater things to come. were seeking forgiveness, had a with sinful mankind not to be its
Those gestures reveal the depth depth of meaning that made it one judge but its Savior. And the Holy
of their passion or commitment; of his most dramatic “prophetic Spirit, appearing in the form of a
they are meant to shake people and gestures.” It was Jesus’ baptism, dove, a symbol of peace, reminds
somehow force them to make a in fact, which revealed the essence us of God’s mercy on the “remnant”
choice, either for or against certain of his mission and became the of mankind as the purifying flood
vital issues. occasion for the revelation of his subsided. (See Gn 8:10-11.) Jesus’
In his lifetime, Jesus made concealed divine identity. baptism was a further manifestation
many “prophetic gestures,” such The “prophetic dimension” of of the meaning and purpose of the
as his driving the traders out of Jesus’ action was not so much Incarnation.
the Temple, the healing of the in his entering the waters of the Through that “immersion/
paralytic, and many other miracles Jordan, as his immersing himself identification,” the totally sinless
he performed. All those gestures in the crowd of sinners. That Jesus became a part not only
were “spectacular” in their own way. was something unthinkable and of the relatively small group of
They attracted the attention of the unbelievable. Only God’s incredible sinners gathered by the banks of
crowds, which wondered what their love for every human being and the Jordan, but also of the immense
“meaning” could be. all mankind could have conceived crowd of sinners that is the whole
There was, in the life of Jesus, a such an “immersion” which was so of humankind. And just as his
“gesture” which was not spectacular complete and involving as to be a immersion: in the waters of the river
at all and which went unnoticed by total “identification.” That was the sanctified them, so did his presence
almost everybody, except his cousin reason why the eternal and all-holy among the crowd of sinners bring peace. If the image has any meaning suffer…” (9:22); “But first he must
John: his baptism in the River Son of God had come down from them the possibility of receiving at all, it is meant to convey that this suffer many things...” (17:25}, “I
Jordan. That gesture was absolutely heaven and had undergone the purification from sin. child, helpless and innocent though must stay in your house…” (19:5),
“common” and “ordinary” for it was fullest “immersion” in the ocean That was exactly Jesus’ he is, is the king of peace, who is so “Everything must be fulfilled...”
something that almost everybody of mankind’s misery and in human mission. Isaiah the prophet had powerful that he holds the world in (26:44). In the conflict of human
was doing in those days, in response history. Jesus’ baptism is a clear already foreseen this when he his hand, and the liberator of the and divine obligations, the Father’s
to the exhortation of John the manifestation of God’s mercy toward human race. will must prevail. No wonder,
Sinners/ B7
When we think of a liberator, we Hebrews characterizes the life of

Challenged to grow in
associate him with Genghis Khan, Jesus as doing the Father’s will:
Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, “Then I said, here I am—it is written
or Napoleon Bonaparte. They are about me in the scroll—I have come
mighty warriors, who defeated their to do your will, O God (Heb 10:7).

wisdom and grace

enemies and established empires Doing the Father’s will culminates
over which they ruled. Through in his death, in weakness, in what
wars, power, and oppression, they appears, from the human point of
subjugated nations and put their view, as a defeat.
enemies under their feet. That is Of course, if from the beginning
Feast of the Sto. Niño, Year C, (Luke 2:41-52) how worldly power works. But in until his death, Jesus’ life was all
January 20, 2019 the ways of the divine, one conquers about doing the will of his Father,
the world not through power, it was not simply because he is
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB but through weakness. If Jesus God’s Son. As the Gospel today
conquered world, sin and death, and emphasizes, he progressed steadily
THE news must have spread like Mary and Joseph for the Passover to religious knowledge, many now sits at the right of God, it was not in wisdom and age and grace (Luke
fire in a forest of pine trees: there pilgrimage and the fulfillment of hardly know more than what they through violence, but by submitting 2:52), and that growth is to be
was in the Temple a wonder boy all other duties connected with learned when they were in kinder himself to the powers of this world. attributed to his upbringing as well.
who kept amazing the teachers of that feast, he showed that he and grade school . . . . When it He showed his weakness by allowing An evidence of that upbringing is
the Law not only with his answers, appreciated and was actively comes to our religious traditions, himself to be humiliated, crucified that “his parents used to go every
but also with his questions. involved in keeping the religious many show coldness and boredom. and killed. It was in his frailty that year to Jerusalem for the feast of
The audience of “experts” had traditions and observances of his When it comes to making some he was recognized, especially in the the Passover” (Luke 2:41). Surely,
been increasing steadily. By the people, just as he was at home with commitment in their parish or Johannine theology, as king: “Jesus as can be seen from the rest of the
third day, it had swollen to a the Scriptures. He had been taught religious association, they become of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph
sizable crowd of Scripture scholars to value those traditions, and felt over-cautious and unreliable . . . . 19:19). were deeply religious parents. If
all wondering at what the boy that they were part of his life. The feast of the Sto. Niño should If in his adulthood where he God was able to manifest himself in
from Nazareth was saying and the One often wonders whether our offer them an opportunity to manifested his weakness, Jesus a child, in a boy who not only was
questions he was asking. children and our youth could not reflect on why things are so. Many was recognized as king, so also in deeply religious, but whose whole
No doubt, the Boy knew the be more like Jesus as he progressed parents and educators, likewise, his childhood, helpless and feeble concern was to do the will of his
Scriptures in all their details and in knowledge and maturity with should ask themselves at what though he was, he was already Father, it is in no small measure due
nuances. He knew more than the passing of the years. Jesus had point they may have gone wrong known as king of the universe to what he received from his parents.
what the text said. He knew its grown in his appreciation of the in the way they have brought and its savior. The child, in other Which reminds us of a rhyme:
“message,” the “substance” of it all. precious traditions of his people. up their children and how the words, despite his ordinariness, is “Before your child has come to
His words were deep insights into He knew them thoroughly, and situation can be remedied in not an ordinary one. He is really a seven, Teach him well the way to
events and statements, presented kept them with the enthusiasm that order to see our youth “progress king—and more than a king, he is heaven. Better still the truth will
with mastery and authority. characterizes this age. This is what steadily in wisdom and grace, God among us, the Emmanuel (Matt thrive, If he knows it when he is five;
And he was just a boy of twelve, our children and pre-adolescents before God and men” (Lk 2:52), 1:23). Which is why, although the Best of all if at your knee, He learns
coming from a remote village in the would need to have and which as Jesus did. The observance of image of a Santo Niño might appear it when he’s only three.” That is the
countryside! The learned teachers many lack . . . the “Year of the Youth,” and Pope absurd—for how can a mere child meaning of the figure of Sto Niño:
just did not know what to make of Most of our youths are bright. Francis’ exhortation to discover (or place the whole world in his hand, the all powerful God who is king of
it . . . . Some are exceptionally bright. They re-discover) the mission of young yet its meaning is entirely correct: the universe, deigned to manifest
But Jesus was not just a “wonder are very familiar with the names people in the Church and society, God has deigned to show himself in himself in a powerless little boy,
boy.” He was, above all, a “wonder- and characteristics of movie and TV can be a wonderful opportunity to this child of Bethlehem . Frail and who is chiefly concerned about the
faithful,” and an exemplary one at personalities, sports champions, appreciate the young’s “giftedness” lowly though he is, yet he is worthy things of God, partly because of how
that. Having gone to Jerusalem with war heroes . . . .Yet, when it comes and to duty empower them. of praise and worship. Small and his parents brought him up.
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7

