Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Outcry imminent
if CARP is halted
Bishops seek dialogue with Arroyo for genuine land reform
By Santosh Digal Dialogue with Malacañang ence of some Palace officials is expected.
Meanwhile, some bishops are seeking The gathering, he said, will somehow
for a dialogue with the government to serve as venue in their efforts to secure a
IF the Comprehensive Agrar- bolster ties and ensure genuine agrar- dialogue with the government.
ian Reform Program is not ex- ian reform.
tended when it expires this Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio CARP or GARB?
June there might be a social Ledesma said all they want is to bring to Ledesma said the purpose of the NRC-
clamor among thousands of the attention of President Gloria Arroyo 2 regional consultations is for them to
concrete cases related to issues on land collect position papers of various peas-
peasants and farmers of the reform. ants groups pressing for their right to
country said a senior Arch- The prelate and other convenors of the own lands.
bishop. Second National Rural Congress are He said the “Genuine Agrarian Re-
“In case CARP is not extended as de- hoping to bring their plight directly to form Bill” (GARB) is one of those that
manded by the farmers and the Church Malacañang before the Comprehensive have also been raised by several law-
that is supporting the cause for them, Agrarian Reform Program expires next makers in different local consultations
there might be big outcry,” Lingayen- month. and regional assemblies.
Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz told “We are hoping for that (dialogue Ledesma said what is more important
CBCPNews. with Arroyo) but as of now I think her is to ensure land for the tillers and they
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
However, it is hoped that the lawmak- schedule is also very tight so we are still will support any program that would
ers will consider strongly for the “wel- waiting for the schedule,” he said. push for the same cause.
fare of the farmers” through the exten- Ledesma, the archbishop of Cagayan “There’s no contradiction to that. In
sion of CARP for a longer period, he de Oro, also acts as the executive chair- fact what the GARB would like to do is
A
stressed. man of the NRC-2. to have a radical implementation of the
A Xaverian Missionary,
Missionary, Fr.
Fr. Archie
Archie Casey
Casey isis just
just one
one of
of the
the many
many who,
who, in
in solidarity
solidarity with
with the
the
Church,
Church, are
are praying
praying and
and working
working for
for the
the extension
extension ofof CARP
CARP forfor the
the sake
sake of
of the
the farmers
farmers and
and the
the CARP extension should be done for He said another regional consultations measure of giving support to small farm-
Filipino
Filipino people.
people. the “better interest of the farmers,” the for the NRC-2 for Northern Luzon re- ers,” he said.
74-year-old prelate added. gions will be held in June where pres- Outcry / A6
Voting that two technologies will be The OMR uses a ballot system. The Avante International Technology, Inc.
used in the August 11 poll—the Optical ballot contains the candidates’ names and (Avante) and Smartmatic-Sahi Joint Ven-
Poll watchers and volunteers observe
Mark Reader (OMR) and the Direct Re- the voter simply shades the space corre- ture (Smartmatic) will supply the OMR a demonstration and presentation on
cording Electronic systems (DRE). sponding to the chosen candidate. and DRE, respectively. the process of automated voting for
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez The ballots, Jimenez said, are then The ARMM elections will serve as pi- the ARMM elections at public forum or-
ganized by the PPCRV on May 26.
said the OMR will be fielded in the prov- brought to a canvassing center where a spe- lot testing area to prepare the country
inces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Shariff cial machine would read and tally the votes. for the automation in the 2010 elections.
Kabunsuan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, while The DRE, on the other hand, uses touch (CBCPNews)
Earthquake aid: rich Chinese give less than the poor must be addressed, that the many (CNA)
EDITORIAL
Dysfunctional justice
AS no government is the author of human life, no human life
may be taken by any government. Just as no human law can
bring about human life, this may neither be taken away by any
law of man. Death penalty is the summit of injustice when a
justice system is dysfunctional. And this is the reality when
certain dynasties, certain families and many individuals live
and act above the law of the land, when the demands of justice
are neutralized by the tenure of power, the possession of wealth.
Practically whenever heinous crimes get the attention of tri-
media and hit the sensibility of public conscience, there is some
kind of a clamor for the re-imposition of death penalty in the
country. And this reaction is in some way still good and proper—
even if only for the following reasons: It shows that a good
majority of the people still value human life over and above
everything else. It also proves that most of them are angered in
a special way by those who treacherously take human lives away.
It also confirms that irrespective of their status in life, Filipinos
by and large still craves for justice in principle.
It has to be pointed out however that in this country, the
Justice System has become progressively dysfunctional. Trans-
lation: The high and the mighty are above the law. The poor
and the helpless are the victims of law. Justice has become
selective in its relevance and application. Injustice is the lot
precisely of those who have less in life and resources. That is
why as a matter of course, those who perpetrate and perpetu-
ate huge graft and uncouth corrupt practices in the national
level, those who engage in smuggling in staggering propor-
tion, those who make enormous money from the calamity of
others such as that caused by natural disaster—all these are
untouchable by law and its enforcers as they specifically re-
main beyond the reach of justice.
These are deviate characters that customarily and callously
suck in enormous public funds precisely intended for the com-
mon good and the public welfare of the people. These are the
sick and sickening personalities who eventually cause the pov-
erty and misery, the hunger and sickness of millions of Filipi-
nos, who thus contribute to their hopelessness and eventual Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD
death. In other words, they are the eminent examples of those
who in truth strangle people “in style”, who in reality kill The pastor and his
people “softly”. In the last analysis, these coldhearted and ruth-
less individuals are themselves eventually guilty of heinous
crime, of hideous massacre—and in very large scale.
Tidbits assistant
Yet, the on-going shouts for the re-imposition of death pen-
alty in the land do not have these large-scale assassins and
murderers in mind. It appears that on account of a long selec- WHO is this priest next door? He is young, thority of the pastor vis-à-vis the parochial proper care of the parochial books; Care of
tive observance of the law and discriminatory application of idealistic, talented, full of energy. He is er- vicar; closely related to this, b) their indi- the parish seal and parish archives; Inform
justice in the country, even a good number of the general Fili- ratic, though, in his decisions, not so con- vidual rights and obligations; and the most the diocesan bishop in case of absence from
pino public could also have an already dysfunctional under- scious with his time, immature in his ways. common source of conflict, c) financial ar- the parish for more than one week.
standing of justice. Yet, the kids and the teens hang around him, rangement in the parish. On the other hand, his assistant parish
the old adore him, the members of the Parish First of all, it has to be established that the priest is also endowed with obligations and
Pastoral Council drink and laugh with him, parish priest is the proper pastor of the par- rights. Aside from the rights and obligations
the ecclesial communities and new move- ish. It is to him that the care of the souls of the assigned to all clerics by universal law (cf.
ments love his homilies and short talks. Who community is entrusted to be exercised un- Cans. 273-289), the obligations and rights of
The Destruction of Watersheds is he? He is the parochial vicar, an appointee
from the Diocese to help the parish priest in
der the authority of the diocesan bishop. He
has the ordinary proper power to teach, sanc-
the assistant parish priest are clearly ex-
pressed in canon 548. Paragraph 1 states the
all his ministerial works. He is not necessar- tify and govern those entrusted to his care. sources from which spring the obligations
WHY is flooding in the lowlands occurring more frequently? ily a threat to the person and influence of the The cooperation of other priests and deacons and rights of the assistant parish priest,
Why are our watersheds not able to supply the waters we need parish priest, but with him in the parish is in the care of the souls are desired and most namely: a) the Code of Canon Law, b) the
at some times of the year? The simple reason is that we have there enough room for both of them? How welcome. In fact even the lay faithful, by vir- particular law of the diocese, c) the letter of
denuded the uplands of forest cover and degraded our rivers would his authority stand beside the popu- tue of their baptism are also invited to par- appointment, and d) the directives or man-
with the subsequent soil erosion, and the waste too that we larity and adulation of this young upstart? take in this task (cf. Cans. 757, 758, 759, 776 & date of the parish priest.
throw into the sea. Who is responsible for this destruction? How should he deal with him? 778). In a nutshell, the parish priest is the sole We can add here that, by analogy, whatever
One recent study, Decline of the Philippine Forest, states: In the eyes of the administration of the dio- head of the parish. the code establishes in terms of right and du-
“Since most of the Philippine forest was on public land, it cese, a certain parish is just too big for one He likewise acts in the person of the parish ties with regard to the parish priest may also
was up to government to decide how to make use of it. They parish priest to meet the pastoral demands. in all juridical matters and he is to ensure be applied to the assistant parish priest except
were responsible for the management of this national trea- He himself has asked time and again for a that the parish goods are administered like a to those that belong in the strict sense to the
sure. The situation today is the direct result of the non-imple- help, for an assistant who could help him in good steward who takes good care of the office of the parish priest as the juridical per-
mentation of policies and the corruption of former administra- all activities in the community. And one day property of his master while the master is son representing the parish. Nonetheless, it is
tions. Deforestation did not just happen. It came about as a his dream comes true. Here comes the paro- away (cf. Cans. 1281-1288). considered more prudent, for the proper ex-
result of choices made by government, choices that in effect chial vicar assigned to him by the Curia, a The parish priest should enjoy a certain ercise of rights and duties and to avoid pos-
turned control of the forests over to a small group of people priest to his heart desire. But the question in measure of stability in the parish thus ideally sible conflicts, to express in the letter of ap-
and sustained the marginalization of millions of people. “ his heart hounds him: can I handle him? he is to be appointed for an indefinite time. pointment and in the diocesan statutes the
It would be difficult to exaggerate the part played by elite In response to the vague apprehensions of However, the conference of bishops may de- correlation between the functions of the par-
control and corruption in explaining the destruction of the the parish priest on how to deal with his as- cide otherwise and set a specific tenure of of- ish priest and the assistant parish priest.
Philippine forest. Since the elite in effect participated in the sistant, the present Code of Canon Law has fice of the parish priest in any given parish. The ministry of the assistant parish priest
government and the logging industry, this led to corrupt and identified and specified the roles and func- He is entitled to a vacation time of one month encompasses all aspects of the parish life un-
inefficient regulation by government of the logging industry. tions of the parish priest and the parochial annually either continuous or cumulative. Not less specific work has been given to him ei-
To avoid initiating meaningful structural reform of the socio- vicars in the parish. Yet, much has also been included from this is the time for retreat which ther stated in the letter of appointment or
economic system, government encouraged the poor to migrate left to the discretion of the particular laws is usually done outside the parish. upon direction by the parish priest (Can. 545,
to previously forested areas. and eventually to the working agreement On one hand, the obligations of the pastor par. 2). He is not, however, duty bound to
Data on forest cover released by government, instead of pre- between the pastor and his parochial vicar. could be classified under the following head- celebrate the mass pro populo which is a per-
senting a true picture of what was really happening, were de- Oftentimes, the intertwining of these roles, ings: Proclamation of the Word of God and sonal obligation that belongs to the parish
signed to mislead the media and researchers. The analysis of result in misunderstanding and conflicts. Catechesis; Administration of the Sacraments priest nor is he obliged to inform the dioc-
data makes it difficult to draw any other conclusion. The de- Thus, it will be of help to identify the pos- and the Liturgy; Maintain personal contact esan bishop in case of absence from the par-
structive practices pursued by the logging concessionaires set sible flashpoints in their working relation- with his parishioners; Promote the lay ish for a period of more than one week. How-
the example for the poor migrants who followed. The financial ship in order to find a workable solution to apostolate; Residence in the parish; Offering ever, unlike the parish priest, the parochial
returns from logging did not benefit the nation as a whole. it, namely, a) the extent and limits of the au- of the mass ‘Pro Populo’; Maintenance and Tidbits / A6
Enormous sums were concentrated in the hands of the elite.
This exacerbated the problem of the unequal distribution of
income, the greatest structural problem in the Philippines to-
day. The above factors have ensured and hastened the destruc- Fr. Melvin P. Castro
tion of our forests and watersheds.
The direct causes of deforestation have been logging, upland
Mary, Mediatrix of
migration, and agricultural expansion. These could have been
carried out in a manner that would have contributed to the All-Grace Speaking of Mary
overall development of the country and thus benefited the
majority of the people, but did not. However, they were not.
