April 30 - May 13, 2007 by cbcpmonitor

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Vol. 11 No. 9 Bishop Urges

Notion of Limbo Isn’t Closed, Says Expert

Youth to Get Involved in May Polls

Ledesma: Time to Take Democracy in Our Hands “IT is time to take democracy in our own hands and make it work for our communities and future generations,” said Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma as he called on voters to choose their candidates well before going to polls on May 14. In a pastoral statement issued over a week before the elections, Ledesma said voters should consider the three “Cs” that will assure of the candidate’s basic qualities, namely: conscience, competence and commitment to the common good. Ledesma / A6

Cardinal Asks Faithful to Pray ‘Oratio Imperata’ for 2007 Polls CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, called on the Catholic faithful to pray the revised “Oratio Imperata” for this year’s midterm elections . The prayer was personally prepared by Vidal to ask God to enlighten the Filipino voters to “cast their votes responsibly according to their conscience.” The “Oratio Imperata” calls on the Holy Spirit to help people realize that elections are important to transform society by election capable, credible, committed, and morally upright leaders to foster renewal and lasting stability, prosperity and peace. “Lord, protect with the tender yet mighty care of the Holy Spirit all the candidates with their families, political allies and followers,” the prayer read as it asked for Divine

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Abp. Lagdameo’s Reflections on Labor Day

Bishop Calls for Peace

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CABANATUAN Bishop Sofronio Bancud appealed to his flock to shun violence as the campaign period for the country’s midterm elections draws to a close as he called for vigilance to assure everyone of peaceful and credible elections. Bishop Bancud issued his statement after election-related incidents occurred in Nueva Ecija a few days after the signing of the candidates’ peace covenant which was co-sponsored by the Dioceses of Cabanatuan and San Jose.

Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace April 30 - May 13, 2007

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Vol. 11 No. 9

Pray for a Peaceful Election

Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, D.D. Archbishop of Cebu

protection of concerned citizents involved in political education, poll watching and other related activities. The “Oratio Imperata” which means obligatory prayer, is an old Catholic tradition, where bishops led their community in prayer for a special intentions. A priest said it is a form of “coming together of people to raise their voices in collective prayer, with unified intentions ti promote the common good and public welfare.” “The relevance and importance of this Special Prayer cannot be overemphasized—as a Church, we and our people must pray for a clean, honest, violence free, and credible elections,” said Vidal. The prayer is to be recited kneeling down in all Sunday and Weekly Masses after the Communion Prayer until a week after the May 14 elections. (CBCPNews)

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By Roy Lagarde “We need the Lord’s help without which our best efforts will come to nothing,” said CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo adding that no matter what we do to ensure fair and free polls, it’s only prayer that can assure us of what is truly good for us. Lagdameo exhorted the faithful to kneel in prayer and penance in the face of the tremendous potential for either good or evil that the forthcoming May 14 election will bring to the country. “May the hand of God stop evil from getting in control. We need everyone to invoke the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide our people in this electoral exercise, for the renewal of our country toward genuine common good,” Lagdameo said. Pray / A6

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A Covenant for H.O.P.E. The Covenant for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections was signed on April 24, 2007 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila . Among the signatories were: CBCP, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Education, National Capit al Region Police Office, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the Filipino Alliance Movement-Support Group, Bantay Bayan, Inc., and DeltaCom.

2 Pinoys Ordained by Pope in Vatican POPE Benedict XVI ordained 22 men on April 29 in St. Peter’s Basilica, including two Filipinos. Fr Joseph Michael de la Cruz of Bacolod, Negros Occidental and Fr Meletito Fabella of

Cebu were ordained as members of the Legionnaires of Christ, a conservative religious order. Both are graduates of the prestigious Pontifical 2 Pinoy / A6

Religious Superiors: Right to Suffrage is a Birthright JUST as campaign flyers, posters and streamers from political candidates overwhelm the electorate prior to the May 14 polls, so are materials from the Church advocating for responsible voting. Alongside the efforts of various Church groups to educate the voters on the coming elections, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of the Creation Commission of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (JPICC-AMRSP) recently launched its own reflection guide for voters. “While the Church clearly outlines that it cannot be directly involved in partisan politics, it is nonetheless encouraged to help reclaim the positive values of political life,” said JPICAMRSP executive secretary Charito Pinalas in a statement. But unlike other voters’ education program of its genre, JPICC-AMRSP’s handy reflection guide highlighted a faithbased approach to urge voters to discern their birthright to

choose right. Aside from including a graphic illustration of the country and its problems, the reflection guide contains insightful pieces that bank on the Catholic faithful’s duty to vote wisely as part of their baptismal right of free choice. “Our Catholic baptism entitles us the power to discern and choose right. As such, our right to vote is just a practice of our birthright that we must not waste,” said AMRSP co-executive secretary Bro. Hansel Mapayo, SSP. But Mapayo added that what the Church advocates is an informed free choice. “The Church has to do something to educate its people. This is why it has launched a lot of programs to help the people discern the candidates worthy to be elected,” said Mapayo. Hopefully, Mapayo said, the results of the polls reciprocate the Church’s efforts in educating the lay faithful. (Kris Bayos)

CBCP President and Jaro (Iloilo) Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo said candidates should prove they are worth the peoples’ vote by addressing the country’s labor crisis. In the statement, “Reflection for Labor Day,” CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said future government leaders must consider the labor condition s in the country as one of their priorities.

“We hope that the future leaders in the country—from the bottom up—in solidarity with the business sector, will ensure through implementation of just legislation the workers’ rights as well as the just development of the world of work,” he said. While the country has laws that are “pro-workers”, Lagdameo noted that many of them remain unimplemented. The CBCP head also con-

tested government’s claim that the country’s labor condition has improved with the generation of five million jobs from 2001 up to date. Citing a survey, he said that in January 2006 the unemployed individuals have reached 3.9 million and still increasing, while the underemployed were 5.4 million of 31.7 million employed “The poverty of labor could be a sign indicating the genu-

ine level of economy,” Lagdameo said. The prelate also lauded the contribution made by millions of Filipinos working abroad “mitigating the employment problem in the country.” “It is an accepted fact, their remittances have provided an important source of income for a great number of Filipino families,” he said. (CBCPNews)

Church Watchdog, Muslims Ink Pact for Clean Polls A LANDMARK accord has been signed between a Church group and Muslims to ensure a credible election and to mop the image of Muslim Mindanao as “cheating capital” of the country. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines formally signed a working agreement for the protection of the sanctity of the votes this May 14.

Former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa represented the PPCRV while Mufti Abdulla Hamja Utoh signed the treaty in behalf of the Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines. The said Muslim organization is the official body of the Filipino Muslims that maybe equal to Catholic bishops in issuing religion edicts. Both groups have agreed that holding clean, honest and credible elections is im-

portant for the “survival and empowering of a democratic and just society.” The Muslim panel has committed to enforce its moral authority by urging their members to exercise their electoral duty. The PPCRV, meanwhile, said it would establish a network of volunteer monitors and watchers who shall take the lead in monitoring, watching and canvassing of votes in the ARMM region, which includes Lanao Church / A6 © Denz Dayao / CBCP Media

CBCP Dares Upcoming Gov’t Leaders to Solve Labor Crisis

17, 880 Seats at Stake in Midterm Polls Millions of Filipino voters from nearly 42,000 barangays will troop to 224,157 clustered precincts nationwide to elect lawmakers and local government officials on May 14 after a campaign period marked with over a hundred election-related violent incidents. These incidents caused deaths and injuries to a number of politicians and their respective ward leaders and supporters in a number of provinces, notably Abra, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Masbate. There are 12 senatorial positions, 55 party-list posts, 219 congressional seats, 81 gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial seats, 770 provincial board members, 118 city mayors, 118 city vice mayors, 1,510 municipal mayors and vice mayors together with 12,092 city and

municipal councilors at stake during tomorrow’s election. National Statistics Office estimates revealed 50,515,165 Filipinos 18 years old in time for this year’s midterm elections. The country’s registered voters reached a high of 45,041,777 from 43,536,028 in 2004. The National Capital Region tops the list of voters with 5,457,570 voters from 5,925,347 voters in 2004. The reduction came after exclusion proceedings and voters failure to re-register on duly appointed dates. Sources at the Commission on Elections disclosed all reported figures are subject to further verification. In 2004, Cebu province placed second to NCR with 2,018,719, Negros Occidental with 1,478,260, Bulacan had 17, 880 / A6

The CBCP Secretary General, Msgr. Juanito Figura, prepares the First Friday Prayer Vigil of CBCP Staff and members of mandated organizations under the Council of the Laity of the Philippines , last May 4. The CBCP President urged the faithful to organize prayer vigils and do penance for the intention of a peaceful May 14 elections.

CBCP Monitor

A2 World News Benedict XVI Ordains 22 to Priesthood draw near to the altar to renew the sacrifice of the cross, you will discover the richness and tenderness of the divine master’s love more and more. “He is the one who is calling you today to a more intimate friendship with him.” “If you will listen to him with docility, if you will follow him faithfully, you will learn how to translate his love and passion for the salvation of souls into everyday life,” the Pope added.

“Indestructible hope” VATICAN CITY, April 29, 2007—At a Mass in which he ordained 22 men to the priesthood, Benedict XVI spoke on what it means to be a priest. “Each one of you,” the pope said today to the ordinands, “will become a good shepherd with Jesus’ help, ready even to give your life for him if it is necessary.” The sacrament of holy orders, the Holy Father said in his homily, “makes you participants in Christ’s own mission; you will

be called to sow the seed of his Word—the seed that bears in itself the Kingdom of God—to dispense God’s mercy and to feed the faithful at the table of the body and the blood.” Benedict XVI said: “To be worthy ministers you will have to unceasingly nourish yourselves with the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. “Draw near to the altar, your daily school of sanctity, of communion with Jesus, the way of entering into his sentiments;

The Holy Father continued: “May the certainty that Christ will not abandon you and that no obstacle can stand in the way of his universal design of salvation be for you a reason for constant consolation—even on the difficult days—and indestructible hope. “The goodness of the Lord is always with you and it is strong.” “Despite misunderstandings and problems,” said Benedict XVI, “the apostle of Christ does not lose his joy, indeed he is the

witness of that joy that flows from being with the Lord, from love for him and one’s brothers.” After the homily, and as the candidates lay prostrate on the floor, those present in St. Peter’s Basilica, many of whom were relatives and friends, intoned the Litany of the Saints. Afterward the Pope placed his hands on the heads of the candidates, repeating the gesture of the first apostles. The new priests concelebrated their first Mass with Benedict XVI; Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s vicar for Rome; Bishop Luigi Moretti, Vice vicar for Rome; the auxiliary bishops of the Diocese of Rome; and the superiors of the respective seminaries. Of the newly ordained men, 11 are from the Major Seminary of Rome, eight are from Redemptoris Mater—the Roman seminary of the Neocatechumenal Way—and the other three are from the Seminary of Divine Love, the Capranica College of Rome and the congregation of the Legionaries of Christ. (Zenit)

A Synod to Deepen our Encounter with the Word of God VATICAN CITY, April 27, 2007—A pastoral synod by exploring doctrinal reasoning aims to extend and strengthen the practice of our encounter with the Word of God. That is the objective of the next general assembly of the synod of bishops, which will be dedicated to the theme of “The Word of God in the life and the mission of the Church”. Today the secretary and undersecretary of the synod, Msgr. Nicola Eterovic and Msgr. Fortunato Frezzi presented the “Lineamenta”, the draft working copy of the questions regarding the issue which are presented to bishops all around the world. Due to be held from October 5-26, 2007, this assembly follows the previous session dedicated to the “Eucharist as the source and summit of the life and mission of the Church” and seeks to highlight the direct link between the Eucharist and the Word of God. Moreover continues the document, “modern man in many ways shows that he has a great need to listen more closely to the Word of God and to speak with Him.

Today there is a growing passion within the Christian community for the Word of God, as the source of life and grace in man’s encounter with God”. In other words, “the human person is in need of the Revelation”. For its part, 40 years on the Church also feels the need to question itself on the fruits of the council document, “Dei Verbum”, which was dedicated to the Word. “There have been positive results among the people of God, such as the renewal of the Bible in liturgical, theological and catechetical areas as well as the diffusion and practice of the Sacred Book”. But other aspects remain open and problematic. Questions posed to the world’s bishops occupy a large part of the 58 page document. These questions range from the knowledge of the Word of God in countries across the world, and how this is lived by the faithful, as to what sort of initiatives are taken to “transmit the complete and integral doctrine to the single believer and the community as a whole”, to the impact that the Word of God has “on the spiritual life of the lay faithful”, “the clergy” and “consecrated people”. (AsiaNews)

East Java: 41 Christians Arrested for Blasphemy Against Islam JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 2, 2007—Blasphemy has become a hot issue in Indonesia after 41 people were arrested in Malang (East Java province). The local Police C h i e f , Muhammad Amin Saleh, officially confirmed that at least 41 members of the Indonesian Students Service Agency ( Lembaga Pelayanan Mahasiswa Indonesia or LPMI), an umbrella organization representing various Protestant groups, were arrested for their alleged involvement in blasphemy against Islam. Some other 60 members of the group are wanted for the same alleged crime.

Blasphemy is one among many important issues that have come under close public scrutiny. It is a punishable offence when it involves attacks against someone’s ethnic origin (Suku), religion (agama), race or skin color (Ras ) and social group (Antargolongan). The police are investigating the role the 41 people played in making a controversial video which has been circulating for some weeks. The one-hour tape shows a group of LPMI members, dressed in Muslim-like attire praying as Christian songs can be heard in the background. A Christian priest is seen leading the prayer, pointing a finger at a copy of the Qur’an, saying that it is the “source of all evil in Indonesia, from violence to terrorism.” According to police, the taped event is believed to have taken place at Batu’s Asida Hotel on December 17-21, 2006.

Abortion Proposal in Mexico City is Misguided Says Supreme Knight NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, April 30, 2007—A bill passed in Mexico City—legalizing abortion in that municipality—is misguided and dangerous said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “In a country that has made great progress in the democratic inclusion of all its citizens, a law such as this will remove legal protection from the most vulnerable members of society,” Anderson said. “The Knights of Columbus will continue to work to protect the dignity and value of life of every human being – from conception to natural death.” The law that passed last week is the first such law in Mexico. Anderson said that the situation should make us recall the words of Pope John Paul II who wrote: “[D]emocracy, [when] contradicting its own principles, effectively moves towards a form of totalitarianism. The State is no longer the ‘common home’ where all can live together on the basis of principles of fundamental equality, but is transformed into a tyrant State, which arrogates to itself the right to dispose of the life of the weakest and most defenseless members, from the unborn child to the elderly, in the name of a public interest which is really nothing but the interest of one part.”

Luis Guevara, who serves as a liaison between the Knights of Columbus in the United States and those in Mexico noted: “The right to life is the most important right that a government can safeguard, and legalizing abortion in Mexico City sends the message that life is cheap and expendable. Such a law goes against the conscience of the vast majority of Mexicans who value and respect the dignity and value of each life.” The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest lay Catholic organization with more than 1.7 million members worldwide. The Knights were founded 125 years ago in New Haven, Conn. The Order established its first council in Mexico in 1905. (KC News)

All the detainees are now being interrogated. The people on the run are believed to have fled to Bali and West Nusa Tenggara Province. A spokesperson for the LPMI has confirmed the existence of the video, but shied away from justifying it. Instead, he told reporters that it was the personal initiative of the East Java branch. Police are in contact with religious leaders in Probolingoo and Malang to prevent the matter from turning violent. For some time the local Ulemas Council have called for the withdrawal of the ‘blasphemous’ tape, but the situation seems under control. East Java is known as the stronghold of moderate Islam and is home to many members of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization. (Benteng Reges /AsiaNews)

Survey Shows Average Age of Priests to be Ordained in ’07 is 35 WASHINGTON, April 30, 2007—Results of a survey released April 30 show that the average age of the 475 priests expected to be ordained in the United States this year is 35 and one-third of this year’s new priests were born in another country, primarily Vietnam, Mexico, Poland or the Philippines. The national study of the ordination class of 2007 also shows that the men are well educated. More than six in 10 completed college before entering the seminary and some have advanced degrees in law, medicine and education. The annual survey of new priests was initially developed in

1998 by the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation. Last year, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University began conducting it for the U.S. bishops. For this year’s analysis, CARA researchers contacted the 475 ordinands by e-mail, telephone and fax. A total of 282 ordinands responded, or roughly 60 percent. The group includes 221 who will be ordained for dioceses and 60 for religious orders. One respondent did not specify. Respondents represent 98 archdioceses, dioceses and eparchies and 33 religious orders. (CNS)

Compendium Published in Russian MOSCOW, April 27, 2007—The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is now available in Russian. In presenting the volume this month, Catholic Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the Mother of God Archdiocese in Moscow said that the “experience showed that the complete edition could be, in a certain sense, challenging for the average person.” The Compendium, first published in 2005, is a synthesis of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which was promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Archbishop Kondusiewicz said that a special consideration had

to be made for the majority presence of the Orthodox Church in Russia when translating both the Catechism and the Compendium. The archbishop recalled the words of then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger with regard to the project of translating the Catechism: “Keep in mind the fact that this Catechism will also be used by the Orthodox so it is vital to study their tradition in depth, above all, their terminology.” Since then, five editions of the Catechism have been published in Russian for a total of 12,000 copies. Some 3,000 copies of the Compendium were released in Russia at a cost of 130 rubles ($5). (Zenit)

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April 30 - May 13, 2007

Buddhism the State Religion, a “Useless and Dangerous” Proposal BANGKOK, Thailand, April 28, 2007—The proposal to insert Buddhism as the state religion within the new Constitution, currently being finalized, has little support among Thai people. The proposal was put forward by monks from the Buddhism Promotion Foundation and the Buddhism Protection Centre of Thailand , who have been peacefully rallying before Parliament in Bangkok for the past ten days in efforts to pressure the Constitutional Assembly, (CDA) to “protect Buddhism”, by elevating it to the ranks of a National Religion, within the Constitution. The monks appeal has reawakened a ten year old debate. The front pages of the main newspapers speak of little else. Even if the CDA has promised to evaluate the request, the chances that it will come to pass are few. Noranit Sethabutr, Chief of CDA appealed to the protesters “ may I suggest all Buddhists to reconsider their request and listen to other people faiths as they were also Thai”. Yesterday an advisor to interim premier Surayud Chulanont,

also warned of the grave risks this proposal ran: it could aggravate tensions in the Southern provinces, where relations between the Muslim and Buddhist communities are already strained”. Neither are the monks and people of the countryside in favor of this move; many feel that the recognition of Buddhism as a state religion “will do little to guarantee the correct practice of Buddha’s teachings”. Out of a total population of 62.8, 95% are Buddhist with 4% Muslim and 1% others including Christian. There are only 300,000 Catholics in Thailand including hill tribe inhabitants. Saknarin Keun-onn, the youngest CDA member, has invited the protesters to see the positive aspects of the future constitution, which aims to “guarantee a greater participation for the people of the nation in the country’s political life”. In order to be approved, a draft text of the Constitution will have to pass a referendum vote due to take place in September. (Weena Kowitwanij /AsiaNews)

Pope Speaks Up for the Environment VATICAN CITY, April 26, 2007—Benedict XVI joined his voice to those encouraging the protection of creation and respect for the environment. The Pope’s appeal came in a telegram signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, and sent to participants in a seminar sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The conference, being held today and Friday, is examining “Climate Change and Development.” The Holy Father invited everyone to adopt “a way of living, models of production and consumption marked by respect for creation and the need for sustainable development of peoples, keeping in mind the universal distribution of goods, as is so often mentioned in the Church’s social doctrine.” The Pontiff’s message expressed “sincere appreciation” for this meeting, which will study the “problems relating to the environment, ethics, economics and the political and social life with repercussions for the weakest members of society.”

