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APRIL 13 - 26, 2020 VOL 24, NO. 8 [email protected]

A domestic vessel facilitates the transfer of chromite ores from Techiron port in Homonhon Island to a foreign cargo ship docked few nautical miles away from the shore on April 14, 2020. The island’s residents are protesting the loading operations of a China- bound ship amid coronavirus concerns. DAIPEN MONTES/CBCP NEWS Catholics observe Holy Week ‘unconventionally’ in ‘extraordinary times’

By Rommel F. Lopez | they were. We didn’t have PressOne.PH Christmas this 2019 because of [Typhoon] Ursula and now IT should have been we won’t have a nice Holy the usual Holy Week Week because of COVID-19,” he has celebrated he said. It is indeed an since getting extraordinary time for 85% of ordained for the the Philippines’ 104.9 million Catholic priesthood Filipinos who identify as 12 years ago. Roman Catholics to observe But for Fr. Mark Ivo traditional practices during Velasquez of the Archdiocese the holiest of days in the of Palo, a survivor of Church’s liturgical calendar, Supertyphoon Yolanda, this with the whole world fighting is a Holy Week like no other. this pandemic. He had to take a tricycle to Priests like Fr. Velasquez visit some of the 20 chapels had to find more creative in his “mission station” in ways to minister to their Alangalang, Leyte, composed people especially after both of 14 barangays. civil and church authorities A conversation with his prohibited public gatherings tricycle driver made him to lessen the spread of realize that this was no Covid-19. ordinary season. “My trike driver was telling CBCP guidelines me as we toured the barrios The Catholic Bishops’ that this was worse than Conference of the Philippines Yolanda. And I agree with released guidelines for him because we still got to bishops and priests in the Fr. Mark Ivo Velasquez visits the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Mission Station in Brgy. Dapdap, Alangalang, Leyte to bless the palms of his parishioners on Palm Sunday, celebrate these feasts as Holy Week / A6 April 5. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Caritas Manila gives P1-billion gift certificates to help poor amid lockdown CBCP: Easter spirit ‘alive’ in Filipinos’ sacrifice, service amid pandemic A CHURCH-BASED social from at least 633 parishes service agency has provided in Manila and the dioceses around P1 billion worth of aid of Cubao, Antipolo, Imus, as of April 8 to poor families Malolos, Parañaque, affected by the lockdown Kalookan, Novaliches, San triggered by the coronavirus. Pablo and Pasig. Caritas Manila used the Fr. Anton Pascual, Caritas funds for the door-to-door Manila executive director, distribution of P1,000 gift also credited their “Oplan certificates to over four Damayan” to some business million households within groups who helped raise the the greater Manila area, funds for the needy. Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, CBCP President, leads the Easter vigil Mass April 11. SCREENSHOT/DXGN A Franciscan priest gives a grocery voucher from Caritas Manila to a family in the according to Radio Veritas. Aside from from the grocery city’s Sampaloc district. PHOTO FROM RADIO VERITAS The beneficiaries came Caritas / A5 THE many people’s “heroic coronavirus crisis, Catholic service and sacrifice” are bishops said. Jesuits, De La Salle Brothers join hands for Covid-19 relief ops concrete signs of the Easter In his Easter message, spirit in the midst of the Spirit / A7 THE Jesuits and the De La Salle the University Athletic Association of of both schools were also generated Brothers have banded together to raise the Philippines, the country’s biggest through the Bayanihan Musikahan, Homonhon Island residents money to support people facing hunger collegiate league. an online fundraising concert series amid a strict coronavirus lockdown. “Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic spearheaded by National Artist for dissapointed on DENR turnaround As of April 15, they have raised more knows no competition and reminds us of Music Ryan Cayabyab. than P10 million to feed around 500 our ability to come together in times of To date, the initiative has raised more LOCAL Church officials of prudence to protect the homeless staying in safe shelters and great need,” the Jesuits said in an article than P40 million and reached over are disappointed over the province, which has been over 6,000 urban poor families in Metro posted on their website. 16,000 urban poor families in Metro decision by the government’s under lockdown since March Manila. DLSU was one of the first schools to Manila. body to U-turn on the 22 from coronavirus threat. The Jesuits and the De La Salle provide temporary sanctuary to street Ateneo has also initiated a fund drive mineral loading operations “This collective stand is Brothers run two of the biggest schools dwellers in Manila during the enhanced to provide protective equipment for of a Chinese-manned vessel based on the principle of in the country, Ateneo de Manila community quarantine. Its campus in hospital workers and food packs for on Homonhon Island. general welfare, health and University (ADMU) and De La Salle Greenhills also provided shelter for families who have been affected by the Bishop Crispin Varquez safety of our people,” Varquez University (DLSU), respectively. health workers of The Medical City. loss of jobs due to the lockdown. (CBCP of Borongan said all they said. The two schools are known rivals in The funds raised from the alumni News) were asking was an exercise Homonhon / A3 A2 WORLD NEWS April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 CBCP Monitor

Team of young Chicago priests answer Vatican Briefing the call to anoint COVID-19 patients Remain faithful in uncertain times, urges Pope Francis CHICAGO, Ill.— The In uncertain times, our ultimate goal should be to Archdiocese of Chicago has remain faithful to the Lord rather than to seek our own assembled a team of 24 security, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass April priest volunteers— all under 14. Speaking from the chapel of his Vatican residence, age 60, and without pre- the Casa Santa Marta, the pope said: “Many times when existing medical conditions— we feel secure we begin to make our plans and slowly to administer sacramental move away from the Lord; we do not remain faithful. anointing of the sick to And my security is not what the Lord gives me. It is an Catholics with COVID-19 idol.” To Christians who object that they do not bow during the coronavirus before idols, he said: “No, perhaps you do not kneel, but pandemic. that you seek them and so many times in your heart you Father Matthew O’Donnell, worship idols, it is true. Many times. Your own safety pastor of St. Columbanus opens the door to idols.” (CNA) Parish on the city’s South Side, has been a part of the Covid-19 crisis forces us to choose between life and love team for about three weeks, of money, says pope and told CNA that so far he We face a fundamental choice as we seek to resolve has anointed two people with the coronavirus crisis, Pope Francis said during his COVID-19. morning Mass April 13. “Thus, in finding solutions “I know that all of us who to this pandemic, the choice will be between life, the are doing this ministry in A priest performs the sacrament of anointing of the sick. KRISTINA ISMULYANI/SHUTTERSTOCK resurrection of the people, and the god of money,” the Chicago right now are doing pope said. “If you choose money, you choose the way it because we believe that convey the patient’s name, our parishes aren’t able to COVID-19 patients. of hunger, slavery, wars, arms factories, uneducated this is what we’re called to the hospital where they have public liturgies right One of the recommended children... there is the tomb. Lord -- it is the prayer of do as priests, to be present are located, and any other now, this was a way for me to practices was to make sure the pope -- help us to choose the good of the people, to people,” Fr. O’Donnell pertinent information. really minister and to really not to dip their thumbs into without ever falling into the tomb of mammon.” (CNA) told CNA. When he first offered to reach out people and allow the oil twice— so as to avoid “And I think all of us are volunteer, Fr. O’Donnell the Church to be present to contaminating the oil— and Vatican thanks Chinese groups for donations to combat knowledgeable of the risks, said he thought it would be a people in what is definitely a instead use a different finger coronavirus but the importance of the while before he actually got moment of great suffering.” to anoint first the patient’s The Vatican has thanked Chinese organizations sacrament outweighs that.” a call to anoint a COVID-19 At the first hospital he head, and then the hands. for donating medical supplies to help it combat the The archdiocese is divided patient. visited for the anointing, The priests were coronavirus. The Holy See press office said April 9 into six vicariates, or regions. In reality, the day after he Father Matthew said he encouraged to either burn or that the Vatican Pharmacy had received donations Within each one, O’Donnell agreed to volunteer, the priest wore a bodysuit, a gown, bury the cotton on which they from Chinese groups including the Red Cross Society said, the archdiocese wanted received his first request. gloves, an N95 mask, placed oil, and to disinfect the of China and the Jinde Charities Foundation of Hebei to ensure that there were at “Knowing that there’s goggles, a hairnet, and shoe outside of the oil stock. Province. The press office hailed the gifts as “an least four priests available not a lot of young priests coverings— all provided by O’Donnell said he has been expression of the solidarity of the Chinese people and that could handle the that are here, that was what the hospital. amazed at the gratefulness Catholic communities with those involved in the relief vicariate’s anointing needs, made me want to volunteer. Once he had completed of the hospital staff, many of those affected by COVID-19 and the prevention of while also ensuring that no Making sure the priests in the anointing in the patient’s of whom have expressed the current coronavirus epidemic.” (CNA) one priest is called to every my area who might overage, room, the hospital walked gratitude to him for his single COVID-19 patient in or have other health issues, him through a protocol for willingness to come and Retired Scripture professor is first priest known to die in his area. and I knew I wanted to taking all the equipment off minister to the patients. Rome of coronavirus He said pastors can call volunteer for that reason,” in a safe and sterile manner. Though the team of Fr. Miguel Ángel Tábet is believed to be the first priest the archdiocese to let them he said. In addition to the hospital’s young priests is not able to die of the coronavirus in Rome. Two other priests know about a parishioner “More importantly, precautions, O’Donnell said to “assemble” in person, living in the same residence of Opus Dei in Rome with COVID-19, and the knowing how powerful the the archdiocese offered O’Donnell said he has been remain hospitalized. The 78-year-old priest died on archdiocese will then reach sacrament of the anointing of training to the priests on in touch with several of his April 8 after treatment in the intensive care unit of the out to a member of the the sick can be for individuals the team on how to safely brother priests and fellow Biomedical University of Rome. He was an emeritus volunteer priest team to and for families, I think as administer the sacrament to team members. (CNA) professor of Sacred Scripture and the exegetical history at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce. “A priest who lived by teaching and seeking the Word of God Knights of Columbus announce donations for food has personally found the Divine Word. Let us pray for him and entrust ourselves to his intercession,” Fr. Luis Navarro, rector of the University of Santa Croce said banks amid coronavirus pandemic April 8 of Tábet. (Courtney Mares/CNA)

