CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

1Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

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Wealth and Worry HoundMining in Manicani

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Preferential Optionfor the Poor

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Catechism On TheChurch And Politics

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CBCP WelcomesSupreme Court Decision

CBCP MonitorLibel Isn’t / P4

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CBCP Picks / P4

Religious Group Files CaseReligious Group Files CaseReligious Group Files CaseReligious Group Files CaseReligious Group Files CaseBefore CHR Over Police RaidBefore CHR Over Police RaidBefore CHR Over Police RaidBefore CHR Over Police RaidBefore CHR Over Police Raidby Miami Ebilane

THE Sisters of the Good Shepherd(SGS) filed a complaint before theCommission on Human Rights (CHR)over what it said as the brazen raidand illegal searches inflicted by po-licemen into their convent in ButuanCity last November 1.

Sr. Alicia Andres, Chairpersonof the Women—Justice and Peaceand Integrity of Creation (W-JPIC)of the SGS Mindanao Network, saidthey are calling for an investigationand for the perpetrators to bebrought to justice.

“We demand that justice bedone,” the SGS said in their com-plaint received by CHR Commis-sioner Dominador Carandang.

At least seven policemen in fullbattle gear led by Col. WilfredoReyes stormed the SGS convent inAmpayon village and later went to

the Missionary Sisters of Mary(MSM) Central House in Baan andthe San Lorenzo Pastoral Center, insearch for a certain Jorge Madloswho is alleged to be a rebel leaderin Mindanao.

In the CGS convent, SistersGeraldine Ortuoste, Laarni Bongatoand Amelia Hendani (an Indone-sian) they were busy with theirchores when they noticed cars sur-rounding the convent.

They said the police withheldtheir identities and refused to re-spond to the sisters’ inquiries, barg-ing into the cloister and in the otherareas of the convent without asearch warrant.

They claimed it was only aftertheir search went futile when Reyes,who is not so sure of their informa-

Religious Group / P4

The Virgin’s Call. Life-size images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the Saints, holy Rosary mysteries, including Marian pilgrim imagesin the Philippines drew public attention at a Marian exhibit at SM Megamall last Oct. 22 to 28. Organized by Radio Veritas, the exhibitwas conceptualized to encourage more people to pray the rosary.

Libel Isn’t a LogicalOption of the InnocentTHE tendency to file libel suits oneafter another is but an indication ofone’s insecurity of weakness if notan indirect confession of guilt,Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Os-car Cruz said.

When one is so touchy with hisor her good name, he said, it is quiteimpossible that the person is not in

CBCP Picks Con-Conto Change Charter

THE Roman Catholic hierarchy saidit would pray against the next movebeing pushed by the allies of theArroyo administration--a Constitu-ent assembly (Con-ass), as a modeof amending the 1987 Constitution.

The Catholic Bishops' Confer-ence of the Philippines (CBCP) reit-erated this stand following the Su-

Bishop Warns of a Hasty Effort to Change CharterRAILROADING the amendment ofthe Constitution has the potential tocreate chaos among the people andthe country, the Auxiliary bishop ofManila has warned.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo saidthat Charter change (Cha-cha) is aserious matter and a hasty effort willnot draw effective changes that ourConstitution needs.

“It’s a very important processthat should be studied carefully, re-quires widespread participation andtotal transparency that allows ratio-nal discussion,” he said.

The bishop’s comments followthe scheduled resumption of the Con-gress’ regular session next week withsome lawmakers eager to pursue con-stituent assembly (Con-ass) to changethe fundamental law of the land.

They are in hurry, Pabillo said,and certain individuals and politicalparties are pushing for it whichmakes it all the more too risky to letour lawmakers who are sufferingcredibility crisis to change our Con-stitution.

“It’s very obvious that some ofour Congressmen lack objectivity,”

he said.He urged the lawmakers, pro or

anti-administration, to thumb downpolitical forces buying for supportjust for their political survival andpersonal interests.

According to the prelate, con-gressmen voted by the people has thecrucial role to find and give way what’sessential to the people in resolvingsocial issues aside from Cha-cha.

Reiterating the Catholic Bish-ops’ stand, Pabillo stressed amend-ing the Charter is best done througha Constitutional convention.

The Catholic Bishops’ Confer-ence of the Philippines (CBCP) ear-lier expressed doubt of the Con-assprocess “because Congressmenconstituting themselves into a con-stituent assembly “will have all theappearances of being self-serviceand lutong makao (a done deal).”

It also pledged to push with itspreferred mode, a Constitutionalconvention (Con-con).

“If it’s really necessary, thenlet’s choose people who can betrusted and will work for the com-mon good,” he said. (Roy Lagarde)

Bishop Takes / P4

Bishops Deplore IllegalRaid of Nuns’ Convent

CBCP Sec. Gen.Invested MonsignorTHE Catholic Bishops’ Confer-ence of the Philippines’ (CBCP)Secretary General was investedOctober 30 as “Chaplain” to HisHoliness Pope Benedict XVI,with the title of “Reverend Mon-signor” before a crowd of over1,500 faithful who filled the Sto.Tomas de Villanueva ParishChurch in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

BUTUANB i s h o pJuan deDios Pueb-los , hasc o n -demned a police raid ona convent o f GoodShepherd Sisters on AllSaints Day and calledfor a thorough investi-gation by the authori-ties.

“They admi t tedtheir mistakes so theyshould take the conse-quences for what theydid,” Bishop Pueblossaid.

Pueblos, who is amember of the MeloCommission tasked toprobe political killingsand other human rightsviolations in the coun-try, said the raid ap-

peared to be a case ofmisinformation.

The bishop said hewould seek interventionof the Melo Commissionto also make an investi-gation on the incident.

For h i s par t ,L i n g a y e n - D a g u p a nArchbishop Oscar Cruzsaid unless the Arroyogovernment “stop be-ing a p rogress ive lyemerging clone of thepast martial law regime,people can rightfully ex-pect much worse thingsto come”.

“The indicators areclear. The more socialinjustice there is, themore violations of hu-man rights there are.The more authoritarianmoves the present ad-

Halloween Undermines Truths ofChristian Faith, says Church Official

MANY people have funmemories of the Hallow-eens they enjoyed as chil-dren. The costumes, thehaunted houses and theparties were generally in-nocuous forms of fun.

But many people toodon’t realize that they werefanning the flames of the“commercialized” celebra-tion that undermine theeternal truths of the Chris-tian faith, the Catholic Bish-ops’ Conference of thePhilippines (CBCP) said.

CBCP spokesmanMsgr. Pedro Quitorio saidthe local and traditionalpractice of rememberingthe dead has been marredby the growing commer-cialization of Halloweenthrough various wayssuch as horror films, cos-tume parties and parades,

display of evil charactersin malls and others.

“Filipinos do what-ever is sensational even ifit’s devoid of meaning. Thecommercial component ofthis season seem to be fan-ning the interest of manypeople,” he said.

The CBCP official alsohit promoters of Hallow-een and of course thosewho are commercially prof-iting from it who either con-sciously or unconsciouslymay end up of glorifyingevil and the trivialization ofevil behavior.

“Business will gowhere there is money. Busi-ness provokes peoplethrough media and adver-tising. The sad thing is Fili-pinos while enjoying the

Bishops Deplore / P4Holloween

Undermines / P4 CBCP Sec. / P4

GAMBLING operators planningto open a casino in Cainta, Rizalmay have to contend with hun-dreds of Catholic faithful march-ing in the streets in protest.

Antipolo Bishop GabrielReyes said Tuesday he wouldlead a huge rally on November 9to express their “vehement objec-tion” and urged President Arroyoto stop the opening of the casino.

The bishop has earlier pro-tested straight to the Presidentthrough a letter but didn’t get anyreply yet from Arroyo.

In his letter dated September4, Reyes did not mention anymorethe “evil effects” of gambling andthe reasons why the CatholicChurch is against it saying thatArroyo herself is well aware ofthem.

The Philippine Amusementand Game Corporation(PAGCOR) is reportedly set toopen its casino beside Sta. LuciaEast Mall within this month.

Bishop Takes Street toProtest Opening of Casino

Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Php 16.00

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

2 World News

BERLIN, Germany, November 2,2006—The European Film Academyhas awarded a first prize to “IntoGreat Silence,” a film about aCarthusian monastery in France.

The film, entitled “Die grosseStille” in German, was among theeight finalists in the Documentary2006-Prix Arte category.

In a citation the academy said:“Philip Gröning’s thoughtful filmtouches on the mystic quality of be-lief and our need for stillness andsilence in contrast to modern life. Itappears that the director, with a lotof patience, gained the trust of thisenclosed community and returnedwith amazing images and sounds.

“‘Into Great Silence’ is a greatfilm about humanity and our sharedEuropean background.”

The award will be presentedduring the awards ceremony at ExpoXXI in Warsaw on Dec. 2.

The 162-minute film is set in theGrande Chartreuse of Grenoble,France. It narrates with images thedaily life of the monks, including li-turgical prayer, work, Gregorianchant and community life.

The director Gröning spent sixmonths living the life of theCarthusians. (Zenit.)

Meeting of the 11th Ordinary Council ofSynod of Bishops

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2006—Theeleventh Ordinary Council of theGeneral Secretariat of the Synod ofBishops held its fourth meeting onOctober 10 and 11, under the presi-dency of Archbishop Nikola Eterovicsecretary general of the Synod. Themeeting was attended by six cardinalsand six archbishops and bishops.

According to a communiquefrom the General Secretariat madepublic today, the participants con-sidered various questions associ-

ated with the theme of the next ordi-nary general assembly: “The Wordof God in the Life and the Mission ofthe Church.” The assembly is due tobe held in the Vatican from October5 to 26, 2008. Attention was thusgiven to such matters as the Wordof God in the liturgy, in preaching, incatechesis, in theology, in spiritual-ity, in the “ lectio divina,” ininculturation, and in ecumenism. Par-ticular emphasis was laid on theVatican Council II Dogmatic Consti-tution “Dei Verbum ,” which is “a vi-tal reference, especially in the pre-paratory phase of the Synod.”

The work groups prepared twooutline projects for the “Lineamenta”(the preparatory document of theSynod), the definitive text of whichwill be examined and approved at theordinary council’s next meeting, tobe held on January 24 and 25. (VIS)

Fifth International Congress of Military OrdinariatesVATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2006 -“Soldiers at the service of peace” isthe theme of the fifth internationalcongress of military ordinariates,which is being held from October 23to 27 in the Vatican’s Old Synod Hall.

The president of the congressis Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re,prefect of the Congregation forBishops. He is being assisted byFr. Giulio Cerchietti, head of thecongregation’s central office for thepastoral coordination of militaryordinariates.

The program of the event hasbeen divided under six subject head-ings to be discussed during thecourse of the meetings. These are:“the nature of military ordinariates

in the light of the Apostolic Consti-tution ‘Spirituali Militum Curae’and subsequent documents of theMagisterium; the mission of militaryordinariates and their importance inthe light of new international situa-tions; ordained ministry and otherecclesial ministries at the service ofthe pastoral mission of militaryordinariates; the right to religiousassistance of soldiers on peace mis-sions and the need for training ininternational humanitarian law; theexperience of a military ordinary inhis dealings with the episcopal con-ference and with the diocesan bish-ops of his country; soldiers as ser-vants of peace.” Attention will bealso be given to the question of “the

Catholics and Buddhists Unite Against Legalization of AbortionBANGKOK, Thailand, October 30,2006—It is “ironically tragic” that amother should “want the death ofher child when she should protecthim as best she can,” Card MichaiKitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok,told AsiaNews after some NGOscalled for the legalization of abortionin Thailand.

The prelate said that “Catholicdoctrine strongly opposes abortionsince man was made by God in Hisimage, and blessed him above allother creature. Human life is theFather’s most precious gift, valuedand full of dignity.”

The proposal to legalize abor-tion came at a conference sponsoredby Thammasat University’s Facultyof Social Administration whichbrought together Thai NGOs to dis-cuss abortion, “not as a moral issue,but one of human rights, an issueinvolving women.”

Labour leader Chitra Kochadejsaid that according to World HealthOrganisation data, “every year200,000 women die from illegal

Bishop Laments State of Venezuelan Politics

SINGAPORE, November 4, 2006—Marriage is on the increase inSingapore but so is divorce, whichis becoming increasingly commonespecially among young couplesaged between 20 and 24 years.

According to the Department ofStatistics, 22,992 marriages were reg-istered last year, about 3.6% more

non-Muslims and 32 years for Mus-lims. Even among non-Muslimwomen, the oldest brides were thosewith lower levels of education, withthe median age at 28 years. Butamong Muslim brides, universitygraduates were the oldest, withthe median age at first marriage at27 years.

If the number of marriages hasincreased, so has the divorce rate.Last year, the number of marriagesthat ended in divorce rose by 8.16%.The total rose to 6,909 in 2005 from6,388 in 2004. Younger couples reg-istered the highest divorce rate andthere was a smaller increase amongolder couples. (AsiaNews)

KOENIGSTEIN,Germany, NOV.2, 2006—Intoler-ance and apossible lack ofdivision ofpower are taint-ing politics inVe n e z u e l a ,

warns Bishop José Luis Azuaje.“We urgently need to use the

means of mass media in order to edu-cate people to be critical about thegovernment’s doctrinal messages,”the new bishop of El Vigia said duringhis recent visit to the Germany-basedcharity Aid to the Church in Need.

Suicide is the Second Leading Cause of Death in IranTEHRAN, Iran, November 3, 2006–Suicide, especially among women, isthe second leading cause of deathin Iran. Everyday, Tehran’s LoqmanHospital admits scores of would-besuicides. However, officials in thisand other hospitals tend todownplay the incidence of suicidesin Iran, partly due to governmentpressure, partly due to the experts’view that such news would causeeven a further spike in suicide rates.In fact the head of Iran’s ForensicMedicine Organization is quoted bythe Sedaye Edalat daily as sayingthat “suicide data should not be pub-licized.” Still some successful suicideattempts are reported every day inthe national press.

For Dr Hasan Zadeh, who has

researched women’s suicide in Iran,“even though the world-wide sui-cide ratio is one woman for everythree men, in Iran suicide rates amongwomen are higher than in men.”

And the means of suicide is par-ticularly gruesome. Suicide by burn-ing now represents half of all sui-cide attempts. For instance, research-ers at the Mazandaran MedicalSchool have found that that out of318 burning cases analyzed in thepast two years 83 per cent of the vic-tims were female.

And the problem seems to af-fect the young people more than anyother age group. Researchers inLorestan have found that those inthe 10- to 19-age range, especiallystudents, attempted 45 per cent of

all suicides. Between 1999 and 2003,60 children ages 6 to 13 were admit-ted to hospital for attempting suicide.

Although no single issue hasemerged as “the” cause, research-ers believe that family and maritalproblems are the main reasons be-hind the high suicide rates, especiallyin rural areas. (AsiaNews)

abortions, of these 5,000 in South-East Asian countries.”

Therefore, “Thai society,” shesaid, “should give women who areeconomically not ready to have a childthe means to have a legal abortion.”

For Nattaya Boonpakdee, acoordinator with the ‘Understandingon Women Health Foundation’, “un-licensed abortion is killing manywomen who die at home soon after”the operation [. . . .] It is clear that thelaw and morality do not go hand inhand in our present society.”

Bishop George Yod Phimphisan,chairman of the Catholic Bishops’Conference of Thailand, toldAsiaNews that “the Catholic Churchcannot support abortion no matter

Bishop Jose Luis Azuajethan in 2004. But despite the upwardtrend of marriage in these past fewyears, the rates remained lower thanthe annual average of 24,800 regis-tered during the 1990s. The medianage for first marriages and remar-riages also increased, by two to fiveyears, over the past two decades.The median age for first marriagesamong men last year was 31.2 fornon-Muslims and 27.7 for Muslims.

For women the median age was27.2 years for non-Muslims and 24.7for Muslims.

The oldest men were workerswho went only to primary school orwho had no education. The medianages for this category were 39 for

juridical value of the statutes of mili-tary ordinariates.”

The congress began with anaddress delivered by Cardinal Re,and will conclude with Mass in St.Peter’s Basilica presided by Cardi-nal Secretary of State TarcisioBertone S.D.B. (VIS)

what the reason. Abortion is thetaking of a life which is God’s pre-cious gift to mankind. Legal abortionwill make the couple take less respon-sibility to their lives.”

The same thing goes forBuddhists. “We, Buddhists,” saidPhra Mahamanoj, assistant monk inSuan Kaew Temple, “in a countrywhere the majority of the peopleis Buddhist, firmly disagree withlegal abortion and the destruction oflife. If you do not want something tohappen, don’t do it”.

“At Suan Kaew Temple we haveprovided an ‘emergency home’ forthose who are not ready to have achild. They do not have to go for anabortion. They will be provided withshelter and work, plus a nursery toenable them to stand on their ownbefore returning home. There is noneed to take a life”

Buddhists constitute 95 percent of Thailand’s 62 millionpeople. Muslims are about 4percent and Christians 1 percent,including 300,000 Catholics. (WeenaKowitwanji/Asia News)

Marriage Increases in Singapore,but so does Divorce

“The social doctrine of theChurch must be the foundation ofsocial, political and cultural forma-tion and education,” he said.

The 48-year-old prelate, who isa former secretary-general of theVenezuelan bishops’ conference,continued: “The main problems theCatholic Church in Venezuela has toface are a Law of Education soon tobe implemented as well as the forth-coming approval of a curriculumwhich will ban religious educationfrom schools.”

These problems, he said, affectthe whole of Venezuelan society, notjust the Church. (Zenit)

Religion and Culture FestivalPromote Dialogue in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea, November 6,2006—The 10th Religion andCulture Festival in Korea organizedby the Korean Council of Reli-gious Leaders was held recently onthe theme “Believers Efforts toPromote the Culture of Sharing andDonation”.

Believers from seven religions,including the Catholic Church,Protestant Churches, Buddhism,Won Buddhism, Confucianism,Chondogyo and Association of Eth-nic Religious as well as non-believ-ers participated in the festival.

The Festival consisted of vari-ous events “Difference and Similar-ity”, a corner to experience other re-ligions, for example to make a rosarybeads or decorate candles used inthe Catholic Church, to make Bud-dhist beads; “The World is One” aphoto exhibit showing the social ac-tivities of religions; “Truth Dressedin Garments” a special experience toput on the ritual garments of otherreligions; a musical concert and the

performance of religious martial artsand religious dance.

The fund raising through thepledge of religious leaders urgingsharing and donation will be spentfor North Korea escapees and mi-grant workers in S. Korea.

The Festival spirit and aimswere widely shared by Korean reli-gious communities and public opin-ion. Bishop Higinus Kim Hee-jong,president of the Korean Bishops’Commission for Ecumenism and In-ter-religious Dialogue commented: “Ihope that through this event the pre-cious values cherished by religions,that is sharing and love, may perme-ate the lives of all people believersand non believers”. (Agenzia Fides)

Film About Monastery Wins Award

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

3Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 News Feature

AIDS Prevention Training ManualBased on Catholic Teachings

By Pinky Barrientos, FSP

UNAIDS, the JointUnited Nations Pro-gramme on HIV/AIDS, iscurrently working in part-nership with the CatholicChurch to combat thespread the dreaded dis-ease. The EpiscopalCommission on Migrantsand Itinerant Peoples(ECMI), executive secre-tary Fr. Edwin Corrosdisclosed in an interviewthat UNAIDS drafted atraining manual that is“acceptable and faithfulto the teachings of theCatholic Church” in itsprevention campaignagainst HIV/AIDS in thecountry.

The training manualwhich was based onCatholic teachings, waspilot tested among reli-gious, clergy and otherreligious institutions re-cently at a workshop heldat Arnold Janssen Spiri-tuality Center.

Corros said he found

the training helpful, andthe module valuable touse in various ministries,such as health, educa-tion, migration, poor,women, youth and chil-dren and family.

“They cannot helpbut partner with us,”says Corros of UNAIDS.He opined that the orga-nization is also aware that“there is another way ofpromoting the campaignagainst HIV/AIDS, whichis the Catholic way.”

UNAIDS project as-sistant, Philip Castro saidthey screened several ex-isting manuals on thesubject, as well asChurch documents, andconsulted with priests,religious and severalCatholic institutions to beable to come out with adraft that is acceptable tothe Catholic Church. Thedraft was reviewed bydifferent religious con-gregations such as the

Daughters of Charity ,SVD and several Catho-lic institutions who gavetheir comments and cor-responding suggestionsto improve the manual.

Special advisor ofCaritas International Fr.Robert Vittilo, sat as amember of the interna-tional panel that reviewedthe training manual, saidCorros.

The final draft whichis being fine tuned is ex-pected to come out earlyDecember and will be pre-sented by ECMI to theCBCP Plenary Assemblyin January 2007 for en-dorsement, according toCastro.

In its January 23,1993 pastoral letter onAIDS the CBCP state-ment said that “the situa-tion demands the pasto-ral care of the Church.For the Church must con-tinue the mission ofJesus. In announcing the

THE need of spiritual direction (SD) fortheir seminarians triggered the move.Bishop Romulo De La Cruz of the Dio-cese of San Jose de Antique and BishopJose Romeo Lazo of the Diocese ofKalibo (Aklan) saw the solution in ajoint Spiritual Direction Seminar (SDS)for all their priests. They saw the possi-bility of providing their seminaries themuch-needed spiritual directors whowould be ready and willing. They real-ized, too, that the move could encour-age their priests to seek spiritual direc-tion for themselves and accompanytheir fellow priests and religious in theirdesire to grow in prayer.