Disinterested research Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace,

inaugurated the seminar. Some 80 scholars and experts from 20 countries are participating. Cardinal Martino expressed his wish for “a fruitful exchange of experiences, in a climate of serenity and composure, and an in-depth dialogue and disinterested research.” The 74-year-old cardinal spoke about the necessary balance between environmental education and the development of needy populations. He said the Church’s social doctrine and the “very pertinent and instructive” lesson of the first few chapters of the Bible can aid in finding that balance. According to the cardinal, humanity’s dominion over creation, willed by God, must not be despotic or irresponsible. The person must “cultivate and guard” the goods of creation. “Cultivate to develop man, all of man, all men: This is the challenge that we are faced with as we reflect upon climatic changes,” Cardinal Martino said. He added that “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church,” published by the same dicastery, underlines that environmental education is everyone’s responsibility, inasmuch as the environment is a collective good made for everyone. (Zenit)

Religious Superiors to Meet in Rome ROME, May 2, 2007—The International Union of SuperiorsGeneral will have an audience with Benedict XVI during its plenary meeting focused on “weaving a new spirituality which generates hope and life for all.” The May 6-10 meeting in Rome will bring together 850 superiors-general of women’s religious congregations. They will meet with the Pope on Monday. Issues including the environ-

ment, interreligious dialogue, laity, migration, refugees and spirituality will be discussed during the plenary meeting. The president of the union, Sister Therezinha Rasera of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, explained the focus of the meeting with this question: “Contemplating our world, hearing its cries, its needs, its thirst, its yearnings, what is the thread that we, women religious, leaders of our congregations, are called to weave now …?” (Zenit)

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News Features

April 30 - May 13, 2007

VATICAN CITY, May 1, 2007— Made public today was a Message from the Holy Father addressed to Mary Ann Glendon, president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, and to participants in the academy’s 13th plenary assembly which was held in the Vatican from April 27 to May 1 on the theme: “Charity and Justice in the Relations among Peoples and Nations.” In his message, published in English and Italian, the Pope makes it clear that, according to “the principle of the universal destination of all the goods of creation, ... everything that the earth produces and all that man transforms and manufactures, all his knowledge and technology, is meant to serve the material and spiritual development and fulfillment of the human family and all its members.” The Holy Father goes on to identify “three specific challenges facing our world, challenges which I believe can only be met through a firm commitment to that greater justice which is inspired by charity. “The first,” he adds, “concerns the environment and sustainable development. The international community recognizes that the world’s resources are limited and that it is the duty of all peoples to implement policies to protect the environment in order to prevent the destruction of that natural capital whose fruits are necessary for the well-being of humanity. ... Also needed is a capacity to assess and forecast, to monitor the dynamics of environmental change and sustain-

able growth, and to draw up and apply solutions at an international level.” “Indeed, if development were limited to the technicaleconomic aspect, obscuring the moral-religious dimension, it would not be an integral human development, but a one-sided distortion which would end up by unleashing man’s destructive capacities,” he said. The second challenge “involves our conception of the human person and consequently our relationships with one another. If human beings are not seen as persons, male and female, created in God’s image and endowed with an inviolable dignity, it will be very difficult to achieve full justice in the world. Despite the recognition of the rights of the person in international declarations and legal instruments, much progress needs to be made in bringing this recognition to bear upon such global problems as the growing gap between rich and poor countries.” The third challenge “relates to the values of the spirit.” Benedict XVI explains that, “unlike material goods, those spiritual goods which are properly human expand and multiply when communicated. Unlike divisible goods, spiritual goods such as knowledge and education are indivisible.” Having emphasized the urgent need for “a just equality of opportunity, especially in the field of education and the transmission of knowledge,” the Pope laments the fact that “education, especially at the primary level, remains dramatically in-

Development Must Not Ignore Moral and Religious Issues sufficient in many parts of the world. “To meet these challenges,” he concludes, “only love for neighbor can inspire within us

justice at the service of life and the promotion of human dignity. Only love within the family, founded on a man and a woman, who are created in the

Bishop Urges Youth to Get Involved in May Polls By Pinky Barrientos, FSP

Most Rev. Joel Zamudio Baylon, D.D. Bishop of Masbate

EPISCOPAL Commission on Youth Chairman and Masbate Bishop Joel Z. Baylon challenged everyone in the Youth ministry to make the coming electoral exercise “a truly transformed and transforming endeavor.” This was his response to calls for collaboration from various groups including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Commission on Elections to help in keeping the elections tomorrow clean, honest, peaceful and credible. Baylon cited three important suggestions for youth’s participation that can help alter the political landscape: education, formation and involvement. He said the youth should be encour-

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aged to get to know those running for public office, both at the local and national levels “through candidates’ fora, profiles, interviews, and other similar activities.” Baylon said the youth should take the chance to watch/listen the “Halalan 2007 Senatorial Forum” spearheaded by PPCRV in collaboration with ABS-CBN and Radio Veritas. “Let us patronize opportunities like this to educate ourselves about the elections and the candidates,” Baylon said in his letter. A module called “Kabataang Bayani: Youth for H.O.P.E” (Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections), which the ECY prepared last 2004 is again being used for formation program this coming elections. Baylon also cited the PPCRV module “Pinoy Voters Academy” that can be used and adapted to local situations. Involvement in social transformation is the fruit of education and formation of the youth, according to Baylon. He stressed the need for the youth to participate in the electoral exercise, as voters and as involved citizens, in their families, schools and parishes. “Let us accompany our youth in volunteering in election-related activities, such as those programmed by the PPCRV,” said Baylon. Stressing the importance of participating, he added:

“Let us be informed and involved in election-related activities in our local churches, always moving as one Church.” Baylon reiterated his call on everyone to remain vigilant, to watch and pray for the good of the country. “Allow me again to call you and our young people to pray and light A Candle for HOPE—honest, orderly and peaceful elections—on 13 May 2007, the eve of the elections, in your homes, groups, and parishes,” said Baylon. “As one country and one people, we lift up to the Lord our humble and heartfelt pleas for conversion, guidance, and renewal,” he added. Pinning his hopes on the youth’s positive response to ECY’s program for the coming elections, Baylon said he prays that today’s youth “may not only become socially aware but also actively involved citizens, all by the grace of God who strengthens and empowers us to ‘hold on to what is good and shun every form of evil’ (1 Thes. 5:21-22).” A Candle for Hope was an activity conceptualized by ECY in 2001. This concerted action calls for simultaneously lighting a candle at six in the evening on the eve of the elections in May 2001. Since then, this activity has been done every time there are elections in the country.

image of God, can assure that inter-generational solidarity which transmits love and justice to future generations. Only charity can encourage us to

place the human person once more at the center of life in society and at the center of a globalized world governed by justice.” (VIS)

CBCP Holds Entrepreneurship Seminar for OFWs By Dyz Pumarada ABOUT 23 participants from the ten selected dioceses in Luzon attended the threeday workshop-seminar on Entrepreneurship for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families recently at Manresa Retreat House in Quezon City. The seminar was organized through the Reintegration Program of the CBCP Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) with the fund support from the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI). The training was conducted by the Business Enterprise and Cooperative Mentoring, Inc. (BECMI) headed by Ms. Ma. Luisa Lopez. The workshop was given to selected parish pastoral leaders and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who were expected to come up with specific projects for the diocese that will serve as a modest example of a reintegration program for OFWs and their families. It was held in response to the sincere desire of the Church to alleviate the plight of OFWs and their families. The ten selected dioceses include the Arch/Dioceses of Manila, Kalookan, Novaliches, Antipolo, Lipa (Batangas), San Fernando (Pampanga and La Union), Alaminos (Pangasinan), Bayombong (Nueva Viscaya), and Nueva Segovia (Vigan). The participating Arch/ dioceses have an established migrant’s ministry program in the diocesan level, and have varying plans of economic or livelihood activities for the families left behind in their respective communities. Dubbed as “Discovering the Entrepreneur in You,” the training was composed of seven modules that taught participants of knowing their interests and capacities to lead

a business. These are deemed important since participation in the training is not just for oneself, but also for the community or group that each participant was representing. Learning the language of business, marketing, production, handling and managing finances and people, and setting up structure of business are some of the main topics that have been discussed during the training. Writing and coming up of a good business plan or feasibility study was the concrete output of the training. One of the positive propositions that have come out from the training is the possible linkage and networking with micro-enterprise projects of each diocese in terms of product exchange or marketing. For example, the vegetable production of the group in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya can be transported to the groups in Manila, Kalookan, Novaliches as ideal points for distribution and marketing. The group in Antipolo has seen their home-made achara to be viably distributed to the existing parish cooperatives and can be offered as pasalubong of the balikbayans. The next phase of the entrepreneurial program will be a localized activity, where each parish or lay diocesan leader is expected to re-echo the same to their core-team in the diocese, and eventually, sit down with them for a more concrete business planning. A feasibility and market study can also be pursued as part of the business conceptualization and implementation. ECMI will be present in all these endeavors especially if the group will be availing of the ECMI’s micro-lending service. Similar seminar will soon be held in Cebu for the pastoral leaders in the Visayan region.

Papal Prayer Intentions for May VATICAN VATICAN CITY, April April 30, 30, 2007—Benedict 2007—Benedict XVI XVI will will pray pray during during May May that Christians Christians allow allow themselves themselves to to be be guided guided by by the the Word Word of of that God. God. The Apostleship Apostleship of of Prayer Prayer announced announced the the general general intention intention The chosen chosen by by the the Pope: Pope: “That, “That, following following the the example example of of the the Virgin Virgin Mary, all Christians should allow themselves to be guided by the Mary, Word Word of of God God and and always always remain remain attentive attentive to to the the signs signs of of the the Lord Lord in his his own own life.” life.” in The Holy Holy Father Father also also chooses chooses an an apostolic apostolic intention intention for for each each The month. In In May, May, he he will will pray pray that that “in “in mission mission territories territories there there may may month. be no no lack lack of of good good and and enlightened enlightened teachers teachers in in the the major major semisemibe naries and and in in the the institutes institutes of of consecrated consecrated life.” life.” (Zenit) (Zenit) naries

CBCP Monitor

Opinion

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30 - May 13, 2007

EDITORIAL

How Far Has the Church Evangelized Politics? OR should this question be asked, at all? Because, strangely enough, not many people, even within the Church, believe that to renew the political order is part of the Church’s mission. Some say that the Church should have nothing to do with politics because Christ said to Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this earth!” (Jn. 18:36). The conclusion, therefore, is that the Church should not say anything about politics and politicians. As a result, our political culture is characterized by deception, dishonesty, fraud, violence, corruption, pay-offs and patronage—evils that have nothing to do with Christianity. Yet most of the participants in the political process are Christians, many are even graduates of Catholic schools. Admittedly, there is a tragic dichotomy between our faithlife as a people and our political culture. The CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Politics is definitive: “Any serious believer in God cannot allow the state of our national politics … to persist. And in fact there is a duty for the Christian Catholic to transform politics by the Gospel. The Church, God’s people, must evangelize politics. God’s call to the Church is to preach the integral Gospel, the Gospel with all its social dimensions. The Gospel must influence every phase of life, every stratum of society, and “restore all things under Christ” (Eph. 1:10).” If such is the case, then the Catholic Church in the Philippines has not yet gone too far in the work of evangelizing the political order. Indeed, the catechesis on politics cannot have any lasting effect if done only on the occasion of elections. It should be done as part of regular catechesis in the family, in schools, in Basic Ecclesial Communities, covenant communities of lay people, religious organizations—in season and out of season.

Labor Day INSTEAD of the spirit of celebration and the expressions of gratitude, Labor Day in the country is once again an occasion for dissent and discontent. And rightly so. Millions of Filipinos precisely suffer from joblessness. The other millions of workers receive starvation salaries. The rest of the million Filipinos have to leave their homes and families in order to find work abroad. This understandably makes Labor Day in the Philippines an occasion for grievance and resentment—as it has been getting worse for some years now.

Oscar V. Cruz, DD

Vie ws and P oints iews Points WHEN elections are held in other countries, it is not expected that Filipino observers go there to watch the conduct of such political exercises. But when elections are held in this country, foreign observers from many nations infallibly come to check on how Filipinos do it, particularly what the government in power does on the occasion of the electoral process. This is a shame—to say the least, the extensive presence of foreign observers during the elections in the country in no way means that they come to learn how to conduct peaceful, honest and credible elections. The truth is, they come to watch how bloody, deceitful and unbelievable Philippine elections are. Thereafter, they go back to their respective countries to submit their reports for the whole world to know what and how elections precisely

The significance of human labor is squarely premised on three distinct realities: • It affirms human dignity. Joblessness eats up the selfesteem of individuals capable, willing and eager to work but work there is none. • It provides for the standard needs of families which in this country is an extended reality especially in favor of the elderly and the sick. • It contributes to the economic development of the community, the society to the country as a whole on account of the social dimension of the fruits of labor. Contrary to those who consider labor and look at laborers as but a good or bad business concern, an issue of little or big capital earnings, human labor dignifies the laborer, supports home requirements, and ultimately contributes to socioeconomic development.

Split-level Marianity

As the national leadership indulges its visionary projections and glorious achievements, all base socio-economic inquiries say exactly the opposite. There is little food on the family tables. There is less education for the children. There is more death among the sick. There are meager social services. The government financial statistics are impressive, sociohuman conditions however are depressive. So much Vat and E-Vat for the government, yet so meager welfare services for the citizens. So many leadership promises of abundant times ahead but millions of Filipinos live a difficult present while facing a dismal future. Someone must be lying to the people, cheating the country, stealing public funds.

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should not be. Elections are supposed to be a symbol of democracy, the proof of the supremacy of the people, an expression of political freedom of the citizens. In this country however, especially during the tenure of the present administration, the forthcoming elections are a dangerous and fearful political reality. The infamous triad of guns, goons and gold is becoming more and more pervasive and effective. Lives are becoming cheaper while votes are becoming more costly. More candidates have so much money to spend while most people wallow in so much poverty. Private armies openly make their rounds in the streets while the keepers of peace and order stay silent and immobile in their offices and stations.

As usual, the national leadership makes the expected denouncements of election related criminal wrong doings. As usual her close allies fervently echo the tired and tiring condemnations. And as usual too, nothing happens—except that the situation is in fact becoming worse as the days go by. The country is already in turmoil when it is still some weeks before the elections. But if the truth need to be said, it will be even much worse after the elections. This is expected for ample reasons: the administration cannot afford to lose the majority in the lower house on account of the impending impeachment case. The administration wherefore will spare no one and no cost to make ally congressmen and party-lists win the elections. When will this socio-political curse end?

Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS

It would be good for those who wield power and influence, who wallow in wealth and capital potentials, to pause every now and then and think how jobless people feel. Let them every now and then look at thousands of job-seekers each of them infallibly clutching a Manila envelope, everyone of them patiently waiting in long lines, and most of them eventually going back home to their families empty handed.

P r o ta g o n i s t

When Will this Political Curse End?

“THE Filipinos have a split level Christianity.” Over the decades this claim has been repeated so loudly and so often that its message now seems taken for granted. Briefly, it means Filipino Christians wear one mask inside the church and another outside of it, exhibit one type of behavior on Sunday and a different one from Monday to Saturday. Now, the month of May and traditionally of Mary, another facet of our split-level Christianity surfaces: our irrepressible veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, back to back with our appalling disregard of the virtues she embodies. It behooves me to think there must be thousands of Marian organizations in the Philippines and yet… how authentically “Marian” have we become? We remember her every six hours in the Angelus or Regina Coeli, every day in the rosary, every week in novenas, every month in her myriad manifestations. And every year over the centuries we have celebrated countless fiestas, held congresses, dedicated shrines, and organized jubilees—all for Mary. We release balloons on her birthday, and in Intramuros we hold processions of favorite and cherished Marian images every year. This month, in churches all over the country—up to the humblest kapilya in far flung barangays —we honor Mary with flowers offered each day, culminating in two popular events in our calendar: the Santacruzan and the Flores de Mayo. After more than 400 years of all that show of love and devotion for our Blessed Mother, one would imagine the Filipinos to be by now a shining model of Christian discipleship. But are we? How attentive have we grown to the writing on the wall, to the warning signs enveloped in images we are exposed to daily? Do we remember Mary when we watch those scantily clad “bombs” and “babes” gyrating on noontime TV shows? (Mary who?) Do we care that advertising

…and tha uth! thatt ’s the tr truth!

billboards studding our highways reduce women to the level of sex objects? (Aw, come on!) Are we aware of the standards some of our magazines are setting to determine the value of a woman? (Yes, now you may text your votes for the sexiest cover girl in XXX Men’s Magazine). How are the women in these media clad? (Definitely not Mary-like!) What are they selling? (Worldly goodies.) What thoughts, desires, and emotions do they spawn in us? (The stuff of which confessions are made.) Are we concerned about the values our showbiz “goddesses” are transmitting to our young women by their example? How do we reconcile these images (of Filipino women) with our fervor for Mary? How does this nonstop image-barrage by media affect our devotion to Mary? Shouldn’t our devotion to Mary somehow influence the public depiction of women in our midst? Sometimes it’s embarrassing to realize that “non-Marian” countries or cultures are even more Marian in their regard for certain virtues we Catholics are supposed to uphold, such as modesty, for one. Buddhist temples in Thailand, for example, do not let in women visitors wearing shorts, sleeveless dresses or plunging necklines. Temple guards at the Islamic al-Aqsa shrine or Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem cover such improperly dressed tourists with gowns made for the purpose. (In contrast, note what some of our women wear to Mass in this “only Catholic nation in Asia.”) Newspapers and magazines in Islamic countries—even the more “liberal” or “progressive” ones like Egypt—do not carry photos of women exposing their bodies, such as fashion models in revealing clothes and beauty contestants in swimsuits. Here in our Mary-loving land, those beauties always get front page exposure in print media, and certainly, even jeepney-riding Filipinas are getting bolder and bolder in fashion, flaunting their navels and tattooed hips for all the world to see.

What ought to concern us is the effect of this “split-level Marianity” on young girls today—who will be tomorrow’s women and mothers. Show two images of woman to your 5-year old daughter—one of Our Lady and the other of a noontime TV dancer—and see which of the two will put a sparkle in her eye. Your guess is as good as mine. Attend a fiesta night in a remote barrio and you’ll find that live entertainment will most likely be provided by young girls dancing “Itaktak mo!” We hope this split-level Marianity is but a passing thing, and that there are more true-blue Marian devotees than are apparent among us. It is laudable to give Mary a special place in our celebrations, but we also wish for everyone to savor the company of Mary in contemplation. With the Filipinos’ penchant for celebrations we sometimes forget about the long-range effects of our actions, like when we release balloons on Mother Mary’s birthday and choke Mother Earth in the process. With child-like and typical ningas-cogon glee we watch the balloons fly to the skies, not knowing that next day the deflated balloons could land in the ocean and cause death to marine creatures that ingest them. We know that the imitation of Mary could provide the solution to our many ills. We fully trust that we shall one day be granted the grace to be “other Marys”—the soul of humility, modesty and compassion—remaining docile to God’s will while defying the judgment of men. Until that day comes we will in good faith just close an eye to our split-level Marianity. We carry on with our processions in her name, flaunting our fantabulous carrozas of her images while overlooking the probability that because we cannot imitate her, we make her imitate us: we can not be poor and simple like Mary, so we dress her up in gold and diamonds like us. The picture borders on the ridiculous, but our sense of humor will see us through. And that’s the truth.

CBCP Monitor

Opinion

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30 - May 13, 2007

Melo M. Acuña

Jose B. Lugay

Issues and Concerns Some Questions (Part II) MASBATE Bishop Joel Baylon aptly described Philippine politics “built on three pillars—greed, patronage and fear.” Having covered the political killings in Masbate during the 80s and 90s, I cannot disagree with his assessment. Come to think of it, Masbateños watched with fear and disgust as politicians and their supporters literally and figuratively shot it out on a number of occasions. The late Bishop Porfirio Iligan, Bishop Baylon’s predecessor, in an interview before the 1998 elections said he has officiated funeral masses for the known political leaders of the province. He said he never ceased to call on contending parties to cease from putting the law into their own hands. Bishop Baylon, quoted by Agence France Presse, said “Masbate is a microcosm of all that is wrong with the Philippines. Outsiders see it as barbaric and not as civilized people.” He suggested “politicians should be looking at getting people out of poverty, educating the children and not killing their political rivals.” Is it purely coincidental where political dynasties exist, poverty rears its ugliest head as insurgency flourishes? If this is happening in Masbate, this could very well be the picture in some other parts of the country, say ARMM? *** Can we ever have well-paved roads where everyone obeys traffic rules to the

letter, taxi drivers giving their passengers change to the last centavo? Can we strictly enforce laws against smoke-belching? Can we have clean toilets with running water and toilet paper in all our malls? Can we have immigration officials who seem to welcome tourists as valued friends from far away? Can we extend tax refunds to tourists who buy souvenirs at our shopping centers? Can we have shopping centers minus security guards armed with chopsticks poking at our bags and subjecting us to body search? I had the rare privilege to join my family in visiting Singapore recently. Described as a garrison state by some, I felt far away from the Philippines considering Singapore’s remarkable infrastructures, clean and well-maintained highways, secured tourist destinations and attentive shopkeepers. A taxi driver said their government extracts a significant amount in taxes but he’s pretty sure the money goes into government projects. Can we say the same for the Philippines? A trade-off somehow exists. At their impressive malls on Orchard Road, one rarely sees Singaporean families with children in tow. Theirs may be a gray society. Yes, there were families with children in their strollers but they were mainly Caucasians. A number of Filipinos I talked with said they long for home but there aren’t enough well-paying jobs left for them. Almost all

The Roots of Violence Against Women and Children BASED on findings, the incidence of child abuse has increased dramatically for the last 20 years. This vicious phenomenon is attributed to the contraceptive mentality, the seed of which were sown in media and the school curricula around three decades ago. Most men and women who grew in that milieu imbibed the anti-life or antinatal spirit. They are mothers who refuse to bear children, who use contraception, who abort and neglect their children. These are fathers who abuse their own children, who abandon their families, who regard women as commodities, who regard children as property. Dr. Philip Ney, A Canadian child-psychiatrist, claims that abortion and contraception remove the guilt for killing innocent lives. If people are capable of rationalizing that killing the baby is the right thing to do given that situation, then killing any other person can be reasoned out as well. As Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta has said, “If we allow a mother to destroy her unborn child, what will keep us from killing one another?” To whom can we turn to for protection? No less than Judge Noonan of the American Jury considers the rise in the incidence of child abuse as one of the adverse consequences of the Roe v. Wade Decision that

By the R oadside Roadside

said they would rather stay in the Philippines provided they would get the same opportunities and benefits they get abroad. We all the while thought overseas employment would just be a stop-gap measure to address the unemployment problem along with demands for manpower from friendly countries. Will we ever live to see the day when most of our talented workers come home? *** So the Philippine economy has improved, marked by the strength of the Philippine peso and the continuous remittances from abroad. However, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla admitted a steady growth in the number of pawnshops over the past few years. Told of pawnshops’ new specialized line on cellphones and laptops, he said they have also noted the same. Will this not reveal the true state of the country’s economy that more people are in need of money as there are no alternatives, say credit cards and unemployment insurance? *** Elections are just around the corner. Whom will you vote for? Please choose the best among the candidates. We will all be responsible for electing them into office. We ought to make them responsible and accountable for their programs of action, should they win come May 14.

