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Ilocos bishop
blames officials for
jueteng resurgence
Faith-based groups score Bishop lauds USAID pullout
JUETENG is alive in Ilocos prov-
inces because some local officials
‘illegitimate debts’ of contraceptives
and even law enforcers are sup- VARIOUS faith-based groups criti- pay the interest of these loans,” A CATHOLIC prelate could by weakening and killing the The United States Agency
porting it, a Church official said. cized the government for setting they said. not help but ‘praise the Lord’ poor,” he told Church report- for International Develop-
Laoag bishop Sergio Utleg al- a bad example over debts. To date, the statement said, an as an American international ers. ment (USAID) said it would
leged that some of these officials Representatives from different average of 30-40 percent of the na- agency known for its active Aniceto said using contra- end its free supply of contra-
were even running the illegal religious groups, academe and tional budget is used to pay for role in population control ceptive is “immoral”, as he ceptives for the country soon.
numbers game themselves and other civil organizations gathered government loans, “thus shrink- plans to stop giving free con- vowed a continued fight The USAID in fact has al-
stepping up operations. yesterday in a Faith-Based Con- ing the funds used for social ser- traceptives in the Philippines. against massive depopula- ready stopped giving
“They are in favor of jueteng of gress Against Illegitimate Debt at vices and those needed for eco- San Fernando Archbishop tion agenda of some political condoms since 2004 and plans
course because they profit from the Maryhill School of Theology nomic development. Paciano Aniceto, who chairs leaders. to cut the rest of its donation
it,” he said. in Quezon City. “In truth, we have been in debt the Episcopal Commission on The senior bishop has been of other birth control prod-
Utleg said they are planning to Drawing its inspiration from for more than forty years now! Family and Life (ECFL) of the saying that contraceptive ucts next year.
release another pastoral statement the Scriptures, the meeting aimed Our children’s children will for- Catholic Bishops’ Conference mentality is not the way to The agency, which is the
against jueteng to show their con- to unify faith-based groups and in- ever be in debt,” the statement of the Philippines (CBCP), promote authentic develop- main supplier of contracep-
tinuous opposition and remind dividuals on the illegitimacy of read. said the Church opposed all ment for the country. tives in the country for the
the people about its negative im- debts. Fr. Ben Moraleda, CSsR, of forms of artificial contracep- “It should come out from a past 30 years, said its phase
pact to society. In their joint statement, they de- Kaalagad Katipunang Kristiyano and tives. real serious economic man- out is in line with the
“Jueteng is bad because it pro- clared that not all debts are legiti- also the Freedom from Dept Coa- “Praise the Lord! …Because agement and proper eco- government’s promotion of
motes graft and corruption and mate and the high level of borrow- lition (FDC) vice president, said by promoting contraception nomic planning of our coun- natural family planning.
disrespect for the law. It really has ing for wrong purposes are risky the debt problem turned worse you do not eliminate poverty try,” he said. Bishop / A6
to be stopped,” he said. for the soul of society and should when corruption and injustices
be reined in. entered the picture.
Holy See suspends embroiled Monsignor is false. Ms. Winfield has con- group. (CNA)
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EDITORIAL
NO matter how much or less it is, how crisp But hideous as well are those who sell When will this disgusting and even bizarre
or crumpled it appears, money is basically
intended to buy commodities, to pay for per-
themselves, who have prices in exchange for
their otherwise sound value system. They
display of viciousness hand-in-hand with
nonchalance ever stop? It already began in Laiko 15th National
Biennial Convention
sonal effects, to purchase things. Something debase their persons, shame their families, 2004 and lately topped by the ZTE fiasco. And
is seriously wrong when money is used to show their putrid principles. They are the there was the most recent debacle of the abun-
buy persons, to secure their support, gain living images of men and women who sell dant rainfall of millions of pesos in the Pal-
their loyalty. It is not true that money is the their bodies with their souls to those willing ace grounds. And now, immediately after,
root of all evil as it is bad not to have any. It to pay for them. It becomes extremely diffi- was again the tired and tiring call for Char- EVERY two years the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas holds its
is the person using money for odious mo- cult for others to respect and honor both the ter Change. The means, the manner and the National Convention participated by delegates from member
tives and devious designs, who hands out sellers and the buyers. This inglorious and costs are considered irrelevant provided the National Lay Organizations and Diocesan Councils of the La-
money for egoist and self-serving purposes, super-gross transaction has particular rel- principal mover will be able to continue ity. It is also on this occasion that the new set of officers of the
who is vile—especially so when the money evance to individuals who hold leadership holding power and having immunity from LAIKO Board of Trustees are elected.
is not really his or hers. positions in government and who even de- suit. This year, the National Biennial Convention was held in
No matter what is the title given to it, and mand special treatment in society. Where has all decency gone? What hap- Angels’ Hills Retreat and Formation Center, Tagaytay City. Planned
how it was distributed, the money thus chang- There is really nothing new about such er- pened to the elementary norms of ethics and and managed by Convention chairman, Bro. Carlitos Villaraza,
ing hands is downright bribery. The money rant practice among a good number of poli- the basic mandate of morals? Is there no member of the LAIKO Board of Trustees, about 150 delegates
is usually given in cash and in sizable amount ticians today from the national to the local more difference between right and wrong, came from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to
depending on the desired objective and the levels of government. But the disgusting no more distinction between virtue and vice? dwell on the convention theme, “A Path to Unity.”
stature of the recipient. It can be given in en- event took place recently in a very rude and How long can and will the people endure The success of the convention was assured by the well-se-
velopes or in paper bags. But one thing com- crude manner among many presumably hon- their poverty and misery vis-à-vis the abun- lected resource speakers and experience sharers. Pope Benedict’s
mon about bribes is that it is usually given orable men and women in the country. Fur- dance and opulence of those who precisely exhortations, Deus Caritas Est, and Sacramentum Caritatis were
surreptitiously. And when exposed, the stan- thermore, it happened in a place that was pick their pockets with indirect taxes from the bases of inspired sharings of selected participants relevant
dard approach is either to claim that the money supposed to be hallowed grounds for being their birth to death? to their experiences in their work in the Church.
came from nowhere or given by no one—even the distinct symbol of national governance When will honest and upright governance The highlights of Day 1, October 12 was the talk of “Deus
if it amounted to millions of pesos. in high moral ground. come? Caritas Est” and Unity by Cendi Alisangco of Focolare, and
Petrine and Marian Profile in the Church by Bishop Roberto Mallari,
D.D., of the Diocese of Pampanga, and the homily by Bishop
Gabriel V. Reyes, the National Director of LAIKO, on “The
Nicolo F. Bernardo Spirit of Communion.”
On Day 2, October 13, Cres Gabijan talked on Word of Life—”I
Pastoral Companion
ture? While for many this is the case, for others the outward
Oppression still the indigenous norm, says Bishop bishop Paul Josef Cordes.
Since its creation, Cor Unum has worked against drought and
desertification. Its efforts are also directed at the service of
DESPITE headway in their sta- and other international laws The bishop said, however, causing displacement of indig- indigenous, racially mixed Afro American and the poor of Latin
tus, the indigenous peoples (IPs) that let them gain recognition much still needs to be done to enous communities. America and the Caribbean aside from distributring papal
still find themselves locked in to their rights as peoples and uplift their living conditions and To draw attention to the hap- funds to disaster-torn areas in the world.
a struggle for ethnic and racial have been able to assert their own apt rights they deserve. less members of over 100 ethnic This is not the first time that De Villa has been appointed by
survival, a Catholic prelate title to their ancestral domains. Despite the gains, Utleg said, groups in the country today, the the Pope to a position in the Vatican. From 1990 to 1995, the
said. Utleg, who chairs the CBCP the deep-rooted injustices Church will celebrate the annual late Pope John Paul II appointed her as Consultor to the Pon-
Laoag Bishop Sergio Utleg Episcopal Commission on In- against IPs “continue to inflict “Indigenous Peoples Sunday” on tifical Council for the Laity. In 1998, she was again chosen as a
said it’s good to see crucial ad- digenous Peoples (ECIP), said neglect, deprivation, injustice October 14. member of the papal entourage to the International Eucharis-
vances that IP populations have tribesmen now also have a and even death to many native The Catholic bishops’ hierarchy tic Congress in Poland.
gained years ago, but still many greater awareness about their communities and cultures.” considers this year’s celebration In July 2005, she was invited by the Vatican as a special del-
of them are living under cruelty. need for a kind of education that “These situations of violence special because it is also the 30th egate to the World Meeting of Families in Valencia, Spain.
He noted that native Filipinos is appropriate for them. have uprooted IPs from their ter- year of the creation of the ECIP. Benedict XVI also appointed De Villa as the only Asian lay-
are now more open and asser- “They have been involved in ritories, severing their life-giv- “For thirty years, the Church woman auditrix to the Synod of the Eucharist in Rome in 2005.
tive in fighting for their rights, bringing concerns into the na- ing relationships and sense of has lent her moral authority and The Pontifical Council ‘Cur Unum’ is set to hold its XXVII
development aggression and tional consciousness and the identity,” he said. her human and material re- Plenary Assembly on February 28 to March 1, 2008 in Rome
environmental destruction. Church has partnered with them The prelate also lamented sources to support the struggle which De Villa will be attending. (Roy Lagarde)
In the legal arena, he said, IPs in advocating for more environ- long-felt aggression through of our Indigenous Peoples for
triumphed in pushing the Indig- ment friendly practices,” he land grabbing, human rights of justice and self-determination,”
From the moral standpoint, Lagdameo leviating the poverty by eliminating doesn’t just train future officers how to otherwise rigid military-like training of organizations and parish priests in order
said, one should not accept money about the causes of poverty, and debt is one shoot and investigate but also teach our public servants in the police force, cer- to develop further their formation in Chris-
which questions can be asked because it major factor. them with Christian values. tainly igniting spaces of hope in our al- tian life.
renders responsibility, accountability, FDC head Ana Maria Nemenzo, for The academy started this year offering ready problematic situation,” he said. Lagdameo said the priests as well as other
and transparency a dubious subject mat- his part, said continued payment for new police recruits with modules of Life in Lagdameo called it a “redeeming factor” parish organizations could lend them their
ter. such illegitimate debts is “unaccept- the Spirit Seminar, Basic Bible Seminar, in the midst of awful news hounding the pastoral and evangelizing experience. He
“Bribery is not an acceptable word able.” Heroism Christian Leadership Module, police hierarchy. said PNTI graduates could also become lay
even to culprits: so, it is better called “All this responsible for these ille- Values and Leadership Seminar and Em- “In the mind of many people, the PNP ministers.
“gifts.” And so, in order to feel good and gitimate debts from government, powering Decisions to Change Module. was the second most corrupt agency in gov- Lagdameo also advised the Institute that
escape the blame of conscience, …bribe creditors and even from the private The seminars are anchored on the vision ernment. That picture is changing for the for their students to have a real evangeliz-
is also called a ‘gift,’” he said. sector must be held accountable,” said of a “God-centered, service-oriented and better,” he said. ing experience, “one initial step would be
Nemenzo. family-based” agency. Headed by Chief Supt. Samson Tucay, to motivate the graduates to share their
Bishop / A6 The Faith-Based Congress Against Il- “I encourage this healthy initiative which the PNTI is a major constituent unit of the values and leadership experiences with the
legitimate Debt aims to achieve a I consider as a step towards a new image of Philippine Public Safety College that is en- parish communities where they are sta-
The CBCP earlier denounced a plan in
strong-faith based constituency to policemen. I congratulate the leadership of visioned to become the main training tioned.”
the lower House to purchase P1 billion
raise, promote and popularize the the Philippine National Police (PNP) for ground for morally upright and compe- He said such initiative would develop
worth condoms, pills and other “repro-
moral dimension of the debt issue. allowing and empowering this initiative tent uniformed men and women. and enhance mutual trust, based on pro-
ductive health products” to control popu-
Also present during the occasion among their ranks,” said Lagdameo. The Police Training Institutes also hopes active rather than reactive relationship.
lation growth.
were Manila Auxiliary Bishop “This brings a wind of fresh air in the to start a working-relationship with parish (CBCPNews)
It called on legislators to instead spend
Broderick Pabillo, Bishop Efraim
the huge amount on projects that would
Tendero of the Philippine Council for
alleviate poverty and provide free edu- Laiko / A5
Evangelical Churches, Fr Brian Gore,
cation to poor children. The election of the new set of LAIKO officers during the Public Relations Officer- Kiko E. Josef
MSSC, of the AMRSP and Dr. Grace
CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop second day of the convention was officiated by the Commit- Auditor- Ma. Luz S. Lozano
Jamon of Micah Challenge Philippines.