The two bishops identified and in-vited the Religious of the Cenacle (RC)based in Cebu to facilitate the SDS. Sr.Sonia Arao, RC recommended that theplanned joint SDS be split for it was toobig for smooth facilitation. The twobishops agreed, and 50 diocesan priestsof Kalibo came together on August 21–24, 2006 at the St. Clement’s RetreatCenter in Iloilo City. While Sr. Sonia waspresent, it was Sr. Ana Malapitan, RCwho facilitated the whole seminar withBishop Jose Romeo Lazo in attendance.

On October 2–5, 2006 at the Multi-Purpose Hall-Clergy and Retreat Cen-ter of the Diocese of San Jose de An-tique, 34 priests, including 4 from theDiocese of Kalibo and 1 from the Dio-cese of Kabankalan (Negros Occiden-tal) and a La Mennais Brother AndréPoisson, FIC experienced the whole-some and enjoyable SDS facilitatedonce again by Sr. Ana.

Like the participantsof the first SDS group,those of the secondgroup attentively listenedto and imbibed the giv-ens in spiritual directionwhich is better called“ s p i r i t u a lcompanioning.” Theylearned that spiritual di-rection is the core fromwhich radiate all forms ofpastoral care whose aimis to help people center

their life in God.The objectives set for the seminar

included: To have a basic understand-ing of the faith process; To explore thedynamics of spiritual direction as ac-companiment; and To begin to cultivateskills in the art of spiritual guiding orcompanioning.

The participants initially expressedtheir need for skills in giving spiritualdirection. Sr. Ana, however, was bentnot on giving the participants a headtrip nor a memorization and note-takingseminar. She stressed the experientialapproach, that is, for the participant toreflect on his experience and to drawlearning from that experience.

At the last six hours of the semi-nar, the participants were grouped intotriads for the SD practicum. One role-played as spiritual director, the otherone as directee and the third one asobserver. Each of the three had a chanceto do the three roles. Due to the trustthat was built up in three days, the roleplaying turned out to be a deeply feltand enriching experience for the par-ticipants who brought to the attentionof their group not make-believe situa-tions but their real life experiences aspriests.

The evaluation that capped theseminar showed that the objectiveswere met. The priests felt more equippedand prepared to include spiritual direc-tion, which used to be dreaded, as amajor component of their pastoral care.They saw the truth in Henri Nouwen’swords “Spiritual Direction is integral tothe life of a priest.”

Antique and Kalibo Clergiesadd SD to Pastoral Care

Good News of salvation,in healing the sick, in for-giving sinner, in beingcompassionate with themultitude, Jesus showedwhat the Church mustdo.” The pastoral state-ment added that “to helpstem the spread of thedisease, we as a Churchmust collaborate withother social agencies inproviding factual educa-tion about HIV andAIDS.”

Corros and Castroboth confirmed the valueof the manual as an edu-cation tool that can beused by various groupsnot only in schools butalso in the parishes.

Corros clarified thatthe material they are pro-moting does not endorsethe use of condom butrather put emphasis onfidelity to marriage andabstinence before matri-mony.

The National Aids

Registry listed 2,566 con-firmed cases of HIV andAIDS among Filipinossince 1984. Among thereported cases 891 aremigrant workers, most ofwhom are seafarers.

Migrant workers areeasily monitored sincethey undergo the manda-tory medical examinationrequired of them beforegetting an overseas job.Out of the country, theyare also regularly sub-jected to medical check-up, as required by thecompanies that hiredthem, thus being moni-tored who are inflictedwith the disease. But, ac-cording to Corros, it is“actually a small portion,

.001% of the population.”“Very small percent-

age, but of course we arenot going to wait until itbecomes a disaster,”adds Corros.

However, the De-partment of Health AIDSRegistry and NationalEpidemiology Center setsa rough estimate of11,200 cases of HIV andAIDS in the country asof June 2006. The currentPhilippine statistics arenot as high compared toneighboring countries,such as Thailand, whichhas an estimated 580,000cases of HIV/AIDS.Corros, however, pointedout that the “evidenceamong OFWs indicates

that AIDS epidemic maybehidden and growing.”

ECMI is actively in-volved in the campaignbecause of its commit-ment to protect the wel-fare of seafarers. Globalstatistics show that morethan 25 million peoplehave died of AIDS since1981. Africa alone has 12million AIDS orphans asa result of this.

Around 63% ofpeople living with HIV arein sub-Saharan Africa.UNAIDS/WHO reportsthat the number of peopleafflicted with HIV hasgone up from around 8million in 1990 to 38.6 mil-lion in 2005, and is stillgrowing.

ON a clear day, Manicani Island looksimposing dwarfing the other islandbarangays. At the heart of the island,however, lies its ugly secret—twohuge gaping craters approximately 30hectares in diameter carved away byheavy machineries.

Barely an hour boat-ride fromthe town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar,Manicani Island has a total land areaof 1,165 hectares. It is composed offour barangays and has a votingpopulation of 1,117 or 397 house-holds. It is “home” to HinatuanMining Corporation (HMC) one ofthe mining companies owned by theZamora brothers.

For quite sometime Manicani has served asan alternative haven for those who wanted to com-mune with nature and those who wanted to checkout World War II artifacts. The island used to beendowed with varied tropical fish, coral reefs, andlush vegetation. It also showcased concrete slabsfrom carved-out American naval ports serving asbarangay roads.

These images of serenity and bounty com-pelled some people to reside in Manicani for good.Mauricio Siman, 60, a native of Bohol, was a third-year mechanical engine ering student when he de-cided to settle down in Manicani with his Samarenawife in the late 60’s.

“It was like the promised land. There wasabundant produce in the mountains, the seas wereteeming with fish, and the islanders lived like onebig happy family.”

These days however, Siman has no glowingaccount of Manicani. In between coughs, he saidhe worries about the future of his 28 grandchil-dren.

“The island’s balding mountains and depletedmarine resources no longer hold any promise. TheHMC has forever altered our lives and Manicaniis facing a very bleak future” he said.

The HMC acquired its mining rights overManicani Island from Palawan Syndicated Ven-tures Inc. in January 1991. The area claimed byHMC comprises the whole island of Manicani. Itemployed the open-pit mining technology con-sisting of clearing and stripping, mining, pre-pil-ing, beneficiation of saprolite ore, hauling andshiploading.

Due to low metal price and limited demand ofnickel in the world market, HMC temporarily sus-pended its operations from December 1993 to 1996.It resumed its operations in 1997 and 2001 but wasmet with protests by some sectors and by the Ro-

man Catholic Clergy of the Diocese of Borongan.In 2002, then DENR Secretary Heherson T.

Alvarez created a special team composed of per-sonnel from the office of the Undersecretary forEnvironment and Natural Resources, MGB andEMB Central Office to investigate the impact of themining operations in the said island and to validatethe complaints aired by the Diocese of Boronga.

After a week of research the team came up witha report that the craters have no cause for panicbecause they were just about 5.27% of the smallestbarangay and contains no toxic element. From theirinterviews with the inhabitants, they came to a con-clusion that marine life was greatly depleted andaffected because of dynamite and cyanide fishing.Moreover their samplings showed that the causeof siltation and destruction of fish habitats are notdue to mining operations but to the geological com-position of the lateritic soil of the island.

Carlo Caliwan, 39, president of the ConcernedCitizens for Peace and Progress of Manicani Islandsaid that the minerals of the island are gifts of Godto the people of Manicani which should be ex-tracted otherwise they would be useless.

“The Roman Catholic Church of Boronganshould give chance to the mining company to re-habilitate the area before making any judgments.We want to get employed by HMC because we canno longer compete with the illegal and big-time fish-ermen at sea,” he added.

In his letter to Sec. Defensor dated November10, 2004, HMC President Salvador B. Zamora II saidthe minerals should be extracted and shipped outfor they will contribute much to the economy interms of employment, taxes, foreign exchange andother multiplier effect.

Zamora said HMC is committed, under the min-ing laws, to rehabilitate the areas mined. He also

Wealth and Worry Hound Mining in ManicaniRev. Fr. Cyrain Cabueñas

By Bp. Romulo De La Cruz

The Vanishing Green. Mining has brought a confounding paradox of wealthand worry to residents of Manicani Island, Eastern Samar.

Wealth and / P4

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

4 NewsReligious Group / from p1tion, identified himself to the sis-ters and showed a warrant of arrestof Madlos.

The SGS is the contemplativewing of the Religious of the GoodShepherd (RGS). Founded inFrance, it is one of the largest reli-gious congregations in the worldand has been in the Philippinessince 1912.

The nuns also said the authori-ties were supposed to be after theMSM convent, which Reyesclaimed Madlos was hiding. Reyeswas quick to claim the incident as amistake on their part and asked foran apology.

Sr. Maureen Catabian, W-JPICnational chairperson, said that the

fact that it was a forced-entry andpolice were engaged in a searchspree without a warrant is clear vio-lation of human rights.

“We condemn in strongestterms, this pattern of intimidationand harassment perpetrated by in-struments of the government whichis clearly deliberate and systematic,”Catabian said.

Andres has called on law en-forcers to uphold and respect therights of individuals and not to beabusers of the law.

“We demand our governmentofficials to be accountable and re-sponsible for the rampant abusesand violations being committed bypeople in authority,” she said.

For her part, Sr. CrescensiaLucero of the Association of MajorReligious of the Philippines(AMRWSP) said that despiteReyes’ apology, it is clear that thepolice operatives off-handed treat-ment of the Sisters show their utterlack of respect not only for the sanc-tity of the convent but more so fortheir blatant disregard of the rightto due process.

“The actions of Col. Reyes andhis men show that indeed ourgovernment’s law enforcers are theones who violate the law by sup-planting the ‘rule of law’ with therule of force; a practice which con-tinues to breed the growing cultureof impunity,” she said.

A Towel Could Save LivesIT may not be haute couture butthe Philippine-made towel issomehow making waves in Japanand raising cash for a goodcause.

The towels, manufactured bywomen of the Alay Kapwa , arebeing sold by an Osaka group inJapan.

For more than 20 years, thePhilippine Volunteers of Osakahave supported the said FilipinoChristian community inPandakan, the southeast districtof Manila.

That Alay Kapwa group iscomposed of 500 families. In or-der to provide funds to cover live-lihood, medical care and children’seducation, 22 mothers knit 100-percent cotton towels.

Twice each week, 10 volun-teers gather in Amagasaki, Hyogoprefecture, to wrap towels and sellthem to customers all over Japan.

The towels come in five sizesand styles: large bath-towels at

600 yen; medium size for cleaningjobs around the house worth 350yen; small size for dishes worth300 yen; bag-shaped towels fordishes, also at 300 yen; and thevery small towels worth 100 yen.

Sister of St. Joseph YukoYoshida, founder of PhilippineVolunteers, said the small bag-shaped towels are well liked andeasily sold out because they areeffective of cleaning dishes evenwithout soap.

Yoshida said that buying onebath towel provides a family offour with meals for one day.

The Philippine Volunteershad their beginning in a visit Sr.Yoshida made to the Philippinesin 1984.

In Manila, Yoshida met Sr.Teruko Onoshima of the Societyof Helpers who was working tohelp uplift the living conditionsof the local people wherein theyeventually decided to work to-gether. (CBCP News)

Libel Isn’t / from p1fact that good, neither that honestnor innocent.

Cruz’s comment came after thePresident’s husband First GentlemanJuan Miguel “Mike” Arroyo sued atleast 42 journalists, publishers andeditors in the country,

“The truth is that when some-one is the object of many serious ac-cusations, his or her first moveshould be self-examination of con-science—not the easy and ready fil-ing of libel cases,” he said.

The archbishop said that libelis neither a logical recourse whensomeone is certain of his or her hon-esty and integrity.

“Truth is the most formidableand effective antidote against libel,”he said. “Truth is the greatest allyand comfort of those continuouslyliving in integrity and acting withjustice.”

The International Federation of

Journalists (IFJ) was shocked by theArroyo’s action considering the fig-ures as “outrageous”.

“It is deeply concerning that thehusband of the president, a man ofconsiderable influence and power,can try and hinder free speech bysuing journalists into submission,”IFJ President Christopher Warrensaid.

The National Union of Journal-ists of the Philippines (NUJP), mean-while, said that “shotgun” libel suitsof Arroyo prove that it’s not just bul-lets and threats journalists have tocontend with the continuingstruggle to seek the truth.

“Indeed, libel suits have had along and ignominious history of be-ing used in this country by thosewho seek to prevent the press fromdelving into and exposing their darkdeeds,” the NUJP said. (CBCPNews)

CBCP Picks / from p1preme Court’s decision to junk thepeople’s initiative petition beingpushed by allies of the Arroyo ad-ministration.

Through its president, JaroArchbishop Angel Lagdameo, theCBCP said they doubt the Con-assprocess because Congress convert-ing themselves into a constituentassembly will have all the appearanceof "self-service" and "lutong makao"(a done deal).

But if Charter Change (Cha-cha)is really necessary, the bishops sug-gested Constitutional Assembly(Con-ass) as the process for chang-ing of the Constitution. "We will prayfor it," Lagdameo said.

He said that they hope to get init the respectable and acknowledged

legal luminaries of the country to-gether with people of integrity in ci-vilian society.

Voting 8-7, the higher court re-jected last October 25 the people'sinitiative petition filed by the Sigawng Bayan and the Union of LocalAuthorities of the Philippines(ULAP).

"The CBCP welcomes with joyand appreciation the decision of theSupreme Court... for standing freeand independent despite externaland expensive pressures," saidLagdameo.

The bishops have been express-ing doubts on the petition believingthat the 6.3 signatures were sourcedin with haste and alleged deceptionor manipulation. "From the moral

The Parish Temporalit iesCommission (PTC) said efforts toprotect the edifice are gaining mo-mentum, with increasing supportfrom the parishioners.

Under the conservation plan,any renovation in any part of theChurch will only have a go-signalif it will not adversely affect its cul-tural significance.

It stated that if certain partsof the church needs renovationand cannot be retained, policiesneed to be made first for the ap-propriate recording of any part.

A museum to house its col-lection and artifacts will also bemade.

Meanwhile, efforts are alsomade by the parish and local gov-ernment officials here for thechurch to be declared a "nationaltreasure."

Because of resource defi-ciency, the Daraga parish is seek-ing financial and technical assis-tance from the National Commis-sion for Culture and the Arts, theNational Historical Institute andother sectors in order to carry outtheir mission.

The PTC will also step up itsinformation drive for the faithfulto further understand the value ofthe church's treasures. (RoyLagarde)

Plans Afoot / from p16

Bishop Deplore / from p1ministration makes, the moreprobable is the country retro-gressing to those times of shameand infamy,” he said.

The Sisters Association inMindanao, meanwhile, (SAMIN)described the raid as a continu-ing pattern of persecution onchurch people perpetrated by thegovernment’s all-out war cam-paign.

“This shows how in thename of the all-out war , evenmembers of the church are notspared by the brutish force of thegovernment,” said MSM Sr. ElsaCompuesto, SAMIN executivesecretary. (CBCP News)

Holloween Undermines / from p1fun seem so naïve about it,” saidQuitorio.

The Archdiocese of Capiz hasvehemently objected to the celebra-tion of Aswang Festival in Roxas Citysaying that “Culture and religion areclosely connected. Evil images areperceived through cultural beliefs asvarious faces of the devil that needsto be expelled through prayers andblessings.”

The celebration of Halloween,Quitorio said, while it looks enter-taining may actually be divertingaway the Christian way of observ-ing All Souls and All Saints Day.

The term Halloween, is short-ened from All-hallow-even, as it is theevening before “All Hallows’ Day”also known as “All Saints’ Day”.

The celebration originated as a

Pagan festi-val amongthe Celts ofIreland andGreat Britainwith Irish,S c o t s ,Welsh andother immi-g r a n t stransportingversions of the tradition to NorthAmerica in the 19th century.

According to the Wikipedia, anonline encyclopedia, Halloween iscelebrated mostly in the Westernworld, especially in the United States,Canada, the United Kingdom, andwith escalating popularity in Austra-lia, New Zealand and the Philippines.(Roy Lagarde)

standpoint, we should not on thataccount put the fate of more than 80million people on such signatures."

The bishops earlier said that theproblem of the country is not entirelythe Constitution but the people whoare running the country.

"Neither the Constitution of theLand nor any form of governmentwill work miracle for the good of thepeople, but the people who run allthe institutions of governmentthrough honest work," the prelatessaid.

"Any system of government,Presidential or Parliamentary orMonarchy, will be good if the lead-ers in it are servant-leaders, men ofcredible integrity and transparentaccountability." (CBCP News)

Bishop Takes / from p1The establishment will initially

house slot machines upon its open-ing and will add gaming tables byJanuary 2007.

Reyes said he is worried a ca-sino, with unlimited jackpots,would be of greater harm to hisflocks.

It is distressing enough, ac-cording to the prelate that “FiestaCasino” was built within the mili-tary-owned Eastridge golf resort inBinangonan, Rizal last year whichis said to be controlled by somepoliticians.

“While Fiesta Casino inEastridge is far from populated ar-eas, this planned casino beside Sta.

Lucia is right within the heart ofthe commercial district of Caintaconstantly teeming with peoplewhose main objective is to shopand relax, and right in front of aComputer/Medical School,” hesaid.

Reyes earlier has also spokenhis concerns against the plan tooperate small town lottery (STL) inhis diocese, adding that STL, likeother forms of gambling victimizesthe poor.

“It is bad enough that we havejueteng, lotto and casino in Rizal.Let us not bring more harm to ourprovince by having STL,” he said.(CBCP News)

CBCP Sec. / from p1The solemn investiture was

well attended by Church leadersand dignitaries, including arch-bishops, bishops and priests.

Principal Presider was CBCPPresident and Jaro ArchbishopAngel Lagdameo with San Jose deAntique Bishop Romulo de la Cruzand Surigao Bishop AntonietoCabajog as Mass concelebrants.

In his sermon, Lagdameo con-sidered Figura’s appointment as a“great honor to the Archdioceseand an affirmation of the clergiesof the archdiocese”.

The new Monsignor thankedthe Pope for his appointment andresolved to be faithful with “the re-sponsibilities that comes alongwith it.”

Born in Bacauan, Miag-ao inIloilo, Figura spent his high schoolat the St. Joseph Junior Seminaryand earned his degree in Philoso-phy from St. Vincent Ferrer Semi-nary, both in Jaro.

He finished his theologicalstudies at the UST Central Semi-nary, where he earned a degree inSacred Theology; and was or-dained to priesthood on April 27,1981 at the age of 25. In the sameuniversity, he later earned Licenti-ate in Sacred Theology andMaster’s degree in Higher Reli-gious Education.

From 1983 to 1984, he servedas Dean of Studies and Professorin Moral Theology at the St. Jo-seph Regional Seminary in Jaro.

In 1994, he also obtained hisdoctorate in Sacred Theology(SThD) degree from the Ath-enaeum Romanum Sactae Crucis inRome.

Figura also served as paro-chial vicar of the parishes of OurLady of Peace and Good Voyageand Holy Name of Jesus, both inIloilo City, respectively; and asparish priest of San Jose Obrero,also in Iloilo City. (CBCP News)

promised the con-struction of a highschool buildingonce the mine reop-erates.

After gettingthe DENR OreTransport Permitand the approval ofGuiuan MayorAnnaliza Gonzales-Kwan, about150,000 tons ofstockpiled nickel orewere transported byHMC to Japan since January todate.

By way of goodwill, HMC hasgiven four million pesos (P4 M)to the four barangays of Manicaniand five hundred thousand pesos(P500,000) to the muni-cipality ofGuiuan as livelihood and devel-opment fund.

The Bishop of Borongan,Leonardo Y. Medroso and thewhole clergy have repeatedly ex-pressed their collective standagainst mining operations in

Manicani through circulars to thefaithful and letters to governmentofficials.

Medroso said only the opera-tors and the few misguided gov-ernment officials stood to benefitfrom the mineral deposits while theislanders themselves remain miredin poverty.

Manicani Island is part of theGuiuan Protected Seascapes andLandscapes, declared on Sept. 261994, through Presidential Procla-mation 469.

Wealth and / from p3

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

5Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Feature

7Q U E S T I O N S

Pope Benedict XVI and Islam:A Philippine Viewpoint

By Rev. Leonardo N. Mercado, SVD

7 QUESTIONS for Bp. JOHN F. DU, DDBut, curiously, what’sthe general percep-tion of the people inDumaguete aboutthe priests or clergy?

Generally, thepeople have a posi-tive perception of thepriests. But, you see,Dumaguete is a prot-estant city and some-how people seem tobe passive towardsreligion. Studentsstudying at Siliman

University, which is being run byprotestant denominations, seemnot to care about practicing theirreligion or not. Majority of ourpeople are youth because of the 4big universities in the area. Wayback some years ago, the popula-tion ratio of Protestants and Catho-lics was 50-50. But now, perhapsbecause the Protestants have be-come less active or perhaps be-cause they are having problemsamong their pastors, the Catholicshave surged past the Protestantsto 70 percent of the population.

What about your program ofclergy formation?

We have a monthly recollec-tion and also a monthly gatheringor assembly for the clergy in thediocesan level. I encourage mypriests to do the same activities inthe parochial, vicarial and districtlevels. Lately, we even had ourpriests’ congress in the diocese.

Are you implementing, apartfrom the traditional arancel sys-tem, some kind of a compensationprogram, like “standard living al-lowance”, for your clergy?

With regards to standard liv-ing allowance, we are not into ityet. But we are planning of imple-

menting it in the future.Actually, it was alreadysuggested during ourpriests’ congress butsome priests still mani-fested their disapproval,so we have to introducethe program or systemgradually. But really, ourdirection is going tothat—sharing of goods,

sharing of whatever resources wehave. At the moment, we have al-ready our medical or hospitaliza-tion program for our priests.

Moving on to another subject,how are you comfortable with thesecular media, particularly inyour place?