THE Knights of Columbus announced global broadcasts from the Vatican feature ventilators and other specialized Saving elderly from coronavirus ‘a priority,’ Vatican’s laity this week that the organization will for Holy Week, including Good Friday equipment. dicastery says donate over $1 million to food pantries Stations of the Cross April 10 led by The Knights have announced several During the coronavirus pandemic, saving the throughout the United States in an Pope Francis, as well as the pope’s grassroots initiatives to respond to the elderly must be just as important as saving others, the effort to feed those in need during the Easter Sunday Mass and Urbi et Orbi needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vatican’s Laity, Family, and Life dicastery has said. In coronavirus pandemic. blessing April 12. organization has asked members to help an April 6 statement, the dicastery said “despite the The Catholic fraternal group “With so many in Italy and around provide food and other essentials to complexity of the situation we live in, it is necessary announced April 7 that it would provide the world currently homebound, our those in need. It has also urged members to clarify that saving the lives of the elderly who live funding of $100,000 each to food banks support of Vatican broadcasts will allow to take part in blood drives. within residential homes or who are alone or sick, is a in New York, Connecticut, and Los our Holy Father to join in prayer with With public Masses suspended across priority as much as saving any other person.” “Faced Angeles, as well as $50,000 donations Catholics from every corner of the globe the entire United States, many parishes with the scenario of a generation hit so severely, we each to food banks in Atlanta, Baltimore, during this critical time,” Anderson said are facing a cash flow shortfall due to a have a common responsibility, which stems from the Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, April 8. lack of in-person collections. Starting awareness of the invaluable value of every human life Houston, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, Anderson said the group will also be March 30, the Knights began offering and from gratitude to our fathers and grandparents,” Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, donating $100,000 to the Vatican’s a $1 million line of credit to Catholic it continued. (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in dioceses to help dioceses and parishes Supreme Knight Carl Anderson Rome, in order to allow the hospital suffering from the financial effects of the Holy See responds to High Court’s acquittal of Cardinal Pell noted that since the group’s founding to convert its neonatology department coronavirus pandemic. The Vatican has welcomed the Australian High in 1882, the Knights have provided into a high-intensity treatment room for The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Court’s decision to quash Cardinal George Pell’s sexual support throughout, during the 1918 flu infants and newborns with COVID-19 fraternal organization with nearly 2 abuse conviction. A statement from the Holy See press pandemic, during two world wars, and infections. million members in more than 15,000 office, issued April 7, said: “The Holy See, which has after natural disasters. Though the coronavirus outbreak local councils worldwide. Its members always expressed confidence in the Australian judicial In addition to the food bank in Italy has affected older adults worked 76 million service hours in 2019 authority, welcomes the High Court’s unanimous donations, the Knights plan to fund most significantly, infants also are and helped donate more than $185 decision concerning Cardinal George Pell, acquitting the satellite transmission of several vulnerable. The treatment center will million in charitable causes. (CNA) him of the accusations of abuse of minors and overturning his sentence.” “At the same time, the ‘Prayer has been the great source of strength to me’: Cardinal Holy See reaffirms its commitment to preventing and Pell looks forward to Easter pursuing all cases of abuse against minors.” (CNA) Vatican Major Penitentiary: Mercy does not cease amid WASHINGTON D.C.— After television news in my has been a very long time, statement. “I do not want my coronavirus more than 14 months in cell when the news came so that is a great blessing.” acquittal to add to the hurt In an Easter letter to confessors on Saturday, the prison, Cardinal George Pell through,” Pell told CNA, The cardinal told CNA and bitterness so many feel; head of the Apostolic Penitentiary wrote that while said he was always hopeful in an exclusive interview that he had lived his time in there is certainly hurt and ‘social distancing’ is necessary amid the coronavirus, about the High Court shortly after his release on prison as a “long retreat,” bitterness enough.” ‘mercy does not cease’. Despite the restrictions placed decision which acquitted him Tuesday. and a time for reflection, “The only basis for long by many civil and ecclesial governors, “Mercy does not of all charges and released “First, I heard that leave writing, and, above all, term healing is truth and the cease and God does not distance himself,” Cardinal him from incarceration on was granted and then that the prayer. only basis for justice is truth, Mauro Piacenza, the Major Penitentiary, wrote April April 7. convictions were quashed. I “Prayer has been the because justice means truth 4. “The social distancing required for health reasons, Shortly after his release thought, ‘Well that’s great. great source of strength for all.” while necessary, cannot and must never turn into from prison, the cardinal told I’m delighted.’” to me throughout these The cardinal told CNA on ecclesial distancing, let alone theological-sacramental CNA that, while he had kept “Of course, there was no times, including the Tuesday that as he readjusts distancing,” he added. The Apostolic Penitentiary is the faith he would be eventually one to talk to about it until prayers of others, and I to his life as a free man and Holy See’s tribunal with responsibility for the internal exonerated, he tried not to my legal team arrived,” Pell am incredibly grateful prepares for Holy Week, forum and indulgences. (CNA) be “too optimistic.” said. to all those people who he is focused on what lies On Tuesday morning, “However, I did hear a have prayed for me and ahead, especially Easter, and God will judge us by how we treated the poor, says Pope Francis the High Court issued its great cheer from somewhere helped me during this not behind. Many people suffering from poverty are victims of decision, granting Cardinal within the jail and then the really challenging time.” “At this stage I don’t the “structural injustice” of today’s global economy, Pell’s request for special three other inmates near The cardinal said the want to comment further Pope Francis said in his daily Mass homily on April 6. leave to appeal, quashing me made it clear they were number of letters and on the last few years, only “We will be judged for our relationship with the poor,” his convictions for sexual delighted for me.” cards he had received from to say I have always said Pope Francis said. The pope said that the first question abuse, and ordering that After his release, Pell said people both in Australia and I am innocent of any such Jesus will ask at the final judgment will be: “How did he be acquitted of all he spent the afternoon at a from overseas was “quite crimes,” he said. you treat the poor? Did you feed them? Did you visit charges. quiet location in Melbourne, overwhelming.” “Holy Week is obviously those in prison, in hospital? Did you help the widow As the decision was and enjoyed a steak for his “I really do want to thank the most important time and the orphan? Because I was there.” The pope said announced by the court, first “free” meal in more than them most sincerely.” in our Church, so I am that many of today’s poor are “hidden” because they several hundred miles 400 days. In a public statement at especially pleased this are “ashamed to show that they are not making ends away the cardinal watched “What I am really looking the time of his release, Pell decision came when it did. meet.” “It is a part of the cityscape to have poor people. from his cell in HM Prison forward to is celebrating offered his solidarity with The Easter Triduum, so However, the vast majority of the poor are victims of Barwon, southwest of a private Mass,” Pell told victims of sexual abuse. central to our faith, will be economic policies, of financial policies,” he added. Melbourne. CNA before he had the “I hold no ill will to my even more special for me this (Courtney Mares/CNA) “I was watching the opportunity to do so. “It accuser,” Pell said in that year.” (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 NEWS FEATURES A3 After criminal acquittal, Catholics have forgiven Easter Cardinal Pell likely to face several civil suits church bombers, says cardinal