Less than 500 individuals and corporations hold access rights
AFTER the Liturgical reform of Vatican II, was, the Church did not see it opportune that was in the singular form All-Grace, she said
to most of the forest resources. The fact underscores the great
injustice being done to our people. every 31st of May we celebrate the Feast of time. that such word refers to Christ who is the
the Visitation of Our Lady to her cousin, St. Finally, in 1947 Louis Marie Grignon de source of every and all graces.
—Water is Life, A CBCP Pastoral Statement, 2000
Elizabeth. But before that, it was an almost Montfort was canonized. He was one of the In those same apparitions, Our Lady re-
universal celebration that every 31st of May outstanding devotees of Our Lady and quested the Carmelite nuns to consecrate
was the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, through his many writings, particularly the themselves to her as her slaves following the
Mediatrix of All Graces (yes, in the plural book, True Devotion to Mary, he laid out his devotional manner enunciated by St. Louis
ISSN 1908-2940 which is quite different from the column title particular Marian spirituality of total conse- Marie Grignon de Montfort.
which is in the singular). cration to Mary as her slave. Were all these coincidences? Most certainly
CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
It was the Belgian Cardinal Désiré Joseph
Mercier who started the campaign in the early
part of the 20th century to have the title of Our
Lady as Mediatrix of All Graces to be pro-
claimed as a dogma of faith. Later he would
The word slavery may sound too offend-
ing to our contemporary ears. And yet, we
can view it in a very positive manner. Slaves,
during olden times, were considered com-
modities and properties of their owners. In
not. We can safely assume these are the fruits
of the prayers and efforts of Cardinal Mercier
and many others who truly believed in the
title of Mary as Mediatrix of All-Grace. And
particularly, it crosses our mind that it was
Pedro C. Quitorio make that “twin” campaign for the canoniza- a sense, being slaves of Mary means to be Cardinal Mercier who decades before already
Editor-in-Chief tion of then Blessed Louis Marie Grignon de owned by her, but neither as a commodity prayed for the canonization of St. Louis and
Montfort side-by-side with the campaign for nor a property but instead voluntarily we through that canonization the approval of the
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos the title of Our Lady as Mediatrix of All Graces. declare ourselves to be a possession of Our title of Mary as Mediatrix of All-Grace.
Associate Editor Feature Editor In fact, in his discernment, the proclamation Lady. A possession that she will safeguard We are told that Cardinal Mercier in his
of this Marian dogma will be achieved through and protect from all harm and danger; a pos- death bed repeated over and over again,
Melo M. Acuña Rosalynn Garcia the canonization of St. Louis. session that she will treasure and cherish. Mary Mediatrix, Mary Mediatrix.
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor Cardinal Mercier died in 1926. By that time, The slaves as well, in olden times, were Now, that we are fast approaching May 31
Dennis B. Dayao neither was St. Louis canonized nor the par- chained. They were chained so that they and end of the Marian month of May, we turn
Ernani M. Ramos
On-Line Editor Circulation Manager ticular Marian title defined as dogma of Faith. could not go far from their owners. In the to Our Lady yet again in a very special man-
He had that consolation, however, that Pope spiritual sense, through the Total Consecra- ner under that very special title, Mediatrix of
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez Benedict XV granted in 1921 to the whole of tion to Mary, we freely “chain” ourselves to All-Grace. Monstra Te esse Matrem, we sing
News Editor Comptroller Belgium an Office and Mass of the Blessed her so that neither sin nor evil could make us in the Ave Maris Stella, show unto us that
Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. This detached or run away from her. you are our Mother.
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Office and Mass were extended by the Holy Months after the canonization of St. Louis May Our Lady indeed come to intercede
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with
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editorial and business of fices at 470 Gen. Luna St., See to many other dioceses and religious in- came the reported apparitions of Our Lady for all of us, but especially come to the aid of
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. stitutes, so that the commemoration became in the Carmelite Monastery of Lipa in 1948. our families whose sanctity and dignity are
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. almost universal. And yes, believe it or not, in those appari- again facing an onslaught of attacks from
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net It is told that the definition of the Marian tions, Our Lady identified herself as Mary, many fronts.
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor dogma never occurred because of objections Mediatrix of All-Grace (and yes it was in the Monstra Te esse Matrem! Ave Maria. Ad
of many theologians. Whatever the reason singular). Our Lady even explained why it Jesum per Mariam.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008 Opinion A5
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Bishop Alfredo Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
Independence Day ‘08 Issues and Concerns people” and a “kingdom of priests, a holy people” (Ex 19:6).
We note that Israel had done absolutely nothing to deserve
it. All this was pure gift. St. Paul’s letter to the Romans rein-
forces even more this message.
Not only have we done nothing to deserve God’s love but we
DO you still recall the days we attended flag- During the 1960s, we used to attend the 4th It may have caught fire and gained adher-
have done almost everything to oppose to it, namely, sin. But
raising ceremonies and flag retreats during of July Independence Day parades at the Rizal ence had petroleum prices remained the same
God’s love in Jesus Christ has been poured out on us even more.
our elementary and high school days? Park. and there was no price crisis in rice and other
“Christ,” St. Paul says, “while we were still helpless, yet
Boys Scouts stood across at the middle of When President Diosdado Macapagal sat commodities.
died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
the street to temporarily stop the traffic which in Malacañang, he moved the country’s cel- Who would dare visit tourist spots today
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,
“Lupang Hinirang” Other scouts were tasked ebration to its more appropriate day, June and spend hard-earned money?
though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage
to handle and fold the national tricolor with 12. It was then a holiday and almost every- Granted, for the sake of argument, that mil-
to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were yet
utmost respect, never allowing it to touch one from Metro Manila spent time watching lions of tourists who flock to tourist spots
sinners Christ died for us…” (Rom 5:8).
the ground. the colorful parades. and spend millions of pesos in resorts and
I once heard a song that said, “Loving you is easy ‘cause
After Lupang Hinirang, a selected pupil This year’s school opening begins on Tues- allied services are able to prop up the
you’re beautiful” expressing the nature of human love as con-
would lead in the recitation of Panatang day, June 10 because pursuant to Presiden- economy—but would the gains in tourism
ditioned very often by attractiveness. Indeed God’s ways are
Makabayan, described as a patriotic oath, a tial Proclamation No. 1463 “Declaring the be able to quantify in peso terms the missed
not our ways because, in our case, God’s love did not even
pledge to respect one’s parents and other au- Regular and Special (Non-Working) Days for opportunities of not having instilled the right
require our attractiveness.
thorities including school officials and the the Year 2008,” Independence Day which hap- sense of History and Nationalism among our
In fact, we have been anything but attractive because of our
institution’s rules and regulations. It also pens to be every 12th of June was transferred young people?
sins; still, God shocks us when he gave us himself completely in
talks about one’s responsibilities to his com- to Monday, the 9th of June. If we cannot even have our sense of His-
his Son Jesus who does God’s giving by dying on the cross for
munity and country. The same proclamation already “moved” tory, how can we expect our pupils and stu-
us. We were alienated from God by sin, resulting in our separa-
It also provides for one’s manner of serv- our Araw ng Kagitingan from April 9 to April 7 dents to value nationalism? No wonder most
tion from him, a condition that St. Paul calls “the wrath”.
ing the government and country aside from as it also “moved” Bonifacio Day from its origi- of them would rather go abroad and stay
Yet, again without any merit on our part, he has given us
being a responsible member of the commu- nal date of November 30 to December 1. there for good after acquiring foreign citi-
reconciliation in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
nity as clearly stated “Paglilingkuran ko ang Even former Senator Benigno A. Aquino’s zenship.
“Indeed, if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to
aking bayan ng walang pag-iimbot at nang buong death anniversary every August 21st has been In America, they have never altered their
God through the death of his Son, how much more, once recon-
katapatan. Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na “moved” to August 18, a Monday. 4 th of July celebration to 3rd or 5th of July due
ciled, will we be saved by his life” (Rom 5:10).
Pilipino. Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.” Such changes were made because of “holi- to holiday economics, not even during their
On the other side of the coin, God’s self-giving to his people
Come to think of it, “love of country” is day economics”—to allow Filipinos to en- recession years.
cannot remain unanswered. My high school seminary spiritual
instilled in the minds of its public and pri- joy long weekends and encourage Filipino Their Memorial Day is always their Me-
director would often quote a Spanish saying that stuck in my
vate school pupils as soon as they reach Grade families to visit tourist spots and spur the morial Day. Well, this is not the United States
memory: “Amor con amor se paga” (Love is paid by love).
1. This may no longer be true today. economy. of America, if that’s any consolation at all.
Since love is essentially giving, we answer God’s love by our
own giving of ourselves to him by way of taking up the evan-
gelizing mission.
Jose B. Lugay This is the core of Matthew’s gospel message in which Jesus
The Myanmar disaster instructs his disciples whom he sends out in mission: “Without
cost you have received, without cost you are to give” (Mt 10:8).
Laiko Lampstand I believe this is the essence of being an apostle then and now,
namely, being sent out to freely give the Good News we have
been freely given. Fundamentally the greatest gift we have
received is Jesus himself. He is the gospel, the Good News him-
THE Philippines is noted to be one of the Department of Social Welfare always carry The world pressured Myanmar’s military self, the Word made flesh.
most disaster-prone countries in the world. in stock some food items, goods and supplies junta to give in and allow the rescue and aid The disciples could “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lep-
Within the last 18 years disasters from na- for emergency work, hand in hand working operations to proceed. ers, drive out demons” because Jesus is present among them
ture and caused by man had occurred in the together with the Disaster Coordinating As if guided by an unseen help, Burma / and that it is Jesus they are really proclaiming who does these
Philippines. Councils of the disaster- call. Myanmar’s election and the release of Aung things through them.
These include a) the eruption of Mt. To the population affected, this gives them San Suu Kyi was due this last week of May. He is the gift that can only be given as gift. Curing the sick,
Pinatubo whose ashes encircled the world, an assurance of immediate relief and rescue All Western democracies who have been raising the dead, cleansing lepers, driving out demons often
b) the tsunami that killed many people in as disaster strikes. When declared disaster working for the return of democracy in strike us as literal deeds. But we also cure the sick when we give
Southern Mindanao c) the earthquake in the areas by the Administration, funds are re- Myanmar were seen by the Military Junta as our time to listen to someone pour out a problem.
Cordillera that destroyed a hotel in Baguio leased for the repair of damaged infrastruc- their greatest threat in affecting the results of We also raise the dead when we give words of consolation
and a university in Nueva Vizcaya, d) the ture- roads, schools, bridges, etc. the election. that raises a person from the death of despair or reprove some-
landslides in Ginsaugun, San Bernardo, South- The case of Myanmar is a tragic example of Now that the election results are out with one who is steeped in worldly pleasures and the lure of money
ern Leyte that buried the whole community a national culture under a dictatorial regime. the Military Junta declared the winner, they or power into taking the way of the cross, the way of joyfully
and more recently the e) the landslide that Disaster struck on May 2–3, the strongest in are starting to open their doors to foreign giving till it hurts, the way of going counter-cultural such as in
uprooted forests in a mountain in Quezon living memory. There was a sea surge 12 aid. loving the enemy or in living simply so that others may simply
province that buried many and swept some feet high, tsunami-like, swept the ancient 6- In the recent personal trip of U.N. Secre- live, namely, the ways of the gospel.
people into the sea, d) typhoon Reming which storey high trees, homes and the rice fields tary General Ban Ki Moon to Yangon, Burma’s We also cleanse lepers when we lead someone to conversion,
pilloried Albay and the islands of of the delta. Premier assured him that they will welcome for then the basest form of leprosy—which is sin—meets the
Catanduanes and Rapu-rapu, e) the oil spill Unbelievable to us Filipinos is the uncar- any help but with the condition that no mili- best (and only) cure—divine mercy.
in Guimaras which destroyed the rich ing attitude of the Military Junta led by Junta tary ships will be used to deliver the cargo. We also drive out demons when we fight the evil of war,
biodiversity of that island, f) the many ship- Supremo Than Shwe and Prime Minister Getting the true picture of the condition of terror, environmental abuse and all forms of violence born of
wrecks of large and small boats, and many Thein Sein. Their foremost concern is their the people in Myanmar, Ms Carol Daria, a hatred, poverty and injustice, disrespect for life and discrimina-
others. own stability to govern when foreigners lay missionary of Fondacio in Myanmar, tion against persons for reasons of race, religion or gender,
This year, due to climate change, we expe- come to give aid to their people. brought with her a documentary of the de- especially when we choose to do so with Christian love, service
rience the effects of El Niño and La Niña. How For the past 15 years, the opposition leader, struction of Yangon caused by cyclone and solidarity. I once read Oscar Hammerstein’s lyrics to a song
our people dealt with these disasters are re- Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize re- Nargis. It was also timely that she was sched- that seems in point:
flections of our culture as a people, the way cipient, who won the election as head of the uled to accompany 7 scholars of Fondacio A bell is not a bell until you ring it;
we value life by doing our utmost to save National League for Democracy has been on Philippines, ready with their airline tickets. A song is not a song until you sing it;
them and the way our institutions act as one— house arrest and her release is due on May 24 They are now here but Carole Daria, a And love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay;’
the Church, the Government, the NGO’s, and of this year. graduate in Masters in Industrial Relations, Love isn’t love until you give it away.
private citizens work together in donating The killing of 31 people who rallied to- has a permanent commitment as a trainer and
goods and services . gether with the Buddhist monks is still fresh lay formator to serve the Archdiocese of
The recent Myanmar disaster, occurred last in people’s memory. The coming in of for- Yangon under Archbishop Charles Bo, the
May 2–4 when typhoon Nargis struck the eigners, they think, will surely make the rul- President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Irrawady Delta known as the “rice bowl of ing Military Junta insecure. of Myanmar.