What the future holds for us

By Fr. Shay Cullen, MSSC

A SMALL group of students were

meeting over Christmas. Inevitably
the question of New Year resolutions
arose. The agreed to be totally honest
and share their New Year resolutions
with each other and share how they
would better their lives in 2019.
Roberto began and said, “I resolve
to change my eating habits, I know I
am overweight, I eat too much junk
foods, fast foods, instant food, but
they slow me down and I feel hungry
all the time. One day, I will get obese
and then have diabetes so I resolve
to stop it and eat healthy foods, fish,
vegetables, fruit and low on rice. And
I promise to walk more.” Everyone on
the group nodded in agreement and
congratulated Robert and promised
to help him as if they too needed to
change their life style.
Ella was next. “I resolve to fight my
addiction to social media, junk news,
Facebook and non-stop chatting. It’s
taking over my life, it distracts me
from my studies and I am getting
low grades. When I wake up in the
morning the first thing I do is not to
thank the creator for the gift of life
and another day to live and learn but
I reach for my smart phone. I have to
see what message came in, and they A boy rides his bike in the streets of Tacloban, Philippines, in this 2014 file photo. The World Day of the Poor -- to be marked each year on the 33rd Sunday of ordinary time -- will be celebrated Nov. 18. TYLER
are all so unimportant, trivial, and ORSBURN/CNS
nonsensical. Then I get so irritated
and angry when I have “low batt.” have to spend and buy something no am trying to be another imaginary get involved in other people’s lives. Can people shake off the power of
I am wasting my life for nothing to matter how trivial it is. Sometimes, it person. I was advised to forget myself That’s my New Year resolution. consumerism that stimulates our
show for it, time that will never come is just a small gadget, an accessory, by being involved with other people It will be a challenge but I have to greed? The masters of manipulation
back, hours wasted everyday and my a new t-shirt and I have so many and helping them. So my New Year do it,” she told the group. They all want us to be selfish and to spend and
studies are affected too. I have to get already. I am always begging my resolution is to join the youth social applauded. “Yes we can all change to accumulate things.
off it but I don’t know how.” parents for more money and have action group and get involved with if we work up the will power, we can The economy and those who control
Robert told her, “I promise I will some debt because I am a captive helping poor people. I am too much do it.” it does not to see us as people but
never text or message you again, consumer. So no more malling and into taking selfies and sharing them “Well, why don’t we all join the action consumers, not citizens but cogs in
so there.” They all laughed and spending for me,” he said. over my smart phone and all day I group and do a project together, then a great wheel that churns out profits
sympathized with Ella, the others Miriam was slow to share. She sat in am looking at myself in a mirror we help each other be faithful to our and accumulates vast amounts of
shared her problem to some degree. the group silent, nervous and afraid. and checking my hair and makeup.” resolutions and change our life style, money for them. Several million
Some other members of the group Ella encouraged her. “Whatever it is “I really am too selfish and I am together we might all be faithful to tons of perfectly good, surplus
felt guilty of the same addiction and you have to give up it can’t be all that going to find my real self and stop our resolutions,” said Ella. food is thrown away daily in the
looked at floor in frustration. Others bad. Tell us what your resolution is trying to change how I look. I am Those confessions and resolutions developed countries while the poor
turned off their smart phones. going to be.” The group laughed. also resolving this New Year to could inspire many others to change starve. Consider this: “Runaway
Then it was the turn of Benzie. He “Well,” she said slowly but with stop using skin whitening cream. their lifestyle too. As we go into the inequality has created a world where
confessed that he had to change his conviction, “I have been reading I know it can damage me and I am New Year 2019, we ought to think 62 people own as much wealth
spending habits. Besides being a non- lot about feeling inadequate and not happy with my life and I have and act on how we could have a as the poorest half of the world’s
stop messenger user himself, he said insecure. I think it is because of what to change. I think forgetting how more meaningful life. Can we find population,” Oxfam says in a report.
he had a compulsion to buy things. I see on television and how they I look and stop worrying about greater personal freedom and have Our resolution for 2019 could be to
For the New Year, I swear I will never tell us that we should all look like a how others see me is what I need the self- discipline to control our change that by working for social
go to the mall, every time I go there I celebrity. I feel I am not myself and to do. I am going to forget me and own lives and our environment? justice and equality.

