Nov 20, 2006 - CBCPMonitor

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Vol. 10 No. 16

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NYD 2006: Taking a Years of Missionary Presence in the Stand for Life… for Love Philippines

CICM: November 20, 100 2006

Southville: from ‘Danger Zone’ to ‘‘Death Zone” CHURCH officials have expressed frustration with the pace of actions being undertaken by authorities and urged them to accelerate efforts to solve problems faced by residents at the Southville relocation site in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Southville / P4

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Catechism on the Church and Politics

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Message from Youth, to Youth

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Guimaras: Residents Start Returning Home after Ecological Disaster

Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace November 20, 2006

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Php 16.00

ILOILO City —The mayor of Iloilo said around 300 people have returned to their villages on the islands, which were stricken three months ago by an oil spill. Another 600 residents are still in evacuation centres.

Guimaras / P4

Bishop Sued for Libel After Exposing Mining Anomalies

By Roy Lagarde SOME Catholic bishops deplored the filing of a string of defamation suits by a Canadian mining company against a bishop and a priest, saying that such action is meant to maliciously muzzle the exposes made by environment advocates.

The prelates and clergies of the Archdiocese of Ozamis denounced the criminal libel charges against Dipolog bishop Jose Maguiran and Fr. Albert Bael after exposing alleged anomalies and irregularities committed by the TVI Resource Development Philippines.

The archdiocese covers the suffragan dioceses of Dipolog, Pagadian, Iligan and the Prelature of Marawi (DOPIM) located in the Northwest and Central part of Mindanao.

Supporters of the defendants charge that the complaint is the beginning of an orchestrated effort to harass and intimidate opposition to mining operations.

As a result of the libel suit, the DOPIM bishops and priests released a statement of support for those charged, whom they described as “defenders of the environment and rights of the oppressed.”

Also charged for libel were some lay workers of the DOPIM Committee on Mining Issues.

Bishop Sued / P4

Pope Names Valles Archbishop of Zamboanga, Utleg New Bishop of Laoag THE bishop of the Diocese of Kidapawan in North Cotabato, Most Rev. Romulo Valles, has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to head the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

Valles, 55, replaces Archbishop Carmelo Morelos whose resignation was accepted by the Holy Father.

Morelos celebrated his 75th birthday on December 11, 2005.

According to Church Law, bishops should resign at the age of 75. But the resignation is not effective until Pope accepts it.

Valles is a Boholano born in Maribojoc town. He was ordained priest at the age of 25 and was appointed bishop of Kidapawan when he was 46. He has been the bishop of Kidapawan for the last nine years.

The Archdiocese of Zamboanga was created in 1910, and elevated to an Archdiocese in 1958. As a metropolitan, it comprises the city of Zamboanga; the Prelature of Ipil and Isabela, Pope Names / P4

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Caritas Turns Over Housing Project for Landslide Victims in S. Leyte

Antipolo Diocese Protests Casino Project TWO months after a letter of protest was sent to President Arroyo that remain unanswered, Catholic faithful haven’t put their opposition to Casino on the back burner.

The clergies of Antipolo led by its bishop Gabriel Reyes, civic and academic groups staged a prayer rally last November 9 in Cainta town in Rizal

province to voice their opposition.

The Casino Filipino VIP Club, to be housed at the current Soundstage building beside Sta. Lucia East Mall, is reportedly scheduled to open within this month to handle bets on slot machines.

Information reaching Reyes revealed that gaming tables will also be added by January 2007.

Opponents of the casino in-

clude Rizal politicians led by Gov. Casimiro Ynares who are concerned about its potential impact on an area that is near big commercial establishments including two tertiary schools.

Protesters also included students and youth organizations that carried placards during the rally, some of which read “No to Antipolo Diocese / P4

THE Caritas Internationalis turned over its housing project to the landslide victims in a ceremony held in Liloan, Southern Leyte on November 13.

Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas was present as Caritas Internationalis representative Micheal Franks and Engr. Emmanuel Silvestre, project coordinator of the proponents of CRSAmerica, handed the symbolic key to the housing recipients.

Southern Leyte representative Roger Mercado lauded the efforts made by Cantillas who spearheaded in seeking assistance from the Caritas for the Calingangan residents who were then isolated by landslides that struck last February 12 before the Guinsaugon tragedy.

The 929 total population of said village were all relocated to Brgy. Catig with the construction of the 86 houses or 43 duplex units donated by the Caritas through the Maasin Diocesan Social Action Center and the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“This is the fruit of teamwork, fruit of our wishes”, Cong. Mercado said during his message. “The housing assistance given from benevolent donors should be taken care of, maintain its beauty and give our share to make our community better,” said Mercado.

Caritas Turns / P4

New Apostles Anchored in Christ Urgently Needed, Pope Tells Filipino Youth

by Santosh Digal DAVAO, November 10, 2006—In the world, there is the “urgent need for a new generation of apostles” who would “build their life in Christ, accepting the Word with joy and putting the teachings of the Bible into practice”.

This was the thrust of a message sent by Benedict XVI to youth of the Philippines as they mark the 10th National Youth Day under way in Davao in the south of the country.

In a message read by Archbishop Fernando Filoni, Apostolic Nuncio, to 10,000 young people who gathered to celebrate the event, the pope recalled “the urgent need for the emergence of a new generation of apostles anchored firmly in the Word of Christ, capable of responding to the challenges of our times and prepared to spread the Gospel far and wide.”

The pontiff urged young people to “testify to the light of Christ, the shining

Famous Belgian Organist to Perform at Manila Cathedral Organ Festival

beacon for our life’s journey.” He also invited them to “become familiar with the Bible, one’s compass pointing out the road to follow”, adding: “By reading it, one will know Christ. Reading, studying and meditation of the Word should then flow into a life of consistent fidelity to Christ and his teachings.”

The theme of the National Youth Day meeting, which is being held from 8 to 12 November, is “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (cf. Psalm 119, 105).

On the first day, Davao Archbishop Mgr Fernando Capalla urged delegates “to strengthen the fibers of Filipino society with moral and spiritual ties that keep their church and communities united.”

He told the participants that the aim of the gathering is not just to have fun, but also to become an avenue for moral recovery and spiritual experience.

“The purpose of this event is to beNew Apostles / P4

WORLD-ACCLAIMED Belgian organist Luc Ponet will be up in town for the pipe organ festival organized by the Manila Cathedral-Basilica on December 1-10, 2006.

His visit is purposely in line with the full restoration of the historical Manila Cathedral’s pipe organ, touted as the biggest in Asia.

The musical instrument, which had been in a state of disrepair for the past 15 years, was first constructed in 1958 by a Flemish company called Pels and was erected

by Jose Loinaz of Manila and P. Andriessen of Holland.

Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, Manila Cathedral rector, said the festival, which also highlights the cathedral’s 25th year as a basilica, will be joined by renowned local

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organists like Amador Salarza and Jose Flores Jr. The Manila Symphony Orchestra, Coro Sanctuario de San Antonio, UST Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Tiples de Sto. Domingo, Serenata Vocal Youth Choir, Carlos Optimi Choir are also part of the ensemble.

With 70 stops, four manuals, and pedal, the pipe organ has almost 6, 000 pipes (flutes and trumFamous Belgian / P4

World News

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Neocatechumenal Way meets to discuss evangelisation in Asia

the Neocatechumenal Way that opened today at International Center Domus Galilaeae in Korazim in the Holy Land.

The meeting pro-

JERUSALEM, November 20, 2006— Evange-lisation in Asia and Australia is the topic of a conference organised by

Islamic hackers again fail to disrupt Vatican web site VATICAN, November 10, 2006—For the second time in as many months, computer hackers affiliated with a radical Islamic group tried and failed to penetrate the Vatican web site, the Italian AGI news service reports.

Islamic militants who identified themselves as “leaders of the electronic jihad” announced on their own internet sites that they would launch a “largescale battle” against the Vatican site this week, in response to what they saw as insults against Islam by Pope Benedict XVI. The exact form of the

attack was not explained.

According to the AGI news story, an attack was launched on November 9, but thwarted by security measures on the Vatican site. A similar effort to disrupt the Vatican internet site was made in October— again without any significant effect.

The Vatican web site—one of the busiest on the internet—has tight security measures in place, informed sources say. And Vatican computer-security personnel had ample warning of the Islamic hackers’ plans. (CWNews)

’08 Preparation Includes Formation of Young Leaders ing the lead-up to Youth Day 2008.

The live-in course will be held in the Sydney suburb of Bringelly.

Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, World Youth Day coordinator, said the course will offer specific skills training and experience in implementing WYD programs in youth ministries at local churches.

“It’s our intention that this course will further Christian growth and leadership, not only among course participants but also in the communities to which they return,” he added.

Bishop Fisher confirmed that Australian bishops, theologians, philosophers, priests, youth ministers, artists, reporters and politicians—”all passionate about guiding youth leaders on the path to WYD08"—will take part in the course.

“The course is part of the long-term investment and legacy we are planning for World Youth Day in 2008,” he said.

For information on the course, see the “Australian Parishes and Schools” section of the official Youth Day Web page, www.wyd2008.org.

Applications will be accepted until Jan. 31.

(Zenit)

SYDNEY, Australia, November 9, 2006—A Youth Leaders Formation Course will help prepare for World Youth Day 2008—and possibly be its key legacy.

The course is being convoked by the organizers of the event and, as its name indicates, will aim to form young leaders.

Applications are already being accepted.

Eligible are 18- to 30-yearolds who want to serve in local and national World Youth Day preparations and be active in the future life of the Church.

The July 15-20, 2008, event in Sydney is expected to attract up to 500,000 pilgrims, including as many as 125,000 from overseas. Benedict XVI is scheduled to attend the event.

For three months— from March to June of next year—the formation course will offer intensive training to prospective young leaders to help them prepare others dur-

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moted by the founders of the “Way” Kiko Argüello, Carmen Hernandez and Fr Mario Pezzi has brought together cardinals and bishops from two continents. About 150 prelates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines and Australia have come, as well as priests, traveling teams and family in mission on the Neocatechumenal Way operating in these countries.

Mgr Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of

Jerusalem, is scheduled to speak tomorrow. On Thursday the prelates are to travel to Jerusalem to visit the Holy Sites and meet Mgr Antonio Franco, the Pontifical representative to Israel and Palestine, and Fr Pierbattista Pizzaballa, custodian of the Holy Land.

During the conference issues relating to Christian initiation, the missio ad gentes and the challenge of secularization in Asia and Oceania will be d i s c u s s e d .

(AsiaNews)

Pope Prays for Chiara Lubich’s Recovery VATICAN CITY, NOV. 8, 2006—Benedict XVI imparted his blessing to Chiara Lubich, 86, founder and president of the Focolare Movement, who has been hospitalized in Rome.

Informed personally about her state of health

by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, the Holy Father wished to express his “human and spiritual closeness,” stated a communiqué issued by the Focolare movement.

The note explained that “the condition of the founder of the Focolarini is stabilizing progressively.”

Lubich was hospitalized Nov. 2 in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic of Rome, and was

Pope Has Hopes for ’08 Quebec Eucharistic Congress VATICAN CITY, NOV. 9, 2006—Benedict XVI hopes that the next International Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Quebec City in June 2008, will relaunch adoration of Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.

The Pope himself announced that the preparation of that world event in Canada will be benefited by the publication of the postsynodal exhortation dedicated to the sacrament of the Eucharist.

In that document he himself will bring together the suggestions that arose at the Synod of Bishops, held at the Vatican in October 2005.

The Pontiff was informed on preparations for the Eucharistic Congress when he met this morning with the participants in the plenary as-

sembly of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses.

The meeting was attended by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, president of the committee, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, archbishop of Quebec, who is preparing the congress.

“Eucharistic Congresses,” the Pope told his visitors today, “which are held in different places and continents, are always a source of spiritual renewal, a reason to make the most holy Eucharist better known, which is the most precious treasure that Jesus left us.”

These congresses, the Holy Father added, “are also an encouragement for the Church to spread and bear witness unhesitatingly to the love of Christ in all realms of

society.”

“What need humanity of today has to rediscover in the Eucharistic sacrament the source of its hope!” Benedict XVI continued.

“I thank the Lord because many parishes, along with devoted celebration of the holy Mass, are educating the faithful in Eucharistic adoration and I hope that, in preparation of the International Eucharistic Congress, this practice will be ever more widespread,” he added.

Announcing the forthcoming publication of the postsynodal exhortation dedicated to the Eucharist, the Holy Father said: “I am certain that this document will also help the Church to celebrate with interior participation the Eucharistic Congress that will take place in June 2008.” (Zenit)

Vatican Urges Israel to Bar “Gay Parade” in Jerusalem Calls It a “Grave Affront” to Religious Sentiments suffering from “respiratory insufficiency caused by a pulmonary infection ... The medical treatment continues,” added the communiqué.

Chiara Lubich, born in Trento, Italy, in 1920, founded the Focolare Movement—”Mary’s Work”—in 1943 in her native city. The movement is active in 182 countries. (Zenit)

3 “Holy Cities” Teaming Up Alliance to Promote Art, Culture and Tourism

ROME, November 15, 2006—The three “holy cities” of Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, have formed an alliance to promote the development and value of their rich artistic and cultural heritage.

The agreement “Holy Cities: a Common Project for the Future” was presented in Rome today.

“The collaboration agreement between the three municipalities, signed last year, is beginning to take its first steps,” explained the municipalities of the three cities in a joint communiqué.

Their new Internet home page, www.holycities.info, has information on the initiatives the three cities will undertake jointly.

The mayors of the three cities signed an

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agreement last Dec. 13, marking the start of the project.

The objective is to join forces to promote the artistic and cultural heritage of the three cities which hold UNESCO’s title of Patrimony of Humanity.

Among the joint projects is a program to evaluate the cities’ policy on the conservation and valuation of their artistic heritage.

The evaluation will serve to study a plan of tourist and urban development with numerous objectives, including the protection of historical centers; the improvement of residents’ quality of life; the extension of the average stay of tourists; and the reduction of pollution.

Also under study is a new tourist circuit to integrate visits to the three cities in one package. The new tour will be promoted in Europe as well as in countries such as Japan, the United States, Brazil and China. (Zenit)

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 9, 2006—The Holy See appealed to Israeli authorities to cancel a “Gay Parade” scheduled for this Friday in Jerusalem, considering it an offense to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

A note published by the Vatican press office explains that “considering that on previous occasions religious values have been systematically offended, the Holy See cherishes the hope that the question will be reconsidered.”

The communiqué expresses “profound disapproval of this initiative as it constitutes a grave affront to the sentiments of millions of Jewish, Muslim and Christian believers, who recognize the particular sacred character

of the city of Jerusalem and request that their conviction be respected.”

Jewish and Muslim leaders have expressed their opposition to the parade. Shlomo Amar, the Grand Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, sent a letter to Benedict XVI, requesting a gesture of support.

The note mentions the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in No. 2358, in which it requests that “every sign of unjust discrimination” against homosexuals “be avoided.”

No. 2358 states: “The number of men and women who have deepseated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination,

which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may en-

counter from their condition.” (Zenit)

Guidelines OK’d on Outreach to Homosexuals BALTIMORE, Maryland, November 14, 2006—U.S. bishops at their fall meeting approved new guidelines on pastoral outreach to homosexuals, while affirming the Church’s position that same-sex relationships are “disordered.”

The statement, “Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination,” upholds the Church’s opposition to same-sex “marriage” and adoption by homosexual couples.

The bishops, however, held that children

of homosexual Catholics can undergo baptism and receive other sacraments in most cases if they are being raised in the faith.

On Monday, the bishops voted unanimously to release $335,000 of the $1 million they earmarked last year for research on the causes and context of sexual abuse by clergy.

The money will underwrite the first three segments of the research, which is being undertaken by the John Jay

College of Criminal Justice, at the City University of New York.

Last November the bishops accepted a proposal from John Jay for the study of the Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Children and Young People by Catholic Clergy in the United States, as called for by the bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The entire study is scheduled for completion in 2009. (Zenit)

Archbishop Amato Opens Academic Year at “Angelicum” VATICAN CITY, November 15, 2006—Today, November 15, the liturgical feast of St. Albert the Great, Dominican bishop and doctor of the Church, a ceremony took place to mark the opening of the academic year at Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the “Angelicum,” of which St. Albert is co-patron.

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Following a brief address from Fr. Joseph Agius O.P., rector of the university, Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, delivered a talk on the subject of: “The ecclesiology of communion and the Letter ‘Communionis notio’ on some aspects of the

Church understood as communion.”

The central themes of that document, published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1992 are: the Universal Church and particular Churches, the communion of Churches, Eucharist and episcopate, ecclesial communion, and ecumenism. (VIS)

CBCP Monitor

News Feature

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

CICM

100 Year s of Missionar y Pr esence in the Philippines

By Pinky B. Barrientos, FSP

especially being a “light in the north.” There is so much to thank God for, and so much to take as challenges for the future.”

A Jubilee is a momentous occasion to celebrate with joy and thanksgiving. It is a time for remembering, of looking back with gratitude for what has been. It is also a time of renaissance, a call to renewal of the profound missionary spirituality that spurred the congregation to respond with vitality to the challenges of evangelization.

The missionary congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) is launching the centennial celebration of its missionary presence in the country on November 28 with the theme Remembrance and Revitalization. In his letter to friends of the CICM announcing the theme and objectives of the centennial celebration, CICM Provincial Superior, Fr. Romeo Nimez, says: “The jubilee is a very important occasion for remembrance and revitalization of a religious family like ours. Indeed we cannot take lightly that momentous event in November of 1907, when the pioneers set foot for the first time, and inaugurated the missionary presence of the CICM in this archipelago. From that time on, and across a span of almost 100 years now, we see how the story of CICM has been inextricably linked with the history and evolution of the Church in the Philippines,

A Glimpse into the Past The congregation’s journey into the heart of the Philippine Church started as a response to the urgent request of Msgr. Ambrosius Agius, then Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines; asking the CICM Superior General, Fr. Adolf Van Hecke, for missionaries, to work especially in the northern part of the country.

The year was 1906.

The religious climate then was one of extreme concern on the part of the Philippine Church.

The Spanish occupation had just ended, and all Spanish missionaries expelled. The American government took over, and American Bishops were appointed to take the place of the Spanish Bishops. With the Americanization of the country also came the influx of the Protestant missionaries. On the local front, the religious movement started by Fr. Gregorio Aglipay evolved into a Philippine Independent Church that did not recognize the authority of Rome.

The founding of the Philippine Independent Church left many parishes without a priest.

This became a source of great concern that prompted Rome to call for missionaries to fill up parishes left vacant by Spanish friars and the Filipino clergy who followed Aglipay.

The exigency of the situation was reflected in a letter sent by the Apostolic Delegate to the CICM Superior General: “The Superior of the Mill Hill Fathers suggested that I write to you because you could provide several vigorous and zealous missionaries since you are looking for new mission territories.

Please, good Father, come to our aid and do it without further delay.”

The first group of CICM missionaries sent into the country was headed by Fr. Peter Dierickx who became the first superior of the community. They stayed initially with the Agustinians in Intramuros while awaiting word from Bishop Dennis Dougherty, who was the Ordinary of the diocese of Nueva Segovia, which covered the whole northern part of Luzon. Although the missionaries wanted to stay together in Cervantes for a year to learn the languages, they had to let go of it in deference to the bishop’s wish to go at once to Baguio. Three priests were appointed for Baguio while the other

five went to Cervantes, the old capital of the mountains.

The missionaries set themselves to study the native dialects and customs of the people. Their painstaking study of the local language and indigenous customs burgeoned into a valuable treasure-house of linguistics and anthropology, thus preserving a great deal the cultural wealth of the people for the suc-

ceeding generations to value and learn from.