COLOMBO— Sri Lanka’s Catholics have forgiven the bombers who struck their churches last Easter, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has said. Speaking at an Easter Sunday Mass April 12, the archbishop of Colombo said: “Last year some misguided youths attacked us and we as humans could have given a human and selfish response. But we meditated on Christ’s teachings and loved them, forgave them and had pity on them.” Cardinal George Pell at the Vatican, March 2016. ALEXEY GOTOVSKYI/CNA The cardinal, who AUSTRALIA— The High were responsible for the livestreamed the Mass from Court of Australia this management of the boy’s his residence due to the week overturned Cardinal home; the state of¬ Victoria; coronavirus crisis, added: George Pell’s conviction for and the Archdiocese of “We did not hate them and five alleged counts of sexual Melbourne, The Guardian return them the violence. abuse, and despite his release reports. The alleged victim Resurrection is the complete from prison, Pell is likely to is seeking damages for rejection of selfishness.” Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo. ALAN HOLDREN/CNA face several civil lawsuits psychiatric injury, loss of Nine suicide bombers from alleged abuse victims wages and medical expenses. targeted two Catholic and their families. A third lawsuit, brought churches, one evangelical a clear account of how the government measures to killed at the two sites. The High Court on April during June 2019, alleges church and three hotels on terrorists were able to carry combat COVID-19 meant Catholic leaders are 7 overturned Pell’s 2018 that Pell, as episcopal vicar April 19, 2019, killing an out the attack despite alleged they had to celebrate Easter planning to hold a private conviction for alleged abuse for education in the Ballarat estimated 259 people and intelligence that attacks were at home. ceremony marking the of two choir boys. The father diocese from 1973 to 1984, injuring more than 500. imminent. According to Vatican News, anniversary on April 21, of one of the alleged victims knew of an abuser’s crimes The bombers belonged to In March, he said he Masses were celebrated reported Vatican News. in the criminal case— who and was involved in moving an Islamist group known would lead public protests behind closed doors at the two More than 217 people have has since died— is suing the him from school to school. as the National Thowheeth if the government failed to Catholic churches attacked contracted COVID-19 in Sri Catholic Church, claiming The suit alleges that the Jama’ath and were all Sri produce a credible report on by the bombers: the Shrine Lanka and seven have died Pell’s alleged abuse was the actions of former Christian Lankan citizens. the bombings. of St. Anthony in the capital, as of April 11, according to reason for his son’s “sudden Brother Edward Dowlan, Cardinal Ranjith, 72, The faithful had hoped Colombo, and St. Sebastian’s Johns Hopkins University turmoil” in 1996, according who is serving jail time after has repeatedly accused the to attend Easter services at Church in Negombo. A total Coronavirus Resource to his lawyer Lisa Flynn. admitting to the abuse of authorities of failing to give the bombed churches, but of more than 150 people were Center. (CNA) “We will continue to pursue more than twenty boys, a civil claim on behalf of were known to Pell and that our client despite the High the cardinal did nothing to China’s first saint was martyred on a Court’s ruling today. He has protect the victim. suffered immensely and Bishop of Ballarat maintains George Pell was Paul Bird, Archbishop of cross in Wuhan responsible for his son’s Melbourne Peter Comensoli, sudden downward spiral and the Catholic Education CHINA’S first canonized saint was who died for them, and shed their blood after he abused his son as a Commission are also named martyred by suffocation on a cross on the soil of that city,” he added. young choirboy,” Flynn said in the suit, the Daily Mail in Wuhan, the epicenter of today’s Many missionaries left for China in April 7. reports. coronavirus pandemic. the 19th century with the knowledge that The other alleged victim, An Australian royal St. Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, a they would never return. referred to in court as Witness commission launched in 2013 Vincentian missionary priest from “I don’t know what awaits me on the J, will not be filing a civil suit, to investigate institutional France, was betrayed by one of his path that opens before me: without a his lawyer told The Guardian. responses to child sex abuse catechumens for money, bound in doubt the cross, which is the daily bread That complainant said that cases has led to Pell being chains, tortured, tied to a wooden cross of the missionary. What can we hope for he and another choir boy questioned several times and strangled to death in Wuhan in better, going to preach a crucified God?” were sexually abused by Pell about what he knew about 1840. St. Perboyre wrote in a letter during his after Sunday Mass while the alleged abuse that took place Dr. Anthony Clark, a professor of journey to China. cardinal was Archbishop of under his watch. The Guardian Chinese history, spent time in Wuhan An image of St. Jean-Gabriel Perboyre from Wuhan, Perboyre’s remains were eventually China. COURTESY OF DR. ANTHONY CLARK Melbourne in 1996 and 1997. reports that the commission’s researching the life of Perboyre and St. moved to Paris to the Vincentian According to the findings in this area have Francis Regis Clet, another 19th-century Central Hospital of Wuhan (1999).” motherhouse. Today his tomb is located complainant, Pell exposed been heavily redacted due to Vincentian priest martyred in Wuhan. Another nearby coronavirus facility, in a side chapel in the same church himself and forced the two legal proceedings, but that Clark told CNA that Wuhan’s Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, can trace where St. Vincent de Paul’s incorrupt teenage choir boys to commit the redacted findings are martyr saints are particularly suitable its roots back to an infectious diseases body is located. He was beatified in 1889 sex acts upon him, while the expected to be released “in the intercessors for those suffering from hospital founded by Franciscan by Pope Leo XIII. cardinal was vested, almost coming weeks.” COVID-19 today. missionaries in 1926, the Father Mei “St. Thérèse of Lisieux had a special immediately after Mass in In addition to the civil “Sts. Perboyre and Clet were both Memorial Catholic Hospital of Hankou. devotion to Perboyre and kept a holy the priests’ sacristy at St. lawsuits in Australia, Pell killed by strangulation; they died It was named for Fr. Pascal Angelicus card dedicated to him in her personal Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996. is now expected to face a because they could not breathe,” he said. Melotto (1864-1923), a Franciscan prayerbook,” Dr. Clark pointed out. The complainant also said canonical proceeding in “How could they not be appropriate missionary friar from Italy martyred in At Perboyre’s canonization in 1996, that Pell fondled him in a Rome, overseen by the intercessors for this particular illness?” Wuhan, who took Fr. Mei Zhanchun as St. John Paul II said: “Along the streets corridor in 1997. Congregation for the Doctrine “Among the torments against his Chinese name. He was kidnapped where he had been sent he found the Pell was convicted in 2018, of the Faith. Perboyre were continued beatings on for ransom and then shot in the stomach Cross of Christ. Through the daily in the second trial concerning Shortly after the High his lower back and he was forced to with a poisoned bullet in 1923. imitation of his Lord, with humility and the allegations. The first trial Court announced its decision, kneel on broken glass. He certainly “I am happy to die for the Chinese,” gentleness, he fully identified with him. ended in a hung jury. Archbishop Mark Coleridge of knew the agonies of physical suffering, the missionary priest said at his death, … After being tortured and condemned, The cardinal was sentenced Brisbane released a statement and would be a good comfort for those according to the Franciscan Order’s reproducing the Passion of Jesus with to six years in prison, of which on behalf of the Australian who now suffer from this virus.” website. “I lived in China for the Chinese extraordinary similarity, he came like he had been required to serve bishops’ conference saying Wuhan, now infamous as the origin and now I am happy to die for them.” him to death and death on a cross.” at least three years and eight that the news “will be of the coronavirus, was once an outpost The Father Mei Memorial Catholic St. John Paul II canonized St. Francis months before being eligible welcomed by many, including for Catholic missionaries who founded Hospital of Hankou was staffed by Regis Clet in October 2000, along with to apply for parole. Pell would those who have believed in Catholic hospitals in the city. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Doctrine 33 other missionaries and 87 Chinese have been eligible for release the Cardinal’s innocence Outside of Wuhan Central Hospital, until missionaries were expelled Catholics martyred under the Qing in October 2022. throughout this lengthy where coronavirus whistleblower Dr. from China in 1952 after the Chinese Dynasty (1644-1911). Pell, 78, has maintained his process.” Li Wenliang died, is a statue of Italian Communist Revolution. Michael Fu Tieshan, a bishop of innocence. But, Coleridge said, the missionary, Msgr. Eustachius Zanoli, “The Catholic community of Wuhan China’s state-run church, the Chinese At least two civil lawsuits result “does not change photographed by New York Times has suffered greatly during the era Patriotic Catholic Association, called the against Pell have already the Church’s unwavering correspondent, Chris Buckley. of Chairman Mao and the Cultural canonization a “public humiliation” in been filed. commitment to child The plaque beneath the bust reads Revolution, and through that time they an interview with state-run television, One, filed during March safety and to a just and in Chinese and English: “Monsignor hid the tombstones of Saints Perboyre AP reported at the time. 2019, was brought by a man compassionate response Eustachius Zanoli, from Italy, was the and Clet to protect them, because of The first “patriotic bishop” named by who claims that Pell— as well to survivors and victims of first Bishop of Roman Catholic Church their deep devotion to those martyrs,” the Communist government in China in as several nuns— abused him sexual abuse.” in Eastern Hubei. In 1886 he invited Clark said. 1958 was from Wuhan. Dong Guangqing, as a boy when a resident at a “The safety of children the Canossian Daughters of Charity to “While I was there I visited the who died in 2007, was president of boy’s home near Melbourne remains supremely important Wuhan to provide social service and in seminary where the two tombstones Patriotic Catholic Association of Wuhan between 1974 and 1978. not only for the bishops, 1880 established the Hankou Catholic are now displayed for veneration; and vice president of the National The lawsuit names Pell; but for the entire Catholic Hospital, which laid the foundation for the Catholics of Wuhan have a great Administrative Committee of the the trustees of the Sisters community,” the archbishop the development of the Wuhan No. 2 devotion to the Eucharist and to the Chinese Catholic Church. (Courtney of Nazareth, who formerly said. (CNA) Hospital (1955) and subsequently the Vincentians, such as Perboyre and Clet, Mares/CNA)

Homonhon / A1

The Department on Parish repeated his pleas A domestic ship vessel of pandemic. completed, the foreign vessel environmental concerns on Environment and Natural for help from the national then facilitates the transfer “We appeal for compassion will leave the island and the historic island, where Resources on April 11 government, saying, “It feels of ores from Techiron port to to suspend again the mineral directly sail to China. Christian faith first arrived backtracked from its earlier like we are on our own at this the foreign vessel docked few ore export permit granted to Homonhon is home to in the Philippines 499 years decision to delay the loading point”. miles away from the shore. Techiron,” Montes said. around 4,800 people from ago. activity of MV VW Peace near “For this government, it is Officials of the town and Fr. Ofilan also lamented that eight barangays across the Homonhon is the spot the island off Guiuan town. China’s interests first, second the province have earlier some of his parishioners have island. where Portugese explorer The foreign vessel is our rights,” Ofilan said. opposed the loading activity experienced discrimination Mining operations have Ferdinand Magellan and manned by a crew of 13 The cargo vessel arrived in until the health crisis is over. from some mainland Guiuan been ongoing since early his men first landed in the Chinese and 4 from Myanmar, the seawaters of Homonhon Daipen Montes, one of the residents because of the 1990s on the historic island, archipelago and took a alarming the residents of the on April 4 to collect some island’s more than 8,000 Chinese-manned vessel on where Christian faith first weeklong respite in 1521. potential health risks they 7,000 metric tons of chromite residents, said they are their island. arrived in the Philippines 499 Some theorists even claim might bring. ore worth more than P61 “disgusted” with the DENR “This is unfair and very years ago. that the first Mass may have Fr. Christian Ofilan of the million from Techiron’s for the allowing the loading unfortunate,” he said. The Borongan diocese been celebrated in the island. island’s St. John the Baptist mining operations. operations even in this time Once the loading is has also been raising (CBCP News) A4 OPINION April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Religious Services are essential services