In Dumaguete, whenever themedia people come to me, I alwaystell them to go to the people. When-ever I am asked about certainissues, like death penalty, I tellthem to go and read the statementof the CBCP. I am not really com-fortable with the media. I have aspokesperson who does the talk-ing whatever they want to knowanything about the diocese.

Is this because the media isbiased against the Church? Whatdo you think?

I don’t think the media is bi-ased against the Church. In fairness,they are that open and friendly. Inour diocese, we have our own radiostation. But there is also anotherlocal radio station that seems to becompeting with our station and thatsometimes causes some tension. SoI just tell our personnel at our ownradio station, just talk about what isobjective and true, and stick firmlyto what we stand for…if the otherstation attacks us, don’t fight, justgo on with our stand or position.

INSTALLED in 2001as the third Bishop ofDumaguete, Bp. JohnDu has since broughtsome notable stridesfor the Diocese in pur-suing its pastoralmandate of “authenticwitnessing to theFaith and to the Gos-pel”. He formalizedpriests’ training andformation and heededthe laity’s challenge ofa more meaningfuland active participation in theChurch. He created missionteams and opened new parishes inmany parts—extending even tothe hinterlands—of Negros Orien-tal. Recently, Bp. Du talked toCBCP Monitor about Dumaguetediocese’s social concern projects,vocations and clergy formationprograms, standard living allow-ance for the clergy, and his percep-tion of the secular media.

How is the Church’s social con-cern agenda being observed in yourdiocese?

Well, for one, we have our feed-ing program every Sunday. We con-duct said program in the cathedral,but we are encouraging all parishesto have their own feeding programalso. We did this because we sawthat there were so many beggarsgoing to church and they are beg-ging money from those who arepraying. When I asked the peopleof Dumaguete what we are goingto do with these people, some ofthem suggested that we’ll get thepolice. But others said that’s veryinhuman and that the problem ac-tually is they have nothing to eat.So I told them, why not do somekind of a feeding program. So westarted such program four yearsago. We asked the beg-gars to come to the cathe-dral every Sunday. We in-vited the catechists, someof the nuns, studentnurses, midwives, andvolunteers to participate.The program is actuallyfourfold—prayer andworship, food sharing,formation and catechesis,and physical hygiene. First we startwith a mass at 8:15 in the morning,then the food sharing, followed witha catechetical instruction, and fi-nally with a cleaning of the church’spremises. You know, these peopleare not exactly homeless; they havetheir homes in the slum areas. Atthe end of the day, we send themhome bringing with them somegoods. Another social concern ac-tivity we have is the micro-financ-ing assistance program which is be-ing done in Siquijor. It’s a pilotproject where we provide micro-fi-nancing assistance to small scalelivelihood programs.

You’ve been bishop of Dumaguetesince 2001, what’s the status ofpriestly vocations in your area?

Oh, there has been a dim-inishing of vocations. I thinkpoverty is one cause of the prob-lem. And even if I find people whocan give support, sometimes thereare no seminarians to support.Admittedly, the promotion ofvocations is not really that activein my diocese. Although there arepeople in the diocese assigned inthis particular work, still there isthe prevailing problem of diminish-ing or lack of vocations. As ofdate, we have 6 seminarians inthe theologate and 39 in thecollege. There are 81 priests inthe diocese.

strations around the world seemedto have been orchestrated.

Some of the protestors equatedthe pope’s statement to the newspa-per caricatures on the Prophet. Thecaricatures were first published onAugust 30, 2005 in a Danish news-paper and reprinted later in more thanfifty countries worldwide. The car-toons created a huge Islamic back-lash. But to equate the pope’s state-ment to the cartoons is quite differ-ent. The cartoons were a deliberateprovocation, whereas the pope’sstatements were not intended to giveoffense but an invitation to dialogueas an alternative to violence.

The negative comments on thepope’s citation does not take thepope’s personal views. The officialVatican declaration of September 16reads:

As for the opinion of the Byz-antine emperor Manuel II Paleologuswhich he quoted during hisRegensburg talk, the Holy Father didnot mean, nor does he mean, to makethat opinion his own in any way. Hesimply used it as a means to under-take—in an academic context, andas is evident from a complete read-ing of the text—certain reflectionson the theme of the relationship be-tween religion and violence in gen-eral, and to conclude with a clear andradical rejection of the religious mo-tivation for violence, from whateverside it may come.

On September 17 during hisregular Sunday Angelus prayer, thepope said: At this time, I wish to addthat I am deeply sorry for the reac-tion in some countries to a few pas-sages of my address at the Univer-sity of Regensburg, which were con-sidered offensive to the sensibilityof Muslims. These in fact were aquotation from a medieval text,which do not in any way express mypersonal thoughts. Yesterday, theCardinal Secretary of State publisheda statement in this regard in whichhe explained the true meaning of mywords. I hope that this serves to ap-pease hearts and to clarify the truemeaning of my address, which in itstotality was and is an invitation tofrank and sincere dialogue, with greatmutual respect.

Last September 22 PopeBenedict XVI, who has been seek-ing to defuse Muslim anger over hisrecent remarks about Islam, invitedrepresentatives of Muslim countriesto meet with him. The meeting washeld at Castel Gandolfo on Septem-ber 25 where 22 Muslim representa-tives present. It paved the way tobetter Muslim-Christian relationship.

Representatives of Christianand Muslim communities in Pakistanhave issued a joint press release thatthe Pope had no intention of insult-

ON 12 September 2006 at the Uni-versity of Regensburg, PopeBenedict XVI gave a lecture entitled“Faith, Reason and the University,Memories and Reflections.” He pro-posed reason as a basis for the dia-logue of the minds between Mus-lims and Christians. While this kindof dialogue may suit the Westernmind, we suggest that for the Fili-pino (and perhaps) the Asian mind,the better basis is the dialogue ofthe heart.

The pope did not foresee thathis quoting a medieval author wouldunleash a controversy. But the Is-lamic comments were blown out ofproportion. We must remember thathis lecture was an academic activityand his purpose was to promote in-ter-religious dialogue through theuse of reason, not violence. Thepope’s lengthy and somewhat com-plicated speech was essentiallyabout the weaknesses of the West-ern world, its disdain for religion, thatboth Christianity and Islam share acommonality in rejecting the link be-tween religion and violence. He wasconcerned about the excesses ofsecularization: the triumph of secu-larism and increased weakness ofChristianity in his homeland, Ger-many, and in Europe in general, andattempts to exclude religion from therealm of reason.

By way of introduction, he citeda quotation from the Byzantine em-peror, Manuel II Paleologus and hisdialogue with an educated Persian:“Show me just what Mohammedbrought that was new, and there youwill find things only evil and inhu-man, such as his command to spreadby sword the faith he preached.”

The pope continues: “Violenceis incompatible with the nature ofGod and the nature of the soul…. Toconvince a reasonable soul, onedoes not need a strong arm, or weap-ons of any kind, or any other meansof threatening a person with death.”A recent event illustrates this point.Last August 14 four masked gunmenabducted two Fox News correspon-dents in Gaza City. In their two weeksof harrowing captivity, they wereblindfolded and forced at gunpointto say on video that they had con-verted to Islam. The captors threat-ened them: either convert to Islam ordie. The two captives had “to con-vert” to Islam under duress but laterrecanted to the media after their re-lease. This attitude is against whatthe Qur’an (2:256) says: “There isno compulsion in religion.”

The pope says: “The decisivestatement in this argument againstviolent conversion is this: not to actin accordance with reason is con-trary to God’s nature.” In Greco-Christian thinking, God does act withreason. But so is Islamic thinking,“God is absolutely transcendent. Hiswill is not bound up with any of ourcategories, even that of rationality.…Were it God’s will, we would evenhave to practice idolatry.” The popeconcludes: “It is to this great logos,to this breath of reason, that we in-vite our partners in the dialogue ofcultures. To rediscover it constantlyis the great task of the university.”

Ali Bardakaoghu, the head ofthe Religious Affairs Directorate ofTurkey condemned the pope’s state-ment. This Muslim leader admittedlater that he made his statement be-fore reading the pope’s lecture. Thisunreasonable reaction shows that hewas just looking for an occasion tobecome hostile against the Pope andChristians in general. The almost si-multaneous anti-Christian demon-

ing Islam or Prophet Muhammad. “Infact the Pope’s lecture was an ap-peal for dialogue and harmony,” itsays in Urdu, Pakistan’s national lan-guage. It blames some media for“playing a negative role” in report-ing the Pope’s speech and for notconsidering “the good relations theCatholic Church has” with Muslimsand people of all religions.

The signatories urged thepeople to continue living in peaceand harmony without being ledastray by irresponsible media. Theyagreed to issue the original text ofthe pope’s lecture in the local press.

According to a news release inthe Manila Bulletin (Sept. 24, 2006)several Muslim leaders of the Au-tonomous Region of MuslimMindanao (ARMM) “have signed ajoint manifesto expressing supportfor Pope Benedict XVI and accept-ing his personal apology for certainportions of his speech at the Uni-versity of Regensburg in Germanywhich appeared to be offensive tosome Muslim believers.”

As mentioned earlier, the Mus-lim reaction has been internationaland can partly be blamed to the massmedia, that is, for distorting the quoteout of its academic context. Even ifmainline Islam declares itself as a reli-gion of peace, the majority cannotcontrol the Muslim revivalists whoseem to get more global attention.That the mainline Muslims cannot domuch is because Islam is a decentral-ized religion, much unlike the central-ized authority in the Catholic Church.

Let us return to the pope’s pro-posal, that is, a dialogue of theologi-cal exchange between experts or thedialogue of the head. This type ofdialogue is just one of the three othertypes as proposed by Dialogue andProclamation (no. 42), the Vaticandocument which came out in 1991.The other types are the dialogue oflife, the dialogue of action (or dia-logue of the hands), and the dialogueof religious experience (or dialogueof the heart).

Will the dialogue of the headssuit the typical Filipino? While West-ern culture is largely indebted toGreek culture with its emphasis onreason (logos), the East takes anotherpath. In Hindu thought, for example,God is better reached through expe-rience because the divine is beyondwords. This difference is also in posi-tive (or kataphatic) theology andnegative (or apophatic) theology,both of which are orthodox. Becausehuman language is limited, the experi-ence of God is better said negatively(neti-neti) or through poetry as seenin the works of St. John of the Cross.

Furthermore, because the Fili-pino mind is concrete and arrives atthe truth more through intuition, ituses symbols such as metaphorsfrom proverbs for arriving at thetruth. The Filipino devotee who con-templates at the image of the HesusNazareno gets his theology withoutwords. This is because the Filipinodevotee as a mystic theologizes morewith the heart than with the head.

In other words, if there is left-brain thinking (which uses reason)and right-brain thinking (which isintuitive and symbolic), dialogue hasto use both means. While we do notdiscount the importance of the dialogueof the head, when scholars meet, theytend to debate. But when mystics meet,they embrace each other.

We believe that the dialogue ofthe heart will have less controversyand will promote more understandingbetween Muslims and Christians inthe Philippines and in the rest of Asia.

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

6 Opinion

Pedro C. QuitorioEditor-in-Chief

Baltazar R. AcebedoManaging Editor

Dennis B. DayaoOn-Line Editor

Roy Q. LagardeNews Editor

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCPCommunications Development Foundation, Inc., witheditorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St.,Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Edito-rial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.Emai l : cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website:www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor

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Pinky Barrientos, FSPProduction Manager

Marcelo T. DalanonCirculation Manager

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CBCP MonitorPro tagonis t o f T ruth, Promoter o f Peace

ISSN 1908-2940

The Parish Priestand His Mystique

priest, one who does not have the so-phistication of the man of the world, nowbeing consulted by a first world country.No big deal really, but it does show therespect society has not only for the par-ish, the rightful owner of the parish books,but also for the parish priest, the officialkeeper of these records.

When Benedict XVI proclaimed thata priest is a man of the spirit, a “pneu-matic man,” a man awakened and drivenby the Holy Spirit, he means that everypriest has spiritual powers. He is charis-matic. Charism is a spiritual power that isgranted not for the benefit of the receiver.It is granted to some chosen few with thepurpose that it be used for the good ofthe Church. Hence, the charism that thepriest receives through ordination is notfor his own keep, but is granted to buildup the community of the faithful in thename and, at times, in the person, of Christthe leader (Christi capitis). That is noordinary charism. It is the charism ofChrist Himself, the expression of His lifeand mission, as it is described so well bySt. Luke in his Gospel, using the wordsof Isaiah the prophet: “The Spirit of theLord is upon me; therefore he hasanointed me. He has sent me to bring glad

tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty tocaptives, recovery of sight to the blindand release to prisoners, to announce ayear of favor from the Lord” (Lk 4: 18-19).

To state that the parish priest hasthe charism of Christ and shares Hislife and mission, may sound blown up,presumptuous. But it is not. TheMagisterium of the Church is firm on thisteaching and its reality. In the document“Pastores Dabo Vobis”, the late JohnPaul II stated: “The priest shares inChrist’s consecration and mission in aspecific and authoritative way, throughthe sacrament of Holy Orders, by virtueof which he is configured in his being toJesus Christ, head and shepherd, andshares in the mission of ‘preaching thegood news to the poor’ in the name andperson of Christ himself’ (n. 18). In a morefamiliar way, the document declared:“Our priestly life and activity continuethe life and activity of Christ himself. Herelies our identity, our true dignity, thesource of our joy, the very basis of ourlife” (n.18).

The quoted document is almost likesaying that the simple priest of theChurch is Christ Himself reincarnated.

Victims, Victors,Survivors

This anti-baby mentality has broughtin many new problems. The easy avail-ability of contraceptives has ushered insexual irresponsibility, especially amongthe unmarried. Contraceptives are not100% effective so unwanted pregnanciesend in abortion. If the child survives, hehas a gut feeling that he is unwanted, areject for life. Scientific researches revealthat the fetus has strong feelings even inthe womb.

Abortion-survivors refer not only tothose who did not die in an attemptedabortion. These include those who sur-vived the pills and injectables and IUDsthat their moms were using since theseso-called contraceptives in fact haveabortifacient effects. Abortion-survivorsare also the brothers and sisters of theaborted. Many of them have an anxietyabout life—why was I born and not mybrother or sister? What does the worldexpect of me? Will I be able to measureup? A child should not be bothered with

THE family is the cradle of life. But aculture of death is fast seeping into ourcountry that many families are unable togive and sustain life.

New philosophies and life styleshave changed the way parents see thechild as a gift of God, not only to them-selves but also to humankind. The pro-paganda that a small family is better thana large family instills a contraceptivementality that allows sex whenever onewants it, but not the baby, not the re-sponsibility. The overpopulation scarehas identified the baby as a burden,another mouth to feed, and the cause ofpoverty, environmental destruction, anda host of other social problems.

The truth is not explained enough—that poverty is caused by unequal distri-bution, graft and corruption, and foreigndebt. According to Mahatma Gandhi,“There is enough in the world foreveryone’s need, but there will never beenough for one person’s greed.”

these questions. He should enjoy hischildhood because he knows he has aright to this life and his needs to be at-tended to. But our schools are overrunwith children who carry this burden intheir hearts and therefore go into theextremes of rebelling or isolating them-selves, instead of participating normallyin the activities.

Contraception has also destroyedthe real meaning of the sexual or maritalact. Men look at women as objects ofpleasures, and when he cannot get whathe wants, he batters her. Feminists havejoined those clamoring for the legaliza-tion of absolute divorce. But is this theanswer? Will allowing them anothermarriage automatically make them moremature and successful the second timeor the third time? (The Bill on Divorcedoes not state a limit for the number ofremarriages allowed!)

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Love LifeLove LifeLove LifeLove LifeLove Life

Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD

TidbitsTidbitsTidbitsTidbitsTidbits

IN the society of man made ever moresophisticated and complex by globaliza-tion, the parish priest in the countrysideis left to fend for himself to hang on tothe image of a priest that is both conso-nant with his vocation and relevant tothe modern day world. He may possessthe necessary qualities and powers of aleader, but the fast shifting values of theglobe has a way of gradually affectingthe confidence he has on his priesthood.And yet, I am still convinced that the roleof the parish priest in society today isirreplaceable. For one he has so much tocontribute to modern man especially inthe realm of sensible living, offering tohim the lasting meaning to life and thedivine resonance that could calm hishuman heart ever restless for eternity.

Some weeks ago I received anofficial letter from an office of a foreignembassy in Manila requesting the dio-cesan Curia to hand over the same letterto a small far away and forgotten parishin Eastern Samar. The letter contains avery important message, consulting, thatis, the simple parish priest regardingthe veracity and the authenticity of thedocument that bear the birth data of aresident in the parish. A simple parish

Love life/ P10

Tidbits/ P13

Parang nakalimutan nayata ako a . . .

Constituent AssemblyNOTHING less than the Administrationitself attempted to assume the People’sInitiative. It orchestrated its undertaking,shouldered its costs, and advertised itsmerits. People spoke against it. TheCOMELEC rejected it. The Supreme Courtdiscarded it.

But the Administration would not simplygive up. It claims that Charter Change is itsdemonstration of genuine concern for thepeople. Its expression of noble love for thecountry and its sublime resolve to have anhonest and good governance. Hence, the so-called “Charter Change Express” goes on.

Now, the Administration is batting for aConstituent Assembly. Its allies are alldutifully lined up to support the move. Nevermind if the Senate would have nothing to dowith it. It is all right if only theAdministration’s Congressmen are behind it.So what if this way of amending theConstitution is contrary to the spirit andcontext of the Constitution itself.

Thus it is that the Administration and itsallies are in effect even inventing a fourthway of amending the fundamental law of theland: viz., one half of the legislative branchthus already junking its other half which isthe Senate. As of now, it is not yet known ifthe Administration and its bright boys mightlater on come up with a novel fifth and otherways of amending the fundamental law of theland.

It is interesting if not strange that thenational leadership with its avid followerswant to believe that the Lower House byitself is competent to propose a CharterChange—making precisely the upper houseirrelevant in such a big venture. The truth isthat it takes no less than the whole legislativebranch of Government even but to changethe name of some streets in the country.

The conclusion for all such attempts andadventures for Charter Change on the partof the Administration is obvious by force ofelementary reason, i.e., the greed for theindefinite extension of the tenure of officeof key people in government. The concernfor people, the love of country, the desireof honest and good governance are but thinand poor icing in the huge cake of power,influence and wealth.

Layo

ut b

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lue

Flam

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CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

7Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Opinion

I Believe in theCommunion of SaintsPICTURE St. Francis of Assis, St. An-thony of Padua, St. Dominic, St. Ignatiusof Loyola, St. John of the Cross, St.Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila etc.lining up to receive Communion in aMass. Guess what that is? That’s how,as a boy of ten, I understood ‘the Com-munion of Saints’. Now as I look back Ifind my boyhood view of this ancientdoctrine entirely hilarious. But at that timeit seemed—well, how could it not be, tome at least—the perfectly logical inter-pretation. Saints lining up to receive Com-munion; ergo, Communion of saints. Ex-cept that I couldn’t, naturally, explain whythat has to be included in a grand prayer-ful declaration called the Creed (althoughI figured that they are celebrities ofheaven anyway and so are entitled tobeing announced in some sort of list ofreligious headlines!)

The Universal Church has chosenNovember to always remind us, amongothers, of the Communion of Saints. Inthe Philippines we make no distinctionsbetween All Saints Day and All SoulsDay. I suspect that for us both are just‘Days of the Departed’ celebrated in akind of haze that is given not much clar-ity by the revelry in our cemeteries where

meaning is often lost in the scramble tomake merry. I see no reason why we in-sist on treating our dear departed fromour point of view (for instance, do wereally think they could join us in our pic-nics rather than in our prayers?)

I had a recent experience that mademe realize how important the Eucharist isto understanding better the ‘Commun-ion of Saints’ (after all, my boyhood un-derstanding linking it to the Eucharistwas not entirely wrong). I asked a fewchurch-goers, “When you say ‘Amen’during Communion in response to thepriest’s words, ‘the Body of Christ’, ex-actly what do you mean by that?” Manyof them chorused, “It means we agreethat it is the Body of Jesus we are receiv-ing”. Others said, “It means we are re-ceiving Jesus into our own bodies.” ThenI said, “Yes, you’re right. But it also meansother things. It also means Jesus is re-ceiving you more fully into his Body, theChurch. By the way, it also means youare in Communion not only with Jesusthe head of his Body but also with all themembers of that Body, both the livingand the dead.”

It struck me how staggering thisarticle of the faith is, especially in its

RememberingGrandfather

I ALWAYS associate the months of Oc-tober and November with the life storyof my grandfather; October being hisbirth month and November, the Feast ofAll Saints. To me, he was my first saint.Born in San Roque, Cavite in October 23,1874, he was baptized Jose RaquelsantosLugay. A Marian devotee and a dailycommunicant since childhood, he wasraised by his grandmother, having beenorphaned at the age of 5.

He completed his elementary andhigh school in Colegio de San Juan deLetran, and studied in the Pontifical andRoyal University of Santo Tomas to be-come a doctor. On his third year, he wasconscripted to serve as a medical internof the Hospital Central de Cavite underGeneral Aguinaldo during the PhilippineRevolution against Spain. Due to his dili-gence and proficiency, he was soon pro-moted auxiliary doctor, with a rank of FirstLieutenant of the Medical Corps.

During the Philippine American War,he served under the battalion com-manded by General Antonio Luna. Hisbiography, describes in detail the circum-stances how Gen. Antonio Luna wasmurdered. He claims that Gen. Luna was

a victim of injustice—a traitorous andpremeditated act of a parliamentarianclose to the dictator General Aguinaldo.Hopefully his writings will be known tofuture historians which could be a usefulreference for updating Philippine History.