Among the many exceptional CICM missionaries in the country who have made valuable contributions in the field of linguistics and anthropology were Fathers Morice Vanoverbergh, Alfons Claerhoudt, Francis Lambrecht and Francis Billiet.

A noted anthropologist whose work have been published in scientific journals of several universities abroad, Lambrech (1895-1978) did

twenty dispensaries were built. He established a Catholic school system that now includes thirty-six high schools, twenty-four primary schools, three colleges and two universities. He also founded a local religious congregation of women to minister to the people of Mountain Province.

“A Light in the North” The arrival of fresh groups of CICM priests into the country after the first world war led to the steady growth of mission stations of the CICM in the Mountain Province, among them, La Trinidad,

tion of people living in the mission areas. Fr. Constant Jurgens, who later became bishop of Tuguegarao was a missionary in Bontoc for many years. To help uplift the economic conditions of the people, Fr. Jurgens tried to introduce silk-worm culture in the area. The project did not take off because of opposition from the governor of the place. Other projects, however, succeeded, such as weaving, lace-making, silversmithing and broom weaving. More ambitious projects followed later, such as roads, irrigation, farming cooperatives, credit unions, piggeries, dispensaries, mission hospitals and clinics.

Bokod near the Spanish mission of Daklan, Kapangan, Daluperip, Kayan, Sabangan, Barlig, Burnay-Lagawe, Lubuagan branching out to Naneng ang Salegseg.

The priests also worked in the LepantoAmburayan territory, part of the Diocese of Vigan, with parishes in Cervantes, Tagudin, Concepcion, Angaki, Tubao, and Pugo.

Various livelihood projects were introduced by the missionaries in order to improve the situa-

Another tireless missionary who worked vigorously in the development of the Mountain Provinces was Bishop William Brasseur who was appointed Vicar Apostolic of the Mountain Province in 1948. Bishop Brasseur was the epitome of a true shepherd who lovingly cared for his flock. He had a dream for the people of the Mountain Province which he was able to put into reality. It was under his administration that eight rural hospitals and

first minor seminary in Baguio in 1942. For the missionaries, the seminary was the precious fruit of the many years of loving labor in the place that has become a part of their lives; at the same time, “the flower of the generous faith of so many young families that formed a budding Christian community.”

In the following years more seminaries will be entrusted in the capable hands of the CICM. Among the various semi-

missionary work in the mountains of Luzon for seventeen years, evangelizing the Ifugao people while learning their language and traditions. He did researches on the Ifugao Epic Sagas which became one of his many enduring contributions in the field of anthropology. He shared his passion for anthropology among his students at Maryhurst Seminary, St. Louis University and Baguio Colleges.

By Br. Amado S. Ancla, CFA

Mindanao-Sulu The first to hold their assembly were the Brothers of Mindanao-Sulu,

on October 20-22, 2006 at the Rivier Retreat House in Davao City. Fortythree Brothers from 14 congregations participated, with at least two Congregations participating for the first time. Their theme was “Prophetic Shepherding: Challenge to the Brothers Today.” It was expounded and deepened by Davao’s Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. George Rimando, DD, who was especially chosen as keynote speaker because his episcopal motto is “I am the Good Shepherd.” The Brothers broke up into small groups to share among themselves, and later in plenary, their answers to Bishop Rimando’s challenges.

In place of the usual city tour, the Brothers opted to visit and appreciate the ministries of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who run the Boys Town in Ma-a, Davao City, and of the Marianist Fathers and Brothers, who run Balay Pasilungan, which caters to the street children of Davao City. Fr. Gene Taqueban, SDB and Br. Richard Joyal, SM, of Boys Town and Balay Pasilungan, gave the Brothers a tour of their facilities.

The Brothers were treated with two nights of entertainment by a miniconcert of “Koro,” a choir of our Lady of Fatima Parish and of “Kaliwat Collective,” who rendered cultural dances and songs peppered with social and environmental concern messages. Next year, the MindanaoSulu Brothers will gather in General Santos City.

The officers of the Association of Mindanao-Sulu Religious Brothers for 20052008 are Br. Amado S. Ancla, CFA (Chairman), Br. Erwin Sayson, SC

ZAMBOANGA, November 14, 2006—Understanding the “Spirituality of Christianity and of Islam” I order to draw some important lessons for the “dialogue between cultures” are among the main goals of a national inter-faith symposium between Christians and Muslims that will start tomorrow in Zamboanga, southern Philippines, and last till the 19.

The meeting is taking place through the joint efforts of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, led by Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, the Islamic Institute of the University of the Philippines– Diliman and the Institute of Spirituality in Asia.

In the five-day conference major experts on religion from the Philippines and abroad will discuss how peace and spirituality are the only paths towards peace and development. Study groups and the screening of ‘Bagong Buwan’, a movie by director and Silsilah’s member Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s are also on the menu. The conference will end with a ‘Night of Solidarity’ during which the late

Religious / P11

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Contribution to Seminary Formation Aside from missionary work among the indigenous people, the CICM also dedicated their energies and talents in the formation of local clergy. After many years of patiently building up the faith of the people in the Mountain Province, the CICM started the

CICM/ P10

Rediscovering the Spirituality of Islam and Christianity in Zamboanga

Religious Brothers hold Regional Assemblies THE three member associations of the National Federation of Religious Brothers in the Philippines (NFRBP) under the auspices of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Men in the Philippines (AMRSMP) each held their annual regional assemblies in October 2006. These were the Luzon Association of Religious Brothers (LARB), the Visayas Association of Religious Brothers (VARB) and the Association of Mindanao-Sulu Religious Brothers (AMSRB).

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Bishop Bienvenido S. Tudtud, a pioneer in inter-faith dialogue, will be remembered.

Fr D’Ambra told AsiaNews that “dialogue presupposes a culture that respects others.

This respect implies a willingness to accept outside influences that can enrich oneself, words that belong to the late Bishop Bienvenido S. Tudtud, who was among the first to work in favour of inter-faith dialogue between Christians and Muslims”.

“Dialogue, in an atmosphere of respect and openness,” the missionary said, “not only produces peace but can also reinforce people’s faith and enrich one another’s culture. Understanding this should be encouraged not only at a human but also at the academic and theological levels as a spiritual experience”.

Rediscovering/ P10

CBCP Monitor

News

4 Poverty Blamed for Dropping Vocations POVERTY may be one of the causes of the falling number of priests and new vocations in his jurisdiction, Bishop John Du said.

“There has been a diminishing of vocations. I think poverty is one cause of the problem,” said Du. But he argued that the problem can be prevented if people will be rescued from the clutches of the economic crisis.

Apart from poverty, another problem is the “lack of promotion of the priesthood in his diocese.

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Famous Belgian / from p1

Although there are people in the diocese assigned to this particular work, he said, still the effort is not enough and the problem continues to linger.

In his diocese to date, only six seminarians are in the Theologate while 39 are in college and there are only 81 priests to attend to the needs of about nine hundred thousand Catholics.

Despite the figures, Du said: “The perception of the people about the Church is generally positive.”

(CBCP News)

Bishop Sued / from p1

Caritas Turns / from p1 Arroyo to “listen to the cries” of the marginalized and to “stop curtailments” of the rights of the people to speak for the truth.

Many of our people would come to us instead, they said, to seek redress for their grievances as a result of the destructive effects of the mining activities operating in their localities.

“In coming to their aid, we brought their grievances to the lime-

light of public opinion and for this we are accused to have spread lies to the public,” the statement said.

TVI is currently operating a gold mine inside a 500-hectare area in Canatuan Mountain in Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte province.

The company is also set to expand its current operation in the southern Philippines and has begun exploration projects in Bayog town, in Zamboanga del Sur.

“The government’s action is in a snail pace. We hope that they will accelerate the pace of work,” said Fr. Rene Eriga, the social action director of the Diocese of San Pablo.

The government has been asked to respond to the basic needs of the relocatees in their “dismal conditions” that had dragged on for many weeks with insufficient progress.

It is not the first time that priests and bishops have expressed displeasure over the performance of the authorities and sought fixing of responsibility for various lapses.

Even during earlier statements, San Pablo bishop Leo Drona had warned that if problems are left unsolved, it has the potential to put the health conditions of other people at risk.

The pace of action remained tardy and the same old excuses continued to be extended for the delays in implementation.

In the statement, Drona said: “They came from danger zone for we fully know what is life in ‘home along da riles’ but their life in the relocation site in Southville may become a ‘death zone’ if not properly and adequately attended to.”

He urged Vice-President Noli de Castro who is concurrent chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, to immediately act on the basic requirements of potable water, electricity, waste disposal and a health center in the relocation site.

Similarly, the Urban Poor Associates (UPA) is also upset with the way things are going on, adding that the recent dengue outbreak in Southville that claimed at least six lives could have been prevented had the authorities bothered to respond to calls for medical and sanitation teams.

UPA said at least 17 non-government groups wrote to Health Sec. Fran-

cisco Duque last September 8 to take a serious attention into the water, drainage, electricity and indoor pollution issues Southville.

The letter called for medical and environmental teams “in light of the reported occurrence of skin diseases, diarrhea and other ailments among some of the relocated railway dwellers purportedly due to the poor environmental health conditions in the area.”

UPA said at least six children have already succumbed to dengue but some 20 children were confirmed infected but survived the disease.

As early as September, after one child died of dengue, UPA tried several times to bring the issue of increasing number of dengue cases to the attention NHA. Southville residents complained of manholes filled with stagnant water teeming with mosquito larvae. (Miami Ebilane)

New Apostles / from p1

Antipolo Diocese / from p1

come good and to do good, a time a change, to renew, transform, to be born again and to have a new life,” he said.

He also encouraged delegates to internalize the prayers, reflections, lectures and interaction from the event.

The four days of the meeting will include hymns, times of prayer, Eucharistic celebrations and conferences.

The Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines started celebrating National Youth Day back in 1986 as a way of implementing its preferential apostolate for children and youth.

From 1987 to 1990, the annual encounter was held in Manila. Since 1991, however, National Youth Day has been celebrated in different dioceses of the country. (AsiaNews, with reports from Neela Duallo)

gambling. Don’t teach young people to gamble.”

Reyes said a casino will surely bring great harm to the people.

“Businesses have collapsed because of casino gambling. Jobs have been lost. Families have been broken. Graft and corruption have been committed in offices due to losses in gambling. And in some cases, deaths and suicides have resulted,” he said.

The casino is a venture of the Creative Pacific Corporation (CPC) and will be operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

Casino’s opponents have also asked the local government officials of Cainta to withdraw the permit it

“This situation is not far from the experiences of our fellow countrymen who are subjected to different harassments just to silence them while advancing their aggressive, destructive and exploitative mining operation of transnational companies,” the statement reads.

“We condemn the curtailment of freedom to express what we believe to be the truth.”

They also called on President

Southville / from p1

Pope Names / from p1 Basilan; and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.

Benedict XVI has also transferred Bishop Sergio Utleg, until now bishop of Ilagan in Isabela, to the Diocese of Laoag in Ilocos Sur. Utleg, 63, was ordained priest at the age of 24 and appointed Bishop of Ilagan, when he was 53.

The last ordinary of Laoag was Bishop Ernesto Salgado, who became the Archbishop of Vigan in February of 2005.

There was no bishop appointed for Kidapawan and Ilagan. This means that the two dioceses remain “Sede vacante” until new appointments are made.

No date has been set either for the installation of Valles as Archbishop of Zamboanga, or for the installation of bishop Utleg as Bishop of Laoag. (CBCP News)

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granted to the CPC believing that said business “will contribute to the vast development” of their town.

“Our message is clear that we are against it. If they will not listen to these people, I think their days (in their positions) are numbered,” said Ynarez.

With almost 3,000 people who joined the protest, the governor said, Cainta officials should think again with their decision.

But because Pagcor is under the authority of the President, Reyes said the ace is still in Arroyo’s hands.

The bishop said they are still hoping Arroyo will heed their call to stop the casino operations.

(CBCPNews)

Guimaras / from p1 Residents of Guimaras Island who were forced to flee after a massive oil spill, have started returning home after nearly three months.

The spill contaminated coastal villages and poisoned local flora and fauna.

Around 300 persons left evacuation centres in Nueva Valencia and went home, said the mayor of Iloilo, Diosdado Gonzaga.

The disaster happened on 11 August when an oil tanker capsized off Guimaras Island: around 10% of the ship’s cargo of two million litres of oil leaked, affecting a 200km coastal stretch.

Gonzaga said that following the disaster, the evacuees found refuge in provisional shelters in the city of Nueva Valencia, where an-

other 600 people remain. The latter will be able to return home only when all areas stricken by the oil spill have been cleared of toxicity.

Shortly after the spill, Manila’s health department sent several medical teams to the island to treat 329 people who complained of health problems. Among the symptoms: skin irritations, respiratory problems, stomach aches and nausea.

Guimaras residents are currently seeking to limit the environmental damage caused by the spill.

The Filipino Coast Guard has appealed for “for chicken feathers and human hair” to soak it up. The tanker, said to be resting on the seabed, has been described as “an ecological time bomb” by environmentalists. (AsiaNews)

Catig has a total land area of 1,583 sq. meters while Brgy. Caligangan has 2,955 sq. meters.

Also in attendance during the turnover ceremony were Maasin Gov. Rosette Lerias, Caritas Filipinas Foundation representative Sr. Rosanne Mallillin, SPC, Diocesan Social Action Center (DSAC) of Maasin represented

by Fr. Eufemio Gohetia, and other local government officials of Maasin.

(CBCP News)

pets) placed on seven major chests and supplied by 12 bellows and four electric blowers.

The instrument was contracted to the Las Piñas-based Diego Cera Organbuilders, Inc. for full restoration to its original form and function.

“With the instrument now rebuilt, we bring back the sounds of wonderful splendor and revive the rich musical tradition of this premier church of Manila as we lift our minds to God and higher things,” said Cerbo.

With the material cost spent in the restoration project, Cerbo said the lure to make its launching as a fund raising opportunity is strong but their decision to make the event open free to the public is in line with enabling the poor to have a chance to witness and enjoy the performances.

“As much as possible, every activity that the cathedral-basilica holds this year, I want the poor always favored, this being a year of social concern,” says Cerbo. (CBCP News)

Laiko / from p7 World War III. • Transportation costs for commerce and industry will become prohibitive and the power needed to generate electricity— to heat the homes during winter or to cool during summer, will be scarce and may no longer be accessible to millions of poor households.

How will these potential problems be addressed by the free world? By the Philippines in particular? An immediate doable answer is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel and to develop our own renewable sources of energy.

Aside from harnessing more solar and wind power, in order to provide security for our future energy needs, we have to use plant-based sources of energy, mainly for producing biodiesel and ethanol. The corollary effect is reducing greenhouse emissions directly mitigating the harmful effects of radical climate change.

What is biodiesel? The following terminologies are used to mean the same – coco-diesel, cocobiodiesel, coco-methyl ester (CME). It is a product obtained by the chemical reaction between coconut oil and wood alcohol or methanol. Although not known to most of us, the airline industry’s aviation lubricant is derived from coconut oil which until now has no better substitute.

The proposed Biofuels Act mandates the mixing of 1 % CME to diesel fuel for the first 2 years starting from the effectivity of the law and 2% CME thereafter. In the case of gasoline, the Act mandates addition of 5% ethanol in the first two years and 10% thereafter. The technology of manufacture of these biofuels is well-known throughout the world. Philippine scientists completed their study in manufacturing ethanol from molasses sometime in 1976 during the first oil crisis at the same time that Brazil scientists started their research on ethanol production. After 30 years Brazil manufactures 16 billion liters of ethanol yearly supplying 20% of the world’s requirement. The Philippine scientists were not given support by the government hence the study stopped. (Even today the DOST has the lowest budget allocation given by Congress—only 0.3% of the 2007 budget).

While the technical aspect of producing these fuels is not a problem, the use of our food crops like

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coconut, corn, cassava and sugar cane for biofuel production is a potential problem which is now being deliberated upon by the Bicameral Committee. The mandated 1% addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel will require 70 million liters of biodiesel. To produce this, copra and coco food applications will have to be reduced from the present yearly harvest by 224 million coconuts, the needed quantity to produce 70 million liters of CME; i.e., 1% of our yearly consumption of 70 billion liters of diesel oil. Two years from now, the 10% addition of ethanol to gasoline will require 105,000 hectares to plant the quantity of sugar cane needed to produce 340 million liters of ethanol.

As of last census, there were only 380,115 hectares planted to sugar cane in the Philippines.

The discovery that the lowly tuba-tuba (jethropa) fruit-bearing shrub, as a source of oil for biodiesel production will somehow ease the need for coconuts for the production of biodiesel. Jethropa planting will utilize lands that are idle, barren and unproductive for planting corn, cassava or sugar cane. There are 2 million hectares in Northern Mindanao eyed for planting jethropa (tuba-tuba). Three kilos of tuba-tuba seeds will produce one liter of crude unprocessed oil. This will be a boon to poor farmers whose lands are unproductive for planting food crops.

The framers of the Biofuel Act realize the need to separate the plantation for commercial sugar production and that for ethanol production. As the need for more ethanol increases while the supply is limited, specially considering that Japan is the biggest market in this region, the sugar cane farmers for biofuel production may earn more per hectare of land while the farmers devoted to planting sugar cane for confectioner’s and table sugar may not earn as much. Conversion of sugar cane lands for confectioner’s sugar to that for ethanol production may again incite tenant uprising in Sugarlandia.

This potential volatile situation will affect our small communities in the parishes, the BEC’s. It behooves all lay leaders and the Church as a whole to study and monitor these fuel change scenario affecting our agricultural manpower in the same way that we are now addressing the effects of the 1995 Mining Law on our Indigenous People.

CBCP Monitor

Feature

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Committee for the International Eucharistic

7 QUESTIONS for Bp. Honesto C. Pacana, SJ, DD

Clementine Hall 9 November 2006

MOST Rev. Honesto C. Pacana, installed in 1994 as the third bishop of Malaybalay (Bukidnon), recently spoke to CBCP Monitor about his diocese’s current pastoral strides in such areas of evangelization and catechesis, priestly vocations and formation, lay participation or empowerment, social concern programs, and media evangelization.

© Ettore Ferrari/epa/Corbis

Your Eminences, Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood, Dear Brothers and Sisters, YOUR visit gives me great pleasure and I greet you all with affection. In the first place, I greet Cardinal Jozef Tomko, whom I thank for expressing your common sentiments and for telling me about your Plenary Assembly, which has been taking place in the past few days.

I cordially greet the Members of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses and the National Delegates who have taken part in this Meeting in order to prepare together for the upcoming 49th International Eucharistic Congress. It is scheduled to take place in Quebec in June 2008.

I next greet the representatives of the Local Preparatory Committee of this great ecclesial event, as well as the small but significant group of Adorers of the Eucharist.

You come from various parts of the world and the purpose of your Meeting is to prepare for this International Eucharistic Congress: a celebration of special importance to the whole of the Church. As Cardinal Jozef Tomko has just recalled, it constitutes a unanimous response of the People of God to the Lord’s love, supremely manifested in the Mystery of the Eucharist.

It is true! The Eucharistic Congresses that take place from time to time in different places and on different continents are always a source of spiritual renewal, an opportunity to become better acquainted with the Blessed Eucharist, which is the most precious treasure Christ has

bequeathed to us. They are also an encouragement to the Church to spread Christ’s love in every social milieu and to witness to it unhesitatingly.

Moreover, ever since your praiseworthy Pontifical Committee was established, its proposed goal is “to make ever better known, loved and served Our Lord Jesus Christ in his Eucharistic Mystery, the centre of the Church’s life and of her mission for the world’s salvation”.

Each one of these Eucharistic Congresses therefore represents a providential opportunity to solemnly show to humanity: “The Eucharist, a gift of God for the life of the world”, as the basic text for the upcoming Congress says.