Asia”, left 134,000 dead and 2.1 million That is why all U.S. and European ships Fondacio Philippines will receive any cash
people destitute. were not allowed to dock in their seas. Entry donation for remittance to the Archdiocese
In places where disaster occurs, but not in visas were limited. When cargo planes from since goods are not sure to be received by the
Myanmar, the International Red Cross, the Bangkok come, it is the Army that gets the victims. All cash contributions will be given
Doctors without Borders and other NGO’s are goods for distribution so that people will not to the Archdiocese of Yangon. Contact Ms.
readily welcome to give relief goods and give credit to the humanitarian team that Maricar Ocdol, Country Head, Fondacio Phil-
medical supplies without much ado. Our brought the aid. ippines at 922-9834.
CBCP Monitor
A6 Local News Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
© NRC2 Secretariat
Luzon while the Mindanao-wide of marketing linkages. Huang to extend his “thanks and teacher (Xavier University High
consultation will be held from “The rural folk needs all the encouragement to Magadia as he School); parish priest (Mabuhay,
June 9-12, 2008, all in time for the information they could get on prepares to assume this very im- Zamboanga del Sur); Associate
coming national event in July. sustainable agriculture to make portant service to the universal Dean (ADMU); and rector and
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, them less dependent on chemi- Society, and to his Jesuit breth- formator at Loyola House of Stud-
S.J., Second National Rural Con- cal and petroleum-based farm ren and all your lay colleagues ies, Quezon City. (CBCPNews)
gress chairman, in an interview inputs,” the prelate further said. ties which received support were mentation. “The problem is not
over Catholic-run Veritas 846 at Asked of the success rate of the more successful compared to those with the intention of the law but
the CMN-Veritas produced
Veritas Pilipinas early Thursday
morning said the participants
widely-publicized Agrarian Re-
form Communities, Ledesma said
“during the time of Secretary
who did not receive support.”
The prelate said there’s a need
to review the agrarian reform law
in the implementation when lands
are distributed without appropri-
ate support services,” Ledesma
Prelate warns worsening
were almost in one in saying (Ernesto) Garilao, the communi- as there were failures in its imple- said. (Melo M. Acuña)
corruption until 2010
Granted WYD pilgrim visa still low; embassy sets deadline THE Arroyo administration’s transparency and accountability,
avowed drive versus corruption to realistically hope to recover
in the government are far from from the stain of graft and cor-
what many had been expecting, ruption, would be too much. It
BARELY a week before its end-of-May dead- grims is free of charge, the low statistics is cial matters are undoubtedly a major con- according to a Catholic prelate. has become so discredited,” the
line, the Australian Embassy has granted only attributed primarily to the financial require- cern for them to fulfill even before applying Lingayen-Dagupan Arch- senior prelate said.
at least 600 visa applications from Catholic youths ment the entire WYD registration entails. for their visas,” he said. bishop Oscar Cruz said it’s the “To say otherwise would not
from around the country vying to be part of the According to Garganta, an individual pil- He, however, said that the Australian Em- government still that left its door only be incredible but would be
23rd World Youth Day (WYD) this July. grim vying to fly to Sydney, Australia this July bassy will surely receive and grant additional wide open to corruption. a big lie. And the reason for this
The figure, provided by the Embassy yes- to be part of the 23rd WYD needs at least US visa applications as the deadline nears. He said the current is, I think, a good number of Fili-
terday, shows a relatively low turn out of $1,800 to cover his expenses during the event, For its part, the Embassy had just an- administration’s performance pinos, by and large, know the
applications considering that it already in- adding that the estimate will not even cover nounced that it cannot guarantee visa appli- has been nothing more than just reality here. But in addition to
cludes the 56 visas granted to delegates rep- the pilgrim’s allowance for contingencies. cations made after May 31. to ensure political survival. that, this is a foreign-based, for-
resenting the Episcopal Commission on In this estimate, Garganta said at least US $1,400 “It is important to remember that the Aus- Cruz even predicted that the eign-funded organization that is
Youth (ECY) of the CBCP. will be spent for the air fare alone while at least tralian Immigration Department cannot guar- problem on corruption would consequently credible when it
“The statistics provided by the Embassy is US $369 will cover the registration fee, accom- antee applications lodged after June 1, 2008. just be getting worse as the 2010 comes to the evaluation of a lo-
considerably low, considering that the deadline modation, meals, transportation and taxes. If this is the case for you, this means you will deadline for President Arroyo’s cal situation,” Cruz said.
is fast approaching,” said Fr. Conegundo “It has always been a problem for WYD not be able to come to Australia for WYD term nears. TI regional director Pascal
Garganta, executive secretary of the CBCP-ECY. pilgrim applicants complying with the finan- 08,” the Embassy said in the official website After all, he said, what can the Fabie said nothing has changed
Although visa application for WYD pil- cial requirements of the processing. Finan- of the WYD 08. (Kris Bayos) people expect with a national in the year since the agency last
leadership hounded with series rated the corruption perception
of corruption cases. in the Arroyo government.
Visayas after tropical storm “It (corruption) will not de- It can be recalled that in the
Quake / A1 Tidbits / A4
Lagdameo, the president of the Catholic Bish- Pope Benedict XVI designated May 24 as Solidarity with China and Burma will be vicar does not enjoy a more stable cleric. Much of these problems, I
ops’ Conference of the Philippines, said in a the Day of Prayer for the Catholic Church in the special intention of the Mass to be pre- stay in the parish since he may believe can be traced back to the
May 16 circular. China and composed a prayer to Our Lady sided by Rosales on Sunday, May 25, the So- be removed by the competent antiquated mentality of consid-
He urged for financial help from parishes, Help of Christians who is venerated at the lemnity of the Corpus Christi, at the Sta. Cruz authority from his assignment ering the parish as a benefice.
educational institutions and religious congre- Marian Shrine at Seshan, about 40 kilome- Church in Manila at 3:30 p.m. for a just cause. As regards the first issue, much
gations. ters from Shanghai. “Let us continue to pray for our suffering However, despite effort to of the possible conflicts can be
“Let generosity flow out of compassion for “Furthermore, as a concrete expression of brothers and sisters in China,” said Rosales. clarify and delineate the respec- avoided if the parish has a finance
the victims of the destructive natural calami- our solidarity and sympathy, we once again In Jaro, Iloilo, the contributions may be tive functions of the stakeholders council as mandated by can. 537.
ties and as a humble petition that we may be request that a second collection be made at submitted to the Oeconomus Office or to the in the parish ministry, instances Although the parish priest is the
spared from similar destruction,” Lagdameo all Masses in the parishes, shrines and the Archdiocesan Social Action Center office and of disagreements and conflicts administrator of the goods of the
said. communities in the Archdiocese of Manila in Manila all the collections will be remitted between the parish priest and the parish, the finance council could
In a separate circular dated May 21, Rosales on Sunday, June 1, 2008, for the victims of the to the Treasury Department of the Archdio- assistant do still occur. This could give invaluable insight and ad-
said, “We are deeply saddened by the recent earthquake,” Rosales said. cese. be minimized if not totally vice on financial matters. It does
calamities that struck our neighboring Asian Cardinal also sent parish priests, shrine Later the contributions will be sent to the avoided if clerics call to mind the not detract from his authority.
countries. Myanmar has not yet recovered rectors, and chaplains a copy of the Prayer of victims through the Social Action Centers of exhortations of Vatican II Rather, it will be a great relief
from the effects of the cyclone when a strong Pope to Our Lady of Sheshan, which will be the Episcopal Conferences of Myanmar and (Presbyterorum Ordinis, 8) which for the pastor if he would be
earthquake struck Chengdu, China.” used in Manila archdiocese to pray on June 1. Southwest China. (CBCPNews) is echoed in Canon 275 par. 1 helped in the economic adminis-
which states: ‘Since all clerics are tration of the parish. This will
Capital / A1 working for the same purpose, remove the cloud of doubt re-
“progressing.” Two days after, eight people, including five children died after namely, the building up of the garding the use of the parish
“Death penalty is not a solution. There are many detainees in the gunmen opened fire at four homes in Calamba, Laguna. body of Christ, they are to be funds and is in fact a big step to-
maximum security facility, including those facing the death penalty, San Pablo (Laguna) Bishop Leo Drona described the incidents as united with one another in the wards transparency in the finan-
but we still do not see improvements in our society,” he said over the work of criminals “worse than animals.” bond of brotherhood and prayer. cial affairs in the parish.
Church-run Radio Veritas. Drona called on the authorities to speed up its investigation and They are to seek to cooperate with As to the question on remu-
“One solution lay with the family, with the emphasis on the value ensure justice is committed for the victims and their families. one another, in accordance with neration, canon 281 par. 1 is quite
and the sacredness of life among its members,” said Aniceto. Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad echoed the same sentiment, saying the provisions of particular law.’ emphatic in expressing that since
The Pampanga archbishop also reiterated the Church’s position that the immediate resolution of the case if the best remedy. The cooperation and joint pas- clerics dedicate themselves to the
that only God can take away what he gave to man via a natural death. Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, for his part, tagged Zubiri’s toral action of the parish priest and ecclesiastical ministry, they de-
At least 10 persons were killed when still unidentified men robbed proposal as “anti-life and anti-love.” the assistant is regulated by the serve the remuneration that be-
the Rizal Commercial Bank Corporation in Cabuyao, Laguna on The death penalty law was last abolished on June 24, 2006 by Presi- obligation incumbent upon the fits their condition. I think the
May 16. dent Arroyo to serve as her gift to Pope Benedict XVI, whom she was assistant to report to the parish basic question that confronts us
The incident immediately drew condemnation from various to visit the very next day. priest regularly on all pastoral ini- is how much is the remuneration
Church and government officials with Zubiri calling for the revival As a result the sentences of the 1,200 inmates on death row were tiatives both planned and already that befits the condition of the
of the death penalty law. commuted to life imprisonment. (Roy Lagarde) undertaken in the parish. In this cleric. One of the basic and pri-
way they can truly work together, mary considerations to take here
Outcry / A1 Assumptionists / A1 Nomads / A1 by common counsel and effort for is that such remuneration should
the good of the flock entrusted to be viewed in the light of the spe-
Ledesma said the current call preciate if Mrs. Arroyo will come ers, lay people and others are show- the Samal-Bajau cultural ele- their care. In many parishes the cial vocation of the priesthood—
of the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- out in public and admit her fail- ing greater interest to initiate and ments and comprehensive pro- laudable practice has been estab- a sacred ministry which cannot
ence of the Philippines for CARP ings,” said Banayo. facilitate efforts to take care of no- gram for the welfare of the no- lished whereby the parish priest be reduced to something of a
extension “no matter how imper- She said they are only asking mads pastorally, said Rosso. mads were established. and the assistant meet together on purely economic nature. Besides,
fect” is based on constitutional for accountability on the part of Many others have also extended In addition, a Comprehensive a regular basis to discuss the pas- the canon establishes the general
provision for “social reform.” Mrs. Arroyo. “We are tired of her their support for the cause of no- Problem Analysis and Program- toral concerns of the parish. parameter on this regard namely:
Militant party-list groups lies, we want the truth to come mads including 30 concerned part- ming was intended to serve as a Although the assistant may not the nature of his office and the
Gabriela, Bayan Muna and out,” added Banayo. ners coming from Claret Samal baseline data for the third Assem- act independently, he should be circumstances of time and place.