Due to a bout of typhoid, he wasadvised by his physician to live in theprovince beside the sea where he couldrecuperate. As fate would have it, his-brother-in law was appointed judge in thetown of Guiuan and brought him there.The parish priest at that time, ca. 1905was Mons. Donato Guimbaolibot, whowas transferred from Balangiga, the siteof the infamous massacre of native civil-ians, men, women and children by theAmerican soldiers. This was in retalia-tion for the ambush done by the Filipinosoldiers the night before killing manyAmerican soldiers. To this day, theBalangiga bells which were broughthome by the victorious American soldiersas booty, is still the subject of advocacyfor its return to the Philippines.

My grandfather having liked theplace, accepted the vacant position asgovernment doctor of Eastern Samarwhere he raised his family of 10, but only

6 grew up to adulthood. There were noschools of higher learning at that time,hence three of the children were sent toManila to finish their college courses.These three graduated and practiced theirprofessions—Jose, Jr., Ph.D. in Pharmacyand Chemistry, was employed as a pro-fessor of the University of Santo Tomas,Rafael (my father) worked as a pharma-cist in Cebu, and Luisa who marriedIgnacio Monasterio of Guiuan, ownedand managed the local drugstore.

In 1941, my grandfather wasawarded by U.S.T. a gold medal for beingone of the institution’s “most dis-tinguished alumni” . The famous writer,Leon O. Ty, a native of Samar, wrote aglowing article about him entitled,CONSIDER THE LILIES—The Story Ofa Little Man with a Big Heart. He isOnly an Obscure Doctor But the Grate-ful People Whom He Has Served ForAlmost Half a Century, His NameSymbolizes Life, Hope and FreedomFrom Physical Pain.

Selections from Leon O. Ty’s article:We asked him if his wife did not raise

any opposition in his moving to Guiuan.

Jose B. Lugay

LaikLaikLaikLaikLaiko Lampstando Lampstando Lampstando Lampstando Lampstand

Laiko Lampstand / P13

More Questionsabout Billboards

“MILENYO” proved to be Pandora’sBox or more appropriately a can of wormsas more questions than answers came tothe fore as billboards became the subjectof controversial discussions.

Our forefathers used walls to ex-press their fears, concerns and emotionsduring their time. They were cave dwell-ers then. Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke inparables during his public life. He mayhave used billboards, internet and otherforms of communications to further bringhome His message of salvation.

Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J., one of therespected legal minds mentioned severalaspects of billboards—considering theirrelation to freedom of expression, eitherpolitical or religious ideas.

Billboards have been with us sincethe early 1960s. EDSA, then known asHighway 54, had billboards placed bySherwin Williams paints, Pan AmericanAirlines, soda or softdrink companies anda host of other consumer goods. Of

course, there were strong typhoons thenand even radio transmission towers andMeralco electric posts broke.

However, today’s billboards may beconsidered “too big” not to be noticedthat leaves everyone wondering wheregovernment regulatory agencies werewhile these structures were being built.

If and when these structures wereillegally constructed, why were theytolerated to do business? This adver-tising business is not as complex as theother “services” advertised in variousbroadsheets’ classified ads whoseidentities are limited to mobile phonenumbers.

If the structures were not as safe asexpected, who gets the blame? Werepermits issued these establishments?These billboards were surely made bylicensed contractors for it is no joke toput up structures with simple pakyawemployees. Definitely there were plansapproved by building officials and per-

Faith and Fire/ P10

Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD

By the RBy the RBy the RBy the RBy the Roadsideoadsideoadsideoadsideoadside

Melo M. Acuna

Issues and ConcernsIssues and ConcernsIssues and ConcernsIssues and ConcernsIssues and Concerns

implications. For, if during Communion,we also receive all the living members ofthe Body of Christ, then there is no rea-son why our rich Catholics in our ForbesParks and Ayala Alabangs should bepoles apart from our destitute Catholicsin the barrios and slums. Every time thesaints still walking on the face of thisearth receive Communion, they are re-ceiving one another. If so, then why is ittaking so long for our divisions tocrumble, for the Philippines’ rich to standside by side with its teeming poor in trueequality and brotherhood?

If my Communion with Jesusthrough his Eucharistic Body also putsme in communion with the departed mem-bers of his Body, then it also means thatright there in the Eucharist I have theperfect answer to all the grief that comesfrom losing family members throughdeath. The Catholic Catechism affirmsthis. Communion of Saints, it teaches,means “communion in holy things(sancta ) and communion with holypeople (sancti)”. ‘Communion in holythings’ include sharing the same teach-ings that date far back to apostolic times,community life, the Eucharist and sacra-

mits issued by barangay, local govern-ment units and national agencies.

If contractors used undersized steelbars and failed to follow specifications,these contractors can be held liable. Ifthey indeed used substandard steel bars,one would venture to ask how these sub-standard bars got into the market. Werethese due to smugglers with friendly andclose connections with the powers upthere?

The government’s knee-jerk reac-tion simply showed its being reactive andsensitive to public opinion. Leadershipis almost synonymous to being pro-ac-tive. Had people in past and present ad-ministrations knew the true meaning ofgovernance, we could not have had thissad chapter in our history where struc-tures fell, lives and limbs and incomeopportunities were lost. They usually sayhindsight offers everyone a perfect vision.

Was it a sin of commission or a sinof omission?

(Ambassador De Villa submitted his Talk at the 15th Anni-versary of PPCRV, where she is the Chair, for her column;held October 19, 2006 at Pius XII Catholic Center—Ed)

PPCRV at 15PPCRV is 15 years old today. Not an old age. Not evenmiddle age. Actually teen age. Yet what we heard whenthe Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II)opened in January 1991, and that Council was the start ofour becoming—Arise a long journey lies ahead of you—we feel it has been that. Fifteen years has been a longjourney for PPCRV. A journey sometimes into night, butalways with daybreaks to keep us moving on, moving for-ward our journey towards social transformation, particu-larly for PPCRV towards political holiness.

As we wrote in our letters to you, we are celebratingour Foundation Day in a simple but special way. A specialmoment of thanksgiving. A special moment of thankingGod. Yes, thanking God! When we started PPCRV in 1991,none of us were politicians. None of us knew anythingabout politics. We were just a small band of ordinary layfaithful fired up with our PCP II experience of being drawnby the salvation God has promised his people. That PPCRVis still here, still a band, though now a bigger band ofordinary lay faithful, still strongly committed and enthusi-astic to go on for 15 times 15 years—O, it is the Lord!

A special moment to thank all of you who are here,and all of those who are not here with us, for carrying thetorch of PPCRV’s faith and fire with such love, such self-sacrificing love. I am so happy to see many of you herewho were with us since the very beginning. There are alsothose who were with us when we started PPCRV and havegone on to other paths. Thank you, Nandy Pacheco, forcoming. Art Panganiban, now Chief Justice of the SupremeCourt, was also a part of our founding group. He wrote usa letter of greetings, also of regret that he has to be at theGlobal Seminar on Liberty and Prosperity organized by theSupreme Court with justices from other countries. Weremember Art in prayer and thanks.

We also remember two special people who urged thefoundation of PPCRV, our yesteryear prophets—His Emi-nence Jaime L. Cardinal Sin and our own Haydee Yorac. Theyhave gone ahead to Our Father’s house together with some15 PPCRV stalwarts. We know they are praying for us.

Last night I was talking with Clifford Sorita, our PPCRVSecretary General, over the phone. And he told me toremember that the 15th anniversary is crystal anniversary.How wonderful, crystal—brilliant and beautiful. I told thisto my husband and children as we were having supper.My daughter said: Meron ba kayong handa, nagpalechonba ang PPCRV? Sabi ko po: Mahirap ang panahon ngayonkaya may Misa kami, at pagkatapos sa mesa lugaw lamang.Sabi ng anak ko, Naku Ma, baka walang magpunta. Sagotko po: Ang PPCRV sanay magutom, sanay magpuyat atsanay magpakasakit. Hindi maingay, hindi nagrereklamo,hindi mahilig magpress release.

Nagpapasalamat din po ang PPCRV sa ating mgaMabuting Pastol—kay Abp. Angel Lagdameo, our NationalSpiritual Director and CBCP President. Tuwing nagme-meeting ang ating National Executive Board, nage-eroplanosiya mula sa Iloilo, at ni minsan ang PPCRV hindi siyanabigyan o naalokan man lamang ng envelop parapamasahe. Maraming maraming salamat po, ArchbishopAngel. At ka-agabay ng PPCRV buhat pa nang tayo aynagsimula, si Bishop Deo Iñiguez ng Kalookan. Punong-puno rin po ang aming puso na nandito si Bishop Bernar-dino Cortez at si Bishop Broderick Pabillo—sila pa po angtumawag na sila ay dadalo. Napakalaking bagay malamanna PPCRV na ang ating mga Obispo ay sinasamahan tayo.Paano namin kayong mapasasalamatan.

Ang ating mga pari—si Fr. Tim Guarin kasama naminsa PPCRV noong 1991, kasama pa rin natin hanggangngayon. Ganoon din si Fr. Larry Abaco. Ang PPCRV aysumisigla tuwing nakikita namin kayo, aming mga pari. Angunang tahanan ng PPCRV ay mga parokya na inyongpinamumunuan. Ang aming pasasalamat ay walangkatapusan.

Our special thanks to Fr. Rico Garcia—siya po angaming nakagawiang abalahin sa paghahanda ng atingliturgy. Salamat din sa ating mga servers. Pinasigla angating Misa ng Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Choir kasama ngMusic Coordinator ng EDSA Shrine si Bro. Cezar Antonio,maraming salamat sa inyo.

And what can I say to the leaders of COMELEC. ToChairman Benjamin Abalos, Commissioner ResurreccionBorra, Commissioner Florentino Tuazon, CommissionerRomeo Brawner, Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and Com-missioner Nicodemo Ferrer—that you are here means somuch. Thank you with my heart. That you made a specialspace to be with us in remembering our Foundation Day,we take as a sign that you value PPCRV. We, too, valueyou. For the past 15 years, we have served beside you asCOMELEC’s citizens’ arm in 14 electoral exercises. And weare grateful for the trust. Having aspired and worked forhonest, clean, credible and peaceful elections for 15 years,PPCRV knows how important it is that COMELEC is alsoperceived and experienced as clean, honest, credible and

Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa

FFFFFaith and Faith and Faith and Faith and Faith and Fiririririreeeee

By the roadside / P13

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

8 CBCP Commissions

Commission on PontificioCollegio Filippino (ECPCF)

(The data used in this article was liftedmostly from the website of CollegioFilippino at http://www.pcfroma.org/collegio—Ed).

Brief History

DURING its 26-31 January 1959meeting, the Catholic Hierarchy ofthe Philippines approved a resolu-tion made by the late Archbishopof Manila, later Cardinal, Rufino J.Santos, calling for the establish-ment of the Pontifical PhilippineCollege.

The approved resolution wassent to the Vatican. The prefect ofthe Sacred Congregation for Semi-naries and Universities, CardinalGiuseppe Pizzardo, gave the sub-sequent nihil obstat:

We are indeed glad to recallthat there are many Filipino stu-dents who, chosen with care bytheir Most Reverend Ordinaries,desirous of fulfilling the wishes ofthe Supreme Pastor, under the pro-tection of the Supreme Pontiff,study under the light of the ves-tiges of Christian antiquity, so thathaving been formed as true sol-diers of Christ, they may serve thefaith among their people in the mostfruitful way.

Blessed Pope John XXIII in-stituted the Collegium ClericorumPhilippinorum in Urbe throughhis Apostolic Letter Sancta MaterEcclesia, endowing it with the titlePontificium.

With the gracious consent ofthe Vatican authorities, a site was

chosen: a 23,893.44-square meterlot situated at Via Aurelia, betweenthe Collegio Pio Brasiliano and theVilla Pacelli, just beyond PiazzaIrnerio. Located in a beautiful sub-urb below the Vatican City, the lotbelonged to the Brothers of theChristian Schools (La Salle).

Pope John XXIII personallyblessed the cornerstone on 8 Au-gust 1959. Cardinal Rufino Santosand Philippine Ambassador to theHoly See José Ma. Delgado wit-nessed the significant event heldin the Pope’s private study in hissummer residence atCastelgandolfo.

The laying of the cornerstonewas officiated by Cardinal Pizzardothe following day in the presenceof 70 Cardinals (Mimmi,Agagianian and Ciriaci), Diplomats,Superiors general, seminary anduniversity Rectors and other dis-tinguished personalities.

A document deposited in thecornerstone testifies that: HisEminence, Giuseppe CardinalPizzardo, suburban Bishop ofAlbano and prefect of the SacredCongregation for Seminaries andUniversities, solemnly laid thecornerstone of the new College-Seminary, dedicated to Our Ladyof Peace and Good Voyage, des-tined to welcome the Filipinoyoung men who, endowed withscience and strong faith, under theshadows of Peter and the tombs ofthe Martyrs, will one day go backto their country to diffuse this trea-sury of faith to those under theircare.

The blessing of the Collegewas held amid a refreshing down-pour which made Pope John XXIIIquote the Song of Songs (8:7):“aquae multae non poteruntextinguere caritatem” (“deep wa-ters cannot quench love”). TheHoly Father affirmed the importantrole and mission of the College:

This Pontifical Seminary there-fore is both a Roman and Philip-pine College; for here, that is, nearthe Chair of Peter and the summitof the Church, your young onesdivinely called to take on sacredfunctions, will draw faith and sci-ence from the genuine and richfont. Fully imbued with this theyshall return to their people as be-loved heralds of truth. That is whythese buildings destined for theformation of your students of sa-cred sciences will be like channelsby which the catholic life will bepromoted among you and the bondby which the Philippines, a Nationso very dear to us, will more in-tensely be linked with the suprememagisterium of the Church.

At the culmination of the in-auguration, Pope John XXIII gaveto Collegio a white stole—the in-signia of the office of the Rector—and three commemorative coins(gold, silver and bronze) of his pon-tificate.

Since then, the white stole andthe three coins framed in an im-pressive 87 by 68-inches glasshung on the right wall of theRector’s office have been quietwitnesses to the long, interestinghistory of Collegio Filippino. The

white stole, em-broidered ingold and silverthread, has em-blazoned on itsmiddle portion apapal coat ofarms, a crosswith IHS at thebottom centerand two deergrazing at thefoot of the cross.A vine withgrapes encirclesthe cross whilestalks of wheatstand behind thepapal emblem.The coins aregold, silver andbronze. The goldand bronzecoins bear theimage of the

reigning Pope—IOHANNESXXIII—and the year of his pontifi-cate, MCMLX. The silver coinshows the Pope’s motto—OBOEDIENTIA ET PAX—with anolive branch in the background.

The caption at the bottom ofthe glass frame testifies to its im-portance. What is written refers toan historical moment: Insignia ofOffice, personally endowed by HisHoliness Pope John XXIII, on theFirst Rector of Pontificio CollegioFilippino at its inauguration onOctober 07, 1961.

The more than forty years ofits existence reflect the united ef-forts of the Philippine clergy andlaity to turn love into action: a giftof grace and a blessing especiallyfor those who are far from homeyet needing the warmth and wel-come that only home can give.

The building was designed byEngineer Edoardo Cherubini withan estimated cost of US$800,000.The edifice had three floors and abasement. The basement housedthe kitchen, laundry room andcrypta. The first floor included thechapel and sacristy, the reception,the refectory, lobby and recreationroom. The second and third floorswere divided into classrooms anddormitory spaces. A separatehouse was also set up for the Sis-ters.

The building of CollegioFilippino in Rome became a sym-bol of the Filipino people’s gener-osity. Every diocese pledged toshare their resources on a pro ratabasis. During the national Educa-tional Fund Drive from 1 June to 21May 1960, Archbishop Luis delRosario of Zamboanga made thisappeal: “This will be the FilipinoSeminary in the capital of thecatholic world. This is the jointproject of all the members of thePhilippine Hierarchy for the train-ing of Filipino young men, whoare called by God to the sacredpriesthood. I wish to make an ear-nest appeal to all of you to help inthis noble work, with spiritual andmaterial support.”

Archbishop Juan Sison ofNueva Segovia pointed out the ne-cessity of the project: “The differ-ent nations like America, Spain,Brazil and others have their Col-leges in Rome. Our beloved Phil-ippines has no College of her ownas yet. Let us therefore be one inhelping build a College which issolely our own. This Filipino Col-lege will rise with the help of allthe Catholics in the different dio-ceses of the Philippines. The Na-tional Committee of Catholic Ac-tion supervises the campaign ofsoliciting the help of all our broth-ers here in the Philippines. Giveyour wholehearted help since itwill be our mutual happiness tosee a Filipino College in Romerise a short while and we can showthe other nations the true and liv-ing faith of the Filipinos.

All the selfless effort and gen-erous help bore fruit. Less than ayear after the start of construction,the Collegio was a dream cometrue.

The Collegio Today

Today, the Collegio has roomsfor 55 priests. As of 1 October2006, the PCF has had 592 alumni,51 of whom have been ordainedbishops.

The Pontificio CollegioFilippino is the home in Rome ofFilipino diocesan priests who havebeen sent by their bishops to pur-sue advanced ecclesiastical stud-ies sub umbra Petri. It is thus acommunity providing a specialtype of ongoing priestly formationthat is characterized by the culturaldiversity and proximity to the Popethat only Rome can provide.

For the school year 2006-2007,Collegio Filippino has a populationof thirty-five priests (thirty-one arestudent-priests; three members ofAdministration and one assignedat the Pontifical Council for theFamily), four sisters of theReligiosas Misioneras de SantoDomingo and five lay personnel.

The PCF Program has four as-pects: building a unique family ofpriests, religious and laity basedon participation and co-responsi-bility; providing an atmosphereconducive to intense intellectualendeavor; ongoing spiritual forma-tion; and continuing ministry, usu-ally to Filipino migrants in and out-side Rome. This communitarian,academic, spiritual and apostolicprogram intends to prepare thepriests for specialized ministry inthe Philippines.

The over-all objective of theCollege is to provide the facilitiesand the environment suited princi-pally to Filipino diocesan priestscarefully chosen and formally sentby their Bishops for the pursuit ofhigher studies in ecclesiasticaleducational centers in Rome, fortheir continuous priestly formationsub umbra Petri and for their sub-sequent ministry back home.

The building of communityand home of Filipino diocesanpriests in Rome is realized througha healthy balance of Communitylife, Academic work, Spiritualgrowth, Apostolic involvement(CASA).

Vision-Mission

A community of student-priests animated by the TriuneGod, consecrated to Mary, ourmodel and Mother , dedicated tointegral formation for the serviceof the Church in the Philippinestowards building up of the reign ofGod in the third Millennium.

Commitment of the PCF Stu-dent-Priests:• to grow in intimacy with the

Triune God through the sacra-ments especially the Eucharist,the Word of God, Prayer, Medi-tation and Devotion to MotherMary and the Saints;

• to enhance community lifethrough fraternal charity, thecultivation of basic human val-ues and faithful adherence tothe rules and guidelines of thePontificio Collegio Filippino;

• to strive for academic excellencethrough discipline, sacrificeand hard work;

• to minister to the Filipino migrantchurch with prudence and pas-toral zeal.

The governance of theCollegio depends, first, on the Con-gregation for Catholic Educationand, second, on the Catholic Bish-ops’ Conference of the Philippinesthrough the latter’s Episcopal Com-mission for the PCF. The immedi-ate administration of the Collegiodone by the Staff headed by theRector.

THE OFFICERS OF THE COMMISSION

Chairman:Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal

Vice Chairman:Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales

Members:Abp. Ramon C. Arguelles

Bp. Jesse MercadoBp. Honesto F. OngtiocoBp. Benjamin J. Almoneda

Executive Secretary:Msgr. Ruperto C. Santos

Address:Via Aurelia 490,

00165 Rome, ItalyE-mail: pcfroma@tin.it

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

9Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Diocese

IT WAS Pope Pius XII who elevatedthe provinces of Surigao andAgusan into a diocese on June 3,1939. It was erected on November10, 1939 with Bishop James T. Hayes,SJ of Cagayan de Oro as the tempo-rary administrator. The diocese ofSurigao is a suffragan of Cagayande Oro which comprises the entirecivil province of Surigao del Nortewith the titular—San Nicolas deTolentino. It has a total land area of3,739 sq. kms., with a total popula-tion of 457,785 and 353,764 Catho-lics.

The first bishop was installedon September 21, 1940 in the personof Msgr. John C. Vrakking, MSC. Butthe joy over the birth of a new dio-cese was unfortunately short-livedbecause by then World War II brokeout. The missionaries were dis-placed. Some of them stayed withtheir parishioners hiding in the moun-tains.

Msgr. Vrakking got sick in 1953and was succeeded by Fr. Charlesvan Ouwelant, MSC as administra-tor, and eventually on June 21, 1955,Msgr. Ouwelant was ordained sec-

ond bishop of Surigao. After 18years, in 1973 he opted to resign andgive way to a Filipino bishop. OnMarch 31, 1973, Most Rev. MiguelC. Cinches, SVD was installed thethird bishop of Surigao whose placeof origin is Dauis, Bohol, born onFebruary 7, 1932. Bishop Cincheslabored for 28 long and fruitful yearsin the diocese of Surigao until finally

city of diocesan priestsreflected over and finallydecided to establish aseminary really ownedby the diocese. It wasBishop Miguel C.Cinches, SVD who initi-ated the construction ofa college seminary. In1999, 12 seminarianscomprised the pioneer-ing batch accommo-dated temporarily at theClergy House. Msgr .Prescilo Iral, DCS, des-ignated as rector and Fr.Perfecto G. Ecat, DCS asvice rector and dean ofseminarians spear-headed the establish-ment of the MaradjaoMagbalantay CollegeSeminary.