AFTER 5 weeks of quarantine, decision makers are now talking about the lifting of the lock down, either completely, or in a mitigated way, or only in some areas. In this conversation, the topic invariably comes: which are to be considered essential services that can be allowed? People naturally speak about the food industry, the health care services, peace and order services, basic transportation, and the list can go on and on. It is noteworthy however that in many lists, religious services are not included. Is this a sign of secularism that religion is not considered as important at all in the life of the people, that it is optional and can easily be dispensed with? This is not so in the Philippines! This is not so in our special time! At this time, after more than 5 weeks of being cooped up in our houses, and with the great uncertainly about our future, people need hope. They need the assurance of a benign higher power on whom they can depend in this time of uncertainty. This is given by religion, more so in the Philippines, where the people are very religious. Religion is very important for Filipinos. For the vast majority, it is faith that gives them strength especially in difficulties. We can see this in times of disasters like fires, floods and typhoons. One of the things that people first save are their religious images and their Bibles. After the disaster, the first thing that the community would restore is their chapel. The first thing that people do in calamities is to pray together. The signs BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION of God in their lives are very important for the people. This is given great evidence during this time of community Easter Message lock down. People turn to online masses and church services. Panaghoy They find in them great comfort and strength to carry on. These Bp. Broderick Pabillo services give meaning to their struggles and assure them that they are not alone, that all these will pass away. There is a loving God in whom they can depend. All of these keep them spiritually strong and psychologically sane, even. AN Easter Message is supposed to seeing a ghost! Jesus had to assure them in our relationships. Most especially, we We cannot therefore say that religious services are peripheral be a joyful message. Can there be joy that it was he. He had to show them his will rise up with greater trust in our God to the people. They see them as essential, and the sign that things when we have heard that the Enhanced wounded hands and side. He had to eat who never leaves us and who sustains us are going back to normal is when they are again able to go to Community Quarantine has been in front of them. The resurrection was in difficult times. Let us allow ourselves church and attend the services. This will uplift their spirits to a extended till the end of April? Can totally unexpected to the disciples. to be surprised by God. great extent. there be joy when the resources of Easter for us this year is also totally The resurrection tells us that God is So when the decision makers consider the essential services many people have dwindled while the unexpected. Not only because we are faithful. He is powerful. He overcomes to be allowed, they should also consider the opening of the quarantine continues? Can there be joy not able to do what we usually do on evil and even death. This gives us hope churches and its services as important. Of course, necessary when the news continues to speak about Easter—go to the Salubong, attend and joy. We can say this with greater precautions should be taken, like the proper social distancing and new infections and new deaths? Mass, and celebrate with friends. As conviction this year. The quarantine the sanitation practices to be done in the churches. We cannot The joy of Easter is not a joy because at the first Easter, are we open to be period was hard, but we have lived also just go back to the old practices as before. Many things will there are no problems. It is a joy which surprised by God? We do not know through it renewed and with new also change in the way we do our services in the Church. This surprises all of us, because when God what will happen in the coming three realizations in life. It has given us is already taken as a given. But allowing people to go back to acts, he acts in unexpected ways. In spite weeks. We do not know what will be our new life. Let not the monotony of the Church to thank the Lord, to ask for his protection and implore of the announcement of the Lord Jesus life after the lock down. Surely, many quarantine put off the joy of Easter. his help, are deemed very important by the people. So if we want that he would rise again, the idea of the things will change. What will they be? The basis of this joy is not what we can to reassure the people that we shall overcome, that we are on resurrection did not register among his Of this we are sure, though: we will rise do, but that the Risen Jesus is with us. the way to victory in our fight against the virus, let us allow the disciples. So when Jesus was killed and up from this pandemic. We will rise up, He is acting among us and renewing us. people the opportunity to express their faith within our churches. buried, for the disciples, Jesus is over. hopefully not to go back to our former Because of him, we shall overcome! (Guest editorial by Bishop Broderick Pabillo) He is dead. So when they saw the tomb way of life. We will rise up stronger and May this Easter give us greater trust empty, their first thought was, who took more confident. We will rise up with and hope. Jesus is risen! He is with us! The joy of Easter his body? And when they finally saw him, greater care for our health and 2 our We will overcome! We will live a new they were afraid. They thought they were families. We will rise up strengthened life with Jesus! Happy Easter to you all. WE have every reason to be most happy when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let’s hope that when we greet each other, ‘Happy Easter,’ we would really mean An Easter like no other it and know what is behind that greeting. Let’s exhume that Active Faith happy greetingfrom the tomb of our usual formalisms and clichés. Let’s get real! Joe Tale With Easter, we celebrate the tremendous truth of our faith that Christ, our savior, is risen, never to die again. With his resurrection, he has conquered sin and death, and is offering I WILL not hide it. My behind. we have a community that longing for a peaceful and us the way, the means and the power to do the same. This is heart feels some sadness We also do not forget the continue to regularly meet harmonious life that has been the greatest news of all time. Nothing can outshine it. and melancholy this Easter brave ones who are still for prayers online; that there disturbed by this virus. Easter marks the completion of Christ’s redemptive work Sunday. The quarantine and battling this virus. We pray is a government and other This Easter is like no other. on us. With it, we now have the way to reach the fullness and the lockdown is still on. The that they retain their will volunteer groups who are There are no big Easter perfection of our humanity as truly the image and likeness numbers of those affected by to fight on, and eventually helping plan and implement parties with easter egg hunts of God, children of his, meant to share in the divine life, the pandemic continues to that they are healed and will ways for our welfare. Let us and other activities we used because that is what God wants for us. We are now given rise, and the USA has become recover. recognize these blessings, to do. We have discovered the way to arrive at that ideal meant for us. It would be good the country with the highest These are indeed times like and thank the Lord, for there that we really do not need if we can meditate more deeply on the significance of Easter number of those infected by no other. are many who lack these. these extraneous traditions. and continue to draw practical resolutions to guide us in our the virus, about 500,000 At the same time With the family, we For we have found what earthly life. What a pity if Easter time would just be a feel- persons at this time. though, these are times listened to the Easter Urbi really matters, the substance good moment with hardly any tangible effect on our lives, on Where we are (Southern for thanksgiving. We are et Orbi message of Pope of the meaning of Easter - the the way we think, speak, react, behave, etc. California) has been rainy thankful that we are still Francis earlier today, and for Resurrection of Christ and During this Easter season, we will be repeating many times and gloomy and cold this healthy, that we have a home some reason, I was filled with His love for us that never the responsorial psalm, “This is the day the Lord has made, past week, except for for to stay during this lockdown, emotion. Perhaps, because dies. That is enough. We need let us rejoice and be glad.” And we sing, “Alleluia, alleluia,’ in a few moments when the and a family to spend the the words of our Shepherd not look for anything more. response. With these words, we are told that Christ is truly sun was out. I guess this time with, food to eat and were honest, forthright I still feel somewhat alive. He is not dead, nor is he just a character in history, a has contributed to the water to drink each day, and in accepting the reality of melancholy, but significant one, no doubt, but just a historical figure. We are melancholy. Today, Easter internet and phones that sufferings brought about strengthened. Easter will not left orphans. We need to adjust our consciousness to Sunday is no exception. It is allow us to communicate with by this pandemic, but also not and cannot be stopped. accommodate this fundamental, tremendous reality. a gloomy day. others outside our homes. reminded us of the truth of Nothing can stop the love of We have to understand that Christ’s death was meant to These are times which We are grateful that there Jesus rising from the dead God for His people. We will conquer our sin and death. And he now invites us to die with makes one remember CFC are still doctors, nurses and that give us assurance of his not allow the pandemic nor him so we can also rise with him. This is the “happy exchange” comrades and friends who medical staff manning our continuing love even in these the rain and gloomy days to he is offering us. He assumes all our sins without committing fell in the dark night of this hospitals with adequate difficult times. Our faith and define our lives. What is truly sin, dies to them to put our sins to nothing, then rises. We pandemic. The bells have medicines to treat those who hope were strengthened. important is our relationship then have to understand that our resurrection in Christ would tolled for them. We remember are sick, and that there are Jesus will never leave us. The with Jesus and His love for always pass through his cross. We have to make sure that we them with sadness, we grieve, those who are still working Pope shared words of joy that us. Thus, there is and will pass through his cross, not our man-made crosses, which and pray for their souls and to provide various services also brought tears to some, always be reason to celebrate. actually can also be made into Christ’s cross as long as we for the families they left needed. We are thankful as they stirred our deepest Happy Easter everyone! refer our crosses to his. We should be ready for this. That is why we really need to activate our faith to the full, and with it, the corresponding virtues of hope and charity. Going the extra mile Everything else will flow from there insofar as our duty to Candidly Speaking correspond to Christ’s redemptive work on us is concerned. Editorial/ A7 Fr. Roy Cimagala

CBCP FAR from falling into idleness and if we seem to be pushed back to times In the eyes of God, any kind of work, boredom, this current condition of ours past and “forced” to do things that we whether intellectual or manual, social, brought about by the pandemic and have already left behind long time ago. political, economic or domestic, as long Monitor its consequent prudential measures The secret, I think, is to go the extra mile as it is not sinful, is always pleasing to PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE should challenge us and give rise to at whatever we are doing, God as long as it is done with love. novel manifestations of our creativity even if it is a manual household chore And when things are done with love, Pedro Quitorio Editor-in-Chief and productivity. which usually is the case nowadays since we would not just be interested in If we just think a little and have our stay-out domestic helpers would complying with the deadlines and other Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite the proper attitude, we know that the most likely be not available at this time. technical requirements, though they are Associate Editor Circulation Manager restrictions we are having these days We just have to remind ourselves that very important also. We would be more do not necessarily restrict us in our what matters most in our activities is not interested in doing our work with great Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas Marcelita Dominguez creativity and productivity. Like some so much the kind of work we are doing care for details and with due concern for Design Artists Comptroller water that knows how to make its way as the way we are doing it. Are we doing fulfilling all the requirements, of course. The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the from the mountain to the sea, we would it with love, or are we just doing it out What is most important is that we do CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, CBCP know how to be creative and productive of a certain sense of compliance? Are we our work, whatever it is, as a love offering Compound, 470 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: [email protected], Business: (632) 8404 - 1612. despite the new restrictions. doing our work with God as front and to God, aware that our work is actually ISSN 1908-2940. So, if anything at all, our present center of it, or are we doing things only a part of the abiding providence of God condition can occasion new things even for our own self-interest. Candidly Speaking / A5 OPINION CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 OPINION A5

Quarantined Easter By the Roadside Commentary Fr. Eutiquio Belizar, Jr. SThD Fr. Elias Ayuban, Jr., CMF

“We announce to you the good news been downed by the common flu several realism of our laptops’ and cell phones’ Why not the Catholic that the promise made to our fathers has times. It strikes me that COVID-19 cameras. But we still cannot hold your been fulfilled by God for our children by could come, so innocuously it seems, hand nor even touch your head in a Church share her billions? raising up Jesus.” (Acts 13:32). with symptoms that resemble the gesture of prayer, much less give you a affliction that had tormented me during hug. You yourself warn us never to come AFTER the rhetorical question: “Where is the Catholic Church DEAR Brother/Sister with COVID-19, unpleasantly unforgettable periods of within a meter of the hospital they are in these times of crisis?”, another query in some Facebook I am tempted to greet you, “Happy my life. My own mother’s prayers and keeping you in. When you weep, at least posts follows: “Why not the Catholic Church share her billions Easter!” caresses—she was never afraid of the we can weep with you. It is hard to keep to the poor?” In fact, I have already done that flu virus which, if my memory serves me a straight face when we see your tears This curiosity may be relevant in the past when the just now, if only to take a chance at right, I nonetheless failed to transmit flowing more easily than your words. institutional Church was still both immensely powerful and cheering you up. But I also cannot to her—were just as potent against the I can only imagine the dark thoughts opulent. It is no longer the case now and so, we ask in return: imagine how Easter could be happy illness. My brothers’ and sisters’ voices, that once in a while cross your mind. “Where are the billions?” to someone suffering from COVID-19, banters, well-meaning jokes and other Perhaps you already know about the The Holy See gets its income mainly from the entrance fees especially considering the distinct activities around the house gave me frontliners, sometimes real couples brave to the museum, dome and gardens; sales from the pharmacy, possibility not only of you rising up so much reassurance of a loving and and caring health workers (doctors, department and grocery stores and souvenir shops inside the from it eventually cured but also of caring environment. Recovery was nurses etc.) who got infected while 44-hectare Vatican City; and, from the voluntary donations developing complications and, God just a matter of time. And when priest attending to patients and eventually of the faithful. forbid, leaving us and the world as we friends saw me fully recovered, some died. Do not focus on their dying at the It is not true that the Vatican receives a share of our parish know it with finality. would even quote part of the Regina expense of their humanity and heroism. collections. On the contrary, it is the Holy See that helps the But then again, who am I to say Coeli, saying, “Resurexit sicut dixit (He Remember the person because of whom poor local churches in mission territories (Africa and largely an Easter greeting would make no rose just as he promised)!” I knew I was there is Easter was himself not exempt Asia) though the Congregation for the Evangelization of difference to you? back to earth. from dark thoughts. Did he not even beg Peoples (popularly known as Propaganda Fide), which our

ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION So please let me say it again, “Happy But this is exactly what COVID-19 has the heavens, “Father, if it be possible, own Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle now heads. Easter” or, as I actually prefer saying, “A deprived you of. take this cup (of suffering) away from Despite the limited resources of the universal Church, blessed Easter to you!” Isolation or self-quarantine, however me” (Mt 26:39; Lk 22:42)? And even though, there is a department in the Holy See charged of I cannot pretend, I do not pretend, it is called, has inflicted a seemingly as he was to add, “Yet not my will but offering charitable assistance to the poor in the name of the to know what exactly you are going unbridgeable chasm between you and your will be done” (same verses), it does Holy Father called the Office of Papal Charities. To date, the through. It is true, many times I have the ones you love. What is more, you not detract one bit from the fact that he Catholic Church remains the biggest charitable institution seen videos of you trying to reach out as well as they have no choice on the shared the same agony of staring death in the world. to us, to your loved ones, to anyone matter. Even if they wanted to, the in the face with you and, by extension, Moreover, every diocese is autonomous, including in its interested, trying to warn us to take the authorities and existing quarantine with us healthy ones. For COVID-19 finances, in the same way that every religious congregation current form of corona virus seriously protocols prevent them from keeping also at times occasions the same dark is. Although, the Holy See oversees the administration of all by allowing us to see what it has done you in the warmth of their love, company thoughts being overcast in our own ecclesiastical goods to ascertain that they serve the mission to you. On the other hand, it seems so and care. Sometimes I find it amusing mind’s horizons. This is no surprise. We of the Church, every Catholic institution administers its own obvious that in your isolation you are to think that this corona virus seems all know the virus, like hatred and love, patrimony with utmost freedom and discretion. also just as scared, probably even more tailored to our age where social media can come to us in the most unexpected But it is true that the Church is very rich: in arts, churches, so, as we are, of the unseen monster have connected us more easily and places and circumstances. history, liturgy, music, etc. However, these treasures are not that, in horrific ways, has held you and economically than where we were just It might seem hard to believe, maybe for sale and we do not glory in them either. We glory in the all of us healthy ones hostage. And your a few years ago. Thankfully because of even beyond rationality for some, but cross of Christ Jesus. Indeed, the true riches of the Church loneliness also shows through. It is video calling and other communication all I am saying is that you are not alone. does not lie in the structures, but in her members. heartbreaking. No matter how you try devices and applications we can reach The isolation COVID-19 has pushed Particular churches may not have billions, but through to keep it from us, your eyes and face you and you can reach us. We do not people into is, if you could just think private donations, Caritas Manilla was able to allocate P1- cannot lie. If it is any consolation, many have to imagine how difficult it is for some more, just an illusion. Easter has billion worth of gift certificates to urban poor residents in 10 of us hear you. you to breathe, speak or make the made it possible for the Risen One to dioceses in Metro Manila. What I particularly find riveting is the most ordinary movements we healthy enter even closed doors and penetrate The De La Salle Brothers house dozens of homeless thought that I could be in your shoes. ones take for granted. We see all these walls just so he could be with those individuals for the duration of Luzon quarantine at DLSU; From childhood till my adult life I have brought home to us through the stark By the Roadside / A6 the Redemptorists shelter Albay residents at Baclaran Church; and, the Claretian Missionaries have offered the basement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in U.P. The Holy Week Diliman for the use of the frontliners. All these, and many Duc in Altum more other initiatives, the Church does without cameras and during pandemic press releases. Atty. Aurora A. Santiago When St. Lawrence, who was appointed by Pope Sixtus II to be the caretaker of the treasures of the Church, was told by Emperor Valerian to surrender her wealth (258 A.D.), the Archdeacon gestured back to the door where, streaming THIS is the first time in the where they could participate *** the death of his mother. in behind him, poured crowds of poor, crippled, blind, and history of mankind when all personally and received the I would like to share with The husband told her to suffering people. Then he proclaimed: “These are the true religions cannot celebrate or Body of Christ sacramentally, the readers the reflections stop thinking that way. Dra. treasures of the Church!” observe their religious rites as not spiritually. This is the of our Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cherry fortunately recovered, they used to do. They cannot first time in Lent when there “Ambo” David of the Diocese and was later tested negative, Candidly Speaking / A4 worship together with their was no public blessing of of Kalookan and some trivia went home and had to go brethren inside the Church, palms, no Visita Iglesia, during the Easter Triduum. on another self-quarantine. over all of us. We would be expression of self-indulgence, temple or mosque, as the no Siete Palabras, no Good On his Holy Thursday What hurts her was their aware that we are actually pride, vanity and the like. case may be. The Enhanced Friday procession, no Easter Homily, Bishop Ambo neighbors started barricading doing or cooperating in God’s Perhaps these days Community Quarantine Salubong. The faithful had narrated the experience of their house, to make sure work. Our work is never are good days to remind (ECQ), or lockdown, to stay home and be satisfied Dra. Cherry Abu, an infectious nobody goes out for they fear just purely ours. It has to ourselves more deeply of the prevented them from doing with live streaming of Masses disease specialist, a frontliner they would be infected. What be a work of God, since we most fundamental truths so because ECQ requires and Liturgical Services. doctor who got infected with is admirable of Dra. Cherry unavoidably get involved in of our life: where we come everyone to stay home, This is the time when Social corona virus while treating a was her determination to the providence of God over from, where we are heading observes social distancing, Communications Ministry patient who was later found go back as frontliner in all his creation. ultimately, what the real prohibits congregation of (SOCCOM) in the parish to be COVID-19 positive. the hospital when she fully So, there’s never a dull purpose of our life here on persons. was much appreciated, The symptoms first appeared recovers because that was moment when things are done earth is, etc. Although the CBCP because they need to cover on her mother-in-law, thus her sworn duty to serve and with love since we would be We need to realize that declares that the faithful every liturgical services both of them got tested and it was there where God called keenly aware of the cosmic at any moment of our life are dispensed from their and make them available both were positive. While her. She also committed that dimensions of our work, here on earth, whether we duties to observe Sunday to the faithful through live on isolation, Dra. Cherry when she fully recovered and whatever it is. Doing a lowly are engaged in complicated, and holy days of obligation streaming. Together with the monitored the condition of she is tested negative, she will task with love acquires great sophisticated work or simple, in times of pandemic, after priests, altar servers, lector her mother-in-law whose donate her blood that can be sanctifying value. That task domestic tasks, God is still three Sundays of attending and commentator, organist/ health deteriorated until she used in convalescent plasma would have the power to bring forming us to be his image Mass through TV, radio or cantor, they are considered was intubated and died. She therapy that may be injected us to heaven even if we are in and likeness. It is his initiative live streaming, the faithful the frontliners of the religious feels guilty that she cried to to severely ill COVID patient. the kitchen or the laundry area. of love to which we also have hungers for a live Mass sector. her husband that she caused Duc in Altum / A7 Thus, washing dishes, to correspond with love. cleaning the floor, doing Thus, when we go the extra laundry can be more pleasing mile, we would always give A COVID conversion to God if done with love priority to our spiritual duties Whatever than doing the more serious over our other tasks, with the tasks of our profession and latter always being converted Fr. Francis Ongkingco business but without love. into a means to correspond That is, the latter are done with God, doing them the simply mechanically, or as an best that we can.

WHAT will the world be after COVID-19? undoubtedly, a tremendous growth in interruptions as before, despite the Caritas / A1 There will be undoubtedly many radical our spiritual life as our vulnerability uncalculated toll of work-from-home, changes in the economic, political, social has put us with no other recourse than and are able to share precious moments vouchers, Caritas Manila has statement. and cultural spheres. As we continue to to turn to God in prayer and penance. never before engaged due to traffic, also been distributing “Covid Caritas’ “Covid-19 safety pray and battle against this mysterious I can imagine that—when God deigns workload and travel. safety kits” and food bags to kit” includes alcohol, face virus that has managed to lock down it should be over—how a quarantine of The world is coming out alive in a new poor families. masks, antibacterial liquid the entire world, we can only hope that months can shape and reshape in us way never before experienced! As the government combat soap, Vitamin C, reusable after the pandemic we will not have to old and new habits. Perhaps, we will be Reflecting on all these wonderful the coronavirus, the priest gloves, liquid bleach, cleaning face a totally unfamiliar global scenario. more delicate about and attentive to one things, I also ask myself what change said that the social aspect cloth, among others. COVID has and continues to wreak another’s needs, social distancing will I will carry forward after all of this cannot be overlooked as he Aside from the kit, the unimagined havoc on society and make us more aware of public order and is ‘over’? Will it only be something appealed for more help. relief agency is also providing thousands of individuals. We cannot hygiene, and of course new structural fleeting? Or will I return to my old ways “During this pandemic, let poor families with food bags turn a blind eye to the daily waves of measures by governments and other and practices as I disregard or neglect us to unite and help each other to poor families affected by fear and devastation in countries that institutions to prepare for similar future the proper distancing—whether close as one Christian community,” the enhanced community are just experiencing its deadly effects scenarios. or far—I should maintain in my family, Fr. Pascual said. quarantine in Metro Manila. as dead rates rocket soar. Only time For example, our country is both professional and social duties? Will I The social action arm of “No one should be left will tell when all this will end, but at adjusting and is promoting never- simply return to my default mode and the Manila archdiocese is behind as we fight COVID-19 the moment, we each have to do our ever-witnessed initiatives springing settings? providing items to the city’s with charity and cooperation,” part to try to minimize its negative up from various sectors to answer Even way before the COVID pandemic low-income families to “be said Caritas Manila. effects. the needs of sick people, the old, the ends, aside from settling home and safe” from coronavirus. As of March 19, Caritas The lockdown has forced us to change unemployed, sowing hope in gloomy work goals, it may be helpful for each Caritas Manila said the Manila has also received our personal lifestyles and social home atmospheres with the aid of social one to ponder on personal goals that plight of the poor cannot around P6 million donations interactions. But this confinement has media to host virtual reunions, songs these days may slowly forge. Thus, upon be ignored during this for its programs. also helped to rediscover innumerable and even cultural concerts! returning to the normal conditions of pandemic. “Let us continue sharing our positive realities that we may have taken Our viral confinement is also life, we would engage them humbled “Let’s us help the poor who resources to the most vulnerable for granted: family and relatives, our reminding us of values that we may but enriched since we have learned to can’t afford to buy products in the COVID-19 pandemic—the own communities, personal projects have taken for granted: families are live life’s realities in a deeper human for basic protection from poor and the elderly,” it added. and hobbies previously shelved; and living ‘family life’ in real-time with less and spiritual perspective. COVID-19,” it said in a (CBCP News)

Whisper from the Desert / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 CBCP Monitor