Anakpawis have filed last year Banayo also clarified that As- Foundation, Inc., Community Ex- bly and meant to improve the pro- encouraged to keep up to his zest This problem can be lessened
the GARB that would replace the sumption College in Davao is not tension Services of Notre Dame of grams and efforts of the organiza- for pastoral initiatives. As it is, if the diocese will establish a stan-
CARP of 1988. a sister school of Assumption in Jolo College, Asia Foundation, tions committed to address the the pastor should be solicitous of dardized remuneration scheme
The pending bill also known Makati City where Mrs. Arroyo Catholic Relief Services, Asisi plight of the Samal-Bajaus. the inputs and contribution of his for clerics as already practiced in
as “An Act Instituting Genuine is an alumnae, belonging to class Foundation, Peace Advocates During the meeting, partici- assistant in the parish ministry some dioceses. It would even be
Agrarian Reform in the Country ‘64. Zamboanga, Lumah Ma Dilaut: pants discussed to come up with and make him a participant in the better if the diocese makes pro-
and Creating the Mechanism For “Our school is separate and in- Center for Living Traditions, Na- a document on the recent Bajau pastoral activities in the parish. visions for the social welfare of
its Implementation and Other dependent from that of Manila. tional Commission on Indigenous cultural condition in the south- The most common cause of the clergy such as illness, medi-
Purposes.” The school in Manila is managed People-Region IX, ARMM, Notre ern Philippines. conflict between pastor and the cal needs and old age. These are
The bill emphasizes free land by the Religious Sisters of the Dame of Mapun, Apostolic Vicari- The most significant output of parochial vicar is the question of the main reason why most cler-
distribution to deserving farmer Assumption while the school ate of Jolo, Maluso Bajau People’s the gathering was to achieve a draft finances be it a question of han- ics, especially the diocesan clergy
beneficiaries and the dismantling here in Davao is managed by the Organization, National Sama of the Assembly’s vision, which dling of parish funds, or, the eq- can at times be overly concerned
of land monopoly now prevalent Missionary of the Assumption Badjao Movement, and Sama will strengthen the unity and uitable remuneration of the with money matters.
in the country. (With reports Sisters,” she said. (Mark S. Bajau Tribal Group. deepen the pastoral commitment
from Roy Lagarde) Ventura) In the past, documentation of for nomads. (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008 Features A7
© Dodong Flores
Catarman marks Pentecost
CATARMAN, N. Samar—Over 6,000 delegates from various
parishes of the Catarman diocese attended the Pentecost 2008
celebration held here recently. The parishes take turns in
hosting the annual diocesan celebration just like in nearby
diocese of Borongan in E. Samar where the diocesan Pente-
Clergy plays important role in cost celebration was started in 1987. (Santosh Digal)
Bishop calls
teaching of the Church on marriage and sexuality. He also
said that marriage is to be confined to a man and woman in
a ‘deep shame’
Church, NGO alarmed over children in armed conflict
A ROMAN Catholic bishop ex- Arroyo administration’s human DAVAO City—The Catholic Church here as well as the
pressed opposition over the ap- rights record deteriorated. KABIBA Alliance for Children’s Concerns are alarmed on
pointment of former AFP chief “Basing from there, we can the rising number of children affected by armed conflict and
SHORT of saying that there’s is a Gen. Hermogenes Esperon as the (surmise) that he is an anti-peace development aggression in war-torned Mindanao.
breakdown of morals, a Catholic new Presidential Adviser on the person,” he said. “Personally I Archdiocesan IP Apostolate coordinator Glenn Olea said the
bishop said the bloodbaths that Peace Process. have great reservations over his on-going militarization in the hinterlands is undeniably af-
took place in Laguna province is Catholic Bishops’ Conference appointment.” fecting not only the safety of the children but also their well-
Bp. Leo Drona, SDB
a ‘deep shame’ for a predomi- of the Philippines Public Affairs Iñiguez is also a member of the being. (Mark Ventura)
nantly Catholic place. Committee chair Bishop Philippines Ecumenical Peace
San Pablo Bishop Leo Drona cause of what could be the country’s Deogracias Iñiguez said he has Platform (PEPP) which includes Bishop applauds P20 wage hike
said he regrets it so much and feel most murderous week in years, the “genuine reservations” over Mr. representatives of the Roman ANTIPOLO City—A Catholic bishop has lauded the P20 in-
ashamed that it happened right more the Church will preach about Esperon’s new post. Catholic, Aglipayan and Protes- crease in the minimum wage, saying that the extra money can
in his diocese despite their efforts respect for human life. Iñiguez said his opposition is tant Churches. somehow have a ripple effect on many workers. Antipolo
to teach about morality. “I’ve already talked to my on the premise that the military For the bishop, Esperon’s ap- Auxiliary Bishop Francisco de Leon said that with the recent
“It’s a deep shame, and of course, priests. I’ve talked to my cat- official had been linked to con- pointment is but a political payoff salary hike in NCR, ordinary wage earner can now have a
a regret that such huge crimes are echists and teachers of the dioc- troversies like the extra-judicial for his perceived loyalty to Presi- little more in their paychecks to help pay for basic necessities.
happening in our diocese. I think esan schools to always talk about killings and the so-called “Hello dent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
that’s a sign that many are loosing respect for life, respect for the Garci” scandal. Malacañang recently formally Prelate calls on his flock: Defend, Uphold the Eu-
the sense of respect for life and hu- rights of others,” Drona said. Mr. Esperon was appointed announced the appointment of charist
man rights,” he said. At least 10 persons were killed chief-of-staff on July 21, 2006, re- Esperon as the President’s new OZAMIZ City—Archbishop Jesus Dosado, CM has called on
Drona, however, claimed the when still unidentified men placing Generoso Senga. peace adviser, replacing Jesus his flock to defend and uphold the Eucharist at all cost. In his
Church never failed to teach mo- robbed the Rizal Commercial Along with three other gener- Dureza who was appointed press homily during his Mass on the Solemnity of the Body and
rality and preach to the faithful Bank Corporation in Cabuyao, als, he is mentioned in the “Hello secretary. Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), the prelate said the Church
about the Gospel. Laguna Friday morning. Garci” tapes, which according to Outgoing Press Secretary has both the right and sacred duty to defend and uphold the
“There are really factors that Two days after, eight people, the opposition, was proof that Ignacio Bunye, meanwhile, has Eucharist by following the precepts of the Holy Mass and
are already beyond our control. I including five children died af- Mrs. Arroyo cheated her way to been appointed by the President reveal the deep faith and worship of the Holy Eucharist.
don’t see that the Church lacked ter a lone gunman opened fire at presidency. to the Monetary Board, the cen- (Wendell Talibong)
efforts about this,” he said. four homes in Calamba, Laguna. He also said that under tral bank’s policy-making body.
But the bishop assured that be- (CBCPNews) Esperon’s term as AFP chief, the (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
Markings
O. Diwa of the Ministry for Liturgical Af- “Let us all come together on June 30 and
fairs. with joy and praise, welcome this year of St.
All priests in the Archdiocese are earnestly Paul and open our hearts and minds to en-
enjoined to concelebrate in this Mass of lightenment and grace. It will bring to us
Thanksgiving to usher in a special year of through an increased understanding and
grace in honor of the Apostle who gave so knowledge, the works and writings that our
much to God and to the Church. beloved St. Paul the Apostle handed down to
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales APPOINTED. Bishop Jose R.
The parishes, schools, ministries and lay us,” said Diwa. (CBCPNews)
Rojas, 51, as Bishop Prelate
of Libmanan, Camarines Sur,
May 19, 2008. Bishop Rojas
A FAMOUS chorale group from Dubbed as “Bulawang Dalit tingent to represent Cebu in
³
The archdiocese is still waiting
his appointment to take the
place of Bishop Prospero
Arellano who resigned due to
poor health after 18 years as
bishop of Libmanan. Bishop
one of Cebu City’s universities alang sa Oslob” or “Golden Gift World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, for a study made by the technical Rojas was ordained priest at
has lent its award-winning per- for Oslob,” the event was held the age of 25, and appointed
Australia in July. teams and consultants of the re- bishop on July 25, 2005. He fin-
formance to raise funds for the res- May 24 at the SM Cinema 1, SM So far, the group spearheading construction project to be re- ished his philosophy at Holy
toration of a century-old Church. Complex, Cebu City. the fund-raising project has al- leased next week. Rosary Major Seminary, Naga
Launched May 15 at a press The 26-member group, mostly ready raised P1,164,000.00 for the The concert was made possible City and theology at UST Cen-
conference held at the Flipiniana coming from families of Cebu’s tral Seminary. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic
Oslob church project, said Msgr. through University president
University of Louvain, Belgium.
Hall of the Archbishop’s resi- marginalized sector, had won the Joseph Tan, treasurer of Cebu Congressman Eduardo Gullas
dence, the first fund-raising ac- Silver and Bronze Awards in the eth- archdiocese. and his wife who generously of-
tivity for the restoration of Oslob nic and class category at the Busan An estimate of at least 30 mil- fered the services of the world-
parish church featured a perfor- Choral Festival Competition in LAUNCHED. Adsum, Bacolod’s diocesan newspaper by Most Rev.
lion pesos is needed for the res- class and multi-awarded chorale
Vicente M. Navarra, D.D.; at San Sebastian Cathedral on the occasion
mance from University of the South Korea last November, 2007. toration and reconstruction of the group for the project. (Fr. Joseph of World Communications Day, May 4, 2008. Adsum, derived from the
Visayas Chorale group. They will be a part of the con- century-old church. Suson, SVD) Latin word meaning “Here I am” will feature regular columns, commen-
taries, church history; and report news from Diocesan Commissions,
The Formators of the Association of Pauline Cooperators (APC) gathered in Tagaytay May 23-25, 2008 at St. Joseph Marello Retreat House to deepen their commitment to grow in holiness and service
in the spirit of St. Paul. There were 78 formators who participated—serving in the different Archdioceses and Dioceses in the country closely collaborating with the Pauline Family, through the various
commissions like Liturgy, Biblical, Catechetical, Media and Family Life.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
B1
B2 Updates B4 Commissions B5 Statements B6 Reflections B7 Social Concerns
The unity of marriage and the National conference for youth ‘At stake is the ability of humanity Breaking Bread The Lord’s Bank
sacrament for the baptized ministers held in Jaro to provide food’
B3 Diocese B8 Entertainment
Diocese of Tagum Buhay Parokya
Pastoral Concerns
Communion,
7
QUESTIONS
solidarity and mission
Response to the breakup of the family of
Most Rev. migrants and itinerant peoples
Camilo D. By Archbishop Orlando action is the universal Reign of God;
Gregorio, DD
3) the local church is the acting
B. Quevedo, O.M.I. subject of mission;
4) international collaboration is nec-
Introduction essary to face the challenges in the
The phenomenon of migrants common journey to God’s Reign;
and itinerant peoples of various 5) According to the 7th and 8th
kinds from workers to refugees FABC Plenary Assemblies, the
APPOINTED by late Pope John Paul II in September has been discussed thoroughly in situation of itinerant and migrant
13, 2003 as 4t h Bishop-prelate of Batanes, Bishop the past few days at this seminar. workers is one of the major pastoral
Camilo Gregorio was installed in November 8 of the Through various conferences we priorities in Asia.
have become more aware of their The pastoral response I wish to
same year. In this issue of CBCP Monitor, Bishop social, political, cultural, reli- present may be summarized in the
Gregorio talks how modern technology and global- gious, and economic situation. following way: In the light of the
ization have affected the lifestyle and values of native The litany of problems seems to universal mission of the Church
Ivatans; the status of catechetical apostolate and vo- be endless. The problems differ, to announce the Gospel of Jesus,
sometimes in kind and some- relevant family ministry should be set
cations in the prelature; the ongoing formation of the times in degree, from country to up in every local church with the task
clergy; the reconstruction of century-old cathedral and country. All these constitute the of building communion and solidarity
other churches; and the work of evangelization in the pastoral situation of migrant among members of families, among
island. workers and itinerant peoples. families and local churches. Such min-
My subject matter is limited, istry should have a perspective of the
namely, the issue of the breakup Reign of God. It should respond to the
Batanes has always captivated outsiders because of its sim- of the family of migrant workers needs of families in special situations,
plicity. Has the advent of modern technology not affected and itinerant peoples. And the such as the families of migrants and
the lifestyle and values of the people? question is simple – what can we itinerant peoples.