This Document was presented during your Meeting by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, to whom I address a special greeting. Not only those who have the opportunity to take part in person but also the various Christian communities who are invited to join it in spirit will be able to benefit from the special graces that the Lord will dispense at the International Eucharistic Congress.

In those days, the Catholic world will keep the eyes of its heart on the supreme mystery of the Eucharist in order to draw from it a new apostolic and missionary impetus.

This is why it is important to prepare oneself well and I thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for the work you are carrying out to help the faithful on every continent to understand ever better the value and importance of the Eucharist in our lives.

Furthermore, the presence among you of several representatives of the Adorers of the Eucharist

and the mention that you made, Cardinal Tomko, to the “Federación Mundial de la Adoración Nocturna”, enables me to recall how helpful the rediscovery of Eucharistic Adoration is for many Christians.

In this regard, I am pleased to think back to my experience last year with the young people in Cologne on the occasion of World Youth Day, and in St Peter’s Square with the children preparing for their First Communion accompanied by their families and catechists.

How great is humanity’s need today to rediscover the source of its hope in the Sacrament of the Eucharist! I thank the Lord because many parishes, as well as celebrating Holy Mass devoutly, are educating the faithful in Eucharistic Adoration, and I hope also in view of the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress that this practice will continue to spread.

Dear brothers and sisters, as you well know, the next PostSynodal Exhortation will be dedicated to the Eucharist. It will present the suggestions that were made at the last Synod of Bishops, dedicated precisely to the Eucharistic Mystery, and I am sure that this Document will also help the Church to prepare and to celebrate with interior participation the Eucharistic Congress that will be taking place in June 2008.

From this moment, I entrust it to the Virgin Mary, the first and incomparable adorer of Christ in the Eucharist. May Our Lady protect and accompany each one of you and your communities and make the work you are doing fruitful, with a view to the important ecclesial event in Quebec.

For my part, I assure you of my remembrance in prayer and warmly bless you all.

provides inspiration, guidance, motivation and power for a life of total commitment to God and service to one’s neighbor. Stewardship fits in very well with human relationship. A steward is not an isolated individual.

He is a member of a household, a family, a community, a political group, a business institution. He is a genuine member of the community to the extent that he responds to his duty both within and outside the community.

Stewardship includes related values, such as, cooperation, co-responsibility, partnership, collaboration, interdependence, solidarity and subsidiarity.

This is how we would like to mea-

sure our public officials, and those who would like to be in the position of governance in our country. We have not gotten rid of injustice, cheating, dishonesty, graft and corruption in our culture of election and governance. No act of Congress, no decision of the Supreme Court can fully make any one “a good steward.” True and genuine stewardship can take place only when a person has a “sense of God” and thus makes his personal covenant with him as his Master, and has a “sense of altruism” and thus makes a personal commitment to his neighbors as truly his brothers and sisters.

In andOut / from p6 tributed to three stewards (Mt. 25/1430), the dishonest manager (Lk. 16/113), the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16/ 19-31). St. Paul sums up his understanding of stewardship: “What do you have that was not given to you?

And if it was given, how can you boast as though it were not?” (I Cor. 4/7). A good steward is characterized by his faithfulness and loyalty to the master and owner, by his business acumen and personal discipline, by his productivity and resourcefulness, and by his being accountable to both the master and to the people he has been put in charge over.

In our life today, stewardship

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5

The declining number of priestly vocations has been generally noted in some dioceses. Is this true in your area?

Well, no. Certainly, in Malaybalay diocese, the problem is not concerning vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

In terms of the number of candidates, there are really a good number who enter the seminary.

Our problem rather is on the training or formation stage because a lot of them do not persevere.

Maybe out of 20, only about 7 of them make it to ordination. But you know, for me, even if they don’t make it to the ordination, I don’t look at it as a waste of money because, for sure, these individuals have already imbibed the lofty ideals or values from their seminary formation, which they can use in the future as family men. If they will work in the government or be involved in business, at least they can use the values they have acquired from their seminary formation.

On the subject of lay empowerment or participation in the Church, how is it being realized in your diocese?

Oh yes, we have a very strong lay leadership program, which we call Alagad program.

We train new recruits twice a year. They are empowered to do paraliturgical work or ministry in the absence of a priest in different barrios, sitios and local chapels. Some of them go into developmental type of work like giving lectures on sustainable agriculture and some are even serving as a kagawad in the barrio.

So, while being a lay leader in their parish, they also put their values in their work as kagawad. Really, this is one area where we empower our laity.

Well, one is that we are helping the indigenous peoples in our area in their struggle for their ancestral domain. Another, we have our Botika sa Parokya, of course, with the intention of helping those who cannot afford to buy high-priced medicines. We also try to look into the problem of child labor. There are a lot of reports about child labor in various companies particularly those operating the banana or pineapple plantations. It may not be very visible to the public eye, but there are reports about this problem because a lot of families cannot afford to send their children to school but instead let them work in the plantations. Lastly, we are also continually firming up on other programs which we already have like our literacy program among the tribal communities in the hinterlands.

Is it not that the Church’s engagement in politics is also part of the social concern agenda?

What do you think?

Yes, I do believe it is part of the Church’s social concern. The People’s Initiative, for example, is a political issue but at the same time we are involved in it simply because the manner which they have collected the signatures, to some extent, is rather not in line with the Church’s teaching. The Church’s teaching is that the freedom of man should be respected. In the case of the People’s Initiative, they collected signatures even if people were not given adequate information, or that people’s freedom were not respected in the sense that it was accompanied with a hidden threat like saying ‘if you will not sign, something will happen’, or also with some promises like ‘if you sign, things will become better for you’. In a sense, there is a moral dimension in such an issue, and we try to address the moral dimension. If people must participate, they must have the freedom to sign or not to sign on the basis of adequate information, not just sketchy information, and without coercion or threats. That is against human dignity. So, in our part, as much as we can, we educate our people in the diocese about it even if this thing of collecting signatures has been done too fast and too soon. In this case, hence, the Church’s social concern mandate of morally engaging in politics should come to play.

7 QUESTIONS

Do you think the laity would rather be more effective in evangelizing in their secular field or arena?

Definitely. They should be more involved in areas where they are probably prepared more. For example, in politics. It is really a place for lay people. But many of our church’s lay leaders, who are not only professionally but also morally qualified, do not want to run for political positions because they think it is dirty…there is lot of corruption. But I think this is the place where they should be more involved in order to evangelize. You see, there are even good people like members of faith communities who could easily run for mayors, but they do not like to, maybe because they are afraid that if they run they will not win considering the kind of politics we have.

What about the Philippine church’s social concern agenda?

How is the status of your diocese’s social concern program and activities?

11/24/2006, 9:06 PM

How is your program on evangelization and catechesis?

Well, we have an Institute of Catechesis that serves the whole diocese. Volunteer catechists go there for their initial training and continuing formation. This is the Institute that takes care of the catechetical program of the dio7 Questions / P13

CBCP Monitor

Opinion

6 Editorial

Gambling Operation is Exploitation

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

“Lord, make me a channel of your peace... where there is hatred, let me bring your love... where there is injury, your pardon.”

The exploitation of people is one of the worst social evils especially so in countries that are economically depressed and bleak. Talk about the Philippines and how serious the evil of gambling is in this country.

Be it legal or illegal, gambling in this nation is downright exploitation of people. Legal gambling exploits the wealthy, the corrupt and/or the greedy.

Illegal gambling on the other hand exploits the poor, the gullible and the helpless.

The rich who indulge in legal gambling have no right to waste their resources in the face of the basic needs of the poor who are teeming in millions. The poor who patronize illegal gambling should know by now that they are eventually rendered even poorer by gambling operators cheating them.

This is why it is a big hypocrisy to claim that legal gambling is giving revenues to the government to help the poor, while illegal gambling is giving work to the poor. Strange but true: the welfare of the poor in this country is the perpetual excuse—from running in the elections and putting up dummy charitable foundations to promoting and tolerating legal and illegal gambling operations.

If only such numerous and continuous claims were true, there would be no poor in this country. It can be asked, in addition to helping the poor every now and then, what else does legal gambling really do with its multi-billion yearly takes? Other than giving work to the kubradores, what else does illegal gambling do to favor certain crooked national and local officials in government?

It is not too hard to understand that gambling especially in a poor country like the Philippines is becoming a yearly social calamity. It is much worse than the material devastation brought about by periodic typhoons and other natural disasters.

Gambling is a vice—as evil as the vicious practices of drug peddling and consequent addiction, the promotion and patronage of prostitution especially of women and children.

There is no social adversity like the erosion of elementary values of industry, integrity and honesty. Gambling promotes and inculcates the vices of indolence, greed and corruption. During the time of martial law everybody was denouncing to the teeth the regime for exploitation and injustice and oppression. Happily or sadly, today nobody does.

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6

Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD

In and Out of Season THE Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP-II) has one decree which mandates the development of a comprehensive theology of stewardship. It reads: “The Church, through the initiatives of the CBCP, should develop a comprehensive theology of stewardship and, in the light of theology, should make ecology a special concern of the social action apostolate down to the parochial level, with the end in view of making everyone a true steward of God’s creation.

An ecology desk must be set up in social action centers” (Art. 31, sec. 1 and 2).

What is stewardship? In what does it consist? Stewardship is the practical acknowledgment that one is neither the absolute owner and master both of himself and his possessions, nor of the world of nature (ecology) and of grace. He has received them as a gift and a trust. And therefore, he must use them as a grateful, accountable and responsible person, in accordance with the intention or plan of the Divine Owner, to promote the good of all and to establish the reign of God in the hearts of men.

“Renewed Evangelization” and “Renewal of Christian Life” which PCPII lengthily talks about necessarily involves the promotion of a life-style of

stewardship. Theologically, everything a man has primarily belongs to God on a triple title of creation, redemption and sanctification. Not only possessions which include money, but life itself, parenthood, grace, as well as mental, manual and artistic talents must be received humbly and gratefully from the Lord of Creation. They must be used and applied in a way that recognizes God’s ownership.

Vatican II’s Decree on the Laity, Apostolicam Actuositatem, identifies the apostolate of the laity in the Church and in Society with the biblical word “steward” or “stewardship,” when it states: “For the exercise of the apostolate God gives the faithful special gifts besides, ‘allotting them to each one as he wills’ (I Cor. 12/7), so that each and all, putting at the service of others the grace received may be ‘as good stewards of God’s varied gifts,’ (I Pt. 4/10), for the building of the whole body in charity (cf. Eph. 4/16).

From the reception of these charisms, even the most ordinary ones, there arises for each of the faithful the right and the duty of exercising them in the Church and in the world for the good of men and the development of the church….” (no. 3).

In the Old Testament, relationship with God is expressed and interpreted in

Pursuing the Lost Sheep PROMOTING respect, care and value of life through pro-life seminars have opened the doors to all sectors of society who care to listen and realize that life is for everyone.

Lina and Celia were scheduled to depart immediately for Japan as dancers when both discovered they were pregnant. Having attended the seminars, they sought counseling before they went to an abortionist whom Lina contracted to perform a D & C. Their being able to express their fears and worries gave way to new ideas and options. Exploring possibilities and solutions with the counselor led to a dialogue with the manager to work out an agreement with the employer to postpone the contract until the baby is born.

Lina, decided to continue with her pregnancy—uncertain but trusting that God’s promise to “Seek first His kingdom

Stewardship

In and Out/ P5

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

and His righteousness and everything will be added unto you” will hold true and God’s miracle will happen.

Celia, on the other hand, decided to abort her baby due to extreme fear that her family would reject her. She knew in her heart that she wanted her baby. She was torn between what is right (to keep her baby) and what is practical (to earn a living in Japan). Her decision made her depressed to near despair. More so when she realized that her abortion was incomplete and her bleeding would not stop.

She had to undergo another D & C and pay another P 6,500.00 for the procedure.

She was not able to leave for Japan.

But, true to His word, God performed miracles when He was sought. By God’s grace, the manager was able to arrange for a better deal with the Japanese employer. Lina was allowed to leave for Ja-

11/24/2006, 9:06 PM

terms of stewardship. It is applied not only to individuals (like Cain and Abel, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, the Judges and the Prophets), but also to the whole of Israel. The call of God to individual personages is a call to be steward of God’s message of salvation. The Bible recounts stories of how individual Israelites and the Chosen People fulfilled this duty of stewardship concerning the mighty gifts of God. But many times, too, the Israelites, both individually and collectively, failed against their duty of stewardship: they broke God’s commandments and turned to idolatry. The unfaithful stewards, who were leaders of the people, were called “false shepherds” (Ez. 34). The Bible, however, also contains the story of God’s patient efforts to call them to a new relationship with him, to a return to stewardship.

In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as God’s steward par excellence by the very fact that He is the Son of God, sent into the world for His Father’s business. Jesus delivered many of His sublime teachings in the form of parables. He frequently made reference to the practice of stewardship: for example, the parable of the rich fool (Lk. 12/13-21), the talents dis-

Love Life pan even if she was pregnant. She did not have to work as a dancer.

God’s ways are not our ways. But with God all things are possible and His ways are creative and inexhaustible. He will never abandon the lost sheep. This much a Pro-lifer knows and experiences, for every person touched by God’s grace through Pro-life services, the hand of God is revealed and the eyes of the blind are opened.

Pro-life needs volunteers to help in our counseling centers, our speakers bureau and our fund-raising projects.

We can also help you set up pro-life activities in your parish, school or organization. Please call the pro-life office if you feel that God is calling you to this ministry – Tel 911-2911, telefax 4217147, email life@prolife.org.ph or text me at 0919-2030-637.

CBCP Monitor

Opinion

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

Jose B. Lugay

Laik o Lampstand Laiko THE Biofuels Act, a consolidation of House Bill 4629 and Senate Bill 2226 is scheduled for the Congressional Bicameral Committee meeting this November. The new law will be signed by the President in the following weeks. After the Implementing Rules and Regulations will be completed in 3 month’s time the mandate to mix biofuels in this ratio: 1% cocodiesel to diesel fuel and 5% ethanol to gasoline, will start. In effect, there will be less fossil fuels burned to run our transport vehicles.

What is the significance of this law?

How does it affect the economy? The sugar industry? The corn, coconut and cassava farmers? What are the potential problems facing these farmers? To answer all these questions, the Concerned Citizens Against Pollution led by its founding chairperson, Ester Perez de Tagle held a symposium at the Ateneo University, Institute of Social Order last November 4. Due to the portentous effect of the burning of fossil fuels to man’s future in this planet, many environmentalists came to attend the symposium, namely, key representatives of the NGOs, the Academe, the government sector, priests and religious, and the business sector.

Congressman Nereus Acosta, the pro-

ponent of the Clean Air Act, Engineer Rafael Diaz, President of the Philippine Biodiesel Association, Mr. Ernesto Ellis, Jr., COCAP Trustee, Mr. Fernando Corpus of the Sugar Regulatory Commission and Mr. Mario Marasigan, Director of the Department of Energy were the experts who propounded on the cause and effect of too much dependence on fossil fuels and the benefits of now using renewable energy resources.

The discussion included all sources of feedstock for the production of biodiesel, namely, coconut oil, palm oil, oil from seeds of jethropa (tuba-tuba), hanga-hanga, rape seed (canola), even from used cooking oil.

Corn, cassava, sugar cane and sweet sorghum were identified as the main feedstock for the manufacture of ethanol.

These were the facts highlighted by the speakers which everybody should know since this will affect our way of life in the next two decades: • The continued use of fossil fuel will accumulate greenhouse emissions. Together with deforestation, these two activities of modern man directly increase global warming. As a consequence, the North Pole icecap melts, the glaciers in Greenland and Europe shrivels, and the permafrost in Siberia recedes.

Scorecards ÃN có nhai, nói có ngh)´ is a Vietnamese proverb which simply says “Think today and speak tomorrow.”

Government drumbeaters are at it again. The country’s economic growth can no longer be ignored as international rating agencies have upgraded the country’s status from a sorry status some months ago to what some people described as highly acceptable. Interests charged from foreign borrowings will now be reduced.

It has also been said it will take sometime for ordinary people to benefit from a much better economy as it takes time for the “fruits” to trickle down to the greater majority. I’ve heard this line since I joined Veritas in 1994 when the administration then boasted of the country was slowly but surely achieving a “Tiger economic status.” And all we heard was a purr and nothing more.

Still, the government hopes to get more foreign investors into the country.

However, it is sad to know international businessmen are seriously considering Vietnam after China. Pro cha-cha groups would say we really have to amend the constitution to make us more attractive to businessmen. Again, it’s the people that matters and not the system.

Against this backdrop, Filipinos

Vie ws and P oints iews Points

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• The sea level will rise by 30 feet and will submerge many of the 7032 islands of the Philippines.

• The climate change has made the phenomena of El Niño and La Niña appear in predictable patterns resulting in more destructive typhoons on one hand and desertification of fertile lands, on the other hand.

• The supply of fossil fuel and its products, diesel and gasoline, will dwindle at a much faster rate. This is attributed to the fuel demands of industries in the United States, Europe and the new industrializing countries notably India and China .

Regrettably, no country has fulfilled their promised target to reduce greenhouse emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol.

• The supply of fossil fuel is finite and not renewable.

• The time will come when the main suppliers of oil in the Middle East—Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia will control world economic security. This is termed by Thomas Friedman of Herald Tribune as PetroAuthoritarianism. Coupled with Islamic radicalism this becomes a greater threat to world peace—conceivably leading to Laiko / P4

Melo M. Acuna

Issues and Concerns

leaving for abroad reached to a high of almost 3,000 a day. According to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration figures, this is simply 8% more than that of previous year’s average. It appears most of our workers wish to earn more at the shortest possible time.

Vietnam, which happens to be our neighbor, ravaged by bitter fighting for decades will open its doors to foreign leaders as host to APEC leaders this 18th and 19th of November and the World Trade Organization as its 150th member country.

It is interesting to note Vietnam (8.4%) is second to China (10.2%) in terms of economic growth last year compared with our very own 5.0% according to the real GDP growth in APEC member economies. Its growth in agriculture has significantly changed the economic environment in what was formerly part of French Indochina, along with its being host to modern industries. However, Intel got into the picture along with Honda motorcycles which hopes to produce a million bikes next year simply for their domestic market. In the Philippines, we are now satisfied with the hand-me-downs from Subic and other freeports.

The Philippines during the height to the Vietnam War was America’s launch-

Oscar V. Cruz, DD

GRAFT and Corruption seem to have become an expertise of the present Administration. This observation becomes more evident and eminent especially before, during and even long after elections.

In effect, there is no day nor occasion in the country that is not accompanied by suspicions and talks of graft and corruption especially so when the government has a hand therein. Rightly or wrongly, there already seems to be a popular tendency of identifying the present Administration with graft and corruption.

The truth is that even the national leadership itself repeatedly and publicly acknowledges the big curse of graft and corruption in government. For this reason, at its own initiative even, the present Administration came up with the brilliant idea of setting aside the amount of no less than two billion pesos to lessen if not totally eradicate graft and corruption

Biofuels and Our Future

ing pad for its “liberation” forces. Rest and recreation was either at Subic or Angeles City in Pampanga. It was in April 1975 that the Americans opted to leave Saigon giving the North Vietnamese leaders and troopers what’s left of South Vietnam. It was in 1986 when they launched their “Renewal” program and started the ball rolling. A couple of months after President Corazon Aquino assumed power, we were buying rice from Vietnam.

All is not lost. We’re a bit ahead of Thailand and Chinese Taipei, according to APEC statistics. We’re lagging behind Singapore and Russia and Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. Who would ever think Vietnam would overtake our very own country, touted to be America’s closest ally in Asia for the past 60 years?