Communion / B2 Praying / B3

people. other readings, unless it is carried the Holy Cross and images of the can provide a language to articulate on the streets—already more than
Another common option is to in the Entrance Procession. Lord exposed for public veneration, a social upheaval against colonial six thousands of dead bodies, some
have a large crucifix either directly “122. On reaching the altar, the offerings for the Sacrifice of the oppression; an ancient practice with cardboards and letters written
above the altar or behind it. The the priest and ministers make a Mass, the altar cross, the Book of of communal meditation can on them which goes: “drug pusher,
distance will depend on the size profound bow. The cross adorned the Gospels, the Paschal Candle, become a threat to the status quo huwag tularan.” Bodies just the
of the chapel and the crucifix, but with a figure of Christ crucified the priest, and the people. (e.g., Falun Gong); or, an antique same and sprawling on the same
they should combine so as to show and perhaps carried in procession “The following are incensed with voodoo ritual can transform itself streets where our processions pass.
the clear relationship of crucifix may be placed next to the altar to two swings of the thurible: relics into, and be perceived as, an act of And yet, we seldom hear a voice of
and altar. The norms for incensing serve as the altar cross, in which and images of the Saints exposed resistance. This does not take away protest for desecrating the same
offer the possibility of incensing case it ought to be the only cross for public veneration, which should the necessity of creative planning hallowed bodies that people use to
this cross not at the beginning but used; otherwise, it is put away in be done, however, only at the and real organizing since habitus honor their God. The voices who
when passing by the cross in front a dignified place. In addition, the beginning of the celebration, after can also be a very conservative jubilantly shout “Viva!” (to the
of the altar. candlesticks are placed on the the incensation of the altar. force. But such introduction of Nazareno and the Santo Niño) also
The norms indicate that there altar or near it. It is a praiseworthy “The altar is incensed with single new transformative elements into disdainfully say “May’ra!” (Maayo
should be only one altar cross. practice that the Book of the swings of the thurible in this way: practice can only be successful when rang namatay kay addict man.
Other crosses, even if they are Gospels be placed upon the altar. “a. if the altar is freestanding change agents are sensitive to the Linisin natin ang lipunan!)
in the sanctuary area, but which “123. The priest goes up to the with respect to the wall, the priest potentials of these durable cultural The official political machine
are closer to the assembly than the altar and venerates it with a kiss. incenses walking around it; elements so as to tap their innate of course tyrannically extols the
altar and face away from the altar, Then, as the occasion suggests, he “b. if the altar is not freestanding, creative resources. success of the project. And, sadly,
would not be suitable for use as an incenses the cross and the altar, the priest incenses it while walking we seldom hear cries of protest from
altar cross even though they may be walking around the latter. first to the right-hand side, then to Incarnation official ecclesiastical bodies. The
an object of devotion. “188. In the procession to the left. Third, spirituality can only be bodily. only cries we hear are the wailing
The relevant norms from the the altar, the acolyte may carry “The cross, if situated on or Our bodies are the only ways we have of widows, mothers and children as
GIRM would be the following: the cross, walking between two near the altar, is incensed by the to God. This incarnational approach they see the bodies of their beloved
“117. The altar is to be covered ministers with lighted candles. priest before he incenses the altar; to the divine runs counter to the now bloodied, lifeless, and being
with at least one white cloth. In Upon reaching the altar, the otherwise, he incenses it when he intellectualist Western tradition carried away by armed men they do
addition, on or next to the altar acolyte places the cross upright passes in front of it. which privileges the inner mental not know—be they in uniforms or
are to be placed candlesticks with near the altar so that it may serve “The priest incenses the offerings state, the esoteric experience, not. And their cries should not be
lighted candles: at least two in as the altar cross; otherwise, he with three swings of the thurible the internal consciousness. The as loud to avoid added violence or
any celebration, or even four or puts it in a worthy place. Then he or by making the sign of the cross Platonic disdain for the material retaliation. No one comes to their
six, especially for a Sunday Mass takes his place in the sanctuary. over the offerings with the thurible dismisses the bodily, the sensuous wakes because of fear. So, the poor
or a holy day of obligation. If the “277. The priest, having put before going on to incense the cross and the ordinary as quite base and painfully suffer in silence because
diocesan Bishop celebrates, then incense into the thurible, blesses it and the altar. lowly. Yet we can only think of God the political machine uses all its
seven candles should be used. with the Sign of the Cross, without “308. There is also to be a cross, through these sensuous realities. It “eyes and ears” to coerce them to
Also on or close to the altar, saying anything. Before and after with the figure of Christ crucified is thus imperative that all pastors submission. Ironically, in some
there is to be a cross with a figure an incensation, a profound bow is upon it, either on the altar or near and church ministers immerse sections of Payatas at the side
of Christ crucified. The candles made to the person or object that is it, where it is clearly visible to themselves and get involved in the of the dumpsite, CCTV cameras
and the cross adorned with a incensed, except for the incensation the assembled congregation. It tempo of people’s practices. Anyone abound to monitor movements
figure of Christ crucified may of the altar and the offerings for the is appropriate that such a cross, who ministers from the armchair - when hardly functioning ones
also be carried in the Entrance Sacrifice of the Mass. which calls to mind for the faithful or who issues pastoral directives are found in some sections of the
Procession. On the altar, itself “The following are incensed with the saving Passion of the Lord, from their isolated convents risks airport.
may be placed the Book of the three swings of the thurible: the remain near the altar even outside of becoming useless and irrelevant. What has become of human lives?
Gospels, distinct from the book of Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of of liturgical celebrations.” Moreover, if the Church is to help What has become of human dignity?
mediate and channel God’s salvation What has become of the embodied
into the human community, these God in our human bodies?
Sinners/ B6
practices should be considered Can our praying bodies, moving
announced that the mission of the company—something that shocked so powerful in its effect because he as the way in which the Church bodies, dancing bodies place
“Servant of the Lord” was to bring the “holy” people of his time. His was God’s beloved Son, on whom must walk and think for it is here themselves on the line and stand
“justice” (that is, holiness) to the association with “public sinners” the Father’s favor rested! Such that people articulate the acts of up to protect the thousands of dying
nations. Of him the Lord God said, was bound to tarnish his reputation a solemn proclamation of Jesus’ God experienced in their everyday bodies around us? Or, shall we keep
“I formed you and set you as a as his opponents pointed out on divine identity soon after his baptism life. For ordinary people, these waving handkerchiefs or dancing
covenant of the people, a light for several occasions. Jesus did not balanced, so to speak, his associating everyday practices which are deeply in front of our santos and leave the
the nations, to open the eyes of the mind that criticism and continued himself with the crowd of sinners at intertwined with one’s cultural many others more to continue to die
blind, to bring out prisoners from like before, for—as he himself said— the Jordan River. It also completed memories and religious histories are on our streets?
confinement, and from the dungeon it is sick people who need a doctor. the “prophetic nature” of what the only wells from which they can
those who live in darkness.” (See (See Mt 9:12.) But his immersing happened on that day—God’s very draw the strength needed in their (Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, C.M.,
today’s First Reading.) himself in the crowd of sinful Son coming to save all mankind by daily struggle for survival. is Professor and Dean of St.
In his life, Jesus “actualized” mankind cost Jesus much more—it sharing fully its predicament of moral Vincent School of Theology, in
such a liberating and sanctifying cost him his very life, for he was put misery, in order to transform it from Dead Bodies Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon
“immersion” by associating with to death to atone for the sins of all! within, through the superabundant Yet, in our times, almost every City. Comments maybe emailed to:
sinners and even seeking their Jesus’ vicarious self-offering was holiness that only God is. morning we also see bodies lying danielfranklinpilario@yahoo.com)
B8 ENTERTAINMENT January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Lolo Kiko Bladimer Usi
DIRECTOR: Lasee Hallstrom
STARRING: Keira Knightley.
Mackenzie Foy, Eugenio Derbez,
Matthew Macfadyen, Jayden
Fowora-Knight, Helen Mirren
SCREENPLAY BY: Ashleigh Powell
STORY BY: E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The
Nutcracker
PRODUCER: Mark Gordon, Larry
Franco
GENRE(S): Fantasy, Adventure
MUSIC BY: James Newton Howard
EDITED BY: Stuart Levy
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Linus
Sandgren
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Walt
Disney Pictures, Walt Disney
Animation Studios
DISTRIBUTED BY: Walt Disney

Buhay Parokya
Studios Motion Pictures
COUNTRY: England FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:
RUNNING TIME: 99 minutes was hard to sympathize with 1. BLACK NAZARENE
any character. This is a family 2. STO. NINO
Technical assessment: 3.0 movie not meant for the entire 3. CHALICE
Moral assessment: 3.5 family.
CINEMA rating: VA
There are strong redemptive
MTRCB rating: G
and moral values presented in
The Nutcracker and the the movie. First, the value of
Four Realms is a visually believing in one’s self and
appealing adaptation of the being of service to others.
19th century story and ballet. After Clara realizes the gift
It appeals to the imagination she received pointed to herself
of little girls who love to as the only thing she will ever
dress up as princesses and need, she bravely rallies the
probably their mothers who realms to retrieve the key
remember the ballet. The to defend what her mother
screen is always filled with loved most. Second, the value
so much dazzle and sparkles of looking beyond superficial
that it becomes necessary to beauty. Sugar Plum is sweet,
blink and stare into a blank soft spoken, friendly and
space just to refresh the eyes. almost perfect while Mother
Every scene looks like a cut out Ginger is the exact opposite.
from a European Christmas However, it turns out that real
card, the costumes and set beauty and goodness lies in
are outstandingly intricate the heart of the latter. Third,
and the mid-film ballet is a the value of forgiveness — both
special treat for the audience. Mother Ginger and Clara’s
However, there is just too father found it in their hearts
much talk and too much plot to let go of the hurt and start
to be absorbed alongside the over for the sake of keeping
production extravaganza. the relationship strong. Also,
Those who are unfamiliar (and forgiveness would not have
uninterested) with the original been possible if Clara did not
narrative will be confused with ask for it. Clara also delivers
characters showing up one the most powerful statement
minute and disappearing the about being selfless and
other. The emotional layer doing things for others as the
was very thin and unreal. It purpose of life.