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Lo Lovve Lif Lifee

legalized abortion in the USA. In that country, there is widespread child abuse and wife battering despite the strong feminist movement. Incidentally, abusing their children is admitted by women who had abortion. Besides depression, insomnia, guilt, anger, addictions, blaming and confusion, child abuse is part of the PostAbortion Syndrome (PAS). Pro-life Counselors have sat through many healing sessions with post-aborted women who regretfully relate how they kicked, slapped, or verbally abused their children without understanding how they could go into such rage. Men also experience Post-Abortion Syndrome and admit to wife-battering and child abuse, going through a cycle of violence, regret and contrition, then violence again. George Gilder, a sociologist, provides a similar explanation. He says that violence against women and children flows from the collective consciousness of men who are retaliating from society’s rejection of their maleness—their capacity to sire off springs (as in contraception), and their giving up their role as a provider and protector of the weak and defenseless (as in abortion). They then retaliate by performing “male” acts to prove their superiority, for instance, sexual abuse and brutality to those whom they

Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD

MAY is such a very Marian month in the Philippines. I would say it’s very much so in Borongan, my hometown. I would watch children in the parish I’m ministering make a line every afternoon’s Catechism classes to put flowers of all looks, kinds and shapes at the feet of Mama Mary’s statue while singing the ‘Ave Maria’ or some other Marian song. These days I’d accompany them with silent prayers asking Mama Mary to intercede for us hapless Pinoys in the face of Elections 2007 at which would-be senators, congressmen, governors, board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors vie for our votes (at times by hook or by crook). But then it occurs to me: Mama Mary has actually been teaching us how to cope with the challenge, if only we care to stop for a while and take a careful look at our situation. Listening and Pondering: Voters’ Education Efforts. The one thing most people appreciate is when they are listened to. Attentive listeners are better conversationalists than loquacious talkers. We would find Mama Mary among the first kind, not the last. The gospel of Luke, as is the case with the other gospels, doesn’t put too many words in her mouth. Apart from her lively exchange with the archangel Gabriel in the first chapter (Lk. 1:2638), her singing the Magnificat (Lk. 1:46-55) and her worried remark about Jesus’ AWOL (absence without leave) or unannounced parting from them and then being found later in the temple (Lk. 2:48), most of the time Mama Mary stays at the background. Doing what, we could ask. Listening and pondering. “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Lk. 2:19). “…and his mother kept all these things in her heart” (Lk. 2:51). Our PPCRV-sponsored candidates’ fora, in the municipal, provincial and national levels, plus our voters’ education programs are veritable means by which we and all other voting citizens of the Republic are given a chance to imitate Mama Mary’s listening and pondering so as to gain better skills in judging and discerning which candidates are really called by God to be our leaders. Unthink-

perceive as weak. Several other factors are attributed to the rise of violence again women and children. Among these are personality disorders experienced by individuals in their psychosexual development, drug, and alcohol addictions. It has been shown that men who experienced physical and emotional abuse in their childhood have a tendency to be perpetrators in the future. And researches show that children who observe or witness violence within the household can turn into abusers when they are in positions of power. Another factor contributing to violence is pornography. Two generations of Filipinos already have been exposed to such material through cinema, television, tabloids and magazines, comedy bars, internet, videos, and lately, the mobile phones. The effect of porn on the mentality of this generation must be examined in the light of recent foreign researches and studies which affirmed that “it is pornography which feeds the imagination of those with guns and gives them a blueprint to act out in their own lives violence as enjoyable. It encourages the view that women are sexual victims, not equal partners.” Thus pornography develops potential criminals. Love Life / P6

Mary, the Flower of May and the Challenge of Philippine Elections

ing Pinoy voters there still are; but it is our hope that they are a vanishing breed because they contribute little to the development of an enlightened democracy in our midst and in better Christian discipleship at the polls. There are signs of hope. A recent newspaper account tells of a greater number of viewers (17 percent) gained by a talk show where candidates to the senate spoke about “corruption and political dynasties” compared to those who viewed a beauty tilt (11.1 percent) held last April 29, 2007 (cf. Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 2, 2007, 1). We can hardly conclude that Pinoy voters are maturing by this single instance of positive action but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Submission to the Lord’s Word: Obedience to the Highest Authority as a Priority. If there is one crucial human action that has singlehandedly opened the doors to God’s saving love rushing on earth, it’s the simple, un-selfconscious gift of consent to God’s plan by Mama Mary, uttered in the presence of an angel. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). Pinoys are known, by and large, as LTDs (“loyal to death”) to their families and clans, to their friends and their candidates, with a few glaring exceptions. That could mean, many times, a Pinoy’s submission to human authorities or wanna-be authorities in doing what could be a single or a series of election-related acts that may or may not flout the laws of the Republic or those of morality. That this has been our single most enduring flaw and recipe to the sorry chaotic state we are now in can hardly be contested. In that sense embracing Mama Mary’s simple, peace-giving formula is not only proof of wisdom but also a sign of recognition that what offers Pinoys real redemption even in their politics is going beyond politics to what politics should en-flesh: God’s eternal plan as revealed by his Word. Political partisan loyalties and the submissions they require have never brought us anywhere but to the brink. It’s about time we imbibe the words of Peter after Pentecost, echoing Mama

Mary’s own: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). When there are clear attempts and temptations to cheat, buy or sell votes and do many such other acts of election outrage, these are the best words to remember and live by. An Eye for Non-Self-Oriented Service. When we consider Mama Mary rushing to her cousin Elizabeth, then pregnant with the future John the Baptist, even after she is hailed as Mother of the Redeemer by no less than God’s Archangel Gabriel, we find no hint of self-importance. Now contrast that with someone who, without batting an eyelash, tells you he/she wants your vote in order to serve you (this after staying in office for two terms virtually doing nothing). Her coming had nothing to do with announcing her choice by God as the Queen of Heaven and Earth, no matter how true that was then and now. Her coming had everything to do with offering herself to serve an expectant mother. And it soon became clear that her service to Elizabeth didn’t simply lie in preparing her to deliver her baby well but in revealing the joy that comes from the child in Mama Mary’s womb, making clear what faith really is and strengthening Elizabeth’s own. Elizabeth’s words are our testimony: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk. 1:42-45). In response Mama Mary sings of the wonders of the Lord and the great things he wrought on the “lowly ones” such as herself (Lk. 1:46-55). Mama Mary’s humility was her foremost tool in the service that she actually rendered to Elizabeth. She teaches us that humility enables us to see our real Master whom we serve in others when we shift our eyes from self-centered involvement with others to doing concrete good acts for their true good. We don’t lack for people who go out Roadside / P6

Laik o Lampstand Laiko Water Security in a Time of Climate Change THE Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, COCAP, where I sit as a member of the Board of Trustees, and other advocates for a better environment, celebrated World Water Day last March 22 and Earth Day last April 21. After COCAP’s successful launch of the forum on “Biofuels and Our Future” last November 4, 2006, these two recent events held within 30 days apart encouraged the Board to plan for holding another forum, this time a theme involving water and climate change. Climate change is a direct result of global warming. We know some of its stormy effects as El Niño and La Niña. Both are due to changing wind patterns and temperatures of the earth. The forum should interest all advocates for the protection of the environment in the areas where they work and reside. Scientists have declared global warming as mainly due to man’s uncontrolled usage of fossil fuels for industries and all types of mobile vehicles. Former Vice-President Al Gore in sponsoring the award-winning movie, the Inconvenient Truth pricked the conscience of all nations specially the United States for delaying their commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as mandated by the Tokyo Protocol. China and India are now identified as major contributors to global warming because of their fast developing economies—burning more fuel for their industrial expansion and increased commerce with other nations in the world. The resulting unabated increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide gases, will lead to more destruction of the ozone layer. This triggers the melting of more glaciers in the Arctic ice cap resulting in the increase of the temperature world-wide. COCAP decided to hold the forum on May 31 at the Walter Hogan Conference Center of Ateneo de Manila University and the theme is “Water Security in a Time of Climate Change.” As we discussed the many issues that could fall within this theme, I remembered that the CBCP had issued a warning related to the same topic in a pastoral letter of January 29, 1988, 19 years ago, entitled “What Is Happening to Our Beautiful Land?” It is a long pastoral letter with 15 subtopics written in 15 pages. The assembly headed by Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi suggested that copies of the pastoral letter be sent to the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Forestry, and to the media. This began the conscientization of our parishioners all over the Philippines regarding our responsibility for the care of the environment—our forests, our ancestral lands and our seas. It invited the People of God to protect the integrity of creation and rallied the laity to become advocates for the protection of our atmosphere (clean air), rivers and seas (clean water) our forests and surroundings (tree planting and composting). After this initial challenge of the Bishops, advocacy groups like Green Peace, COCAP, Mother Earth Movement, Recycling Movement of the Philippines, etc. together with Academe led by Miriam College, St. Paul’s College, Assumption College, and Ateneo de Manila University, harnessed all the talent and resources they could garner. They worked as a team and successfully defended in the halls of Congress these environmental bills which eventually became laws—the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. It is encouraging to note that the advocacy started by CBCP has continued strongly today as evidenced by the inclusion of the Care for the Environment as one of the criteria for selecting candidates for the coming election this coming May 14. As one reads more on the statistics of climate change, the forebodings of disaster are clear and will eventually come. While these events—the coming of the 250 km per hour winds that destroyed the Bicol region last year, the landslides in Leyte and the destruction of the forests of the Prelature of Infanta is still fresh in our minds, scientists give us more chilling scenarios which could happen within the lifetime of this generation. Water resources in 9 cities in the Philippines will not be enough for the needs of industries and household consumption, considering the increasing population and new businesses generated. These are Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Angeles City, Zamboanga, Baguio and Cagayan de Oro. The hardest hit will be the poor who live in communities that are not connected with the local water supply systems. They pay more for their drinking water. This takes away meager funds needed to buy basic nutritious food for the family, especially the young children. Lack of water deprives people of normal activities to maintain body health and sanitation— the water for washing clothes, for taking a bath and for flushing the toilets. No sufficient water for household use is tantamount to unhealthy living conditions. Lack of sanitation is the primary cause of diseases and epidemics. It is the poor people that die during these epidemics since they can not ill afford the cost of hospitalization and the required medicines. The scenario is more chilling when the effects of El Niño and La Niña come again. Their 4 to 9 years cyclic visits are the consequences of climate change. These events had caused from 1990 to 1994, 112 tropical cyclones according to PAGASA and intense droughts from October to May 1994 and October 1997 to June 1998. While we do not notice it here in the tropics, the melting of the Arctic icecap and its disastrous effects will be felt by the next generation. Remember the floating icebergs depicted in the movie, Titanic—when these island glaciers melt, the sea level increases. The temperature reportedly has increased by 7 degrees centigrade in the last 50 years. In the next 50 years, according to scientists, the sea level will rise by one meter. The rise will go on as long as nations do not cooperate in reducing the use of fossil fuels, that is, by substituting it with biofuels. The shoreline is calculated to recede 3 kilometers inland for every meter rise in sea level. Our cities facing the sea like Metro Manila and Cebu will be inundated unless there are plans to build dikes to prevent flooding of these metropolitan cities. The preparation for this type of projected catastrophic event can only be done by professionals with scientific research training and properly funded study groups. The work will need a huge budget. If the plan is erroneous and the budget is underestimated it will be a disaster and if it is overestimated it is money that the country can ill afford to waste. This is why we need professionals and science-andtechnologically oriented senators who are environmental advocates. The Party List, AGHAM (Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan, Inc.), initiated by the late Dr. Raymundo Punongbayan, if supported by our lay leaders will be our advocate for preparing us for the coming catastrophic disaster of our land. Laiko / P6

CBCP Monitor

Local News

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30 - May 13, 2007

Filipino Bishops Prepare for Elections Call for Prayer and Issue Voting Guidelines MANILA, Philippines, May 3, 2007—Bishops are trying to prepare Filipinos for the May 14 national elections, calling above all for prayer. The president of the bishops’ conference of the Philippines, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, said in a statement: “We exhort everyone to be vigilant, to pray and to offer penance for this intention. “May the hand of God stop evil from getting control. We need the Lord’s help, without which our best efforts will come to nothing.” The statement urges communities and parishes nationwide to organize Holy Hours of prayer from May 5 to election day. Contemplative men and

women in more than 100 monasteries nationwide are encouraged to pray for the country, “especially for all voters, candidates and election officials and workers,” said the bishops’ statement.

Guidelines Archbishop Lagdameo, during his Labor Day reflections, said that candidates should prove they are worth the peoples’ vote by addressing the country’s labor crisis. The archbishop remarked that government leaders of the future must consider the labor condition a priority as the country struggles with an unemployment rate of 8.7%. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila issued a statement

urging the lay faithful to take seriously their role as citizens through active participation in responsible voting. Cardinal Rosales’ statement, read in all churches within the Manila Archdiocese, called on the clergy and the faithful to vote for candidates who: love and fear God; are guided by a well-formed conscience and are thus sensitive to the choice of what is good; live and serve consistently with moral principles; are honest, nonviolent and compassionate. The 74-year-old cardinal lamented, “In the past, enormous sufferings resulted from political ambitions, maneuvers and group adventurism resulting in the country’s poor becoming even poorer.” (Zenit)

Pray / from p1

9 days The CBCP devoted nine days, from May 5 right up to the “pivotal” election Day, for “prayer and penance” so that the coming elections will be “clean, peaceful and reflective of the true voice of the voters.” Lagdameo called on the people across the nation to unite in prayer to ask God’s blessing on the “pivotal” synchronized local and national elections. Prayer and hardwork, he added, must go hand in hand with the united thrust of everyone in exercising vigilance during the entire electoral process. He requested priests, religious leaders and church groups all over the country to pray for all voters, candidates and election officials and workers. The Catholic Church has 5, 518 diocesan priests, more than 8, 000 religious men and women and over 15, 000 catechists spread out in some 2, 800 parishes in the country. He also urged the Basic

Shun violence, cheating

The call to prayer would be the exclamation point of the past months of endeavors by many Church leaders to rouse a massive wave of voters who will go to the polls. The CBCP also exhorted the people to pray that God will bless us with the election and re-election of many pro-life and pro-family leaders who respect the “God-inspired” foundations of the country. The bishops earlier stressed that the faithful has a serious responsibility “to elect leaders who are devoted to moral values.”

The CBCP likewise reiterated its call for candidates not to engage in all forms of violence and cheating in polls. The CBCP head asked voters to reject and condemn as “immoral” all acts of violence and cheating, including the “evil of vote padding and shaving” in favor of or against any candidate. “Let both candidates and their supporters face the judgment of democratic election with humility and magnanimity,” the pastoral exhortation read. On April 24, representatives of the Church and several stakeholders in the election signed a “covenant for honest, orderly and peaceful elections” in Manila. The signatories include the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Commission on Human Rights, National Capital Region Police Office, Department of Education, the Filipino Alliance Movement-Support Group, Bantay Bayan Inc., and Deltacom, a civic group.

emony in St. Peter’s Basilica, the men prostrated themselves on a carpet in front of the central altar. Wearing simple white cassocks, they replied one by one, “Here I am,” as their names were called out. The two new Filipino priests said they expect to be assigned in Rome for the next three years depending on the needs of the diocese.

The other newly ordained priests included 12 native Italians, and one man each from Poland, Peru, Colombia, Slovakia, Spain, Paraguay, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. They ranged in age from 25 to 51. One of the priests ordained by the Pontiff, Fr Juan Carlos Rugel Mari, is the son of the longtime papal photographer Arturo Mari. (CBCP News)

Moral values

Lovelife / from p5

Finally, the secular sex education (reproductive rights, “safe sex”) promoted by the population/birth control advocates targeting 8-12 year olds seriously disturb the latency period in the psycho-sexual development of our children. During this stage, sexual energy should be directed for the development of good habits and virtues, particularly compassion, which is essential for the control of cruelty impulses in the human. Persons whose compassionate feelings are destroyed during the latency period are frequently devoid of this emotion. Without compassion, the youth plunge in surges of violent behavior. It is alarming that promoters of the values-free type of sex education want it obligatory in public schools at age ten. This grabs away from the parents the primary responsibility to be the sex educators of their children as they are the ones who know the developmental needs of their child. Classroom sex edu-

MANILA, April 30, 2007—The Philippine bishops have asked the faithful to pray for ten days from May 5th through to 14th, so that the coming national elections are “honest and peaceful”. But in the interim, political violence targeting candidates continues: the Mayor of San Carlos is the latest victim of a political war that seems to know no bounds. In his Pastoral Exhortation letter, CBCP President

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo called on the Filipino Christendom to “unite for the Lord’s guidance so the elections on May 14 will be clean, peaceful and reflective of the true voice of the voters”. The bishop urged that “every Filipino take on board the exhortation, so that these prayers may be fruitful”. The Church has increased its efforts to reduce tension as the election nears. But just this morning Julian Resuello, Mayor of San Carlos (160 km from Manila), died in hospital, the victim of an ambush attack April 28th last. According to the provincial chief of police, Leopoldo Bataoil, the authors of the crime are political opponents. For this reason the whole area “will be placed under the jurisdiction of the electoral Commission which has the necessary power to stop the violence”. In a separate incident, the Mayor of Morong miraculously escaped unharmed from a nighttime raid on his home, while he and his family were sleeping. In efforts to stop this violence, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the army to coordinate controls with the police “24 hours a day” in all areas of the Country considered at risk. Moreover, she has issued orders to confiscate all fire arms in private citizen’s possession. (Santosh Digal / AsiaNews)

Ledesma / from p1

Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in around 40 dioceses to lead the same activity in their respective centers. “Humble and trusting prayers are needed to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot and of the entire electoral process,” he said. The bishop urged that all Filipinos “take on board the exhortation, so that these prayers may be fruitful”.

2 Pinoy / from p1

Gregorian University in Rome. The Pope called for prayers for the new priests to persevere in their ministry and remain faithful to their vocation. He also asked for prayers for more vocations for the priesthood. The Catholic Church has seen candidates for the priesthood decline in parts of the West. At one point in the cer-

Bishops: Ten Days of Prayer for “Honest and Peaceful” Elections

cation in the grade school removes the modesty and reverence, that discussion on the God-given gift of sexuality demands, thus making it trite and object of curiosity among the young. Society is like a parabola where values from a fixed locus extend like lines reaching every point. When from the central point emanates philosophies that shape people’s values and culture towards annihilation of life, there follows a separation of the human experience from the Divine. Let us not be surprised if our society is prone to exploitation and brutality. In John 10:10, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy the sheep but Jesus promised us that “He came to give life, life in its fullness”. Many women and children are waiting for that fullness of life now. Join the various movements and agencies dedicated to stop domestic violence. Call Pro-life at 911-2911.

Visit us online at • www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor

Ledesma added “a candidate with conscience is guided by a sense of morality, of what is morally right or wrong.” He explained a candidate must be transparent in his actions and accountable for all transactions involving public funds and is expected to uphold at all times the “values of Truth, Justice and Love.” Ledesma said competence can be measured by the individual’s public service record and work experience will assure voters of efficient service. “Belonging to a “political dynasty” is no assurance of

competence for it may even leave a negative mark. Ledesma who is also CBCP vice president underscored the candidates’ commitment to good governance even before they get elected into office as they are expected to pursue the common good and give flesh to people empowerment. He cautioned voters against vote buying. He said “the candidate who buys your vote is a candidate without the three Cs” and “he is the last one you should vote for.” The three parameters should be used in asking candidates of their views on a wide range of

17, 880 / from p1

Church / from p1

1,420,798, Cavite with 1,323,895 and Pangasinan with 1,330,027 voters. Both Comelec and National Statistics Office figures revealed Regions I, III, IV and the National Capital Region would be enough to make senatorial candidates win. Aside from Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Quezon have over a million individuals over 18 years old. Earlier studies revealed the significance of the so-called Lingayen-Lucena voters corridor which has a total of over 15,019,119 voters or nearly 33% of the total registered voters. However, Comelec records showed 76.99% voter turn out in 2004 national and local elections. To date, there’s no point of reference due to the recent fire that engulfed Comelec annex building. (Melo Acuña)

del Sur, Maguindanao, Sharif Kabungsuan, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu and Marawi City. De Villa said they would come up with around 15,000 poll watchers to service in about 7,768 clustered polling precincts in the ARMM region. She said they are hoping to have two poll watchers per precinct or at least ten volunteers in one polling area. CBCP Archbishop Angel Lagdameo lauded the “landmark document”, in an effort to correct the “wrong perception” about Mindanao during elections. “I would even say that the presence of PPCRV in ARMM has occasioned a change of heart on the part of Muslim Mindanao,” he said. De Villa stressed the agreement does not only mean they are just taking care of activities in election monitoring but also bolstering the moral force that has to be applied in ARMM.

only help those who help themselves. This is a challenge to the laity since preparation for a disaster is a temporal concern. If the lay groups in the parish do not have social action activities regarding the preservation of the environment, start now. It is never too late to save Mother Earth. For parish leaders/trainers and environmentalists, the Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP) invites you to a forum on the theme, “Water Security in a Time of Climate Change” to be held on May 31, 2007, Thursday, 8:3O AM to 3:30 PM at the Walter Hogan Center Conference Cen-

ter, ISO Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Registration fee is P600.00. NGO members who register before May 17, 2007, can avail of 50% discount. Please address all inquiries to the COCAP Secretariat (Tina or Annie) at telephone number (+632) 682-8671 or thru e-mail at fluiidtech@compass.com.ph. Resource speakers are from PAGASA, Miriam College, Manila Water Company, DENR, and the Local Water Utilities Administration. If you are from cities that are predicted to be inundated within your lifetime, it is worth coming to Manila to attend this forum.

He appealed to the candidates to “stop all forms of violence” as he called on everyone to “work together in promoting peace.” He took the occasion to condemn the shooting incident in Jaen town which resulted to the death of two individuals. “This sad incident in Jaen is a clear evidence (of) some obstacles that we should face, reflect and pray for,” Bishop Bancud said. He added “the real path to peace in our country is being put to test” as “the challenge towards attaining peace is more crucial.” He asked for prayers and asked for sacrifice for peace not only in his diocese but for the Philippines as well. (CBCP News)

man being for whom Jesus was born and with whom Jesus is one in humanity. We see her service as inextricably connected with Jesus-promotion. At the wedding reception in Cana, her sensitivity to the couple’s needs is radar-sharp but also her action in bringing it to Jesus’ attention: “They have no more wine” (Jn. 2:3-4). She could have said today of the Philippines: “They have very little sense of your presence, very little sense of your salvation challenging them to be allowed inside their culture, their politics, their economics, their way of doing democracy”. The really wonderful thing about Mama Mary being our foremost intercessor with the Redeemer is that she enlightens us

about our response: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn. 2:5). How wise that counsel is. For instance, to candidates who are always tempted to engage in mudslinging, the words of Jesus are clear: “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned” (Lk. 6:37). To candidates who are constantly wronged by false accusations again Jesus’ words are in point: “But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who maltreat you” (Lk. 6:27). To voters who are perennially giving their choice politicians their votes in exchange for money, the words of Jesus are equally clear; “When you do something good,

do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that it may be done in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Mt. 6:3-4) or “Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:20). Tall order? We have no choice on the matter. Discipleship stands or falls on whether or not we follow what the Master tells us. Didn’t I say that Mama Mary is the Flower of May? Well, I’d say she could be like the Sunflower. As the Sunflower points to the sun, so does Mama Mary always point us to the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master.

“The perception of Mindanao as ‘cheating capital’ did not even come from us but from the Muslims themselves,” she said. The Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines also issued a statement for all their members that would guide them in their conduct of the elections. The said statement came almost at the same time with the CBCP pastoral exhortation for clean and peaceful elections issued on April 24. “We can see the parallel effort that everybody is really coming together to really come with a credible elections… helping together regardless of faith for a common cause,” De Villa also said. Both the PPCRV and the Muslim group vowed to work together for the common goal of protecting the integrity of the electoral process and to “deter or prevent the commission of fraudulent acts” in the elections. Bishop / from p1

Laiko / from p5

Lack of water means lack of irrigation for our agriculture where 70% of our total water resource is used. Climate change will aggravate the situation. While our local governments should support policies to prevent the destruction of our water resources by uncontrolled extraction and by protecting rivers from pollution, in order to ensure supply of clean water for a rapidly increasing population, everyone has a role to play. The people must now be educated, in a sense, catechized, to preserve the integrity of creation. Praying for good weather is not enough. As they say, God will

issues, from political reforms, corruption, family life and education to environment and extrajudicial killings. The 64 year-old prelate exhorted poll volunteers to persevere and keep the coming midterm elections clean, honest, peaceful and credible. “May your involvement in the political life of our country personify your collective conscience, competence and commitment to rebuild our damaged institutions and create a brighter future for your children and the coming generations,” he concluded. (CBCP News)

Roadside / from p5

of themselves; but most of the time we could go out of ourselves to get something from others in the guise of serving them. In Mama Mary we learn that we don’t really serve if we engage in self-promotion; we serve when we forget self to give it in terms of time, talent and treasure shared with others who need them. Being in Mission: Urging Others to Follow Jesus in Poll-Related Conduct. In Mama Mary we see someone whom PCP II calls “evangelized” and “evangelizer” (PCP II, 55-56) at the same time. She first received Jesus Christ, the real gospel, into herself; then she has been giving Jesus Christ to others, first to Elizabeth, her child John the Baptist and to every hu-

CBCP Monitor

Features

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30 - May 13, 2007

VATICAN CITY, May 3, 2007—A Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, says a comment referring to Benedict XVI at a traditional May Day concert was an irresponsible act. The traditional concert is sponsored by Italy’s labor unions and held outside of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Andrea Rivera, one of the presenters on Tuesday, said, among other things, “The Pope does not believe in evolutionism,” because “the Church has never evolved.” Father Lombardi said Wednesday, on the television news of the Italian state broadcaster, that “the irreverent comments directed at the Pope and the Church during the May Day concert were clearly an act of irresponsibility. It is right to say so, and the trade union representatives were right to

dissociate themselves” from those comments. Wednesday’s edition of the semiofficial Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano , criticized the comments by saying “it is a contemptible and terroristic act to throw stones, this time even against the Pope, while feeling protected by cries of approval from an easily excitable crowd.” Father Lombardi, agreeing with both Giorgio Napolitano, president of Italy, and Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, clarified: “It would be as well for all of us to seek to diffuse tensions and to recreate conditions for serene dialogue in our society. “In this way, it is right that what was an evident act of foolishness should not become a tragedy and an opportunity to reignite huge conflicts.” (Zenit)

Tolkien Book Hailed as Prophetic ATLANTA, Georgia, April 27, 2007—With the release of a new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Children of Húrin,” fans of this deeply Catholic author may be surprised by its biblical tone, says a Tolkien expert. Jef Murray, artist-in-residence at the St. Austin Review, speaking with ZENIT, said, “‘The Children of Húrin’ has a more biblical tone than ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ It is a story of human fallibility and sin and may be prophetic for our times.” Painstakingly reconstructed by Christopher Tolkien from his father’s manuscripts, the new publication released by HarperCollins last week is close to two versions previously published. The elder Tolkien died in 1973. Christopher Tolkien corrected some contradictory elements, updated the chronology, and made the writing tone more accessible. The book is illustrated by Alan Lee, one of the two conceptual artists for “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Hollywood studios are already interested in the film rights.