Chinese Catholics aid Bishop calls for immediate Manila’s poor amid lockdown

CATHOLICS in mainland families. release of cash aid for workers China have donated a big As a media serving churches amount to help Filipinos in in China, the priest said that A CHURCH official has Manila’s slums cope with the RVA has been receiving a lot echoed the calls for the Covid-19 lockdown. of attention from its listeners immediate release of the The Chinese faithful about the country’s situation government’s cash aid collected $85,000 or roughly amid the lockdown. to workers, as Covid-19 P4.3 million and coursed “Since we reported the quarantine measures the donation through the news of the Manila Lock- continue to affect their Mandarin Service of Radio down, our listeners are very livelihood and food security. Veritas Asia in Quezon City. concerned about the poor Bishop Gerardo Alminaza Fr. Joseph Leo, coordinator people here,” Fr. Leo said. of San Carlos pressed for a of RVA’s Mandarin Service, Every year many Chinese sense of urgency in assisting said the funds were used to priests and nuns visit the the country’s ordinary provide food packs for the Philippines, which also workers. poor communities. provides them an opportunity “We strongly demand He said that part of the to visit RVA’s projects for the that the Department of funds was also donated to poor. Labor and Employment different Catholic charities “They help them (poor) immediately release the working among the poor in through us every year. So, financial assistance to all Metro Manila. when Manila was lockdown, affected workers whether One project run by the they began to donate money from small, medium, and Vincentians helps the people to the poor to buy the rice,” large enterprises,” Alminaza Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, co-chairperson of Church People-Workers Solidarity. FILE PHOTO of Payatas in Quezon City, a Fr. Leo said. said. poor place around a garbage “So far, people continue to The bishop, who also co- Alminaza. should apply for the financial benefited from its Covid-19 mountain where scavenging donate,” he added. chairs the Church People – He also urged the assistance for their workers. Adjustment Measures is the local industry. Most of the money received Workers Solidarity (CWS), government to ask companies “We reiterate our call to Program, the DOLE said. Fr. Leo said other by the RVA came from the said that many workers have employing affected workers to the government to oblige all Around 1.4 million organizations include the Wenzhou diocese and from not yet received the cash apply for the cash assistance companies to apply on behalf workers have reportedly Arnold Janssen Center, its listeners in Guangzhou, assistance since the Luzon- to mitigate the impact of the of their workers and/or allow been displaced since the which serves the homeless, Tianjin, Fuzhou, and other wide lockdown was imposed. quarantine measures due to workers to apply directly for lockdown forced businesses and the Claret Solidarity parts of mainland China. “Thus, workers and their the coronavirus pandemic. the said assistance,” said the to temporarily close or Group, which also helps poor (CBCP News) families are left without According to him, the bishop. implement flexible work income to buy food and DOLE assistance requires About 220,000 workers arrangements. (CBCP By the Roadside / A5 other basic necessities,” said employers as the ones who affected by the lockdown have News) who belong to him to say, believers say, COVID-19 “Shalom, peace be with you” could be one of those (Jn 20:19). Even when you consequences. So perish CRS supports PWDs, informal feel so alone, he is most in the thought that God the touch with you for he himself all-loving and the almighty went through the same trial, Father is punishing you even questioning his own and sinful mankind with workers as lockdown continues Father in the process: “Eli, the corona virus. If in your Eli, lemma sabachtani? My harrowing moments you try AS church groups joined various efforts God, my God, why have you to look where the virus came in distributing aid, a Catholic charity forsaken me?” (Mk 15:34), re- from, the key perhaps is to focused its attention to helping people echoing the prayer of lament see that it was sinful human with disabilities and informal workers. from the psalmist in Ps 22:1. beings who put the crown of Catholic Relief Services is supporting It is a matter of faith. thorns on Jesus’ head. Not PWDs and workers in the informal Believe it. He laments the the other way around. economy who are struggling because of pain of isolation with you. He There is also another the Covid-19 lockdown with over P1.2 feels the pangs of the sense of reason why you are not million of initial assistance. abandonment by loved ones alone. We are with you. No, Matthew McGarry, CRS sub-regional with you. Most of all, he shows not because we stand or sit country representative, said that beyond you that the abandonment, by your bed. We are with the dangers of the disease itself is the like the COVID-19-induced you in a deeper way. We current situation for poor families to sense of me-and-no-other- are constantly praying for meet their basic needs. against-a-proven-killer, is a you and with you. When “We are focusing our efforts on assisting ploy of the ancient enemy who we receive the Risen One the most vulnerable populations, who whispers in our ears during through Communion we bear the brunt of the lockdown and are our unguarded moments that are also one with you; he at the greatest risk from the spread of we are no good, and nobody connects us with you more Covid-19,” McGarry said. cares at all if we live or die. intimately than the breath of CRS, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief No, the Risen One says. “I am your body, than the hairs of and development agency, has programs with you till the end of time” your head. He is not only our across Asia. They have a sub-regional (Mt 28:20). Way, our Truth and our Life office in Manila. CRS Philippines has partnered with Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. to provide people with disabilities in a TWHI residential facility in Cainta, Rizal with a one-month supply of food and hygiene items that the residents themselves Perhaps you might have (Jn 14:6). He is our Vine, we The agency has partnered with selected. COURTESY OF TWHI even entertained thoughts of his branches (Jn 15:5). Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. being punished for your sins So sail on, brother. Sail (TWHI) to help at least 116 people with In TWHI, people with disabilities are informal workers with at least P5,000 or of receiving your share in a on, sister. Sail on and savor disabilities in a TWHI residential facility provided with opportunities to work cash grants that they can use to buy food divine chastisement of sinful your part in the great journey in Cainta, Rizal. in metalcraft, woodcraft, sewing and and other basic necessities. humanity. Our leaders in the of sharing the suffering, the The assistance includes a one-month packaging to earn money for themselves Cash grant beneficiaries include Church frown on such a way dying and the Risen One’s supply of food and hygiene items that and their families. tricycle and jeepney drivers, sidewalk of looking at COVID-19. It rising. This is the point the residents themselves selected during Ramon Rey Emmanuel Apelado, vendors, construction workers and those does not simply square with of having been baptized, remote consultations with CRS and TWHI. TWHI’s administrative manager, said who have lost their source of income the teaching of Jesus and of remember? And when the Melo Bueza, TWHI’s social worker, the organization, too, faces difficulties but are excluded in the government’s the Scriptures regarding God sailing gets rough, wake said people with disabilities are suffering in supporting all the people it serves. Pantawid Pamilya cash assistance who is Love and Mercy itself. him up from his sleep and the brunt of the coronavirus outbreak. “These food baskets and hygiene kits program. It might seem more attuned beg for his saving action on “Since most of us are on a ‘no work, are essential to ensure we get proper The CRS also said that plans are to the destructive nature your behalf and ours. Our no pay’ basis, it has been hard to get nutrition and stay healthy,” he said. underway to expand its Covid-19 of sin itself and that there voices will join yours. Have a the supplies we and our families need,” CRS Philippines is also working with relief and recovery program across the are consequences to our blessed, though quarantined, Bueza said. Caritas Pasig in providing some 150 Philippines. (CBCP News) sinfulness. Perhaps, as some Easter!

Holy Week / A1

country on how to celebrate the implemented by the government. presence,” he said. Benilde instructor Jay Mangussad, definitely be a humbling experience liturgies of Holy Week as the Former CBCP president For devout Filipino Roman meanwhile, said he and his family of renewal. In this pandemic, we country deals with the outbreak. Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Catholics, this is the first Holy Week would have their stations of the realize that man truly does not A Filipino Catholic’s Palm Sunday Lingayen-Dagupan also stood at the they will be observing the rituals cross at home with images of each live on bread alone but on every tradition would not be complete back of a pick-up vehicle to bless from the safety rather than comfort station flashed on their TV screen. word that comes from God. Less without bringing home a blessed palm fronds waved by Catholics of their own homes. The readings are on their phones or pageantry but more solitude prayer palm frond. Aware of this, Roman around the streets of Dagupan City. printed on paper. and charity.” Catholic bishops and priests sought “Jesus rode on the back of a Holy Week online “It would be our first stations of He was hoping the pandemic better ways of reaching out to their donkey. I rode on the back of a pick- Jan Pascual, a camarero or an the cross where we stand still and urges not just Catholics, but all flock during these sacred days in up truck,” Fr. Zerrudo joked. individual who owns or prepares kneel without walking around,” he people, to renewal and conversion the Church’s calendar while sticking Fr. Velasquez, for his part, went religious images for procession, said. and “leave the mark of a new to the government’s mandate of around the territorial jurisdiction said this year’s Holy Week would be heavens and a new earth in a certain maintaining a safe distance from of his mission station, blessing “a very unexpected, unusual, yet a The essentials degree.” each other to prevent the possible the palms of his flock save for one more meaningful way.” Fr. Zerrudo, for his part, believes Pascual agreed. The quarantine transmission of the deadly virus. chapel, which was too far. “For the past 5 years, I was very that this extended quarantine is made him realize what’s more In the Diocese of Kidapawan, People he could not reach went busy during Holy Week, preparing giving Catholics the “opportunity of important in life Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo out to meet him and brought their the carroza of our santa, Santa Maria time and solitude” during Holy Week. “I was acting like St. Martha of permitted all priests to bless palm palms to the nearest chapel. Jacobe, for our town’s (Santa Rita, “In a way, the Holy Week has Bethany who was troubled by many fronds in designated streets and Pampanga) Holy Week procession,” become the only opportunity for things. I can hear Jesus telling me areas with the help of Extraordinary Holy Week in the homes he said. many to go on vacation. And so they the exact words he said to Martha Ministers of Holy Communion, Fr. Velasquez said that “the He said prepping the saint’s readily sacrifice their Holy Week in when he visited them at their house commonly known as lay ministers, measures that the Church had image and carroza (processional order to go on vacation. But now the in Bethany, ‘Martha, Martha, you in far-flung village chapels. adopted to enable the faithful to carriage) had caused him to miss vacation is long to the point that it are worried and upset about many enter into the spirit of this sacred out on the important liturgical seems nakakaumay (tiresome) and things, but few things are needed— Palms in the streets time has allowed us to go where activities like the Mass of the Lord’s then there is no place to go. Some or indeed only one’. Mary has In the Most Holy Redeemer people usually are: in their homes Supper on Holy Thursday and the people resort to do silly things like chosen what is better, and it will not Parish Church in the Diocese of and boroughs.” Liturgy of the Passion of our Lord TikTok but eventually we tire of be taken away from her.” Cubao, Parish Priest Fr. Michel “In many of these places where on Good Friday. superficial entertainment,” he said. Fr. Velasquez said this Joe B. Zerrudo, riding on the back I have been today, the faithful had But because of the Luzon-wide Even if this Holy Week will be extraordinary time would be “one of a slowly moving pick-up truck, wanted that I go to their homes; for enhanced community quarantine devoid of the traditional rituals and of the best experiences in my life blessed palm fronds held by his them it was a privileged moment, for that led to the cancellation of religious spectacle, it will be a “great Holy as a priest.” parishioners who were standing through sacred signs and actions, processions, he would be able to Week,” he said. “Because these are times wherein in front of their houses mindful the Lord was with them, and they “attend” the liturgies, albeit online. “Yes it will be devoid of the you’re made to realize that you’re of the social distancing policies rejoiced in the sign of his continuing Photographer and College of St. trimmings of rituals but it will not in charge,” he said. LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 A7 No room for selfishness during ‘Don’t use pandemic for anti-life advocacy’, pandemic — Tandag bishop priest appeals TARLAC City— A call by condoms and contraceptive the Population Commission pills,” he said. for the distribution of birth The priest said the control tools amid the aggressive birth control coronavirus pandemic ran effort amid the pandemic is into a wall of criticism from detached from the real need a pro-life group. of the people. Fr. Melvin Castro, As a concrete example, spiritual adviser of Pro-Life he cited a recent theft case Philippines, questioned the at a restaurant wherein the promotion of condoms and suspects only took food items. contraceptives at a time when “No machine, no many people are hungry amid appliances were taken. They the lockdown. took the food kept in the “May I ask the ‘reproductive freezer. They need food, not health’ proponents to cease contraceptives,” Castro said. and desist taking opportunity The PopCom earlier of this pandemic crisis called on local authorities to further the anti-life to ensure public access to advocacy,” Castro, who is also contraceptives as strict a former executive secretary quarantine continues of the bishops’ Commission in several parts of the on Family and Life, said on country. April 6. The agency said the “When people barely move is necessary so that survive and do not know no unintended pregnancies where to get their living, the happen while the pandemic last thing they need are your rages on. (CBCPNews)