Angel Lagdameo said using abortifa- tee on Elections (Comelec) of LAIKO—Pete Villanueva as Trustees- Carlito M. Villaraza
(CBCPNews)
cient and contraceptive pills are against Chairman, Pepe Lugay and Ernie Burdeos as Members. There Eladia B. Inocencio
nature and God’s teachings. (Roy were 83 qualified voting delegates who voted for 15 mem- Perry B. Dimarucut
Lagarde) Prelate / A1
bers of the Board of Trustees. These 15 members elected among Edgardo J. Tirona
cent living pay to ordinary laborers,” themselves by secret ballot, the officers of the Board in the CONGRATULATIONS to the new officers of LAIKO for the
Religious / A6 presence of LAIKO’s National Director, Bishop Gabriel V. years 2008 to 2010! May God’s love be bountiful as you guide
he said.
It is a forum to share common inter- The government recently approved Reyes. LAIKO to attain its vision and mission as it journeys towards
ests, to be an avenue for collaborations, an Executive Order giving special It was proclaimed by Chairman Pete Villanueva that this is the Kingdom of God!
and to be a means to actively pursue the privilege to the soldiers rendering a Committee on Elections of LAIKO and not the COMELEC. To the Convention participants, all of you deserve to be
role of prophetic witness of being reli- combat duty. Ours is a “clean, honest and orderly election”, hence here are the congratulated for your full participation in the open forum of
gious. In issuing E.O. 658, President Gloria uncontested results: each talk and the sharing during the group dynamics. Our
The group is composed of over 360 Arroyo and her administration recog- accolade also to the lay participants who shared their life ex-
congregations including the Domini- nize the heroism of the members of President– Linda T. Tacorda periences, relevant to the topic of the resource speakers.
cans, Jesuits, Benedictines, Augustinians, the military who are directly involved Executive Vice-President - Ma. Amelia Menez Zafra We do hope that the next Biennial Convention will be par-
Lasallian Brothers and Franciscans. in combat operations. Vice-President for Manila- Estelita A. Macalaguim ticipated by more delegates from the South. Can we hold a
The organization played a crucial role Under the new Executive Order Vice-President for Luzon- Candido P. Villanueva special one for them in a place nearer the LAIKO participants
during the Martial Law years. The asso- signed early last month, government Vice-President for Visayas- Roy B. San Buenaventura of Visayas and Mindanao? With Dr. Linda Tacorda who is
ciation and various congregations troopers assigned in field units will be Vice-President for Mindanao- Ernesto M. Burdeos tasked right now to complete a catechetical project for the
opened its seminaries and convents to given an additional incentive of P150 Secretary- Aurora A. Santiago Diocese of Malaybalay, there is a greater chance to hold the
provide sanctuaries to countless victims per day apart from the current P240 Asst. Secretary- Julieta F. Wasan next convention in a place nearer Mindanao, probably Cebu.
of human rights. (Roy Lagarde) monthly allocation. (CBCPNews) Treasurer- Manuel D. Recto Let us all pray for that!
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007 Features A7
The crucifix a sign of love, even for Hindus impunity and hate.”
The text, signed by Cardinal
Jorge Bergoglio, president of the
which Father von Wernich be-
longed, said that he regrets “that
we have found in our country so
KATHMANDU, Nepal, October of the poor servants of Christ, continues the religious brother. Rakesh, people respect other be- conference, added: “If any mem- much division and hate, which
15, 2007—”One day, says brother based in Kathmandu. “I always So, sometimes I visit those liefs and religions, a part from ber of the Church, no matter his we could not prevent or heal as a
Rakesh to AsiaNews, as I was desired to be a priest, he tells, but people. I listen to their stories. small localized conflicts. He re- condition, would have endorsed Church.”
travelling on the bus, sitting be- then I felt that Christ had called The needy are not always poor. calls another similar experience with his recommendation or The fact “that a priest, by act or
side a Hindu with a tika [or tilaka: me for a special vocation and so I There are the rich who are in when Hindu security personnel complicity some of these acts—e omission, was so far from the re-
a mark on the forehead which in- wrote the Rules of this community. need too; to talk to, to pray with, deployed at Kathmandu airport, violent repression— would have quirements of the mission that
dicates their religious beliefs]. Our charisma lies in our fourth and to be listened to. When they once, while security check, in- acted under his personal respon- was given to him ... leads us to
After a short while he touched the vow [the three vows of Catholic share in the name of God, they stead of checking, kissed his cru- sibility, in a wrong way and com- ask for forgiveness with sincere
crucifix which I wore around my religious are chastity, obedience feel better”. The order dedicates cifix and took to his forehead. mitting a sin against God, hu- regret, while praying to our Lord
neck, and then he bowed and and poverty] that is to dedicate its services free of charge and sur- Rakesh is the only member manity and his conscience. to enlighten us in order to accom-
kissed it with reverence. This ourselves freely to the needy”. vives on the gifts of providence. of the Pius Union, which cel- “We pray for him, so God helps plish our vocation of unity and
showed me the love that all Brother Rakesh visits families of “Please, pray for us so that we may ebrated its first anniversary on him and gives him the grace he service.” (Zenit)
peoples bear for Christ”. all faiths and shares in their prob- become instruments of God,” he October 8th. With him there is
Brother Zeno Rakesh was born lems and sufferings and helps urges. also a novice, also from India
Pope Benedict
ily and he founded the Pius union people from other religions too, country, where, continues Parajuli / AsiaNews)
After / A5
So then, is the adoption of problems of an advanced indus- Chinese people and gravely undermined bi- known about what was said during the meet-
Christmas and Christian-style trial society—a critically low lateral relations,” said an official foreign ing, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao
weddings simply a superficial birth rate, an ageing population ministry statement made in response to the said that the recognition given to the Dalai
result of Japan’s interest in West- and the unraveling of family ties US awarding the Dalai Lama of a Congres- Lama “is a blatant interference in China’s
ern culture? While for many this that once bound society together sional Gold Medal and the meeting between internal affairs. It has hurt the feelings of the
is the case, for others the outward — Japan has every reason to look the Buddhist leader and US President George Chinese people and gravely undermined bi-
imitation of Christian holidays for sources of hope beyond its old W. Bush. lateral relations.”
and sacraments seems to create traditions. The Christian faith For many analysts, Beijing’s violent reac- Mr Liu said that Tibet was an inalienable The award of this medal and the meeting
an inward feeling for the faith that won so many staunch con- tion stems from the fact that after the meet- part of China and a purely internal affair. of US leaders with him “have severely
and an attraction to it. This may verts nearly five centuries ago is ing with Tibet’s spiritual leader President Beijing resolutely opposes any country or trampled on the norms of international rela-
help to explain a recent discov- an obvious candidate. Bush urged China before the world media to people using the Dalai Lama to interfere in tions and violated the US government’s reit-
ery. Since the legalization of grant its citizens freedom of religion and stop its domestic affairs. erated position on the Tibet issue,” Mr. Liu
(Jennifer Van House Hutcheson is a
Christianity in the late 1800s, the freelance writer who recently returned its policies of cultural and political repres- “The words and deeds of the Dalai Lama in said.
number of believers had stub- from Okayama, Japan, to her hometown sion in Tibet, which was occupied by Mao’s the past decades have showed that he is a po- “We express our strong dissatisfaction and
bornly hovered around one per- of Atlanta, Georgia. This piece was lifted troops in 1950 and annexed to the People’s litical exile engaged in secessionist activities resolute opposition toward this,” he added.
cent. The 2006 Gallup poll, how- with permission from MercatorNet) Republic of China. under the camouflage of religion,” Liu said. (AsiaNews/Agencies)
CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007
CBCPNews rec-
ognizes the
core value of
truth rather
than conve-
nience, fidelity
to the
Magisterium
rather than
contemporary
expediency.
© Roy Lagarde / CBCPMedia
Evangelization
being its
overarching
objective,
CBCPNews is
circulated to
the global community free-of-charge through its online
facility.
VIVA LA VIRGEN! Marian devotees flocked around the image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary as they joined in procession around Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City, in
celebration of her feast day last October 14.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007
B1
B2 Updates B5 Statements
The prohibition for clerics A call to discover the face
to engage in business of Christ among the
prisoners
B3 Diocese B6 Reflections
The Apostolic Vicariate of God forgives a humble and
Calapan repentant sinner
Pastoral Concerns
Raw Deals for John Paul
II and Mother Teresa?
Authors Speculate if Media Reports Are Intentional
7
QUESTIONS
WITH new charges against Mother Teresa and Dark night ‘Mother Teresa’s Secret: I Have No Faith.’
Pope John Paul II, it appears that the secular Before the latest scuffle over the events sur- Some may have done so out of ignorance and
media are trying to cast doubts on the repu- rounding John Paul II’s death, there was the others out of an effort to discredit her.
tation of two saintly world figures. much publicized discussion of Mother “Perhaps some who have lost their faith,
A recent story from Time magazine specu- Teresa’s experience of feeling a deep sense of or have little or no faith, felt ‘justified’ in some
lated on whether John Paul II was euthanized doubt about God’s existence. way, thinking: ‘If even Mother Teresa had no
by the removal of feeding tubes during his
last days.
Secular media cast doubts upon Mother
Teresa’s sincerity, given her strong tempta-
faith or at least doubted her faith, then how
do you expect me to have faith?’ And others
Most Rev. Jose R.
The story was prompted by the specula- tions against faith. Time magazine again re- in the ‘culture wars’ were happy to discredit
tion of Dr. Lina Pavanelli, an anesthesiolo-
gist in Italy. Time magazine reported that
the doctor “believes that the Pope’s doctors
ported on the phenomenon.
Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, the postulator
of Mother Teresa’s cause and editor of the
one of the other side’s heroes.
“Those who have no experience or exper-
tise in spirituality or psychology should have
Manguiran, D.D.
dutifully explained the situation to him, and book of her writings, “Mother Teresa: Come the good sense and humility not to presume
Be My Light,” told ZENIT: “First of all, we to analyze what is indeed so far beyond MOST Reverend Jose R. Manguiran was appointed second bishop of
[Pavanelli] surmises that it was the Pontiff
himself who likely refused the feeding tube need to recognize that the aspects of the Chris- them.” Dipolog on May 27, 1987. He was installed on September 9 of the
tian spiritual life discussed in the book are Father George Rutler, author of “Coinci- same year. In this issue of CBCP Monitor, the prelate shares his
after he’d been twice rushed to the hospital
in February and March.” not so well known or easy to grasp, and for dentally,” published by Crossroad Books, and thoughts on the fundamental task of the diocesan social action minis-
some, to accept, even among committed a regular columnist for Crisis magazine, told try, which is the formation of basic ecclesial communities in the par-
Pavanelli’s speculation, originally pub-
lished in May, was picked up by the Italian Christians ¯ e.g., ‘Why do the saints have to ZENIT that journalists often have their role ishes; the BECs, as new way of being Church; the evangelizing charism
suffer so much?’ backward: “Journalism is supposed to report of the Laity; the family as the center of evangelization; the increase of
press and Time magazine, but not until after
the Congregation for the Doctrine of the “With regard to the secular media, I think events. Bloated egos in journalism think they vocations in the diocesan seminary; and the ongoing formation of
one basic reason why Mother Teresa’s dark- should shape events. diocesan clergy.
Faith issued a document in mid September,
explaining the moral guidelines for provid- ness has been misinterpreted is the superfici- “This unfortunately encourages a signifi-
ality with which the darkness was treated. cant minority actually to lie to achieve an How is the Social Concern agenda of the Church being imple-
ing food and water for patients in the “per-
end. When there is no confidence in objec- mented in your diocese?
sistent vegetative state.” “The Time [magazine] piece for the most
part, apart from the title and cover photo, tive truth, all is propaganda, just as in poli- The fundamental, the constant agendum of the Social Action
George Weigel, author of “Witness to
tics, justice is replaced with sheer power.” Ministry is the formation of the faithful about the Social Doctrine of
Hope,” a biography of John Paul II, told tried to present the nuances of Mother
Teresa’s darkness.” The commentator also acknowledged that the Church. To expand this social formation to the level of BEC, our
ZENIT: “Pavanelli is either ignorant or mali-
faulty reporting is not always intentional: Diocesan Social Action Center has set up at every parish a Parish
cious ¯ perhaps both.