Maybe had the Americans left us on our own, we could have prospered earlier. Yes, the Americans are back in Vietnam, not as Green Beret soldiers but eager businessmen. Well, we’re still hosts to American troopers in never-ending military exercises geared to what has been said as “inter-operationability.”

What’s wrong with us? Will someone please take time to clearly explain where we are? Don’t you find the Vietnamese proverb a probable key to success?

Graft and Corruption Again and Again

in the public sector. The serious and dedicated cleansing work in the government was said to have immediately began in earnest with coordinated efforts of different government agencies.

But surprise, surprise! Or is it? The Transparency International just recently came up with the finding that there is now in fact even more graft and corruption in Philippine Government. In effect, in its latest report, the country as a whole sunk lower in ranking as far as honesty and integrity in government transactions are concerned. Translation: graft and corruption accompany government dealings all over the land even more during these times!

Question: Where are the 2 billion anti-graft and corruption funds? How is such a big funding allocation being spent under the baton of the national leadership itself? Why is there now even more

graft and corruption in the government?

Is the amount in fact used by the Administration as an excuse precisely to fund its many and different graft and corruption practices? In the event that there is an iota of truth in the alleged malversation of the fund, this would be the height of hypocrisy, the summit of deception.

The people are poor. Many of them are starving. Some of them die for lack of medicine. Millions leave the country to find a living. Women are violated and children are exploited. There are those who even sell their kidneys.

Where have all the money gone?

Who pocket much of the direct and indirect taxes paid by the rich and poor alike?

Why is graft and corruption still much alive and thriving well in this country?

Where is honest and upright governance?

When shall this sunny nation eventually see the sun of hope and promise rise?

11/24/2006, 9:06 PM

7 Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD

Tidbits

The People of God and the Bishop IT is amazing how simple events as the announcement of a transfer of assignments could trigger a series of realizations.

This happened to me some time last October 17, 2006, when the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines called me up by phone relaying to me the decision of the Holy Father to transfer me to the Diocese of Tagbilaran. Drilled for so long in the value of obedience, I acceded to the Holy Father’s order without comprehending at that moment the full impact of my ready consent. But not for long. It soon dawned on me.

Left alone after the call, I started seeing the implications of the transfer unfolding before my gaze its stark reality. I began to realize the full import of what a diocese is. In law it is objectively and therefore coldly described as a portion of the people of God constituted as a particular Church or a community of the Christ’s faithful entrusted to a Pastor in a definite locality. As such parting would not be that heavy.

But the Church of Christ in the Eastern part of Samar is not just a cold organizational system or a group of baptized Christians welded together through the Gospel and the Holy Eucharist; organized to respond effectively to the divine call to holiness. The Diocese of Borongan is first and foremost the “waray-waray” people in Eastern Samar who through the sacrament of baptism and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist were called together to a pilgrimage, to a spiritual journey that has to be undertaken in the province where the rising sun is first seen.

This is a portion of the people of God, men of flesh and blood, of deep emotions and sensitive feelings, persons who are capable of forming their own spiritual vision and spinning out social dreams backed up with their own assumed mission and self-induced commitments, group of individuals who are proud of their own language, customs, culture, way of life. For nineteen years I have journeyed with this people; I have been happy with them, comfortable with their behavior and way of living, one with them in their dreams, their frustrations and disappointments, in their prayers and hope for a better tomorrow in Christ. Now, with the impending transfer I realize that I am leaving the people whom I have learned to love and cherish.

The people of God concept is introduced by the Second Vatican Council to describe the Church, for it conveys the foundational structure of the Church as a social structure. It points out the nature of the members that compose it, defining, that is, their radical equality. Baptism is the source of this equality, endowing to all the same dignity, the same rights and duties, the same means of salvation and the same faith, conscious at the same time of their responsibility for the common purpose of the entire Church on the spiritual level. All are Christ’s faithful.

To gestate, nurture and look after the constant growth and maturity of this people of God, Christ instituted the sacrament of ordination, by virtue of which those who are called and properly formed are configured to Christ the head of the Church, endowing in them the power to perform His threefold functions for the sanctification and governance of the Church. Through this configuration of service, the principle of equality among the members is not eroded. Rather, the principle of variety is established. It is true that by virtue of the sacrament of order the ordained ministers are configured as essentially, and not just in degree, different from those who are not ordained. They have acquired the threefold ministerial functions of Christ, participating in His priestly, kingly and prophetic offices. Their configuration to Christ is a configuration to act in the name, and sometimes in the person, of Christ the head of the Church. But they remain of the same dignity with the rest of Christ’s faithful.

At this juncture, it is helpful to emphasize the harmonious conjoining of these two principles. The principle of equality needs the principle of variety for the people of God will not grow to full maturity without the close pastoral care of the Bishop and his priests. On the other hand, the principle of variety needs complete acceptance of the concept of radical equality, for the reason that its existence is precisely to be of service to the priestly, kingly and prophetic people of God. Hence, as the people of God can only grow and develop properly when it is entrusted to its proper Pastor; so the Pastor can only grow and properly develop when it is faithfully extending its priestly ministry to the particular people of God entrusted to his care. It is within this concept that Canon 369 defined the diocese as: “a portion of the people of God, which is entrusted to a Bishop to be nurtured by him, with the cooperation of the presbyterium, in such a way that, remaining close to its pastor and gathered by him through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, it constitutes a particular Church. In this Church, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ truly exists and functions.”

When the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar, was entrusted to me as its Bishop some nineteen years ago, I was conscious of my task in inserting myself to the life, Tidbits / P12

8

National Youth Day 2006

NYD 2006 sa Davao . . .

By Maria Riza A. Melliza THE culmination of the Pilgrim Walk on November 11, 2006 (Day 4) at the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague (or simply Shrine for the locals) was reminiscent of part of the verse in Rev. 7:9 which states, “After this I saw before me a huge crowd which no one could count from every nation and race, people and tongue…” as the delegates from each of the three (3) Catechetical Sites started streaming in after going through busy thoroughfares and negotiating the steep slopes of Shrine Hill. Indeed, it was breathtaking to see all 6,000+ delegates in their red, yellow and blue backpacks proudly displaying their delegation banners indicating representations from all over the Philippines. Including the 2,000+ volunteers, the Shrine that day was “lighted” by 10,000 watts of youthful energy. The Shrine was spectacular with the presence of the youth and complemented with banners all around the venue featuring saints who are models for the youth.

The week that was . . .

They all came to the National Youth Day (NYD) 2006 in Davao to THE well–attended National Youth Day (NYD) held in Davao City last Nov. 8-12, 2006 left the Archdiocese of Davao in high spirits, jovial and fulfilled, knowing it has given its utmost to ensure a meaningful experience for the young delegates and their youth ministers. More so, among the organizing committees, hearts are still burning with a sense of assurance that God blessed their efforts significantly and granted abounding graces to make sure the event was a success in ways that mattered most.

One week after the NYD, many are still talking how much they have been moved spiritually.

Between volunteers, speakers, delegates, foster families, and parish workers, text messages of gratitude, praise and affection are still exchanged. All these, testifying to the excitement, the conquered challenges, the faith-sharing, the memorable encounters, the deep insights and the fresh hope brought about by the 5-day youth gathering.

During the said dates, more than seven thousand (7,000) delegates and volunteers were seen around the parishes for assemblies, masses and holy hour, in the Catholic schools for the catechesis and programs, in the

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JaM na!

reflect on the theme, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

On November 8 (Day 1), the delegates from all over the country were warmly welcomed in the 19 hosting parishes by their foster families. Later in the afternoon, the Opening Liturgy was celebrated in 19 parish churches with 19 Mindanao Bishops presiding. Bishops Ongtioco, Dela Cruz and Baylon, Chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), were also present. The Opening Liturgy was followed by the Opening Program which was organized by each parish. It was this gesture of welcome that Davao’s Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla envisioned as Mindanao hosted NYD for the first time. The delegates’ attention was drawn to the warmth generated by small Christian communities, characteristic and ubiquitous of the Church in Mindanao.

November 9 (Day 2) brought the delegates to their respective Catechetical Sites. Hosting parishes to the north had the University of the Immaculate Conception—Bajada

Campus as their Catechetical Site (Csite1 with color code, red); parishes in the poblacion had the Holy Cross of Davao College—Sta. Ana Campus as their Catechetical Site (Csite2 with color code, yellow); and parishes to the south had the Ateneo de Davao UniversitY—Matina Campus as their Catechetical Site (Csite3 with color code, blue).

Catecheses were held in the mornings of Days 2 - 4 using the Lectio Divina as an approach on the following topics: Day 2 – God, the Father: the Source of True Light; Day 3 – Jesus, the Son of God: the Eternal Light; Day 4 – God, the Holy Spirit: the Source of Truth.

Inputs from the invited speakers were followed by individual reflection and group sharing. Each group of 10 delegates had a faith sharing facilitator who assisted them in their needs.

Day 2 was graced with the presence of the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Fernando Filoni who visited all three Catechetical Sites and talked to the delegates. He exuded so much positive disposition and regard for

the youth that was evident as the young people spontaneously applauded his words of challenge and encouragement, gave him standing ovations and came to him to kiss his ring, shake his hand and have their pictures taken with him. In his homily at the Mass in Csite3, as he expounded on the theme, he encouraged the youth to be strong in their faith and be constant in their hopes that must be deeply anchored in their faith in Jesus Christ. He challenged the delegates to bring the NYD spirit to their respective places of origin, to become living witnesses of the Gospel.

The afternoon of Day 2 saw the delegates breaking into four or five smaller groups per Csite to participate in tracks and conferences on various topics: Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, Youth in the Culture of Absence, Music Ministry, Call to Holiness, Pro-Life, Servant Leadership, Christian Sexuality, Youth Ministry, Corruption, Child in the Media, Youth in the Basic Ecclesial Community, Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation, Creative Gospel Sharing and Dance Ministry.

Speakers for the catecheses, tracks and conferences consisted of four bishops from Mindanao, seven priests, two religious sisters, five laymen and a team from the dance ministry.

Some youth leaders were provided exposure to initiatives on interreligious dialogue and some contributed work in the Gawad Kalinga Project.

The afternoon of Day 3 gathered the delegates in their respective Csites to watch, reflect and share on the following: • Servant Leadership. A Ford Academy of the Arts play, “Goyong”, on the life of the young hero Gregorio del Pilar.

• Tri-people of Mindanao Issues. A Performance of the Kaliwat Theater Collective, a play within a play titled Mindasilang depicting the tri-people issues of Mindanao.

• Understanding the Differentlyabled. A Down Syndrome Foundation, Inc. performance by persons with Down Syndrome.

The evenings of the NYD were also a mix of experiences for the delegates. The Youth Festival was celebrated in each of the three Csites in the evening of Day 2 with the theme,

Spirit-filled NYD 2006 Touches Lives

By Michelle Porras city streets for the pilgrim walk towards the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague and in the tourist spots, restaurants and malls on the last day for the “suroy-suroy” or “pasyalan” with the foster families.

To the bystander, who witnessed these batches of young people in their colorful body bags and T-shirts, the NYD may have appeared to be just a grand youth festival or a nationwide jamboree. It was actually all that and more. It was definitely a spiritual assembly characterized by joyous praise, cheering, dancing, inter-action and also solemn praying.

It was probably a foretaste of an even more glorious, vibrant, dynamic Church in the future.

The NYD in Davao even had Muslim brothers and sisters as guests. Almost two hundred of the delegates joined exposures in different local communities. Some had the chance to experience helping build homes for the less fortunate with the Youth for Christ volunteers through the Gawad-Kalinga program, while many had their first taste of Inter-

religious Dialogue and spent time with Muslim families in their homes for an afternoon. These and the other unique features of this year’s NYD, including the well applauded visit of the Papal Nuncio, experiencing the Lectio Divina, Lectures and Workshops on Social issues and different Church ministries for the young definitely left a durable dent in many minds and hearts. These words are what some of them have to say...

“I felt that God touched my heart during the NYD through the reflections with my faith-sharing group. It

helped me realize my wrongdoings, it also encouraged me to change and to be a better person.” Daryl, 13 yrs old, Davao.

“I felt the love and acceptance of my foster family and other delegates, they were generous and welcoming. God is inviting me to do the same.” Yani, Marbel, Cotabato “Experiencing NYD was an awakening on my part… in the lectures, and sharing… I see some similarities in my Islam faith to the faith of the Christians, with this I have learned to understand them.” Suwaib

11/24/2006, 9:06 PM

CBCP Monitor Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

“Best of the Islands: Flaunt…

Color… Evangelize…”, each ecclesiastical region prepared a presentation that celebrated the cultural diversity of the country’s islands.

The evening of November 10 (Day 3) started solemnly as the delegates returned to their respective hosting parish churches for the Holy Hour. The evening ended with the Parish Night, each parish celebrating and honoring the delegates and their foster families in its unique way.

Paying homage to the Sto. Nino, the Eternal Youth …

NYD 2006 was launched on January 15, 2006, the feastday of the Sto. Niño and as Providence willed it, NYD culminated at His Shrine on November 11 (Day 4). So off the delegates went for the 2.5 – 3 kilometer Pilgrim Walk to the Shrine, each with a partner for an Emmaus experience.

They have come from the plain, walking via busy thoroughfares, amidst malls and varied sights and sounds.

As they began the trek uphill to the Shrine, the pace slowed down, breathlessness discouraged conversing with companions, a canopy of trees provided a refreshing coolness . . . a palpable invitation to listen to that inner Voice.

The Shrine was a refreshing sight to weary pilgrims with its rolling terrain of green grass, mango trees, quaint chapels and the view of majestic Mt. Apo at a distance.

The delegates ended their Pilgrim Walk with a prayer with their co-journeyer in an Emmaus experience. As the last set of delegates entered the Shrine, confetti was showered on the delegates as a gesture of welcome to the Shrine from the City Government of Davao.

It was with this disposition that the Closing Liturgy was celebrated.

Archbishop Capalla was the presider with nine (9) other bishops and more than a hundred priests concelebrating. The heart of Archbishop’s homily was the invitation for the young people to desire for holiness of life which could only be achieved if Jesus would be Numero Uno in their life.

NYD was not only for the delegates to have a good time but also a time to do good and become good.

He shared the story of the Holy Father’s visit to the United States of America where the Pope met Rafael NYD 2006 / P14

C. Mala, 18, Maranao Muslim.

“The inter-religious dialogue cancelled out my negative attitudes towards all Muslims. I want to convince my Bishop to have the same program in our diocese.” Ace, 23, Imus, Cavite.

“I was particularly struck in the sharing of the second day. I heard of similar stories from my companions, and my fellow priests. It made me reflect on the context of brokenness young people are in and so, challenging a minister like me how to be an instrument of wholeness and healing.” Fr. Ipe Enriquez, CICM, Butuan.

“I was touched with how the Davaoenos shared and participated in the NYD, from the simple to the most challenging tasks.

Their presence, and ways of doing things, are truly manifestations of God’s love and care for the young members of our Church and society.” Sr. Jane, 32, (Medical Mission Sisters) Bukidnon.

“Thanks for the NYD experience. Nag-iipon na po ako for the next NYD. I have learned that I could be an apostle for Christ in my own way, di ko pinagsisihan at fullfilled po ako.” Pulo Te , College student.

“The NYD taught me to understand more my being CathoSpirit-filled / P9

CBCP Monitor Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

National Youth Day 2006

NYD 2006:

More Than Anything Else, A Challenge

Taking a Stand for Life… for Love

By Steven Borja FROM 8-12 November, the Archdiocese of Davao served as a home to more than 7,000 young people from all over the Philippines for the national celebration of National Youth Day (NYD) 2006. Since 1986, the Church in the Philippines has been annually celebrating the NYD, whether in the local churches only or together with a national gathering in a host-diocese, as one of her concrete expressions of love for the young.

Traditionally, the Scripture verse which the Holy Father offers as the World Youth Day theme also becomes the NYD theme.

This year, our young participants reflected on “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path” [Ps 119:105]. This NYD 2006, the first in Mindanao, aimed to gather Catholic youth from all over the Philippines, to deepen their faith grounded on God’s word, and to re-affirm that the Church cares for them. The Archdiocese of Davao, through the kind leadership of Archbishop Fernando Capalla, DD, prepared a program of activities geared towards the realization of these objectives.

Participants started arriving as early as Nov. 6 from various points of entry: the airport, seaport, and bus terminals. They were welcomed and accommodated in parishes and foster-families which served as their second homes. In the afternoon of Nov. 8, simultaneous Opening Liturgies presided by a Mindanao bishop and Welcome Programs were organized by the nineteen (19) respective host-parishes for their guests.

The mornings of the succeeding days (Nov. 9, 10 and 11) were spent in catechesis. The delegations were distributed into three Catechetical Sites: University of the Immaculate Conception, Bajada; Holy Cross of Davao College, Santa Ana; and Ateneo de Davao University, Matina. In these respective sites, a catechetical program was done using the “Lectio Divina” approach. Each morning, a specific topic was developed: Nov. 9—God the Father, Source of True Light, Nov. 10—Jesus, the Son of God, Eternal Light, and Nov. 11—God the Holy Spirit, Source of Truth. Main speakers were bishops, priests and lay persons. The morning of Nov. 9 and 10 culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. These catechetical sites were also visited by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Fernando Filoni, DD, where he shared words of inspiration to the delegates.

In the afternoon of Nov. 9, delegates attended 14 simultaneous tracks and conferences facilitated respectively by a bishop, priests, sisters, and lay people, on topics such as music ministry, servant-leadership, corruption, creative Gospel sharing, and others that are relevant to the world of the young. There were also two special tracks: InterReligious Dialogue exposure and Gawad Kalinga. Each delegation sent

a delegate each to these two tracks.

The afternoon of Nov. 10 was spent in deepening the tracks and conferences of the previous day. Each catechetical site tackled this program distinctly: through group sharings, through a musical followed by sharing and through creative presentations by differently-abled children.

A festive mood permeated the evening of Nov. 9, with the “Youth Festival: Flaunt… Color… Evangelize”. This festival showcased the cultural presentations of the young people of Davao and of the delegations. The evening of the following day was devoted to a Holy Hour in the host-parishes, affording the delegates a time for reflection and spiritual deepening of their experiences.

At noontime of Nov. 11, delegates from the three Catechetical

Sites came together for the Pilgrim Walk towards the venue for the Closing Ceremonies, which is the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague in Shrine Hills, Matina. Along the way, they engaged in group sharing and prayer.

Archbishop Capalla presided over the Closing Mass, together with bishops and priests, and all the NYD 2006 delegates. Foster families and guests were also present to join in the thanksgiving. At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Joel Baylon, DD, the Chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth, challenged the delegates to allow this NYD 2006 experience to bear fruit not just in their personal lives, but in the communities and groups where they live, through their unique and youthful “diskarte”.

He also announced that the next national celebration of the NYD will be in Luzon.

The evening unfolded with the “Youth Jam”, a festive program of songs and dances especially prepared by the young people of Davao for their fellow youth from all over the Philippines. The following day, Nov. 12, was spent by the delegates with their foster families in going around and enjoying Davao City.

All in all, the NYD 2006 was an experience brimming with the vibrancy and joy of the young. Despite problems and inconveniences, young people are capable of giving themselves into the experience, as manifested in their dancing, in their sharing and listening, and in their praying. As the NYD 2006 theme song goes, may these young participants truly “take a stand for life… for love” and “build the world anew”, with Jesus, “the lamp unto our feet and the light to our path”.

Spirit-filled/ from p8

people and with myself. I found a second family, a Christian one but they considered me as part of their own family.” Ahmad Alawaddin, 30, Muslim Tausug, Zamboanga City.

“God loves me and gave me a true family far from home and true friends who have shown me concern and kindness. They were instruments for me to feel God’s love.”