The diocese of Surigao estab-lished its seminary through local andforeign funding agencies. In 2001,the Maradjao Magbalantay CollegeSeminary was blessed by then thenew bishop Most Rev. AntonietoD.Cabajog, DD with the presence ofBishop Emeritus Miguel C. Cinches,the clergy, benefactors, supportersand friends. Some seminarians whohave already graduated from thiscollege seminary are now studyingin the theological seminaries inCagayan de Oro, Cebu and Davao.God-willing, in the near future thediocese of Surigao will have priestswhom Bishop Cinches has dubbedas hinog sa punoan (fresh from thetrunk).

After PCP II, the diocese ofSurigao has implemented some pro-grams in her apostolates. One ofthe prominent programs was theimplementation of Basic EcclesialCommunities (BEC) in the parishes.Slowly the parishes moved towardsthe realization of the dreamed vision–mission as people of God bystrengthening the BECs. With theemergence of BECs as envisioned inthe diocesan synod, the diocese ofSurigao projected a different person-ality. From a passive community;now Surigao is an active, alive andthriving community of disciples.

The recent crises in all spheresof society did not exempt the dio-cese of Surigao. The diocese facesfinancial constraints. Problems andhardships haunt the journeying com-munity. Legal matters and concernsdemand close attention. Despitethese experiences, the diocesestruggles to move on. Financiallyhard up, the diocese is now imple-menting a uniform standard allow-ance for the diocesan clergy. Reshuf-fling of assignments is no longer aproblem because each priest re-ceives the same remuneration.Priests no longer have the specialpreference—for reasons of re-sources, perhaps—for bigger par-ishes to shepherd and work on. Butabove all the idea of responsibleshepherding is being lived and real-ized among those with assignedtasks. Generosity from the heart isone of the virtues that the Dioceseof Surigao lives on. Both clergy andlay faithful harmoniously live withsincere dedication on their assignedtasks. Thus, in the parishes projects

are supported and accomplishedthrough mutual cooperation by allmembers. The diocese of Surigao istrying to live Jesus’ model ofservanthood in our work apostolate,in the performance of our responsi-bilities and duties.

At present, the diocese is com-posed of 28 parishes and one quasi-parish. It is divided into five vicari-ates—three in the mainland and twoin the islands. San Nicolas deTolentino Vicariate has 7 parishesunder it, namely; San Nicolas deTolentino Cathedral, ImmaculateConception Parish (Nonoc), Virgendela Paz Y Buen Viaje Parish (Bilang-bilang), San Vicente Ferrer Parish(Sabang), St. John the BaptistParish (Ipil), St. Francis XavierParish (Anao-aon), and San IsidroLabrador Parish (Malimono). St.Augustine Vicariate has fourparishes and one quasi-parish,namely; Santissima Trinidad Parish(Placer), Our Lady of the Holy Ro-sary Parish (Bacuag), St. AugustineParish (Gigaquit), St. Peter ClaverParish (Claver), and Sta. Cruz Quasi-Parish, (Sta. Cruz). Sts. Peter andPaul Vicariate has five parishes,namely; Sts. Peter and Paul Parish(Sison), Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Par-ish (Taganaan), Sts. Peter and PaulParish (Tubod), San Nicolas deTolentino Parish (Mainit), and SanIsidro Labrador Parish (Alegria). OurLady of Mt. Carmel Vicariate is inSiargao Island, the famous surfingcapital of the Philippines. Under thisvicariate are the parishes of Our Ladyof Mt. Carmel (Del Carmen), Sta.Monica Parish (Sta. Monica), OurLady of the Pillar Parish (Pilar), Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parish (GeneralLuna), and Sto. Niño Parish (Dapa).The last vicariate is found in DinagatIsland—Immaculate ConceptionVicariate with six parishes, namely;Immaculate Conception Parish(Dinagat), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish(Cagdianao), San Antonio de PaduaParish (Libjo), San Isidro LabradorParish (Loreto), San Vicente FerrerParish (Tubajon) and San VicenteFerrer Parish (Rizal).

The diocese of Surigao contin-ues to journey with joyful heartsunfailingly trying to realize and liveits aspired vision and mission:

Vision “We the people of God of the

By Fr. Perfecto G. Ecat, DCS, JCL

the fourth bishop, Most Rev.Antonieto D. Cabajog, DD who isalso from Bohol, was appointed onApril 21, 2001 and installed on July24, 2001.

The original jurisdictional loca-tion covers the whole of Caraga re-gion which comprises Surigao delNorte, Surgiao del Sur (Tandag),Agusan del Norte and Agusan delSur. On March 20, 1967, Pope PaulVI decreed the separation of Agusanfrom the Diocese of Surigao and cre-ated as Diocese of Butuan. Msgr.Carmelo D.F. Morelos was appointedthe first Bishop of Butuan on April4, 1967 and was installed on July 10,1967. Then on June 16, 1978 the Dio-cese of Tandag (Surigao del Sur) wascreated as suffragan of Cagayan deOro with the first Bishop IreneoAmantillo, CSsR, DD, installed onNovember 7, 1978. The usual hugearea of the diocese of Surigao wasnow reduced into mainly the prov-ince of Surigao del Norte which com-prises the mainland Surigao del Norteand the two islands of Siargao andDinagat.

The Diocese of Surigao today

journeyed through thick and thinfacing the realities that mostly affectthe lives of people. It is not growingfast but it cannot be also branded asbehind the scene. The diocesanclergy is not that numerous. Reli-gious missionaries are still helpingthe local clergy in running some ofthe parishes in the diocese. The SVDmissionaries are running some par-ishes in Dinagat Island and one inthe mainland, the MSC missionariesare destined in some mainland par-ishes, OSM and CM missionaries areassigned in Dinagat parishes, andOSA missionaries in Socorro whichis part of Siargao Island.

The Diocese of Surigao isgraced with some facilities to helpthe evangelization mission of theChurch. There is the Pope JonhXXIII Pastoral Center located at VillaSan Miguel, Km. 2, Surigao City.Radio station DXSN AM Band hasbeen operating since 1971. Becauseof the separation of the Agusan ar-eas as Diocese of Butuan, the own-ership of St. Peter Seminary locatedin Ampayon, Butuan City, which for-merly belonged to the Diocese ofSurigao was transferred to the dio-cese of Butuan. The three diocesesof Butuan, Tandag and Surigao usu-ally share the same seminary in theformation of seminarians.

In the course of time, the dio-cese of Surigao, considering its scar-

Diocese of Surigao, true to our call-ing as followers of the Lord JesusChrist, aim to make the Church a liv-ing witness of God’s loving presenceby becoming a serving, evangeliz-ing, and worshipping community.”

MissionTo attain this vision, we commit

ourselves to follow the call of Christso that we become a community ofdisciples working in the vineyard ofthe Father. As such, inspired by theHoly Spirit, we resolve to:• Build and strengthen our Basic

Ecclesial Communities;• Revitalize Christian values in our

families with traditional culturalaffirmation;

• Promote an intensive re-evangeli-zation through witnessing of allwho belong to the Diocese;

• Involve actively the lay faithfulin all Church activities in partner-ship with the Clergy andsReligious;

• Support and intensify the pro-motion of priestly and religiousvocations;

• Act appropriately and decisivelyon the religious, political, andsocio-economic issues.

In all these, we endeavor toexercise and provide preferential lovefor the poor, culturally, economically,politically and spiritually, in oursearch for justice for all within theambit of the Gospel of Jesus, astaught by the Church.

We earnestly strive to faithfullyheed to the mandate or call of Christ,our Lord and Master, with Mary ourMother and model, and proclaimto others the good news of theKingdom.

Diocese of Surigao:

‘Serving, Evangelizing & Witnessing’

Most Rev. Antonieto Cabajog, DD, Bishopof Surigao

San Nicholas de Tolentino Cathedral, Surigao City

Bp. Cabajog with the clergy during the August 2006 Priests’ Assembly.

IMPORTANT FACTS

Name: Dioecesis SurigensisSuffragan of Cagayan de Oro

Population: 457,785Catholics: 353,764Area: 3,739 sq. kms.

Bishops: 2Priests:

Diocesan 28Religious Filipino 28 Foreign 2

Sisters: 58 Filipino 28

Foreign 2Seminarians:

Theology 9College 43Regents 3

Diocesan Divisions:Vicariates 5

Parishes 28Chaplaincy 1Entrusted to diocesan clergy 14Entrusted to religious 14

Educational Centers:High School 7Kindergarten 9

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

10 Feature

A KEY principle, I would even say,the key principle of Social Doctrineof the Church on the obligations ofChristians in our society today is theprinciple of preferential option forthe poor. The century of social doc-trine of the Church, from Pope LeoXIII’s Rerum Novarum (1891) toPope John II’s Centessimus Annus(1991), revea;s the consistent com-mitment and commandment of theChurch that the poor must be givenpreferential option. “This is an op-tion to which the whole tradition ofthe Church bears witness” (SRS 42).This option for the poor may be seenas a mark of the true Church.

God’s Option for the Poor. Theprimary source of this option for thepoor is God himself. When the Isra-elites were being oppressed and ex-ploited in Egupt, God tooktheir side,acted in their favor, identified him-self with them, and through Mosesled them in an Exodus out of theirslavery and poverty. But when theTwelve Tribes of Israel foughtamong themselves, to the disadvan-tage of the poor among them, Godagain was on the side of the poor.He sent prophets like Amos andMicah, Isaiah and Jeremiah to an-nounce God’s explosive message: Ifthey don’t repent from their infidel-ity, injustice and mistreatment of thepoor, he would bring cataclysmiccatastrophe of national proportion.(Isn’t that also a warning for us?)

Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel hadcompared Israel to Sodom andGomorrah (Is. 1/10-15; Ez 16/49-50)which were destroyed by fire andbrimstones because they stubbornlyrefused to share with the poor alongwith many other hideous crimes. Theresult was the Assyrian Exile of Is-rael and the Babylonian Exile ofJuda. Even if they were God’s people,God chastised them because of theirinfidelity to him and their oppressionof the poor. (Isn’t that also a lessonfor us?)

Jesus Christ in the Gospel is therevelation of the God. He is the hu-man face of the Father. “The Spiritof the Lord is upon me, because hehas anointed me to bring goodnewAs to the poor. He has sent meto proclaim release to the captivesand recovery of sight to the blind, tolet the oppressed go free, to proclaimthe year of the Lord’s favor” (Lk 4/18-19). Jesus Christ began startlinglynew social order. He proposed tohis disciples a vision not only of theKingdom, but also a vision of eco-

nomic relationship and economicequality through the sharing of a“common purse” (cf. Jo. 12/6; 13/29) whereby to help the poor. In thenew socio-economic and spiritualrelationship the disciples were to beboth liable for each other and avail-able to each other especially in diffi-cult times. In a parable, the Rich Man(Dives) was condemned to Gehenna(Hell) because he had no concern forthe beggar Lazarus (Lk 16/19-31).Jesus died for all without exception;but in his passion and death we canreflect his solidarity and identifica-tion with the victims of society.

The Gospel on economic shar-ing was picked up by St. Paul in hisletters. The “intra-Church” and “in-ter-Churches” collection which Paulconducted was to help the poor inthe communities of Christians as asign also of “one faith, one God, oneLord.” When the needs of the poorare looked after, there would be a fairbalance between one’s abundanceand another’s need. Extremes ofwealth and poverty, Paul tells theCorinthians, develop class divisionand are incompatible with the pro-fession of Eucharistic Koinonia andmembership in the Body of Christ.In the new social order, “nobody willbe so poor as to have nothing togive, or so rich as to have nothing toreceive” (PCP-II 98; cf. 1 Cor. 12/4-36; Eph. 4/7, 11-16). This lifestyle ormovement is founded on the beliefthat God alone is the absolute ownerof the universe and all it contains;that he rejects the extremes of wealthand poverty; that we are all stew-ards of this earth.

Option for the Poor in the So-cial Doctrine of the Church. Thereconstruction of society is basedon the recognition of mutual relation-ship and mutual dependence ofpeople, of rich and poor, of employerand employee, “in closest neighbor-liness and friendship” (RN 33). “Eachneeds the other completely: neithercapital can do without labor nor la-bor without capital” (RN 28). Theproper ordering of economic affairscannot be left “to free competitionalone” nor “to economic supremacyalone” but must be guided by theprinciples of social justice and char-ity (Quadragesimo Anno 1931). 94-95). The longed-for social recon-struction must be preceded by a pro-found level (QA 140; 146-147). It isabsurd to reconstruct a solid andfruitful temporal order prescindingfrom the supremacy of God (Mater

et Magistra 1961, 217) and ignoringthe centrality of man, who is thefoundation, cause and end of all so-cial institution (MM 219).

All attempts at reconstructingthe social order must be in the inter-est of peace. Peace is achieved onlywhen it is founded on truth, buildaccording to justice, vivified and in-tegrated by charity and put into prac-tice in the atmosphere of freedom(Pacem in Terris 1963, 167). The pro-motion of peace understandably isintimately linked with integral humandevelopment, the preferential optionfor the poor and the dynamics of jus-tice and love. This led Pope Paul VIto condemn global poverty and in-equality, and to state that “develop-ment is the new name for peace”(Populorum Progressio 1967, 76-77).

The 1971 Synod of Bishops inpublishing Justice In the World, de-cided to look upon the world andread Holy Scripture from the perspec-tive of the poor. It proclaimed therole of the Church thus: “The Churchhas the vocation to be present in theheart of the world by proclaiming theGood News to the poor, freedom tothe oppressed and joy to the af-flicted… Thus, action on behalf ofjustice and participation in the trans-formation of the world appear to usas a constitutive dimension of thepreaching of the Gospel, or, in otherwords, of the Church’s mission forthe redemption of the human raceand its liberation form every oppres-sive condition” (JIW Introd.). If poorrefers precisely to victims of injus-tice, therefore, option for the poor isin reality, not mystically nor meta-phorically, an option for the victimsof injustice.

Preferential option for the poorhas found expression in many state-ments of Pope John Paul II. InLaborem Exercens 1981, John PaulII states that justice demands thatthe organization of labor must treatworkers not as objects of produc-tion, not as an assembly of musclesand hands, but as subjects of pro-duction, as responsible agents mak-ing their creative contribution to theproductive enterprise (LE 6,7,12).Insisting on the priority of labor overcapital, Pope John Paul II adoptedthis position: that the ownership ofland and productive goods, whetherprivate or collective, has only con-ditional legitimacy, that is: “Theycannot be possessed against labor,they cannot even be possessed forpossession’s sake, because the onlylegitimate title to their possession—whether in the form of private own-ership or in the form of public or col-lective ownership—is that it shouldserve labor” (LE 14). In SollicitudoRei Socialis 1987, John Paul II putsoption for the poor on a world-wideperspective: “This love of prefer-ence for the poor cannot but embracethe immense multitudes of the hun-gry, the needy, the homeless, thosewithout medical care and, above all,those without hope of a better fu-ture. To ignore these realities wouldmean becoming like the ‘rich man’who pretended not to know the beg-gar Lazarus lying at his gate” (Lk 16/19-31; SRS 42).

In Centesimus Annus 1991, JohnPaul ii reaffirms the principles ofCatholic Social Doctrine over one

Preferential Option for the PoorBy Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, DD

hundred years after Leo XIII’s Re-rum Novarum. There the Popestates that Catholic Social Doctrineis marked with “preferential optionfor the poor, which is never exclu-sive or discriminatory towards othergroups” (CA 57). Neither Marxist-Communism nor Radical Capitalism,with their respective ideology ofthe market system and culture ofconsumerism, are capable or reform-ing society and liberating the poor(CA 40-42).

What then does the Churchpresent to define her preferentialoption for the poor? “The Churchhas no models to present; modelsthat are real and truly effective canonly rise within the framework of dif-ferent historical situations, throughthe efforts of all those who respon-sibly confront concrete problems inall their social, economic, politicaland cultural aspects, as these inter-act with one another” (CA 43; GS36). For such a task the Church infact has been offering her socialteaching at different times of our his-tory. Each Social Encyclical is a re-sponse, an orientation, to the emerg-ing “signs of the times.”

Church of the Poor. That iswhat different Episcopal Conferenceshave done looking at their respec-tive worlds as they read ad apply the

social doctrine of the Church. LatinAmerican bishops gathered atMedellin in 1968 and at Puebla in1979, the Canadian Bishops in1983, the North American Bishopsin 1986, and our own PhilippineBishops in 1991 Second PlenaryCouncil of the Philippines, have alllooked at their worlds, the sacredscripture and the social doctrineof the Church and articulated theirrespective “preferential option forthe Poor.”

The PCP-II describes at lengthhow in the Philippines today, theChruch can be a “Church of thePoor.” This means a Church that (a)embraces and practices the spirit ofevangelical poverty combined withprofound trust in the Lord; (b) showsa love of preference for the poor, theoppressed and marginalized; (c)does not discriminate against thepoor, but vindicates their rights; (d)give preferential attention and timeto the poor; (e) has pastors and lead-ers who will learn to be with, workwith, and learn from the poor; (f) notonly evangelizes the poor, but alsorecognizes that the poor will them-selves become evangelizers; (g) andfinally, a church that orients and tiltsthe center of gravity of the entirecommunity in favor of the needy(cf. PCP-II 125-136; CFC 1418).

Faith and Fire / from p7

peaceful. Our asking you to honorour crystal anniversary with yourpresence, is our way of letting youknow and letting all others know thatPPCRV is putting our trust inCOMELEC, in all its men and womenfrom bottom to top, especially itsleaders, Chairman Abalos, Com.Borra, Com. Tuason, Com. Brawner,Com. Sarmiento and Com. Ferrer thatthe May 2007 election will be clean,honest, credible and peaceful. And

Love Life / from p6Since the sexual revolution

that started in the 60’s, pornographyhas escalated, as well as prostitution,premarital sex, adultery, andhomosexuality. Contraception isproposed as the solution to avoid-ing the side effects of these sexualimmoralities.

As children grow up knowingthat their parents have decided whoshould be born and not born, eutha-nasia is just around the corner. Thechildren decide when and how theirparent should die, as they are nowthe burden. Mother Theresa ofCalcutta once said, “Abortion is thegreatest destroyer of peace in theworld today. If a mother is allowedto kill her child, what will stop usfrom killing one another?”

This culture of death has seepedinto our society that there are nowBills in congress precisely to legal-ize DEATH: Divorce, Euthanasia andAbortion, Total fertility control, andHomosexual unions or marriages.

The challenge to each one of usis LIFE.

Learning to love and live life ofdignity and respect for all persons,no matter what age, color, sex, socialstatus, or religion.

Information dissemination,using all means to promote a cultureof life wherever we are—in theschoolroom, in your home, in yourchurch or in the street. Be critical ofmedia and use it to promote our God-

given beliefs in preserving the family.Fidelity to your church Teach-

ings, to truth, honesty and generos-ity and courage.

Extend help to those in need.The woman in pregnancy crisis, thecouples needing our timely adviceor referral to marriage counselors,to each and every child that Godsends to us. Let us continue toemphasize Natural Family Planningin our programs—the answer tothe couples’ need for achieving,limiting or spacing. Natural FamilyPlanning, if taught properly andwith values, enhance marriage andfamily life while helping the spousebecome more mature, generous andresponsible.

Each of us can, in our own way,reach out to the immediate need ofour brothers and sisters by ourattentiveness and alertness to theirneeds. No one should be turnedaway by our church just because wedo not have program in place. It willmean extra time and effort and evenfinances on our part but if there aremany of us, then the burden will belighter.

“I have come that you may havelife—life in abundance.” (John 10:10).Let us claim this birthright andsay, Mabuhay sa ating lahat. CallPro-life Office for more informationor to refer people needing coun-seling: 911-2911. My personal# 0919-2030-637

like our prayer to the Lord, we say:We trust in you, do not let us be con-founded.

I was reading an article aboutmodern political culture. It says oneneeds only 3 things to be success-ful in politics: strong political con-nections, strong political connec-tions, strong political connections. Itgoes on to say one needs only 3 thingsto be successful in elections: money,money, money.

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

11Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Social Concern

By Msgr. Melito Oso

CATECHISM ON THE CHURCHAND POLITICS

November is Social Concerns Month for JaroTHE primary reason, besides the“failure of political processes to makepublic servants accountable forwrongdoings” and the reality ofpoverty as the “heaviest burden ourpeople bear”, for declaring 2006 as“social concerns” year is the locallyrecently printed Compendium of theSocial Doctrine of the Church. TheBishops want every believer in thiscountry to be familiar with the so-cial teachings of the Church. It isnot only a question of knowing butalso a question of internalizing andacting upon the social teachings ofthe Church.

In response to this declarationby CBCP, His Grace, Angel N.Lagdameo came out with a circularletter where among others, Novem-ber was declared as “Social Con-cerns Month” for the Archdioceseof Jaro, beginning this year onward.“Our Archdiocesan celebration inNovember 17-19, in those days ev-ery year thereafter, could have as oneof the highlights our response tosocial concerns that affect especiallythe poor in the Archdiocese. Wehave to concretize what PCP-II talksabout “the new way of beingChurch” and “being Church of andfor the poor” (Circular Letter No. 157/09/2006, on “CELEBRATING THE‘SOCIAL CONCERNS YEAR’”).

Why November?Because the feast of St. Eliza-

beth of Hungary, the patroness ofthe Archdiocese, falls on 17 Novem-ber. St. Elizabeth of Hungary is alsoknown for her great concern for thepoor. It is hoped that the great con-cern of Elizabeth for the poor will alsobecome the great concern of the lo-cal Church of Jaro, especially of theclergy, for the poor.