The tale “The tale itself has much to say of the nature of evil; how it manifests itself in the actions of angelic/demonic beings

and, more importantly, in the foibles and sin of fallen man,” said Murray. The Narn i Chîn Húrin, as it is known in Tolkien’s “Unfinished Tales,” is an almost Joblike story of one family’s struggles in Beleriand long before the tales of “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings.” Tolkien’s satanic figure, Morgoth, curses the family of Húrin. And, just as with the story of Job, Húrin’s wife, son and daughter all bear the brunt of that curse. But unlike Job, the protagonist of the tale, Túrin, does not humble himself and seek God’s grace and redemption. Rather, Túrin attempts to flee his doom, but pride coupled with an attitude of self-righteousness drives him to commit greater and greater acts of sin and folly. Murray explained, “The tale ends badly, but, as with all great tragedies, there are lessons here for our own times.” “We, too, often trust in ourselves rather than in God,” says Murray, “and like Túrin, the world believes itself invincible and capable of meeting all challenges.” Murray concluded, “But sin taints all things, and without humility and trust in the grace of God, we are all in grave danger of following Túrin’s path.” (Zenit)

Vatican: May Day Comment Irresponsible

Notion of Limbo Isn’t Closed, Expert Says ROME, May 3, 2007—The theory of limbo is not ruled out, says a member of the International Theological Commission, commenting on a study from the panel. Sister Sara Butler, a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity, has served on the commission since 2004. The commission is an advisory body comprised of 30 theologians chosen by the Pope. Its documents are not considered official expressions of the magisterium, but the commission does help the Holy See to examine important doctrinal issues. On April 20, the commission released a document, commissioned under Pope John Paul II, called “The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized.” Benedict XVI approved it for publication. In an interview with Inside the Vatican magazine, Sister Butler, who teaches dogmatic theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York, says “the report concludes that limbo remains a ‘possible theological opinion.’ Anyone who wants to defend it is free to do so. This document, however, tries to give a theological rationale for hoping that unbaptized infants may be saved.” “The [International Theological Commission] wants to give more weight to God’s universal salvific will and to solidarity in Christ than to the necessity of baptism, which is not absolute but is qualified in certain ways,” she said.

Principles of faith Sister Butler cited No. 41 of the document: “[B]esides the theory of limbo— which remains a possible theological option—there can be other ways to integrate and safeguard the principles of faith outlined in Scripture.”

She added: “The commission is trying to say what the Catechism of the Catholic Church—Nos. 1260, 1261, 1283—has already said: that we have a right to hope that God will find a way to offer the grace of Christ to infants who have no opportunity for making a personal choice with regard to their salvation.” The document “is trying to provide a theological rationale for what has already been proposed in several magisterial documents since the council,” Sister Butler said. “Generally, the [commission] documents offer a point of reference for bishops and theology professors in seminaries, for example, to offer an explanation for the development of doctrine. “But I doubt whether this would lead to a further statement from the magisterium, because it says no more than what has already been said in the [Catechism], in the funeral rites for infants who have died without baptism in the 1970 Roman Missal, and in ‘Pastoralis Actio’—the document from 1980 from the [Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith] on the baptism of infants. “It says nothing new; it is simply trying to make explicit the theological grounding for this hope. ‘Gaudium et Spes,’ 22, and ‘Lumen Gentium,’ 14 and 16, at the Second Vatican Council, opened the way for this development. Actually, some wanted the teaching on limbo formally defined at the council, but the topic was excluded from the agenda.”

Extra-sacramental gift The theological commission’s document, she said, “just indicates that given our understanding of God’s mercy and the plan of salvation which includes Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Church, we

dare to hope that these infants will be saved by some extra-sacramental gift of Christ.” “We do not know what the destiny of these children is,” she said, “but we have grounds for hope.” Sister Butler spoke of the plight of aborted babies. “I’m sure we never considered suggesting that these infants be declared martyrs,” she said. “We were, of course, aware that in many places Catholics remember the unborn babies who have been aborted on the feast of the Holy Innocents. We didn’t propose a solution.” She added: “In this particular instance, death is the way these children might be united with Christ: Through the violent circumstances of their deaths, they may be united to his paschal mystery. “The Council explicitly taught that God provides a way of salvation for those who are invincibly ignorant of the Gospel and therefore have no access to sacramental baptism. “The [commission] report extends the logic of this teaching to infants. We suggest that the Holy Spirit offers to them, in a way known to God, the possibility of being made partakers in the paschal mystery.” Sister Butler nevertheless warned that “the ordinary means of salvation is baptism, and that infants should be baptized; Catholic parents have a serious obligation.” “God is not bound to the sacraments,” she said, “and therefore, just as we understand there are other possible ways for adults who are in invincible ignorance of the Gospel to achieve salvation, so we presume there are other ways, known to God, open to infants who unfortunately die without baptism.” (Zenit)

Muslims Help Catholics Build Church in Mindanao BONGAO, Tawi-tawi, May 3, 2007– A heartfelt thanks to the “Muslim brothers” for their help and support of the Catholics currently building their parish Church in Kualabaru, was expressed by Fr. Dodoy Daquipil,

Oblate priest of the Holy Rosary in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi province and capital of Mindanao Island. “During the first mass celebrated in December 2005, the Muslims supervised the entire (activity),” recalls Fr. Dodoy, “now the Muslim population have even asked me to build a nursery for children”. “We live and behave,” says the priest, “as brothers and sisters sent by God to spread his love throughout the world”. Kualabaru is not very well known and for many years it was not known that there was a small Christian presence there. The village lies within the municipality of Languyan—a Muslim city governed by the Matba family—and the 72 families liv-

ing there are for the most part Catholic. In the majority Muslim island of Mindanao, the Christian community has been growing for some time. More precisely since 1980 when long time Tawi Tawi governor Gerry Matba, began to

Catholics, Pioneers in Welcoming Migrants SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2007—Korean Catholics “must be pioneers in welcoming migrants, and accomplish the task that the Lord gave us when he said that two peoples shall be one, breaking down the wall of enmity,” said Msgr. Vincent Ri Pyung-ho, bishop of Jeonju and chairman of the

Episcopal Commission for the care of migrants, in his message to the Korean community of faithful on the occasion of the 93rd World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated yesterday. As the phenomenon of “migration spreads and develops rapidly it becomes one of those elements that

employ Christians in Mindanao as land workers. In exchange for their gratitude and warm relations, the last governor granted the Christians a piece of land on which to build their own church. (Santosh Digal / AsiaNews) makes us aware that the world changes swiftly,” he said. In fact, in South Korea this has meant about a million immigrants and almost 160,000 multicultural families. However, despite the numbers the country is unprepared for the task. For this reason Catholics must be pioneers in welcoming immigrants,” Msgr. Ri said. On example is that of the “Blessed Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and the congregations he found: the Congregation of Missionaries for Italian Migrants and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo for Migrants. Finally, Msgr. Ri said he was hopeful that “the will of Our Lord, who ‘made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity’ (Eph 2:14), may be concretely realized thanks to our efforts, especially now that borders lose their meaning and the people of the world become one family with a common destiny.” (Theresa Kim Hwayoung / AsiaNews)

People, Facts & Places

CBCP Monitor Monitor CBCP Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30 - May 13, 2007

Markings CELEBRATED. FR. SANTOS S. VILLAHERMOSA, DCD, and FR. CRISTINO B. VIOLON, DCD, 25th anniversary of sacerdotal ordinations; March 24, 2007. Fr. Villahermosa was born on November 1, 1956 in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. He finished his theology at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) in Davao City. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 27, 1982 at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. Fr. Villahermosa holds a master’s degree in Mission Studies (Summa cum Laude). He is currently assigned in Nuing Mission Station, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur. Fr. Violon was born on July 26, 1953 in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. He finished his theology also at REMASE, and was ordained together with Fr. Villahermosa in 1982. Fr.Violon is currently the assistant parish priest of St. Michel Parish in Padada, Davao del Sur, concurrently the Family and Life Apostolate Director and Mission Director.

The Filipino Chaplaincy in Auckland, New Zealand.

Filipino Chaplaincy in Auckland to mark th 10 Anniversary THE Auckland Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy in Auckland, New Zealand is gearing up to celebrate its 10 th anniversary on May 26-27, 2007 with a fiesta atmosphere. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, Main Presider and Guest, will officiate the closing Mass of the year-long celebration on May 27 at the Malaeola Samoan Catholic Community Centre, 16 Waokauri Place, Mangere. Other guests include Fr. Mario Tejada, MSP, Fr. Manuel Jadraque, MSP (1 st ACFC Chaplain) and Mr. Christian Tecala (1 st ACFC Chairman). Two special events highlight the anniversary celebrations. The Chaplaincy Night on May 26 will present A Night of

Thanksgiving and Recognition at the Top of the Park Lounge, Alexandra Park, Greenlane Road West, Epsom. The morning of May 27 will feature the Filipino Senior Citizens’ of Auckland Grand Santacruzan Procession and a shared lunch, picnic style; among participants. The event will be culminated with a Filipino Cultural Dance Festival, Games and Entertainment, dubbed as Sayaw Saya! The Auckland Chaplaincy functions as a quasi-parish. It was established under the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland in response to the religious and cultural needs of Filipino migrants in Auckland and in the wider New Zealand Catholic Church. The Chaplaincy provides a

CELEBRATED. FR. RESTITUTO U. EVEDIENTES, DCD , 25th anniversary of sacerdotal ordination; March 30, 2007. Born on October 8, 1948 in Calinan, Davao City, Fr. Evedientes finished his theological studies at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) in Davao City. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 3, 1982 at St. Michael Parish, Padada, Davao del Sur. Fr. Evedientes holds a master’s degree in Educational Management from Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City. He is currently the parish priest of St. Michael Parish in Matanao, Davao del Sur.

feeling of “being at home” for Filipinos living and working in New Zealand. In the Chaplaincy, Filipinos pray and worship in their native tongue. Sunday Mass is said in Tagalog, and Filipino fiestas and devotions are celebrated. The place also serves as a meeting place for Filipinos to meet their country men and share their common migrantlife stories, and to seek and offer assistance to anyone in need. More than anything else, according to pastoral worker Mark Barrios, the Chaplaincy is a home to Filipinos and “to our other brothers and sisters who would like to belong to a Community.” (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

CELEBRATED. HANDMAIDS OF CHRIST THE KING (ACR) Ancillae Christi Regis, 25 th anniversary of foundation; April 15, 2007. Founded in Tagum, Davao del Sur by Bishop Joseph W. Regan, MM, on April 1982, the congregation as of now has 20 professed Sisters. It received a formal decree of establishment on May 16, 1999. Two sisters also celebrated their anniversary of profession: Sr. Concordia G. Pingoy, ACR and Sr. Epefania P. Mipaña, ACR. The congregation’s main apostolate is the formation and strengthening of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) through catechesis, and other pastoral ministries in the local Church. CELEBRATED. Silver Jubilee of the following Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King, (OSB) on April 18, 2007: Sr. Eleanor Barangot, presently assigned at St. Benedict Retreat House in Cogon, Davao del Sur; Sr. Vivian Rojas, stationed at St. Benedict Priory in Ulas, Davao City; and Sr. Leonila Altiso, assigned at Queen of Peace Priory in Damortis, La Union. Most Rev. George Rimando, DD, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, celebrated the 8:00 AM solemn thanksgiving mass at St. Benedict Priory in Ulas, Davao City.

Abp. Cruz Leads Forum on Church Temporal Goods

By Bro. Hansel B. Mapayo, SSP

IN THE administration of all temporal goods of the Church, the religious are urged to be like a good father of a family. In his humor-filled talk before more than 200 Religious Sisters and Brothers and Priests at the Mother Ignacia Center of Spirituality at the RVM Compound in Quezon City in the morning of April 28, 2007, Archbishop Oscar Cruz, DD, Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan; stressed that “the wise norm and prudent rule of the figure of a “bonus pater familias ” is the over all reality that should guide, inspire and regulate the considered option and pursuant acts of all administrators of all ecclesiastical goods. In discussing the five areas: Ecclesiastical Goods (Nature, Finality and Assignment), Acquisition, Administration, Contracts and Alienation, Cruz clarified that the Ecclesiastical goods are principally, 1) for the regulation of Divine Worship, 2) the provision of fitting support for the clergy and other ministers and 3) the carrying out of the works of the sacred apostolate and of charity, especially for the needy. He said all questions about who should be given the priority for the use of a church property must be referred back to these proper objectives. Cruz warn ed religious and other church people not to use “church lands and buildings” in entering into contracts “when the secular use would be in anyway contrary to the posits of faith, and, or the demands of morals.” He reminded them as well of the five categorical tasks of the administrators in conjunction with the Church temporalities: custody, preservation , amelioration or improvement, fruition or application and payment of obligation thereto appended as religious dues and/or civil taxes . On the most problematic area of Contracts, Cruz also reminded the audience about the canonization of Civil Law, that is, “that Canon Law itself submits to Civil Law regarding the particular regulatory norms regarding Church Properties.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Sabino Padilla, Sr., legal adviser of most bi shops and religious orders, picked up the canonization of civil laws in his talk. He stressed that all contracts entered into in the past by bishops and juridical persons in the Church in whatever form and context are considered contracts and therefore binding. Padilla enlightened the assembly with his historical exposition, showing that the presence of the schools of most congregations in dioceses is due to the desire of the bishop to increase the number of First Communicants in his territory because this is what the Apostolic See always asks. Thus contracts were entered into by the Episcopal authorities and congregations. Padilla also opined that in the course of history, as people and places change, other terminologies were used into the contract especially in the title of the contract. Thus the legality of the contracts is questioned, he said. Padilla emphasized that the body of the contracts should give light to its proper interpretation. He concluded that most of the existing contracts, by virtue of canonization , remain valid and binding. Other questions such as acquisition of lands by Religious Congregations, taxation and employment-related issues were also tackled in the open forum, hoping, as the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations (ECMR) puts it, “to address the countless concerns on the use of Church properties and related issues” that often hound religious congregations. ECMR organized the half-day conference as a response to the queries of Religious Congregations concerning the use of Church properties. An Episcopal Commission, ECMR is also called Mixed Commission since it is composed and represented by two separate bodies with their own separate Statutes and By-Laws, the CBCP and the AMRSP (Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines).

CELEBRATED. MOST REV. LUCILO B. QUIAMBAO, DD., 75, auxiliary bishop of Legazpi; 25 th anniversary of Episcopal ordination, April 27, 2007. Born in Bacacay, Albay on October 30, 1932, Bp. Quiambao finished his secondary education at the Minor Seminary of Naga. He obtained his Licentiate in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Sto. Tomas Central Seminary, and a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education also from UST. Ordained priest in 1960, he served as Spiritual Director of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Tabaco and Rector of Holy Rosary Major seminary in Naga prior to his Episcopal ordination on April 27, 1982. CELEBRATED. MOST REV. JESUS Y. VARELA, DD., 80, bishop-emeritus of Sorsogon; 40th anniversary of Episcopal ordination, April 30, 2007. A native of Bacolod City, Bp. Varela did his earlier seminary training at the Minor Seminary of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Sorsogon. He obtained his Licentiate in Philosopy and Sacred Theology from the Central Seminary of the University of Sto. Tomas. In 1959, he received a Baccalaureate in Canon Law from the University of the Angelicum in Rome. He obtained a doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1961, also from Angelicum. Bp. Varela was ordained to the episcopacy on April 30, 1967 and served as auxiliary bishop of Zamboanga from 19671971. He was prelate of Ozamis from 19711981 before his appointment as bishop of Sorsogon in 1980. He retired in 2003 upon reaching the mandatory age. CELEBRATED. MOST REV. SOFRONIO A. BANCUD, SSS, DD., 59, bishop of Cabanatuan; 30 th anniversary of sacerdotal ordination, May 2, 2007. Born and grew up in Tuguegarao, Bp. Bancud finished his elementary and secondary studies in his native place. He obtained his college degree from the University of Sto. Tomas. He joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers in 1971 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1977. His ministry included being Formator of Postulants and Novices, Pastor of Assumption Parish in Davao City, Assistant Regional Superior and General Consultor of the SSS General Curia in Rome. Bp. Bancud was local superior of SSS Sta. Cruz community prior to his appointment as Auxiliary bishop of Cabanatuan in May 2001. In January 2005, he was installed bishop of Cabanatuan.

Business Group Relaunches “Be Honest” Campaign

IN pursuit of the Catholic Church’s call for honest, orderly and credible elections, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) launched motorcades in their 111 chapters nationwide. Streamers, banners and posters calling on candidates and voters to keep the midterm elections clean and honest reached the countryside as its members took the streets with nearly 4,000 vehicles last Saturday, May 5. The motorcade was part of the group’s relaunch of its “Be Honest” campaign, which they began in 2002 to rid society of dishonest practices in the workplace. The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals is a group of professional laymen and women with doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, nurses among its members. , Gospel values have been introduced in their offices and

workplaces. Today, BCBP called voters, candidates, supporters and election officials to treasure age-old Filipino virtues of honesty to keep the midterm polls clean, honest and credible. After an early morning Mass at the EDSA Shrine, BCBP members from their 11 chapters in Metro Manila begun their respective motorcades in their areas. A hundred other chapters in various provinces had their own activities. BCBP National President Roberto “Bobby” Laviña said, “The coming elections will bring the country face to face with threats to its traditional values,” as candidates may once again resort to “guns, goons and gold.” “The BCBP, therefore, felt that it must do something to spur the country’s well-meaning citizens to take a stand in defense of their Christian principles,” he added. The BCBP also joined the

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in promoting clean and honest polls. “Altogether, we urge the country to stay awake and watch over the conduct of the election to ensure a peaceful, honest and credible results,” said Laviña. Laviña also lauded a recent Comelec resolution which allowed the group to post its “Be Honest” posters in the polling centers located in areas where BCBP’s chapters and outreaches operate. In a related development, BCBP Regional Director for South Metro Manila Manny Jimenez said their motorcade was “a gratifying experience” to further bring the message home to Filipino voters that everyone has a responsibility to maintain the elections clean.

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April 30-May13, 2007

Message for the 44th World Day of Prayer for Vocations

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Suggested Homily for World Communications Day

Pastoral Statements on the Forthcoming May Elections

The Link of Interreligious Dialogue with Human Rights

Vol. 11 No. 9

Vol. 11 No. 9 • April 30 - May 13, 2007

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Pastoral Concerns Message of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI

41st World Communications Day May 20, 2007

Theme: “Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education” Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. The theme of the Forty-first World Communications Day, “Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education”, invites us to reflect on two related topics of immense importance. The formation of children is one. The other, perhaps less obvious but no less important, is the formation of the media. The complex challenges facing education today are often linked to the

pervasive influence of the media in our world. As an aspect of the phenomenon of globalization, and facilitated by the rapid development of technology, the media profoundly shape the cultural environment (cf. Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter The Rapid Development, 3). Indeed, some claim that the formative influence of the media rival that of the school, the Church, and maybe even the home. “Reality, for many, is what the media recognize as real” (Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Aetatis Novae, 4). 2. The relationship of children, media, and education can be considered from two perspectives: the formation of children by the media; and the formation of children to respond appropriately to the media. A kind of reciprocity emerges which points to the responsibilities of the media as an industry and to the need for active and critical participation of readers, viewers and listeners. Within this framework, training in the proper use of the media is essential for the cultural, moral and spiritual development of children. How is this common good to be protected and promoted? Educating children to be discriminating in their use of the media is a responsibility of parents, Church, and school. The role of parents is of primary importance. They have a right and duty to ensure the prudent use of the media by training the conscience of their children to express sound and objective judgments which will then guide them in choosing or rejecting programmes available (cf. Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, 76). In doing so, parents should have the encouragement and assistance of schools and parishes in ensuring that this difficult, though satisfying, aspect of parenting is supported by the wider community. Media education should be positive. Children exposed to what is aesthetically and morally excellent are helped to develop appreciation, prudence and the skills of discernment. Here it is important to recognize the fundamental value

JesCom on TV and Radio By Fr. Ari Dy, SJ JESUIT Communications (JesCom) is perhaps best known for the videos it produces and the songs released by its Jesuit Music Ministry. In recent years, however, JesCom has prioritized the production of materials for the mainstream media, namely, TV and radio. This move was the result of strategic planning by JesCom’s Board of Trustees, where it was articulated that after a period of consolidation and institution-building, the time was ripe to focus on media that reaches the masses, i.e., the mass media of television and radio. TELEVISION Short segments Since October 2004, JesCom has been producing a daily spiritual segment called “Kape’t Pandasal” for ABS-CBN Channel 2. Every day, before the morning show begins at 5:15 a.m., a Jesuit priest or seminarian (with the special participation of Bishop Chito Tagle on Tuesdays) shares a reflection or a prayer to help viewers begin the day on a positive note. Many viewers have shared how much they appreciate the segment, including security guards, homemakers, and Filipinos abroad who see the segment on The Filipino Channel. Other values-oriented segments or public service ads have also been proBishop Chito Tagle with Fr. JBoy Gonzales, SJ, host of Kape’t Pandasal.