Sheila Bagadiong, Jaro,Iloilo.

“I was struck with the concept of Church. We all put up with the inconveniences and imperfections of the preparations and logistics even when it was beyond our responsibility. The generosity of the

Davaoenos is so overwhelming.

As a whole we just moved as one for the Lord!” Julie Bajo, volunteer and foster sister.

“Ang ganda ng ginawa nyo... there was so much energy and zeal among the young, it was an honor to be part of the NYD.” Elenita Cruz , Metro Manila, Speaker, Dance Ministry track.

“I enjoyed having 26 delegates for merienda in my home on the last day of the NYD, hearing their stories on how inspired they were ... Some shed tears of joy.” Dalisay Soriano, Businesswoman, mother of a volunteer.

lic. It has deepened my sense of faith.” Lalaine Mae G. Dacobor, 17, Ifi-Catholic.

“I belong to a broken family, my Mom has vices and my Dad left us to live with his mistress. I hated them but after my NYD experience parang nawala ang galit ko sa kanila.” Roco, young Catholic.

“My participation in the NYD was enriching as a Muslim delegate, there was a realization to build more my relationship with the almighty Allah, with

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By Teresa R. Tunay FOR the first time in the Philippines, the National Youth Day was held in Mindanao —in the Archdiocese of Davao, from November 8 to 12, 2006, with the theme: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Only 8,000 of the expected 10,000 youths from all over the country came as the delegations from disaster-stricken dioceses had to cancel their reservations due to fund shortage. Others who were apprehensive about the peace and order situation as reported in media also backed out, but those who came gratefully left Davao a lot richer from the NYD experience.

The delegates experienced a long and invigorating weekend that begun and ended with the Eucharist and filled all throughout with activities patterned after the World Youth Day’s: home stays with foster families; catechesis in various parishes; cultural festivals; youth jams; encounters with Church elders particularly the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Fernando Filoni; etc. The youth listened and were listened to, they sang, they danced, they prayed, they celebrated friendship with one another and savored union with Jesus.

A most welcome feature was the “suroy-suroy”—the fun-filled NYD “fringe benefit” where foster families would treat the delegates to the attractions of the place, which Davao is so blessed with.

But why Mindanao, one might ask. The past NYDs (since its inception 1986) have been held biennially in Luzon and Visayas—the last one in 2004 in Bacolod . Why Mindanao when there are other safe places elsewhere? That’s precisely it—the answer is enveloped in many of the talks the youth heard: the youth, Rizal’s “hope of the Fatherland”, is also the hope of the Church, and it is hoped that, guided

by The Word, the youth can in time effect national peace, healing and unity. Strife-torn Mindanao where Christians are a minority in many places is the most logical place at the moment to open the eyes of the Christian youth to the realities of their mission as baptized Christians.

Although held in what is billed by surveys as “the most livable city in the Philippines”, NYD 2006 nonetheless offered the youth glimpses of living in proximity to danger, and also slices of Mindanao culture through the Youth Festival. Clearly one of the most enjoyable highlights of the whole event, the Youth Festival showcased cultural offerings from different regions in the Philippines, presented by the delegates themselves. Here, in one evening, the stage was transformed into a veritable “Inang-bayang Pilipinas”— a motherland land dear to all the youth regardless of religious, socio-economic or ethnic persuasions. The delegates overflowed with goodwill as they beheld a mosaic of the Filipino soul reflected in music, dance, drama, worship, art.

Among the numbers presented were: dances from Pangasinan (Our Lady of Manaoag parish), Antipolo Diocese, and the National Capital Region (a dance offering for Sto. Nino de Tondo).

The delegation from Infanta trained

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the limelight on their luscious agricultural harvest—an achievement and a blessing considering the disaster that not so long ago devastated their land. Virac and Legaspi delegates wowed the audience with song and a pantomime-dance showing traditional courtship practices in the region.

Rising from the ruins of disaster was the message of the number from Central and Eastern Visayas which presented their Pinya Festival with dancers—”survivors” from Ormoc, Leyte—disguised as giant pineapples. Not to be upstaged by the “survivors”, the “warriors” from Western Visayas (Iloilo and Antique), wearing hats and black garments, rocked the stage with their “Hala Bira” specialty.

Coming to the “Land of Promise “, Mindanao , the program had delegates from CABUSTAM (Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Surigao, Tango and Malaybalay) showing the Kaamulan Festival with their towering bamboo poles and red and white kerchiefs. AMuslim “cultural dance” number was presented next by the DOPIM region (Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan, Marawi), highlighting different aspects of their lifestyle.

The KIDMACO (Kidapawan, Makilala, Cotabato) delegates promoted the Tuna Festival of General Santos City and the Tinalac of Marbel in their presentation.

A highly colorful performance was given by the ZAMBASULI group (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Ipil) which let the audience in on the elaborate rituals surrounding traditional betrothal in their region, from the parents’ agreement down to the wedding feast.

Delegates from Luzon and Visayas, especially, were impressed by the cultural wealth laid before them, and for many of them, after having beheld such wealth, the Philippines and its people will never be the same. Indeed, that night of the Youth Festival, the youth’s enthusiasm and the atmosphere of brotherhood and harmony augured well for the Philippine nation.

But is that all? What happens after feeling good for three days?

The National Youth Day is not a mere show—it is a challenge. It is up to the delegates to take up the challenge of NYD 2006, to serve as light-bearers not only in the Philippines but in the whole world. Recalling World Youth Day 1995 where Pope John Paul II exhorted the youth to “…be a sign of hope for the Church, for your countries and for all humanity”, the Nuncio, Archbishop Filoni, urged the delegates to the NYD 2006 to “grasp the spiritual torch being passed on to you… and pass it on… to the future young people…” The challenge, said Abp. Filoni, is for the young to “journey along the path of righteousness and holiness of life…” That challenge is to be met by “taking to heart whatever is experienced and learned in this moment of grace and putting it into practice,” Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla told the youth at the concluding rites, “If we want The Word to transform us, we must be detached. To follow Jesus we must be free. You may find it difficult to follow Jesus… but with God, nothing is impossible.”

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ent Renewal Programs for the different Age Bracket of priests: The Residency Program for the Young Clergy (1-5 yrs in the ministry); Value-Clarification for the Junior Clergy (6-10 yrs in the ministry) and for the Senior Clergy “A Second Look at the Priesthood.”

Episcopal Commission on Clergy (ECC)

By Msgr. Jose Bernardo THE growth of the Commission started with the leadership of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal who provided the inspiration and direction for the Commission to take during the preparation and duration of the PCP II. With Fr. Paul Bernier as the Executive Secretary and Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ as the main theologian, the Commission came up with the Paper on the Clergy of the Philippines. A series of national consultation was convened by the Cardinal in his archdiocese in Cebu in order to get the total picture and situation of the Philippine clergy at that time. From these consultations the Commission was able to provide the needed realities and situationer of the needs and aspirations of the Filipino Clergy.

It was after the PCP II experience of renewal in the Philippine Church that the Commission began to spearhead its priority program for the Clergy: The RENEWAL Program of Priests. This was further enhanced with the coming of the great encyclical of Pope John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis on March 25, 1992. Amidst the different scandals and issues of priests happening in the Church, the Holy Father’s response was the urgency of ongoing formation of the clergy. Fr. Paul Bernier resigned as the Executive Secretary of the Commission and Cardinal Vidal appointed Msgr.

Jose (Chito) Bernardo as his replacement (who was then the Director of the Bahay Pari of the Archdiocese

of Manila; appointed by Cardinal Jaime Sin as in charge of the Renewal of the Clergy of Manila.)

Renewal Programs for Clergy Another major breakthrough came about in the ministry of the Commission with the coming to the Philippines of a religious congregation in the United States called SERVANTS of the PARACLETE in the person of Fr. Peter Lechner. The main charism of their founder is to take care of priests especially in their “woundedness”. Their major contribution to the ministry of the Commission was the establishment of the ASSIST ministry to intensify and provide another aspect to the renewal program of the priests in the Philippines. The main philosophy of the ASSIST ministry is that priests are shepherds/caregivers of God’s flock—they minister to God’s people every day and in every situation.

But who will minister to them, who will take care of them? Primarily it is the bishop of the diocese who is the main shepherd of his priests; but with so many other concerns he needs to be helped in this important ministry of caring for priests. And so the Commission on Clergy proposed the ASSIST ministry to the Plenary of the CBCP and it was unanimously endorsed by the Bishops.

The ASSIST ministry took on different stages of development and came up with different programs that will suit the needs of the priests. But the major obstacle to it was from the

priests themselves who at that time had a “negative view” about renewal and assist; that it is only for priests with “problems” and would not accept that fact that they need help in their struggles to remain faithful in their priestly life and ministry. But in due time and with the support coming from the Bishops and the priests who have undergone the different programs of the Commission, the resistance was minimized.

There is no doubt that some priests will go through some major crisis and misconduct in the ministry. This requires more than just renewal and ongoing formation. The Commission came up with the program AIR for Priests, a 3-month program of community life, praying the Holy Hour everyday and celebrating the Eucharist together; with a program of counseling, therapy, spiritual direction and group counseling.

The staff of this program has been trained for this purpose and they work with lay professionals and Religious. It is offered once a year only but it is hoped the Commission can offer it three times a year—one in Luzon, one in Visayas and one in Mindanao.

Another program that has been in existence for 12 years is the “Intensive Renewal Program for Priests (IRPP)—a 5 week lived-in program of updating and renewal for priests who have reached 10 years in the ministry and above, given at Bahay Pari.

And lastly the Commission has offered and will still offer the differ-

First National Congress of the Clergy The biggest event/grace that the Commission has witnessed and given to the Philippine Church was the historical FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE CLERGY in July 2004. Under the leadership and inspiration of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, and Ambassador Tita de Villa who helped extensively in the preparation leading to the events, the congress went through very smoothly and successfully. Called as the “New Pentecost” in the Philippine Church, the event gathered almost 5,000 priests and Bishops at the World Trade Center for 5 days and prayed together for the gift of renewal for the Filipino clergy. It was here that the Clergy of the Philippines committed themselves to their ongoing formation.

The Commission now hopes that the different Metropolitans will do a follow up of the National Congress by convening their own Metropolitan Regional Congress and to come up with their own program for ongoing formation in the Diocesan and Metropolitan level. The Commission has also re-organized the different Diocesan Commission on Clergy for better linkages and communication.

Future Direction/Plans The major plan/project of the Commission is the construction of the Renewal Center for the Priests of the Philippines. With the able and inspired leadership of the present Chairman of the Commission, Cardinal Rosales, this project is underway.

A three-storey building with 52 rooms is now being constructed in Tagaytay City. It is aptly called JOHN MARY VIANNEY GALILEE DEVELOPMENT AND RETREAT CENTER FOR PRIESTS. The Renewal Center is targeted to be finished by August 2007.

Another plan of the Commission is to link with the Commission on Seminaries under the leadership of Bishop Mylo Vergara and to provide the Seminary Fathers with the ba-

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Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

sic experience of the ASSIST ministry geared for the Formators. In almost all the programs that the Commission on Clergy have given, it is the importance of Human Formation that has surfaced and been identified as a need that must be addressed in the seminary formation. This particular need to be formed in the dynamics of human formation was expressed by the 250 seminary Fathers who gathered in the Institute for Seminary Fathers last 2005. Linking up with the Commission on Seminaries is, therefore, a meaningful undertaking that can facilitate more understanding of the realities of the priests that can be properly addressed during seminary formation.

The last concern of the Commission is to conduct another training program for more priests-staff who can facilitate the AIR for Priests program and other programs for the renewal of priests. We are also planning to provide the basic training module for Spiritual Directors in the Dioceses so as to answer the urgent need expressed by priests who need spiritual accompaniment in order to avoid more serious problems.

Conclusion The Commission on Clergy has gone a long way since the PCP II experience in the Philippine Church.

The task ahead is still big and challenging. But there have been tremendous “breakthroughs” that are significant in the life and ministry of the Philippine Clergy. We now have the Pastoral Guidelines or the Protocol in responding to the misconduct of the clergy which the Bishops can use to help them minister to their priests. We also have in place the different programs of renewal as the positive approach to the needs of the clergy. In the near future, our own Renewal Center will provide the priests of the Philippines their own place of rest and spiritual/physical strengthening.

THE OFFICERS OF THE COMMISION Chairman: Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales Vice-Chairman: Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal Members: Bp. Romulo T. de la Cruz Bp. Florentino G. Lavarias Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo Executive Secretary: Msgr. Jose Bernardo

Rediscovering/ from p3

naries where the congregation has left its mark, were the Major Seminary of Lipa, San Carlos Major Seminary in Manila, the Guadalupe Minor Seminary, St. Joseph’s Seminary of Dumaguete, and St. Peter’s Seminary in Butuan.

The CICM established its own theological school. Maryhill School of Theology (MST) remains the congregation’s notable contribution in the theological formation of seminarians not only those who belong to CICM but also diocesan and religious congregations, as well as lay persons. With objectives that are solidly grounded on inculturation and the theology of mission, MST trains its students to integrate reflection with action. Says Fr. Lode Wostyn, CICM, “Students are made to see the reality of our present-day world [not only] with its riches in cultures and religions, but also with its strife, injustice and violence.

They have to learn how to discern the Christian message by setting up a dialogue between their experiences in this present-day world and the Judeo-Christian Tradition.” Wostyn

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continues, “Students are encouraged to participate in pastoral and developmental programs in parishes and NGO’s to arrive at a message which transforms the mind, heart and hands of people.”

Contribution to Education The education apostolate has always been considered by the CICM as a special means of accomplishing the congregation’s mission.

The St. Louis School system which is now spread out in Northern Luzon started out of a one-room elementary school which Fr. Seraphin Devesse, CICM, in 1911, built in Baguio to accommodate ten local boys. To date, the CICM schools continue to excel in the field of education. Three of its five schools have earned university status and became centers of excellence: St. Louis University of Baguio, St. Mary’s University of Bayombong, and University of St. Louis of Tuguegarao. These universities, together with St. Louis College of San Fernando, La Union and St. Louis School of Mandaue in

Cebu, remain a significant facet of the CICM commitment in the formation of Christian communities, particularly the youth, through Catholic education.

“From a Receiving Church to a Sending Church” There are more than a hundred Filipino CICM’s at present, several of whom hold position of leadership in the Church, (Most Reverend Carlito Cenzon is the current Bishop of Baguio while Most Reverend Prudencio Andaya is the Apostolic Vicar of Tabuk); in the administration of the province and in the formation of younger members.

The exodus of Filipino CICM missionaries to mission lands began in the 1950’s. To date, more than 60 Filipino CICM’s are working in missions abroad. They are all spread out in Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Senegal, Singapore, Taiwan, the USA and Zambia.

“The first wave of Filipino confreres who left for the foreign missions towards the end of the 1960’s transformed CICM-Philippines into a sending province,” says Bishop Andaya. “To this day, one may find CICM Filipinos in almost all the territories where our Congregation offers its humble contribution in mission… continuing to be witnesses of the universal love of God who calls all peoples to live in His friendship.”

Greatest Achievement The CICM takes pride in being able to contribute in keeping alive and burning the missionary spirit of the Philippine Church which in a sense “is the greatest achievement of the CICM story in the Philippines.”

In gratefully remembering the congregation’s numerous contributions in the missionary work of the Church, they also recall the many other ministries that were left unmentioned, which their confreres have rendered and still rendering to the Church, unknown to many but to God for whom they work.

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For Father D’Ambra, “there are more and more conflicts that worry people who do not turn their thoughts towards the elements of peace that lead to God. We must understand again at a deeper level because we must work together for peace. Understanding better God’s mysterious plan for humanity and the spirituality of each others’ religion is essential to any process of personal and social transformation”.

“With this symposium,” he explained, there is “an opportunity for mutual enrichment through the ‘exchange of treasures’ from both religious traditions”.

“I hope that participants will give their humble but truthful contribution, through their reflections, against the background of a world affected by violence and materialism, where the more egoistic features of globalization are endangering the spiritual values of humanity and their religious traditions.” (AsiaNews)

CBCP Monitor

Social Concern

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

What is meant by the “politics of personalities”?

This is a system where the popularity of political candidates rather than issues count more than knowledge and competence. The popularity of personalities and the “connection” of personalities to the powers that be are more often than not the main criteria for judging who should be elected. Thus, candidates for political office who are popular in movies, sports, or are connected to powerful political families have a significant headstart in elections.

Coupled with Filipino values of family-centeredness, family connections have resulted in family political dynasties. Moreover, the politics of personalities has made it possible for frequent changes in political party affiliation or political “turn-coatism”.

Parties do not have political ideologies that present voters with clear cut alternatives on key social issues such as environmental protection, globalization, trade liberalization, etc. PCP-II observed that people themselves “seem to care more for the projects and gifts and less for the substantive issues on which their elected political representatives should take a stand” (PCP-II, pp. 279-80).

What is meant by a “politics of payoff”?

It is a system of politics where political advantage is the reason that a politician takes one position over another with regard to issues. The political debate depends on answers to such questions as “What will you do for me if I support you on this issue”? Pay-off can be in terms of financial “commissions”, political appointments, or of better political leverage. This is sadly the belief of what goes on in the halls of Congress. It is not rare that decisions are based not on principles but on “horse trading”, vested interests and on so called “party loyalty.”

Many people, therefore, believe that decisions on the government yearly budget depend very much on questions of the “pork barrel” fund. The more generous the “pork barrel” the easier other items of the budget are approved. “Politics of pay-off” also includes vote-buying.

Is the mentality of many politicians part of this political culture?

Yes. Undoubtedly there are many politicians who truly strive for the common good. They consider themselves public servants in the real sense and truly act as such. Unfortunately, there are also many who give politics a dirty name because of their mentality. They look at politics as a means of enrichment and a source of influence and power for self and family-interests.

Thus, politics becomes a cause of greed. Principles are sacrificed. One can very well ask why so many would want to spend so much money and even cheat in order to be elected to political positions that pay relatively little.

Do the terms “traditional politics” and “traditional politicians” refer to the negative features mentioned?

Yes. In themselves the terms are not derogatory. But in recent years, to highlight the need of a new kind of politics and of a new breed of politicians, the terms “traditional politics” and “traditional politicians” have increasingly been understood to describe the negative features of the world of politics. This is the background of the word trapo.

Is this why the Bishops say that our political culture is negative?

Yes, the bishops, said that the political “system is shot through and through with opportunities for corruption, influence-peddling, and the indiscriminate use of public funds for partisan or personal purposes” (PEPP, p. 29). They also said: “If we are what we are today - a country with a very great number of poor and powerless people? one reason is the way we have allowed politics to be debased and prostituted to the low level it is now” (PEPP, p. 10). In fact after analyzing the very negative features of the election process, the Bishops lamented that: “The prime values of our faith? Charity, justice, honesty, truth? These are of little or no consequence at all when it comes to our practice of politics in or out of election time.” (PEPP, p. 21).

Why? What is wrong about our election process?

The Bishops mention the following evils that are happening before elections: • switching party affiliations for the sake of political ambition; • getting media exposure by any

(Editor’s Note: The CBCP’s declaration of 2006 as Year of Social Concerns has veritably brought to fore once again the burning question of the Church’s engagement in politics as being part of the Church’s social concern agenda. CBCP Monitor is serializing the following document issued by the CBCP in 1998 with such end of providing a catechetical perspective to the continuing discourse. A continuation from last issue)

CATECHISM ON THE CHURCH AND POLITICS

• • • •

•

•

means, including bribing willing journalists; using public funds for political advertisements; using government bureaucracy for campaigning; being “wined, dined, and womened” at convention time in order to win votes; spending enormous amounts of funds, accountable and unaccountable, before and during the campaign period; making campaigns more of an entertainment circus for people and of black propaganda rather than discussion of issues; people in turn ask for countless donations from candidates;

• people registering more than once in different precincts.