Modern Technology has brought many benefits to the do to respond to family breakup?
people of Batanes especially in the field of Communication May I attempt to develop a 1. A Family Ministry in Dialogue
and Transportation. The advent of the cellphone, for example, general pastoral response to this with Migrants and Itinerant
has been most helpful. Also, the introduction of “Jet” planes tragic situation. Peoples.
has made travel more convenient. But unfortunately, the The pastoral perspective that I Without doubt the great ma-
availability of TV and the INTERNET has also brought unde- shall assume is inspired by three jority migrants and itinerant
sirable effects. Moral values are gradually being eroded. And decades of pastoral reflection on peoples leave their homes and
what was once a laudable lifestyle is now changing. People various pastoral challenges by work in other countries without the problems of living apart from peoples becomes actual. In the
now wake up later than usual. Work in the fields is neglected. the Federation of Asian Bishops’ referring themselves to their lo- their families for an extended duration of their work contract,
The young generation while becoming more open to new Conferences (FABC). The Federa- cal church. They go to recruiting period of time, the pressures on the separation of the members of
ideas and are becoming more demonstrative are at the same tion is composed of all the bish- agencies and work out their the brothers, sisters, and parents the family will be keenly felt,
time losing respect for elders which did not happen before. ops in Central Asia, South Asia, travel and immigration papers they leave behind, and particu- even for those who have worked
East Asia, and Southeast Asia – directly through them. In many larly on their spouses and chil- for several years away from their
How does the family and life apostolate in your prelature from Kazakhstan to East Timor. cases they receive only a mini- dren. At the end as Ecclesia in Asia families with brief periods of
respond to the challenge of consumerism caused by global- The themes that FABC uses to mum of information about the (1999) says, “In the countries to vacation. Intermittent reunions
ization? reflect on the pastoral situation receiving countries, the people which they come, these people will not completely assuage the
The Prelature has a strong Family and Youth Ministries. include the following: and their cultures, the employ- often find themselves friendless, loneliness of being separated
The Couples for Christ are active. The Youth for Christ has its 1) in the light of the Asian pas- ers that hire them, conditions of culturally estranged, linguisti- from their families.
regular week-end Youth Camps. There is the strong Music toral situation the mission of an- work, the customs of the people cally disadvantaged and eco- But it is not only loneliness or
Ministry that engages the youth to join different and varied nouncing the Gospel of Jesus is by among whom they will work. If nomically vulnerable” (no. 34). homesickness that is of concern to
choirs. And of course, the Catechetical and Biblical Apostolates way of a triple dialogue – dialogue they go to countries with a pre- But all these they have decided families. It is the negative impact
have its yearly teaching program in the public schools. We with the peoples of Asia especially the dominantly different religion, to go through for the sake of a that the absence of perhaps a key
are happy with the results. majority poor, dialogue with the vari- they have only little knowledge better future for their families. member of the family (e.g., a fa-
ous cultures of Asia, and dialogue about the risks to their own faith, The future of their family is up- ther or mother, an older brother
with the different religions of Asia; the problems of practicing their permost in their minds. or sister) would have on the fam-
7 Questions / B2 2) for the common task of social trans- faith, the pressures on them be- As migrants leave for work the ily itself, on the natural growth
formation in the Asian situation of reli- cause of differences of faith. temporary break-up of the fam- and development of the children.
gious pluralism, a common basis for In general they are aware of ily of migrants and itinerant Communion / B5
CBCP Monitor
B2 Updates Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
Diocese of Tagum ABOVE: Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz, DD and the Christ the King Cathedral. BELOW: Official seal
of GKK Ruby Jubilee and the gathering of GKK presidents
Killing People is
Never the Answer
THE CBCP-ECPPC reiterates its stand amidst the call of Sena-
tor Zubiri to restore capital punishment to murderers and drug
traffickers. The death penalty is an affront to the human dig-
nity of both those on whom it is inflicted and that in whose
name it is employed. The human person is central and the clearest
reflection of God among us. Human life is inherently precious
and those who commit crimes do not give up their human
dignity.
The killing in Laguna that prompted Sen. Zubiri to call for
the restoration of death penalty is condemnable. However, the
killing of the convicts will not really address the root as well as
the immediate cause of crime.
The death penalty is nothing but a cosmetic solution that
will give an illusion that we are doing something about crime.
It is an easy way out of addressing the complex and pervasive
problems of criminality. Killing people is never the answer.
We appeal to Senator Zubiri to stop giving us false hopes
that we will be safe and secure by putting people to death.
‘At
‘At stake
stake is
is the
the ability
ability of
of
humanity
humanity to
to provide
provide food’
food’ Why Kill?
HOly See’s address on food crisis
HOly See’s address on food crisis
THE following was the address Arch- fication and presents a daunting a way that addresses the prices of ment we must continue to focus IT is with great disappointment that the Coalition Against Death
bishop Celestino Migliore, perma- yet important and urgent task to food commodities as well as the not merely upon those who con- Penalty received the call of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri to re-
nent observer of the Holy See to the policy makers and civil society. distribution and production of sume food commodities but also store the death penalty in the cases of convicted murderers and
United Nations to the Economic and Many question the real causes, food around the world, in par- upon those who produce it. drug traffickers.
Social Council’s 16th session of the the consequences in the medium ticular in Africa. Programs that Greater investment in small- Greatly disturbing also is how Senator Zubiri approaches
Commission on Sustainable Devel- and long term of the food crisis allow farmers to produce food holder farmers which enables the problems of the nation. The killings that happened in La-
opment, May 16, 2008. and its fundamental tendencies. commodities at the local levels them to increase production in a guna are condemnable. The authority should use everything
The UN, in all its components and should continue to be supported sustainable manner would pro- in its power for the early resolution of these cases.
AT the outset my delegation joins in particular this Commission on and greater efforts must be made vide an important element to However, the CADP believes that taking away life is an easy,
previous speakers in expressing Sustainable Development, has a to mitigate the negative aspects addressing the continued pres- quick BUT wrong solution. It merely gives the impression that
its condolences and solidarity to precise responsibility and also an of changing environmental and ence of chronic hunger and mal- measures are being taken so as to eradicate crime and that
those affected by the recent trag- interest of credibility in provid- financial realities. nourishment in certain regions. criminality is finally solved. But until such time that the root
edies in Myanmar and China. ing appropriate responses in Agriculture policies need to re- While the current food crisis causes of criminality are aborted, criminality will continue.
These disasters and their impact view of effective solutions, be- discover the path of reason and presents an immediate threat to We call for more sincerity on Senator Zubiri. If he believes
on human lives and sustainable cause at stake is the ability of reality in order to balance the need development, society must con- on the sanctity of God-given human life then he should not call
development remind us of our humanity to provide food. for food production with the need tinue to address persisting and on the State apparatus to take away human life even of those
important responsibility as gov- Indeed, this food crisis should not to be good stewards of the earth. imminent challenges such as cli- who have erred.
ernmental leaders to point the be measured merely by the rise in Care must be taken in order to mate change, harmful agricul- If we have already detained, debilitated, and disempowered
way forward to addressing the costs throughout the international meet the fundamental needs of tural subsidies, fair trade, envi- the convict, why do we still have to kill him?
many issues of sustainable devel- food markets, but also by the physi- persons and to avoid reducing the ronmental degradation and land The CADP believes that Senator Zubiri should instead work
opment and to find the means for cal, mental and spiritual cost of those dialogue to self-interested and reform. Through greater interna- on the passage of legislations that will pursue the purpose of
building a better future. who are unable to provide for them- ideologically driven economic and tional solidarity and increased incarceration which is rehabilitation of our prisoners and resti-
The world is currently facing a selves and their families. environmental extremes. concern for the most vulnerable tution to the victims. He should find another way of defending
challenge of meeting this very Investing in long-term and Seventy percent of the world’s within our societies, we can ad- society that will obviate the need for the death penalty, which
goal in the form of a global food sustainable agriculture programs poor live in the same rural areas dress the immediate challenges only brings out the worst in us all.
crisis. This crisis reveals the deli- at the local and international lev- where widespread chronic mal- while still working to ensure that
cate and interlinking nature of els remains central to the devel- nourishment continues to persist. the progress of today becomes RODOLFO D.DIAMANTE
agriculture, rural development, opment prospects of so many. Clearly, this illustrates that in the cornerstone for a more just Spokesperson, Coalition Against Death Penalty
land reform, drought and deserti- This investment must be done in addressing sustainable develop- and secure tomorrow. May 20, 2008
Communion / B1
Moreover in the experience of many The task of formation and education lies with migrant workers abroad and thusiasm—life—into the dynamics of the mation sessions of their lay groups.
families, a permanent breakup is not requires a family ministry that cares for helping migrant workers before they family, the relationship between spouses, It is a matter simply of consciously
only possible. It can be real, as when the and serves families of migrants and itin- leave and when they return” (Final between parents and children, between bringing the missionary or evangeliz-
migrant or itinerant worker falls into erant peoples. Document, no. 119). members of the extended family.” (8 th ing dimension into the on-going faith
other relationships either casually with When migrants and itinerants actually The FABC vision of family ministry in FABC Plenary Assembly, Daejeon, Ko- formation session and continuing what
many persons or permanently with one leave for their places of work, the local Asia calls for pastoral programs that rea, August 17-23, 2004, Final Document, may already have been started at the
person. These relationships can ruin the church of origin still has the task help- should “make the inner resources of our nos. 105-106). local church of origin.
relationship that the migrant worker has ing maintain and promote the commun- faith (the sacraments, liturgy, prayer, day- A spirituality of communion, unity, and Here again we see the great need of
with the family that is left behind. ion and solidarity of the family. Through to-day spirituality) available to couples solidarity will definitely help spouses and collaboration – of communion and soli-
Given the above situation of tempo- pastoral guidance and encouragement, and their families in their striving toward children cope better with the aches and darity for mission among migrants and
rary and permanent family breakup, the local church provides the spiritual a culture of integral life… and should pains of temporary separation. Kept alive itinerant peoples, between them and the
possible or actual, and the many other resources that give them strength to bear empower families to become evangeliz- through prayer and communication, it local churches of origin and arrival.
social, cultural, religious, economic and and cope with separation. ers, such that ministry is not only for fami- would also serve to overcome tempta-
legal problems that have been men- On the other hand, in communion and lies but by families” (no. 116). tions to permanent separation. 4. In dialogue with other cultures and
tioned at this seminar, the setting up of solidarity with the local church of ori- In the churches of arrival, migrant religions
a family ministry at the churches of ori- gin and with the migrant and itinerant 3. A family ministry that forms and workers and itinerant peoples could fol- What has been said so far would seem
gin and destination is imperative. worker, the church of arrival has to pro- empowers low a designed program of catechesis to apply only in places where migrants
Among its tasks would be to help mi- vide a similar ministry of care and ser- Beyond the simple idea of receiving and have on-going faith and biblical for- and itinerant peoples can practice their
grants and itinerants regarding legal vice. It begins with a “ministry of wel- pastoral care is the universal mission, mation. For instance Filipino migrant own religion freely and where local
cases and to be their advocates regard- come” (see Erga migrantes caritas Christi, valid also for migrants and itinerants, workers who come together for Mass churches of origin and destination play
ing their rights. But family ministry has no. 40). In this way the “stranger” will to evangelize others. For this reason, a and socialization every Sunday could a great role.