Ignorance? “Having worked with the media for a long Social Action team whose task is to attend to social issues in the
“The Italian left is unhappy with the Vatican
time I have learned that most of those in- Basic Ecclesial communities.
over its recent statement on care for patients The priest continued: “Many others just
in a vegetative state; this is the revenge they jumped on some expressions of Mother volved in the various media are not willfully
deceitful. Many of them are limited by a lack How active are the Basic Ecclesial Communities in your diocese?
take. Teresa and thus entirely misrepresented the
darkness, for example one headline was: of formation.” (Zenit) When a local church shifts gear from the old way of being church
“No serious person will take this seriously.”
according to Vatican I, to a “new way of being church” such as the
Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) according to Vatican II and PCP
II, she becomes active. We do the shifting, so we are busy, active.
Mindanaoan, minority and peacebuilder What makes us active is the implementation of the 9-point agenda
of the PCP II and how to get the BEC communities involved in the
agenda of the National Rural Congress. The significant event at the
entry of the Third Millennium was the launching of our Diocesan
By Diwa Aquino-Gacosta Pledge System of support (modified Tithing). If we claim a success
to our new support system it is due to our extensive structuring of
Rehoney, a 17 year-old Moslem girl from that any chance of misunderstanding majority of my classmates were the complex problems in the BEC’s and our extensive education–drive on modified tithing in
troubled Mindanao talks about the pres- would definitely cause another war Christians. While I believe that I Mindanao, but we know that we the last three years of the second Millennium.
sures of growing up in a community in Mindanao. have a fairly good relationship with can do something to bridge rela-
divided by generations of violence. This gap has existed for so long. It’s my non-Muslim classmates, I still tionships among ourselves. PCP II has defined the greater role of the laity in the Church. How
passed from one generation to another heard them say that the bombers I can say that the children in ADP is this being realized in your diocese?
MY name is Rehoney. I am 17 years and caused most of the attitudes and were Muslims, unmindful that Saranggani have really been help- When PCP II declared that the Church of the Philippines is the
old. I am a Moslem. behavior of Mindanaons today. there are five Muslims, myself in- ing with the peace process in our “Church of the Poor” it means that the poor should not remain passive,
Peace remains elusive in the land When there is also poverty, dif- cluded, in our class. community, influencing not only as a receiver, as an evangelized, but rather should be active, as a giver,
of my birth. I’m used to conflict, ferences in faith and culture, lack of Another incident of this culture children like ourselves but adults as an evangelizer. To activate the evangelizing charism of the Laity, we
prejudices and biases. I have lived it regard for the rights of children, a of bias and prejudice against Mus- as well. emphasize the importance of creating “community” by BEC. It is within
all through the 17 years of my life. poor political system and lack of lims was when I and my friends I was invited to speak on peace- the BEC community that the Lay can fully participate.
Being a Moslem in this predomi- political will, the conditions of went out to eat in a restaurant in building and children during the
nantly Christian nation is not people, especially children, in the city. One of my friends jokingly CIVICUS World Assembly last May. Up to what degree do you think should be the participation of the
easy… it never has been, especially Mindanao continue to worsen. predicted that the restaurant would I talked about our initiatives, how laity especially in terms of decision making in the local Church?
because Moslems are often re- It also makes me feel sad when I be spared from bombing because we recognize our differences but re- The lay participation in decision making is exercised mostly at
garded as sources of conflict, hear that Christians from Luzon “there is a Muslim around,” appar- spect them. We want to end the cul- Pastoral council, Formation Committee and Construction Com-
troubles and violence. and Visayas also regard Muslims ently referring to me. ture of bias and discrimination! We mittee. In our Diocese, the lay can participate in the financial matter.
as a threat to national security—not Often, we are insensitive with our want to eliminate the wrong percep- We made a Diocesan Directive that all parishes should set up a
Mindanaoan just Mindanao. comments and ideas in relating to tions we have of one another. Parish Finance Committee which manages the income from our
The tensions in Mindanao have one another, thinking that it is nor- Erasing the stains of biases and dis- Pledge System Support.
existed for so long and the Minority mal… it is ok. crimination in our culture is not going
Mindanaoan—Muslims, Christians I may not have experienced ac- Now, I know better. tobeeasy.Therearefamilieswhorefuse How is the Family and Life Program in your diocese?
and Lumads (indigenous people)— tual war happening. The tensions I However different we seem to to allow their children to join our ac- We are sustaining our Family and Life Team at the Diocesan
have been enduring these tensions see may not be the same tensions be, we all deserve to be respected tivities. There are children who have level and at the Parish Level. Our current challenge is how to bring
with much apprehension. my parents, and grandparents, wit- and regarded for who we are. We adopted these attitudes so much that home the PCP II agendum on the Family that says, “The family
I believe the problems in nessed during their time, which I do not have to fight or look down they won’t listen. Personally, we have stays as the center of the activity of evangelization”.
Mindanao are more than political, believe were too painful to erase. on each other just to prove that we to consciously balance our time spent
more than religious. I believe the But every time a person judges me are different. with the activities in the ADP, our stud- Do you get many vocations in your diocesan seminary?
core of the continuous conflict in for what I am not… I feel pain. ies, and our obligation to our families. Thank God that we have enough vocations. This year our Dioc-
Mindanao is the lack of effort of one People in the community where Peacebuilder But then, there are so many esan College Seminary has accepted 90 young boys. When some-
another to understand each other. I live have been putting labels on The children in ADP Saranggani things to be thankful for. Promot- one from any religious congregation requests from me permission
This comes from a long history of people. Muslims, Christians, have identified the culture of bias ing the culture of peace in our com- to campaign for vocations, I always welcome them to do so. I am
hatred and prejudice that has been Lumads… each has its own labels and discrimination as a barrier to munity has helped bring out the just sharing our vocation–resource to Missio Ad Extra.
passed from generation to genera- on each other. Sadly, children, like peace. (ADP - Area Development Pro- best in me and of the other children
tion. What makes it even worse is my self, often imitate what elders gram, “a child-focused approach that in our community. We have learned How does the diocese look after the ongoing formation of the clergy?
the fighting over land or for self- do, adopting and practicing the cul- seeks to partner with children and their so many things about peace, love We have chosen a priest in-charge for the clergy’s ongoing for-
determination by Islamist separat- ture of bias and discrimination. We families and communities in selected or and respect of one another. mation program. We regularly send a priest to the Clergy Assist
ist groups. think that’s just the way it is. neighboring areas in the pursuit of de- Peace does not come with age. Program as scheduled by the CBCP Commission on the Clergy.
Land ownership has caused a huge I remember one day when I was velopment or specifically, transforma- That is why we as children should The young clergy are encouraged to have their own spiritual recol-
gapbetweentheLumad,Muslimsand in class, there had been a bombing tional development”.) not demand it, but instead work out lection or meeting.
Christians. It is such a sensitive issue incident in General Santos City. The We know that we cannot solve what we can do to help achieve it.
CBCP Monitor
B2 Updates Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007
Q: Unlike our present pastor, our former priest always would mention the intention
for the Mass. Is this up to the individual priest? It gets printed in our bulletin, but I
would hope the priest would mention who the Mass is for at some point, even though
I know God knows who it is for. – L.S., St. Louis, Missouri
A: While there are no universal laws regarding this topic, some dioceses
have published norms with common-sense indications that all priests may
take into account.
My reply is inspired by the norms issued by the Diocese of Rome.
There is no requirement to mention the priest’s intention at the Mass.
Thus, a mention in the bulletin or some other public notification is a legiti-
mate option, especially when the pastor is aware that the person who re-
quested the Mass will not be present at the celebration.
If the person or family who requested the intention wishes to be present,
then it is good that the celebrant mention the name of the person for whom
the Mass is being offered.
This may best be done either after the greeting at the beginning of Mass
or as an intention of the prayer of the faithful.
The name should not normally be mentioned during the Eucharistic prayer.
This naming is best left for funeral Masses, Masses at the notification of
to engage in business
intention of the celebrating priest who took upon himself the commitment
to celebrate for a specific intention when he accepted a stipend.
Since the Mass is infinite the priest may also have other personal inten-
tions that may or may not be reflected in the Mass formula used.
For example, a priest may offer the Mass for a deceased soul while at the
same time using the Mass formula “For Vocations,” with the personal in-
tention of asking God to bless the Church with abundant vocations. By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
Likewise, while any person assisting at Mass is free to associate his prayer
with the intention of the priest celebrant, he or she is also free to offer up WE would like to consult you on an issue similar to the priest who is fond of cars and pets. We are in a rural area and have a parish priest who
participation at the Mass for any number of personal intentions. (Zenit) has a beach resort, one of the better ones in our province. He comes from a middle-class family and so people do not mind it if he owns a resort;
they think the priest has his own money and is not getting their money. Besides, the priest claims the resort is largely owned by his sister.
We try to tell ourselves it’s none of our business, but deep inside we think his time would be better spent on activities that would improve the
What a deacon
lives of his parishioners instead of tending to his resort. We only have contact with him during Sunday Mass and occasionally at meetings
of the parish council, but generally the parish runs without him. Are things like this covered by Canon Law? Do we have a right to ask him
to give up his resort and focus on his priestly duties instead?
can do
Q: In our parish we have a temporary overseas priest and a married deacon. During
The prohibition for clerics to engage in
business or trade.
A general prohibition is contained in
c.286 of the Code of Canon Law: Clerics
- “Pertanto, si asterrà da quelle attività
lucrative, che non sono consone al suo
ministero”(Italian).
-“Daher wird er sich
even the fact of carrying out such activi-
ties through intermediaries or for the
benefit of others is reason for tolerating
such activities among clerics.
are forbidden personally or through others to gewinnbringender Tätigkeiten Such nefarious consequences have been
Benediction our married deacon consistently wears the full vestments that a priest conduct business or trade either for their own enthalten, die nicht seinem Amt amply experienced in the past, so that the
wears for Benediction; says the Divine Praises; and elevates the monstrance while
benefit or that of others without the permis- entsprechen” (German). previous norm—instituted by a Decree
the overseas priest either sits watching in the pew or acts as an acolyte, swinging the sion of legitimate ecclesiastical authority. There’s no doubt that the mens of the Sacred Congregation of the Coun-
thurible. The priest only wears an alb or even just plain clothes with no vestments,
Furthermore, the Code typifies the legislatoris is to proscribe those activities cil of 22.III.1950—had even imposed an
and remains kneeling. Several parishioners are much disturbed and have said so. I infraction of this norm as a punishable driven by the profit motive. excommunication latae sententiae re-
have asked the deacon why he wears the priest’s vestments. His answer: “I’m an
crime in c.1392: Clerics or religious who (2) The habitual character, thus exclud- served especially to the Holy See, and
ordained minister.” My reply was, “But you are not a priest.” I asked, “Who has practice trade or business against the pre- ing occasional economic activities from even the reduction to the lay state in the
given you authority to do this?” He stated that the bishop has. There are other
scriptions of the canons are to be punished in the canonical prohibition. What is cru- more serious cases, against clerics violat-
irregularities which he persists in during the Mass. He stands throughout the prayers; accord with the seriousness of the offense. cial is that such activity converts the cleric, ing this prohibition. While the present
takes the host from the ciborium given to him by the overseas priest; mouths the
More recently, n.67 of the Directory on in the perception of prudent and objec- canons have abrogated this sanction, the
doxology; and even holds the paten containing the host. – R.I., state of New South the Ministry and Life of Priests, issued by tive observers, to a businessman. Thus, spirit behind it remains valid.
Wales, Australia
the Congregation for the Clergy on for example, the investment of one’s pat-
31.I.1994, clearly stated: Therefore, the priest rimony in the stock market is not in- Conclusion
A: Some distinctions should be made. Although the deacon is an ordained
will deny himself those worldly activities which cluded in the canonical prohibition, be- There definitely is reason for raised
minister, he is of a lower grade than a priest and therefore he should not are not in keeping with his ministry. cause such operations—according to the eyebrows in the behavior of the parish
preside over the community if a priest is present.
common perception of people—are not priest in question. Nevertheless, in the
Therefore in normal cases a deacon may not give a blessing, and even less What constitutes business and trade? considered as business while they do not interest of justice—not only of charity—
so Benediction, if a priest is present and available.