duced for ABS-CBN and its news channel (ANC). Holy Week Taking advantage of the seasons when Filipinos naturally take interest in spiritual things, JesCom regularly produces TV specials for the Holy Week and the Christmas season. The Holy Week specials feature contemporary reflections on the Paschal mystery by spiritual leaders such as Bishop Chito Tagle and Bo Sanchez. These specials always include the use of Jesuit music as performed by artists such as Christian Bautista, Bituin Escalante, Cooky Chua, and Noel Cabangon. Last Holy Week, JesCom was at its busiest as its partnership with ABC-5 bore fruit in the live coverage of the Paschal Triduum at the Ateneo de Manila’s Church of the Gesu, and the production of a “reality” retreat series where Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, led eight retreatants from diverse backgrounds in an experience of returning to God. Both the live coverage and the retreat show were “firsts” for Philippine television, and were made possible by the interest and commitment of Mr. Tonyboy Cojuangco to include more spiritual content on ABC-5. Christmas For Christmas, JesCom has thus far produced two TV movies. Ma rilou Diaz Abaya directed Marvin Agustin in “Maging Akin Muli,” a vocation story set in the Archdiocese of San Fernando; and Noel Añonuevo work e d w it h fou r talented kids in the modern-day Scrooge story, “No (Yes) to Christmas.” Ordinary Time Jescom / B6

of parents’ example and the benefits of introducing young people to children’s classics in literature, to the fine arts and to uplifting music. While popular literature will always have its place in culture, the temptation to sensationalize should not be passively accepted in places of learning. Beauty, a kind of mirror of the divine, inspires and vivifies young hearts and minds, while ugliness and coarseness have a depressing impact on attitudes and behavior. Like education in general, media education requires formation in the exercise of freedom. This is a demanding task. So often, freedom is presented as a relentless search for pleasure or new experiences. Yet this is a condemnation, not a liberation! True freedom could never condemn the individual – especially a child – to an insatiable quest for novelty. In the light of truth, authentic freedom is experienced as a definitive response to God’s ‘yes’ to humanity, calling us to choose, not indiscriminately but deliberately, all that is good, true and beautiful. Parents, then, as the guardians of that freedom, while gradually giving their children greater freedom, introduce them to the profound joy of life (cf. Address to the Fifth World Meeting of Families, Valencia, 8 July 2006). 3. This heartfelt wish of parents and teachers to educate children in the ways of beauty, truth and goodness can be supported by the media industry only to the extent that it promotes fundamental human dignity, the true value of marriage and family life, and the positive achievements and goals of humanity. Thus, the need for the media to be committed to effective formation and ethical standards is viewed with particular interest and even urgency not only by parents and teachers but by all who have a sense of civic responsibility. While affirming the belief that many people involved in social communications want to do what is right (cf. Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Ethics in Communications, 4), we must also recognize that those who work in this field confront “spe-

cial psychological pressures and ethical dilemmas” (Aetatis Novae, 19) which at times see commercial competitiveness compelling communicators to lower standards. Any trend to produce programs and products—including animated films and video games—which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behavior or the trivialization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programs are directed at children and adolescents. How could one explain this ‘entertainment’ to the countless innocent young people who actually suffer violence, exploitation and abuse? In this regard, all would do well to reflect on the contrast between Christ who “put his arms around [the children] laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing” (Mk 10:16) and the one who “leads astray … these little ones” for whom “it would be better … if a millstone were hung round his neck” (Lk 17:2). Again I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educate and encourage producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family. 4. The Church herself, in the light of the message of salvation entrusted to her, is also a teacher of humanity and welcomes the opportunity to offer assistance to parents, educators, communicators, and young people. Her own parish and school programs should be in the forefront of media education today. Above all, the Church desires to share a vision of human dignity that is central to all worthy human communication. “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” (Deus Caritas Est, 18). From the Vatican, BENEDICTUS XVI

Feature

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI 44th World Day of Prayer for Vocations

29th April 2007, 4th Sunday of Easter with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them” (Jn 17: 26). The mission of the Church, therefore, is founded on an intimate and faithful communion with God. The Second Vatican Council’s Constitution Lumen gentium describes the Church as “a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” (n. 4), in which is reflected the very mystery of God. This means that the love of the Trinity is reflected in her. Moreover, thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit, all the members of the Church form “one body and one spirit” in Christ. This people,

to the mystery of the Church as communion; because whoever lives in an ecclesial community that is harmonious, co-responsible and conscientious, certainly learns more easily to discern the call of the Lord. The care of vocations, therefore, demands a constant “education” for listening to the voice of God. This is what Eli did, when he helped the young Samuel to understand what God was asking of him and to put it immediately into action (cf. 1 Sam 3: 9). Now, docile and faithful listening can only take place in a climate of intimate communion with God which is realized principally in

“The vocation to the service of the Church as communion”

organically structured under the guidance of its Pastors, lives the mystery of communion with God and with the brethren, especially when it gathers for the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source of that ecclesial unity for which Jesus prayed on the eve of his passion: “Father…that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (Jn 17: 21). This intense communion favors the growth of generous vocations at the service of the Church: the heart of the believer, filled with divine love, is moved to dedicate itself wholly to the cause of the Kingdom. In order to foster vocations, therefore, it is important that pastoral activity be attentive

prayer. According to the explicit command of the Lord, we must implore the gift of vocations, in the first place by praying untiringly and together to the “Lord of the harvest”. The invitation is in the plural: “Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Mt 9: 38). This invitation of the Lord corresponds well with the style of the “Our Father” (Mt 6: 9), the prayer that he taught us and that constitutes a “synthesis of the whole Gospel” according to the well-known expression of Tertullian (cf. De Oratione, 1,6: CCL I, 258). In this perspective, yet another expression of Jesus is instructive: “If two of you agree on earth about anything they

ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven (Mt 18: 19). The Good Shepherd, therefore, invites us to pray to the heavenly Father, to pray unitedly and insistently, that he may send vocations for the service of the Church as communion. Harvesting the pastoral experience of past centuries, the Second Vatican Council highlighted the importance of educating future priests to an authentic ecclesial communion. In this regard, we read in Presbyterorum ordinis: “Exercising the office of Christ, the shepherd and head, according to their share of his authority, the priests, in the name of the Bishop, gather the family of God together as a brotherhood enlivened by one spirit. Through Christ, they lead them in the Holy Spirit to God the Father” (n. 6). The post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores dabo vobis echoes this statement of the Council, when it underlines that the priest is “the servant of the Church as communion because—in union with the Bishop and closely related to the presbyterate—he builds up the unity of the Church community in harmony of diverse vocations, charisms and services” (n. 16). It is indispensable that, within the Christian people, every ministry and charism be directed to full communion; and it is the duty of the Bishop and priests to promote this communion in harmony with every other Church vocation and service. The consecrated life, too, of its very nature, is at the service of this communion, as highlighted by my venerable predecessor John Paul II in the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita consecrata: “The consecrated life can certainly be credited with having effectively helped to keep alive in the Church the obligation of fraternity as a form of witness to the Trinity. By constantly promoting fraternal love, also in the form of common life, the consecrated life has shown that Message / B5

7 Questions for Bishop Lucilo B. Quiambao, DD Most Rev. Lucilo B. Quiambao, DD, is the Auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Legazpi. Bishop Quiambao, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination on April 27, 2007, recently talked to CBCP Monitor on various concerns involving his responsibilities in the diocese; the situation of vocations, the ongoing formation of the clergy, the rehabilitation program in the Bicol province in the wake of devastation caused by typhoon Reming, and the upcoming mid-term elections. What are your specific responsibilities as Auxiliary bishop of Legazpi? First, I am in charge of priestly formation, which includes vocation recruitment, seminary administration and the ongoing formation of the clergy. This includes vocation promotion and the care of priests who are retired. We can say, in charge of vocations—from the womb until the tomb. I am [also] in charge of the temporalities of the diocese, mainly on Church lands. That is the most troublesome, because, you know before, so many pieces of land were undocumented, belonging to the diocese. And sometime ago, the priests in the parishes were simply—well, preferential option for the poor—will permit or tolerate squatters on Church lands. Now, that is our problem, how to put them in decent homes. How is the situation of vocations in the diocese? Well, these days are different from the good old days. When I entered the seminary more than 50 years ago in 1948, we were already determined to be priests. Nowadays, it’s quite different. Even in college, seminarians are still searching themselves, whether they have vocation or not. What could be the reason for this ambivalence? I guess there are many reasons behind it. One is what we may call secularization. Many people now do not know gospel values. The world has different values from Christ’s values. That is influenced by the proliferation of the media. In every home, you have television sets, and the kinds of newspapers they read everyday would change, we might say, [their] direction in life. This is affecting everybody. You know, in other countries, it is affecting not only religious vocations but also the marital vocations. After a year of marriage, they divorce. So nowadays, with the facility of transportation, we have the mobility of peoples, and there, we also have the mobility of commitments, mobility of minds. Changeability, in other words. But what I am lamenting very much is the population control. Most of the young couples now would simply have two children. And of course, if they have both girls, nobody would be qualified for the priesthood.

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May 13, 2007

Priests and Politics by Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate, Dear brothers and sisters! The annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations is an appropriate occasion for highlighting the importance of vocations in the life and mission of the Church, as well as for intensifying our prayer that they may increase in number and quality. For the coming celebration, I would like to draw the attention of the whole people of God to the following theme, which is more topical than ever: the vocation to the service of the Church as communion. Last year, in the Wednesday general audiences, I began a new series of catechesis dedicated to the relationship between Christ and the Church. I pointed out that the first Christian community was built, in its original core, when some fishermen of Galilee, having met Jesus, let themselves be conquered by his gaze and his voice, and accepted his pressing invitation: “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men!” (Mk 1: 17; cf. Mt 4: 19). In fact, God has always chosen some individuals to work with him in a more direct way, in order to accomplish his plan of salvation. In the Old Testament, in the beginning, he called Abraham to form a “great nation” (Gn 12: 2); afterwards, he called Moses to free Israel from the slavery of Egypt (cf. Ex 3: 10). Subsequently, he designated other persons, especially the prophets, to defend and keep alive the covenant with his people. In the New Testament, Jesus, the promised Messiah, invited each of the Apostles to be with him (cf. Mk 3: 14) and to share his mission. At the Last Supper, while entrusting them with the duty of perpetuating the memorial of his death and resurrection until his glorious return at the end of time, he offered for them to his Father this heart-broken prayer: “I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love

CBCP Monitor

If they have one boy and one girl, they will say, well, we have only one boy, we cannot sacrifice anybody (who should) prolong our family name. And, good if those having two boys can sacrifice one for the priesthood. Well, relatively speaking, our diocese has a good number of priests. As a matter of fact, we have sufficient personnel in all the parishes as of now. And we have on loan to other dioceses priest personnel, around 40 people. Some are in the mission areas, one in Kuwait. There is one who is inclined to go to Pakistan because the bishop is requesting from me some priests. The others are in the Caribbean. Do you have a continuing formation for your clergy? Our formation of the clergy is a weekly vicarial meeting. The first part of it is spiritualization. There is a short recollection, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and we invite confessors for both priests and religious to be given opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. And then, of course we have the annual retreat. Before, we used to invite some experts on psychology, especially in what we might say, middle aged crisis. Now I am again looking for one who can talk about that because most of those younger priests are now in their middle age, so they need it. [As part also of their ongoing formation], we are encouraging everyone to subscribe to CBCP Monitor. This is not only informative in terms of news but also in spirituality, in canon law, in liturgy and lot of things, in documents from the Vatican, etc. As a matter of fact, we said each parish must have a subscription. As of now we are receiving copies of CBCP Monitor in bulk. This is very informative and formative. The Diocese of Legazpi was the worst hit by typhoon Reming. How is the rehabilitation program for typhoon victims taking place in your diocese? We have a big program for housing of people whose houses were washed away by the typhoon, by the floods. As a matter of fact, we have 14 evacuation centers. Good there are religious congregations helping us in building houses, and also this Gawad Kalinga.

I guess we have just [completed] one fourth of rehabilitation. What we are doing now is relief and rehabilitation at the same time. Because those people whose houses were washed away, their livelihoods were also destroyed. Their coconut plantations were all destroyed by the typhoon. Some rice lands were covered by boulders. The Franciscans (OFM), I understand they are donating some 100 houses, and then the Daughters of Charity (DC) are building 300 houses. We are buying a piece of land to be given also to this project. How long do you think it would take for the typhoon victims to recover and return to normal life? In five years? It will take a long time. I don’t know exactly what cottage industries are they having. Most of them have cottage industries before, but now abaca is destroyed. Coconut is destroyed. Other cottage industries, practically nothing. As a matter of fact, the monkeys have nothing to eat in the forest. At night, they are invading the houses in the populated areas for food. This is really for us a year of social concern. Up to now I do not hold office in my former office in the parish. I hold office in my bedroom because my office was completely devastated. I lost books and important documents. We are still rehabilitating our ground floor because the water there was five feet high. The whole city was covered with water. The highest was at 14 feet in the lowest areas. The rain, according to Pag-asa, [was] the biggest recorded rainfall in the history of the Bicol region. What about the upcoming elections in May? What is the diocese doing in terms of guiding the flock in choosing the right candidates? We have just finished the first diocesan seminar of PPCRV. We are now recruiting members for the PPCRV. And right after Holy Week, we shall go on with the seminars. We are targeting the college students to join the PPCRV. And I guess, as in other places, politics in our area is also hot, we may say. Yes, we will [issue guidelines] two or three weeks before the elections. But now, we shall be taking up social concerns emphasizing the coming local elections.

We have a problem in my archdiocese with a priest who said that priests can campaign for the upcoming elections as long as they don’t do it from the pulpit. People are confused because the statement came out in the local papers. Is there anything in Canon Law on this? In a previous issue (Vol. 11, No. 5 of the CBCP Monitor), we had dedicated this column to the question of Catholic Associations and Partisan Politics. The questioner then had taken for granted that the Hierarchy should not be involved in partisan politics. Now, it seems, this criterion is not very obvious to everyone. The Role of the Priest in Political Life By virtue of the service that he must render to individuals and society, the priest is interested in all those questions relative to public administration, which inevitably entail an ethical dimension. The correct notion of the distinction of Church and State does not mean that the hierarchy and the political community should live oblivious of each other. It means rather that each has its own proper sphere of responsibility: the hierarchy towards the eternal common good, and the government towards the temporal common good. But since the temporal common good necessarily dovetails—since it ends up in the same final destination of the human person—with the eternal common good, the proper role of the hierarchy towards the temporal common good is one of magisterium and guidance: it is the role of the hierarchy in general and of priests in particular to form all men of good will (but especially the lay faithful) to have the right criteria to exercise their political options with freedom and responsibility. The priest, in addition, preserves the right to have a personal political opinion and to exercise his right to vote, according to his conscience. “In those circumstances in which diverse political, social or economic choices legitimately present themselves—pointed out the Synod of Bishops in 1971—priests, like all citizens, have the right to make their own choices.” Limits to the Priest’s Participation in the Political Exercise The aforementioned right—like any other right—is obviously not an unlimited one. The external manifestation of a priest’s political preferences may be reasonably restricted by the demands of his ministry, which seeks to embrace everyone, to fully proclaim the Gospel and to be a valid sign of unity among all people. Thus, c.287, §2 of the Code of Canon Law explicitly limits the participation of clerics in the political exercise in the following terms: Clerics are not to have an active role in political parties and in the direction of labor unions, unless the need to protect the rights of the Church or to promote the common good requires it in the judgment of the competent ecclesiastical authority. The rationale behind this prohibition is as follows: 1) To avoid any semblance of dogmatism. As the Synod of Bishops of 1971 pointed out, “political choices are contingent by nature and do not express the Gospels completely, adequately or perennially.” John Paul II, following the same line of thought, would add that “a political party can never be identi¬fied with the truth of the Gospel, nor could it ever be, therefore, the object of absolute allegiance, unlike what happens with the Gospel.” John Paul II concludes that the priest should not forget the relative character of political activities “even when citizens of Christian faith create, in a plausible way, parties inspired ex¬pressly in the Gospels, and he should not cease to strive to make the light of Christ also shine on other parties and social groups” (General Audience, 28.VII.1993). 2) To avoid any semblance clericalism. As John Paul II also pointed out in the aforementioned audience “within the framework of the Christian community, [priestly ministry] should have respect for the maturity of the laity and, what is more, should strive to assist them to achieve this, through the formation of con¬science.” In other words, the correct sense of empowerment of the laity consists precisely in respecting their rightful autonomy in political choices, without their being unduly coerced—whether intentionally or otherwise—through a false reverential fear of displeasing their pastor who expresses a political preference different from theirs. The problem lies in the fact that when a priest (more so a bishop) speaks of his political preferences, it is difficult for the faithful to distinguish—especially in a country with a tradition of deep respect for the clergy—when he is proclaiming Gospel truth and when he is merely speaking of his preferences or opinions. In other words, it is difficult for a priest to claim that he is only speaking as a private citizen expressing his political leanings, without the Catholic faithful perceiving it as an authoritative moral determination. Scope of the Prohibition 1. Active participation in political parties. The juridical norm extends the prohibition not only to the exercise of functions of management or direction of such parties, but also to any membership in such parties, the knowledge of which may trigger an alienation of those faithful of a different political leaning—an alienation which the canonical prohibition precisely seeks to avoid. 2. Active participation in the direction of labor unions. The treatment of the participation of clerics in union associations is something very different. What is forbidden in this hypothetical situation is, strictly speaking, participation on an active basis in maintaining those organiza¬tions—i.e., to have positions of government and direction in such unions. 3. Militancy in favor of a given person or party. As a logical consequence, the same Synod of Bishops of 1971 declares that “the priest, witness of future things, should keep a certain distance from any political position or effort.” It is difficult to argue that this statement does not refer precisely to the priests actively campaigning for a certain political party or electoral candidate. 4. Possible exception: To defend the rights of the Church and the common good. The canon obviates any danger of laxity in the interpretation of this exception, by precisely stipulating that such an exception must be according to the judgment of the ecclesiastical authority. Thus, no individual priest may determine by himself the existence of sufficient reason to make an exception to the general prohibition, but must rather depend on the judgment of the competent authority—i.e., the Local Ordinary. Conclusion The Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests, issued by the Congregation for the Clergy on 31.I.1994, summarizes all these in the following terms (ref. n.3): • “The priest, as servant of the universal Church, cannot tie himself to any historical contingency, and therefore must be above any political party. He cannot take an active role in political parties or labor unions, unless according to the judgment of the ecclesiastical authority, the rights of the Church and the defense of common good require it.” • “In fact, even if these [political parties and labor unions] are good things in themselves, they are nevertheless foreign to the clerical state, since they can constitute a grave danger of division in the ecclesial communion.” • “Like Jesus (cf. Jn 6, 15 ff.), the priest ought to refrain from actively engaging himself in politics, as it often happens, in order to be a central point of spiritual fraternity. All the faithful, therefore, must be able to approach the priest without feeling inhibited for any reason.” • “The Priest will remember that it does not fall on the shoulders of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly in political activities and in social organizations. This task, in fact, forms part of the lay faithful’s vocation, in which they work by their own initiative together with their fellow citizens. Nevertheless, he will not be absent in the effort to form in them an upright conscience.”

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May13, 2007

THE ecclesiastical province of the Diocese of Iba occupies the civil province of Zambales and Olongapo City in western Luzon facing the South China Sea. It is separated in the west from provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga by the Zambales mountain range in which Mt. Pinatubo nestles. It is bounded in the north by Pangasinan—Diocese of Alaminos and in the south by Bataan—Diocese of Balanga. Zambales has a land area of 3,642 square kilometers which is mostly mountainous. Farming and fishing thrives only on the coastal areas. Zambal, Ilocano and Tagalog are the main dialects of the area. Zambales was formally organized as a province in 1672, which formerly comprised the coastal areas from Lingayen Gulf to Subic Bay. However, due to difficulties in administration, the municipalities of Agno, Alaminos, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Infanta and San Isidro were annexed to Pangasinan. Majority of the population live along the coastline while the remaining population of the Aetas settles in the slopes of the bundocs. People are concentrated in the urban area of Olongapo City around the Subic Bay area. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 displaced a lot of people who settled in other provinces or resettlement areas. There were 7 resettlement areas, namely, Iram in Olongapo City, Cawag in Subic, Balaybay in Castillejos, Baquilan, Loob-Bunga and Taugtog in Botolan and Dampay Salaza in Palauig. Evangelization of Zambales The Church in Iba had a difficult beginning. Owing to the inaccessibility of the province, flanked by the mountains in the west and the sea in the east, early missionaries were few in Zambales. But the rugged topography of the area did not deter the religious priests from pushing for the evangelization of the province. In September 1606, shortly after their arrival in Manila, the Augustinian Recollects, upon the invitation of encomendero Hernando Avalo, reached the present-day Bataan and Zambales provinces. The area that stretches from Marivelez in Bataan to Sunga in Pangasinan was then known as Playa Honda. Three Recoletos: Fray Miguel de la Madre Dios, Fray Pedro de San Jose and Bro. Francisco de Santa Monica embarked on the first step of evangelizing Playa Honda. It was not an easy task even with the enthusiasm of the missionaries. The unhealthiness of the terrain, or the scarcity of food and the bellicosity and ferocity of the Zambalenos had its toll on the young mission. In 1607 the cause claimed the life of Fray Miguel when he died as an aftermath of his stoning by furious native Aetas. He was even regarded as the Order’s protomartyr. During this period six priests were stationed in Playa Honda; two in Mariveles, two in Masinloc and another two in Bolinao. In November 18, 1607, the Parish of St. Andrew in Masinloc was the first to be established in Playa Honda being the capital then. Fray Andres del Espiritu helped establish the parish and started the building of the Masinloc church which still bears the distinct architectural design of the times. In July 31, 2001, the National Museum declared Masinloc church as one of the Cultural Treasures of the Philippines. The Dominicans supplanted the Recollect mission in Zambales in 1676 when their Provincial, Felipe Pardo was promoted to the archbishopric of Manila. Iba, then known as Paynauen became a parish in 1681. When the Recoletos returned they established Santa Monica Parish in Botolan in 1736. Despite the joint efforts of the Recoletos and the Dominicans the evangelization of the resistant Zambals proved to be very difficult.

Diocese

B3 IMPORTANT FACTS

The Diocese of

Iba

I I

CBCP CBCP Monitor Monitor

by Rev. Gerald Pascual

Bishop ……………………………........…….............1 Priests: Diocesan ……………………............................ 43 Religious …………............................................. 8 Sisters: Filipino ………………………..........…….......... 71 Foreign ……………….......................................... 3 Seminarians …………….……............................... 33 Diocesan Division: Vicariates …………….......................................... 3 Parishes: With resident pastors ....................................... 22 Entrusted to diocesan clergy .......................... 21 Entrusted to Religious Clergy .......................... 1 Chapels/Visitas/Missions ................................... 132 Educational Centers: Colleges (Diocesan) ............................................ 3 Highschools: Diocesan/Parochial ........................................19 Elementray Schools: Diocesan/Parochial .......................................13 Pre-Schools: Centers and Clinics ..................................... 33 Population .................................................... 695,138 Area .................................................... 3,642 sq. kms.