What are the evil activities done on election day itself?

• using “flying voters”; • intimidating voters; using violence and even murdering political rivals or their supporters; • scaring voters away by threats of violence; deliberately making voting paraphernalia unavailable, and precincts inaccessible; • bribing election officials, including teachers who count the votes; • tampering with ballots; deliberately miscounting votes; changing election results; • delaying or slowing down the

Religious / from p3 (Vice-Chair), Br. Briccio Baynosa, FMS (Secretary), and Br. Rodolfo Sazon, OCD (Treasurer).

The Brothers of Luzon and of the Visayas simultaneously held their assemblies on Oct. 27-29, 2006, in the cities of Legaspi and Bacolod, respectively.

Luzon The Luzon Brothers gathered at the Bethlehem Pastoral and Human Resource Development Center of the Diocese of Legaspi.

Eighty-one Brothers from 21 Congregations attended the said Assembly. Their theme was “The Passion to Be Brothers Today.”

The Assembly started its proceedings on the first day with the revision of the By-Laws to make LARB more responsive to contemporary times. On the second day, the Brothers tackled the theme through big and small group sharing and activities. The Brothers articulated their own dreams as Brothers starting with their own vocation stories. These dreams were shared and listened to in the context of their being Brothers today. The sharing created an opportunity to celebrate with one another the person who is the driving force for Brothers to be in a fraternal relationship with humanity:

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Christ our brother. The assembly concluded its proceedings with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Bishop Lucilo Quiambao, DD, who affirmed the vocation of being a Brother in the Philippine Church. On the third day, the Brothers enjoyed the sights and sounds of Bicolandia.

The LARB officers for 20052008 are Br. Raymond D. Callo, SDB (Chairman), Br. Gabriel Pestano, SJ (Vice-Chairman), Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC (Treasurer), and Br. Stephen Tan, OSA (Secretary). LARB is noted for its common apostolate, the Kuya Center, which has been serving street children for 16 years.

Visayas The assembly of the Visayas Association of Religous Brothers (VARB) was a special one because it was dubbed as a “resuscitation” of the organization which in recent years has been fledgling. Under the leadership of Br. Romualdo Abulad, SVD (Chairman), Br. Carlo Bacalla, SDB (Vice Chairman), Br. Roland Pontevedra, SVD (Secretary), and Br. Jose Bart Cancio, OSJ (Treasurer), twenty-seven Brothers from 13 Congregations gathered at Balay Kalinungan, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City. National Chairman Br. Amado Ancla, CFA, joined

the Visayas assembly to lend his support. The La Salle Brothers sponsored the use of Balay Kalinungan.

Two bishops graced the Visayas assembly. CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, DD, delivered the keynote speech where he gave a brief history of the religious lay brotherhood. He quoted from PCP II, Perfectae Caritatis and Vita Consecrata.

Archbishop Lagdameo ended with a challenge: “In the light of Vatican II…are you now better able to assess your prophetic impact or prophetic response? Our people are challenging you to be prophetic witnesses by your ‘being religious’, by who you are and not simply by what you do or say.” The other bishop was Most Rev. Patrick A. Buzon, SDB, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan. He celebrated the concluding Eucharist. The Brothers watched a video clip where Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle spoke of the essential place of religious experience in the beginning, the sustenance and the fruition of any vocation. This made Bishop Tagle the “third” bishop to grace the Visayas assembly.

Reorganization was the main agenda of the Visayas assembly.

And due to the many islands in the

Visayas where the Brothers are present, the Visayas Brothers deemed it best to divide themselves into three sub-regions, namely, Negros, Panay and Cebu. The Brothers also shared about their congregations’ practices and challenges in vocation promotion and formation.

National Federation The National Federation of Religious Brothers in the Philippines (NFRBP) will celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2010. It will be held at its place of origin, the Holy Family Retreat House in Cebu City. The newly re-organized Visayas Brothers will be the host of this national gathering. Before 2010, however, the Religious Brothers will still have a national convention to be held in Davao City in 2008.

The other officers of the NFRBP are Br. Raymond Callo, SDB (Vice Chairman), Br. Erwin Sayson, SC (Secretary), and Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC (Treasurer). They were elected during the national convention in 2005 at the Capuchin Retreat House, Lipa City, Batangas.

That convention was participated in by 161 Brothers representing 35 congregations. (with reports from Br. Raymond Callo, SDB and Br. Romualdo Abulad, SVD)

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tabulation of final results in order to create opportunities for changing the results.

After the elections, what questionable or even reprehensible actions do we observe?

• protesting the final results as tabulated; • slowness of deciding on election protests such that election winners hardly have any time left to serve their tenure; • using political office in order to pay election debts, recoup election expenses, make fat profits, and perpetuate the officeholder in power; • nepotism in political appointments; kickbacks in approving and awarding projects.

7 Questions / from p5 cese. The professional catechists, who have obtained their BSE degree major in religious education, become religion teachers or catechists in the elementary schools.

We must admit however that we’re yet lacking in the number of catechists—who at present are mostly elderly ladies—compared to the number of elementary schools in our parishes.

What about your media evangelization program? And what is your perception about the secular media?

We have our radio station in the diocese. It has a very good signal. It’s the only link the Church has with the peoples or communities in the mountains.

Our broadcast programming is really good, it’s fully laden with values and formative programs. Regarding the secular media…well, we don’t have any competition at all with them. We have very good relationship. But I think sometimes they are not accurate in reporting the news, particularly those that concern the Church.

Not perhaps because they have any bias against the Church but maybe simply because of lack of conscientiousness or professionalism in their work.

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Message

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Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

Message from Youth, to Youth

Statement

Interreligious Youth Meeting, Nov. 4-8, 2006, Assisi, Italy

10th Asian Liturgy Forum-Southeast Asian Region

WE came together in Assisi, called from nearly 30 nations and representing 13 religious traditions, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the historic Day of Prayer for World Peace in 1986. Invited by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and sent by our religious communities and organizations, we young people came here to carry forward the flame of peace ignited by our spiritual leaders 20 years ago in these same sacred spaces.

We encountered one another with honesty and sincerity to build up the bonds of fraternity that unite us all as brothers and sisters in our humanity, fashioned by and in God. From our commonly held desires for happiness, justice and truth, we entered into genuine dialogue.

We shared and learned about each other’s cultures and beliefs, not to minimize or ignore our differences, but to grow in mutual respect, esteem and understanding.

Though we do not share the same religious convictions, we have all inherited the same

earth and share a common responsibility to be faithful citizens of society and to be good stewards of creation.

We prayed according to our respective religious traditions, imploring from God the precious gift of peace. While our prayers were offered in different places, languages and ways, we were united in a single purpose: praying for peace. In this way, we testified to the truth that “prayer does not divide but unites and is a decisive element for an effective pedagogy of peace, hinged on friendship, reciprocal acceptance and dialogue between different cultures and religions” as Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his message for the 20th anniversary of the first Assisi meeting.

We walked as pilgrims to the site of St. Francis of Assisi’s conversion 800 years ago, when God called out to Francis “Go, rebuild my house.” Likewise today, in the spirit of our respective religions, we young people hear the call to “Go, rebuild our world,” which is too often broken by violence and war.

We appeal to all people that peace is not something only to be sought in halls of government, but also in the halls of our synagogues, our churches, our mosques, our temples, our pagodas, our gurudwaras, our atash berhrams, our schools, our workplaces, our homes and most importantly in our hearts.

We will strive to follow the path to peace, guided by the precepts of our respective religious traditions. In the “spirit of Assisi” and with a united voice, we echo the words of that great ambassador of peace, the Servant of God Pope John Paul II, as we cry out:

Violence never again! War never again! Terrorism never again! In the name of God, may every religion bring upon the earth Justice and Peace, Forgiveness and Life, Love!

We young people represent a new generation and a new hope. We resolve to return to our families and communities, to be advocates for interreligious and intercultural understanding and respect.

We accept the responsibility of continuing the dialogue begun here in Assisi and we fully commit ourselves to working for justice and to be instruments of peace in our homelands and in every corner of the earth.

Message from His Eminence, Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodríguez Maradiaga to the Participants in the Roundtables on the Social Responsibility of Canadian Mining Companies Overseas

Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga

IT is with hopeful anticipation that we learned of the initiative of the Canadian Government and various national social sectors to reflect on the social responsibility of Canadian mining companies operating overseas. We trust that this initiative will translate into measures and policies that will lead to a greater regulation of the latter in order to guarantee our people full enjoyment of their rights to a healthy environment, environmental sustainability in the companies’ operations and a significant contribution to development for our peoples.

In this context, the accelerated environmental degradation and depletion of non renewable natural resources, compelling nations to debate the existing tension between environment and the expansion of trade, need to be addressed. Behind the efforts of the WTO and other initiatives are a number of questions: Can natural resources be considered tradable goods?

Should natural resources be traded in the same way as any other commodity? Do all natural resources have a hierarchical value in function of their uses and their contribution to the fulfillment of human needs? Can we consider ethical the extraction and exploitation of mineral resources, at the expense of other resources, such as fresh water

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and forests? In short, should political and commercial ends be at the centre of and the driving force of human relations?

The above dilemma is not an economic one, nor an environmental one, it is eminently ethical, as it brings us face to face with the need to review not only the rules and practices of trade in the natural resources sector, but also to review the level of stewardship and responsibility with which we care for natural resources when considering this question through a lens of social and international solidarity.

We must also evaluate whether the commodities produced through the exploitation of natural resources, in particular those of a limited and nonrenewable nature, justify the economic, environmental and social costs that are generally borne by the communities and nations who produce these commodities, and who, paradoxically, nearly always live in conditions of greater poverty and vulnerability than those communities and nations for whom they are produced.

In recent years, this dilemma has been more in evidence in the context of the exploitation of precious mineral resources, such as gold and silver, through modern techniques that lower extraction costs, while causing significant environmental impacts and risks that are not always possible to mitigate or neutralize throughout the exploitation period by the companies engaged in these activities.

The increasingly frequent conflicts in different parts of the world between mining companies and affected communities, as well as the growing efforts of civil

society organizations to demand stricter regulation, more rigorous monitoring, more responsible and transparent practices, are a sign that we can no longer continue to adhere solely to the logic of the business market that operates on the principle of “the less invested, the greater the profits.”

We must move towards a vision of Corporate Social Responsibility, which cannot be reduced to corporate voluntarism alone but must be complemented by a social responsibility regulated by the state and international organizations.

Such a redefinition is urgent, as the depletion of natural resources has been substantially accelerated partly because of the growing demand for precious minerals.

The investigation and development of new technologies for the exploitation of mineral resources which are also compatible with conservation and preservation of the balance of eco systems is increasingly urgent.

No less vital is the promotion and adoption of ethical norms in trade and aid relations between countries of the North and South.

Trade treaties must be accompanied by ethical agreements and codes in order to resolve the current contradictions that occur when on the one hand, world or regional summits adopt policies of environmental protection and conservation, that are later made operational by aid programs, while at the same time, high tech industries that generate or increase levels of social and environmental vulnerability are promoted. These same industries, taking ad-

vantage of the weak legislation in our countries, behave in an unethical and irresponsible manner that fuels corruption, environmental degradation, pollution of our natural resources, and social divisions in our communities.

We cannot continue with ambivalent policies where what we build with one hand, we destroy immediately with the other. It is time to review market and trade rules and to complement them with values of solidarity, justice, subsidiarity, and shared responsibility in our actions and in the future of humanity.

It is also necessary to adopt regulatory mechanisms that guarantee that these industries are made responsible for their actions and behavior not only in the countries where they operate, but also in their countries of origin and in the corresponding international bodies.

Today, the message of the Latin American Bishops at the Fourth Episcopal Meeting in Santo Domingo, has a particular relevance: ¨There can be no market economy that is innovative and at the same time socially just, without a solid commitment from the whole of society and all its players to solidarity through a judicial framework that guarantees the value of the human person, honor, respect for life, just distribution of the earth’s resources, and a real concern for the poorest.¨ (Santo Domingo, Conclusions 195.)

Respectfully, OSCAR ANDRES, CARDINAL RODRIGUEZ, MARADIAGA, S.D.B Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America

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FROM October 22-26, 2006, we, the delegates to the 10th Asian Liturgy Forum, met in Chang Mai, Thailand under the generous auspices of the Commission on Liturgy of the Bishop’s Conference of Thailand. The delegates represented Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Taking inspiration from the words of John Paul II in Ecclesia in Asia, namely that the liturgy is “a decisive means of evangelization, especially in Asia, where the followers of different religions are so drawn to worship, religious festivals and popular devotions” (n.22) and in the wake of the Asian Mission Congress held in Chiang Mai, we discussed the role the liturgy plays in the missionary life of the Church. We now share the fruits of our discussions.

1. We affirm that the mission of Jesus Christ endures in the Church in the form of martyria (life of witnessing), leiturgia (life of worship, and diakonia ( life of service).

Among these, leiturgia, being the summit and source of the life and activities of the Church (cf.

SC 10), rightly holds preeminence.

2. The liturgy is a powerful moment of encounter with Jesus in which his story comes alive through the readings of Scripture, preaching, and the celebrations of the Sacraments and liturgical feasts. Hence, the language and symbols of the liturgy should be accessible to the assembly that celebrates it.

3. Since the mission of the Church is to welcome all to Christ’s embrace, the liturgy—which is prima-

rily a celebration of the faithful—should nevertheless embody elements of hospitality across the differences in race, culture, religion, language, social and bodily condition, and political affiliation.

4. The persuasive character of the liturgy should challenge the faithful to be involved in social concerns that afflict many parts of Asia like poverty, injustice, war, violence of human rights, and recurring natural disasters.

5. The liturgical catechesis and celebrations in Catholic Schools, seminaries, and houses of formation should instill among the students a strong missionary spirit.

6. The liturgical celebration should not end in the Church but should continue in the parish and in its basic ecclesial communities through martyria and the diakonia of all the faithful especially the catechists, lay liturgical ministers, and lay professional volunteers.

7. From the sharing of our sisters and brothers from Churches that have suffered persecution we have come to the realization that the celebration of the liturgy especially the Eucharist is able to sustain and strengthen the faith and offer spiritual comfort to the faithful.

With deep gratitude we acknowledge the work of missionaries in this part of Asia who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, heeded the call of Christ to “Go and preach the Good News to all nations.” Under the guidance of the same Spirit we commit ourselves to continue the work they have begun in the name of Jesus.

That in all things God may be glorified.

Tidbits / from p7 ways of living, behavior, language and custom of the Estehanon. It is only by being opened to them, vulnerable and totally transparent to them can I fully fulfill the commitment of shepherding them. At the start of my mission with them I have tried to nurture them with the Word of life and the Holy Eucharist, the sacraments and the prayers of the Church as demanded of me by my office. But, I soon found out and discovered that the words of God and the sacraments can only be effectively passed to the people when their realities to save have first to pass through the weak flesh of the Pastor; that people can only be nourished by the Word and the sacraments, if the Bishop himself is effectively nourished by them.

Conversion, journey towards holiness of life is not just the journey of the people of God apart from the

Bishop; nor is it just the journey of the Bishop apart from the people of God. It has to be the joint journey of the Estehanon and myself their Bishop. With this critical realization I was gradually inserted into the rhythm of the life of the Estehanon. I have been journeying jointly with them.

And then, without my suspecting it, the request of the Holy Father came loud and clear: go to the Diocese of Tagbilaran. That definitely cuts my pastorship with the Diocese of Borongan, my pilgrimage with the Estehanon. Soon, I have to be inserted into the life and faith of the people of God in the Diocese of Tagbilaran. It would be another journey of faith, 10sanother promise to keep, further miles to go. Henceforth my faith life depends on my being inserted into the people of God in the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

CBCP Monitor Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

Statements

PRESS STATEMENT

Witchcraft is Anti-God and Anti-Christian:

Diocese of San Pablo

“From Danger Zone to Death Zone” (A Pastoral Statement to urge concerned authorities to respond to the HUMAN NEEDS of The Southville Housing Project Relocatees at Cabuyao and the People of god of the Diocese of San Pablo to be aware of such situations) THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines declared this year as the “YEAR OF SOCIAL CONCERNS.” DEUS CARITAS EST, the first Encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI serves as a litmus test for our church in the field of her Social Apostolate. Indeed, the church must not close her eyes to the social realities of our time—we must see God in our neighbor and how can we see Him? Pope Benedict XVI states “No one has ever seen God and love cannot be commanded, if anyone says I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. The unbreakable bond between love of God and love of neighbor is so closely connected to the other that to say that we love God becomes a lie, if we are closed to our neighbor or hate him altogether. Love of neighbor is a path that leads to the encounter with God and that closing our eyes to our neighbor also blinds us to God.” (DCE # 16) It is in this spirit that I, as pastor of our diocese, will never be renege on our pastoral duties about inhumane conditions of the Southville Housing Project Relocatees in Cabuyao. They are our brothers and sisters affected by the rehabilitation of the North rail and South rail Linkage Project. They are the urban poor settlers living along the railways of Tondo, Paco, Makati, Muntinlupa and Cabuyao. They came from the “DANGER ZONE” for we fully know what is a life living in a “HOME ALONG DA RILES” but their life in

the relocation site in Southville, Cabuyao may become a “DEATH ZONE”, if not properly and adequately attended to. As of today, there are over 7,500 marginalized families relocated, suffering from the following dismal conditions: 1. In close proximity to their residential houses is a six-hectare mixed waste dump separated by mere barbed wire fencing.

“Relocatees have to bear the nauseating foul smell coming from the eight year old dump. They complain of breathing problems and respiratory ailments, which might be traced to the airborne pollution emanating from the dump. They also fear that harmful bacteria and chemicals from the leachate and surface run-off are being dispersed throughout the neighborhood, via floodwaters, due to poor drainage.”

The Social Action office which I commissioned to look after the condition of relocatees based on the interview of people from Makati at Block 17, alleged that six children had already died because of this condition. Living near dumps and landfills is kin to trashing their hope for a humane and secured future. “Studies in Canada and USA have shown an increase incidence of cancer, including lung, bladder, liver, stomach, breast, cervix, and prostate cancers for those who are living in the aforesaid conditions. Women living near disposal sites showed increase risk of infants with birth defects such as eye/ear anomalies, chromosome abnormalities, heart and neutral tube defects.”

2. The P50,000.00 allocated to each family can only buy materials for the roof and wall of the house.

3. Many from the Cabuyao railway area were not relocated at Southville.

From Danger / P15

PRESS STATEMENT

DOPIM Bishops and Clergy Position Against the Libel Suit to DOPIM Committee on Mining Issues (DCMI) WE the Clergies of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Dioceses of Dipolog, Pagadian, Iligan and the Prelature of Marawi located in the North-West and Central part of Mindanao holding its 31st gathering at Naomis Botanical Garden, Ozamiz City from November 13-16, 2006 are worried about the plight of the indigenous communities whose ancestral domain is encroached by big-scale mining operations.

As soon as their domain is being devastated by open-pit mining method the indigenous people are being deprived of their cultural rights.

Our country has suffered two environmental disasters due to large-scale mining: the one of Marcopper Mining in Marinduque, and that of Rapu-Rapu Mining at Albay. Until now, no foreign mining firm operating in the Philippines employing open-pit method can guarantee protection to our environment and to the cultural rights of the tribal-Filipinos.

Recently, the TVI Resource Development Philippines, a Canadian Mining Firm based in Calgary, employed a heartless, shameless demolition of the house of Mr./Mrs Floro/ Manolita Galves in Mount Canatuan, Tabayo, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. Employing armed men called SCAA (Special Citizen Armed Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary); the TVI ordered the demolition of the Galves house at about 11:30 midnight. The Galveses said the TVI had no court order for the demolition of their residence.