In addition to declaring themonth of November as “social con-

cerns month” for the Archdiocesestarting this year, the following activi-ties highlight the celebration of the“Social Concerns Year”: 1) Launch-ing of the Compendium of the SocialDoctrine of the Church among theclergy, religious, and religious educa-tion teachers. 2) Establishing of vi-able and sustainable program to pro-mote human development, justice andpeace in society (some doableprojects are scholarship program forthe poor, feeding project for malnour-ished children, concerns for farmersand the promotion of sustainable ag-riculture and the IRA watch advo-cacy). 3) Translation of the Compen-dium of the Social Doctrine of theChurch into Hiligaynon. 4) Intensifi-cation of project S.H.E.E.F. (whichstands for Shelter, Health, Education,Employment and Food). 5) Final pos-session of all project partners of theJubilee Gawad Kalinga homes by No-vember 17. 6) Opening of anotherGawad Kalinga Village. 7) Expansionof the “Bugasan sa Parokya” project.8) Opening of at least 10 “Botika saParokya”. 8) Initiation of “job gen-eration” project. 9) Corruption Preven-tion Advocacy in place in at least fiveparishes.

The first “Social ConcernsMonth” will start on 6 November andend on 2 December 2006.

The launching of the first “socialconcerns month” will begin with theEucharistic celebration on 6 Novem-ber at the Jaro Cathedral to be presidedby His Grace Angel N. Lagdameo. Itwill be followed by a symposium oncharter change where AmbassadorHenrietta de Villa and formerCOMELEC Chairperson ChristianMonsod will explain the stand ofPPCRV and ‘One Voice” respectively.A “poor man’s banquet” will follow thesymposium and the opening of exhib-

its of the Jaro Archdiocesan SocialAction Center at Pius XII Institute.

From 7-11 November there willbe training on foot therapy at PiusXII Institute. Everyone is invited tojoin this training. We especially en-courage the parishioners of Jaro Ca-thedral to join this training for wehope to establish a healing ministryin the parish. While we serve in thehealing ministry we also hope to gaina little income through the donationsof people who would come fortherapy.

From 13-17 November the Arch-diocese will celebrate the third ses-sion of the third synod of the Arch-diocese where the life and missionof the “commission on social con-cerns” would be discussed.

From 20-25 November there willbe training on garment making. Train-ers from the West Visayas Collegeof Science and Technology will fa-cilitate the training. With this train-ing we hope to establish a garmententerprise and give jobs to joblesselementary and high school gradu-ates of the parish. This is our firstattempt to give work to those whohave no work.

From 27 November to 1 Decem-ber there will be training on candlemaking. We have requested D.O.S.T.to help us in this training. This en-deavor is expected to generate jobsfor those who have not reached col-lege. We hope to capture the marketof the famous “candelaria candles”.

In the closing ceremonies we willhave “lugaw for cause” fund drive,the proceeds of which will finance ourfeeding program for our malnourishedchildren. We will also give recogni-tion to the deserving volunteers ofthe Jaro Archdiocesan Social ActionCenter. At the same time we will alsolaunch the “LATA KABALAKA”.

“LATA KABALAKA” is asimple attempt to impress on theminds of all believers that concernfor the brother/sister in need is anessential component of Christiandiscipleship. Concern for thebrother/sister in need is not just anact that we do now or occasionallybut should define the lifestyle of theChristian disciple. Christian dis-cipleship is not complete and willnever be sincere and genuine with-out concern for the brother and sis-ter in need.

This is what Benedict XVI issaying in Deus Caritas Est: “TheChurch’s deepest nature is ex-pressed in her three-fold responsi-bility: of proclaiming the word ofGod (kerygma-martyria), celebrat-ing the sacraments (leitourgia), andexer-cising the ministry of charity(diakonia). These duties presup-pose each other and are inseparable.For the Church charity is not a kindof welfare activity, which couldequally well be left to others, but isa part of her nature, an indispens-

able expression of her being” (#25).The Holy Father continues:

“The church is God’s family in theworld. In this family no one ought togo without the necessities of life. Yetat the same time caritas-agape ex-tends beyond the frontiers of theChurch. The parable of the GoodSamaritan remains as a standard,which imposes universal lovetowards the needy whom we en-counter “by chance” (cf. Lk. 10: 31),whoever they may be” (#25).

“LATA” is a tin can, that we willentrust to every believer to remindthem of their “ministry of charity.”The “LATA” can be as small as themilk can or as big as the big can ofthe assorted biscuits, where our“SCRAPS” (Lk.16: 21) symbolizedbest by our loose coins or“SENSILYO” in Hiligaynon, maybe saved and brought to the officeof the Jaro Archdiocesan SocialAction Center when already full,and be brought home again toremind us again and again of our“ministry of charity”.

How does the Church fulfill itsmission on renewing or evangeliz-ing politics?

a) by catechesis or Christianeducation in politics in order toevangelize our political culturewhich is characterized by a separa-tion between faith and politics;

b) by issuing guidelines onproperly choosing political officials,so that the people may have a prop-erly formed conscience in their elec-toral choices;

c) by helping keep electionshonest, clean, peaceful, and orderlythrough various church organiza-tions, cooperating with non- gov-ernment organizations;

d) by pushing for structuralchanges as a goal of pastoral ac-tion in the political field, such asurging for reforms in the electoralprocesses in order to avoid delaysand ensure integrity throughout the

entire electoral process from voting,to counting, to reporting, and finallyto proclaiming the winners;

e) by political advocacy such aslobbying for legislation that promotethe common good and against billsthat promote the vested interests ofthe few;

f) by getting involved in a move-ment of civil society (civic organiza-tions, peoples’ organizations, non-government organizations, associa-tions of lay people and religious,school associations, etc.) to change

politics for the better;g) by organizing her own net-

work of parishes and organizations,pastoral and social centers, etc.,such as NASSA VOTE-CARE andPPC-RV, to help keep elections clean,honest, peaceful and orderly.

h) by the living witness of allthe Catholic faithful to Christ and to thevalues of the Gospel. This is the mostimportant contribution of the Church tothe evangelization of politics.PART IV: PHILIPPINE POLITICS:SITUATION AND RENEWAL

Why has the Church been soactively involved in politics in thePhilippines?

The main reason, the Bishopsthemselves said, is the followingfact: “Philippine politics—the wayit is practiced—has been the mosthurtful of us as a people. It is possi-bly the biggest bane in our life as anation and the most pernicious ob-stacle to our achieving full develop-ment” (PEPP, 7). PCP-II summed upour kind of politics in this way: “Per-haps an even more fundamentalaspect of our kahirapan is that po-verty and inequality joined to the ab-sence of reliable social services seemto be part of a self-perpetuatingsocial system and political culture”(PCP-II Appendix 1, pp. 278-79)

What are some of the negativefeatures our political culture?

Negatively, Philippine politicsis often described as basically“patronage politics”, “a politics ofpersonalities” and a “politics ofpay-off.”PCP-II summarily des-cribed our politics in the followingway: “Power and control are alsoelitist, lopsidedly concentrated onestablished families that tend toperpetuate themselves in politicaldynasties” (PCP-II, 24).

What is meant by “patronagepolitics”?

Deriving from the feudal sys-tem of master and servant, the poli-tics of patronage considers the re-lationship between public officialand ordinary citizen as that of pa-tron (master) and client (servant).Rewards or benefits are distributedaccording to the loyalty of clientsto their patrons. Clients or votersdepend on their patrons or publicofficials for every developmentproject or assistance, and solutionsto community problems. Rewardsor development projects are distrib-uted, then, on the basis not of jus-tice due to people but on the basisof the government official’s “kind-ness” and the loyalty of the peopleto the public official. Thus politicalleaders and followers who showsupport are rewarded with projects,money or jobs. Dependence andsubservience, passivity and inac-tion on the part of citizens is char-acteristic of such a system. This ac-counts for the lack of viable politi-cal organizations among the pooron the one hand and the concen-tration of power in the hands of thefew on the other. In addition be-cause political positions are treatedlike feudal properties, public fundsare used by some officials as theirown, for personal or family inter-ests. In fact a political office is of-ten treated as some sort of a feudaltitle to be passed on from one gen-eration to another. This is at thebasis of so called “family dynas-ties.”To be continued next issue.

(Editor’s Note: The CBCP’s declarationof 2006 as Year of Social Concernshas veritably brought to fore onceagain the burning question of theChurch’s engagement in politics asbeing part of the Church’s social con-cern agenda. CBCP Monitor is serializ-ing the following document issued bythe CBCP in 1998 with such end ofproviding a catechetical perspectiveto the continuing discourse.)

(A Continuation from last issue)

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

12 Statements

WE, the CABUSTAM (Cagayan, Bukidnon, Surigao, Tandag,Malaybalay) cluster of the Philippine-Misereor Partnership, acoalition of Church, non-government organizations andpeople’s organizations from different parts of the region, unitedin our commitment to uphold our people’s interest and welfareamid present conditions of adversities to oppose the entry ofmultinational and transnational mining in the nation.

The entry of transnational corporation in the region led tothe destruction of forest, agricultural lands, rivers, and depri-vation of natural resources.

Realizing the massive mining operation resulted to the dis-ruption and displacement of indigenous peoples communitiesand peasants, depriving them of their right to life and land;

Understanding that the Philippine Mining Act as a schemeof the national government spells wholesale surrender of ournatural resources to foreign companies;

Believing that large-scale mining desecrates the integrity ofGod’s creation and tramples upon the dignity of human persons;

We hereby:Uphold the community resistance against mining;Condemn the practice of mining for plundering our natural

resources for profit, without holding responsibility to indem-nify and rehabilitate the communities and environment;

Support the communities in their need to be vigilant inopposing the entry of foreign mining;

Support the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of thePhilippine’s Statement of Concern on large-scale mining.

We support the call of Tubay Community in Agusan delNorte• The area is landslide prone and therefore an environment

critical area as declared by DENR, watershed area by theLake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA), Bird Sanctu-ary by the LGU of Tubay, ADB reforestation area, Commu-nity Based Resource Management Project (CBRMP) and Com-munity Based Forest Management Project (CBMP) ofPeople’s Organizations;

Archdiocese of San FernandoCity of San Fernando, Pampanga

BISHOP Alberto Ramento is afaithful representative of theGood Shepherd who came toserve and not to be served(Mt. 20:28). His pastoral min-istry was totally acceptable tothe Lord for he laid down hislife for his flock. (Jo. 15:13). Asa good bishop, BishopRamento “poured out his lifeas an offering on the altar offaith” (Phil. 2:17) in leading,teaching, protecting and nour-ishing his people.

To survive as a nation, we must choose the culture oflife, the civilization of love and promote the ways of peace,justice and solidarity with the poor of Christ.

We appeal to those responsible for the death of BishopRamento to stop all senseless killings in our country. Wecall on the authorities concerned to bring to the bar ofjustice those responsible for the death of this advocate ofthe poor workers and marginalized communities of CentralLuzon.

Like Pope Benedict XVI, we reiterate the Church’sstand that the real path to peace is fraternal dialogue whichrespects each other’s dignity, rights and concern for thecommon good.

+PACIANO B. ANICETO, DD Archbishop of San Fernando+PABLO S. DAVID, DD Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando+ROBERTO C. MALLARI, DD Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando

Against the Mining Act of 1995: Caraga Forum on MiningButuan City, October 12, 2006

• Violations of R.A. 7076 (Small-scale Mining Act. The three (3)mining companies are not qualified for they are not naturalperson or cooperative as required by the said law;

• That the mining activity in Tubay be stopped for the miningcompanies applied for small-scale mining activities but arepresently and continuing to engage in large-scale miningactivities;

• That the area is not declared by the DENR Secretary as suit-able for small-scale mining area;

• The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Tubay fast-tracked the en-dorsement of the three (3) companies. The committee chairfailed to recommend for a meeting/hearing for purposes ofconstruction.

We therefore unite on the following calls:• Cancel all Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements,

and other related contracts and permits on mining explora-tions and operations;

• Hold mining companies accountable for rehabilitation of ar-eas ravaged by their operations;

• Recognize and respect the rights of indigenous peoples toancestral domain and to self-determination;

• Assert the sovereignty of the Filipino people against imperi-alist globalization and plunder;

• Uphold the future of our generation and generations to come.

Signed this 12th day of October during the CABUSTAMcluster meeting, at Urios University, Butuan City.

+ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro +JUAN DE DIOS PUEBLOS, DD Bishop of Butuan+NERIO P. ODCHIMAR, DD, Bishop of Tandag+ZACHARIAS C. JIMENEZ Auxiliary Bishop of Butuan

MINAMAHAL kong mgaKapatid,

Kapayapaan at pagpa-pala ng Panginoon!

Nakapagtataka ang na-isipang solusyon ng pama-halaan laban sa Jueteng.Noon, puspusan ang kam-panya ng pamahalaan upangipatigil ang Jueteng. Angsugal na ito ay naging dahilanng malaking eskandalo sapinakamataas na sangay ngpamahalaan. Dahil ditto,nakaroon ng People Powernoon 2001 at pinababa sapuwesto ang dating Pa-ngulong Joseph Estrada.Sinikap ng mga local napamahalaan na pawiin angsugal na ito sa bawat mu-nisipyo. Nagpapirma ang PNPmula sa mga Kura Paroko atiba pang concerned citizensupang patunayan na walangJueteng sa kanilang nasa-sakupan. Kanilang ipinag-mamalaki ang isang bayankapag certified itong “juetengfree” at naging batayan ngkanilang promosyon. Nai-patigil ito sa iilang lugarsubalit hindi lubusan.

Subalit ngayon, upanglubusang ipatigil ang sugal naito, naisipan ng pamahalaanna magpasimula ng pani-bagong sugal na pama-mahalaan ng Philippine

Charity Sweepstakes Office.Ibig sabihin, talagang maybasbas ng pamahalaan angbagong sugal na ito. At itoang hindi natin maunawaan:nagpasimula sila ng bagonglegal na sugal upang matigilang matandang illegal nasugal!

Dahil sa pagbibigay ngbasbas ng pamahalaan saSmall Town Lottery, sumuboksilang mag-operate sa ilangprobinsya. Ang Quezon angisa sa mga probinsyangkanilang pinili upang subukanang perasyon ng STL. AngPiroutte Corporation angbinigyan ng pamahalaangpanlalawigan ng lisensyaupang mag-test run ng STLdito sa Quezon. Ang may-aring Piroutte Corporation assiya ring nag-ooperate ngjueteng sa ating lalawigan!

Bilang inyong Obispo ngPrelatura ng Infanta, ako aynananawagan sa inyonglahat na tutulan natin angoperasyon ng anumang sugalsa ating mga bayan—legalman o illegal. Higit natinbiyang-diin ang kahalagahanng pagsisikap at pagtitiyagasa ating paghahanap-buhaysa halip na sa buhay na“sapalaran” o “baka sakali”.Ang kaunlaran ng atin mgamamamayan na dapat ita-guyod ng ating pamahalaanay kaunlarang nagbibigay-diin sa pagsisikap sa gawain,hindi pakikipagsapalaran.Dapat magtaguyod ang pa-mahalaan ng maraminggawaing pagkakakitaan saating bansa at mga bayan.Maling pangako o pangarapsa buhay ang ibinibigay ngsugal. Huwag nating hiayatinang ating mamamayan naisugal o ipakipagsapalaranang maliit nilang kinikita.

Batid nating ang mentalidadng isang sugarol ay ganito:“baka-sakali”—ang kanilanginilaan para sana sa panga-ngailangan ng pamilya aykanila pang ipakikipag-sapalaran…baka sakali!

Karaniwan ang pag-babaka-sakali sa sugal ayhumahantong sa pagkatalo.Ang salaping sana’y pinaki-nabangan ng pamilya aynapupunta sa mga maya-yamang operators. Walangpakinabang ang ating bayansa paglikom ng ating mgabarya; inilalabas nila ito atdinadala sa ibang lugar sahalip na magpaikot ng atingkabuhayan.

Ang sugal ay naka-pagbabago ng personalidad.Ito ay nakaka-adict. Nag-bibigay ito ng kaisipang bakamananalo na ako sa susunod,baka mananalo na ako sasusunod, … hangang hindina niya ito mapigilan. Dahildito, nagdadala ito ng pag-hahangad na magkaroon ngpera…kahit sa anong paraan.Sa isang bayan na maramingnagsusugal, dumarami dinang mga pangyayari ng mgakrimen at pagnanakaw. Batidnating marami ang naga-gawang kasamaan ang labisna paghahangad ng salapi.

Marami tayong maga-gandang ugali at pagpa-pahalaga na nasisira dahilsa sugal: ang kasipagan sapaghahanap-buhay, ang pag-titiyaga sa gawain, ang pag-titipon nga maliliit natingkinikita, ang paglalaan ng perasa pamilya at mahal sa buhay,ang pagiging kontento at maypusong nagpapasalamat samga maliliit na biyaya natingtinatanggap mula sa Diyos.Ang mga ito ay mga katangianng mga Pilipino na hindi dapat

mawala.Ako’y nananawagan sa

ating pamahalaan na pag-isipang muli ang oryentasyonat direksyon ng kaunlaranghinahangad nito para sa atingmamamayan. Ang kaunlaranay hindi masusukat lamang sadami ng pera. Ang kaularanng ating pagkatao ay maysukatan pang moral atespiritwal. Hindi komo ginawaninyong legal ang STL aymatatawag na itong moral or na-kabubuti sa ating mamamayan.

Ako’y umaasa na angating kababayang nasanay saganitong buhay ay maka-tatagpo ng matatag na hanap-buhay na hindi nakadependesa sugal. Linangin natin atgamitin ang ating likas atangking katangian na mag-bibigay-dangal sa ating pag-katao at magpapakita ngmagaganda nating ugali.

Nananawagan ako sanakararami nating mgamamamayan: nakasalalaypo sa ating pagkilos kungmagpapatuloy ang panu-kalang ito ng pamahalaan.Himukin natin ang ating mgalocal na opisyal ng bayan nahuwag nang ituloy ang test-run at operation ng STL saating mga pamayanan. Pa-yuhan at gabayan natin silatungkol sa pangmalawakan atpangmatagalang masamangepekto ng sugal sa atingsambayanan. Ipakita natin sakanila ang dahilan ng atingpagtutol. Ipanalangin natinsila upang ang kanilang mgapagdedesisyon ay naaayonsa tamang direksyon ng tunayna kaunlaran ng ating pagkatao.

Pagpalain nawa kayo ngPanginoon!

+OBISPO ROLANDO J. TRIATIRONA, OCD, DD

Liham Pampastoral Laban sa Small Town Lottery(STL) at Jueteng Sa Prelatura ng Infanta

RELIGIOUS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Women–Justice and Peace and Integrityof Creation Mindanao Network

“Our commitment to reconciliation demands that wepromote justice and peace in a world disturbed by sinand conflict. In our ministry, we collaborate to helpbring about change in whatever condemns others tolive a marginalized life.” (Art 6, Constitutions andStatutes of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd)

LIVING the charism and spiritof the Good Shepherd Con-gregation in a life of silenceand contemplation, theContemplatives of the GoodShepherd have been living alife of peaceful existence since1993 in Butuan City. The peacewas shattered and violated inthe evening of November 1,2006. A little before 9’oclockin the evening, without per-mission and without properinformation, armed policemenforced entry into their pre-mises and right into theircloistered convent. Aroundseven men, three of whomwere in uniform went into theconvent and conducted asearch intruding even intotheir cloister while severalothers remained outside butwithin the premises. Experi-encing this kind of situationfor the first time, fearful andtrembling, the sisters did notknow what to do. It was ashock for them, to see police-men who are supposed to bethe law enforcers right in theirconvent, disturbing their pri-vacy, conducting an illegalsearch for something or forsomeone they have no knowl-edge of. Accordingly, from theconvent of theContemplatives of the GoodShepherd, the same group ofpolicemen attempted entry atthe convent of the Mission-ary Sisters of Mary. They alsoconducted a search at the SanLorenzo Ruiz Pastoral Center,also located within the vicin-ity of Baan, Butuan City.

The Religious of theGood Shepherd, Women-Jus-

tice and Peace and Integrityof Creation (RGS, W-JPIC)Mindanao Network de-nounces and condemns theintrusion and illegal searchdone by the Philippine Na-tional Police of Butuan Cityunder the command of Colo-nel Wilfredo Reyes. We callfor an investigation and for theperpetrators to be brought tojustice. We are greatly dis-turbed by the abuse of author-ity shown by our law enforc-ers. We strongly condemn theintimidation and harassmentdone to our contemplative sis-ters, to other religious, churchpeople and members ofpeoples’ organizations whoare advocating for humanrights. Unlike Job who cried“Even when I cry out, ‘Vio-lence!’ I am not answered. Icall aloud, but there is no jus-tice.” (Job 19:7), we demandthat justice be done. We callon our law enforcers to upholdand respect the rights of indi-viduals and not to be abusersof the law. We demand ourgovernment officials to be ac-countable and responsible forthe rampant abuses and vio-lations being committed bypeople in authority.

Uphold the law and re-spect human rights! Stop in-timidation and harassment ofChurch people and membersof the People’s organizations!

Reference: SR. MARIA ALI-CIA S. ANDRES, RGSChairperson, RGS, W-JPICMindanao NetworkNovember 2, 2006Contact # 09216561782

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

13Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 Statements

Tidbits/from p6But that is who thepriest really is. At leastthat is how the Magis-terium described himwhen it said:“Thepriest finds the fulltruth of his identity inbeing a derivation, aspecific participationin and continuationof Christ himself, theone high priest of thenew and eternal cov-enant. The priest is aliving and transparentimage of Christ thepriest” (n. 12).