Fantastica: the Princess, the Prince,

and the Perya

Sa kabila ng madalas nilang Komedyang nakaugat sa papel —  h indi nakakatawa, ang maraming manunuod
di pagkakaunawan, buhay na pantasiya ang “Fantastica: bagkus ay katawa-tawa sa mga kabaklaan ni Ganda.
buhay pa rin ang negosyong the Princess, the Prince, and ang kinalabasan nila. Isang Paano mo ipapaliwanag
perya (na “Perya Wurtzbach” the Perya”, at dahil sa ang bagay lang ang nakita naming sa mga musmos ang mga
ang tawag) ng mag-inang bida dito ay si Ganda, alam nakakatawa: ang boses ng pantasiya ng isang bakla na
Belat (Vice Ganda) at na marahil ninyo na tulad ng lalaki na namumutawi sa ipinagdidiinan ng pelikula?
Aling Fec (Jacklyn Jose); peryang tampok sa pelikula, bawa’t pagbuka ng bibig ng Bagama’t ginustong
umaani ito ng maraming “ ninais lamang nitong umani marikit na si Bella Padilla. itampok ng pelikula ang
palakhak” — pinagsamang ng palakpak at halakhak Subali’t kahit na ulanin pa kahalagahan ng pamilya
palakpak at halakhak. Pero mula sa mga manonood. siguro ang “ Fantastica” ng at pag-aaruga ng hindi mo
merong lagusan ang perya Hindi makapalakpak ang mga pintas ng mga kritiko, kadugo, hindi ito lumutang
sa daigdig ng Fantastica na CINEMA sa natunghayan kapag pumapalakpak ang dahil nasapawan ito ng
magsasara dahil sa isang nitong napakababang uri manunuod, ang huling walang humpay at walang
DIRECTOR: Barry Gonzales Emerson Texon
LEAD CAST: Vice Ganda, GENRE: Fantasy Comedy
sumpa. Para magbukas ulit ng komedya, sa gasgas na halakhak ay sa mga gumawa saysay na pagpapatawa at
Dingdong Dantes, Richard CINEMATOGRAPHER: Anne ang lagusan at magpatuloy banghay (plot), sa dayalogong ng pelikula dahil sa tubong- kabastusan. Paalala lang
Gutierrez, Jacklyn Jose, Bela Monzon ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng paikot-ikot na parang nilugaw na papasok sa p o n g C I N E M A  —  k u n g
Padilla DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema, mundo ng Fantastica at tsobibong nasira ang preno. kanilang mga bulsa. limitado ang badyet ninyo,
SCREENWRITER: Enrico Viva Films mundo ng tao, kakailanganin At ang kuwento, pantasiya Ganito na nga ang nangyari: makabubuti pa sigurong
Santos, Daisy Cayanan, LOCATION: Philippines ang sampung libong na nga, pasikut-sikot pa, kaya sa simula pa lang ng MFF, ibili na lamang ng mga
Jonathan Albano RUNNING TIME: 115 minutes “palakhak”. Magtutulungan lalong napalabo ng palabok nanguna na ang Fantastica makabuluhang babasahin
PRODUCER: Vic Del Rosario
Jr., Olivia Lamasan Technical assessment: 2.5 si Belat at si Prince Pryce ni Ganda. Sablay din ang sa takilya. Nang manood nito para sa mga bata iyon kaysa
EDITOR: Joyce Bernal, Noah Moral assessment: 2.5 (Richard Gutierrez) upang casting: ang mga batikang ang CINEMA sa ika-anim na lustayin sa dalawang oras na
Tonga CINEMA rating: V14 mabuksan ulit ang lagusan at actor na Dantes at Gutierrez ay araw, puno pa rin ang sinehan, halakhakan at kapalpakang
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: MTRCB rating: PG pabalikin ang sigla ng perya. hindi bagay sa kanilang mga at humahagalpak ng tawa dulot ng Fantastica.
 Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
CBCP Monitor Vol. 23 No. 1 January 7 - 20, 2019 C1

CFC Celebrates Epiphany Sunday

with First Fruits Offering
By CFC Global Comm
AS A fitting beginning to the New
Year, the Mission Core of Metro
Manila assembled at the Ynares
Sports Arena in Pasig City on
the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
Fitting because they were there to
offer their first fruit, their gift of
their resources, to the One from
whom all these gifts came.
The first fruit offering, a community
tradition since 2004, is a sacred occa-
sion that involves the consecration of
each and every member of CFC on the
first gathering of the year.
Fr. Ruper Solis, SVD, celebrated the
Mass. After the Eucharistic celebra-
tion, Pastoral Formation Director
Rouquel Ponte exhorted the congre-
gation on the significance of offering
the first fruit.
“I believe the virtue that the Lord
wants us to develop on the Solemnity
of the Epiphany is the virtue of gen-
erosity,” Ponte began. “As the Lord
reveals himself to us as Lord and King,
let us allow Him to truly transform us
to deepen our generosity,” he added.
The tradition of offering the first
fruit was born from a prophecy spoken
during the yearly discernment and
retreat of the International Council
and their spouses in November 2003.
While steeped in prayer and worship,
with much time devoted to listening
to God, discernment of God’s messages,
and giving prophetic utterances, one of
the participants spoke the following
message from God quite clearly:
“I want to start a TRADITION … a
TRADITION of ‘FIRST FRUITS’. At
the start of each year, the very first
ECG gathering, and the subsequent
first gatherings of every group down
to the line of every member… should
be consecrated to Me. It must be a most
solemn and sacred occasion… worthy
of my Holiness. This is how the conse-
cration must be done:
“You are to prepare an altar. On the
altar you are to put an appropriate ves-
sel or container to hold the offerings.
Place a crucifix in front of the vessel.
Light candles. Adorn with flowers. I
WILL BE PRESENT ON THAT SPE- ‘God reveals Himself to those who seek Him’
CIAL OCCASION. MAKE THE SET-
TING WORTHY OF MY MAJESTY. BELOW are excerpts from the hom- Him. Our primary vocation is to seek searched, looked for Jesus, and they who searches for and loves
Worship Me. Sing solemn songs. ily given by Fr. Ruper Solis, SVD, God, and the person who seeks Him encountered Him. Allow me to share God always comes bearing
Then one by one, everyone present during the Mass at the Metro Ma- finds Him.) three points—qualities or attributes gifts—time, talents, treasure,
including children, without exception, nila Mission Core Assembly on the Ang pagpapakita ng Diyos ay of those who seek, or constantly love, sacrifice, service.
should stand in line. And one by one, Solemnity of the Epiphany. ang Kanyang pagtingin sa taong behold God. 3. Transformation - our mis-
each should approach the altar with Today we celebrate the Epiphany tinitingnan, sa ating lahat. Ang sion is to become a better
great reverence. Then offer your FIRST of the Lord. Epiphania, ang pagpa- pagtingin ng Diyos sa atin ay ang 1. Worship - worship is a rela- person today than we were
FRUITS, a symbolic amount of money, pakita ng Diyos. Mga kapatid, ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin. At tionship, not an obligation. yesterday. This is also the
equivalent to how much of your heart Diyos ay nagpapakita sa mga taong ang mga nagmamahalan ay may When we worship, our desire challenge of Epiphany.
you offer to Me. Your money is of no naghahanap sa Diyos. Ang tunay pagtitinginan sa isa’t-isa. (The is to have a deeper, more in-
consequence to Me. But I delight in the na hanapbuhay ay ang paghahanap Epiphany of the Lord to all men is timate connection with God. I believe that the reason we are all
amount of love that you will offer to sa Diyos. At ang taong naghahanap a manifestation of His love. And He We open up our lives in order here is because we regard the Lord
me through that money.” sa Diyos ay ang syang natatagpuan who loves us cherishes and regards for God to enter. with much love and affection. And
This prophecy is affirmed by the ng Diyos. (Brethren, God manifests us as His beloved.) 2. Offering - the Magi went to as we continue to seek Him, let us be
following verse from Deuteronomy: Himself to those who always seek In today’s gospel, the Magi Jesus bearing gifts. A person assured that He will find us.
FIRST FRUITS, p2

Young Ministries Respond to LAIKO

CFC 2019 Schedule of Events Call to Love for Country
JAN 6 Metro Manila Mission Core Assembly
& First Fruits Offering APR 5-7 Youth for Christ 26th YFC
International Conference (ICON)

12 CFC International
Leaders Conference 26-28 CFC Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD)
International Conference

25-27 CFC Mission Core Weekend Retreat 26-28 CFC Kids for Christ
Family Conference (Visayas)

FEB 15-17 Singles for Christ 26th

SFC International Conference 26-28 CFC Kids for Christ
Family Conference (Mindanao) ATTY. Alex Lacson, other SFC leaders in the ing population.
President of the Pilipino Philippine Missions (via The gathering, which
Movement for Trans- online stream); Youth sprang from an earlier
CFC Servants of the Lord (SOLD) formational Leadership for Christ; and Kids for assembly of member or-