The Philippine Independent Church Until the 19th century, there was little progress in subduing the natives of the province and the establishment of parishes almost came to a halt. But Divine Providence prevailed and the missions flourished with the successive establishment of the parishes starting with St. Michael Archangel in Sta. Cruz in 1812. But the brewing conflict between the Spaniards and the Filipinos as early as 1870’s caught up with the missions. The Filipino clergy started revolting against the friars as an offshoot of the revolution. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay organized the Philippine Independent Church in 1902. With the Treaty of Paris signed ceding the Philippines to America by Spain, the Spanish missionaries began leaving due to threat from the revolutionaries and the Aglipayans seized the opportunity to bring the Catholics to their fold. In 1905 the lone secular priest in Zambales, Fr. Gregorio Dizon joined the Aglipayans. The Aglipayans thrived in the first half of the 1900’s. Palauig, for instance remained without a Catholic priest for almost 50 years, thus, almost all the people of Palauig became Aglipayans. Protestantism brought to our shores by the Americans also claimed a share among the faithful dissipated by the revolution and the American occupation. The Methodists established free elementary education. The prevalent anti-clerical stance of the new evangelizers and the hate for anything Catholic gained influence among the Zambalenos so that by 1918 the Aglipayans in Zambales was 64.5% of the population. But the almost three-hundred-year-effort of the Spanish missionaries was not lost. The northern part of the province, notably Sta. Cruz, Candelaria and Masinloc remained steadfast to Catholicism. These towns were adopted by the priest of the new diocese in the north, the Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. A New Hope A new hope for the Catholic Church in Zambales came with the entry of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) fathers. They hired and trained catechists and started patronizing public elementary schools. They built large conventos where they hold Sunday schools for children and catechetical schools for adults wishing to receive the faith. The SVD fathers were not without any help in raising the flag of Catholicism. Priests from neighboring diocese lent their services and with the establishment of the diocese in San Fernando, Pampanga in 1948, then Bishop Cesar Guerrero sent priests to handle parishes in Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Antonio, and Olongapo. The SVD’s continued their presence in San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan and Iba. Masinloc, Candelaria and Sta. Cruz remained with the diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. By the time the SVD’s were about to leave Zambales, Aglipayans constituted only 37.8% of the population. Wave of Catholicism in Zambales This was the Catholic Zambales when the Columban Missionaries arrived in 1951. To wrest the grip of Aglipayanism on the Zambalenos, the Columbans started establishing parochial schools. First to be established were St. Joseph School in Olongapo and Southern Zambales High School (now St. William’s School) in San Marcelino. They bought private schools owned by families and private administrators in every parish and where there was none, they put them up with collections from the parishes and funding from foreign sources. The wave of Catholicism in Zambales initiated by the establishment of schools was a success but it was not without the aid of the women religious who came with the Columbans. The Columban Missionary Sisters, Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Charity, Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres and CFIF Sisters contributed to the life in schools and parishes. The Prelature of Iba In 1951 Fr. Henry Byrne, MSSC, JCD came to the Philippines as part of the staff of the proposed National Diocesan Seminary planned by the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi. On June 12, 1956, Zambales was created a prelature and shortly after that Fr. Byrne received his appointment as the new prelate ordinary of Zambales. The Prelature Nullius of Iba was erected on October 18, 1956. After his ordination in Manila as bishop on October 29, 1956 he was installed as the new bishop of the prelature on November 4, 1956. He took care of his priests as a father and manifested great concern for the poor. Parochial schools blossomed during his term and the minor seminary was established in 1973 despite the difficulties. The St. Augustine Minor Seminary started accepting local boys for the priesthood and the bishop financially supported the major seminarians in Manila. The generous bishop was once quoted saying: “We all must work together for the promotion of religious vocations; let not financial difficulties hinder these young boys and girls in the pursuit of their lofty dream”. The prelature was elevated as a diocese in November 15, 1982

Bishop Florentino G. Lavarias, DD

under “Bishop Harry,” as he was fondly called. By the time of his death in July 1983, he became a naturalized Filipino, and willed that his body be buried in the Cathedral of Iba. He was the man who put Zambales in the ecclesiastical map defying the odds of the early 20th century and steering the diocese to reforms under Vatican II. Parishes Entrusted to Filipino Clergy Bishop Paciano B. Aniceto, DD (now Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga) succeeded Bishop Byrne. Under his term, Filipino clergy started occupying parishes from the Columban fathers. He showed support for the local clergy by frequenting their gatherings. The Columbans did not wane in their zeal for concern for the people of the diocese; they helped establish the Parishes of St. Anne in Gordon Heights and Immaculate Conception in Baretto both in Olongapo City. In 1989, Bishop Aniceto was elected as the new Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga. Bishop Deogracias Y. Iñiguez, DD succeeded as the Local Ordinary of Iba in March 1990. Major parishes were transferred to the local clergy while new parishes were created; San Lorenzo in Kalalake, in 1991 and the quasi-parish of Holy Family in Kalaklan in 1992, both in Olongapo City. Under Bishop Iñiguez, Columbans and the local clergy, who still were still very few, took care of the parishes and strengthened the social action arm of the diocese to cater to the victims of Mt. Pinatubo when it erupted in 1991. With the creation of new dioceses in Manila, Rome appointed Bishop Iñiguez as the prelate of the newly created Diocese of Caloocan. Msgr. Crisostomo Cacho was the Apostolic Administrator until the present bishop was appointed. On August 31, 2004 Bishop Florentino Galang Lavarias, DD was installed as the 4th bishop of Iba. His care and concern for priests in the diocese was most notable having been the director of the CBCP Assisted Intensive Renewal for Priest program. He was most keen on intensifying the ‘holiness of priests’ from which lay people can draw their strength for their ministry as Church of God, for which the priest-centered mentality may still work to the church’s advantage. 25th Year as a Diocese Iba marks its 25th year as a diocese in 2007, under the theme URGE (Unity, Renewal, Greatness and Eucharist). This celebration was launched during the diocesan celebration of Christ the King last November 25, 2006. Coinciding with this celebration are the 400th year anniversary celebrations of the parishes of Subic and Masinloc, the first ones to be established as parishes under the Spanish missionaries. Various activities highlight the celebrations, one of which is the re-dedication of the newly-restored cultural heritage church in Ma-

sinloc which was badly damaged during an earthquake in 1998. It is not a coincidence that the diocese is currently formulating a pastoral plan to govern its ministry in the future. The Diocese of Iba Integrated Pastoral Plan (DIIPP) had its first seed during the time of Bishop Byrne when a handful of local clergy (then Fr. Teodoro Bacani, Frs. Crisostomo Cacho, Juan Pastor, Frank Minas and Fernando Carpio) requested that they be assigned in the parishes of San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Felipe, San Narciso, Cabangan and Subic. These parishes, which were contiguous to each other, were to serve as a pilot area for the implementation of Vatican II concept of the church as communion. The bishop supported this initiative. They then started forming various parish commissions and ministries. It continued until the term of Bishop Aniceto. In October 1993, after the clergy retreat in Baguio, the priests met and started the discussion on the importance of having a pastoral plan for the diocese. They agreed to have the diocesan pastoral plan and by February of the following year formed the Pastoral Team to organize and formulate the DIIPP. Diocesan Pastoral Assembly In November 1997, the first Diocesan Assembly was held to plan for the Jubilee Year—but it proved to be short-sighted. After another assembly, the action plans for commissions were drafted. A diocesan pastoral council was formed and initially identified the elements of a diocesan vision-mission. Commissions were identified and tasked. In 2002 the process of the DIIPP was revived and specified. A new Diocesan Pastoral team was formed. It was then that the DIIPP secretariat met to plot steps on how to implement the DIIPP under the vision-mission of the diocese. However, with the transfer of Bishop Iñiguez to Caloocan, the planning process was held off. Few months after the reorganization of the pastoral assignments of the clergy, Bishop Lavarias invited the priests to continue working on the DIIPP. During the monthly meeting of the clergy last January 2007, the priests expressed their commitment to continue with the planning process. Schedules, programs and activities were set, together with expected output and results. A diocesan pastoral assembly is scheduled on March 17, 2007. It is expected that, at the end of the said gathering, both the lay faithful and the clergy present will have committed themselves to work together and lead the planning process and the implementation of the drafted plan of action. The Diocese of Iba will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee on November 15, 2007. It is the hope and prayer of the People of God in this diocese that the celebrations and the DIIPP that we are working on will intensify and strengthen our resolve to continue welcoming and accepting God’s loving and divine dominion over our lives.

A Circular Letter to the Faithful

(To be Read in Churches and Chapels of the Archdiocese of LingayenDagupan During Eucharistic Celebrations on May 6, 2007) “Love one another.” (John 10:34) My dear brothers and sisters, my dear young people: After the love of God, the love of neighbor is the greatest commandment Christ gave us. Christ knows too well that until we come to love one another, we ourselves would live in suffering and pain, in antagonism if not anger and hatred towards each other. With love, we become united as one people. We are inspired as one blessed community. Putting the commandment of love of neighbor in the context of these days when we are facing the many challenges that come with the forthcoming May elections. It is but right and proper to seriously take into account the social dimension of the one vote we individually cast on Election Day. The truth is that the one vote of one person does not only affect his or her future—but also the future of his family and others as well. In other words, one vote cast in favor of a corrupt, dishonest and incapable political candidate is a vote that brings about the evil of other people. On the contrary, a vote cast in favor of an upright and competent candidate favors all others. Herein lies the big social benefit of the big social evil of every single vote—depending of whether the vote is cast for the right or wrong candidate. This brings to mind the following simple lessons relevant to the forthcoming elections. First: It is against the commandment of love of neighbor if anyone of us would dare vote for an unworthy candidate. Second: It is against the commandment of love of neighbor if anyone of us would dare sell our vote to any candidate. Third: It is against the commandment of love of neighbor if anyone of us would not even vote at all when we can and should do so. Come 14 May, let us show in a particular way, our love for one another by voting, by treasuring our vote, by voting for the candidates adorned with the qualities of integrity and capacity. God Bless us all! +OSCAR V. CRUZ, DD Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan 28 April 2007

Day of Prayer and Commitment for an Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections To All Priests, Religious, and Laity of the Diocese of Maasin: Recognizing the great importance of the May 14 Elections for the renewal and transformation of our society; and aware of our Christian duty and responsibility to be agents of social transformation in consonance with Gospel teachings and those of the Church, we, as the Diocese of Maasin, set a Day of Prayer and Commitment on May 6, Sunday, for an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections. All parishes and chapels are enjoined to offer the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Word Services for the afore-said intention. The faithful are invited to offer prayers and sacrifices on this day, for the same intention. We are also inviting all candidates within the Diocese of Maasin to participate in the Parish level celebration of this Day of Prayer and Commitment. They are invited to show a concrete expression of their commitment to an honest, peaceful and credible election. We are also asking generous and responsible faithful to volunteer in the Parish activities meant to ensure the proper conduct of the elections. May the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven, intercede for us for the grace of a good May 14 Elections, and pray for us, protecting us from all evils. Given this 25th day of April, 2007, on St. Mark the Evangelist’s Feast Day, at the Chancery Office, Asuncion, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. +PRECIOSO D. CANTILLAS, SDB Bishop of Maasin

Pastoral Letter on the Upcoming 2007 Elections “Choose wise, intelligent and experienced men from each of your tribes” (Deut. 1:13) Beloved people of God: Peace be with you! Once again we are to face another election this year. And once again our maturity and ability to choose leaders who will become public servants in our government will be put to the test. Thanks to the democratic process in our choice of candidates whom we want to elect. This process also demands of us the responsibility to take actions to ensure peaceful, true, clean, and just elections. As a people of God it is our responsibility to safeguard our right to choose and to protect the sanctity of ballots. Let us always uphold activities that will help us achieve peaceful and true elections. Important activities are “Voters’ Education” before elections and vigilance during and after the elections, and securing the “election returns and results”. The CBCP Pastoral Letter to the dioceses and to the parishes has this request “…every parish organization and institution— and the BECs most especially—be mobilized to the utmost to do what each can do towards that end…that they must form linkages with one another and with other like-minded civic and religious associations that are working to help clean the dirt from our easily corrupted electoral process.” THERE SHOULD BE NO VOTE BUYING, CHEATING, COERCION, FIGHTING, STEALING, DISHONESTY… DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY PROMISES THAT HAVE NO FULFILLMENT. LET US MAKE OUR ELECTIONS PEACEFUL, TRUE, CLEAN AND JUST. As a guideline here are the ten (10) commandments for responsible voting: 1) You shall vote according to the dictate of your conscience; 2) You shall respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates; 3) You shall seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for; 4) You shall strive to understand the issues, platform and program of candidates and parties seeking your vote; 5) You shall not sell your vote; 6) You shall not vote for candidates using guns, goons and gold; 7) You shall not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption, and Human Rights Violation; 8) You shall not vote for candidates just because of “utang na loob”, personal appearance, popularity, or pakikisama; 9) You shall not vote for candidates living an immoral life; 10) You shall put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidate you will vote for. It is our hope that the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, will always inspire us to do the will of Her Son Jesus. We hope that St. Michael the Archangel will protect us from every evil. May the God of love, peace, and justice unite all of us in our work for a peaceful and clean election! In Christ, +ELENITO D. GALIDO, D.D. Bishop of Iligan February 23, 2007

Statements

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May 13, 2007

Conscience, Competence, Commitment A Pastoral Letter

AS we enter the final weeks before elections, it would be good to remind ourselves of three C’s for choosing candidate—i.e., Conscience, Competence, and Commitment. First and foremost, the candidate must be a person of conscience. He or she is guided by a sense of morality, of what is morally right or wrong. He is maka-Diyos and maka-tao. He takes to heart the commandments: “Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not bear false witness.” Since he is running for public office, he must be transparent in his actions and accountable for all his transactions involving public funds. In short, he upholds the values of Truth, Justice, and Love. Secondly, the candidate must be a person of competence. He has a record of public service that we can verify. His academic qualifications are sound. His previous work experience gives us assurance that he will be a good steward of human, natural and financial resources. Merely belonging to a “political dynasty” is no assurance of competence; it may even be seen as a negative mark. Thirdly, the candidate is a person of commitment—i.e., he is sincere and committed to serve the common good and the participation of the governed through people empowerment. He is committed to causes beyond his own self-interest and family aggrandizement. Some of these causes have been articulated by the Church in

recent statements of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. 1) There is a need for electoral reforms. The credibility of some COMELEC officials has been eroded, particularly in the conduct of last elections. In this regard, I highly endorse to our parishioners the call for volunteers to join PPCRV, NAMFREL and NASSA in helping in voters’ education, poll watching, and the quick counting of votes. 2) There is a need for genuine democratization and political reforms. The sordid practices of vote-buying and vote-selling and mindless marshalling of “command votes” are symptoms of a deeper malaise. This must be counteracted by a political culture of “principles, party platforms and genuine people’s participation.” The recent stand of the local Church against the railroading of charter change through a so-called Peoples’ Initiative or a Constituent Assembly highlights the need for continuing vigilance and genuine democratic processes. 3) Corruption in public office must be checked by engaged citizens’ groups that demand social auditing of the use of public funds, especially for infrastructure projects. The use of “pork barrel” funds must also be fully accounted for. Drug-pushing and rampant gambling must be checked. These social vices eventually give rise to narcopolitics and the dominance of “jueteng lords.” 4) In terms of social reform, the

CBCP Monitor

CBCP statements in January 2007 express the bishops’ concerns in upholding the dignity of the rural and urban poor. In particular, we call on government to complete the implementation of agrarian reform and provide housing opportunities for the urban poor. 5) The integrity of family life has to be protected and promoted. The Church has been in the forefront of pro-life issues—particularly against the social ills of abortion and artificial contraception. The archdiocese promotes responsible parenthood and a comprehensive natural family planning program which we invite government agencies and local governments to support. 6) The support of private schools in the public service has been a recurrent concern for the local Church. Moreover, the rights of parents and students for optional religious instruction in public schools as upheld by the

Constitution should be fully honored. There is need to strengthen the moral fiber of our citizenry through religious instruction according to the students’ own faith tradition. 7) Conserving the environment has been a major concern of many dioceses, including our own. The CBCP has issued statements against irresponsible mining and logging—wanton practices that apparently are still taking place at a small or fairly large scale in the upstream areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iponan rivers. We have also issued a call against the introduction of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in our food chain. This has been done surreptitiously without proper labeling that should protect the consumers’ rights. 8) Finally, the rule of law and promoting the human security of households and local comMessage / B5

“You Can Make Elections Clean” A Friendly Letter Dear Friends in Davao City and Provinces, Greetings of Peace! You who read this letter may be a candidate, volunteer or paid party worker, local COMELEC official, precinct personnel and public school teacher, NAMFREL and PPCRV volunteer, poll-watcher, votes canvasser, law enforcer, voter or non-voter, media practitioner, and foreign observer. Whoever and wherever you are, you can make the present election campaign period and the election day itself and beyond VERY CLEAN and FREE. Yes, clean and free of lies and slander, of name-calling and character assassination, vote-buying and selling, cheating and dagdag bawas, coercion and intimidation, killings and salvagings, false and irresponsible reporting. Here is how. A good thought is an energy, humanly speaking. It can be a grace of God, spiritually. It is a power that can charge and change the atmosphere and positively affect people’s minds and hearts and behavior. In you there is that inborn goodness that your sin or crime cannot eliminate. I call it your goodness-bulb or lamp that is ignited by electric power. Your good thought or idea is like an electric energy or power. It can activate your goodness-bulb, enable you to think good thoughts, and empower you to do good deeds, thus making your entire day and night beaming, bright, and brilliant. As they say, “You are what your thoughts are.” You know, for five days in January 1995 during the World Youth Day whose closing rites were attended by close to six million people, the presence of the charismatic Pope John Paul II in Manila so triggered and unleashed positive thought-energies throughout the country that according to police reports no crime was committed

anywhere. Through the marvel of television it happened again in our country recently on April 15, 2007 during the Pacquiao-Solis boxing fight in the United States. The pope’s presence and words turned Filipino minds and hearts to God and they behaved accordingly. The boxing bout turned Filipinos here and abroad to national pride of being Filipino. Both are symbols and essential ingredients of the sense of nationhood, national unity, love of country and common welfare. Was it a miracle? Perhaps, but it can be explained. Experts say the human mind can process 40,000 thoughts a day. You multiply that with 80 million which is more or less the Philippine population today. That would go into the billions of thoughts and positive energies whose power is comparable to an atomic or nuclear explosion. This explains why no crime was committed nationwide on January 20-25, 1995 and on April 15, 2007. The criminal mind could not work in a positively charged atmosphere! Love, respect, justice, honesty, truthfulness, goodness, gentleness, humility, simplicity, mercy, compassion, repentance, forgiveness, self-control, etc. etc., moral values so badly needed today, are a few positive energies or graces that you and each of us can have in our minds and hearts, and unleash them reflectively into the atmosphere now, on May 14, 2007, and beyond. Then each of us would be a light to others dispelling the dark atmosphere created by negative thought-energies coming from media. Our home, office, parish, church, mosque, chapel, barangay, town, city and province will be beaming and radiant, creating good behavior, good relationships and friendships, and possibly common undertakings for the common good. How can this be sustained?

I suggest you share this letter with a friend, neighbor, or co-worker. Both of you then or your group can begin to ask yourselves what’s happening around, why it’s happening, what can you do together. Even if nothing concrete results in terms of projects, this activity itself, is already charging the atmosphere with thought-energies. The secret is in multiplying groups like yours and intensifying positive thought-energies in the locality. And this can be done in times of prayer, work, even during sports and leisure. This is how you and I can make a difference in the electoral process. The clean and free elections will just be the beginning of the process of change whose momentum will have to be intensified. This is what I mean by the word “beyond.” Yes, after today and beyond you and I together, and millions more like us, can continue to create an atmosphere where selfless and morally upright leaders will emerge and lead us towards national unity, lasting peace, sustainable development, and authentic prosperity. They will come out because they will be supported and followed by the people and the citizenry who like them are powerful signs of hope and who have internalized, in the positively charged atmosphere, the sense of nationhood and love of country. It will happen even without the presence of holy and popular symbols like John Paul II and boxing champions like Manny Pacquiao. Thank you very much. Sincerely your friend, +FERNANDO R. CAPALLA Archbishop of Davao 27 April 2007

Pastoral Letter to Priests and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Cubao “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 MY Dear People of God in the Diocese of Cubao: The Scriptural image of the shepherd and the sheep is very old. Anyone who has closely observed the behavior of sheep realizes that they can be quite silly. They are crowd-followers. When one panics, they all panic. They are timid, fearful, curious and without initiative. Maybe, after all, they are not so different from us! The emphasis, of course, in the Scripture images is on the shepherd. There are beautiful images given in the Old Testament (e.g. in Ezekiel) and in the Gospels. The image implies someone who gives caring, compassionate leadership. Those who stay with the shepherd, Jesus says, will never be lost. The sheep listen to and recognize the voice of their shepherd and that is why they continue to follow him rather than another. It is important for us also to recognize the voice of Jesus as it comes to us in our daily life. And, in our Christian life, the voice of Christ can take many forms. Most of the time, it is in the voices of those people who come into our daily lives. If we do not recognize Christ in the voices we hear, we are likely to get lost and perhaps many, including Christians, do lose their way. They do not know where their Shepherd is—or perhaps they do not have shepherds. This brings us to Good Shepherd Sunday, also called Vocations Sunday. Today we are asked to pray that more of you will consider whether you are being called to join the ranks of priest-shepherds or to the dedicated life of brothers and sisters. But perhaps we need to do more than just pray. I think we need to realize that every person has a vocation. My work, my profession, my job must be fully impregnated with a Christian commitment. I am not just a doctor, a public official, a teacher, a parent who happens to be a Catholic. I am first of all a Christian, a follower of Jesus’ Way, who exercises my Christian calling, my vocation, through my medical practice, my public service, my teaching, my parenting… Beyond that there is a general need to be more deeply involved in the well-being of my

society and of my Christian community which serves that society. Vocation means, first of all, a realization that every one of us has a definite call from God to serve, based on the circumstances of our life and the particular gifts we can use to benefit others. Allow me now to address you regarding the forthcoming national elections. This process of choosing our leaders is a gift from God. He has placed in our hands the sacred duty to choose the men and women who will lead us. Let us choose them well! Let us elect statesmen who will serve the people instead of themselves, their families, or their parties. Let us select leaders after the image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. For many years now, we have been crying out for change. We have been clamoring for an end to corruption in Philippine society. Change will come in and through us. Change will come through our responsible participation in the elections. We can no longer tolerate the “who cares” attitude of many who keep on blaming others but never do anything themselves. We need to join hands, we need to work together, in the time-honored Filipino tradition of bayanihan. May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bind us together in love. May Mary, our Mother, keep us under her protection. +HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO, DD Bishop of Cubao April 29, 2007, 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday

CBCP CBCP Monitor Monitor

Statements

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May13, 2007

Reflections on Labor Day TODAY the nation honors, appreciates and salutes the millions in the labor force all over the country. We might even consider these workers as also genuine servants of the state. They are the hands and feet, even to some extent the mind and the soul, of production. On them too rest the rise and fall of economy. The condition of labor is probably a key to the question of social progress. We can gauge the country’s poverty level by looking at the condition of the majority of our labor force. In some real sense, the primary basis for the value of work is the worker himself. As the classic saying goes: “Work is for man, not man for work.” Every human being achieves fulfillment by working for himself and his family and then for the great society whose life he participates in. This means everyone must be able to derive from his work the means of supporting himself and his family, and of serving the human community. It is necessary that solidarity among workers themselves and with workers on

the part of business establishments be promoted for the protection of mutual rights. While approaching and advocating the ideal situation of solidarity and communion between labor and businessmen, still the “priority of labor over capital” should be accepted as a fundamental and classic principle. This is based on the principle of the “primacy of man over things”—such as, science and technology, the instruments of work, money, profit, which are thought of as capital. Numbers or statistics might help our reflection on Labor Day. While government claims that 5 million jobs have been generated from 2001 to the present (Philippine Star, April 30, 2007), one study has it that in January 2006 the unemployed individuals have reached 3.9 million and still increasing, while the underemployed were 5.4 million of 31.7 million employed. Overseas work has helped to a great extent the Philippine economy by mitigating the employment problem in the country. As of 2004 the overseas Filipino work-

ers totaled 8 million. It is an accepted fact, their remittances have provided an important source of income for a great number of Filipino families. During the present campaign period for the May election, the condition of labor must be one of the concerns addressed to our future leaders of government in all levels. We may have many good laws that are “pro workers”, but how many of them are still waiting for implementation? The poverty level of labor could be a sign (one anyway) indicating the genuine level of economy. We hope that the future leaders of our country—from the bottom up—in solidarity with the business sector, will ensure through implementation of just legislation the workers’ rights as well as the just development of the world of work.