Spirit / A1

Archbishop Romulo Valles, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Bishop Raul Dael prays for the healthcare workers of the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City on April 9, 2020. COURTESY OF ASTMMC president of the bishops’ apostolic administrator of conference, particularly Manila, said this year’s Easter TANDAG City— A Catholic bishop if people turn selfish,” he said. “What eucharist, no hunger will happen in our honored medical workers season was unexpected has warned that selfishness and builds up a community of God is the communities,” Bishop Dael said. tending to patients while because there were no public individualism will further the problems spirit of communion.” “There is hunger in the world not risking their lives. Masses and the traditional caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Holy Thursday’s ritual that usually because we lack resources but we lack “Together, seeing the “Salubong”. Despite the lockdown, Bishop include the washing of the feet, he said, generosity,” he said. countless acts of sacrifice But he urged the faithful Raul Dael of Tandag stressed that a reminds Christians of their call to serve Earlier in the day, the bishop and service, acts of kindness to continue their trust in community will stand firm if people will others through the concrete realities of life. visited the city’s frontliners against and compassion, we begin to the Lord and be open to His help each other. Given the protocols regarding physical the coronavirus in road checkpoints, see that the spirit of Easter is “surprises”. “What would destroy a community distancing and absence of faithful, the hospitals and government offices. still very much alive in our “We do not know what will is selfishness,” Dael said in his homily traditional ritual was skipped. Accompanied by some priests, nuns, hearts,” Valles said. be our life after the lockdown. during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at The prelate stressed that the purpose seminarians, and lay people, Dael also The CBCP head said Surely, many things will the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral of the celebration is not just for the sake prayed and blessed the frontliners that the “simple acts of change. What will they be? on April 9. of the ritual “but to lead us to action”. and provided them food packs. appreciation and gratitude” Of this we are sure, though: “There is no more spirit of community “If we look at the spirit of the (CBCPNews) to Covid-19 frontliners also we will rise up from this manifest the hope that comes pandemic,” Pabillo added. with the Easter season. “We will rise up, hopefully ‘Covid-19 mocks the control freak in us’ — Archbishop Soc “I begin to believe that we, not to go back to our former as Filipinos, together with way of life. We will rise On Palm Sunday, Archbishop all the peoples in the world, up stronger and more Socrates Villegas of are bigger than the threat of confident. We will rise up Lingayen-Dagupan said that the coronavirus pandemic,” with greater care for our coronavirus pandemic is a Valles said. health and our families. We reminder that “control is an “It is a spirit that springs will rise up strengthened illusion”. forth from both convictions, in our relationships. Most In his homily streamed the conviction that the Lord especially, we will rise up from the St. John the truly and deeply loves us and with greater trust in our Evangelist Cathedral, he the conviction that we are a God who never leaves us and said that both Palm Sunday people truly capable of loving who sustains us in difficult and the Covid-19 “teach us and caring for each other in times,” he also said. (CBCP that we have no control of the worst of times,” he added. News) everything”. “God has the control. Editorial/ A4 Covid19 has also stripped us naked of our imagined All the human virtues we need to develop, all the means we securities and controls,” need to develop our spiritual life, especially the sacraments Villegas said. Christ instituted for us, will come to mind as a consequence. “Covid mocks the control The only thing that can nullify this good news is our Archbishop Socrates Villegas blesses palm fronds waved by Catholics as he goes around the streets of Dagupan City on Palm freak in us. Palm Sunday says Sunday, April 5, aboard a pick-up vehicle. GLEEN MUNOZ LOPEZ/CBCPNEWS freedom, that is, when we would stupidly use it to deny obedience to God saves. The Christ, either openly or secretly, directly or indirectly, truth has always been there. Covid-19, Catholics follow who cling to control. “And of the Father. In His letting without repenting. And we should not take this possibility Covid-19 just reminds,” he the celebration online or via they call God who suffers as go, we are saved,” he added. lightly, because even Peter, the head of the apostles, came said. radio and television. stupid,” he said. After the Mass, the close to it by denying Christ, not only once, but three times. Catholics across the country Palm Sunday is a “The foolish lead by fears archbishop, who was wearing But he repented. That is the difference between our salvation observed Palm Sunday, commemoration of Jesus’s and threats. Not God. The a protective face mask, went and condemnation, between our glorification and perdition. marking the beginning of humble and triumphant way of God is freedom. He around the city aboard a With Easter, we can now face our life with confidence, the Holy Week leading to entry to Jerusalem, only to invites. He does not twist pick-up vehicle to bless palm even if we commit mistakes and fall into sin. Let’s remember Christ’s crucifixion, death be crucified later by the very arms,” Villegas said. fronds. that Christian life is not so much a matter of avoiding sins as and resurrection. people who welcomed him. “Jesus became obedient Holding a crucifix, he following God’s loving will. This means that we pray always, But since most parts of Villegas said that Jesus and refused the temptation made a sign of the cross as we follow his commandments, we do his will which is nothing the country are on strict loved his people by emptying to be in control. He emptied he passes through the people other than for us to be holy and do continuing apostolate, quarantine due to the himself unlike the “foolish” himself. He obeyed the plan on the streets. (CBCPNews) helping one another to go to Christ.

Duc in Altum / A5

Bishop Ambo said it is like in the to our fellowmen whom we hurt, so On Easter Vigil, Bishop talked whispered to him to unveil the his wish. Last Supper when Jesus said that that it may open our eyes, realize about finding Jesus in the midst of Mater Dolorosa. As he walked to *** his blood will be poured for all for our fault and bring back the dignity the pandemic crisis. Bishop asked the image of Mama Mary, Bishop It was reported in Rome that the the forgiveness of sins and to defeat and the real person that we are who what does it take to find what we are Ambo said, “I had my eyes fixed on day after the Urbi et Orbi Blessing of Satan. Pope Francis once said “I am is being misled by the devil? Pope looking for? He said “If we still look the black veil and imagined it to be Pope Francis, many COVID patients vaccinated by the precious blood Francis said “the Cross will teach at Him (Jesus) as apart from us, if the pandemic that has shrouded recovered. Urbi et Orbi Blessing of Jesus Christ; no virus can touch us how to see more clearly with eyes we still look at him as savior, and the lives of our people in the past is given by the Pope only on two me.” washed away by tears.” ourselves as the objects of salvation, several weeks”. He continued, “I occasions – Christmas and Easter, On Good Friday’s Homily, Bishop During the Veneration of the we will probably not find him no said a prayer to the Risen Lord, and when a new Pope is elected. Ambo stated that the most cruel Cross, in an unprecedented move, matter how desperately we search asking him to to let the light on His Because it is an extraordinary death penalty is crucifixion, as Bishop Ambo removed the crown of for him.” He said, being a Christian radiant face dispel the darkness time when there is pandemic, what they did to Jesus. He was thorns on the image of Jesus Christ is not about just looking at heaven caused by the present crisis on our Pope Francis gave his Urbi et Orbi tortured, ridiculed by the soldiers, before he venerated and kissed the and waiting. “It is a participation; country and on the whole world, message and blessing. Amidst the stripped off all his clothing, for feet of Jesus nailed on the Cross. it is communion. May be that is the and bring back the smile on the falling rains without umbrella, Pope public shaming. Bishop Ambo He said in his FB post, he decided reason why he disappears again face of his Blessed Mother.” Bishop Francis walked to the balcony of said “the cross shows the cruelty to remove the crown of thorns and after he appears to his disciples. Ambo revealed in his FB post that the empty St. Peter’s Square and of man to his fellowman.” When prayed “Panginoon, patawarin He does not appear only to save when he was young, he hoped to addressed the world. He compared Jesus thirst, the soldier got a stick mo po kami sa mga corona ng us but to get us participate in his play the part of an angel at the our situation now when the apostles with foam at the end. Bishop Ambo pagmamalupit at pagwawalang saving mission. If we have entered Salubong. Unfortunately, the task were in the midst of the storm in said that the said stick is used by bahala sa aming kapwa. Alisin mo into communion with him in body is given to girls. It is not the idea the sea but Jesus was sleeping. the Romans to clean their rectum na po, para mo na pong awa, ang and spirit, his suffering and death of being hung in mid-air but rather Where is Jesus at this time when after defecated. The soldier dipped coronang salot na kasalukuyang become our suffering and death as the task of removing the black veil we need Him most. Pope Francis the foam in vinegar, not water, and kumakalat sa aming bansa at sa well.” covering the face of the grieving advised us that we must trust Jesus brought it to Jesus’ lips. Thirsty, buong daigdig. (Lord, forgive us During the simpler Salubong rite, Blessed Mother. When he became because He is very generous and Jesus sipped it. In the Scriptures, for the crowns of cruelty and being the image of the Mater Dolorosa, priest, he felt he performed the merciful and He is always with us. the Israelites were told to look at indifferent to our neighbors. Please with black veil covering her face, angel’s role of removing the dark Pope Francis also gave Plenary the snake that caused death so that take away, in your mercy, the crown was brought towards the Risen veils in the people’s life when he Indulgence. Again, this Easter they would be saved. Bishop Ambo of pestilence which is presently Christ at the Altar. Bishop thought proclaimed the Word, anointed the Sunday, Pope Francis gave his Urbi asked “Are we not being told to look spreading in our country and the that he would just sing the Regina sick, heard confessions. Little did et Orbi message and blessing with not only to the Son of God but also whole world). Coeli and the Alleluja but the MC he know that COVID-19 will fulfill Plenary Indulgence. A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol 24, No. 8 CBCP Monitor