Canon Law prohibits clerics from en- constitute a professional activity. a fuller investigation is necessary before
He may do so if the priest is legitimately impeded, for example, if the gaging in either business or trade (or Trade (or commerce), on the other hand, condemning such behavior. After all,
priest were hearing confessions during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
commercial activity) without permission is a specific form of business activity typi- c.286 itself provides for the possibility
and could not leave the confessional to impart Benediction. of legitimate ecclesiastical authority, fied by four characteristics: (1) being an of an exception, with the permission of
In those cases where the deacon legitimately imparts Benediction, either
which in most cases would be the dioc- intermediary between producers and legitimate authority. One can imagine,
because there is no priest or the priest is impeded, the deacon may wear the esan bishop. Now what is meant by busi- consumers, (2) being an intermediary for example, the case when there is such
same vestments as the priest: the stole albeit worn in the manner of a dea-
ness and trade that constitute activities through exchange, (3) such exchange a lack of any other means of support for
con, the cope and the humeral veil. He may also recite or sing the same prohibited by Canon Law for clerics? must be habitual such that it becomes the priest—who may have needs un-
prayers as the priest. He does not need any special permission from the
Business is a generic term which cov- professional, and (4) motivated by profit. known to the parishioners (e.g., expen-
bishop to wear these vestments as the rubrics already foresee it. ers any activity marked by two essen- What Canon Law prohibits clerics from en- sive medicines or treatment)—that he
The other actions that our correspondent describes are aptly termed ir-
tial properties: gaging in is any business (trade or otherwise). has to engage in business in order to
regularities. The deacon should usually kneel for the consecration, silently (1) The profit motive, understood as a subsist.
hold up the chalice (not the paten) for the doxology, and should always
pretension for something more than the The spirit behind the Law In any case, the need to be a witness to
receive Communion from the priest and not self-communicate. normal conservation of one’s own pat- It is easy to understand the spirit be- the spirit of poverty cannot be over-
Rather than any special permission or dispensation from the bishop (who
rimony. This is an important point that hind this prohibition, expressed already stressed, especially on the part of the
is unlikely to dispense from basic liturgical law for no reason), such errors was somehow lost in the English ren- by the misgivings of the parishioners in shepherds of a flock like the Church in
are more probably due to bad habits and imperfect liturgical formation.
dering of the above-mentioned Direc- the present query. Aside from the de- the Philippines, which is largely com-
The person responsible for correcting them is the pastor, the priest cel- tory of 31.I.1994, which simply pro- sired spirit of poverty (detachment from posed of poor people. Thus, priests must
ebrant, or even the bishop if the local priest is unwilling.
scribed “worldly activities”. A check of temporal goods), so necessary in the always be sensitive to the possibility of
When a deacon is ordained he promises the bishop and the Church that he the Spanish, Italian and German versions cleric as discussed previously in this col- causing scandal in this regard. In any case,
is willing to carry out the diaconal service with humility and love as a
of the all-important document, however, umn, there is the matter of the needed by being transparent in his activities, the
cooperator of the priestly order and for the good of the Christian people. If shows that the functional word is lucra- dedication by the cleric to properly good priest can always gain the trust and
he lives up to his promise, then he will gladly correct any errors that might
tive and not simply worldly: priestly and pastoral functions, which— support of his parishioners, even in those
have crept in. (Zenit) - “Por ello se abstendrá de actividades as the present query shows—are natu- extraordinary cases when he has to en-
lucrativas impropias de su ministerio” rally jeopardized by his engagement in gage in some form of business with the
(Spanish). business. Thus, c.286 points out that not previous permission of the Bishop.
On multiple ciboria
and chalices The CBCPWorld Network
www.cbcpworld.com | training@cbcpworld.net | +632 4041612, 4042182
IMPORTANT FACTS:
Bishop …………………………….............. 1
Diocesan Priests:
Working in the Diocese …………...... 38
Abroad …………………………............ 6
Study Leave ……………………............ 1
Religious Priests:
Filipino………….…………................... 10
Foreigner…………………………........... 9
Brother:
Foreigner …………………………........... 1
Women Religious ..………………….... 62
Seminaries:
College (Philosophy) ………………...... 1
Theologate ………….………………...... 1
House of Spirituality ………………....... 1
Seminarians:
Theology …………………………....... 24
College (Philosophy) ……………….. 37
Pre-College (Initial Formation
Year) ………………………………........ 9
From other dioceses:
Theology .………………................... 17
Diocesan Divisions:
Vicariates Forane ……………………... 5
Territorial Parishes ………………….. 20
With Resident Pastors ….……..... 20
Entrusted to Diocesan Clergy ....... 16
Entrusted to Religious Clergy ……. 4
Personal Parish ………………………...... 1
Quasi-Parishes ..………………………... 2
Chaplaincies ………………………........... 4
Mission Areas …………………………..... 4
Pamayanans ………………..……….... 634
Educational Centers:
College
Owned and Administered
by Religious .………...................... 1
High Schools
Owned and Administered
by the Diocese …......................... 17
Owned and Administered
by Religious ………………........... 1
A local
local Church
Church inin transition
transition
Elementary Schools
from aa mission
from mission territory
territory to
to aa by Religious .……...…………...... 1
Institutions:
Educational ……………………........... 1
Formation Houses ………….....…... 6
renewed, vibrant,
renewed, vibrant, and
and mature
mature Retreat Centers …………………….. 4
Clergy Houses …………………….... 2
Pastoral Centers:
Christian community
community
Diocesan …………………………...... 5
Christian communication
Absence of after care release program. There is lack if not absence of
programs that will address the problems of released prisoners for employ-
ment, livelihood and provision for basic needs.
Corruption exists in almost all levels of the criminal justice system. The insti-
“In the beginning was the between and among people consti-
tute the heartbeat of a good society.
Word, and the Word was with We all need to feel safe in our homes
on our streets, in our communities.
God, and the Word was God.” Recent events show that crime has
escalated. Murder, rape, robbery,
(John 1:1-2, 14) drug trafficking, and graft and cor-
ruption have become more wide-
spread. Yet the traditional means of
dealing with such crime seem un-
DEAR Brothers and Sisters in Christ, able to bring about reconciliation
This coming 14th of October, we will celebrate IN- and healing. The prison industry is
DIGENOUS PEOPLES SUNDAY . We consider this expanding. Fear of crime dominates
year particularly important because it is the 30 th year too many lives.
of the creation of the Episcopal Commission on Indig- The Episcopal Commission on
enous Peoples (ECIP). The ECIP embodies the official Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) in cel-
and conscious Apostolate of the Church, together with ebration of the 20th Prison Aware-
the Dioceses and Religious Congregation, for our In- ness Sunday on October 28, 2007 re-
digenous brothers and sisters. For thirty years, the affirms that from our Christian per-
THIS parable is not a typical par- he practices. What he mentioned he change his life? Can he make ceives nothing. The Pharisee is
able in the sense that it is a straight- in his prayer is the truth about reparation for all his dishonesty already satisfied with what he
forward description of religious
attitudes and the lesson flows di-
rectly from the description. Two
himself. It is not hypocrisy. Out-
wardly the Pharisee prays, but
in reality he is talking to him-
by giving up his profession? He
needs God’s mercy.
The parable ends with “… the
has, how could God give him
anything?
God justifies the repentant
The Rosary, a treasure
types of men found in Israel are
presented. They are attending the
same worship service most likely
self. He placed himself in the
presence of the Lord and at the
same time congratulated himself
tax-collector, and not the Pharisee
was in the right with God when he
went home”. It means that the tax-
sinner, but does not justify
him who trusts in his own self-
righteousness.
to be rediscovered daily
the atonement ritual because in with his own piety. What spoils collector was justified, having Sometimes we are like the
By Fr. Santosh Digal
his prayer the tax-collector im- his prayer is the self-pride which found favor before God. The Pharisee in the parable. When-
plores “atonement” of his sins. inspires it and his contempt for paradox here is that the one who ever we encounter serious prob-
The atonement ritual was the only other men. When we look down prides himself on not needing lems in our life like financial set- ”MARY is a window through which humanity first catches a glimpse
daily service in the temple dur- on others, we tend to be arro- justification returns home un-jus- back, sickness, or death in our of Divinity on earth. Or perhaps, she is more like a magnifying glass
ing that time. The atonement gant. Genuine prayer does not tified, whereas the one who re- family, we ask God—”Why did that intensifies our love for her Son, and makes our prayers more
ritual comprised an interval of destroy our love for others but gards himself as a worthless sin- these things happen to me? I go bright and burning.”
private prayers offered during the rather deepens our compassion, ner returns home justified. Since to mass every Sunday, I donate - Archbishop Fulton Sheen
burning of incense. mercy, and love for our neigh- the Pharisee asks nothing, he re- God forgives / B7
escort you
in their necessities.
· All who recite the rosary are Mary’s children.
Our devout and prayerful investment that we put in pray-
ing rosary in terms of our trust and piety in God and Mary
brings such tremendous power, grace and strength. Thus, the
Rosary is a perfect prayer. It combines the most sublime vocal
WHEN I was an impish kid, I recall regularly me. I froze in terror. But a happy face greeted The fruit tasted sweet, but not as sweet as prayers with meditation. It is the sum and substance of our
visiting the cloistered Carmelites with my me and said, “Do you want to come in?” being in the arms of the angel of God. redemption. It is thinking of Christ—his ministry, joys, sor-
family—those cute brown-clad nuns behind Did she say “come in?” Before I could an- After a few minutes, she carried me back rows and triumphs—that we begin to appreciate more what
the steel bars and black curtain. Contempla- swer, she opened the iron gate and gave me to the gate where my parents were now wait- he has done for us, that we begin to love him more and more
tive sisters, they called themselves, but as a her hand. I was dumbfounded. “One, two, ing. Outside. and imitate him more. We begin to understand too, the role
kid, I had my own secret nickname for them: three, four, five…” I counted. Yep, she had Because only I was able to enter the house Mary has played in our salvation. The mysteries of the rosary,
penguins, because they looked so much like five fingers. Funny, I always thought they of God. which is said to be “the sweet chain linking us to God,” bring
them. I noticed they were small. They’d trot never had hands. They kept hiding them I recall that experience and feel the same us closer to Jesus and to Mary.
around in their black sandals in tiny little behind their brown robes! Hmm. My pen- way every time I pray today.
steps; and they’d be bopping their heads up guin theory was falling apart. When I make the sign of the cross, the iron The family prayer
and down whenever they see someone. We walked hand-in-hand and it felt good. gate opens. As a prayer for peace, the Rosary is also, and always has been,
No one could enter their holy house, my In fact, I felt I was holding the hand of an And an angel gives me her hand. a prayer of and for the family. At one time this prayer was par-
parents told me. It must be very special, I angel. Behold, a new theory in my brain was We walk into the garden of God. ticularly dear to Christian families, and it certainly brought them
told myself, because only God and His pen- being formed. I gaze at His beauty and even eat the fruit closer together. It is important not to lose this precious inherit-
guins were living there. She led me to their fabulous garden and it of answered prayer. ance. We need to return to the practice of family prayer and
One day, as my family was still inside the struck me how beautiful the garden of God It is sweet, yes, but not as sweet as being in prayer for families, continuing to use the Rosary.
church, I ran and peeked through the iron was. I caught a glimpse of a guava fruit high the arms of love. The family that prays together stays together has become a
fence of the convent to see if the Almighty on a tree. She saw me look at it, so she grabbed Enter into God’s house more often. cliché. The Holy Rosary, by age-old tradition, has shown itself
was indeed there. All of a sudden, one of the all of me and lifted me up, enough for my The angels await in tiptoes, ready to escort particularly effective as a prayer that brings the family together.
penguins peered through the door and saw hand to pluck it off myself. you to the Throne. Individual family members, in turning their eyes toward Jesus,
also regain the ability to look one another in the eye, to com-
municate, to show solidarity, to forgive one another and to see
Fr. Roy Cimagala their covenant of love renewed in the Spirit of God.
Many of the problems facing contemporary families, espe-
cially in economically developed societies, result from their
Lay spirituality
increasing difficulty in communicating. Families seldom man-
age to come together, and the rare occasions when they do are
often taken up with watching television. To return to the reci-
tation of the family Rosary means filling daily life with very
different images, images of the mystery of salvation: the im-
age of the Redeemer, the image of His most Blessed Mother.