The lot, on which the Galves house stood, is a portion of the ancestral domain title (CADT) of the Subanon tribe. The holder of the CADT is the ancestral leader by the name of Timuay Jose “Boy” Anoy who allowed the Galves family to put their house on the said lot.

Many of our people would choose to turn to us instead, to seek redress for their grievances as a result of the destructive effects of the mining activities of transnational mining companies operating in their localities. In coming to their aid, we brought their grievances to the limelight of public opinion and for this we are

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accused to have spread lies to the public.

Now, Bishop Jose R. Manguiran of the Diocese of Dipolog (also DCMI Bishop-incharge) together with Fr. Albert K. Bael and some of the workers of the DIOPIM Committee on Mining Issues are currently facing a libel suit for exposing the alleged anomalies and irregularities committed by the TVI Resource Development Philippines against mining to affected communities of Canatuan, Tabayo, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. The libel suit against the nine respondents were initiated by the camp of the Canadian mining firm who have been accused by the Subanon people for currently operating their sacred ground against their wishes.

This situation is not far from the experiences of our fellow countrymen all over the country who are subjected to different harassments just to silence them while advancing their aggressive, destructive, and exploitative mining operation of transnational companies. We condemn the curtailment of freedom to express what we believe to be the truth.

We stand by and support the efforts of the DIOPIM Committee on Mining Issues headed

by Bishop Jose R. Manguiran in denouncing the excesses of these mining companies and fighting for the rights of the oppressed.

We call on the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to listen to the cries of our marginalized and oppressed countrymen; to give them redress to their grievances; and to stop curtailments of the rights of the people to speak for the truth.

In solidarity with the Subanon people and their support groups who were harassed by the libel suit filed by TVI Canadian Mining firm we affixed our signatures below.

In the name of the Lord Jesus, +BISHOP MANNY CABAJAR of the Diocese of Pagadian and 108 priests from the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Dioceses of Dipolog, Pagadian, Iligan and the Prelature of Marawi November 14, 2006

A Pastoral Letter on the Third Aswang Festival BELOVED Faithful of Christ: Greetings of hope and love in the Lord!

On October 16, 2005 the Catholic Church in Capiz issued the second Pastoral Letter expressing strong opposition to the holding of the so-called “ASWANG FESTIVAL” slated on October 28-30, 2005. It was the second year the said festival was celebrated for reasons ranging from tourism through changing “the negative notion of Capiz being an aswang haven and turn it into an advantage” into eclipsing “the aswang impression with the world class-quality of Capiz’ seafood products and warm captivating hospitality of the Capiceños.” These remarkable ends of the Aswang Festival could not fully justify the shaming of the Capiceño identity and dignity in the face of national imagery.

On the one hand, much as the organizers of the festival would wish to erase the aswang image impressed on the Capiceños, the festival itself, on the other hand, has become an occasion of constant ridicules and jokes on the dignified personality of Capiceños. Through the years, Capiz has produced distinguished luminaries in different fields of works and endeavors. They were hardworking Capiceños who carved names for themselves and made Capiz proud of her sons and daughters. It deeply hurts to know that some Capiceños nowadays deny their province of origin and birth because of a negative perception boosted by a festival. They simply want to avoid becoming a laughing stock in cities and provinces, here and abroad.

It has been observed that the Aswang Festival presents the evil characters in cunning ways. By giving new looks through fantastic and colorful costumes to evil characters like the “tikbalang,” “amamanhig,” “sigbin,” “tik-tik” or “kapre,” they appear cool and innocent. Yet, these mythical figures can become dangerous once they enter into the psyche of the Capiceños and interiorly form part of the culture of Capiz. They can sink deep into the social consciousness of many Capiceños as well as non-Capiceños with devastating and lasting effects. Since culture crisscrosses practically every aspect of life in society and is verbalized and ritualized through religion, further negative effects of the aswang image can enter into the rebellious psyche of many Capiceños. Culture and religion are closely connected. Evil images are perceived through cultural beliefs as various faces of the devil who needs to be expelled through prayers and blessings.

Nowadays, evil characters have become fashionable and invade the world of commerce. Their outfits can be very expensive.

During the Aswang Festival, the participants as well as by standers are sometimes merely fascinated and amused by the spectacles of evil characters unmindful of the negative implications. Many are convinced these sights are just for fun. But are these not cover ups of evils with appealing wrappers? Will these not contribute to the mentality that witchcraft is no longer scary and dangerous? Do they not present the message that after all, witchcraft is harmless, not anti-God and not anti-Christian? The manner of presentation greatly helps the increasing appeal and flavor of witchcraft to many people today.

Going back to the Bible, witchcraft is involved in the power of darkness. The olds Testament warns: “Let there not be among you anyone who immolates his son or daughter in the fire, nor a fortune-teller, soothsayer, charmer, diviner or caster of spells, nor one who consults abomination to the Lord” (Dt.18:10-11).

St. Paul writes: “It is obvious what proceeds from the flesh…idolatry, sorcery, hostilities…selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, I warn you, those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Gal. 519-21).

While witchcraft entices people to something horrible and to the kingdom of darkness, this is a far notion from the celebration of the All Saint’s Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) which, down through the centuries, celebrate the hope of resurrection and the joy of the faithful who centered their lives on the beatitudes. All the faithful departed are on the way to the kingdom of light—the Holy City—where the immense multitude of Saints, sanctified by the Lord, awaits them. This is the festival of God’s

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Holy City, the heavenly Jerusalem, where the Saints praise God forever. Since the origin of All Saints’ Day in the East in the fourth century and in the West in the eight century, this Solemnity has nothing to do with witches and witchcraft. The Responsorial Psalm of All Saints’ Day: “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face,” speaks about our desire to meet, neither somebody nor something evil, but rather God who is all Good.

God’s goodness is reflected in Jesus Christ who became incarnate to ennoble each one of us. Jesus Christ identified himself with every person, including the very least, to give us life and not to show death. Jesus says: “I came that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10). And so to every race, to every citizen, to every faithful, to every Capiceño for that matter, God has given an eternal dignity with definite rights and duties.

The COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH states that “the field of human rights has expanded to include the rights of peoples and nations: in fact, what is true for the individual is also true for the peoples” (n.157).

As the Philippine Church celebrates this YEAR OF SOCIAL CONCERNS, the Church cannot neglect to voice out about the rights of people and their relation to the common good. While some members of the political community in Capiz uphold the rights of the organizers of the Aswang Festival, the same members of the political community should also respect the rights of other Capiceños who are against the Aswang Festival, as justice demands. And this is a delicate task for public authority. The CATHECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH states that “to ensure the common good, the government of each country has the specific duty to harmonize the different sectoral interests with the requirements of justice” (n. 1908). The Philippine Bishops, in their Pastoral Exhortation: BUILDING A CIVILIZATION OF LOVE exhort us to foster “a sense of patriotism and of being responsible for our country.” Applying this principle to our province, should we not be responsible for Capiz? While the clergy should take the responsibility morally, the laity should lead socially and politically in the social transformation of our province. We acknowledge and thank the members of the Catholic Church and other people of goodwill who express opposition to the Aswang festival through other creative and counteractive activities. Surely, their initiatives and works have values.

However, the clergy and the laity together with the religious sisters can join together in prayer for the common good of our province.

We exhort then the Catholic faithful through the BECS, the different religious organizations and movements, the various religious communities in catholic Schools and convents, the youth communities, the different liturgical ministries and the seminarians to organize PRAYER VIGILS in all parishes and chaplaincies in the Archdiocese in side the parish church or community chapel, and exposition the Blessed Sacrament for few hours on October 27 and 28, 2006 the same day when the Aswang Festival will be held in Roxas City.

We likewise exhort the Catholic faithful who could not come to the parochial church for the PRAYER VIGILS to pray the holy rosary (the joyful, sorrowful, glorious, luminous mysteries) in their respective barrio chapels on the same day mentioned above. We do believe in the power of prayer. Through prayer, we express once again our strong opposition to the Aswang Festival in a peaceful but sincere manner for transformation of hearts. The COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH says: “Prayer opens the heart not only to a deep relationship with God but also to an encounter with others marked by respect, understanding, esteem and love.

Prayer instills courage and lends support to all true friends of peace” (n.519).

May the Blessed Virgin Mary whom we honor during this month of the Holy Rosary intercede for us in our concern for justice and dignity! St. Therese of Avila, a woman of reform, pray for us!

RT. REV. MSGR. VICENTE F. HILATA, P.A. Vicar General, Archdiocese of Capiz October 10, 2006

CBCP Monitor

Reflections

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Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

November Blues?

Proposals for All Saints / Souls Day Observance

By Fr. Roy Cimagala WITH its overshadowing commemoration of the dead, November may evoke somber notes. My friends in business, especially store owners, also tell me November is a dead month, business-wise.

But I must say that like any month, it should connote joy. Memory, let’s remember, has better modes other than sentimental nostalgia and foggy melancholy. Of course, for this we have to widen our perspective.

Reasons to be happy abound. For one, let’s not forget that it begins with the Solemnity of All Saints, a vivid reminder of what the Church teaches as the communion of saints. We all are called to it.

We all truly belong to it. We are God’s people, God’s family.

This means that we have a very glorious beginning, because we come from the hands of God. And we are meant for an even more glorious end, because we are destined to share the very life of God. This is God’s will, before it becomes our own.

This thought should abide in us permanently, forming our basic attitudes and

outlook in life. This should not just be an intellectual thing.

It’s a fundamental truth meant to infuse every pore of our being.

Let’s not worry too much about the means to achieve this. We are told that what God begins, he ends, what he starts, he completes and perfects. Of course, all this will require our cooperation.

Yes, we know all too well that we are sinners. Still we cannot deny that it’s God’s will that we be holy like him, since we are his children, not just any creature. “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.”

We need to expand our mind and heart to conform ourselves more fully to this reality. That’s the challenge we have. We tend to have a very narrow and shallow view of things, which we have to correct.

With weak faith, we invite doubts and fears. We would live in a world of uncertainties. We then become vulnerable to skepticism, even cynicism. The slide to worse things, even faith’s loss, becomes inevitable.

To strengthen our faith, we need among other things

Bo Sanchez

Avoid Potholes by Taking Humps THEY tell me that the average speed of a car in Manila is 25 kph. That’s catastrophically slow. That’s just the speed of a turtle injected with steroids.

Aside from traffic, there are two other things that make vehicles go slow: Humps and potholes.

Between these two, I’d rather choose humps.

Especially those that are painted bright yellow and smooth on the curves, with nice signs to tell us they’re coming.

But I don’t like potholes, period.

They come in all sizes: tiny Mickey Mouse holes to nuclear bomb testing craters.

And they never come announced. They just appear when you’re one inch away, and kabloom. And kablagblagblag...

Life’s like that.

When God wants you to slow down, He’ll send you potholes. But He can never give you humps, because that’s something that you should deliberately make for yourself. (More on this later.)

Potholes are the small and big problems of your life.

When you have a bleeding hangnail, an expensive Italian shoe isn’t very beautiful. When your doctor tells you that you have malignant cancer, your Mercedes or BMW suddenly lacks oomph.

And when you discover that your teen-age son is

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FROM THE INBOX

on drugs, your jewelry doesn’t shine as brilliantly as before.

Like potholes, problems come suddenly. No one warns you they’re coming. And your whole life goes kabloom and kablagblagblag...

But because of these kablooms, you’re forced to stop and think. You ask fundamental questions, like, “What’s life all about?

Where am I going?” Overnight, your hierarchy of values changes. The most important things in life—such as your soul, your family, your God—become painfully obvious. And what used to be so pressing and insistent and noisy, reveal themselves to be cheap.

Humps, on the other hand, are deliberately made.

By you.

You plan them out.

(And fight for them with your life.)

A quiet time for prayer each day.

Or Mass during lunch hour.

Perhaps a weekly prayer meeting.

A personal retreat every year.

Humps are special times when you’ll ask the very same fundamental questions: “What’s life all about? Where am I going?” But this time, not because you’re forced to, but because you want to.

Take a lot of humps.

Perhaps potholes won’t come as often.

filling it, putting all sorts of initiatives our loving creativity could occasion.

Catechesis should be a continuing activity especially at homes. More than in schools and parishes, it’s in homes, the domestic church, where the teaching and deepening in Christian doctrine should be carried out.

Parents especially should take active part in this task.

Theirs is not simply a matter of feeding and clothing their children, sheltering them, sending them to schools. Parenthood means a lot more than these.

Participating in the creativity of God, parents do not only beget children. They educate and form them not only to be their children but also God’s children.

Educating children should not be limited to the merely human aspects. It has to go all the way to the spiritual and supernatural dimensions of our life, to its religious aspect. This is the core of education.

This is one way of effectively blowing the so-called November blues away!

to be deeply grounded on the doctrine of our faith. We have to study our catechism, assimilate and master it.

And since we always live in society, we need to help one another in this regard. There’s so much religious ignorance and doctrinal confusion that we have to overcome. The challenge is truly daunting, but not impossible.

Nowadays, we need to be more precise in our understanding of the articles of our faith. There’s this disturbing talk about invincible ignorance, in the face of which the suggested action to take is just to let the parties concerned be.

These doctrines of our faith are not simply ideas. We need them to immerse ourselves in the very life and mystery of God, in his mercy and justice. We need them to take part in Christ’s salvific work. We have to be careful with our tendency to simply “intellectualize” them.

Let’s hope that we can be more aware of this grave responsibility to study our doctrines seriously. Even more, that we be truly adept in ful-

PERHAPS parishes in-charge of particular cemeteries could include the following in their plans before October 31 of each year: Confessions: it would be good to have many priests with portable confessional boxes to hear the confessions of people who are visiting their dead.

Holy Masses: Perhaps, more Masses could also be scheduled in the chapels on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 aside from just Nov.1, if possible.

Blessing of tombs: Priests and deacons could be available for blessing tombs on all 3 days.

Vigils with appropriate prayers including the Holy Rosary. Reading of related doctrine of the Catholic Church (e.g. last things, indulgences, value of the sacraments, etc.): This will enable the people to live meaningfully the observance of All Souls’ Day and obtain the maximum suffrages for the faithful departed.

Film viewing (Our Lady of Fatima, Christmas Carol—where the past, present and future of Scrooge’s life is shown to him by his friend Marley, who is in purgatory, or other related catechetical films): This will be an effective means of catechesis and a way to make good use of time in the cemetery.

Instrumental music of Mass songs that are of contemplative mood: Such music could be interspersed with the other scheduled activities in the cemetery.

Strategically located, sufficient and efficient sound system and screens for film viewing: It would be good to install such type of sound system in the cemetery ground for the benefit of all the people, particularly the Catholics scattered in the area. Announcements, reminders and reflections could be aired through the sound system while films could be projected on screens.

Donors could be tapped from parishes for the materials to be used. — Ms. Evelyn C. Mijares

Ar e Y ou W or ried?

Are You Wor orried?

(Lk 12:22-34)

by Bp. Jose Manguiran, DD SOME are worried having no eyeglasses; but others have no eyes. Some are worried having no handbag; but others don’t have arms. Some are worried having no new pair of shoes; but others have no feet.

Some are worrying getting fat; they get anxious, dying to get trimmed; but others simply don’t have food; they get hungry thinning to die.

Some are worried having lost their comb, having no shampoo; but others have no hair at all; his bald head is ex-

posed to weather harassment.

Some are worried not to own a new ring; but others have no fingers; in fact they make rings as business; they also make one for the nose; they have only holes (in the leprosarium).

Some are worried that their cheek, once pinkish with youthfulness are now accumulating furrows of shadows; but others have no cheek, only bones.

Why do some people—maybe many—invest their time, effort, money, even their life to worrying about their skin,

about the covering, about the wrappings, about the tag, about the color, about the paint, about the hairdo, about how they smell—about the non-essentials that do no touch the core of self?

I admire those who do not have the essentials—without eyes, without limbs, without arms, without feet and yet they do not worry to death but instead they dare to cross the border of nothingness and enter into as a new world of creativity. What spirit transpires them into that new world? They have the spirit of faith that transcends reason; they have the love that overcomes hatred; they have the hope that penetrates the dark.

They are the brave. They are inspirers of the hopeless. They have no medal; they have no ranks of major and general, but anyhow, they are the undeclared heroes.

NYD 2006/ from p8 Melendez who did not have hands but rendered a beautiful song while playing the guitar using his legs and feet.

The challenge of the story was for each one present to use for God’s glory what God has given and from the readings for the day, to practice self-disciple and as the late Pope John Paul II exhorted in WYD 1995, “be able to commit to the highest ideals, ready to change radically the false values which have enslaved so many young people and adults.”

After the post-communion prayer, Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon, Chairman, Episcopal Commission on Youth addressed the delegates pickingup from Archbishop Capalla’s homily on NYD as a time to do and become good and not just to have a good time. He shared a discomforting but funny-inthe-end story whose lesson was on “diskarte” (a word common among the young loosely meaning “strategy”).

Young people use so much “diskarte” to get along with life.

The challenge is to use the

same skill at “diskarte” to share the fruits of the NYD experience to other young people.

Bishop Baylon also acknowledged and welcomed the arrival of the popular City Mayor of Davao, Rodrigo R. Duterte as he approached the altar to personally welcome the delegates to Davao City and to deliver his message assuring the delegates of his support and their well-being while in Davao City. Archbishop Capalla expressed his gratitude for the generosity and full support provided by Mayor Duterte for NYD, from security, traffic order, cleanliness… to food. Bishop Baylon went on to further acknowledge and thank those who made NYD 2006 a reality and announced that the next national celebration of NYD will be in Luzon.

The evening ended with the Youth JaM (JaM dubbed as Jesus and Mary) which featured the NYD 2006 Csite animators, local talents (among them, Mr. Popong Landero), and the Singles for Christ band as NYD 2006 paid tribute to the presence of Jesus and Mary in

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the journey, to the Archdiocese of Davao, the City of Davao, to sponsors, foster parents, delegates, and the volunteers. A praise and worship segment capped the celebration.

Welcoming a young person is a blessing …

November 12 (Day 5) was dubbed “Suroy-suroy sa Dabaw” but it was not just to see the sights and enjoy the amenities but more of to be with the family in going to Mass, visiting significant sites and eating a meal together to complete the Davao experience before bringing the foster children to the areas of convergence with their respective delegations for a tearful hug and farewell.

Thousands of families and communities welcomed two or more delegates for the duration of NYD. The experience of welcoming and being welcomed has showered Davao with so much positive thoughts, words and actions that will linger for a long time.

To many, this is among the highlights of NYD. They have

experienced being warmly welcomed and considered part of not only a family but also of a Christian community (i.e. parishes, districts, zones, chapels, GKK/BEC), truly Mindanaoan.

The response of families and communities with the leadership of their respective parish priests was overwhelming.

The response of volunteers under the leadership of Mr. Dennis Villegas, NYD 2006 Steering Committee Chairman, was equally overwhelming as Davao mobilized for NYD. Indeed given the opportunity to contribute and do something good, the whole Christian community comes together.

This is our Church and the young are so blessed. They, too, have blessed us by their visit (the delegates) and their witness of service and commitment (the volunteers).

They said: “ Amen! Praise and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving and honor, power and might, to our God forever and ever. Amen!” (Rev. 7:12) (Maria Riza A. Melliza, is the Chairperson, NYD 2006 Program Committee)

CBCP Monitor

CINEMA Reviews

Vol. 10 No. 16 November 20, 2006

Title: HUWAG KANG LILINGON Running Time: 96 min.