MAR 29-31 CFC International Catholic Men`s

Conference 2019
MAY 17-19 CFC Kids for Christ Family
Conference (Southern Luzon)
(PMTL), a coalition of
various faith-based orga-
nizations from Catholic,
Christ at the CFC Global
Mission Center on Janu-
ary 8, 2019.
ganizations of the CBCP
Sangguniang Laiko ng
Pilipinas (LAIKO) over
Evangelical and Protes- His talk, titled “Un- the weekend, discussed

22
tant communities, spoke derstanding Federalism what young people can

JUN CFC 38th Anniversary Celebration 17-19 CFC Kids for Christ Family
Conference (Northern Luzon)
before leaders of CFC’s
younger ministries—
Singles for Christ Metro
and Charter Change”
is designed for young
people, who comprise
do to show their love for
country, and how they,
like the young heroes
Manila (onsite), and 67% of the Filipino vot- YOUNG MINISTRIES, p4
C2 January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

THE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR

Michael “Shok” Ariola

Missionary Journey: The Great Adventure

EVERY journey has a be- soil of the Holy Land to- Jesus had indeed risen from world about Jesus is our how much you have changed that we haven’t changed,
ginning and an end. But gether with my co-mission- the dead as the prophets journey. Our journey as just by attempting to follow then perhaps you need a
as someone once said, “It’s aries. It hasn’t happened foretold, were never the missionaries is all about Christ? deeper encounter with Jesus.
the ups and downs of the yet but I know it will. And I same thenceforth, it is the experiencing Christ and Every time we pray, we The year 2019 has just
journey that counts.” know that once it happens (I the two men journeying to watching our transformed are changed. Every time begun. In just over eleven
We are all missionar- hope it is soon), I will never Emmaus who must have lives unfold before us. we receive the Holy Eucha- months from now, it will
ies—those who actually go be the same. My life will been most changed. The As we begin this new year, rist, we receive the capac- be 2020. Will we be able to
out to far flung places as be completely changed, just Gospel says that when their our theme calls for us to go ity to be different. Every say, as we look back at our
well as those who labor at like the three wise men who, “eyes were opened,” mean- into another year of rekin- time we come together as year, that we have indeed
home to make sure the mis- after meeting the infant ing they finally realized it dling our gift and fulfilling husband and wife, to talk encountered Jesus? Can we
sion moves forward. And Jesus in the manger in Beth- was Jesus breaking bread the ministry we have com- about God’s great plan for start counting down the
as missionaries, we began lehem, were transformed by with them, they changed mitted our lives to. This our marriage and family, weeks today, but always
our journey with answering the entire experience. The their plans and went back to renewed mandate requires we are never left the same. mindful that every day, Je-
the call. The fulfillment of Bible tells us that, having Jerusalem. They were osten- that we be deliberate in all Every time we gather as a sus gives us the opportunity
that call may be said to be been warned in a dream of sibly escaping from the cha- our actions—deliberate in family with our children, to change even the smallest
the end, the achievement Herod’s evil designs on the otic situation in Jerusalem meeting Christ especially in if we meet Christ through aspects of our personality,
of our metanoia. But that Child Jesus, they returned and in fear for their future, others, in situations, even in them, we become a differ- our perspectives, our lives?
is not the whole story. It is to their homes via another but meeting Jesus gave them impossible situations, and ent father or mother. Just I look forward to saying
not the complete journey. route. Here, “another route” the courage to walk back in unlovable people. by following Jesus, we be- Yes to that. I hope you are
The initial answer to the can mean another life, an- and confront whatever dif- Christ is in every person come completely changed. as excited as I am about the
call and the satisfaction of other vocation, a new per- ficulties their faith in Jesus and in every situation. Let us ask ourselves—Am wonderful things our re-
seeing the mission fulfilled spective, a new approach would bring them. Our mission is to delib- I the same as I was five min- newed desire to encounter
can only be complete if the to life. The Gospel says they erately look for him. And utes, five months or five Jesus in ourselves, in our
journey is done with Jesus, The story of Jesus’ resur- also went back to Jerusa- why should we do that? years ago? For those of us in families, in others, will un-
our ultimate goal. rection tells us of the same lem because they felt the Simple. Because we do not their senior years, am I the fold in our lives.
For the longest time, I transformation experience. urge to tell the disciples want to be the same person same person I was fifty years Happy New Year!
have had this longing and While everyone who saw what had transpired. we were before. ago? If we say, and some
desire to stand on the sacred and came to believe that This desire to tell the Have you ever wondered would even be proud of this,

FROM A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

Rouquel Ponte

Our Journey of Faith

OUR travels take us from place low our encounter with the Lord cooperation of the one called and ing many things that occupy follow Him all the way. This
to place and for various reasons to deepen into greater intimacy. the one who accompanies. our day. Prayerful listening; will mean the readiness and
—work, leisure, homecoming, This prayerful listening of Je- Jesus taught His disciples two contemplating His Word in willingness to: :
mission, etc. But we also have sus to us teaches us to listen to important lessons: He opened Scriptures; a strong devotion
another travel—our own journey others as well. Listening is the their minds to Scripture and He to the Blessed Sacrament are • Choose what Jesus chooses
of faith. first step in our journey together. opened their eyes to His Presence some things we can do for us —a life of sacrifice, sim-
Allow me to focus on our jour- We then become a listening in the Eucharist. He opened not to deepen our intimacy and plicity and obedience to
ney of faith in life and propose Church, a listening community. only their minds and eyes but personal relationship with God’s will, to the point of
some key points for our reflec- This is especially true as we relate most especially their hearts, di- the Lord. This will lead us to even foregoing some com-
tion. Let us view this journey with the young people of today— rected to focus only on Him. be in full communion with fort and pleasures in life,
from the biblical perspective of they need to be heard and under- In our present reality, these les- Him and we will be initiated • Let go of any self-entitle-
Luke 24:13-35—on the road to stood. But this also applies to all sons are taught again and again and received into the family ment and be content with
Emmaus. of our pastoral life: like Jesus, we in our full participation in the of God. whatever role is assigned
The journey of the two Emmaus are sent into the world to listen Mass and in receiving Jesus in to us; and
disciples may be described as a to the cry of humanity, which is the Liturgy of the Word and the 2. Accompaniment – Let us be • Be willing to go all the way,
walk of despair as they travelled often a silent cry, at times even Liturgy of the Eucharist. like the two disciples from even to the ultimate suffer-
the road from Jerusalem to Em- suppressed. The final word is mission—the Emmaus, who encountered ing on the cross.
maus. There was a sense of confu- Journeying and listening travelling together to meet oth- the Lord, listened to Him
sion and even hopelessness. We should lead us to the third im- ers especially in their need. speak; allowed their hearts to After giving the mission to the
may be experiencing the same in portant point— discernment. The two disciples hurriedly be touched and invited Him twelve apostles, Jesus laid down
our life—moments of light and This requires accompaniment, went back to Jerusalem and to break bread with them at the conditions to discipleship, “If
moments of darkness. This is the the same accompaniment that joined their apostolic community table. Let us also be willing anyone wishes to come after me,
reality we find ourselves in. Jesus did to the two disciples and which by the power of the Holy instruments to accompany he must deny himself and take
But the good news is that we are also to His twelve Apostles. He Spirit became wholly missionary. others in need of God’s pres- up his cross daily and follow me.”
never alone in these moments of accompanied them with patience Here are some practical points ence in their lives. This may (Luke 9:23)
distress and confusion. The Risen and wisdom, teaching them to to help us remember the lessons take much of our time and we
Lord meets us, listens to us and follow the ways of truth and even in our journey of faith in life. may have to go through some Let us now together reflect:
speaks to us. As He listens, we be- helping them discern what was in This will also illustrate the stages inconvenience or even re-
gan to understand that someone their hearts. He helped them in of our growth and maturity as quire our financial resources 1. W h e r e a m I n o w i n m y
understands our present situa- their confusion and doubt. In the disciples of Jesus. but like Jesus, like the great journey of faith?
tion. When our Lord appeared to end, Jesus assured them that He men and women of our faith, 2. What two commitments
the two disciples, he walked with will be with them until the end 1. I n i t i a t i o n – W e n e e d t o let us pray for the grace to be will I pursue so I can con-
them, listened and also encour- of age through the Holy Spirit. realize that our first call to willing to go the extra mile in tinue being with Jesus and
aged them to express what was The mystery of our pastoral be Christ’s disciples is to be our journey of faith. the people He sends me to
deep inside them—their hopes vocation and discernment must with Him always. This will 3. Mission – As our first call is be with?
and disappointments. This is always be under the power of require that we spend more to be with Jesus, what comes
what happens to us when we al- Jesus’ Spirit which requires the time being with Him than do- next is to imitate Him and