to go beyond these tasks. find a home away from home— the family ministry should form and em- have on-going faith formation for an But the great majority of Asian mi-
Family ministry has to be in dialogue Lord’s household that is the Church. The power in the faith. In communion and hour after the Mass and before their so- grants and itinerant peoples live and
with migrant workers and itinerant local church of arrival is not only a place solidarity both the church of origin and cialization and fellowship activities. work in countries where they cannot
peoples. Pastoral workers have to know where migrants and itinerant peoples go the church of destination have to work But on the issue of on-going forma- freely and safely practice a religion dif-
them, their life situations, their condi- for worship. It should be a place where on empowering migrants and itinerant tion and empowerment, an initiative in ferent from that of their host country. In
tions of work. Dialogue with them will they find “family” belongingness, peoples to become evangelizers. some countries like the Philippines is such countries temporary separation
reveal their real pastoral situation, their friendship and fellowship in community. It is well known that by the dynamism significant in the light of the concerns of from one’s own family becomes even
priority needs, and the ways by which Simple celebrations of birthdays and of their religious faith migrant workers migrants and itinerant people. This is more acute. They are deprived of the
effective response can be given to their other anniversaries take on greater and itinerant peoples have impressed the training of pastoral workers. A week- strength and consolation that religious
situation. Through such dialogue an ef- meaning when celebrated within such peoples with weakened faith or with long course was started six years ago by faith and fellowship could provide even
fective family ministry with the proper fellowships. hardly any practical faith. Domestic the Scalabrini Migration Center in Ma- when a celebration is merely a birthday
social dimensions on behalf of migrants Concretely, this means the active pres- workers in many countries of Europe nila in collaboration with the Philippine or anniversary.
and itinerant peoples can be set up. With- ence and ministry of chaplains and pas- bring the children of their employers to Bishops’ Commission on the Pastoral It is in this situation that prior forma-
out such dialogue a pastoral response toral workers to whom migrant work- church on Sundays, teach them how to Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. tion and empowerment in the local church
can be misdirected and irrelevant. ers and itinerant peoples can refer their pray and what the basic tenets of the This was designed to train pastoral work- of origin is important and imperative.
problems and find a listening ear and Church are. ers for migrants. Last January the course Prior faith formation can help migrant
2. A Family Ministry that Cares and caring hand. Letters of introduction In the churches of origin faith forma- was attended by 46 pastoral workers workers and itinerant peoples cope with
Serves would also help. It is important for pas- tion and empowerment can be done from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, the pressures of work in a country of dif-
Family breakup contradicts the nature toral workers to know a little bit of the through the regular catechetical and bib- Indonesia and the Philippines. They went ferent religious persuasion and where re-
of marriage and family. The Lord of cultures of migrants and itinerant work- lical programs at the parish level in col- through learning modules covering the ligious conversion in order to have better
families calls the local churches to do ers and be able to speak to them in a laboration with the family ministry of migrant situation in Asia, church teach- work conditions and higher compensation
the task of explaining in a credible and language they understand. The lack of the parish. The local church should espe- ings on migration, the mission with is always a severe temptation.
convincing manner the nature of mar- ability to communicate in a language cially emphasize formation to a spiritual- migrants in Asia, specific issues on the Only a dialogue of life is possible in
riage and of family as a communion of that is understood is one of the most se- ity of communion in the family: “…at the care of migrants, networking and plan- such situation. For domestic workers,
love and care. rious causes of loneliness and alienation. heart of the family is Communion, com- ning future programs. more restricted to the home of employ-
This task also aims at educating mem- Associations of migrants and itinerant munion with God, communion of the The more programs there are to train ers perhaps not even this is possible.
bers of families to reflect in their lives peoples will add to the spirit of com- spouses, communion of young or elderly pastoral workers, the better for the mis- Friendship and fellowship with peoples
and relationships the communion that mon strength, belongingness and fel- parents and their children, communion sion of caring and serving migrants and of other faiths and cultures would cer-
they are called to be. The family is a sanc- lowship they find in the church. with grandparents and other members their families. tainly ease the aches of homesickness and
tuary within which the unity of husband, Such pastoral care was envisioned by of the extended family… It is a union of My suggestion is for pastoral care and being separated from families.
wife and children is fostered. It is God’s the FABC at its 8th Plenary Assembly held hearts and minds that in a human way activities to go beyond worship, social- Moreover, dialogue—solidarity and
gift to them for the sake of salvation. In this in Daejeon, Korea in 2004 on the topic: reflects the communion of God the Fa- ization and fellowship and into ongoing collaboration (or diplomatic arrange-
way their natural desire for unity in love “The Asian Family towards a Culture of ther, Son and Holy Spirit—the Triune formation and empowerment for inte- ments)—between governments with
is consciously brought to the realm of Integral Life.” God from whom the family came to be… gral evangelization. peoples of predominantly different re-
the spirit and of the Reign of God. Such One of its pastoral recommendations Communion within the family, how- Evangelizing by migrants and itiner- ligions will go a long way to make mi-
formation in faith given by the local is the setting up of family ministries in ever, reaches out to the wider commu- ant peoples may seem to be idealistic but grants and itinerant peoples feel at home
church regarding marriage and family Asia that “form and empower,” “care nity and impels the family toward a mis- for many Filipino migrant workers this in their countries of work.
builds communion and solidarity within and serve,” and “promote social trans- sion of service for the sake of the Reign is already a lived experience. Already
the family. It prepares them to live up to formation.” Among the special pro- of God. This outward movement enables many Filipino migrants who belong to 5. Solidarity and collaboration at the
their family commitments while one or grams of a caring and serving family the family to share the Trinitarian com- various lay religious movements such as international level
more members of the family depart for ministry, the Plenary Assembly recom- munion that it is gifted with. A spiritual- El Shaddai, Couples for Christ, and other Beyond decent and humane working
work in a foreign country. mended “setting up programs for fami- ity of communion infuses vigor and en- charismatic groups follow the faith for- Communion / B6
CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
Breaking Bread
By Fr. Paul Marquez, “Hapag ng Pag-Asa,” Jesus is shown
SSP sharing a meal with twelve sun-
burnt, emaciated kids. The painting
sends a very consoling message to
TODAY’S celebration of Corpus
Christi makes us think about Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ everyone who find themselves in a
difficult situation that Jesus is not a
food, most glorious food! If in the distant God but very near to those
Old Testament the Hebrews were (May 25, 2008; Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a; 1 Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58) who suffer. Jesus is concerned with
fed with manna which had rot- the plight of the very poor.
ten and could not prevent people The images in the painting be-
from dying, Jesus in the New Tes- came alive and had spoken person-
tament speaks of himself as “the ally to the painter. After a year, Joey
living bread” from heaven. His succeeded to gather the twelve
magnificent promise: “ Whoever kids for a reunion. He wanted to
eats this bread will live forever.” know each of them on a personal
Jesus recalls to the Jews how their basis, and not as mere paid mod-
ancestors, namely Moses’ contem- els. In the process of looking for
poraries, had partaken of the the kids, Joey realized that he was
manna yet still faced death. God the one coming back to himself.
“purged” the Hebrews when he He was a successful businessman
first allowed them to go hungry in and the temptation to remain
the “vast and terrible desert with its uninvolved was very strong.
saraph serpents and scorpions”. After- Joey listened to the voice within.
wards, God supplied them with He went on to do other paintings
manna, a “fine flake-like thing, fine as after Hapag, and they all depict Jesus
the frost on the ground” (Ex 16:14) and with poor, old, weak people – bro-
tastes “like wafers from honey” (Ex ken bodies and afflicted spirit ¯
16:31). Yet the Hebrews grew tired who nonetheless find much reason
with this food and yearned for the to hope because Jesus is always
flesh spots of Egypt. They were even with them. Joey has already spo-
willing to return to servitude! ken to several groups regarding
The real tragedy of the He- his paintings and how the experi-
brews was their refusal to listen ence brought about his personal
to the voice of God in the desert. transformation. Joey’s work
Although they had hit rock bot- caught the attention of Gawad
tom, they rejected God who Kalinga’s Tony Meloto and as-
guided them in every step of their sured the families of the twelve
journey. They preferred their old kids that Gawad Kalinga will build
life of slavery, choosing to back- houses for them.
slide rather than surrender their brings eternal life. “For my flesh is When the first Christians were Today as Jesus invites us to re- rendition of the Last Supper depict- “The bread that we break, is it not a
future to the hands of God. Per- true food, and my blood is true drink” being hunted in Rome, they usu- main in him, he promises that ing Jesus not with the usual twelve participation in the body of Christ?”
sons who remain intransigent, set (Jn 6: 55). Jesus does not merely ally gathered and broke bread in he will remain in us. He is invit- apostles but with twelve street-chil- St. Paul raises this question in
in their old ways and deaf to the give food; he gives his very self the catacombs. Word flew fast ing us to an experience of a fresh dren. Joey Velasco, a neophyte today’s second reading. In our own
urgings of the Holy Spirit, cannot for our food. Unlike the experi- that the Christians were canni- and new life. He counsels us to painter and also a family man, sim- way, let us allow God to break our
entrust their future in God’s ence of the Old Testament believ- bals and they had been reported reject the way of the Hebrews ply wanted to adorn their dining bread. Like Joey, may we listen to
hands. They will always prefer ers who perished and died, Jesus to eat the body of Christ and who rejected God’s invitation as room with an image of the Last Sup- the voice within. Let us abandon
their own tried and tested formula assures us of everlasting life: drink his blood. What a source of they set their eyes on Egypt, their per. He wanted to teach his chil- the place of servitude, follow Jesus
in life instead of obeying God. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks comfort and consolation the Eu- place of servitude. They chose to dren not to waste food, so he and entrust the future in his hands.
In today’s gospel Jesus offers my blood has eternal life, and I will charist must have been to the per- cling to their old life of sin. thought of painting street-children. This is the only way the body of
himself as the “living bread” that raise him on the last day” (Jn 6: 54). secuted Christians at that time! Recently, we discovered a fresh In the famous painting called Christ will prosper and grow.
Rural concerns
ity of rights, especially of the fundamen- sion of God’s Reign. We are called to
tal freedom of religion, based on the make this one globalized world a safe
universal golden rule—”Do unto others home for all, a home to be built on jus-
what you want them do unto you.” tice, truth, freedom, peace, and love.
Recent appeals by the Holy Father for These are fundamental values of the
such reciprocity of rights and freedom of Reign of God.
religion have raised the consciousness of It is this perspective of God’s Reign,
people around the world regarding this of God’s loving dominion over us, that
human rights issue. It has also raised the pulls together efforts of various reli-
THE Philippine Church is preparing for natural realities. economic activity and social justice in
bar of inter-religious dialogue a bit higher. gions and ideologies to respond to the
the second Rural Congress, meant to I was immediately struck, for example, the rural areas but more importantly in
To promote this reciprocity of rights family breakup of migrant workers and
mainstream the rural concerns in the by the frequent and seemingly indis- infusing the proper healthy Christian
and to ensure that peoples of different itinerant peoples.
Church. As we all know, because of ru- criminate conclusion, after issues were spirit there.
faiths practice their religion freely and
ral conditions, these concerns tend to be discussed, that the “Church presence has In this regard, a lot of prudence on the
safely everywhere would be a para- Conclusion
taken for granted and neglected. to be felt more” in this area or in that part of priests and other Church leaders
mount responsibility of international To the question how can we respond
Thus, it’s a good and most welcome aspect of rural life. is needed. While problems and irregu-
decision makers. It needs dialogue, soli- effectively to the breakup of the family
move. Everyone is encouraged to par- What is Church presence exactly? How larities should be acknowledged, the
darity, and collaboration between States. of migrant workers and itinerant
ticipate in any constructive or positively is the concept of Church to be under- abiding attitude to take should be con-
It would also be necessary for the United peoples, I have attempted to provide a
critical way he or she can. It surely will stood in the rural context? If Church pres- structive and unitive rather than divisive.
Nations to act determinedly on this is- pastoral response in the light of reflec-
mark a step forward in the maturing ence is limited to presence of priests in It’s a matter of coordinating with rel-
sue in accord with the Universal Decla- tions of the Federation of Asian Bish-
process of our Church. an area, that would be wrong, since the evant parties, encouraging them to have
ration of Human Rights. ops’ Conferences.