In my ministry asbishop of the Dio-cese of Borongan, Ihave many timesbeen shamed by mylack of belief on thisteaching of theChurch regarding thereality of the charismwhich every priestpossesses. I placedmore weight on thenatural endowment ofthe priest than thespiritual power thathe receives from theHoly Spirit. A case atissue happened re-cently. This occurredwhen some individu-als from a barangayparish in the south-ern part of my dio-cese came one day tomy office with re-ports, complainingthat their parish priestdoes not know how topreach, that he goeson and on rambling inhis homily with notopic being covered,that he is wasting theirtime. The reportedparish priest is a verygood minister of God,humble, plain, simple,dedicated to the workin the parish. And soI was taken aback atthe report. But thecomplaint was thereand I had to do some-thing about it. Andso I called the priest,asked him about theissue at hand and lis-

tened to his accounts.I then instructed himto always prepare hishomilies, have themwritten, and read themfrom the ambo duringthe Holy Mass onSundays. The priest,obedient that he was,obliged. He wrote hishomilies religiouslyand read them to thecongregation as in-structed. It went onfor a month or twoand I thought every-thing went on all rightwith my order. I soonforgot about thewhole thing whenone day the parishio-ners of the said pas-tor came in flock tome, pleading that Iwould remand my in-struction regardingthe written and readhomilies of their pas-tor on Sunday Masscelebration. They saidhis prepared and writ-ten homilies lackedthe life that is neededto support them intheir day to day life asChristians; that hishomilies before the in-struction had beenmuch better, inspiringthat is, and full of life;that they had touchedthe very core of theirbeing, live words of apastor who knows hispeople. Yes, I soon re-alized that homily islife: that his life was hishomily and his homilywas his life. I have totake back my instruc-tion, to my chagrin.

The parish thatthe pastor occupies isnot just a human in-stitution, a man-madeorganizational struc-ture created by theChurch for the sys-tematic and efficientshepherding of theparishioners. Theparish is first and fore-most the creation ofthe Holy Spirit. Its

composition, organi-zational set-up, of-fices, the visions andmissions, the pro-gram of activities, maylook like an ordinaryhuman organizationalsystem but at closerscrutiny it containspowerful spiritual el-ements needed for acommunity to be builtup as the new Peopleof God in the locality.These are the Peoplewho are called by theWord of God, sancti-fied by the sacraments,brought together asone around the cel-ebration of the HolyEucharist, and servedby the parish priest.

That is why theChurch normally doesnot entrust the parishto anybody except toa priest whose ordina-tion made him a pneu-matic person, a manpossessed with thecharism of a spiritualleader. In exceptionalcases, as in the scar-city of priests, whensome parish activitiesare entrusted to per-sons who are notpriests, the bishopmust appoint a priestwho directs the pas-toral care with thepower of the pastor.The parish is trulyconceived by theChurch as the centerof spirituality andChristian living in agiven locality.

The parish priestby the fact that he isordained is himselfimbued with the spiri-tuality needed for thetask of taking care ofthe souls in the area.Through ordinationhe is configured toChrist as the teacher,pastor and moulder ofsaints. Canon 1008 ofthe CIC in broad linespaints the priest in thismanner: “By divine

institution someamong Christ’s faith-ful, are, through thesacrament of Orders,marked with an indel-ible character and arethus constituted sa-cred ministers; therebythey are consecratedand deputed so that,each according to hisown grade, they fulfill,in the person of Christthe Head, the officesof teaching, sanctify-ing and ruling, andso they nourish thepeople of God.”

That the bishopappoints the priest tobe a pastor of a cer-tain parish impliesthat the priest pos-sesses the qualitiesneeded for pasturingthe flock. The Churchis particular on this.Hence, the provisionin the Code specifiesthat the parish priestmust “be outstandingin sound doctrine anduprightness of char-acter, endowed withzeal for souls andother virtues, andpossessed of thosequalities which byuniversal or particularLaw are required forthe care of the parishin question” (cf. Can.521, § 2).

Consequently ,the parish priest isnot just an institu-tional leader. He is atruly charismaticleader, one who pos-sesses powers andcompe-tences for theproper exercise of thethreefold function ofsanctifying, teachingand governing thebaptized individualsin a fixed locality,welding them to-gether and formingthem into a commu-nity of believerscalled the parish.That is the mystiqueof the parish priest.

THE CBCP welcomes with joy and apprecia-tion the decision of the Supreme Court. Witha very interesting vote of 8-7, the SupremeCourt has spoken: No to People’s Initiativeas has been conducted by Sigaw ng Bayanand ULAP. As declared earlier byMalacañang and the leadership of Congress,that decision eagerly awaited must be re-spected. Let it be so. Congratulations to theSupreme Court for standing free and inde-pendent despite external and expensive pres-sures.

From the beginning, since January thisyear, the CBCP in several Pastoral Statementshad expressed doubts on the People’s Ini-tiative on account of the haste in the pro-cess and alleged deception or manipulationin securing 6.3 million signatures. From themoral standpoint, we should not on that ac-count put the fate of more than 80 millionpeople on such signatures. And so weprayed.

We have reasons likewise to doubt theprocess whereby some from the House ofRepresentatives plan to convert itself into aConstituent Assembly. Please pardon theterm, but Charter Change by Congress con-verted into a Constituent Assembly will haveall the appearance of “self-service” and“lutong makao.” We will pray against that.

If Charter Change is really necessary, ifa shift from the presidential to parliamentaryform of government is really necessary, theCBCP had been recommending Constitu-tional Convention whose membership shall

be elected democratically. We hope to get init the respectable and acknowledged legalluminaries of the country together withpeople of integrity in civilian society. If we can-not stop the train of Charter Change, we sug-gest that we change the tract of this train toConstitutional Convention. We will pray for it.

What are the reasons given why we needto change the presidential system of govern-ment? Inefficiency of the system to bringprogress and modernity, graft and corruption,economic poverty, social injustices, hunger,homelessness, illiteracy, unemployment ofmillions of our people. We must rememberthat the above reasons cannot be committedby the system of government nor by thepresent Constitution as such. It is peoplewho cause them. If they will stop committingthem, these problems will be solved, evenbefore we change the constitution and shiftto parliamentary system.

Neither the Constitution of the Land norany form of government will work miracle forthe good of the people, but the people whorun all the institutions of government throughhonest work. Any system of government,Presidential or Parliamentary or Monarchy,will be good if the leaders in it are servant-leaders, men of credible integrity and trans-parent accountability.

+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DDArchbishop of JaroPresident, CBCPOctober 26, 2006

PRESS STATEMENT

CBCP Welcomes Supreme Court Decision

Muslims, is in furtherance of the vision of in-ter-cultural and inter-religious understanding.We are encouraged by the knowledge thatthese dialogues have also gone to support thepromotion of social justice, moral welfare andmutual benefit.

On the occasion of the end of Ramadanand the celebration of the holiday of Id al-Fitr ,we pray that the Almighty will bless our com-mon efforts for the good especially of the poorin our country.

+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DDArchbishop of JaroPresident, CBCPOctober 23, 2006

A Hotel-Casino is being established at theformer “Soundstage” building beside the Sta.Lucia Mall and near Robinson’s East Mall atthe corner of Felix Avenue and Marcos High-way in Cainta, Rizal.

We are protesting against this casino,which will surely bring great harm to our peoplehere in the province of Rizal. Gambling in itselfis not immoral. It becomes morally unaccept-able when it deprives someone of what is nec-essary to provide for his needs and those ofhis dependents. It is also immoral when it be-comes an addiction. Gambling also promoteslaziness. It encourages dependence on luckrather than on hard work in order to improveone’s situation in life. These factors that makegambling immoral are present in casinos.

Businesses have collapsed because ofcasino gambling. Jobs have been lost. Fami-lies have been broken. Graft and corruptionhave been committed in offices due to lossesin gambling. And in some cases, deaths andsuicides have resulted.

It is bad enough that Fiesta Casino wasset up in Eastridge, Binangonan, Rizal lastyear. This casino beside Sta. Lucia Mall and

Robinson’s East will definitely be of greaterharm to our people because of its location.While Fiesta Casino in Eastridge is far frompopulated areas, this planned casino is besideSta. Lucia Mall and Robinson’s East Mall, con-stantly teeming with people who love to shopand relax with their children in these family-oriented malls. Besides, this casino is in frontof a computer college and a medical school.

We are appealing to our local governmentofficials, to Pagcor, and especially to our Presi-dent, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, under whosedirect authority is Pagcor, to stop the estab-lishment of this casino.

We are exhorting our people to pray andact together in order to fight this culture ofgambling which some people are promoting sothat they can rake in big amounts of money,unmindful of the great harm it does to our people.

May our Lord Jesus, through the inter-cession of Mary, Our Lady of Peace and GoodVoyage, the Virgin of Antipolo, bless and pro-tect us.

+GABRIEL V. REYES, DD Bishop of Antipolo

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phil-ippines (CBCP) wishes to greet our brotherMuslims as they end their month-long Ramadanwhich has been a season of prayer and fastingin support of their great tradition of peacefulcoexistence, compassion and solidarity.

Muslims and Christians are one in the be-lief that the problems of our times, such asinjustice, poverty, tensions and conflicts, canbe resolved, if all men of goodwill will cometogether to work for the solution of hunger,homelessness, illiteracy, unemployment andsickness which continue to scourge millionsof our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

The regular dialogue between our bish-ops and the Ulama, between Christians and

Roman Catholic Bishop of AntipoloBishop’s Residence, Taktak Road, Antipolo City

Pastoral Statement

In Solidarity for the Good of the Poor

ments, even sharingproperties in somecommunities. ‘Com-munion with holypeople’ has an encom-passing explanationfrom Vatican II. Itmeans communionamong the faithful inthree states: first,those who are still pil-grims on the face ofthe earth (the Churchmilitant), those beingcleansed or purified inpurgatory (theChurch suffering) andthose enjoying gloryin heaven (the Churchtriumphant) [LumenGentium, no. 49].

I say this ancientdoctrine offers an an-swer to grief, admit-tedly for personal rea-sons too. I’ve alreadylost four family mem-bers to someonecalled by St. Francis‘Sister Death’. Themost recent happened

By the roadside/ from p7on October 12, 2006,the eve of the anni-versary of the last ap-parition at Fatima.What a timing, I toldmyself, for someonewhose every day wassuffused with the ro-sary. I was travelingwith my bishop threetowns away from myhometown when I re-ceived an urgent callfrom one of my sis-ters. She was in tearsand was asking me tohurry home. I knewwhat that meant. Iasked, “Is she stillthere?” “Yes,” camethe answer. “Butwe don’t know forhow long. Pleasehurry.” I said, “I’llbe there. Tell her towait for me.”

Unknown to me,my sisters sent aniece to fetch an-other priest at therectory. They

doubted I could makeit on time. But rightwhen the priest wasleaving I arrived and,guessing right wherehe was heading, Isaid, “That’s ok, Fa-ther Art. I’ll go there.”

Thank God, shewas still there, andstill praying—no sur-prise to me—the ro-sary. I chose thelonger rite of theAnointing of theSick. I could still hearher clear responses. Ieven thought for amoment she was backto normal. After theAnointing, I felt soglad I was there tominister the sacra-ment to her. Then, asthe doctor was com-ing in to take chargeof things, she sud-denly started breath-ing extremely slowly,like she was slippingaway. At one pointshe opened her eyesand looked at us

around her for the lasttime. Then, right be-fore my very eyes, myNanay gently, peace-fully left this life. But,frankly, it has yet tooccur to me that she‘departed’. I think theword could be a mis-nomer. Why?

Because todaythe Body of Christthat I take during Com-munion still unites mewith the Lord and theLord unites me withher and many otherswhom Jesus has givenfuller birth to.

“For I am con-vinced that neitherdeath nor life, nor an-gels, nor principali-ties, nor presentthings, nor futurethings, nor powers,nor height, nor depth,nor any other crea-tures will be able toseparate us from thelove of God in ChristJesus our Lord” (Rom8:38-39).

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

14 Reflections

I have to acceptthe fact that Ihave only one lifeto live by, neverto be substituted.I must sow thisone and only lifein the ground ofhumanity, so thatit can bear fruit tobe picked up bythe pilgrims ofthis earth. How can the risingby resurrection be possiblewithout the grounding by In-carnation?

Did not Christ say, “Un-less a tree dies, it will notgrow.” I must accept the factthat I have no absolute con-trol of my life; For when I takea ride in a bus, in a car, in a boat,in an airplane, in a tricycle, mylife is in hands of the driver. If Itrust my life at the hands of thedrivers frail as they are, I havebut to trust God who is theabsolute pilot of my life.

I believe that when I amin the deepest state of misfor-tune and suffering I cannotinvite others to join with mein my anguish; I am alone tobear the weight of pain. How-ever, when I am in the state ofjoy, many, I believe, are willingto share with me the laughter

and feastings.This is a hard fact,a human lot to beaccepted will-ingly.

I believethat my apos-tolate, howevergreat I mightthink of it, is re-ally a very smallc o n t r i b u t i o n

compared to the vastapostolate of the Church. But,however tiny it is, howeverunnoticeable my share is, itmust be done; it is necessaryfor without the tiny grains ofsand, no beach can be formedto launch a thousand shipsacross the ocean.

I believe that in theevening of life, some spectraof my energy have to fadeaway, never to be retrieved. Imust be humble enough to ad-mit that I have to lose myself.If I rise the next day, it is God’shand that pushes me on toface the challenges of living.

I should continue to con-duct my life in accordance tomy decision. When I accept allwhat life entails, then death isno longer a stranger but a friend.A friend, as usual, will accom-pany me to where I belong.

Acceptance

“She didn’t, but only af-ter I explained to her that if ourmission in life was really toserve our fellowmen, Guiuanand not Manila, was the placefor us. So we went to that townin 1906— to live there till theday we die.”

With the assistance of thepriest, Dr. Lugay succeeded inputting up a small hospital.But this was later demolishedby a typhoon. ……

Being the only physicianin that part of the province inthose days, Dr. Lugay couldhave easily enriched himself.That is, if money had been hischief reason that induced himto move his family to Guiuanand spend his life among thepeople there…..

Today, (December 1951),… he looks older than his 77years. He has paid for hisnight without sleep, for hisdelayed meals, for his number-less trips of mercy to differenttowns, barrios, and villages,for the thousand and onethings he did for the peoplehe loved with all his heart, withall his soul and with all hisstrength. He has difficulty inwalking now because he sus-tained a leg injury some timeago when he fell into a ditchwhile rushing to a dying pa-tient at three o’clock in themorning.

But despite his injuredleg, Dr. Lugay does not fail toattend his daily tasks. In hismodest but tidy clinic, thereis no glittering display of chro-mium or enamel; no wheeledstretcher; no snappy nursesto help him … His attendantsare a couple of girls he hastrained to do minor medicalchores. He pays them at theend of each working day—without fail.

I asked Dr. Lugay why hepaid them every day insteadof on the fifteenth or thirtiethof the month, as is the usualpractice in other offices.

Laiko Lampstand/ from p7“They can’t wait that

long; they need the moneyevery day.”

“But do you always earnenough to pay them and stillhave some left for yourself?”

“I always have enoughfor their wages at the close ofthe day,” he replied. “That issomething I do not worryabout any more. When nopatients come in the morning,somehow I know that therewill always be some in theafternoon.”

I remarked that he seemedto have much faith in some-thing, an unshakable belief insome unseen power.

“Yes, I live on faith,” hesaid. “I have never worriedabout money, food or anythingI need in order to live. Even asa young man, I always keptalive my faith in God. I read myBible. Why should we reallyworry about things we need?”

He then knitted his gray-ing eyebrows, and quoted aBiblical passage: “Take nothought for your life, what yeshall eat, or what ye shalldrink; nor yet for your body,what ye shall put on. Is notthe life more than meat, andthe body more than raiment?

“Behold the fowls of theair, for they sow not, neitherdo they reap, nor gather intobarns; yet your heavenly Fa-ther feedeth them. Are ye notmuch better than they?

“And why take yethought for raiment? Considerthe lilies of the field, how theygrow; how they toil not, nei-ther do they spin; And yet, Isay unto you, that Solomonin all his glory was not arrayedlike one of these.”

Am I lucky to have a modelof a grandfather! Being namedJose after him, carries a big re-sponsibility—to be a modelChristian like him! Can the readersay a little prayer for this gene-rous soul—Jose RaquelsantosLugay? Thank you.

Bp. Jose R. Manguiran, DD

THE Novices who are oc-cupying the rooms at theformation house’s upperground floor established ahomeowners association.In promoting their “village,”they take pride in one of themain features of theirplace—that it is overlook-ing dap-ay !

If you happen to visitthe St. Camillus Novitiatehere in Baguio City, one ofthe notable features, in-deed, that would somehowsteal your attention is thedap-ay. It is situated in thegarden. The verandas aregood vantage points to seeits beauty.

Dap-ay is a circularplace made up of stones, abonfire at its center, wherethe natives of the Cordil-lera, primarily the elders,meet and decide things forthe tribe.

The Novitiate’s ownversion of dap-ay was con-structed barely a year ago.It was blessed last year onSt. Camillus Feast Day. Thedap-ay is dear to me. I havespent calm moments with it.I like it for its being accom-modating.

One morning, I just satthere, romancing with themorning drizzle partneredwith the thick fog. One coolafternoon, I just laid myselfdown there, watching theclouds above. Sometimes,I moved out from the chapeland instead did my medita-tion down at the dap-ay.

As I was sitting downat the dap-ay one instance,I was reminded that it wasin this very dap-ay that wehad our first communitypicture. I can gleefully remi-nisce how excited everyonewas on that occasion to

smile and project before thecamera. Our photo is now dis-played at the receiving area.

On the ground portion ofthe dap-ay are small stones.They come in different shapes,weights, and textures. Some arecolored white while others aredirty-white, black, gray, brown,bluish, and greenish. Somehave stripes or spots.

We are thirteen in ourcommunity. Eleven formandsand two formators. We comefrom different regions in thePhilippine archipelago, fromnorth to south. We speak dif-ferent dialects but thanks toTagalog and English that fa-cilitate the language barrier. Wehave different family back-grounds and orientations andwe have developed our ownprinciples in life. That’s why wehave different attitudes, char-acters, and perceptions onthings. We have different tal-ents, abilities, and skills. Wehave considerable age gaps.Some are already infected withHIV (hair is vanishing!).

A number of us had al-ready spent years practicingtheir professions for a careerwhile others are young freshcollege graduates devoid of anyworking experiences in the realworld. We laugh differently.Some are very talkative or noisyfor that matter while some arejust mild. Some prefer to be insilence while some become per-turbed with silence. There areso many different things thatcan be found in everyone of us.In other words, we are individu-ally unique beings that are gath-ered together in one place, justlike the various stones dis-pensed on the ground of thedap-ay.

The stones, though differ-ent from each other, congregatein the dap-ay surely for a rea-

son. They are for the aestheticvalue of the structure, to giveit a natural touch or to projectits ethnicity. Non-stiff-lookingand not unnatural, a contrast ifit is cemented. And definitely,they wittingly serve to preventdusts or mud if it rains.

Our formators and weNovices, though different fromeach other, congregate here inthe Novitiate, for a reason.

We, the Novices, at thistime being, are initiated into thelife of special consecration inthe Order of St. Camillus. Hav-ing called by God Himself toshare in the works in His vine-yard, we are now a step higherin showing our human andChristian maturity vis-à-vis ourintention to respond person-ally and freely to the vocationof charity to the sick. Makingour way up here in this moun-tainous city meant our utmostdesire to study, experience,and understand deeper themeaning of religious life in gen-eral, and Camillian life in par-ticular. Most importantly, hereare we, provided with ampletime to go through a life of in-tense prayer to deepen our ex-perience of God. It is believedthat it is only through our rela-tionship with God that lightshines and the meaning of oursubmission to opt for this kindof life-mission is clarified.

Our formators, on theother hand, are here to guideus. Since nurturing our voca-tion is a personal thing, theygive themselves to us to helpus see the progressions or re-gressions in our disposition tofollow the footsteps of Christ,the Good Samaritan, and tohelp us widen our perspectivein making ourselves more ef-fective and fruitful in the ser-vice to our brethren. They, inthe end, with God’s grace, ex-amine and ascertain our suit-ability in this kind of vocation.

Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano,Pangasinense, Bicolano, wejourney together in this roadless trodden, so mysterious,that needs our open hearts andminds, as we rub elbows to-gether daily, to understandfully the works of God.

We first lit the bonfire atthe center of the dap-ay as acommunity when we momen-tarily transferred our refectoryin there one evening. It wasour first dinner outside. For achange! After sharing thegraces God provided us thatevening, we had jammin’ andjokin’ to the delight of ourhearts. And as we enjoyed the

moment together, the bon-fire at the center silentlycomforted us with itswarmth.

In one Lectio Divina(we usually do it on a Sun-day afternoon after ourmorning apostolate atBaguio General Hospitaland Medical Center), wherecommunity life was thetopic, the sharers on that dayexpressed to the communitytheir feelings and reflectionson how everyone, with theirdiverse personalities, af-fected them. While theirbrothers, on occasions,have become a source of ir-ritation, annoyance, and“pains in the ass,” on theother hand, those samebrothers, like the bonfire atthe center of the dap-ay,gave them the warmth of fra-ternal love expressed in theirbeing supportive, under-standing, and accepting to-wards them despite theirhuman limitations.

Having somebody wholistens to your troubles andconfusions without preju-dices and judgments, hav-ing somebody who isalwa0ys ready to give youhis own insights and opin-ions on issues without dis-criminating your own pointsof view, having somebodywho lends a helping handto you without pre-existingconditions, and havingsomebody whom you canshare your simple joys, aregenuinely the warmth thatcommunity life provides.

Big stones piled up to-gether made up the circularstructure of the dap-ay.Cement were placed in be-tween them so that togetherthey become strong andone. On them then that Ifrequently sit or lie myselfdown to reflect on how amI faring now with my life andwith my community.

God, who has no begin-ning and has no end, afterall, is the one who invited thethirteen of us to live togetherin unity despite diversityhere in the Novitiate. His un-conditional love is encirclingus, strong beyond compare.Mindful of this great love,may everyone of us continu-ously be inspired to con-stantly and mutually be chari-table with each other, be morerespectful, patient, and kind toshare our values and personalgifts for the development andprogress of us all.