FIRST FRUITS, C1

THE CFC HISTORY

BOOK

“…You shall take some first fruits of the given each person, each family, and the entire
various products of the soil which you harvest community. The prophecy further said:
from the land which the Lord, your God, gives “My arms are raised to bless. My hands are
you, and putting them in a basket, you shall go poised to give. Honor Me with your FIRST
to the place which the Lord, your God, chooses FRUITS solemnly, joyfully, and willingly.
for the dwelling place of His name. There you Dedicate yourselves to Me through your FIRST
shall go to the priest in office at that time FRUITS OFFERING—not because you are just
and say to him, ‘Today I acknowledge to the interested in the good results you expect Me to
Lord, my God that I have indeed come into give you—but because you really love me and
the land which He swore to our fathers He you delight in honoring Me. Then you will see…
would give us.’ if I don’t open the windows of heaven and pour
The priest shall then receive the basket from down upon you in abundance all kinds of good
you and shall set it in front of the altar of the things.” The Lord has spoken.
Lord, your God. Offering one’s firsts fruits is not about the
Then you shall declare before the Lord, your amount being offered but the state of one’s
God, ‘He gave this land flowing with milk and heart as he or she utters a prayer of gratitude
honey. Therefore, I have now brought you the for the blessings of the years past, and for bless-
first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O ings God is ready to pour out to each one in the
Lord, have given me.’ And having set them before coming year.
the Lord, your God, you shall bow down in His Aside from CFC Metro Manila, CFC Laguna,
presence. Then you and your family… shall make CFC Guam and some chapters conducted their
merry over all these good things which the Lord, own first fruits offering on the first Sunday of
your God, has given you.” ~Deuteronomy 26: 2-11 the year. The rest of the provinces and countries,
from the big assemblies down to the chapter and
A solemn promise household level, are expected to hold their first AVAILABLE AT
This offering of First Fruits is a symbolic fruits offering on their first assembly/gathering/
act—individually and as a community. This is household prayer meeting.
a symbolic act of bringing back to God—and The first fruits offering are earmarked for the
thanking Him—for the many blessings He has development of the global mission.
CBCP Monitor January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 C3

AQUILA AND PRISCILLA REFLECTIONS FROM THE VATICAN

Joe Tale

He cured them (Matthew 4:24) Our Own Special Moment

HIS name was Juan Jose Bar- at Tlatelolco. for the miraculous cure of Bar- FORTY-four years ago, the Lord blessed The heavenly strains of Fill the World
ragan Silva. He lived in Mexico After the events of 9-12 De- ragan. At the hill of Tepeyac, Babylou and me with our own special with Love , Invocation , One Love , Sunrise
City. He was a drug addict. cember 1531 during which the the Virgin of Guadalupe as- moment. The date was December 23, Sunset, The Lord's Prayer, and Ang Tangi
On 6 May 1990, under the image of the Blessed Virgin was sured Juan Diego on 12 Decem- 1974. The place was St. Alphonsus Mary Kong Pagibig , continue to play in our
drug’s influence, in his mother’s miraculously imprinted on his ber 1531, when she appeared to de Liguori Church, Magallanes Village, minds. This they did out of pure friend-
presence, he stabbed himself, tilma, Juan Diego moved into him for the fourth time, that his Makati, Metro Manila. ship. I was a newbie in the Crowd, and so
went to the balcony of their a little hermitage on Tepeyac seriously ill and dying uncle, I thank the Lord for that moment, for thankful for their support. Babylou and I
apartment and jumped out. Hill. He lived a life of prayer, Juan Bernardino, was, at that the blessing of God through the sacra- are forever grateful.
His mother held on to his legs recounting to countless pil- very same moment, already ment of holy matrimony. I thank Him I also honor my parents-in-law, Rodolfo
but she was not strong enough grims visiting the miraculous completely healed. At Lourdes, for Fr Ruben Tanseco, S.J., my college and Lydia Gonzalez, though both have
and Barragan managed to free image of the Lady of Tepeyac where she identified herself in theology professor, who officiated the passed on to the next life, for loving us
himself. He plunged head first the events that forever changed 1858 as the Immaculate Con- liturgy and wedding rites. I remember and believing in us. Mommy Lyd was my
to the ground. his life. He remained in the ception, thousands of pilgrims with gratitude my family, and my friends supporter, who with her motherly instinct,
Barragan was rushed to the same hermitage until his death have since experienced mi- who supported our audacity to marry at gently affirmed Babylou's decision to go
hospital. But to everyone’s sur- on 9 December 1548, exactly 17 raculous healing. Lourdes has the young age of 23 and 22. Very young for me (Yehey!). Daddy Odol, who we took
prise, three days later, he was years after the first apparition. become a leading shrine for the by today's standards. out to dinner in Kowloon House as our ver-
completely healed. He should He is now considered as the pa- sick, the lame, and the blind. Many in CFC already know our love sion of pamanhikan was also supportive,
have died from the fall or at the tron saint of indigenous people. All these healings remind story, how Babylou and I first met when even with his serious mien at the start.
very least become handicapped However, he should also be us of what Matthew wrote at we were still in elementary school. Of (My own father had passed away at this
for the rest of his life. But no, the patron saint of people who the very beginning of Jesus’ course, no relationship yet at that stage time, and I didn't have paternal relatives
in only three days, he was com- would like to be cured of drug ministry in Galilee: Jesus went (just wanted to make that clear). We honor in Manila except for my Jesuit Brother
pletely whole with no broken addiction as well as those who around all of Galilee, teaching our Grade 4 teacher, Miss Felicidad Buling, uncle. So I was alone.)
bones or physical impairment. have serious and terminal ill- in their synagogues, proclaim- for starting it all. When I still could not muster up the
The doctors all agreed that it nesses for it was to him that our ing the gospel of the kingdom, I was one year ahead of Babylou, and courage to ask for Babylou's hand in mar-
was scientifically and medically Lady of Guadalupe said, “Do and curing every disease and we did not know each other then. Miss riage, even after we were done with dessert,
inexplicable. not be worried about his illness, illness among the people. His Buling unknowingly "introduced" me Daddy Odol, sensitive enough about my
But the mystery would be or any other pain or anxiety. fame spread to all of Syria, to Babylou. I must have impressed Miss predicament, ordered beer, and that gave
solved when Barragan’s mother Am I not here, who am your and they brought him all who Buling, during the time I was her student, me the signal, and the courage, to go for
revealed that, as soon as she lost mother? Are you not under my were sick with various diseases that she kept referring to me as her ideal it. Honestly, I don't remember a word of
her grip and her son was falling shadow and protection?” and racked in pain, those who student in the next class she handled, i.e., what I said, but I must have said the right
off the balcony, she invoked December 8 is the Feast of were possessed, lunatics, and Babylou's class. things, as my father-in-law agreed, and the
the intercession of Juan Diego. the Immaculate Conception, paralytics, and he cured them Babylou became curious as to who this wedding came to be.
In bold words full of faith, she December 9 the Feast of St. Juan (Mt 4:23-24). ideal student was. Well, in those days, one I reserve the most important honoring
prayed, “Give me proof. Save Diego, and December 12 is the Indeed, Jesus is the Great did not really get to be formally introduced for my bride of 44 years—my girl, my
this son of mine. And you, my Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Healer. St. Juan Diego, the Vir- to one another. It just happened. And so woman, my friend, all rolled into one, as in
Mother, listen to Juan Diego.” While everyone was looking gin of Guadalupe, the Lady of it did, in that corner of the world we call the song of Jose Mari Chan. I might add—
This event happened at exactly forward to our CFC household’s Lourdes, draw from Jesus their Valencia Elementary School. I remember my chef, carpenter, plumber, painter, and
the same time that Juan Diego Christmas Party on December power to heal. being so attracted to Babylou when I first gardener, and many more. Thank you for
was being beatified by Pope 14, several members of the A long list of miracles, cures, got to know her, much like when Michael loving me. Thank you for choosing me
John Paul II at the Basilica of household sent messages that and intercessions are attributed Corleone first saw Apolonia in Italy in the from all the rest. I love you then, I love
Our Lady of Guadalupe not they were not feeling well, one to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Ev- Mario Puzo book, The Godfather. I am kid- you even more now. To you I pledge my
too far from where Barragan with flu, another with body ery year, over 10 million people ding of course, but what I really want to say love forever.
lived in Mexico City. This mi- aches, and still another with se- visit the Basilica of Our Lady of is that the Lord brings people together in
raculous healing, after a long vere cough. Another fell down Guadalupe. It is the most popu- different ways and circumstances, and this “One love, in my young life
and exhaustive investigation, from a two-step ladder, and a lar Marian shrine and the most was how He introduced us to one another. Took me somewhere I have never been
was the miracle that led to the few weeks earlier a member of visited Catholic church in the And so, while belated and posthumous, we And I want to live again, breathe again,
canonization of St. Juan Diego the household fell flat on his world after St. Peter’s Basilica still thank and honor Miss Buling for the In the shelter of this brightly woven
on 31 July 2002 also by Pope face after momentarily losing in the Vatican. “introduction". love song…”
John Paul II. consciousness. We prayed for More than 20 popes have We also thank and honor The Ambiva-
Juan Diego was born in 1474 them, invoking the interces- officially honored Our Lady lent Crowd for singing during our own And to our family and friends, especially
as Cuauhtlatohuac, which sion of the Blessed Mother. of Guadalupe. St. John Paul II special moment, with Ryan Cayabyab and those who shared our own special mo-
means “he who talks like an We recited for them the old- visited the Basilica four times the late Willie Cruz on the keyboards. ments then and now, thank you!
eagle”. Following the early est complete prayer to Mary - on his first apostolic trip out-
death of his parents, he was that dates back to 250 A.D., side Rome as Pope in 1979, and
taken to live with his uncle. He Sub Tuum Praesidium (Under again in 1990, 1999 and 2002.
was raised from birth in the Your Protection), which Pope During his visit in 1999, Pope
Aztec pagan religion. When Francis had also encouraged John Paul II entrusted the cause
the Franciscan missionaries all Catholics to pray daily for of life to her loving protection
arrived in Mexico, Cuauhtla- protection from physical and and placed under her motherly
tohuac, his wife, Malintzin, spiritual harm. care the innocent lives of chil-
and his uncle were converted dren, especially those who are
to Catholicism and baptized in Sub Tuum Praesidium in danger of not being born.
1525. He took the name Juan We fly to your protection, God has chosen Mary from
Diego while his wife became O holy Mother of God. the beginning of time to be
Maria Lucia and his uncle be- Despise not our petitions the Daughter of the Father,
came Juan Bernardino. They In our necessities, the Mother of the Son, and
were among the first natives But deliver us from all the Spouse of the Spirit. And
to be baptized. After baptism, dangers, Mary has chosen Juan Diego to
Juan Diego became very com- O ever glorious and blessed declare to the world that she is
mitted to his new religion. Even Virgin. “our mother” because she wants
after his wife died, he would Amen. to lead us to her Son who draws
walk long distances to receive multitudes toward him (as
further religious instruction at The Blessed Mother must he, through Mary, is now also
the Franciscan mission station have listened to St. Juan Diego drawing us).