Thus, in a diocese where I visited re- Church is all the people of God, and not the sense of solidarity to foster what
Dialogue towards recognizing and prac- The response concretely calls for a
cently, they held a presentation of what just priests. would further authentic Christian devel-
ticing reciprocity of the freedom of reli- triple dialogue – with the poor, with
so far they had studied and gathered af- It’s good that certain disturbing find- opment in these places.
gion is a task needing the utmost mutual cultures, and religious traditions. It calls
ter a few months of consultation and ings are brought out. Like, there’s an It’s a matter of putting together for
respect, openness, persistence and determi- for the setting up of a family ministry
dialoguing with several elements and impression that priests seem to go to the the good of all the rich and the poor, the
nation. For if States do not recognize such that is in dialogue with migrants and
players involved in this big event. remote rural areas only on “fiestas,” and city and the rural, the public and private
freedom for their own citizen-minorities, itinerants, with their cultures and reli-
I must say that the group that under- after that, they are hardly seen. Also, that sectors, and others. While we have to
how much more difficult it would be for gious traditions.
took the study made a good, highly pro- priests seem to say Mass in these places observe the distinctions, we should
States to recognize the same freedom to It is a family ministry that cares and
fessional job. And to think that they did only when the “stipend is right.” avoid putting them in conflict.
migrants and itinerant workers. serves, forms and empowers for mission.
it all on purely volunteer basis! That was These are complex issues that need to There are already many initiatives,
Dialogue, solidarity and collaboration Formation towards a spirituality of com-
indeed very edifying. Let’s hope we can be studied and tackled thoroughly. We NGOs and private foundations that are
at the international level should also ad- munion which is at the heart of marriage
have more of this generosity! should refrain from making rash judg- working for the good of the rural folks.
dress another burning issue—the issue of and the family is the key element of this
Just the same, we have to say that in ments. For one, there’s a great lack of The network of family farm schools and
reuniting the families of migrants and of pastoral response.
spite of the extensive coverage of the priests. But certainly, whatever can lead foundations like the Sugbuanon Foun-
recognizing their rights as families, accord- The response also calls for solidarity
study that yielded many interesting find- to these impressions should be removed. dation for the Development of Rural
ing them the same protection as other fami- and collaboration between churches of
ings, certain limitations and unresolved But if by Church presence is meant Resources and Effective Area Manage-
lies (see the Holy See’s Charter of the origin and arrival, and between States
questions can still be noted. that priests should now be more in- ment are some examples.
Rights of the Family, 1983, Article 12). at the international level. The crux of the
In short, for any sociological study on volved in social activities like organiz- They are doing a great job in rural
Granted that there are many obstacles matter is reciprocity and mutuality of
certain aspects of Church life to be effec- ing cooperatives and running business development. Our Church officials
that prevent effective resolution, includ- rights, particularly of the freedom of
tive, it should have its due guidance from ventures, micro-financing outlets, etc., should establish some relations with
ing concerns about internal security, eco- religion. When migrant workers and
theology and other sciences related to faith. at the expense of their spiritual and pas- them. They should encourage these ini-
nomics and demography, the obstacles itinerant peoples enjoy freedom of reli-
This is because the social sciences are toral ministry, then we have a violation tiatives and inspire other people to do
are not insurmountable. The pastoral gion, they are able to avail themselves
always in need of some proper moor- of priestly identity and office. the same.
care of migrants and itinerant peoples of the spiritual resources of their faith.
ings. By themselves, they cannot capture I think what is needed here is to em- They don’t have to reinvent the wheel
would call for local and international They are better able to cope with pres-
the intricacies of Church life that’s power the lay faithful so they can be and stray from their proper roles in the
advocacy on these issues regarding fam- sures of temporary family breakup and
mainly governed by spiritual and super- more active in triggering not only more Church and society.
ily unification and family rights. the severe temptations to permanent
To be highly commended is the work family break-up.
of non-governmental organizations The common basis of action for such
both at the local and international lev- solidarity and collaboration is the uni- Bo Sanchez
els, such as the International Catholic Mi- versal journey of all peoples towards the
gration Commission, that pushes the ad- Reign of God, a journey towards justice
Moral Technical
Assessment Assessment
Abhorrent Poor
Disturbing Below average
Acceptable Average
Wholesome Above average
Exemplary Excellent
JASON (Micheal Angarano) is a and return peace to the empire. Title: Forbidden Kingdom
young timid boy from Boston The movie is delightful to Cast: Jacky Chan, Jet Li,
who loves Martial Arts. He fre- watch with its breathtaking scen- Michael Angarano, Liu Yifei,
ery, creative sets and costume Collin Chou
quents Old Hop’s (Jacky Chan)
design, graceful and impressive Director: Rob Minkoff
pawnshop/video store in the Producer: Casey Silver
Chinatown area to rent kung-fu martial arts sequences and a few Screenwriter: John Fusco
movies. funny quips every now and then. Music: David Buckley
On one of his trips, a group of The plot seems to be a Editor: Eric Strand
bullies manhandle him and force combination of borrowed Genre: Fantasy Action
him to lead them to the Old themes from other Hollywood Cinematography: Peter Pau
Hop’s store for them to rob. In fantasy movies and Ancient Chi- Distributor: Viva International
the mayhem, Old Hop gets shot nese legend but with a compe- Pictures
and turns over a mysterious staff tent direction and straightfor- Location: Ancient China
ward storytelling, audience can Running Time: 153 min.
to Jason for him to “return to its Technical Assessment:
rightful owner.” follow the story effortlessly.
Jason runs for his life and falls Although Chan and Li play
off the roof just to wake up trans- supporting roles to American Moral Assessment:
ported back in time to ancient teenager Angarano, there are still CINEMA Rating: For viewers
enough fight sequences and age 13 and below with
China where the supernatural
parental guidance
Jade Warlord (Collin Chou) rules comic moments where the two
with oppression. martial art legends are pitted
Jason learns that he is the against each other.
“seeker” and reluctantly fulfills Overall the movie may not be The movie also makes a stand
the ancient prophesy to find the memorable compared to other against revenge and hate. There
Monkey King (Jet Li) and return Chinese epics but is enchanting are several words of wisdom of-
his staff. Unfortunately for him, enough for the audience to want fered by Chan’s character which
he has to deal with the Jade War- to watch it again.The movie talks will be remembered and can be
lord and his formidable army. He about friendship, perseverance used for one’s daily life choices.
is aided and tutored by a wine- and unity. At first the main char- Although the movie is light and
loving poet and comical fighter acters have a low regard for each seemingly harmless, the charm-
Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) and the pen- other but eventually learn to ap- ingly choreographed fight scenes
sive Silent Monk (Jet Li). preciate, respect and care for one are violent although bloodless.
They are also joined by the ex- another all in the effort to accom- There are a few cuss words and
quisite orphaned Golden Sparrow plish a common goal. sexual reference although not
(Liu Yufei) who vows revenge for It shows also how people, once portrayed explicitly. Substance
her parents’ death and kills her consumed with the moral obli- abuse is apparent with Chan’s
enemies with hairpins. Together, gation and desire to do what is character.
they must free the Monkey King right can be willing to risk and Viewers below 13 should be
so he can fight the Jade Warlord sacrifice himself. guided by mature adults.
Kids’ power
to pray,
share and
build!
ence was the introduction of the In the “Pray Power Station” the The kids were so excited that there
By Kirby Llaban “Kids Ambassadors,” representing KFCs learned about the angels, were kids who came all the way
various countries, Metro Manila saints, and the different sacra- from China to join them in glorify-
sectors, and provinces. These kids ments. They posted different ing God in the IKV.
ON May 2-4, 2008, the CFC Kids will be KFC’s spokespersons for the prayers on the walls of the booth.
for Christ conducted the 11th In- year, until they turn it over to the The “Power Play” had kids from The Power to Build
ternational Kids Village (IKV) at next Kids Ambassadors of their area. Cebu playing different characters Makisig Morales, a KFC mem-
the campus of the Holy Name “Kids’ Power” was the theme that showed the importance of ber and a child actor, joined the
University, Tagbilaran City, of this year’s IKV inspired by the prayer and being Christ-like in “Build Power Activity” where
Bohol. Over 5,500 delegates came verse “Love one another as I have their actions. Another highlight KFC and SAGIP members
from all over the Philippines and loved you” from John 13:34. of the International Kids Village painted houses in the Baclayon
countries like Beijing and the Three power stations were put up was the “Kids Praise.” The kids Gawad Kalinga site. They did
Middle East. Priests from Beijing, for the kids to charge up their always approach the Kids Praise not only build houses, but also
Paving the
Fr. Zhen Tian Liu or Fr. Justin and powers to pray, share and build. with enthusiasm, dancing and sing- built friendships.
Fr. Wen Zheng Han or Fr. Paul ing with gusto. But this year was
also attended. The Friday open- The Power to Pray different – this time the kids raised God’s Love Gives Me Power
ing Mass was celebrated by Msgr. All KFCs wore a “Power Belt” their hands in worship! And no The kids also learned a chant
Jeffrey Malanog, Chancellor, that contained a rosary. The Kids one even told them to do so! that communicated the message of
Highway of
Diocese of Tagbilaran. Most Rev- Ambassadors formed a “Living the event. The chant was, “God’s
erend Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Rosary” and led their fellow The Power to Share love gives me power…Kids
DD, the Bishop of the Diocese of KFC’s to pray. It was so inspiring In the “Share Power Station,” the Power!” The kids were so excited
Tagbilaran, celebrated the Sun- to witness all these kids concen- kids helped raise funds to support in shouting out the chant and do-
day closing Mass. trating in prayer for the interces- the Gawad Kalinga SIBOL pre- ing the actions that go with it.
Peace in Wao
One major feature of the confer- sion of our Blessed Virgin Mary. school program. Through the different activities in
KFCs also show- the IKV, the KFC’s realized that
cased and shared they can do a lot of simple things
their God-given tal- to help change the world and these
ents in the different can all be achieved by remember-
creative, sports and ing that God’s love is the source of
special competi- all power.
tions. One particu- The whole weekend was a By Marjorie Duterte, GK News Bureau
lar contest was the manifestation of God’s great
“Kids Preach” love. During the Kids Praise on
where kids from Sunday, two rainbows appeared THE Bayani Challenge this summer, which involved teams of
different provinces high up in the clouds as the kids builders from all walks of life who went around Mindanao
gave a “talk.” It was were singing songs of love for building homes and sharing their lives with the poor, culmi-
truly amazing that Him. It was as if He was giving nated in the Highway for Peace (HOPE) in Wao, Lanao del Sur
at their young age, the kids his loving benediction. last April 26, 2008.
they can already be- This year, God has inspired CFC Over 100 cars joined the Peace Caravan to Wao, some par-
come evangelizers. to “Love one another as I have ticipants having traveled 3 days from as far as the Bicol Re-
The Beijing del- loved you- Jn. 13:34” The kids have gion in Luzon. As a final test of endurance and sacrifice for
egation also shared shown us that they too can love the GK builders, the participants had to walk through a kilo-
their talents like Jesus. A new generation of meter of thick muddy paths caused by heavy rains the previ-
through a very in- loving disciples that have the ous night before reaching GK Darussalam village set atop a
spiring song and power to pray, share, and build is
Paving / C3
dance presentation. now being raised!