Dap-ayby Nov. John Jay C. Magpusao, OSC

Bo Sanchez

I now own a cell phone.People who have been

reading my stuff for a fewyears know how I love thesimple lifestyle, ala St. Francisof Assisi. I’ve always wantedan uncluttered and free life. Ididn’t want ringing, beeping,and vibrating things disturb-ing my prayer time. And forthe sake of humility (or so Ithought), I didn’t want thestatus symbol of a cell phonehanging from my belt.

So except for my com-puter where I write my books,for many years I’ve avoidedall sorts of personal gadge-

try, equipment, and other luxu-ries: no car, no cellular, nobeeper, no wristwatch, nowalkman, no girlfriend, etc.

But slowly, I had to faceharsh reality.

My once friendly, gentle,and otherwise mentally bal-anced staff of seventy-fivepeople “either working forSHEPHERD’S VOICE, or myCatholic community, orANAWIM (our work for thepoor)” have become more andmore violent these past fewmonths.

I hear screams like,“Where were you? Planet

Mars?! We’ve been lookingall over the world for youthese past three days!” Sui-cide attempts have been re-ported to me. A few have beenacting weird every time themoon is full. And I have re-ceived a few death threatsfrom otherwise very lovingpeople, if I don’t get a cellphone.

I’ve realized that there isone law above every otherlaw. Yup, even above my de-sire for simplicity. Or prayer.Or humility. It’s called the de-mand of love.

If I love these people, I’mgoing to get a cell phone.Whether it’ll interfere with mysimple lifestyle, my prayer life,and my great humility. (Yousee, I’m the most humbleperson in the world. I get

Do What Love Demands

awards for my profound hu-mility. You know, I’m sohumble that blah, blah, blah,blah, blah...)

What does love demandin your life?

Disturbing your prayertime because your little sonwants you to carry him? Notattending your prayer meet-ing this week because itsMom’s birthday? Saying“yes” to a leadership posi-tion even if you really wantsomething low-key? Saying“no” to an abusive friendeven if everything about youwants to say yes?

For me, it was the simpleact of getting a cell phone.

I also got myself agirlfriend who later becamemy wife, but that’s anotherstory.

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

15Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006 CINEMA Reviews

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CBCPMonitor

Title: KALELDORunning Time: 95 minsLead Cast:Johnny Delgado, Cherry

Pie Pichache, Angel Aquino,Juliano Palermo, CriseldoVolks, Alln Paule

Director: Brillante MendozaProducer: Brillante MendozaScreenwriter: Boots Agbayani PastorMusic: Jerrold TarogEditor: Philipp EspinaGenre: DramaCinematography: Odyssey FloresDistributor:Location: PampangaTechnical Assessment: ½Moral Assessment: moralratingmoralratingmoralratingCINEMA Rating:For mature viewers 18 and above

ranin ng mga magpapamilya,madaling makaantig ng damdaminng nanonood ang mga na-mumutawi sa bibig ng mga tauhan.Napakagaling ng pagkakaganapat characterization ng mga pa-ngunahing tauhan?lalo na nilaPicache at Delgado?sa ilalim ngdireksyon ni Brillante Mendoza.Pinag-isipan ding mabuti angpaglalahad ng iba't ibang aspetong buhay sa Pampanga, atbinigyang halaga ang mga ito ngmakinis na sinematograpiya, kungkaya't naisilid ang istorya ngpamilya sa loob ng kultura ngkanilang inang lalawigan bagama'tang ubod nito'y ang buhay ngmag-aama.

Binibigyang-diin ng Kaleldopagkabuo ng loob ng isangmagulang sa pagdisiplina sa mgaanak at paghubog sa mga ito samatuwid na landas. Ipinakikita ngpelikula na ang kalalabasan ngmga anak ay hindi lamang sapagdidisiplina ng ama mang-gagaling kundi sa maraming mgabagay na pinaghahabi-habi ngpanahon. Ano mang sidhi ngpagnanasa ng magulang namaituwid ang anak, maaaringhindi pa rin niya matupad angkanyang mithiin sapagkat ang taoay mayroong sariling pag-iisip atpaninindigan na sa paglakad ngpanahon ay siya nitong nagiginggabay na pangsarili. Sa kabila ngpaghihigpit at pagmamahal ngmagulang, maaari paring madapao mahulog ang anak sa masama.Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, angdisiplina ay nagsisilbi pa ringpunla na nag-uugat sa diwa ngisang anak na sa takdang panahonay nagbubunga ng kabutihan.

Magkakapatid sina Susan (CherryPie Picache), Lourdes (AngelAquino) at Grace (JulianaPalermo), mga anak ng biyudongsi Mang Rudy (Johnny Delgado),isang manunukit (woodcarver) saPampanga. Sa tatlo, pinaka-mapag-aruga sa amang may sakitsi Susan, isang tomboy, nguni'tpinakamalapit ang loob ng amakay Lourdes na tinuturing niyangpinakamaabilidad sa pagha-hanapbuhay. May pagkarebeldeat mapaghanap naman ng kalingaang bunsong si Grace pagkatdama niya'y pinapaboran ng amaang dalawang kapatid niya lamangngunit hindi siya. Mahigpit sapagdidisiplina si Mang Rudy sakanyang mga anak, at hindi nag-aatubiling sampalin ang mga itonang hantaran kung palagayniya'y wala sa lugar ang mga kilosnito. Makikita ang bunga ngkanyang paghihigpit nang sila'ymalalaki na at nagsipag-asawa nasi Lourdes at si Grace; samantala,pinatira naman ni Susan ang kan-yang babaeng si Weng (CriseldaVolks) sa kanilang bahay upangmakatulong niyang mag-alaga saama. Hihigpit ang di pagkaka-sunduan ng mga magkakapatidhanggang sa mamatay angkanilang ama.

Makatotohanan ang kuwentong mag-aamang sama-samang na-ninirahan sa ilalim ng iisangbubong. Lalo't higit sa scriptmasasalamin ang iba't ibangpangyayari at mga damdaminginiluluwal ng mga ito sa pang-araw-araw na takbo ng buhay.Sapagka't ang isinasaad samalalim na dialogue ay mgakaraniwang situwasyon o suli-

Title: CAKERunning Time: 95 minsLead Cast: Heather Graham, David

Sutcliffe, Taye Diggs, Sandra Oh,Cheryl Hines, Bruce Gray, KeramMalicksi-Sanchez, Sarah Chalke

Director: Nisha GanatraceProducer: Regina RobbScreenwriter: Tassie CameronMusic:Editors: Mike MunnGenre: ComedyCinematography:Distributor: First Look Media/Sky FilmsLocation: Ontario, Toronto, CanadaTechnical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18

and above

subjects for each to be effectivelyportrayed. The character of Pippahowever is interesting: an almostthirty-year-old "girl" is still a PeterPan who has to grow up, see thingsthe way she should and learn to feeland act her age. Cake is a merry mix,but not too funny.

Pippa has traveled so much onher own and experienced a lot, yetshe is not ready to get married be-cause of her experience of her homelife. She did not have a read relation-ship with her father and mother. Thefather gave himself to his work awayfrom wife and child, and the mother

had had her own interest. Pippa'smind was focused on what happensafter marriage: no togetherness,misunderstandings, estrangement,divorce, etc. Then she and her staff,in planning the magazine agreedthat, to sell, it should have subjectson love, be intimate, have a babywithout necessarily touching onmarriage. Cake shows for instancessuggesting intimacy, with two of itscharacters, each getting involvedwith two different persons. In theend, Pippa and four of her friendsfind the meaning of love that leadsto marriage.

As a travel writer; 29-year-old PippaMcGee (Heather Graham) spendsmost of her time traveling. There isno one expecting her anyway-theonly other person at home in her dad,who is too busy with his publishingform and can't seem to take some mo-ments for them to greet each other,or for a chitchat. This time home shetries again to connect with him butto no avail. However, the situationchanges a few days later, when hesuffers a heart attack. She takes careof everything that needs to be donefor him. At the hospital and some-what better, the father asks her tolook after the publishing company.But she finds a vice president IanDray (Davide Sutcliffe) in charge,whom she met a while ago. Theycome to an agreement of sorts andshe gets to do the next issue of"Wedding Bells," one of the firm'spublications. She gets the assistanceof all women staff, including bestfriend Lulu (Sandra Oh). But thingsbecome a hassle when doing themagazine requires as agreement ofwhat goes in it, and she finds herselfattracted to two guys, also keepingan eye of her father.

This is presented as a romanticcomedy. While Heather Graham toolsufficient to act her part, the othersin the ensemble cast did not do aswell. The story includes too many

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Title: THE BANQUETRunning Time: 99 minsLead Cast: Ziyi Zhang, Daniel Wu, Xun Zhou,

You Ge, Jingwu Ma, Xiaoming HuangDirector: Xiaogang FengProducer: John ChongScreenwriters: Gangjian Oiu, Heyu ShengMusic: Tan DunEditor: Miaomiao LiuGenre: Action/RomanceCinematography: Li ZhangDistributor:Location: ChinaTechnical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

him in a duel, attempts to exile theprince again. High on his victory asnew emperor, Li is unaware that someof his subjects see him as a usurper,and some?including his devious wifeEmpress Wan?want him dead.

The Banquet is an elaborate vi-sual masterpiece with lavish sets andcostumes, masterful choreographyand technical perfection. Everyframe is a study in cinematographicexcellence so overpowering that theaudience, enthralled by eye candy,might just be willing to forget aboutthe story or the rest of the film if onlyto have an eyeful more of the same.And that's the problem. Its makersseem to have focused on making TheBanquet such a feast for theeyes?particularly the eyes of jurorsat international film festivals?that

they forgot about the heart of themoviegoer. For a film that's seen asa Chinese "Hamlet," that's criminal.The acting never seems to take off,the lines are delivered with notenough soul, there is ice in the emo-tions where fire should be. Had TheBanquet given more attention to pro-jecting the inner workings of thehuman soul, it would have rated a"4" from CINEMA, but as it is, artfulthough it is, it can't be judged asmore than "average."

The Banquet is a story of nearlyepic proportions throwing thelimelight on deceit, betrayal, lustfor both flesh and power?evils thathave resided in the depths of thehuman heart since time began. Itgives us a glimpse of what wicked-ness man is capable of and sends usreflecting on the all-pervasivenessof evil. Killing your brother?Didn't Cain do that to Abel? Newsnowadays still speak of the samecrimes found in the Bible. Fictionand non fiction are filled with storiesof obsessions and destructivedesires?regardless of their geo-graphical or chronological origins.And what culture, in whateverera, is exempt from the hunger forpower, or free from sins of lust andjealousy? There seems to be noGod-fearing character at all in TheBanquet. Its saving grace is itsconclusion: see what happens to alife without God.

It is the 10th century in AncientChina. The emperor dies under mys-terious circumstances, and the sus-pected culprit, his brother Li (Ge You)inherits both the throne and the ob-ject of his lust?his hot, young sis-ter-in-law, Empress Wan (ZhangZiyi), who was once in love with theCrown Prince Wu Luan (Daniel Wu).Threatened by Wu Luan who is cer-tain his uncle killed his father theoriginal Emperor, now emperor Libanishes Wu Luan and sends royalassassins to finish him off lest heattempt to reclaim the throne. TheEmpress, still holding a torch for thebanished prince Wu Luan, sends elitewarriors to protect him, leading to hisescape. Wu Luan eventually findshis way back to the palace, whichupsets Emperor Li who, failing to kill

Vol. 10 No. 15November 6, 2006

CBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

16 People, Facts & PlacesCBCP MonitorCBCP Monitor

16 Vol. 10 No. 15

PBS Opens 1stRegional Office,

Bookstore inVisayas

THE Philippine Bible Society (PBS)inaugurated its first Regional AuxiliaryBible Office (RABO) and Bookstore inCebu City last October 11, in a cer-emony attended by members of thePBS Board, managers, and key RomanCatholic and Protestant leaders.

"This is a historical event, mean-ingful and memorable," said CebuArchbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal,who was the guest of honor at theinauguration.

He also expressed his joy at howthe place has been transformed andhas become a venue for making theBible known in Cebu.

The 75-year old Cardinal, whohas served as Archbishop of Cebufor 25 years and as a Cardinal for 21years, reaffirmed his love for the bib-lical apostolate as he supported theestablishment of the PBS office.

Vidal was one of the reviewersof the Magandang Balita Biblia, 1980and gave the Imprimatur to the AngBag-ong Maayong Balita Biblia1999.

For nearly 107 years, the BibleSociety has maintained its officesand two bookstores in Manila. Itschoice of Cebu as a location for itsregional office is strategic, since theVisayas region is a key growth areafor PBS translation, marketing, andfundraising programs.

PBS Chairman and PresidentBishop Efraim Tendero said, theopening of the first RABO office willserve "to make the Bible more avail-able, accessible and affordable tomore people."

"This is in keeping with the BibleSociety's vision of a Bible for everyFilipino for a transformed Philip-pines," he said.

He also expressed hope thiscountry will become a better nationand that the stigma of a Christian andcorrupt country will be erased.

PBS General Secretary Mrs.Nora G. Lucero, meanwhile said: "Ourvision to see a transformed Philip-pines in partnership with churchescompels us to be in several places tomake the Bible more accessible andresponsive to the needs of the area."

She acknowledged Dr. RicardoJumawan as the chief architect andprime mover of the PBS' regionalizationprogram. She also thanked the PBSBoard, "whose proven competence isbeyond question and leads PBS withtheir wisdom."

Also in attendance were Board

members Mrs. Florencia Tarriela,Atty. Robinson Landicho, Mr. ReneCristobal, Bishop Cesar Punzalan III,Dr. Jonathan Exiomo, Atty. EdithSantos, Mr. Dante Lanorio, Ms. AmyHerrera, Rev. Marie Sol Sioco andMrs. Lydia Aherrera.

Lucero also commended thehelp extended by Rev. Fr. Joseph Tan,Elena Jarantilla, the ArchdioceseBoard of Cebu and Estrella Del Mar,Chairperson of the Cebu Lay Forma-tion Center.

Some of the evangelical leaderspresent were: Rev. Noel Centeno,President of the Metro Cebu Minis-terial Fellowship; Rev. JoseBernaldez of the United Church ofChrist in the Philippines; Rev. JosephBayawa from Christ Commission Fel-lowship – Cebu; Pastor Danny andMrs. Corie Varela of the PhilippineCouncil of Evangelical Churches;Rev. Ildefonso Alfafara, General Sec-retary of the Baptist Conference ofthe Philippines; Rev. Alvin Rival andPastor Gerardo Lisbe of theGreenhills Christian Fellowship –Cebu; Rev. Val Chaves, President ofthe Foursquare Gospel Churches inthe Philippines; Pastor ShawnMaragni from the Cebu House ofPrayer/YWAM; Pastor BrianLongridge of YWAM Cebu; Rev.Juan Coromina of YWAM; and, Pas-tor Wilvey Pepito from the God ofGrace Christian Fellowship.

Representatives of Bible retail-ers like Catholic Trade, OMF Litera-ture, and Philippine Christian BookStore were also among those whograced the inauguration. Lucerohailed the event as a beautiful dis-play of unity in God’s Word by theChristian community in Cebu.

Rev. Manuel Cabardo, RegionalManager for Visayas, manages theRABO. He is assisted by a bookkeeper,a cashier, and a warehouseman.

As part of its RegionalizationPlan for 2006-2008, the Bible Societywill establish four regional offices toexpand the reach of the Bible Soci-ety ministry.

PBS said there are Regional Of-ficers already based in Davao City,for Mindanano and Dagupan City,for Northern Luzon and a RABO forBicol will be appointed soon.

It also said that other RABObible centers will be inaugurated assoon as plans are finalized and fundsbecome available. (Herbert Osio,Juliet Jimeno)

His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal leads the ribbon-cutting ceremonies during theinauguration of the PBS' regional office.

PBS Board Members with General Secretary Nora Lucero and His Eminence ArchbishopRicardo J. Cardinal Vidal.

Plans Afoot to Protect Old ChurchDARAGA, Albay—Church offi-cials have released a plan to savethe country's one of the bestchurch architectures here, whichmay be declared a "national trea-sure."

Built in 1772 by FranciscanMissionaries, the Our Lady of theGate parish church is poised on ahill with breathtaking views of thevast sea and Mayon volcano.

The church is a "pricelessrelic" for art aficionados for its strik-ing architectural designs made fromvolcanic rocks and its façade givesthe church its distinction fromother churches in the country.

It contains archeological rel-ics and rare religious emblemscarved throughout the entire faceof the church, even up to the bel-fry.

The church which has accom-panied the people of Albay throughcenturies is perceived as central tothe psyche of the province. Yet theedifice is presently vulnerable, withsome parts falling into disuse anddisrepair.

Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, the parishpriest, admitted that the absenceof renovation guidelines and main-tenance procedures in the pastgradually changed the original vis-age of the church.

"Because of the many works

of repairs, additions and modifica-tions done in the lifetime of thechurch and its premises, there hasbeen a considerable loss of culturalvalues," he said.

His statement matched withthe sentiments of the Heritage Con-servation Society of the Philippines(HCS) in a petition to the CatholicBishops' Conference of the Philip-pines (CBCP) last July 3 complain-ing about some priests "defacing"old churches.

It asked bishops to stop

priests who "have taken it uponthemselves to modernize and reno-vate heritage churches under theircare without proper consultationwith agencies mandated to protectcultural and historical heritage."

The Daraga parish has formeda new group tasked to submit plansfor the church's conservation andis looking into long-term solutionsto its preservation needs with thehelp of some architects, engineersand historians.

Plans Afoot / P4

CELEBRATED. Christian Family Move-ment (CFM); 50th foundation anniver-sary; September, 2006. Hailed as the firstand oldest Church-based family life or-ganization in the Philippines, the CFM isunder the guidance of the Episcopal

Commission on Family Life (ECFL) of the CatholicBishop’s Conference of the Philippines, and the Epis-copal Commission on the Lay Apostolate (ECLA). Thefirst CFM unit was established in September 1956 byMr. & Mrs. Tony and Teresa Nieva and has since thenpioneered the development and delivery of family lifeprograms in the country which cater to the youth, pre-marriage, marriage and family enrichment, as well asfor single parents. CFM’s current national chaplainMsgr. Manuel Gabriel said the movement’s “charismais family life. It is a community of families called towitness Christ and its mission is to evangelize and tobe evangelized by families and communities throughits family life programs”. The CFM, Msgr. Gabriel added,“attempts to live family-style spirituality in a highlypractical way. A typical CFM unit is composed of six toeight families, with the adults meeting two evenings amonth in each other’s homes. Through the dynamicsof group interaction, Christian values are strengthenedand families reach out in action to others”.

CELEBRATED. University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Bacolod City; 60th foundation an-niversary; 2006. UNO-R traces its beginnings to 1946when, shortly after World War II, it opened as Occi-dental Negros Institute (ONI) offering elementary, highschool and three tertiary degree programs. On May 15,1957, ONI was raised to a university status and thuschanged its name to University of Negros Occidental(UNO), the first university in the province. Five yearslater, in May 1962, UNO passed into the hands of theAugustinian Recollect fathers, thus becoming UNO-Ror University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. Now,after 60 years, UNO-R takes its pride of having pro-duced tens of thousands of students who are nowsuccessful in their chosen fields of endeavor, all hav-ing been nurtured according to the Augustinian idealof “Caritas et Scientia”.

MarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkingsMarkings DIED. Brother Rafael S.Donato, FSC, 69, president ofDe La Salle University-Aranetaand Brothers’ Community Di-rector of La Salle Green Hills(LSGH); of accidental drown-ing; in Morong, Bataan; No-vember 2, 2006. Br. Rafael

Donato, FSC (Serafin Ramon Donato), or Brother Rafeto his confreres, a member of the Brothers of the Chris-tian Schools or De La Salle Brothers, was a knownand highly esteemed educator and religious brother.Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on Oct. 12, 1937, BrotherRafe celebrated his golden jubilee as a La Salle Brotherlast Oct. 16. He served the Lasallian family for 50 yearsand was described as “an exemplary brother, out-standing teacher and visionary leader of schools andthe Philippine District (of his congregation).” He stud-ied at De La Salle College in Manila and pursuedgraduate studies in Columbia University and HarvardUniversity. He held various positions in De La Salleinstitutions and his religious congregation. He waspresident of LSGH from 1970 to 1973, De la Salle Uni-versity from 1991 to 1994 and president and dean ofthe graduate school of La Salle Lipa. In his will, BrotherRafe expressed the wish that donations in his honorbe made to the Foundation for Sharing Lasallian Edu-cation.

DIED. Msgr. Ildefonso Odi, 102,a retired member of the archdio-cese of Jaro (Iloilo) clergy; Sep-tember 28, 2006; of lingeringasthma; in St. Paul’s Hospital,Iloilo City. Born on January 17,1904 in Bugasong, Antique,Msgr. Odi was ordained prieston March 14, 1937 by the latethen Cebu archbishop Gabriel Reyes, after which heserved the archdiocese of Jaro in various positions.He first served as Curate in Miagao, Iloilo. DuringWorld War II, he served as chaplain in the USAFFEand became a prisoner of war at the Japanese con-centration camp in Capaz, Tarlac. Serving under thearchdiocese of Jaro, he was assigned as parish priestin Magdiwang, in Sibuyan, in Romblon, in Miagao, inLeganes, and finally in Janiuay, Iloilo, his last assign-ment prior to his retirement. His other assignmentsinclude: as member of the Archdiocesan Board ofConsultors, member of the Archdiocesan PresbyteralCouncil, and member of the Archdiocesan Council ofAdministration. After his retirement, he stayed at hisresidence in Bugasong, Antique.