The family that recites the Rosary together reproduces some-
THERE are yet many obstacles to years away from the ideal inso- erybody else in Christ. gard. These should be religiously thing of the atmosphere of the household of Nazareth: its mem-
be hurdled, yet many things to far as the role of the laity in the This sublime nature of the followed to avoid perverting the bers place Jesus at the center, they share His joys and sorrows,
be done before we in general can Church and in the world is con- Church has to be understood and Church. they place their needs and their plans in His hands, they draw
have a good understanding, let cerned. consciously and freely lived by But what is most important is from Him the hope and the strength to go on.
alone live the very important The laity is supposed to be an all of us, depending on what role to vigorously promote what may
role the laity plays in the Church integral and essential part of the we play, whether as clergy, reli- be called as lay spirituality. This Children
and in the world. Church. As such, they, like the gious or lay. is the authentic lay empower- It is also beautiful and fruitful to entrust to this prayer the
At the moment, we don’t have bishops, priests, religious men In this tricky matter, we with ment many people are talking growth and development of our children. Parents are finding
to look far to see how gravely and women, have the same call- God’s grace have to help one an- about. This equips lay people it ever more difficult to follow the lives of their children as
misunderstood the lay people ing to sanctity and to the other. We should not reduce the with the correct knowledge and they grow to maturity. In a society of advanced technology,
are. They are largely seen as sec- apostolate in ways proper to their Church as a social phenomenon, appropriate ways to live their of mass communications and globalization, everything has
ond-rate citizens if not pariahs in condition. though it certainly has social role in the Church and the world become hurried, and the cultural distance between genera-
the Church, unavoidably im- They should not feel nor should manifestations. Its supernatural properly. tions is growing ever greater. The most diverse messages and
mersed in the dirty mundane they be treated as if they are just character should always be up- This lay spirituality can mean the most unpredictable experiences rapidly make their way
things of the world. a baggage in the Church, or held and defended. many things. For one it can mean into the lives of children and adolescents, and parents can
They are also regarded as some merely a resource to be taken Though everyone has different having a right theology about become quite anxious about the dangers their children face.
kind of accessories to the clergy. advantage of, as in being used as duties, everyone should also re- the world in general, a right un- At times parents suffer acute disappointment at the failure of
It would seem that their status source for money, or treated as alize, whether clergy, religious derstanding of freedom and re- their children to resist the seductions of the drug culture, the
only acquires a whiff of dignity the clergy’s long arm. or lay, that he forms an indivis- spect for the autonomy of tem- lure of an unbridled hedonism, the temptation to violence,
when they act as assistants and They are as much the Church ibly organic unity with every- poral affairs, etc. and the manifold expressions of meaninglessness and despair.
servers to bishops and priests. as bishops, priests and the reli- body else with Christ as head in The link from the earthly to the To pray the Rosary for children, and even more, with chil-
For them to have some sem- gious are. They the Holy Spirit. sublime, the material to the spiri- dren, training them from their earliest years to experience
blance of goodness and holiness, are not merely in the Church, We just have to learn to relate tual, the temporal to the eternal, this daily “pause for prayer” with the family, is admittedly
they are expected to keep distance but the Church herself together with one another properly, should be shown to be very prac- not the solution to every problem, but it is a spiritual aid that
from the world as much as pos- with the clergy and the religious, knowing how to keep the mu- ticable. Everyone, especially the should not be underestimated. It could be objected that the
sible, if not to hate it. They are lifted to her supernatural nature tual need for one another, while lay people, should be assured of Rosary seems hardly suited to the taste of children and young
pressured to fit into a certain re- and intrinsically involved in her avoiding confusion as in this reality. people of today. But perhaps the objection is directed to an
ligious mentality, doing churchy mission. clericalizing the laity or laiciz- The Church’s social doctrine impoverished method of praying it. Furthermore, without
chores, that tends to suffocate Another thing that should be ing the clergy. and the more basic Christian an- prejudice to the Rosary’s basic structure, there is nothing to
their true lay and secular charac- made clear is that the Church is There unfortunately are indi- thropology are stop children and young people from praying it—either within
ter. not just some human social struc- cations these irregularities are indispensable in developing a the family or in groups—with appropriate symbolic and prac-
Whatever may be the causes of ture. The Church is the people of taking place in some areas. The true lay spirituality. There has to tical aids to understanding and appreciation. Why not try it?
this sad phenomenon, the fact is God, the mystical body of Christ, be massive and continuing Rosary / B7
Popes and the Vatican in general
crystal clear that we are still light- communion with Christ and ev- have issued guidelines in this re- catechesis about these truths.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007 Social Concern B7
Hapag-asa: Feeding
children with hope A painful
nful quest for
micprosperity
economic
for a better future
By Pinky Barrientos, FSP
MALNOURISHED children can now look
forward to a hearty meal and balanced diet
to nourish their frail bodies.
An integrated nutrition program for the
poor and malnourished children dubbed By Joyce O. Palacol
HAPAG-ASA was launched by Pondo ng
Pinoy Community Foundation just recently.
The program has two major components: SINCE 18th century, small scale mining has
supplemental feeding and education classes. been widely practiced throughout our ar-
The feeding program targets malnourished chipelago as attested by mute artifacts that
children between 6 to 12 years old. Each child lay in our museums some of which are
enrolled in the program is given Vitameal- handed down as family heirlooms. This
enriched meals. This is a scientifically pre- served as witness to both our rich cultural
pared rice and lentil meal filled with protein, heritage and abundant natural resources. In
calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals. Local the world, our country is ranked 3rd in Gold
ingredients, such as rice, chicken, and pota- deposit, 4thin Copper, 5thin Nickel and 6th in
toes are mixed with the food to make it more Chromite, not to mention the non-metallic
appealing and palatable to children. mineral deposits throughout the country
Consisting of 120 feeding sessions, the children most of which are within the ancestral lands
are fed once a day, five days a week for six months. of the Indigenous People.
According to nutrition experts this regimen Today, various documentation on Phil-
will reverse the devastating effects of malnu- ippinemineralresources/depositsareavail-
trition on children. Although brain damage able both for local and foreign investors.
and Technical Assistance Agreement creations—the land, the seas and all the liv- environment—depleted forest, displaced
caused by malnutrition is irreversible, the nu- Major mineral deposits are widely distrib-
(FTAA). The present exploration site and ing things on it. “...fill the earth and subdue it. communities,pollutedairandcontaminated
tritious meal however, will restore the utedinthecountry’sfertileland.Itisnowon-
areas with pending applications revealed Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the rivers. Our very own government revealed
children’s health and give them a future. der that our revenue from mining has
that major areas covered by mining conces- birds of the air and over every living thing that there are twenty seven contaminated rivers
HAPAG-ASA aims to feed 120,000 malnour- reached multi millions of dollars. This is
sions overlap not only with ancestral land moves on the earth.”(Genesis 1:28) nationwide due to mining operations. On
ished children nationwide. Around 50,000 are one of the bases why the present adminis-
but also protected areas under National In- Furthermore, He admonished man to top of this, numerous species of flora and
currently enrolled under the program. tration sees mining as the ultimate solution
tegrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) take care of his creation. God, too, made faunahavedisappearedwhileothersremain
The first batch of 120,000 children was en- to our annual budget deficit and projected
act such as watersheds and natural parks. available everything that He created at threatened to the brink of extinction.
rolled in 2005. It saved around 76,000 from resurgence of economic prosperity. It is with
Current developments in priority areas man’s disposal and use...“a land with streams Inthepast,wethechurchhavetakenvari-
malnutrition and health-related illnesses. this forward projection that the Philippine
classifiedbythegovernmenthaddampened and pools of water, with springs flowing in the ous significant steps through issuance of
Although admittedly small in scope in the Mining Act of 1995 and other related laws
the spirit of most mining enthusiast. As a valleys and hills; a land where the rocks are iron statementofconcernsbypastoralletters,con-
face of millions of children experiencing pertaining to mining were drafted and en-
result of the cyanide spills at Rapu-rapu Is- andyoucandigcopperoutofthehills.”(Deut.8:9) ducting dialogues with concerned govern-
hunger in the country today, HAPAG-ASA, acted thus prepare the stage for the revital-
land in Albay, the President issued EO 145, However, everything is permissible but not ment agencies and personalities, and active
nonetheless acts as a beacon of hope to the izationofminingindustryinthePhilippines.
creating an independent fact finding com- always beneficial. Thus, precautions were participationinadvocacymovementinvari-
country’s hungry children. Thisawakeningofinterestinmininggave
mittee to investigate the effects of mining given by God when He said to man, “Do not ous sectors of society. In the light of what
Studies by Food and Nutrition Research birth to the 24 priority mining sites. The
operations on people’s health and the envi- defile the land where you live and where I dwell.” had transpired in the mining industry, the
Institute (FNRI) showed that 3 out of 10 Fili- priority areas include Far Southeast Gold
ronment. This served as a test case for all the (Num 35:34) This stresses that while man condition of the environment and the health
pino children, ages 0 to 5 years are suffering project, Itogon Gold project, Pacdal Expan-
mining concerns throughout the country was permitted to mine what he needs, He of the people, there seem to be a need to re-
from chronic malnutrition. sion Project and Teresa Gold project in the
since it would later uncover lapses in the was warned not to destroy the very source assess our policies and redirect our efforts as
The program is currently being imple- province of Benguet, Batong Buhay Gold-
government, loopholes in the law and lack of his sustenance….nature. an institution for us to realize the full eco-
mented in the Archdiocese of Manila, dio- Copper project in Kalinga-Apayao, Didipio
of transparency and accountability which It is heartbreaking to know that years of nomic benefits of mining within God’s pa-
ceses of Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Cubao, Copper-GoldprojectinQuirino,Rapu-rapu
accounts for disasters or unforeseen events mining in our country had taken tolls on our rameters.
Daet, Paranaque, San Pablo, Antipolo, Imus, Polymetallic project in Albay, Aroroy gold
Puerto Princesa, Malolos, and in 20 other project in Masbate, Nonoc Iron fines project, that run havoc to mining operations.
dioceses in the provinces. Nonoc Nikel project and Siana gold project Unaddressed issues on the insufficient
God forgives / B6
Non-government organizations (NGOs), in Surigao del Norte, Adlay-Cagdianao- mitigating measures employed by
foundations and local government units Tandawa(ACT)nickelprojectandBoyongan Marcopper mining resulted to delisting of for the construction of our parish God’s forgiving love. The tax-collec-
(LGUs) have likewise took the cause and copperprojectinSurigaodelSur,andPujada said mine from the priority mining list. Sub- church, I take care of my family tor was genuinely humble because he
adopted the program. nickel project in Davao del Sur, Tampakan sequentaccidentssuchasthecollapseofem- conscientiously... And now all these focused his attention on God. He did
Meanwhile, parents of malnourished chil- copper project in South Cotabato, Diwalwal bankmentportionofSulphideTailingsDam things are happening to me!” In not compare himself to anybody else.
dren are also beneficiaries of the program in direct state utilization project, King King of TVI processing plant in Siocon, the min- other words, we think and relate to It is through the merciful eyes of God
the form of education classes. Seminars on copper gold project and Amacan copper ing protest movement that resulted to the God like the Pharisee as if we are that the tax-collector discovered the
topics of Spiritual/Value formation, Health project/HijogoldprojectinCompostelaVal- recent death of Councilor Armin Marin in telling God... “I am a good person; depth of his sins. No man who is
and Nutrition, Natural Family Planning ley, Canatuan gold project in Zamboanga the province of Romblon and failure for the spare me with all the trials and proud can pray. An author once said,
(NFP) methods, and livelihood/skills train- del Norte, Toledo copper project in Cebu, project proponent to secure social accept- problems of this world.” Before “The gate of heaven is so low that
ing are given to parents to equip them with San Antonio copper project in Marinduque, ability and the Free and Prior Informed God, we cannot boast of any claim none can enter it save upon his knees.”
skills that would help improve their lives. Nickel project in Palawan and lastly, Nickel Consent (FPIC) in the province of Mindoro, whatsoever. No matter what we ac- We are also reminded by the words
Pondo ng Pinoy is circulating a poster to cre- project in Mindoro. had put a question of morality and justice on complish, we should maintain a of the Prophet Isaiah on what the Lord
ate greater public awareness on the program. A recent check with the Mines and Geo- mining. humble attitude that we are “mere said, “I myself created the whole universe!