Cast: Ann Curtis, Kristine Hermosa, Marvin Agustin, Cherry Pie Picache, Celine Lim, Raymond Bagatsing Director: Jerry Lopez Sineneng, QuarkHenares Producers: Vic del Rosario Jr., Veronique del Rosario-Corpus, Charo Santos Cancio, Malou Santos Screenwriter: Ricky Lee Music: Carmina Robles-Cuyan Editor: Marya Ignacio Genre: Cinematography: Chris Manjares, Lyle Sacris Distributor: Viva Films, Star CINEMA Location: Province Technical Assessment: ½ Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Huwag Kang Lilingon has two parts.

Part I, Uyayi (Lullaby), is about Melissa (Ann Curtis) a nurse at the Angel of Mercy Hospital, who came back from the U.S.A a year earlier. She has been telling her boy friend James (Marvin Agustin) about mysterious deaths at the hospital. There are rumors of ghosts. However, she thinks the doctor has something to do with the deaths as he is unpopular, unfriendly and keeps to himself. Being a writer, James wants to have a scoop.

He pretends he is sick so he can be confined. Part II, Salamin (Mirror), shows Aling Rosing (Cherry Pie Picache) and her two daughters Angel (Kristine Hermosa) and Mina

(Celine Lim) moving into a huge mansion, uninhabited for a long time. Angel is the sole breadwinner because they were abandoned by the father and the mother is sickly. Hard-up and ejected from their former residence, they are glad the rental is very low.

Discovering a mirror in the basement, the two daughters light a candle in front of it during a full moon at midnight, concentrating on a wish to see the images of their future mates in the mirror. They did not see anything but the house turns out to be haunted Huwag Kang Lilingon is a well crafted film that delivers the suspense, thrills and shocks that horror film fans expect. The well chosen milieus exude

Title: Maging Akin Muli Running Time: 100 minutes Cast: Marvin Agustin, Noel Trinidad, Sandy Andolong, Ronnie Lazaro, Missy Maramara, Pen Medina, Jaime Fabregas Director: Marilou Diaz Abaya Producers: Jesuit Communications Screenwriter: Marilou Diaz Abaya Music: Nonong Buencamino Genre: Drama Location: Guagua, Pampanga Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: ½ CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Ang Maging Akin Muli ay salaysay tungkol sa bagong ordinang diyakono, ang 26-taong gulang na si Reverend Junjun (Marvin Agustin). Pumasok siya sa semi-naryo noong 12-taonggulang pa lamang siya subali’t masaya din naman ang kanyang dinaanang pagbibinata, at katunayan ay palihim pang nagkaroon ng dalawang girlfriends. Matataas ang kanyang mga grado sa eskuwela, at bagama’t wala siyang pag-aalinglangan sa kanyang bokasyon, pinag-iisipan pa rin niya kung paano ito isasaka-tuparan sa hindi karaniwang paraan. Ang unang assignment ni Rev. Junjun ay bilang assistant ng konserbatibong kura parokong si Fr. Salvador Bautista (Noel Trinidad), sa Parokya ng Santiago Apostol. Sa kanyang trabaho makikilala ni Rev. Junjun ang mga masalimuot na takbo ng buhay ng mga parokyano, kasama na ang isang bilanggong takdang bitayin (Ronnie Lazaro), ang isang matulungin subalit mapaghanap na benefactor ng simbahan (Jaime Fabregas) at ang

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kanyang dating kasintahang ngayo’y nabuntis ng isang may-asawa at isinisisi ang kanyang kapalaran sa kanilang pagkakahiwalay ni Rev. Junjun. Hahamunin ng mga pangyayari ang bokasyon ni Rev. Junjun, at susubukin nito ang kanyang pagnanais na magpakabanal at magpaangkin nang tangi sa Diyos.

Hindi na bago ang Maging Akin Muli, kung kaya marahil nang panoorin namin ito ay walang laman ang sinehan kundi dadalawang tao.

Ito’y isang pelikulang ginawa ng Jesuit Communications para sa telebisyon, at unang inilabas ito noong Disyembre 2005 upang makatulong sa pagninilay-nilay ng mga tao tungkol sa kahulugan ng pag-asa sa panahon ng kapaskuhan. Bagama’t luma na, minarapat pa rin ng CINEMA na suriin ang Maging Akin Muli sapagka’t isa ito sa mga nagtamo ng nakaraang paligsahan ng CMMA (Catholic Mass Media Awards). Si Marilou Diaz Abaya ang sumulat ng kuwento at nagdirihe ng Maging Akin Muli, at sapagkat

an eeriness that puts the viewer in a state of anxious expectation. Then the visuals, sound effects and music envelope the film in an atmosphere of fear and impending doom. However, some scenes that are too gory and gross may turn off some viewers. The joining at the end of two seemingly separate stories is cleverly done and puts all the pieces of the two stories together. Good editing is evident in the juxtaposition of light moments with the dark events. The acting of the cast is very good especially that of the leads Ann Curtis, Marvin Agustin, Cherry Pie Picache, Kristine Hermosa and newcomer Celine Lim. Some positive values in the film are evident in the closeness of the family shown through their love, and concern for each other (2nd story) and in a person’s willingness to work hard to benefit others. Huwag Kang Lilingon shows that childhood experiences, particularly those that encroach upon forbidden realms—like invoking spirits, communication with the dead, etc.—can leave lasting and damaging impressions on the human psyche.

The seemingly normal but terrifying life of Melissa attests to this. Not only is it dangerous to invite spirits or to be open to them as shown in the movie. It is also forbidden as stated in the Bible.

The Church teaches faith in the Living God overcomes fear of the spirits of the dead. Prayer is the best recourse when we want or need something. nagtambal sila ng talino ng mga Hesuwita, makakaasa kayong tumpak at makabuluhan ang men-saheng hatid nito.

Lapat naman ang sinematograpiya at musika sa istorya, at sadyang maganda ang simbahang ginamit sa pelikula. Isa lamang bagay ang hindi “swak” o tugma sa buong larawan ng pelikula, at iyon ay ang pagganap ng mga artista. Kulang sa lalim, maikli sa damdamin, at salat sa kaluluwa ang pagganap. Sapagkat napakalalim ng tema ng Maging Akin Muli—ang bokasyon o ang tawag ng Panginoon sa isang magpapari—ang tagos-sa-butong pagganap lamang ang makapagtatawid ng pahatid nitong mga isipin. At ito’y hindi maaaring “i-arte” lamang sa harap ng kamera; hindi ito puwedeng “i-peke”, ika nga. Marahil magiging higit na kapani-paniwala ang pelikula kung totoong pari, diyakono at ina ng diyakono ang mga ginamit ditong artista, sapagkat ang mga katagang mamumutawi sa kanilang mga labi at ang damdaming masasalamin sa kanilang mga kilos ay magmumula sa malalim na balon ng karanasan sa tunay na buhay.

Sa kabila ng kakulangan ng pelikula, makabubuting panoorin ang Maging Akin Muli ng mga pamilya lalo na kung may nadaramang bokasyon ang mga anak nito. Maganda ring panoorin, suriin at pag-usapan ito ng mga pari at seminarista, ng mga “taong simbahan” (halimbawa, ng mga parish workers), upang matulungan silang mapalawak ang kanilang pananaw tungkol sa pagpapakabanal.

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Title: THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE Running Time: 93 min.

Cast: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Eric Lloyd, Martin Shor Director: Michel Lembeck Producers: Tim Allen, Robert Newmyer Screenwriter: Ed Deeter, John J. Strauss Music: George Clinton Editor: David Finfer Genre: Fantasy Cinematography: Robbie Greenberg Distributor: Columbia Pictures Location: North Pole Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For viewers 13 and below with parental guidance

CHRISTMAS is nearing and Santa Clause (Tim Allen) is swamped with stress issues; a delay in the production line, Mrs. Clause’s (Elizabeth Mitchell) pregnancy tantrums and depression, his visiting in-laws and the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) who secretly wants to take over his job. Forced to bring in his in-laws to please his expectant wife and take in Jack Frost as an apprentice after he was almost suspended from the Legendary Figures association, Santa faces seemingly minor glitches and breakdown in his workshop and home. This compromises his already bitter relationship with his inlaws who are displeased that their daughter was yanked out of their lives and Santa tries hard to protect his secret and pretends they are in Canada. Unknown to him, Jack Frost is behind all these as he schemes to make Santa regret he took the job so he can take over.

Frost manages to trick Santa into saying “I wish I was never Santa at all” and everything is reversed with Frost taking over the North Pole.

Now, Christmas is an unhappy holiday. For Frost decided to stop toy production and turn the North Pole into a Theme Park for the public.

Santa realizes the value of what he was doing for the children and the Christmas, so he teams up Lucy with (Liliana Mumy) to make Frost unwish his being Santa and everything can be the way it was.

The movie is neatly done with decent visual effects and a magnificent production design that does not make you feel you are in a make-

shift set. The story is told in a simple and straightforward way so the audience gets to enjoy the movie effortlessly. Not much is asked from the performers to deliver their roles but overall they were fairly convincing. Martin Short is excellent as a scheming cold-hearted Frost.

The beauty of the movie is that although its main characters are legendary figures aimed nowadays to commercialize certain holidays, it is able to deliver a powerful message about family and valuing your role for society. Very obvious is how Clause tries hard to make his relationship work with his wife, in-laws, son, ex-wife and even the daughter of his ex-wife. He values family and treats every child he gives a present to as his own. In the end he beautifully summarizes his realization, “We don’t have to be a perfect family, we just have to be together.” The movie also talks about “social responsibility”. Santa was called from his normal life to become Father Christmas and live a secret and stressful lifestyle round-the-clock. The pressures are tremendous that one can stop and ask if it’s worth it. But realizing the joys, love and hope that are lost if he ceases to perform his Santa duties, Santa realized no sacrifice is too great so the world can have a Merry Christmas. It is advisable that mature adults accompany the young impressionable audiences to stress that the happiness Christmas brings does not come from the ho-ho of Santa but from the story of hope in the manager and the love we give each other.

From Danger/ from p13 4. There is discrimination among settlers from Tondo, Makati, and Paco.

5. Patrols in the area of Southville harass private vehicles that transport workers once a week to Makati.

6. The promised market area is till only at the map.

7. There is not enough supply of potable water. Dirty water (mire) is pumped from water wells.

8. Installation of electric services is a very slow pace.

9. Frequent trouble among settlers, with no authorities to pacify.

10. Hold-up, bag and cell phone snatching, drug addiction and prostitution are rampant.

11. The area becomes the hide-out of “hoodlums” from other places.

12. Serious crimes happen, i.e. one night a couple riding their motorcycle was stopped by a resident of Southville and raped the wife at knifepoint in front of her husband.

Based on the above mentioned finding my fervent prayers to the concerned authorities are the following.

1. Complete rehabilitation of the dumpsite and the enforcement of vital pollution prevention measures to minimize its adverse impacts on public health and the environment.

2. We say No to further expansions of the Southville Relocation Project.

3. Delist Laguna as further relocation area.

4. We urge the national and local government specifically, the

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Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Secretary and Vice-President Noli de Castro to address immediately the basic needs of the relocatees; i.e. potable water, electricity, provisions for proper disposal of waste and health centers, among others.

“Love of neighbor is thus shown to be possible in the way proclaimed by the Bible, by Jesus. It consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know. This can only take place on the basis of an intimate encounter with God, an encounter which has become a communion of will, even affecting my feelings. Then I learn to look on this other person not simply with my eyes and my feelings, but from the perspective of Jesus Christ. His friend is my friend. Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave” (DCE # 18).

May Mary, the Mother and Model of the Poor, be our intercessor in our quest to be in unity with our least fortunate brothers and sisters.

For the whole Diocese of San Pablo, on the occasion of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Birth Anniversary, 8th September, 2006.

In Christ, Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB. D.D. Bishop of San Pablo

People, Facts & Places

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Bible Quiz Wins Award for Excellence AN initiative to spread the Good News in the country has been recognized with a prestigious public relations award in the country today.

The National Catholic Family Bible Quiz (NCFBQ) has won an Anvil Award for its efforts, which resulted in the better understanding of the Bible among many families.

The award is described as the “Oscar” of the public relations industry and given to outstanding programs that have lasting and effective impact and value.

The prize was presented in recognition to the “Excellence in Institutional and Corporate Programs” of the Bible quiz and was received by Elvira Go, the NCFBQ secretariat chairman.

Anvil ward embodies the highest level of excellence in public relations that reflect and promote public

APPOINTED. Bp. Romulo Valles, 55, as Archbishop of Zamboanga, by Pope Benedict XVI, November 13, 2006. Valles who has been Bishop of Kidapawan since 1997, replaced Archbishop Carmelo Morelos whose resignation upon reaching age 75, based on the Church Law, was accepted by the Holy Father. A native of Bohol, Bishop Valles was ordained as bishop on August 28, 1997.

He took up A.B. Philosophy and Theology at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City, 1968-1972 and 1972-1976 respectively. He earned his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at Pontificio Ateneo Sant’ Anselmo in Rome, Italy, 1985-1990 and MA in Religious Education Ignatian Institute for Religious Education at Ateneo de Davao University in 1997. Among his Pastoral Ministries were in 1976-1978 he became the Asst. Parish Priest, Christ the King Cathedral Parish, Tagum, Davao then Parish Priest, San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Mati, Davao Oriental; 1982-1984, Parish Priest, Christ the King Cathedral Parish, Tagum, Davao and Vicar General, Diocese of Tagum; 1983, Teaching Scripture, Queen of Apostles College Seminary, Tagum, Davao; 1990 Fundamental Liturgy, Sacramental Theology and Coordinator, Spiritual Formation Year at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City; 1992-1993, Vice-Rector and in 1993- Rector, St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City. At present he is also the chairman of CBCP’s Commission on Liturgy. © varsitarian.com

ing “morally upright” students aside from making them adept in their chosen field.

“The best mentor develops positive values by showing good example,” he said.

Arceo, the 94th rector of the university, is expected to continue UST’s tradition of orthodoxy and loyalty to the Church.

Established in 1611, UST is the oldest university in Asia A prior provincial of the Philippine Dominican Province and rector of the UST Central Seminary, the new rector has a licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Masters and Doctorate in Philosophy from UST. He also studied at St. Louis University in Missouri, USA, and Galilee College in Israel.

Arceo’s four-year term will see him lead the bulk of preparations for the university’s 400th founding anniversary celebration in 2011. (CBCP News)

APPOINTED. Bp. Sergio Utleg, 63, as Bishop of Laoag, by Pope Benedict XVI, November 13, 2006.

Before being transferred as Bishop of Laoag, he was the Bishop of Ilagan, Isabela.

Bp. Utleg was ordained as a priest at the age of 24 on March 30, 1968. He earned his Bachelor in Philosophy at UST Central Seminary in 1963; Licentiate in Philosophy also in UST Central Seminary in 1964; Bachelor in Theology at Gregorian University in Rome, 1966; Licentiate in Sacred Theology Gregorian University Rome, 1968 and MA in Sociology at Fordham University, New York, 1967. He was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop: February 10, 1997 and ordained as Bishop on March 17, 1007 and became Bishop of Ilagan on July 26, 1999. Before becoming a Bishop, his assignments includes in 1971, Procurator, San Jacinto Seminary, Cagayan; 1971-1982, Social Action Director, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao; 1973, Parochial Vicar, St. Peter’s Cathedral Parish; 1973-1987, Parish Priest, Cordova, Amulung; 1977-1997, Chairman, Commission on Social Action; 1987, Parish Priest, St. Philomene’s Parish, Alcala, Cagayan; 1993, Pastor, St. Peter Thelmo Parish, Aparri and Episcopal Vicar, Vicariate of Aparri. As of now, Bp. Utleg is the Chairman of CBCP’s Commission on Indigenous People.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales led a mass at the Malate Church for Our Lady of Remedies fiesta celebration on November 19. To intensify the fulfillment of Mary’s role in the Church, the parish set up last year a ministry for children, an educational assistance program for 250 students, a strong prison ministry and a vicariate Remedies Health Training Center.

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Vol. 10 No. 13 16 November 20, 2006

Markings

interest, good values, and genuine service to the community and society.

The NCFBQ was also conceptualized by Go and held in commemoration of the National Eucharistic and Marian Year.

NCFBQ secretariat said: “The task of creating a nationwide competition would have scared lesser people, but the Secretariat, the representatives of the CBCP commissions and the numerous volunteers all came together to fulfill the dream.”

The special event was made possible with the help of Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and the CBCP Permanent Committee on International Eucharistic Congresses, Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

(CBCP News)

UST Installs New Rector

THE new rector of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Fr Ernesto Arceo, OSP, has been officially installed to office at a ceremony inside UST chapel on November 9.

Leading the solemn rites was Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales who said that Arceo’s appointment means serving as the “conscience and guide” of the university.

“The Catholic educator must teach, encourage, motivate and guide in the formation of right and true Christian conscience necessary to harness morality, honesty and decency,” said Rosales.

During the ceremony, Arceo— a 50-year-old Dominican philosopher—was given the ceremonial rector’s robes and was greeted by members of the academic staff and students before giving his rector’s address.

Arceo underscored, in his speech, the significance of develop-

CBCP Monitor

WILL CELEBRATE. Bp. Cirilo Almario, 50 th Priestly Ordination, November 30, 2006. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 30, 1956 in Manila, and ordained bishop on October 18, 1973 in Lipa City Cathedral. He was the CBCP Secretary General from 1976 to 1981. He was once the Chairman of the CBCP Public Affairs Committee and CBCP Commission on Biblical Apostolate. He studied elementary at St. Helen’s Academy, San Pablo City, 1943; High School at St. Francis Seminary, Lipa City, 1950; Philosophy, UST Central Seminary, 1952 Also obtained his Bachelor and Licentiate in Theology in 1955 and 1957 respectively at UST Central Seminary. He also became a member of CBCP Commission on the Collegio-Filippino in Rome.

CELEBRATED. Paco Catholic School, 94th Anniversary, November 10-11, 2006. Paco Catholic School (PCS), considered as the largest parochial school in the world celebrated their 94th foundation anniversary last November 10-11 with the theme “Telling and Retelling the Story of Jesus Today.” PCS was established and founded in year 1912 by Fr. Godfried or Godofredo Aldenhujsen, popularly known as Padre Godo. In June 1913, following an increase in enrolment, Fr. Godofredo asked the Belgian Mothers (CMSA now ICM) from St. Theresa’s College to help in running the school. Thereafter, enrolment steadily increased by one grade level every year until the primary course (Grades 1-4) was completed. Finally in 1916, the grade school was fully recognized by the government. Fr. Carlos Van Ooteghem, the last CICM parish priest to serve PCS managed the school from 1980-1984. He stayed on as coadjutor in the parish until his health prevented him from continuing his ministry. It was during his term when the Karel Hall, Covered Court, Fr. Godofredo and P.A.(Practical Arts) Bldgs. were constructed.

After 72 years of dedicated service to the ministry and education, the CICM missionaries (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae/Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) turned over the management of the school to the Archdiocese of Manila in 1984. Bp. Teodoro Bacani was the first Filipino to take over the parish and school after the Belgian CICM missionaries. The population in PCS continued to increase especially when Kindergarten 1 was introduced in 1995. The start of Nursery Level was noted a year later. In 1996, Monsignor Domingo A. Cirilos Jr. replaced Bp. Bacani as parish priest and director of the institution. Bishop Teodoro Bacani, presided the anniversary mass on November 10, 2006. Joining him were former Paco parochial vicars led by MAPSA President, Msgr. Gerardo Santos, and Rev. Fr. Roy Bellen, the newly ordained alumnus priest. The PCS motto is “Noblesse Oblige”—Nobility Obligates— which means that because your nobility and dignity is great, so is your responsibility.

Leo Reinier (left to right), Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, Zenas Lozadas, Cealwyn Tagle, and Atty. Jose Flores in a press conference held at the Manila Cathdral last November 10 to formally announce the restoration of the Cathedral’s pipe organ and the holding of the first pipe organ festival on December 1 to 10.

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