CBCP Monitor
C2 Ugnayan Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
The Eucharist
cern. leaders, or to be blindly loyal,
According to him, there are people who fascinated with, or over-de-
are good leaders but bad managers, or good pendent on them.
managers but bad leaders. In the same way, Dialogue, as opposed to
there are organizations that are well led but debate and discussion, is vi-
not well managed, or well managed but not tal in developing and main-
well led. But just as there are good leaders taining a good relationship
By Fr. Lawrence L. Ssemusu
who are also good managers, so there are between a leader and his or
also organizations that are both well led and her members. Bro. Karel BEING invited to share and celebrate with Couples for Christ
well managed. shared four behaviors that in its week-long Eucharistic Congress in Durban, South Africa
Bro. Karel pointed out that there are dif- need to be present in every was a personal epiphany for me, a moment of grace.
ferent approaches to leadership. In the domi- conversation. The first two are I can best summarize my Durban experience as one that had
nant approach, the challenge is how to bal- listening and respecting. me drawn to the centre of my priesthood: the Eucharist. This
ance concern for people versus concern for These require humble self- has brought new meaning in my celebrating the Eucharist.
tasks. The situational approach adjusts the lead- awareness in order to see the How can one continue to be casual about the celebration of the
ership style to the maturity of the organiza- other as a legitimate person Eucharist after this experience?
tion; a group that is “young” developmen- with something to say. The My training as a priest leaves me in no doubt that Jesus
tally, for instance, may need a more hands- third is suspension of opin- Christ came down from Heaven, that God may be with and in
on approach while a more mature organiza- ions so that one would be his people, and that his people may be in him. This message is
tion may be able to handle delegated tasks. open to see the other’s per- given very simply in Mt. 1:23: “Behold, the virgin shall be
The transactional approach, meanwhile, is spective. The last is voicing with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
based on exchange of interests, as in CBA ne- out or boldly speaking one’s which means “God is with us.”
gotiations. A fourth approach, called trans- truth as it evolves. Jesus’ presence is a dynamic presence; it is a liberating pres-
formational, aims for what is good for the mem- The challenge of community requires and to have the capacity to transcend their ence. Jesus himself states it clearly: “The Spirit of the Lord is
bers in terms of maturity and morality. In space for conversation and meaning, added ego in order to minister to society and the upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to
CFC lingo, this adaptive and value-based Bro. Karel. It also involves a common search world. It is leadership that cannot be achieved the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and
approach is what is often referred to as ser- for truth and meaning; mentoring through without spirituality. recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and
vant leadership. personal growth and transformation; an Bro. Karel emphasized, however, that spiri- to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Luke. 4:18-19). Jesus’
The key challenges in leadership, accord- ethic of caring, service, forgiveness and rec- tuality is different from religion. Religion is presence among us is active; it is dynamic.
ing to Bro. Karel, lie in the areas of effective- onciliation; and love as the full and uncon- a path to spirituality. It is a system of beliefs When Jesus accomplished his mission on earth, as narrated
ness, ethics, and availability. Put simply, ditional commitment to another’s comple- and practices. Spirituality, on the other hand, in Mt. 28:20b, he made us a promise: “And behold, I am with
these three challenges address the need to do tion. is a relationship made possible by openness you always, until the end of the age.” Even as He was saying
things well, to do good things, and to be The realities of the world we live in are to the influence of a higher power. It requires farewell, He affirmed His abiding presence with us until the
ready to lead. He cited four aspects that complex, he explained. Global problems, silence, humility, order, discipline, and cour- end of the age! This presence becomes very real in the Eucha-
needed to be looked at in order to improve such as poverty, natural calamities, and ter- age. And it is what more and more leaders rist. In the Eucharist we have the nourishment, protection, and
the quality of one’s leadership. rorism, persist. The battle between global- today need. Because spirituality is CFC’s busi- healing for our life journey.
The first aspect refers to a leader’s need for ization and localization continues. There is ness, he concluded, the community – with its As I go back home to minister in my own country, I want to
greater self-awareness, self-reflection, and greater cultural diversity and interdepen- structures and culture – is well placed to prac- commit myself to share the life that the Eucharist gives us in a
self-regulation. A leader should be aware of dence among nations and peoples. There are tice spiritual leadership within the organiza- new way. I want to embrace fully the promise of the Lord that
his values, desires, motivation, conscious- so many contradictions and challenges. As a tion and to model it to other groups as well. those who eat him will have God’s life (Jn. 6:48-51). As I seek
that life, I pray that those I minister to may desire this life, a
Helping hands
life which is not transitory but one that endures.
In the Eucharist, Jesus desires that we remain in him: “Re-
main in me, as I remain in you . . . Whoever remains in me and
I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do
nothing” (Jn. 15:4-5). The mutual presence, between God and
the human person, which is realized in receiving the Eucharist
aims at bearing fruit. With this as my inspiration, I pray that I
ON May 12, monsoon rains hit help of the military rescue teams creek wall. and those I minister to will come to bear Christ-like fruits
Metro Manila, and flooding oc- and some residents, by boring a The following after being empowered by the Lord Jesus we receive in the
curred in a GK site in GK hole through the roof. Sunday, Mass Eucharist.
Brookside, Barangay Bagong It didn’t take long before the was celebrated at I now like to refer to my life “before Durban” (BD) and
Silangan. The water level of the CFC- and GK-initiated mobiliza- the chapel of GK “after Durban” (AD). I want the Eucharist I celebrate to make a
adjacent creek rose to high levels tion teams arrived at the side to Brookside. The difference in my life as well as in the lives of those I serve and
and the strong current caused the come to the aid of the brethren local residents minister to. Each one of us, at one time or another, experiences
creek wall to give in. Boulders of whose houses were destroyed by and volunteers difficulties: material scarcity, want, crises in relationship, spiri-
rocks, mud and trash were car- the flood. from different or- tual dryness, grief or loss. In such moments, I will invite the
ried into and through the GK site. Volunteers from everywhere, ganizations, in- Living God in the Eucharist to come and make meaningful
Due to flood risks, families had including GK partner institutions cluding CFC’s changes in these situations.
to abandon their homes to safer like Meralco and civic organiza- North B sector The week I have spent in South Africa has clearly empha-
sites on higher grounds. tions like Rotary Clubs, responded (who decided to sized to me the fact that we are a Eucharistic Community, a
The sudden downpour caught to the needs of the people at GK have their sector sharing community, a community of people investing in oth-
some University of the Philip- Brookside. Beneficiary residents assembly there, ers. The Eucharist brings people who would otherwise be
pines student volunteers, who for of GK sites of Payatas, Bagong filled the chapel strangers to one another and makes them friends. The Eucha-
a week have been going back and Silang, Tatalon, Licad, Laura, and the adjoining rist is communion with God — God who challenges us to get
forth to GK Brookside re-paint- Ruby and others also arrived, basketball court. involved with others, share with others, and fully participate
ing streets of Sta. Clara and San working with the Brookside resi- GK Brookside in each other’s lives.
Isidro, by surprise. By 1:00 PM dents in removing debris and was intended to be a model com- I go back to Uganda very much convinced that Jesus shares
becoming benefactors. his body and blood to feed his church and build us into one
that day, the students were joy- waste left by the flood waters. munity with beautiful houses Indeed in a few more days GK
ful and ecstatic about the work Much of the work included that are well maintained. But community so that we, in turn, may share and be in commun-
Brookside will be restored as if ion with others... After all, is this not what Couples for Christ
that they were about to complete, clean up of the streets and drain- when the flood came in, it was nothing had happened to the site,
but all too suddenly they found age, sand-bagging, first-aid, and the entire GK community that is trying to realize on the face of the earth?
but the hearts of many will be May God bless Couples for Christ and continue to build it
themselves in a near-fatal situa- relief goods distribution. Mean- proved to be the model, ready to forever changed — growing
tion as flood waters entered the time the QC LGU sent heavy help and support brethren in into a strong community founded on love and faithfulness;
deeper in faith and unity, know- may it spread far and wide, extending its roots in the Church
houses and they could not open equipment to re-direct the water need. What was most inspiring ing that we have a big loving
the doors due to water pressure. flow of the creek, and plans are was seeing the beneficiaries from of Jesus the Christ for the greater glory of his name in the
God in control and that there is Church and on the face of the earth.
They managed to escape, with the afoot to re-build the damaged different GK sites serving and always hope for a brighter future!
Paving / C3
hill overlooking the picturesque hills gious leaders who, since 1996, have regu- sion of creating a peaceful haven for the Luis announced that the next High- will rebuild our nation,”
of Wao. larly met twice a year to work towards various indigenous tribes in Mindanao. way of Peace will take place in Sulu Indeed, this is the path to peace that
As moving as seeing the GK builders peace and collaboration between Chris- An oasis has sprung from the once province. “Only for the brave!,” he chal- will all be worth it in the end. For the
blaze the trail of peace in formerly war tians and Muslims. parched war-torn land with the build- lenged the bayanis present. (Last May 2, more we sweat for peace, the less we
zone Wao was the powerful prayer said “Gawad Kalinga is showing us that ing of GK Darussalam village where 11 a groundbreaking was held to begin the bleed in war.
by the Moslem ulama who is also GK there is another highway to peace and homes were constructed during the first GK village in Paticol, Sulu).
Darussalam’s Kapitbahayan president. it is very hopeful. It is a dialogue of life five-day Bayani challenge with more to A total of 65 teams participated in the ________________________________________
His bold prayer, the first of its kind in order to attain the common good.” come. Darussalam, which literally Bayani Challenge. First Lt. Colonel
heard in these parts, was: “We ask for the bishop acknowledged. He affirmed means “an abode of peace” or “where Roger R. Paducay of the Philippine Ma- This year’s Highway of Peace program was
your help that the love, cooperation and that GK is development with a soul, “a peace dwells” is slowly living up to its rine Corps, who led Team Sulu, com- attended by Col. Natalio Ikarma from
unity among Muslims and Christians development (that is) concerned about name. posed of marines based in Malaybalay, Paticol,Sulu, Eddie Choa, Constante Adalla,
may return. Guide the people who are building up a relationship that will lead No one could be more proud than the invited everyone to his area. He said, Mayor Dong from Pandag, Maguindanao,
helping to love the poor. Save my to true peace through good relationship father of the community, its caretaker “Enough of war. Let us give Sulu a Sr. Therese Duciran, Mayor Jayvee
brother Muslims and Christians from between Muslims and Christians.” team lead by Sultan Acraman Saripada chance. War will lead to nowhere.” Avidencio of Maramag, Bukidnon, Mayors
any kind of harm.” The local government of Wao repre- who addressed his Muslim brothers en- What was also noteworthy was the Cesar Tagon and Norman Gil Germino of
His prayer moved a former rebel sented by Vice Mayor Ruth Catalan couraging them to “let’s help each presence of many priests who joined the Eastern Samar, Lyndon Calica in behalf of
commander turned GK full time thanked everyone who came to their other, be united, cooperate, not leav- caravan and the challenge. Working Governor Angging Dimaporo, Mayor Gerry
worker to tears. “This was the first time land. “The coming of this big event in ing anyone behind...this is the com- hand in hand with the people, some of Irisay of Lanusa, Surigao, Selecta HR Man-
that I heard a Muslim pray for a Chris- Wao, gives us blessing. Wao before was mand of our religion.” them their parishioners, the priests ager Jun Corpuz, ARMM - Regional Gov-
tian,” Bailinda Eman said. a land of inferiority, conflicts and sus- As a symbol of friendship and grati- toiled with their hands, mixing cement, ernor Datu Puti, and regional vice gover-
Bishop Honesto Pacana of picious undertakings brought by vari- tude to his brother Christians, the sul- lugging hollow blocks, painting walls, nor Adjong, Mayor Magundadato of Pagang,
Malaybalay, Bukidnon gave the Chris- ous insurgencies and struggles for liv- tan gave a beautiful souvenir to GK Ex- but most of all, spending time with the Maguindanao, Alimusarah Mangugawan,
tian response as he recalled the past ing and search for human significance. ecutive Director Luis Oquinena, GK Op- children and their parents, bringing Bebeth Benitez, CFC Council member Joe
when Muslims regarded Christians as The coming of GK to Wao in 2006 has erations head Mari Oquinena, GK cham- hope. Yamamoto, GK regional heads, GK Builders
oppressors and land grabbers while the boosted our social and psychological pion Tony Meloto and Regional coor- In closing, Oquinena reminded ev- from the local government, schools and cor-
Christians saw Muslims as traitors. esteem which confirms our dignity and dinator Bailinda Eman, who each re- eryone that the work with the poor is porate teams from NAPOCOR, Del Monte,
Bishop Pacana is a member of the Bish- importance as a people,” she said. ceived a medal and a framed “kris,” a “the path to peace, the path to sacrifice, Dole, Globe, Smart among many more un-
ops-Ulama Conference, a panel of reli- The Waonians now hold onto the vi- traditional Muslim sword. the path to selflessness. This is how we sung heroes.
CBCP Monitor
C4 Ugnayan Vol. 12 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2008
Sacrament
Left to Right: Msgr. Pedro Quitorio (Philippines), Fr. Francis Mburu (Nairobi, Kenya), Archbishop Lele (Mombasa), Cardinal Wilfrid Napier (South
Africa), Bishop Giorgio Bertin (Bishop of Djibouti), Fr. Paul Uwemedimo (Nigeria/Philippines), Fr. Peter Foley OMI (Durban), Fr. Eunan Doley
(Durban), Deacon Ronald Perumal (Durban), Fr. Lawrence Ssemusu (Kampala)
of love
By Clarke Nebrao