The campaign poster features the famous sciences Bureau (MGB) under the Depart- We Christians have but one basis of mo- servants” (Luke 17:10). To forget I am pleased with those who are humble
“Hapag ng Pag-asa” painting of Mr. Joey Velasco mentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources rality from which we weigh environmen- this is to give in to Phariseeism. and repentant, who fear me and obey me”
accompanied by a bible verse: “For I was hun- (DENR) defined the areas covered by Ex- tal justice, the Bible; the ultimate word of We all want to identify ourselves (Isaiah 66:2). It is only by living a life
gry and you gave me food…” (Mt. 25:35). ploration Permit (EP), Mineral Production God. When God made man, His intention with the humble tax-collector. We ad- of authentic humility that we can be
Sharing Agreement (MPSA), and Financial was to have him lord over all His other mit that we are sinners and in need of pleasing to God.
Rosary / B6 Calapan / B3
With God’s help, an earnest approach to hard we found life without all these? We ing the rosary is the overall harmony lective spirit and common resolve on of the Mindoreños. Hence, the program
children and youth that is positive, im- thought life too impossible to live with- we share. Despite our differences, each the imperative for one and unified pas- includes training people for active par-
passioned and creative—is capable of out these. How many of us prayed Rosary family member needs to commit to pray toral agenda towards renewed and in- ticipation in socio-political matters and
achieving quite remarkable results. If during this time as there was no signal for for peace, grow in grace, and passing our tegral evangelization rooted in the environmental advocacies. The pro-
the Rosary is well presented, I am sure cell phone or internet or electricity instead? faith along to the next generation. The Word of God and the Eucharist, the Di- gram encourages linkages with govern-
that young people will once more sur- Possibly, this was good chance to pray for gospels tell us that prayer can change ocesan Core Program HAPAG NG ment and non-governmental organiza-
prise adults by the way they make this the rosary because other times we are too anything. It can convert hearts and pro- PAMILYANG MINDOREÑO was con- tions who are similarly involved in ad-
prayer their own and recite it with the busy with many other things. We take our duce peace. It provides spiritual protec- ceived and it was officially promulgated dressing the social concerns of our
enthusiasm typical of their age group. cell phones wherever we go, how many tion, discernment, comfort and grace. for implementation on July 15, 2006. We people.
of us carry rosary wherever we go? Cer- And so we have to pray for everything, call our program Hapag ng Pamilyang “Hapag ng Eukaristiya” opens the
But no time? tainly, some or most do, if not all. no intention is too small. Thus it requires Mindoreño (literally, Table of the way to unity. It invites the families to
The Book of Ecclesiastes says there is So the richness of this traditional prayer, a determined effort. Mindoreño Family) . We recognize the participate actively in the celebration
time for everything. As we live in highly which has the simplicity of a popular de- In the Philippines, Mama Mary is a very family as the focus and locus of the of the Eucharist in Basic Ecclesial Com-
mechanical, professional, sophisticated, votion but also the theological depth of a special Woman who is regarded and ac- evangelization. The modifier munities (BECs) and in the parish
rapidly technological and competitive prayer, has to be experienced daily. cepted as the Patron of the country and Mindoreño emphasizes that the pro- church. By means of catechesis and well-
world, we have time for work, eating, Our Lady loves the rosary. It is the Filipinos love her so much. Let our pray- gram is our distinctive way of evange- prepared liturgy, we hope to have mean-
texting, internet, sleep, concert, games, prayer of the simple and of the great. ing Rosary daily in the families show that lizing our people. ingful celebrations so that families may
UAAP Championship, vacation, shop- Everyone can so easily pray it anywhere, we really love her. Praying rosary should “Hapag ng Pamilyang Mindoreño” is experience the Eucharist as a high point
ping in malls and indulging in good and any time. It honors God and our Lady in be a family tradition just like the anec- a three-pronged program which guar- in their lives.
not so good things. Relatively speak- a special way. When our Lady appeared dote that is mentioned in the beginning antees integral evangelization. ‘Hapag’ With our core program, we hope to
ing, we have no time for prayer, more to Bernadette at Lourdes, she had a ro- of this write up. Mary invites us to fre- (Table) is the main component of the achieve our long-range plan of estab-
over, for praying the rosary. At the end sary in her hand. When she appeared to quent prayer, especially the rosary. Our program. It refers to three main ele- lishing Basic Ecclesial Communities
of the day, we are over exhausted, fa- the three children in Fatima, she also communal prayer would become a strong ments of the Core Program, namely, (Munting Kapitbahayang Kristiyano or
tigue for everything, including prayer. held a rosary. It was at Fatima that she bond, ground, guide and heal all of us. “Hapag ng Salita ng Diyos” (Table of the MKK) in all our parishes. The core pro-
These are existential realities, yet we definitely called herself by the title she Pope John Paul II says, “O Blessed Ro- Word of God), “Hapag-Kainan” (Dining gram is initially designed for six years,
have no budget time for praying rosary. dearly loves, “The Lady of the Rosary.” sary of Mary, sweet chain that unites us to Table), “Hapag ng Eukaristiya” (Table of after which it will be thoroughly evalu-
However, no amount of lame excuse or All of us of every state of life, Chris- God, bond of love that unites us to the an- the Eucharist). We want the Mindoreño ated so that appropriate adjustments can
work load can justify for not praying tian families, the sick and elderly, and gels, tower of salvation against the assaults families to work for the three tables and be made.
the rosary. We have to find time for it the young people need confidently to of Hell, safe port in our universal ship- be nourished by the same.
anyway. If there is will, there is a way. take up the Rosary once again. We have wreck, we will never abandon you. You “Hapag ng Salita ng Diyos” seeks to Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan Admin-
Due to last year’s “Milenyo” typhoon, to revive the Rosary in the light of Scrip- will be our comfort in the hour of death…” open the way to holiness. It opens dif- istrative Manual (AVCAM)
landline, cell phone and internet network ture and in the context of our daily lives. Let rediscovering the Rosary as a treasure ferent avenues for the proclamation of On September 2002, the Episcopal
came to a standstill for sometime. How Perhaps the greatest blessing of pray- becomes a family priority and tradition. the Good News at home, in schools, in Council was convoked in a special meet-
offices, and in the different communi- ing to review and redesign the diocesan
ties. The program promotes bible dis- ecclesiastical organizational structures
tribution to every Catholic family and according to the mandate of the law to
encourages daily Bible reading so that better the delivery of ecclesial service to
CBCPMonitor
the Word of God becomes the guide in the Christian faithful. Some pertinent
Name _________________________________________________ resolutions were made thereafter,
the people’s day-to-day living. In-
(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name) cluded in the program is the training of among others, the reconstitution of the
different ministers of the Word who Curia institutes and persons, the estab-
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address ________________________________________ will facilitate Bible sharing, conduct lishment of Parish Finance Councils, the
Bible studies, facilitate biblical recol- creation of policy directions in the ad-
________________________________________________________ lections among children, youth, and ministrative and pastoral sections. Af-
adults. Through the Hapag ng Salita ng ter three long and tedious years in the
The CBCP Monitor is published Phone No.: _________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ Diyos, Mindoreños are expected to ma- making, the First Diocesan Administra-
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Of- ture in faith and be ready for the ser- tive Assembly was convoked on Septem-
Mode of Payment
fice, with editorial and business of- vice of the Hapag-Kainan. ber 5-6, 2005 for the official promulga-
fices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment “Hapag-Kainan” seeks to open the tion of the so-called Apostolic Vicariate
Intramuros, Manila. PO Box 3601, (Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) way to peace. Through socio-economic of Calapan Administrative Manual
1076 MCPO programs we want to assist needy fami- (AVCAM). The Manual is a compendium
lies (mostly farmers, fisherfolks and la- of essential administrative documents
• Domestic ________________________ that define certain rules and norms of
borers) so that they can be liberated
1 Year Php 500.00 from poverty. We want to see that ev- action for ecclesial administration of this
Signature
2 Years Php 900.00 ery Mindoreño family has enough food ecclesiastical jurisdiction. It serves as the
• Foreign: Asia PLEASE SEND TO: on the table and is able to meet the ba- fundamental legislative document for
1 Year US$ 55.00 CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601 , Manila, Philippines sic necessities of life such as shelter, the attainment and preservation of right
• All Other US$ 80.00 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 health, and education. It serves as sym- order, both in individual and social life
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com bol of all material and temporal needs of the local Church.
CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007
The Cross
A Supplement Publication for KCFAPI
and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus Priests during their bi-annual gathering held in Cagayan
de Oro City in April this year. To date, there are already 96 priests who graduated
from the KC scholarship program, and there are still more in seminaries in
Rome and in the Philippines.
Joseph P. Teodoro
The KC Fraternal
Memorial Chapels
As an insurance system, KCFAPI meticulously observes all actuarial under-
writing principles as well as all requirements of Philippine laws. It is profes-
sionally managed and is under the supervision of the Office of the Insurance
Commissioner.
As a mutual benefit association, KCFAPI is non-stock. All its insured mem-
bers participate in the ownership of the company and equitably share its
profits. Members’ dividends substantially reduce the cost of their protection
coverage.
As of December 31, 2006, KCFAPI has: a) 5,0623 members with individual HOLY TRINITY MEMORIAL CHAP- priest for mass and interment, or cre-
and group benefits; b) insured over 24,668 lives; c) contracted and guaranteed ELS (HTMC), is owned and operated mation arrangements. The HTMC Company Profile
over Php 7 billion in future benefits to its members and their beneficiaries; d) by Keys Realty and Development
paid out over Php 40.4 million in death and life benefits to members; e) over Corporation, a subsidiary of the A. Memorial Services Our Roots
Php 21 billion in assets. Knights of Columbus Fraternal As- 1. Retrieval of body from place of Established by the Knights of Columbus
Fraternal on October 10, 1982 as a mortu-
sociation of the Philippines, Inc. It is death. ary for K of C members, Holy Trinity Me-
Man’s responsibility a three-storey building located along 2. Preservation of body for seven (7) morial Chapels was later opened to the
Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Paranaque days. general public.
When you get married and generated life into the world, you assumed a City, fronting entrance to San Anto- 3. Provision of casket (Local and Im- Our Vision/Mission
responsibility which extends beyond death. nio Valley I Subdivision and about ported) To be the premier provider of memorial
As husbands and fathers, one of your first concerns is your families’ eco- 0.50 km. away from Manila Memo- 4. Mortuary arrangement at HTMC care befitting the dignity of a man; To pro-
nomic needs—food, clothing, shelter and the children’s education. rial Park. chapel or other site at family’s vide compassionate memorial care to the
departed and their bereaved families
For as long as you are alive, you do everything in your power to see to it Established in 1982, it has gained choice for five (5) days. through the delivery of excellent services.
that they are adequately provided for. What happens to them when you die in its course of business an expertise 5. Registration of death certificate and
would depend largely upon the protection you provided through a planned equal to other mortuaries ahead of securing of necessary transfer and/ Our Core Values
Honesty and Courtesy in dealing with cli-
insurance program during your lifetime. it. Although it was conceived to be a or burial permits. ents and associates; Responsiveness to cli-
Children, too often, are the innocent victims of an inadequate and inappro- mortuary for K of C members, it later 6. Appropriate funeral hearse for in- ent needs regardless of value of service;
priate protection plan. When your monthly income expires with you at death; extended its services to the general terment. Quality Service in the form of personalized,
compassionate and affordable memorial care
would the amount of insurance you now carry be adequate to maintain the public. Over the years, HTMC has 7. One (1) copy of certified true copy that satisfies client needs and requirements;
lifestyle to which you have accustomed them, or at least, to provide them curved its name in the funeral indus- of death certificate. Cleanliness and Orderliness maintained
with the minimum necessities of a truly Christian home until they become try and is now the biggest and most
through high standards of sanitation and
tidiness in our facilities and surroundings at
economically self-sufficient? modern funeral homes in Metro B. Cremation all times.