The condition of labor is probably a key to the question of social progress. -Lagdameo

+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO Archbishop of Jaro President, CBCP May 1, 2007

A Pastoral Letter to Priests, Religious and the Faithful on the Forthcoming Elections

“The Lord is risen!” May the joy and peace of Easter grant us the courage to witness to our faith in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Message / from B2

sharing in the Trinitarian communion can change human relationships and create a new type of solidarity” (n. 41). At the centre of every Christian community is the Eucharist, the source and summit of the life of the Church. Whoever places himself at the service of the Gospel, if he lives the Eucharist, makes progress in love of God and neighbor and thus contributes to building the Church as communion. We can affirm that the “Eucharistic love” motivates and founds the vocational activity of the whole Church, because, as I wrote in the Encyclical Deus caritas est, vocations to the priesthood and to other ministries and services flourish within the people of God wherever there are those in whom Christ can be seen through his Word, in the sacraments and especially in the Eucharist. This is so because “in the Church’s Liturgy, in her prayer, in the living community of believers, we experience the love of God, we perceive his presence and we thus learn to recognize that presence in our daily lives. He loved us first and he continues to do so; we too, then, can respond with love” (n. 17). Lastly, we turn to Mary, who supported the first community where “all these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1: 14), so that she may help the Church in today’s world to be

an icon of the Trinity, an eloquent sign of divine love for all people. May the Virgin, who promptly answered the call of the Father saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1: 38), intercede so that the Christian people will not lack servants of divine joy: priests who, in communion with their Bishops, announce the Gospel faithfully and celebrate the sacraments, take care of the people of God, and are ready to evangelize all humanity. May she ensure, also in our times, an increase in the number of consecrated persons, who go against the current, living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, and give witness in a prophetic way to Christ and his liberating message of salvation. Dear brothers and sisters whom the Lord calls to particular vocations in the Church: I would like to entrust you in a special way to Mary, so that she, who more than anyone else understood the meaning of the words of Jesus, “My mother and my brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it” (Lk 8: 21), may teach you to listen to her divine Son. May she help you to say with your lives: “Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God” (cf. Heb 10: 7). With these wishes, I assure each one of you a special remembrance in prayer and from my heart I bless you all. From the Vatican, BENEDICT XVI

Message / from B4

munities must prevail. We condemn the extra-judicial killings of individuals. Two of these have taken place over the past months in Misamis Oriental. The public safety of peasant and labor leaders as well as of journalists exercising their profession must be upheld. The basic freedoms of expression and association are hallmarks of a genuine democracy. Conscience, Competence, Commitment—three qualities we look for in our public officials. But these are the same attributes we should look for in ourselves as voters. It is time to take democracy in our own hands and make it work for our communities and future generations. We commend all those who volunteer their time, talents and treasure to ensure the viability of our democratic institutions. These include volunteers who take a neutral stance to watch the polls. On the other hand, we also encourage the Catholic laity together with other citizens’

groups who wish to take a trans-partisan stand in the choice of worthy candidates. Trans-partisanship in this sense does not only mean choosing and openly endorsing candidates across political parties. More profoundly, it means transcending the narrow bounds of party politics to choose candidates who uphold the Gospel values for building what the Social Teachings of the Church envision as a “civilization of love.” May your involvement in the political life of our country personify your collective conscience, competence and commitment to rebuild our damaged institutions and create a brighter future for your children and coming generations. The candidate who buys your vote is a candidate without the three C’s. He is the last one you should vote for. Your vote is sacred. Your vote counts. +ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ. Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro 1 May 2007

AS the May 2007 Elections draw near we are caught by the feverish excitement that customarily accompanies elections in our country. Let us not be drowned by this passing sensation and shove aside the decisive impact of the elections that could bring foreseeable dismal consequences to our future as a democratic nation. I am writing you this letter to put back to our consciousness the crucial necessity of preparing ourselves for another critical moment of our lives as Filipino Catholics. First and foremost, I remind you that we live in a democracy. The late Pope John Paul II emphasized this in his encyclical: “The Church values the democratic system.”(cf. Centesimus Annus, 46). In a democracy we, the people, rule. In a democracy the people rule through their vote. This God-given power is a “pearl of great price” (cf. Mt. 13.46) which must not be “thrown to the pigs.” (cf. Mt. 7.6) Through this God-given power we, the people, become active builders of our own future. And as Christian believers we fulfill what we all pray when we say in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy Kingdom come!” (cf. Mt. 6.10; Lk. 11.2) I ask you then to exercise this God-given power as faithful Catholics who must be a leaven in the world and transform our culture in Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord. Secondly, as we look forward to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of our diocese, a unique occasion that challenges the maturity of our Christian faith, God calls us not just to “renew” our religious faith, but to make it the guiding force in our lives, both public and private. The Second Vatican Council in the document “Gaudium et Spes” advises us of the eminent significance of the practice of the Christian faith: “One of the graver errors of our time is the dichotomy between the faith we profess and the practice of [our] daily lives… Let there be no such pernicious opposition between professional and social activity on the one hand and religious life on the other. The Christian who shirks his temporal duties shirks his duties toward his neighbor [and] neglects God himself … (Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, n. 43) Thirdly, let us remind ourselves of our vocation as baptized Christians. Vatican II tells us that we each share “the obligation of spreading the faith, and that “the whole Church is missionary and the work of evangelization [is] the fundamental task of the people of God.” John Paul II stresses in his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, that all Christians are involved in

“a struggle for the soul of the contemporary world.” In every compartment of our lives—from our families, to our jobs, and even to the solitude of the voting booth—God asks us to be His witnesses, His apostles. St. Paul’s words, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel,” apply to us all every single day in our choices. We either preach Jesus Christ in our words and actions, or we lose him. It has always social consequences—and that means cultural and political consequences. Democracy thrives on those consequences. Having said all that, I direct your serious concern to the May Elections. Having given a brief recall of the gloomy situation experienced by our nation because of past “controversial electoral exercise that further aggravates social distrust and hopelessness,” the Catholic bishops of our country enjoin us to “come together once more and organize ourselves more effectively… to make this year’s elections credible— and as free of violence as possible.” (cf. CBCP Letter to Dioceses and Parishes, 28 January 2007) Hence, as your shepherd and your bishop I urge you as faithful citizens and as faithful Catholics: 1. To form your conscience according to the social teachings of the Church concerning the active participation of all Catholics in social affairs. Your active involvement demands a critical moral judgment. 2. To know and understand the issues and critically evaluate the platform and programs of candidates and parties seeking political office. (cf. PPCRV, Ten Commandments of Responsible Voting, n. 4) The platform and programs must promote peace, justice and development. In effect, when you enter the voting booth, you are not there simply to pull a lever for a favorite or a popular candidate or in favor of your own personal and possibly selfish selfinterest. You are there with the power to effect change and shape the future of our society. 3. To critically choose candidates who possess the following qualities necessary for public office: (cf. PPCRV, Ten Commandments of Responsible Voting, nn. 6-10) a. Competency: The candidate must be competent to hold public office and be judged by his/her personal behavior and his/her commitment to serve the people. b. Personal Integrity: The candidate must have moral integrity; be honest and adhere to his moral principles. He or she must also have strong family values. The candidate must be true to his words and

be serving God through his deeds. c. Commitment to the common good: The candidate must be able to champion the causes of all citizens not just that of their family members or close relatives and friends. Finally, let us be aware that the past elections in our country had always been marred by coercion, unfairness and dishonesty. The Catholic bishops affirmed that “many of our current political problems which have hindered fuller economic development and social injustice can be traced to unresolved questions concerning the conduct of past elections.” (cf. CBCP Letter to Dioceses and Parishes, 28 January 2007). I enjoin all of you, then, as concerned citizens and faithful believers, to “work to help clean the dirt from our easily corrupted electoral process.” (cf. CBCP Letter to Dioceses and Parishes, 28 January 2007) Therefore, as your pastor and your bishop I strongly admonish: All government officials: Many of you are Christians. In fact, majority of you are Catholic Christians. I admonish you not to resort to ways and means that will impair a free, fair and honest election. I appeal to your good Christian hearts and minds to take heroic courage to definitely curb all abuses and all forms of violence, intimidation and corruption. All political candidates and all those affiliated with them: Politics is not an exercise of popularity or of showing off one’s wealth and power but it is an exercise of one’s commitment to look after the common good. I admonish you not to employ whatever form of violent and corrupt means to achieve success in the political race. Some sectors of society who take advantage of the election commotion: In the past your unorthodox means of “participating” in the elections in the name of helping the people had sown fear and anger among the population. I admonish you to cease taking advantage of some ambitious politicians and of the vulnerability of the people. If you honestly have the good of the country in mind, sowing terror, violence and anger are absolutely way out of your vision to make your idealisms come to reality. All who work in the service of the Catholic Church: In past experiences I had known of Church workers who decided to give up their Christian principles and get mired up in “dirty” politics. I admonish you not to abandon God in favor of “mammon”. Indeed, this is the appropriate occasion for you to witness to the Gospel values of jus-

tice, peace and love which you preach as servants of the Church. To all Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC’s) throughout the diocese, I make this special appeal: The bishops of our country underscore your critically significant role in this year’s elections not because you form the majority of the electoral populace but because you possess an extraordinary strength that comes from your solidarity and unity, that strength that comes only from the Lord who is always present “whenever two or three are gathered in His name.” The Lord assures us, “Do not fear! It is I!” (Jn 6.20) Thus, I appeal to you to stand up and show yourselves as self-governing, self-sustaining, self-nourishing communities who cannot be manipulated and overcome by gold, guns and glamour. Let your actions show that you are governed, sustained and nourished by the Gospel values of love and forgiveness, of humility and obedience, and of justice and peace. For us all, our responsibility to our faith and to our nation requires that we consider seriously the action we are going to make, and that we do what is right. For only action that is right and true will in the end rescue our country. This is a critical moment – and to do nothing would be a great tragedy. Therefore, let us implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and to enlighten our country. As a sign of our dependence on God, I ask each vicariate or, if circumstances allow, each parish to hold a pre-election Holy Hour before Christ, the Bread of Life. I urge each family to recite a daily Rosary prior to the elections; we beseech Mary, Immaculately conceived, the patroness of our country, to intercede for us; and we ask the intercession of St. Joseph, the protector of the Church and patron of our diocese, to protect us. Through intense prayers and acts of self-giving, I ask all Catholics to witness to all our brothers and sisters about the profound moral significance of the decisions being made that day. May the Risen Lord grant us the strength to live up to our convictions as witnesses of his resurrection striving towards the building up of “a new heaven and a new earth.” Given this 23 rd day of April 2007, the feast of St. George the Martyr, at the Bishop’s Residence, Ampayon, Butuan City. In Mary’s fiat, +JUAN DE DIOS M. PUEBLOS, DD Bishop of Butuan

CBCP Monitor

Reflections

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May 13, 2007

Suggested Homily for World Communications Day

Prepared by the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media WHEN a mother brings her child to school, for the first time, to nursery or to kindergarten, at the age of five, she believes that the three forces which will build the character of her child are: First, the home—father and mother, sisters and brothers, lolo and lola, the family; Second, the school—the teacher in the classroom. And that is why parents sacrifice to send their child to the best school that they can afford; Third, the Church – the priest and the nun. But today there is a force playing on our children that is stronger than the home, stronger than the school, stronger than the church—stronger than all three put together. It is media. Our children are confronted four hundred times every day with messages—interesting messages—sometimes spectacular, sensational, complete with lurid images and startling sounds that they can never forget. On the TV screen, for hours every day. Over the radio, even while they are in the jeepney, going to school. In the newspapers, in the magazines, even in the comics that are produced for children. On the neon signs in every street, the billboards flashing in and out, the movies, the stage, the computer, the internet, in the music on the earphones that they wear all day, even on the boxes of the food that they eat—four hundred times, every day…..Media! There is no rest from the

Bo Sanchez

media. If there is a quiet moment, the cellphone rings and there is a text, or a voice—urgent! Media, in itself, is a gift of God. When the Apostles set out to bring the Word of God to all the known world, two thousand years ago, God gave them the Roman Roads…..He has given us the airwaves, the printing press, the laptop, the internet. They can be used for good. And they can be used for evil. On this day, Ascension Sunday, May 20, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI asks each one of us—you and me—to face the challenge of media…..especially the impact of media on our children. He puts it this way: “Children and Media: a Challenge to Education”! The Challenge is this: media is the biggest business in the world. It makes money. So the producers of media, many of them, say: “We must give the people what they want, what they will buy. They want sex and violence. So we give them sex and violence. It sells. If we come out with goody-goody productions, we’ll go out of business!” They say this, without blushing. Benedict XVI wants every diocese to have a media office—especially to guard and guide our children, to promote media that leads them to what is beautiful and good, and to protect them from evil. We can do that! The audience, really, can control the media! There was an ad on television where a little boy was going out of his home

Fr. Roy Cimagala

Life is Good if you Love THERE are some things in life that I deeply enjoy. Like standing on top of a serene mountain breathing in God’s beauty. Or simply reading a delicious book that I can’t put down. Or just being hugged by a little child. Or eating ice cream with friends. But there is this one specific thing that I do which I find exquisitely sweet. Awesome even. It’s probably one of the most profoundly inspiring things that I do. You might think it’s preaching. Or writing. Or leading worship. Believe me, I love doing those things. But I’m thinking of something else. (Something downright simple.) I’m talking about cutting Dad’s fingernails. And toenails. You see, Dad is eighty years old—and he can’t see very well anymore. So whenever I’m at home, this elderly man lumbers towards me, and very shyly, shows me his fingernails and toenails. He doesn’t have to say anything. He just chuckles. And I understand. So I get my heavy-duty, industrial-strength, kryptonite nailclipper. And we go to work. I also wear bullet-proof goggles to protect my eyes, lest they be injured by flying shrapnel. Beside me is a chain-saw, just in case my nailclipper won’t do. But as I do this, my heart melts within. Because many years ago, I still remember when he’d do this for me. As a little boy, I’d sit on his lap, and he’d hold my tiny hands and with great care cut my nails. I remember him doing this again and again and again… Those were also the days when he’d bring me to the barber shop. As I’d sit on the high chair, he’d tell the barber what to do. “Make him guwapo,” he’d command. Today, things are little bit different. I now bring him to the barber—after some shy signals from him that he doesn’t want to look like Freddie Aguilar. With a sheepish smile, he’d form his fingers like scissors and run them through his grayish hair. And so I’d drive him to a nearby barber shop, trying to stop my tears from falling. And when he’d plop on the chair, I’d tell the barber what to do. “Make him guwapo like me,” I’d command. Life is good. Why? Because life gives me precious moments to say “thanks” to special people. Because life gives me abundant opportunities to genuinely love. Because life gives me a way to be a better person, everyday.

Taking Sanctity to the Next Level THE Pontifical Academy of the Social Sciences is a Vatican office tasked to monitor and make in-depth study of world social developments. As such, it carries out an important function of the Church. This is because the Church, while mainly religious, spiritual and supernatural in character and mission, cannot avoid having to grapple with mundane events. In the first place, it is immersed in the world. To effectively shepherd souls to their ultimate destination, the Church has to know how to Christianize the world. While its mission transcends worldly dimension, the Church cannot escape from worldly affairs. Thus, it is important to distinguish between the material and the spiritual, what would comprise our earthly progress and what our spiritual and supernatural growth would entail. We should avoid confusing them. At the same time, we have to know the relation and unity between our material and spiritual dimensions, our temporal occupations and eternal vocation. Any moral gap in these two dimensions should be bridged. This is our inescapable condition which we have to learn to properly live with. It is not easy at all, but again it is not impossible. What is more, we just have to find an effective way to do this integrating act, because it is necessary. We have to understand that our salvation is not only a purely spiritual and personal affair. That means noth-

ing unless it gives due attention to our complete character that includes our material and social aspects. This is taking our sanctity to the next level. This is precisely the selfunderstanding of the Church today, as embodied in many documents like the pastoral constitution “Gaudium et spes,” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, etc. The good thing about this Pontifical Academy of the Social Sciences is that there’s a serious, inter-disciplinary effort to know the root causes of world developments, so as to infuse the proper Christian spirit into them. It is manned by very able men and women, all professionals and experts in their fields. There’s a regular program of activities, study sessions, meetings and exchanges as well as special initiatives when good reason warrants them. In short, it is a living and working entity, governed both by love for the Church and competence that includes the indispensable and tricky prudence from all its members. In its current plenary session, it tackles the question of charity and justice in the relations among nations and peoples. It is listing some worrying signs of the times that need to be addressed. It promises to be an exciting session. I just hope something like this can be replicated in the local levels of our Church. We have to give more attention to how our Christianity can be consistently lived in our social life—in our business, politics, entertainment, etc.

What’s Your Religion? more precisely, a rule of awe and reverence towards God and one’s fellowman. The term, after all, has its roots in a Greek word that means to bind, to tie down: religare. And that’s the whole point of one’s religion, for it should tell a lot about you and foremost is that you believe in the existence of some power “behind the scenes”, so to speak, and that it is important for you to keep on his side. Why so? Well, because you believe that you are not on this earth by accident; that you have a tangible purpose to fulfill, under the beneficence of a benign Patron who plans and charts your ‘career path’ with no other motive (or will) than to fast-forward your “pursuit of happiness.” That is, if you are only sensitive to his Presence at the wings of that stage where you act out your magnum performance! But really, there is something more than just attitude in that posturing of ours of having a religion. That something lies in a very simple reality which is that, among all creatures, man is the only animal who finds it comfortable to be on bent knees. Why? Because our religion

If there already are such offices in the local levels, then we may need to put more life into them, since there’s hardly anything substantial heard from them. Instead, we get the impression many Church leaders are awkward in this regard. We have to go beyond knee-jerk responses to issues, recycled motherhood statements, idle attacks and condemnations, all bluster-andbombast stuff. It is for these reasons that complaints about clericalism or undue interference of priests and bishops in civil life are heard. Toward this end, I believe we have enough professionals with true love for the Church and competence who can help. Let’s work toward a more constructive pastoral ministry of our earthly affairs. Also, there is a need for Church leaders to be more familiar with social issues and to learn how to effectively shepherd souls in this area. Thus, the Church’s social doctrine has to be mastered. This will help us overcome our blind and soft spots. This obviously will require a lot of prayer, study, patience, humility, mercy, fortitude. The capacity to be flexible, to dialogue and consult all parties, to adapt with changing situations, and to act, should be cultivated. Of course, all these virtues should spring from an authentic personal sanctity. This is the barest requirement.

Jescom / from B1

Atty. Jo Imbong

IS IT an appendage meant to add “color” to your latest Bio-Data? Is it some plus factor which an accomplished person like you must have a smattering of, so as to enhance your value in the market? Do you write it in your Profile with passion in your pen, half thinking, half writing, making sure to highlight the Roman before Catholic, and knowing what that means? And after having put the words on paper, do you pause and read it again—Roman Catholic. Do you then beam and place your fist over your breast with silent pride, perhaps not equal to the fire of St. Paul after Damascus, but at least with the awe and reverence for what the words mean? Or do you fill it in simply as an “added grace of character”? Whatever it might be for you, one thing should be clear—that religion is “something we belong to, not something which belongs to us; something that has got hold of us, not something we have got hold of.” Ronald Knox could not have put it more frankly half a century ago. And it still holds true in our day. In other words, one’s religion is not a fad or a mere pose. It is a bond that ties us down (or ties us up) to a rule of right living,

to board the school bus. He was about to kiss his mother goodbye. But other boys, looking out the windows of the bus, began to laugh. So he did not kiss his mother. He said: “Give me five!” And then ran to the bus. Mothers wrote in to the company that produced the ad, saying: “What is this? Since when can a Filipina mother not kiss her little boy when he is going off to school? What are you teaching our children?” They took the ad off the network, on the next day! The TV producers know that one letter represents at least 5,000 customers. If we try, we can control the TV screen, the radio, the press, the whole of media. It is a challenge, and we must meet it! And so today, in every Mass, we are taking up a special collection for the apostolate of communication! Most will be kept for this diocese, to meet the problems we face right here, right now…..some will be sent to the National Office of Mass Media, so that we can attack the problem at its roots—the decision makers. The Catholic Church in the Philippines is on satellite radio. We have 49 Catholic radio stations, all over the country, united by satellite….We are on satellite television—T.V. Maria on Channel 21 of the Dream Satellite, and on Channel 43 of Destiny Cable….We are doing exactly what Benedict XVI is asking us to do!.....We are trying to meet the real challenge of our modern world!

does not stand for a mere attitude. It stands for relationship. A relationship compacted by dealings, and to be more precise, by dealings with Christ. That means a one-on-one sort of meeting with Him, not a face-ina-crowd encounter. Not a casual name-drop like, “I know Him.” Rather, it means a personal conviction that one can say with faith, “He knows me.” There is, after all, a bond (religare, remember?) with Christ. Alright, alright. But there is one question that might be asked, and it begs to be answered: What difference does religion make? And the answer to the first question might well be another question: If you profess not to believe in any religion, what might your life be? Well, there should be a difference, not in the Bio-Data, but in one’s personal life. For your religion will add a ‘fifth’ dimension to your portrait. It will make the face in the picture alive. The eyes, the orbs that could not tell a lie, will testify to a profound inner life that cannot help but proclaim its gifts through words that flow from the heart, flowing from thoughts that ring with passion and wisdom, thoughts

garbed in words tobogganing in those unguarded moments, spoken words which will edify the listener... or incriminate the one who speaks. It all depends on where his heart is. And that depends on his religion... or the lack of it. For to have a religion is not a single transaction—you are baptized, and that’s it, and the next encounter might be your requiem and a final blessing. That is, if you’re blest enough to stay in the sheepfold at the final hour. Nope! For us, the Christian religion is a frequent, ever constant dealing with Christ. That is friendship. And in that frame of a relationship is the certainty in your heart that the other is a True Friend who will not tell on you, who will in fact leave the 99 in search for you if you must turn your back on him. Ultimately with this constant exchange of hearts (to borrow from the mystical experience of St. Theresa of Avila), we are subsumed into his Divine Life. Holy Mother Church uses the word “partakers” of his Divine Life. We are “incorporated” into Him to the point that you will be able to say, “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.” Is this your religion?