YOUNG MINISTRIES, C1
of long ago, can safeguard the which have gone through the qualification of presidential
sovereignty of this nation. shift. and vice-presidential candidates
“A good Christian must also Atty. Lacson also discussed from 40 to 45); and anti-Filipino
be a good citizen,” Atty. Lacson the “12 Dangerous Provisions (opening ownership of mass
began. Quoting Bishop Broder- of GMA’s Federal Charter”. media outfits, and other busi-
ick Pabillo, LAIKO Chairman, He explained the difference ness wholly or substantially to
he added, “A good citizen gets between GMA’s (Speaker Gloria foreigners).
involved in the issues that affect Macapagal-Arroyo) and the Atty. Lacson likewise noted
people’s lives, and our Christian- Bayanihan Federal Constitution that the obstacles to the shift
ity compels us to participate in drafted by the Constitutional to a Federal government are
the issues and act on them.” Commission (ConCom) headed crumbling, and it is up to the
What are these issues? Atty. by Justice Reynaldo Puno. young to do something about
Lacson presented six big issues “After the completion of Puno the situation. He noted that
for 2019: Elections 2019; the et al’s “Bayanihan Federal Con- this “something” may not only
shift to a federal form of gov- stitution”, the group submitted mean that the youth get into the
ernment; extrajudicial killings it to President Duterte, who in political arena or march in the
or EJKs; anti-opposition/Com- turn submitted it to Congress streets. For a start, he suggested
munist campaign; martial law under Speaker of the House Glo- that the youth learn more about
declaration; and the conflict ria Macapagal-Arroyo during the issues and talk about these
between China and the US in the State of the Nation Address issues with their peers and their
the West Philippine Sea. (SONA). However, Arroyo com- families .
Atty. Lacson emphasized pletely disregarded the Bayani- Noli Manuel, Singles for
that “We need to vigilantly han Federal Constitution, and Christ International Coordina-
watch five of these issues this drafted the House’s own version, tor, in wrapping up the discus-
year. Of course there are many which the Lower House has ap- sions, exhorted the youth, now
other issues like the attacks on proved last December 11, 2018. armed with information about
the clergy, the vice-presidential Hence, the one that is on the the issues, to allow the Spirit to
post-election contention be- table now is the GMA Federal lead them to being good Chris-
tween Bongbong Marcos and Charter.” tians and good citizens. He
VP Leni Robredo.” He added, A study made of the provi- stated that as future parents, the
“But these issues could happen sions of the GMA Charter by the youth must now ponder on what
this year.” group of Atty. Lacson showed kind of Philippines they would

Ugnayan
Among the six, Atty. Lacson that the said Charter would be want to leave to their children.
gave great importance and ur- anti-poor; pro-political dynasty The discussions pointed out
gency on the proposed shift of (because of the deletion of anti- one important fact—that there
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
the Philippine form of govern- political dynasty provisions, should not be any dichotomy
Michael C. Ariola ment to federalism. He said, removal of term limits in office, in how Christians conduct
IC Oversight “The issue on federalism is more increase in the number of dis- themselves in the “real world”.
important than the 2019 elec- tricts and party-list representa- The youth’s mission must not
Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez tions,” because federalism has tives); anti-people (because it stop at being evangelizers, but
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor more long-term repercussions removes the State's policy to they must venture beyond their
Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla that favor sitting lawmakers encourage non-governmental, immediate spheres of influ-
Layout Artist Circulation Staff than the elections. He noted that community-based, or sectoral ence. They could be numerous
once the country shifts to this organizations that promote the sparks of light, but when lit at
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th
Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 new form of government, there welfare of the nation, thus giv- the same time, can illumine
www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com will be no turning back, based ing more power to Congress); the darkness that shrouds the
on the experience of countries anti-youth (increasing the age world. (A. Alvarez)
C4 January 7 - 20, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 1 CBCP Monitor