A loving and provident man will definitely not expose his family to unnec- South. Provisions of Urns (Local and Im-
essary financial distress in the event of his premature death. Neither will a ported) Our brand of Service
Complete 24-hour funeral services and a
self-respecting man wish to become dependent on his children, should he Facilities wide range of casket selections, both local
live to retirement age. C. Other Assistance and imported; Two units of state-of-the-art
An adequate and appropriately designed KC life insurance plan will pro- HTMC has four (4) first class chap- 1. Obituary placement (Manila Bulle-
cremation machines with advanced tech-
nology that passed US industry and DENR
vide a man an instrument which is to satisfy his economic responsibility to his els (Royal, Fr. Willmann, Premier tin/Phil. Daily Inquirer/Phil. Star) standards for quality and performance; Ac-
family (if he dies too soon) or himself (if he lives to a ripe old age). and De Luxe), 13 regular chapels 2. Priest Directory of nearby parishes credited servicing mortuary of all major life
plan companies
(three in second floor, and ten in 3. Flower Arrangements
Your privilege as Knight third floor). All chapels are air-con- 4. Shipment of remains abroad Our Facilities and Amenities
ditioned and have private rooms A three-story building with home-like chap-
You know about the advantages and the privileges you enjoy as a member where families can rest. The company Benevolent activities els complete with family rooms, kitchen,
toilet and bath, and extended lobby to ac-
of the Knights of Columbus—the warmth of fellowship, the enjoyment of owns the latest model of Cadillac commodate visitors and catering services;
working for good causes, the power of achieving common goals and the hearse which is the only one in the Our company, as a subsidiary of the Top-of-the-line funeral hearses (Cadillac &
Mercedes Benz); The only funeral parlor
satisfaction from group activities. But if you are not now under the protection country. It has ample parking space Knights of Columbus Fraternal, is in the area with a DENR-approved water
of a K of C life insurance certificate, you may have missed a great deal. This (front and back of the building) and also involved in benevolent activi- treatment facility
is among the least expensive and most beneficial insurance available to you. landscaped gardens. ties. Every year, part of our income
Thousands of fellow Knights now enjoy this protection. It is to your advan- is remitted to KC foundation to sup- Ample parking space
tage to join this money-saving, insurance-protected group. One of the main Services offered port their projects such as scholarship Our Advocacies
benefits of belonging to a fraternal society is the low-cost life insurance made programs for priests and collegiate Supports the KC Philippine Foundation’s
available to you by the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the HTMC offers complete funeral ser- scholarship to poor but deserving scholarship programs for priests and colle-
Philippines, Inc. vices and wide range of casket selec- students and donations to different
giate scholarships to poor but deserving stu-
dents, and donations to different religious
tion (local and imported). Its courte- religious orders/congregations and orders/congregations and other social/civic
ous and knowledgeable staff are al- other social/civic foundations. Thus, foundations; Manifests corporate social re-
sponsibility through its great concern for the
ways ready to attend to the needs of our clients who patronize our mor-
By Honesto Meera
MACE Insurance Agency, Incorporated KC CAR SHIELD – This package prod-
was established on May 10, 1980 by the uct provides a comprehensive coverage
Knights of Columbus Fraternal Associa- due to physical loss or damage to the ve-
tion of the Philippines, Incorporated, bet- hicle and its accessories from an acciden-
ter known as KC Fraternal. tal collision or overturning, fire, light-
The primary objective of the agency is to ning, external explosion, self-ignition,
provide service to the members of the burglary, carnapping, carjacking and
Knights of Columbus, their families and malicious acts.
their private enterprises. It aims to assist KC HEALTH CARE – This is a compre-
members in securing their general non-life hensive protection and benefits for losses
insurance needs such fire insurance, motor resulting from serious sickness or acci-
car insurance, medical insurance, personal dental bodily injury. The benefits are pro-
accident and other unforeseen eventuali- vided in the form of reimbursement of
ties which may result in financial losses eligible expenses subject to the specific
and bring about grief to the family. limits enumerated in the medical insur-
Mace, by special arrangements with ance policy or through the use of your
the commercial non-life insurance com- EA Medical Card.
panies, can provide the most beneficial Other non-life insurance products and
and inexpensive insurance coverage. services offered:
In the fulfillment of our commitment, • Marine Hall, Marine Cargo, Inland Ma-
the management takes pride in being rine
able to assist clients in the settlement of • All kinds of Personal Accident Insur-
just and valid claims in speedy fashion. It ance (Individual, Group, Family and
gives the highest priority to the interest Student-Guardian Plan)
of the members of the Knights of Colum- • Medical or Hospitalization Insurance
bus, their families as well as the insuring • Travel Insurance
public. • Engineering Insurance (Contractor All
Risk, Machinery Breakdown, Erection
Some of our exclusive package All Risk and Electronic Equipment)
products are: • Property Floater Insurance
• Casualty Insurance (Comprehensive
KC HOME PROTECTOR – This special General Liability, All Risks, Fidelity
package plan provides a comprehensive Guarantee, Error and Omission, Direc-
coverage for residential building and its tor and Officers Liability, Golfers
contents except cash and jewelries due to Policy, Comprehensive Personal Liabil-
fire and lightning including allied perils ity, Money, Securities and Payroll)
and other extensions. • Bonds except bail bond.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007 The Cross C3
Reflections of Bishop Lori, Supreme Chaplain
Message
‘Strong Right Arm GREETINGS to the Knights of Colum-
bus Fraternal Association of the Phil-
ippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) on the occasion
of the launching of its golden jubilee
of the Church’
celebration!
The KCFAPI is devoting this entire
year to a meaningful celebration of its
continued existence driven by its
members’ desire to serve God by serv-
ing their fellowmen, especially the
By Most Rev. William E. Lori poor and the marginalized. Indeed, the
organization deserves praise for its
many noteworthy endeavors during
AS a young priest I was privileged continue to be astonished at the served. So often, husbands died United States, Canada, Mexico, the past 50 years.
to serve as priest-secretary for the sheer magnitude of the charity prematurely, often because of Central America, the Philippines This year-long celebration will gain even more relevance in
late James Cardinal Hickey, which the Knights of Columbus industrial accidents, thus leaving and Poland. the lives of its members and collaborators if it also becomes a
former Archbishop of Washing- accomplish locally and interna- their widows and children desti- Under the inspired leadership time for reflection on how to bring about more creative and
ton. Shortly after I began to do tionally. tute. Father McGivney envi- of Carl Anderson, Supreme authentic witnessing to the Gospel through the mandate that it
so, the Cardinal asked me if I When hurricane Katrina and sioned a fraternal organization Knight, the Knights of Columbus has vowed to uphold. It is my prayer, therefore, that KCFAPI,
were a Knight of Columbus. Rita struck, the Knights of Co- that would help these men deepen will no doubt continue to grow in this special year of grace, gain more wisdom and insight
“No, I’m not,” I replied. “You lumbus raised more than $10 their faith while providing for vigorously in the years ahead. about the message of the Gospel and how this can be best lived
soon will be,” was his retort. million for relief services. In 2005 their families in the event of The Knights are well-known out in their families, communities and society.
True to his word, the Arch- alone, volunteer and charitable death. for their support of the Pope and May the celebration of their golden jubilee bring the mem-
bishop of Washington personally efforts were valued at more than With a small group of leaders, bishops. But they also seek to bers of the KCFAPI and their cooperators and friends on to the
delivered me to Father $1 billion. This does not include he launched what has become a support parish priests. Local, road that leads to our vision of fullness of life and the King-
Rosensteel Council #2169 in Sil- the tremendous support the very successful $63 billion insur- parish-based K of C Councils are dom of the Father.
ver Spring, , where, in 1986, I re- Knights of Columbus provide to ance company and a fraternal so- being fostered to assist priests Congratulations and God bless you always!
ceived the first and second de- the Holy See, to dioceses, to ciety that he rightly envisioned whose task has grown more
grees of the Order. On the way Catholic institutions and many as “the strong right arm of the complex and demanding even as GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES
home from the ceremony, the other worthy causes. In 2005, Church.” the numbers of priests has di- Archbishop of Manila
Archbishop started quizzing me Knights, in their local Church, minished.
about the next day’s schedule. raised and donated a record Teamwork The Knights of Columbus re-
That’s when I received “the third $139.7 million and provided cently re-launched its program,
degree”! 64,685,401 hours of volunteer ser- Father McGivney was ahead of “In Solidarity with Our Priests,”
vice. his time—not only in his astute and avidly pray for the canoni- grow in holiness and to live of the Knights of Columbus is
Sheer magnitude But even these numbers don’t business acumen but also in his zation of their founder, Father their vocations more fully. The to grow the Order by starting
tell the whole story. During the teamwork with the lay leaders. McGivney. I ask everyone to Knights are committed to build- Round Tables where there is no
I am very grateful to Cardinal 125th Anniversary Year, it’s good He easily could have become the pray for his cause. Wouldn’t it ing a culture of life by defend- Council, by encouraging the
Hickey for urging me to become for us to recall that the Knights first Supreme Knight but instead be a wonderful grace for a Con- ing the unborn and affirming the Columbian Squires and by invit-
a Knight of Columbus. Over the of Columbus was founded at maintained that the Knights of necticut parish priest to be de- dignity of the disabled. They are ing qualified parishioners to
next twenty years, my apprecia- Saint Mary Parish in nearby New Columbus was to be a lay orga- clared a saint? second to none in promoting join.
tion of the Knights of Columbus Haven by a dedicated visionary nization that would cooperate vocations to the priesthood and May a strong and vibrant
turned into amazement. As a parish priest, Father Michael J. with the hierarchy in the mission Grow in holiness religious life, in defending the Knights of Columbus continue to
former State Chaplain of the Dis- McGivney. He founded this or- of the Church. His vision is alive family—and much more. strengthen our dioceses and the
trict of Columbia State Council ganization out of genuine pasto- and well today as the Order con- The Knights of Columbus One of the best ways we can Church throughout the world!
and now as Supreme Chaplain, I ral concern for the families he tinues to grow in parts of the provide a means for men to celebrate the 125 th Anniversary Vivat Jesus!
THE KEY IN
decades of growth. have been able to take up gradu-
The local councils ate theology course in Rome.
of the Knights of Co- I would also like to acknowl-
lumbus continue edge the generous support of the
REAL ESTATE
many of the projects Supreme Council for the yearly
that have been subsidy (worth $75,000) for the
started in earlier women’s advocacy program of the
years—e.g., socio- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
IT is an honor and distinct privi- economic projects, youth develop- the Philippines. The most recent
lege for me to be here as part of ment, care of the aged, defense and support of $30,000 was given by
the Philippine delegation to the promotion of pro-life and pro- the Supreme Council for the re- Founded on August 18, 1992, the KEYS REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPO-
125th Supreme Convention of the family issues. Particularly in habilitation of the roofing of the
Knights of Columbus. RATION (Keys Realty) has joined the real estate industry where bright pros-
Mindanao (in the Philippines) headquarters of the Catholic Bish-
Although this is my first time where I am based, several K of C ops’ Conference of the Philippines pects for the country’s economic development abound. Having been assured
to attend a Supreme Convention, members have also helped the in Manila. (Last year, when the of its noble mission, financial strength and acumen, the Securities and Ex-
I feel that am not a stranger but local church in promoting a cul- Philippines was hit with two very change Commission affixed on December 23, 1992 its seal of approval on Keys
actually continuing the legacy of ture of peace through inter-reli- strong typhoons which claimed Realty’s registration. In the Knights of Columbus, keys are symbolic of knightly
my father, the late OSCAR gious dialogue and inter-cultural about 2,000 lives in the Bicol re- ideals of responsibility and authority over funds, particularly their safekeeping.
LEDESMA, who had attended sev- understanding. gion, the Supreme Council do- Keys Realty’s specific objective is to engage in the acquisition and develop-
eral of these Supreme Convention The Knights of Columbus in nated a total of $100,000 for the
when he was Philippine Deputy ment of real estate and its management or disposal. On March 24, 1995, its
the Philippines have also been typhoon victims.
in 1977-1983. supporting young men studying In all these activities and years authorized capital was increased from Php30 Million to Php100 Million. To
When he started his term in 1977 for the priesthood. We have 96 of growth, we thank the Lord for achieve operational efficiency and to optimize use of resources, Keys Realty
there were 457 KC Councils which priests-graduates of the program enabling the Knights of Colum- merged with Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels, with the former as the surviving
reached almost 700 in 1983. At (which was started by Fr. George bus in the Philippines to show our company, on June 30, 1999.
present, I am told that there are J. Willmann, SJ, in 1977), while faith in action and to witness the
1,900 councils throughout the Phil- another 30 seminarians are still “yes” of Jesus Christ.