Every week, JesCom produces “Light Talk,” a discussion hosted by Bishop Chito Tagle at 11:00 p.m. on Sundays, ABC-5. The topics covered are rarely explicitly religious, as the show aims to address issues that ordinary Filipinos are concerned about such as employment, education, and political realities. JesCom also produces “Soul Mix,” an MTV show hosted by Jesuit and lay veejays. This show opens ABC-5’s Sunday strip at 6:00 a.m. It is followed by “Word Made Flesh,” Fr. Jun Lingad, SDB’s Bible study show on the air, which is line-produced by JesCom. RADIO Despite the onset of many modern gadgets, the radio is still a favored source of information and entertainment for millions of Filipinos. Soon-to-be-ordained Bro. Nono Alfonso, SJ, apart from contributing on and off-screen for JesCom’s TV productions, heads JesCom’s radio department. Radio Veritas For some seven years now, Bro. Nono’s “Pasakalye” show has been part of listeners’ Sunday experience as he uses music to lead people to reflection. He also leads a team in producing afternoon dramas under the series title, “Huwag Mangamba.” On Sunday nights, he hosts a live counseling show called “Heartbeat.” JesCom has been working closely with Fr. Anton Pascual to enliven the image of Radio Veritas from its association with the EDSA revolution. DZMM JesCom’s ties with ABS-CBN, notably with Mr. Gabby Lopez, has also resulted in a weekly talk/counseling show called “Usapang Kapatid,” where Bro. Nono is joined by Sr. Bubbles Bandojo of the Cenacle Sisters, and Betsy Fuentes, a lay counselor, in addressing the questions and concerns of listeners. DZMM shows are now also seen on cable television as “Teleradyo,” one of several mobile channels that ABS-CBN will launch in the coming months. JesCom’s TV and Radio commitments may seem like a lot, but much more needs to be done so that spiritual values can subtly permeate the airwaves. Fundraising for the various programs is a very daunting challenge, as it is no joke for JesCom to simply maintain its present level of activity. Partnerships, with both individuals and institutions, are key to the modest success of JesCom in the mainstream media. JesCom hopes to form more partnerships so that its TV and radio operations can expand. (For more information, email Fr. Ari Dy, SJ at ady@ateneo.edu or text “FDBK (your message)” and send to 2346.)

CBCP CBCP Monitor Monitor

Social Concern

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May13, 2007

ONE very significant experience I had during the week (from March 17-24, 2007) in being a participant/member of the Philippine Ecumenical Delegation that submitted the Philippine Human Rights Report “LET THE STONES CRY OUT” during the Fourth Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva was the realization of the deep link between the issues of human rights and interreligious dialogue. With my experience of networking with the ecumenical community on various issues and concerns such as women, justice and peace and ecology, I realized at first that my limited appreciation was just being able to work at least outside the Roman Catholic circle—(the Philippines being a predominantly Roman Catholic Country with 85% of the populace). Whenever I would think of “interfaith dialogue” on the other hand, it merely meant having a Muslim in our group. It simply meant knowing why we are different from one another and looking at some commonalities in our faith. However, as I continued to get involved working on the issue of human rights especially with other Christian faiths and religions, I discovered that indeed a deeper and more significant connection is being established. The main sponsors of the ecumenical delegation were the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the World Council of Churches (WCC). LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world representing nearly 66.7 million Christians. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. WCC promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together over 340 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. They accompanied us in almost every step of the journey that we have taken during the week that we were at the UN in Geneva. From the fellowship with the Filipino Catholic Community, the Side Event at the Human Rights Council Sessions, Meeting with the German Mission and European Mission, Philippine Mission, Networking with the Franciscans International and the Asian NGO Forum of Human Rights (HR) Defenders as well as the meeting with the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial Executions and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights until the Dialogue with the World Council of Churches and Lutheran World Federation.

The Ecumenical Principle

In the Philippines, it is the National Council of Churches in the Philippines

The Link of Interreligious Dialogue with Human Rights by Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS (NCCP) that spearheaded the submission of the Human Rights report to the International Community. Why is this so? It is because the more than 800 victims of extra judicial killings from 20012007 under the Arroyo Administration, about 16 of the 24 Church people killed are from the Protestant churches. One of the victims was even the Former Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church (IFI) Bishop Alberto Ramento. The NCCP is part of the worldwide network of the World Council of Churches. For almost 35 years, the World Council of Churches has embarked on a Dialogue with people of living faiths and ideologies as a program that began at the meeting of the WCC Central Committee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1971. This decision to embark on this risky “adventure” of Interfaith Dialogue had cultivated a rich experience of interfaith dialogue since 1971 and has yielded good fruits. According to Dr. Sam Kobia (an ordained minister of the Methodist Church in Kenya and the Sixth General Secretary of the WCC, and the first African to hold the position since 2004), from this endeavor they have established relations with organizations, groups and people of other faiths and have become friends. He talks about how much common ground we share. We have been able to address together issues of common concern. Within the Council they have come to realize the interreligious truth of an old ecumenical principle: “That which we can do together, we should not do separately”. This ecumenical principle became very much alive when I participated in the Philippine Ecumenical delegation that brought the Human Rights Situation in the country to international communities and structures such as

the UN. Our delegation consisted of an Anglican Priest (as head of the group), an Evangelical woman pastor, a Muslim Woman Peace Advocate, a Roman Catholic Bishop, a Roman Catholic nun from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and a Human Rights defender and activist.(who had to come at a later date). Part of the itinerary of the delegation was the courtesy call to the WCC General Secretary, Reverend Dr. Sam Kobia. WCC as well as LWF have an NGO status in the UN.

Why are Catholic Bishops not Involved?

In that meeting, Dr. Kobia came across as a simple, soft spoken and very humble man who exuded wisdom and a deep spirituality. As he spoke, one could sense a deep passion and commitment for interreligious dialogue and social justice. As I listened intently, it suddenly dawned on me “that the Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic Country and the Protestant churches is only a minority, so are the Muslims. But how come, it took a Protestant church network to endorse the submission of the Philippine Human Rights report to the UN?” Why are the Catholic Bishops not directly involved in the making and the submission of this report? Is it because, the victims of extrajudicial killings are mainly Protestant church workers, pastors and a bishop, as well as the so called militant organizations, members of progressive political parties labeled as “leftists and communists” as being vilified by the Philippine Military? According to Bishop Deogracias Yniguez from the Roman Catholic, the very same question was posed to him by the US Catholic Bishops Conference after a US Senate hearing in Washington D.C. “Why are the Philippine Catholic Bishops not involved in

such an alarming issue as extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the country?” The bishop has even mentioned that the killings have started in 2001 but they have not taken it up as a major agenda in any of the CBCP meetings which happens annually. At least in 2006, however, the CBCP has issued a statement condemning the killing of Former Supreme Bishop Alberto Ramento of the IFI.

An Urgent Agenda

The main objective of the submission of the HR report to the international community engaging international groups, communities and structures is to simply put a “STOP to the KILLINGS!” Regardless of the number, who the perpetrators and victims are, the call is something very basic—“Uphold Human Rights, Defend Life and Stop the Killings!” There was some urgency and hesitancy at the same time, on my part in responding to the invitation to be a member of the ecumenical delegation because of several reasons: one, was the risk of security; second, was the fear of being labeled myself a “leftist, activist, communist”; third, was the fear of getting killed as the others because of my involvement in human rights and social justice and bringing the concern of the victims’ kin to the international community; and fourth, the risk of being maligned by the military forces whom we are accusing as liable for all the killings and many others. However, as I went with the delegation and held a series of meetings and dialogue with various groups and personages in the UN and to the HR defenders in the Asian NGO Forum, I have understood the significance of working for human rights and the relevant connection with interreligious dialogue in this era of Globalization. To quote Rev. Sam Kobia, “Interfaith

dialogue is a necessity in our world of rapid changes and because of the globalization process, which has reduced the world to a global village. Increased mobility, characterized by a large-scale movement of refugees, economic migrations and young people in search of educational opportunities, has resulted in societies where more people of diverse faiths live side-by-side. Where mechanisms for dialogue and encounter exist, there is a greater possibility of fostering deeper knowledge and awareness among people of different religions. Good neighborliness grows and thrives where there is mutual acceptance and mutual respect. At a time when the pace of change leads to increasing uncertainty, fear and insecurity, people yearn for assurance and affirmation as human beings. In such yearning, the search for identity becomes critical and urgent. Religion is good at providing a sense of identity. The main challenge in a globalized context is how to live with our diverse identities in one world. Unfortunately, increased relations between communities can be marred by tension and fear. For many communities, this tension confirms the need to protect their individual identities and distinctiveness. Sometimes the legitimate search for and affirmation of one’s own identity thus becomes mixed with self-defensive hostility towards neighbors of other religions and cultures.” The extrajudicial killings taking place in the Philippines and the culture of impunity that prevails is a result of the lack of tolerance, respect and acceptance of differences particularly in political orientation, convictions and strategies. Human rights are based on respect, tolerance and acceptance. Once we cut off dialogue and peace negotiations with political groups or parties that are espousing different political perspectives other than what is dominant, human rights violations and abuses are bound to happen. Dr. Kobia concludes, “Today, we live in a broken, fractured and divided world; a world in which people are in dire need of healing, reconciliation and above all, hope. If we, people of faith, cannot give the world hope, then the future is hopelessly bleak. We can only be effective and successful in our search for hope if we work together. Alone, one can only travel a limited distance; together we can go further towards restoring hope for another possible and better world in which all people may experience abundant life in dignity.” Where there is Respect, Tolerance and Acceptance, we can expect a more healthy community of people living with diverse religions and cultures— promoting life and human dignity for all beings—just as how I experienced the journey with the Philippine Ecumenical Delegation as an experience of Faith and Dialogue. (Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS, is a member of the Philippine Ecumenical Delegation which submitted the Philippine Human Rights Report to the 4th Session of the UN Human Rights Council last March 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland.)

Diocese of Bayombong My Dear People of God of the Diocese of Bayombong,

ECMI Mentors Parish Leaders for Possible Work By Dyz Pumarada THE Episcopal Commission on Migrant and Itinerant People (ECMI-CBCP) organized a skills training on Mentoring for Work Program for Migrant’s Desk Leaders on March 24, 2007 at the Lay Formation Center in San Carlos Compound, Guadalupe, Makati City. The training which was conducted in partnership with the Staff Search Asia Cooperative (SSA) had thirty-three parish leaders as participants representing twenty two parishes under the dioceses of Manila, Kalookan and Antipolo. The activity is part of the ECMI’s Reintegration Program for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their families to facilitate alternative venues for returning perspective and employment. SSA is a personnel outsourcing cooperative that provides client companies with

solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve productivity. SSA concretely assists the parishes and communities in outsourcing aspiring workers. The training provided the participants knowledge about work, nature of cooperative, how to make an effective resume’ and familiarize them with the common interview questions. The knowledge and skills acquired helped prepare the leaders in doing the initial selection of applicants within the community level before the conduct of the general examination that will be spearheaded by the SSA personnel. Among the SSA more familiar clients are Jollibee, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Abenson and Toyota. SSA is continuously sourcing for accounting staff, administrative assistant, human resource

clerk, marketing officer, logistic staff, encoder, report developer, help desk engineer, draftsman, service crew, doorman, multiskilled technician and hotel driver. Aside from offering concrete possible employment through the SSA, the applicant or would-be worker once employed will automatically become an owner–member of the SSA Cooperative. This way the individual is not only provided employment, but business as well since aside from the salary one receives, the capital share in the cooperative entitles one with dividends at the end of each fiscal year. The offshoot of this training will be a parish-based processing of application as committed by different parish leaders that will commence on May 12, 19, and 26 consecutively.

Greetings of peace to all of you my beloved brothers and sisters! I, Bishop Ramon B. Villena, am here once again to you on a very important issue which troubles me at this very moment. I am referring to the atrocious bombing that happened in the residence of Mayor Ruben M. Sayo in Aritao, Nueva Viscaya. Just this morning, at around 1:30 in the morning, a grenade which was thrown by unidentified men, exploded. I, myself, cannot believe that such heinous thing ever happened in a peaceful and nonviolent town of Aritao. On this account, I strongly condemn the said bombing whatever may be its purpose for it surely creates an intimidation and fear to the people. I strongly denounce the persons behind it especially that it happened during the heat of the electoral campaigns. My appreciation goes to the men of the Philippine National Police for their initial attention as regards the matter. Still, I earnestly appeal to them, especially to the Provincial Director, to take a thorough investigation so that the culprit will be arrested. I am suggesting that a reward-money from the government and people with great sense of patriotism will be given to encourage individuals who can identify the culprit to come to the open. I do hope and pray that such unacceptable bombing will never be part of a series of violence in our province. Since it happened during this season of election, I also appeal to the Commission on Election to take this matter seriously. To the electoral candidates, I repeat my call in my pastoral statement, “please spend the remaining time of the campaign period to focus on your development agenda and platform of governance. The electorate does not anymore believe in negative campaign propagandas, vote buying, blatant lies

coated in sweet talk. Cheating and violence during election, graft and corrupt practices are examples of lies and injustices.” Never ever redound to violence or aggressive coercion like the use of guns and goons for this is totally against the sanctity of life. To you my beloved brothers and sisters, please be vigilant and steadfast. As the scripture says, “The opponent, the devil, is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour! Resist him, be solid in your faith!” Our beloved province is a free and safe place to live as long as we are all united and awake in resisting these evils around us! Let us never be afraid. As we choose our candidates and cast our votes, let us exercise our right and uphold our dignity as free and true human persons. With the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I commend you all and your loved ones! Most Rev. Ramon B. Villena, DD Bishop of Bayombong May 4, 2007

Entertainment

B8 Moral Assessment

Abhorrent Disturbing Acceptable Wholesome Exemplary

Technical Assessment

Poor Below average Average Above average Excellent

Title: PAN’S LABYRINTH Running Time: 112 mins Lead Cast: Ivana Baquero, Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdu, Adriana Gil Director: Guillermo del Toro Producer: Guillermo del Toro Screenwriter: Guillermo del Toro Music: Javier Navarrete Genre: Horror/Suspense/Fantasy Distributor: Picture House and Telecines Pictures Location: Spain Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

veals the masterful touch of Guillermo del Toro as director and writer. This is especially evident in the clever handling of the complicated story that adeptly interweaves the world of reality with the world of fantasy. So seamless is the integration that one may easily suspend one’s disbelief in fairies and the like. The title may suggest a fairytale but this is not a tale of joy, light and happy-ever-afters. Though spellbinding this dark tale is full of painful anguish and is steeped in vivid, raw details of brutality and cruelty; all these are emphasized by the dominant use of greys, sepia and muted black and white images. Guillermo Navarro’s expert cinematography has also captured the quiet, wild beauty of the unsullied woodlands which when juxtaposed with the violent war scenes brings out effectively the contrast and the irony between the two worlds depicted. Eugenio Caballero’s production design is imaginative and the prosthetics and make-up, very good. The story is replete with symbolism. Character development goes hand in hand with plot development. Thus, as the story darkens Vidal becomes more evil. The deliberate repetition of scenes emphasizes character traits. Lead actors do excellent work, To be commended, too, is the rest of the cast. There is judicious choice of music pieces,

such as the lullaby theme song that sets the somber mood. Much as one admires the craftsmanship of Pan’s Labyrinth, one can also be dismayed by the negative values of the film. In a war picture (and this is one, though it has fairytale elements), one may assume there is violence and death, but this picture accentuates the inhumanity and cruelty of man vs. another, especially in the gruesome torture scenes and the killing of the wounded. Oppression and injustice are depicted in the restriction of the villagers, subjecting them to rationing of food and medicine. Then there is the unjust murder of the innocent (rabbit hunter) on mere suspicion. Though one can understand the doctor’s motives, mercy killing is still killing. Little value is placed on human life in the film. Vidal says that if a choice has to be made between his wife and his son, he wants his son saved at all costs. But this is not moral. The wife’s life is as valuable as that of the son’s. Effort should have been exerted to save both. However, some positive values are shown by the love between Ofelia and her mother Carmen. Though sick, Carmen shows understanding of her daughter’s imaginative nature and tries to guide her. The admirable courage of Mercedes and others who work in enemy territory calls the mind our own resistance workers in World War II. This adult fairytale is a parable that resonates with Christian undertones as it depicts the battle between good and evil. It shows that conscience (verbalized by the doctor) is the best weapon against fascism or any ideology that violates human dignity and rights. The film suggests that strength and redemption comes through sacrifice and love. Rated R-18, this film can be traumatic for the very young.

ANSWER TO THE LAST ISSUE: BEING UNWANTED, UNLOVED, UNCARED FOR, FORGOTTEN BY EVERYBODY, I THINK THAT IS A MUCH GREATER HUNGER, A MUCH GREATER POVERTY THAT THE PERSON WHO HAS NOTHING TO EAT.

QUOTES IN QUIZ Booklets available at BOOKSALE stores in SM, Robinsons and selected malls in Manila. For mail order text 0919 2803036.

Vol. 11 No. 9

April 30-May 13, 2007

sinumang makialam o maging balakid ay kanilang pinapatay. Manipis at gasgas ang istorya na pinahaba lamang ng habulan, suntukan at bakbakan. Hindi pa rin ito humiwalay sa lumang pormula na “konting patawa, kontng pa-seksi at sangkatutak na bakbakan” upang mapunuan lamang ang isa’t kalahating oras na haba ng pelikula. Walang kabuhay-buhay ang daloy ng kwento at mga piniling eksena na lalong pinalala naman ng lalong walang buhay na pagganap ng lahat ng tauhan, mula pangunahin hanggang extra. Magaspang ang pagtagni-tagni ng mga eksena at kulang sa imahinasyon ang mga eksenang aksyon. Ang pinagmamalaking special effects, na sinaliksik at isinunod pa mula sa istilo at teknolihiya ng iba’t ibang bansa ay nagging katawa-tawa lamang dahil bukod sa napaka- amateur na diskarte ng pagkakagawa ay halatang-halata pa ang pagkapeke nito--isang kasalanang mortal sa larangan ng paggawa ng pelikula. Hilaw na hilaw pa

Title: RUMBLE BOY Running Time: 85 mins Lead Cast: Derick Dee Director: Ronie Ricketts Producer: Derick Dee Screenwriter: Willy Laconsay Music: Nonong Buencamino Editor: Jess Navarro Genre: Action Cinematography: Macoy Tarnate Distributor: Apache Films Location: Philippines Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

Umuwi si Karen (Kyla Cole) upang hanapin ang kanyang ama at laking sama ng loob niya nang dalhin siya ni Edy (Ma. Isabel Lopez) na siyang kinasama ng kanyang ama sa Pilipinas, sa puntod nito. Sa kagustuhang mapaghigantihan ang mga pumatay sa kanyang ama, makikilala niya si Trigger (Derick Dee), isang mahusay na mekaniko ng Rumbleboys, samahan ng mga big bikers. Matutuklasan nila na ginagawa lamang panakip ang grupo para sa mga ilegal na gawain at pangangalakal kung saan ang

It is 1944 in Spain. A small contingent of Spanish soldiers under the command of Capt. Vidal (Sergi Lopez) mans an outpost near the mountains to rout the insurgents fighting the Fascist government of Franco. Capt. Vidal’s pregnant wife Carmen (Adriana Gil) arrives at the camp with her eleven year old daughter Ofelia (Ivana Bquero). Fond of reading fairytales and creating her own, Ofelia thinks herself to be the embodiment of the spirit of the lost princess of the underworld Realm. She is friendly to creatures of the wild like the large mantis – like insect whom she thinks transforms into a fairy. With her “fairy” guide she explores nearby, an ancient stone labyrinth where one can easily get lost. She meets a fawn who instructs her on how she can return to her Kingdom. While Ofelia communes with these woodland creatures, she also witnesses the violence and death during the war in the world of men. In the camp is Mercedes (Maribel Verdu) the housekeeper of Vidal and an informer of the rebels. The 2 women develop a special relationship when Ofelia’s mother dies. In danger of being unmasked, Mercedes leaves camp with Ofelia but both are caught. In the meantime, Ofelia has nearly completed the tasks assigned by the fawn. Pan’s Labyrinth (in Spanish with English subtitles) re-

CBCP Monitor rin si Ricketts bilang director at walang bago siyang naipakita sa pelikula. Sa kabuuan ay sayang lamang ang salaping ginugol sa pagbubuo ng pelikulang ito. Karahasan at paghihiganti. Ito pa rin ang nangingibabaw na mga tema ng pelikulang Pinoy pagdating sa aksyon. Tila baga ang anumang pagpatay at karahasan gawin, sa ngalan ng paghahanap ng katarungan ay dapat palagpasin. Tila ba ang mga tao rito’y sukdulang masama lamang o sukdulang biktima na napipilitang lumaban at manakit. Hindi makatotohanan ang paglalarawan sa pagkatao na sumasakay lamang sa alon ng karahasan. Maging ang ilang patawa ay nakatuon sa karahasan sa pambabastos, tulad ng pamboboso nina Ariel at Maverick. Bagamat hindi naman malaswa o sukdulang marahas ang pelikula, wala rin naman itong buting maibibigay sa mga batang manunuod, sa aspetong pang-aliw man o moral. Hindi angkop ang tema at mga eksena sa kanila. Mas maaliw pa silang magbasa ng libro o kahit komiks kung saan mas malikhain at kapanapanabik ang aksyong mabubuo ng kanilang imahinasyon.

Title: GRAY MATTERS Running Time: 100 mins Lead Cast: Heather Graham, Thomas Cavanagh, Bridget Moynahan, Molly Shannon, Allan Cumming, Sissy Spacek, Rachel Shelly Director: Sue Kramer Producer: John J. Hermansen Screenwriter: Sue Kramer Music: Andrew Hollander Editor: Wendy Stanzler Cinematography: John S, Bartley Location: USA Technical Assesment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

People often mistake siblings Gray (Heather Graham) and Sam (Tom Cavanaugh) for a couple, because besides living together they’re just so compatible, enjoying the same things since childhood and… well, they seem just “meant for each other.” So they decide to each look for their soulmates. In the park, they stumble upon a newcomer to New York, a scintillating, California-tanned woman named Charlie (Bridget Moynahan). Over the weekend Sam proposes marriage to Charlie and Charlie accepts. Sam is delirious, and invites Gray to Las Vegas for the wedding. Gray tries to talk sense to her brother, dumping the idea of a whirlwind courtship, but Sam’s euphoria prevails and she agrees to be the bridesmaid. Gray and Charlie actually hit it off well, and on the eve of the wedding, after a bubbly girls’ night out on the town, do the unexpected: their goodnight smack turns into a passionate lovers’ kiss. Gray is upset by her discovery that she’s gay,

and from here on, life will never be the same. Gray Matters has a good cast, but one may wonder why such effective actors would take on such roles in a movie that tries hard but fails to be sensitive to the very issue it hopes to promote: acceptability of homosexuality. The otherwise plausible plot is rendered ludicrous by the presence of too many coincidences which may be acceptable in a TV sitcom but which do not convincingly reflect real life as a full-length film like this attempts to show. Cavanaugh’s character as the well-balanced Sam is in direct contrast with the hyperactive character of Graham which, by any standard, is a caricature of soul coming to grips with its baffling gender orientation. Despite his laughable role, Cumming as the sympathetic cabbie Gordy delivers fine perforformance; so do Spacek and Moynahan. Editing is good, and the costumes are good-looking, but one gets the feeling that director Sue Kramer wanted to say so much she stuttered through it. Gray Matters is supposedly a romantic comedy but there’s

nothing comic about the obvious way the movie tries to scream that it’s okay to be gay. There’s a tinge of rebellion in the character who fears she might be gay but who couldn’t come out of the closet for fear of rejection. The movie with its happily-ever-after ending makes a mistake by saying all it needs to live with one’s extra-normal sexual preference is the ability to bring it out in the open. Being honest with oneself about it is no doubt a good beginning but it’s only a beginning; what about the struggle that follows? Gray Matters, in spite of its chatty though tearful confessions, is incapable of a profound analysis or elaboration of the issue of same-sex love, and in fact trivializes it by using comedy as its megaphone. Impressionable viewers could be misguided regarding homosexuality by arguments mouthed by the characters in this movie. There’s more to gay than being gay about it—but that, Gray Matters leaves in the gray area.