FAITH IN ACTION: CANADIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GO ON PHILIPPINE SERVICE TRIP

FOR the past seven years, the To- COP Canada. Through the program, days, in the construction of an on-
ronto Catholic District School Board Consul hopes that the students may going site in PAR 2 Homes.
(TCDSB) has partnered with CFC AN- have a heart for the poor, and will be This trip was definitely memorable
COP in sponsoring a trip to the Phil- transformed, not just in the way they for both the participants and the
ippines for high school student lead- see the lives of these people, but their families they visited. Hazel Orea, a
ers from different Catholic schools own lives as well. Grade 12 student, realized during the
around Toronto. In the two weeks of their visit, the trip how blessed she is, and why she
This school year 2018-2019, from students built an extraordinary bond should not take things for granted.
December 27, 2018 to January 9, 2019, with the people in the following The willingness with which the
23 students and three teachers flew all ANCOP sites—Our Lady of Banneux people in the village, especially the
the way to Manila to put their faith (San Mateo, Rizal); Masagana Vil- kids, opened their homes and their
into action as they visited and built lage (Quezon City); AVANAI Village lives to them amazed Jayzelle Ponce,
relationships with the people from the (Quezon City); ANCOP Vancouver a Grade 11 student.
different ANCOP communities they Homes (Paniqui, Tarlac); Starville Putting faith into action may sound
visited. The students also helped build IV Homes (Baliwag, Bulacan); and ambiguous for some, but this trip is a
houses in an on-going construction at PAR 2 Homes (Parañaque City). They reminder that even the young can do
Parañaque City. also got the chance to visit Smokey their share in helping the poor and
This trip was spearheaded by Mi- Mountain in Tondo, Manila and marginalized, not just with gifts and
chael Consul, together with his co- the orphaned kids from Bethlehem financial assistance, but more so with
teachers Merle Gonsalves, Celia Ieradi, House of Bread in Baliwag, Bulacan. the simplest things—by listening and
Pauline Flanagan. Michael’s father is One activity during this service trip letting them feel that they are loved.
Bernie Consul, a CFC volunteer at AN- was participating, for three whole (Patria Balilla)

Adventure Learning with TCDSB Student Leaders

MICHAEL Consul, facilitator during the latest Catholic Student and later the visitors engaged the youth DAY 7 - Tagaytay to visit a Canossian nun, plus a little sight-
Leadership activity called Philippines Service Trip, posted the in a mock-soccer game. seeing
day-to-day activities of the students and teachers on https://catho-
licstudentleadership.com, to highlight what 23 student leaders DAY 4 - PAR 2 Community, DAY 8, 10 & 11 - Building houses in PAR 2
under the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) did Parañaque The students put on their gloves and hard hats to help build
during their “faith into action” immersion. As it was still raining, team some of the houses in the community. They sifted sand, laid
December 26 - Group left via Toronto Airport. When asked to Canada and the children of bricks, did some paint jobs, mixed cement manually. They were
describe their thoughts or feelings about the trip, the kids (and PAR 2 Community played in- tired, but soon were revived in spirit as they rode a jeepney, drank
teachers) agreed that they were grateful, anxious, awesome, adven- doors. And then, it was endless soda in plastic, ate local ice cream (sorbetes), and played with the
turous, excited, thrilled, exhilarated, aware, nervous. singing and picture-taking. kids (again).
DAY 1 - Visit to Sitio Masagana
The student leaders were wel-
comed with high fives by the DAY 5 - The slums of Tondo, plus
children of Masagana. Basically a New Year's party
day of fellowship, the older kids Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona
from the community played a Gray put Tondo in the world
friendly game of basketball with map when she mentioned the
the Canada group, followed by work that she does there. The
dancing, games, gift-giving and kids from Canada experienced
Filipino food. Tondo first hand, seeing Smokey
Mountain, and the mounds of
garbage collected and sorted in
all the shops as they walked the
DAY 2 - Visit to Our Lady of Ban- streets. They also visited the tenement
neux Community housing where the former residents of
Despite the rains, the group Smokey Mountain lived. Fr. Jhonatan Letada, SVD, one of the CFC
visited the Our Lady of Banneux GMC regular priests, graciously welcomed the Canadian students
ANCOP Community in San and the 150 street children in his parish in Balut, Tondo As it was
Mateo, Rizal. More music and New Year’s Day, they celebrated together with the kids of Tondo
dancing, more games, more fel- with Jollibee meals and gifts, of course!
lowship with the home partners, DAY 9 - Bethlehem House of
more gifts, more food! The wom- DAY 6 - Live morning TV show Bread Orphanage in Bulacan
en also taught the students how to guesting The Canadians played with
sew rags, which is one of the sources The group appeared in Bagong the 98 children, including 12
of livelihood of the residents there. Pilipinas, a live morning show at infants, in the orphanage,
PTV 4, to talk about what they danced with them and made
DAY 3 - Visit to Paniqui, Tarlac were doing, about ANCOP, and instant friends. Though there
After a four-hour bus ride, the their experiences during the wasn’t much physical activ-
student leaders reached Tarlac, last trip. In the afternoon, Consul ity (unlike the build), some of
year’s immersion build site. Being took the group to Greenbelt Cha- the girls admitted to feeling
a Sunday, the Canadian delagates pel in Makati to pray. The group “drained” because they just wanted
stopped by the St. Rose of Lima also visited the American Memori to give the children `their all.
parish for a Tagalog Mass. It al Cemetery. They used the solitude The group also gave a donation of
was a reunion of sorts for the of the cemetery to discuss the contrast $250 and gifts for the children.
ANCOP families and the Consuls between Tondo and Makati and to write in their journals their The students flew back to Toronto on January 9, bringing with
(everyone was calling Mike “Tito thoughts on gratitude. them not only memories, but hearts full of gratitude for the unique
Mike”). The children in the ANCOP experience of putting their faith in action. (A. Alvarez)
community performed a folk dance,

Catholic Mission, CFC ANCOP Partner for an

Immersion Program at Bantayan Island

CATHOLIC Mission-Australia their first day as the villag- late Concepcion Parish at the
visited the Philippines for a ers prepared festive dances, Municipality of Madridejos,
week-long immersion program, bringing warm smiles to the and visited Sts. Peter and Paul
made possible via a partner- missionaries’ faces. Their week- Church in downtown Bantayan,
ship with CFC ANCOP. The long schedule also gave them the oldest church in Cebu and
immersion was held at CFC a chance for more engage- the second oldest in the Philip-
ANCOP Malbago Community ment with the villagers, sharing pines. They also had an amaz-
at Bantayan Island, Cebu from meals with them, helping in ing race team-building activity
December 9-15, 2018. The paving pathways, and mak- at the beautiful beach of Lawis.
Catholic Mission contingent ing do-it-yourself Christmas The memories and friend-
was composed of 17 missionar- decorations for the community ships formed during the im-
ies, all of them college students common area. mersion left a lasting mark,
from St. Francis Xavier College The participants also learned not only in the participants,
and Mount St. Joseph High something new as they at- but the village residents as well.
School in Australia, and four tended the ANCOP orientation The experience was clearly an
teacher-chaperones. and Child Protection Policy encounter with Jesus.
The participants experienced Orientation. It wasn’t all work This was the first immersion
a different kind of adventure as their hosts made sure that program partnership between
as they engaged with the home they toured Bantayan Island, CFC ANCOP and Catholic Mis-
partners of the ANCOP site. famous for its beautiful white sion, and both are looking for-
They were welcomed with sand beaches. The delegates ward to more mission trips in
typical Pinoy hospitality on heard Mass at the Immacu- the future. (Tria Balilla)