CBCP Monitor
C4 The Cross Vol. 11 No. 21
October 15 - 28, 2007
Meet the
the Columbian Year 1995-1999. He was se-
lected and appointed by Supreme Knight
Virgil O. Decant to the position as member
of the Board of Directors of the Supreme
Council, the governing body of the world-
KCFAPI
wide Order of the Knights of Columbus, the
second Filipino who was privileged to oc-
cupy such exalted post in the Order. He
served from Columbian Years 1997-2000, suc-
ceeding Mardonio R. Santos who was the first
Chairman
Filipino to be appointed to the post.
Chairman Bacay was born in Cebu City on
November 10, 1929 and is married to Gloria
C. Bacay, MD. They are blessed with two chil-
dren, namely, Angelito and Nanette, who are
Sir Knight Patrocinio R. Bacay
now both residing in the USA. Chairman
Bacay and Sister Gloria reside at Guadalupe
By Joselito Mañalac Heights, Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Chairman Bacay is a civil engineer by pro-
THE new Chairman of the Board of Trustees Arellano Assembly of the 4th Degree in Cebu fession and retired from work having served
of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Asso- City under the Knights of Columbus Visayas from 1968-1987 as the Provincial Engineer of
ciation of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) is Jurisdiction. He served as Council Grand the Province of Cebu. He is an alumni of
Sir Knight Patrocinio R. Bacay. He was elected Knight during the Columbian Year 1968-1969. Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila.
to the position by KCFAPI’s Founding Mem- Because of his council’s achievements under Besides being the new Chairman of the
bers Committee last June 2007 and assumed his leadership as Grand Knight, he was im- Board of KCFAPI, he is also actively involved
the post July 2007. He brings to the Board of
Trustees many years of experience as an ac-
mediately promoted and appointed as Dis-
trict Deputy of District II – Cebu City where
with other civic, charitable, and professional
organizations, foremost of which is the
KCFAPI Golden Jubilee Logo
tive member of the Order of the Knights of he served the councils assigned under his dis- Visayas Columbian Foundation, Inc. as Chair-
Columbus. He has previously served as trict during the Columbian Years 1969-1973. man and President. He is also an incumbent THE Knights of Columbus epitomizes the
Trustee for KCFAPI and member of the Board After which, he served the Knights of Co- member of the Visayas Skills Development ideal Catholic gentleman. True to the ob-
of Directors of Anchor Savings Bank, an af- lumbus in various positions until he was cho- Foundation, Inc. He was president of the Ro- jectives of the Order, the life of a Brother
filiate of KCFAPI, from 1997-2005. sen by then Supreme Knight, Virgil O. De- tary Club of Cebu South. He served as Re- Knight is imbued with faith, fraternity and
Chairman Bacay, or, “Brod Pat”, as he is cant, to head the whole Knights of Colum- gional Couple from 1978-1982 and Vice Presi-
commonly called, is an active charter mem- bus Visayas Jurisdiction as Territorial dent of the Visayas from 1982-1986 of the concern for the family.
ber of Guadalupe Council 5883 and the Deputy, the Jurisdiction’s highest officer, for Christian Family Movement.
The KC Foundations
School at the Mapua Tech High Knights of Columbus continues
School. He studied at Mapua In- to shine.
stitute of Technology taking up In the year 2002, he was
Engineering. He also took elected Faithful Navigator of
Commerce major in manage- the Padre Burgos Assembly.
Sir Knight Alonso L. Tan ment at the University of the His election to the association
East. Not content in finishing of 4 th degree members of the
By Denise Solina to the community cannot be these courses and still yearning Knights of Assembly came as no
measured in terms of monetary to learn more, he took up a surprise to the council. His elec-
THE Knights of Columbus value, offered their own time for course of Bureau of Small Busi- tion brightens his shining star.
the fulfillment of their desire to ness and General Management The Board of Trustees of the
Philippines Foundation, Inc.,
be of service to the Lord by way in Ateneo de Manila University Knights of Columbus Fraternal
is another social arm of the KC
of serving the community. They in Manila. Association of the Philippines,
Fraternal Association of the
offered their own talents and re- Always a man on the go, he financial arm of the Knights of
Philippines. It was estab-
sources to lead the members and continues his quest for more Columbus noticed the honesty
lished in October 21, 1970 to
officers of the Knights of Colum- knowledge and took up courses and integrity of Alon Tan. They
undertake activities for the
bus to greater heights in the related in their personal family also noticed his sound manage-
betterment of the citizenry
fields of service to the commu- business. rial expertise and good relation-
through various health, edu-
nity. He was recruited to the ship with the members and of-
cation, community and envi-
The Jurisdiction governed by Knights of Columbus council ficers of the Order. That’s exactly
ronment programs.
men who swore allegiance to the 1000 in 1977. He distinguished what they need in the founda-
Although the real purpose
Catholic Church, contributed himself in the council and con- tions of KCFAPI.
of the foundation is “to be ready
immensely to the tremendous tinued to rise in the hierarchy In 2001, the Board of Trustees
to come to the aid of disaster vic- One of our scholars, Mr. Donnie Jan Segocio (1st from left), with his fellow
growth of the Knights of Colum- of the organization. of KCFAPI elected Alonso L. Tan
tims, at all times” (Gentle War- Board Passer during their oath-taking ceremony for new Medical Technolo-
gist. With them is PRC Commissioner Avelina dela Rea. bus in Luzon. Like a magnet people are as President of Fr. GEORGE J.
rior page 310), it has shifted its
The Philippine Jurisdiction, drawn close to him because of WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC.
main program to the granting of scholarship to Quezon City); and Mary Rose Macaraig (Co. 4407
which gave birth to the Luzon his ready smile and approach- This foundation helps poor fami-
poor but deserving students to help parents in – Batangas). (Visayas) Mary Ann Noquillo (Co.
Jurisdiction on July 1, 1989, has able manner. Alon was selected lies in the education of their chil-
their dream of providing good education for 7396 – Cebu); Grazele Joy C. De Ocampo (Co.
ceased to exist. Since then, the as Knight of the Year of Coun- dren. By a unanimous vote,
their children. Education is a key for indigent 12324 – Capiz); and Mary Gwendolyn S. Jimeno
Luzon Jurisdiction has been gov- cil 1000 in 1981 and 1986. again, he was elected as the
Filipino families to rise up from poverty. (Co. 12732 – Cebu). (Mindanao) Harriette Anne
erned and steered to greatness in Shortly thereafter, he was President of the K of C Philip-
The Foundation provides collegiate scholar- Guigayoma (Co. 9480 – Misamis Or.); John Paul
the field of service to the Church, elected Grand Knight by an pines Foundation. It is notewor-
ships to graduating high school students with C. Descallar (Co. 12550 – Iligan City); Allyn Kim
Family, and Youth and to the overwhelming majority vote in thy to mention that this founda-
the following qualifications: 1) the father should Sabacahan (Co. 10237 - Misamis Or.); Rona Mae
Community. the election of 1986. With his tion helps our priests continue
be a Knights of Columbus member in good Baligala (Co. 9541 – Davao City); Adrian Jay
The leadership in the Knights management expertise the coun- their studies in their doctorate
standing; 2) the student should have an average Barcelona (Co. 12506 – So. Cotabato); and April
of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction cil won the much-coveted Star and masteral studies. This foun-
grade in high school of not lower than 85% and Liz Parreño (Co. 5307 – Tacurong City).
has changed hands last July 1, Council Award and Century dation also gave opportunity for
has not yet entered college; and 3) of good health A total of 66 collegiate scholars are being sup-
2007. A new Luzon Deputy was Award. Because of his perfor- priests to continue their advance-
and of good moral character ported both by the KC Philippines Foundation
entrusted by the Supreme Coun- mance in the Order and dedi- ment in their chosen vocation.
The new scholars for school year 2007-2008 and Supreme Council Office as of current school
cil to govern and lead the Knights cated service to the Church he The Knights of Columbus
are: (Luzon), Mary Anne Jelli Gaza (Co. 10642 - year.
in Luzon. won the admiration and respect Luzon Jurisdiction gains new
Bataan); Kathleen Kay De Guzman (Co. 4407 – To date, a total of 217 scholars nationwide are
Alonso L. Tan of Council 1000 of the members of his council. hope and new perspective with
Batangas); Princess May Reyes (Co. 8537 – being assisted by the Foundation in their colle-
was formally installed by outgo- He was appointed State the ascension of Alonso L. Tan.
Isabela); Jerrica Pearl Lucena (Co. 10971 – giate studies and 114 students in their vocational
ing Luzon Deputy Rodolfo Church Director of the Knights As Luzon Deputy, Alon Tan car-
Cavite); Richard Obnamia (Co. 7439 – Quezon courses.
Magsino at the Grand Boulevard of Columbus in 1989-1991, dur- ries a lot of responsibility. But
Prov.); and Suzette Mercado (Co. 14019 – Or. Aplications for the schoolyear 2008-2009 are
Hotel last July 1, 2007 as the new ing the time the late Lauro M. his steadfast faith in the Lord Al-
Mindoro). (Visayas), Francis Gerard Redido (Co. now being accepted and application forms are
Luzon Deputy. Intimately called Cruz was Luzon Deputy. mighty helps him overcome the
12732 – Cebu); and Madelyn Beros (Co. 8326 – E. available at the KC Foundation Office at the fol-
Alon by his friends and those His sterling performance and weight of his office. He viewed
Samar). (Mindanao), Claudette Gasendo (Co. lowing address:
close to him, he brought new per- amiable character did not escape his position as a way to do ser-
7658 – Koronadal City); Francis Ryan Parcasio KC Fr. George J. Willmann Center
spective and new direction to the the attention of the Luzon vice to others. Only a few knights
(Co. 11250 – So. Cotabato); Catherine Joy Cadut Gen. Luna cor Sta. Potenciana Streets
Luzon Jurisdiction. His ascension Deputy at that time. He was ap- knew that he did not aspire to
(Co. 12550 – Iligan City; Jag Iesu Iñigo Murillo Intramuros, Manila
to the helm of the organization pointed District Deputy. He become Luzon Deputy. But as
(Co. 3364 – Bukidnon); and Merlyn Almedilla Tel. Nos. 527-2223 local 219
was like a breath of fresh air. En- served the Order as District fate would have it, he was cho-
(Co. 12723 – Cagayan de Oro). The Foundation also provides assistance to
ergetic, young and dynamic and Deputy from 1992-1995. This sen to lead the Luzon Jurisdic-
Currently, the Foundation supports 27 schol- calamity victims. It has donated P50,000.00 for
possesses new ideas which will gave Alon a new field of en- tion. As the saying goes, “Let the
ars nationwide, receiving full tuition fee assis- the victims of Guimaras oil-spill; and P45,000.00
surely help the jurisdiction to deavor. As a District Deputy, his position seek the man.” And so
tance and P 2,000.00 book allowance per semes- for the evacuees of Mayon Volcano eruption. It
climb to still greater heights in talents as guide and advisor to Alonso L. Tan was chosen. (Paul
ter while 3 scholars received P 10,000 per semes- also assisted in the repair of school buildings of
the field of volunteerism. the councils under his supervi- Oblea)
ter. Veritas College of Irosin which were destroyed
Inspired by the outcome of the Philippine Schol- by typhoon Milenyo by donating an amount of
arship Program, the Knights of Columbus Su- P15,000. The victims of typhoon Reming in Albay
preme Office gave their share in assisting Filipino also received assistance of P100,000.00 from the
students. Financial assistance for 36 scholars is pro- foundation. And recently, it released an amount
vided annually through the Foundation. of P25,000 to the National Shrine of Our Lady of
The following are the new beneficiaries of the Lourdes for the repair of their Parish center.
Supreme Council Scholarship Program for the Another program of the Foundation is the
current semester: (Luzon) Christian Allan Vibar Gawad Kalinga project which was established with
(Squire-Cavite); Jose Gabriel Mallari (Co. 6632 – the objective of helping promote activities that
Quezon City); John Erik Sanoria (Co. 8753 – would empower people towards building inte-
grated, holistic and sus-
tainable communities fo-
cusing on depressed areas
in the Philippines. The
foundation already do-
nated a modest amount to
Gawad Kalinga for the con-
struction of houses. The
possible site for these
houses is still being deter-
mined.
Livelihood Programs for
Mr. Raul Dizon, Gawad Kalinga Metro Manila Coordinator is shown receiving a the indigents of
check from SK Alberto P. Solis, former Chairman of KCFAPI, representing the
initial donation of the Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation to Gawad
Intramuros are also cur-
Kalinga for the construction of houses for the less-fortunate. rently being discussed.
SK Alonso L. Tan, Luzon Deputy, during courtesy call to His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.