Pope Francis creates emergency Jolo gets new bishop fund to tackle coronavirus in POPE Francis has appointed Fr. mission territories Charlie Inzon of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as the apostolic VATICAN— Pope Francis has a worldwide group of missionary vicar of the Jolo vicariate in Sulu created an emergency fund for those societies under the pope’s province. affected by coronavirus in mission jurisdiction. The pope channels The 54-year-old priest is countries. support to more than 1,000 currently the provincial superior The pope has earmarked dioceses, mainly in Asia, Africa, of the OMI in the Philippines. $750,000 for the fund, Agenzia Oceania and the Amazon, through The appointment was made Fides reported April 6. the group. public in Rome on Saturday, April Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal 4 prefect of the Vatican Congregation Toso, president of the Pontifical The vicariate has been without a for the Evangelization of the Mission Societies, said the pope bishop after Angelito Lampon was Peoples, said the pope was seeking had established the fund to named archbishop of Cotabato in to mobilize “the Church’s entire support the Church in mission November 2018. vast network to face the challenges territories as it responds to the Since January 2019, the ecclesial ahead”. coronavirus crisis. jurisdiction has been under the “In her task of evangelization, the “Through the Church’s activity temporary care of Fr. Romeo Church is often on the front lines of of preaching the Gospel and of Saniel, OMI, as its administrator. major threats to human well-being,” practical aid through our vast An apostolic vicariate is a local he said. network, we can show that no one Church that has not yet been Bishop-elect Charlie Inzon of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo. “In Africa alone, there are over is alone in this crisis,” he said. established as a diocese. Its 74,000 religious sisters and over Individuals can make donations administration is assigned to the • 1993-1995: Chaplain of • 2008-2010: Chaplain of 46,000 priests operating 7,274 to the fund via the administration apostolic vicar or apostolic who Notre Dame College, Jolo Notre Dame College, Jolo hospitals and clinics, 2,346 homes office of the Pontifical Mission governs it in the name of the Pope. • 1995-1998: Person in charge • 2009-2010: Dean of the for elderly and the vulnerable, and Societies in Rome. Born in Putiao, Sorsogon on Nov. of the mission station of Graduate School of Notre educating over 19 million children As of April 6, more than 70,000 24, 1965, the bishop-elect entered Batu-Batu in Tawi-Tawi Dame College, Jolo in 45,088 primary schools. In people had died from coronavirus the OMI in 1982 and made his • 1998-1999: Parish Vicar of • 2010-2014: President of many rural areas they are the and more than 1.2 million tested perpetual profession on Sept. 8, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Notre Dame College, Jolo only providers of healthcare and positive for the disease, according 1990. Bangong Barrio, Caloocan • 2014-2018: President of education.” to Johns Hopkins University Inzon studied Philosophy at City Notre Dame University, The new fund will be based at Coronavirus Resource Center. Notre Dame University in Cotabato • 1999-2000: Parish vicar of Cotabato the Pontifical Mission Societies, (CNA) City and Theology at the Loyola Sto. Niño Parish, Madsayap, School of Theology (LST) of the Cotabato Inzon also holds a master’s Ateneo De Manila University • 2000-2007: Director of the degree in theology from LST and a Vatican creates commission (ADMU). O.M.I. College Seminary, doctorate in psychology from the He was ordained a priest on April Quezon City ADMU. 24, 1993 in Coloocan City. • 2007-2010: Research The bishop-elect has been serving to address coronavirus After his ordination, he held the Director of Notre Dame as OMI’s provincial superior since following positions: College, in Jolo 2018. (CBCP News) aftermath Catholic aid group commits €5 million to support Covid-19 response

Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. VATICAN MEDIA

VATICAN— The Vatican is creating of COVID-19. a commission to provide local One of these groups will focus on aid and tackle issues related to researching the post-coronavirus Volunteers of the Diocese of Kidapawan prepare relief goods to be distributed in the city April 2. KIDAPAWAN DSAC the fallout from the coronavirus world in the areas of environment, pandemic, according to a statement economy, work, health, politics, THE papal charity Aid to the Executive President, stressed that has been a constant source of aid by released April 15. communication, and security. Church in Need (ACN) is providing the pandemic has increased the poor parishes and communities of The group, created at the request Another working group will be €5 million or roughly P280 million demand for social and spiritual religious sisters. of Pope Francis, will work in centered on giving assistance to the in emergency funding to help care. “This commitment is just an collaboration with the Roman local Churches, in cooperation with mitigate the impact of coronavirus “It is our wish that this aid, made intensification of that support. We Curia and specifically the Dicastery pontifical aid organization Caritas crisis in poor countries like the possible thanks to our benefactors, are ready to support parishes and for Promoting Integral Human Internationalis. Philippines. will help ease the burden on our communities who were greatly Development. Turkson said “our mission is not The funds will be used to support courageous religious, who stand on affected by the lockdowns and The commission has been to replace the action of the local parishes and religious communities the front lines, bringing God’s love quarantines,” Luciano said. formed “to express the concern Churches, but to help them and be so that they would be able to and compassion to our suffering “We are aware of the difficulties and love of the Church for the helped by them.” continue their spiritual and social brothers and sisters,” Heine- facing many parish communities whole human family in the face of The Secretariat of State’s section ministries, particularly to the most Geldern said. and religious communities because the COVID-19 pandemic, above all for relations with states will head up vulnerable communities. Jonathan Luciano, national of the quarantine and we are ready through the analysis and reflection a working group overseeing possible ACN’s funding will be a broad- director of ACN-Philippines, to help them,” he said. on the socio-economic and initiatives regarding international spectrum intervention, in the said the commitment is just an Founded in 1947, ACN has cultural challenges of the future relations. Middle East, Central and Eastern “intensification” of ACN’s funding been helping churches in difficult and the proposal of guidelines There will also be a working Europe, Latin America, Asia, and for existential support for religious situations. It has been recognized to face them,” according to the group to handle the commission’s Africa, through project support. communities and parishes. as a papal foundation since 2011. announcement. funding and another to oversee the Thomas Heine-Geldern, ACN’s For many years, he said that ACN (CBCPNews) The commission will be headed commission’s communications. by the leadership of the Integral Turkson said the group dedicated Development dicastery: prefect to funding “will be responsible for Fr. Edgar Koning, social justice advocate for Cardinal Peter Turkson, secretary finding the necessary funds in a Archbishop Bruno-Marie Duffé, and transparent manner, by promoting Filipinos, falls to Covid-19 in Netherlands new deputy secretary Fr. Augusto a virtuous movement of wealth.” Zampini. The directorate will report The cardinal also said that the A DUTCH Carmelite Philippines in 1965 and in Negros, Fr. Koning solidarity group, which directly to Pope Francis. commission would involve other priest and a known social stayed with the Carmel also worked to protect the made people in the Speaking to Vatican Media, institutions in its work, such as justice advocate for the community in Escalante, rights of the farmers until Netherlands aware of the Turkson said that Pope Francis has Georgetown University, the World Filipinos has died due Negros Occidental. 1973 when he got sick and many injustices in the expressed his concern at the crisis Resources Institute, and Potsdam to coronavirus in the For some years, he had to be reassigned back Philippines. caused by COVID-19 “and for the University. Netherlands. managed the Mount to Holland. About ten years later, dramatic scenarios on the horizon.” “There is a need for courage, Father Edgar Koning Carmel College and “Edgar found it difficult Fr. Koning also founded Pope Francis “told us not to for prophecy,” Turkson said. “The died on March 31 at a Magdalena Hospital, to cope with the far- Fidoc, the Philippine waste time, to get down to work pope made this clear in his Urbi hospital in the city of while serving as Prior reaching corruption the Information and immediately,” the cardinal said in et Orbi message. This is not the Almelo, where he was of the community in country suffered from and Documentation Centre, the April 15 interview. “We must time for indifference, selfishness confined due to the Escalante. the unjust ways in which which was located act now. And we must immediately or divisions, because the whole Covid-19. He was 87. For his Filipino the large landowners for a long time in the think about what will happen next.” world is suffering and must find “The death of Edgar has confreres, Fr. Koning treated their workers,” Carmel monastery in “It is important to begin to itself united in confronting the been a hard blow to many will be remembered as a Fr. Wolbers said. Dordrecht. reason immediately about what pandemic.” people,” said Fr. Ben missionary who struggled “In the long run, he “Edgar still felt strongly lies around the corner so as not to Turkson advised states to relax Wolbers, Co-Provincial for peace and justice in couldn’t take it anymore. connected with the be unprepared,” Turkson argued, international sanctions and called of the Dutch Carmelites, Negros. He was overworked and Filipino people in heart noting that “the health crisis has for the debt burdens of the poorest in a letter to his confreres. “We remember him as on doctor’s advice he went and soul,” Fr. Wolbers already triggered an economic one.” countries to be reduced or forgiven. “Caring for mutual vibrant missionary and back to the Netherlands,” said. “The risk is that a social crisis will He also urged a global ceasefire solidarity, connectedness a friend of the Filipino he added. Fr. Koning was laid to be provoked if this economic crisis and an end to the manufacture and and respect for the people who continue to His reassignment, rest on April 4 in the town is not dealt with immediately.” trafficking of weapons. uniqueness of each person struggle for peace and however, did not stop of Zenderen, where he was The commission is planning to “It is time to enable all states – that really characterized justice,” said Fr. Berto him from working for the last assigned as Prior of have five working groups focused to meet the greatest needs of the him,” he said. Karmelo. Filipinos. He later worked the Carmelite’s convent. on different tasks related to the moment,” he said. (Hannah Fr. Koning arrived in the In his eight-year stint with the Philippine (CBCPNews) current crisis and to the aftermath Brockhaus/CNA) CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Pope Francis delivers his “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) message after celebrating Easter Mass in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic on April 12, 2020. VATICAN MEDIA ‘Christ, my hope, is risen!’

Urbi et Orbi Message of His Holiness Pope Francis Easter 2020, St. Peter’s Basilica, 12 April 2020

DEAR brothers and sisters, Happy and hope to those still suffering, ones and enjoy their company. For by the coronavirus, I think in a in the eastern regions of Ukraine Easter! especially the elderly and those who many, though, this is also a time of special way of Europe. After the come to an end. May the terrorist are alone. May he never withdraw worry about an uncertain future, Second World War, this continent attacks carried out against so Today the Church’s proclamation his consolation and help from those about jobs that are at risk and was able to rise again, thanks many innocent people in different echoes throughout the world: who are especially vulnerable, such about other consequences of the to a concrete spirit of solidarity African countries come to an end. “Jesus Christ is risen!” – “He is as persons who work in nursing current crisis. I encourage political that enabled it to overcome the This is not a time for forgetfulness. truly risen!”. homes, or live in barracks and leaders to work actively for the rivalries of the past. It is more The crisis we are facing should not Like a new flame this Good News prisons. For many, this is an Easter common good, to provide the means urgent than ever, especially in the make us forget the many other springs up in the night: the night of of solitude lived amid the sorrow and resources needed to enable present circumstances, that these crises that bring suffering to so a world already faced with epochal and hardship that the pandemic is everyone to lead a dignified life and, rivalries do not regain force, but many people. May the Lord of challenges and now oppressed by a causing, from physical suffering to when circumstances allow, to assist that all recognize themselves as life be close to all those in Asia pandemic severely testing our whole economic difficulties. them in resuming their normal daily part of a single family and support and Africa who are experiencing human family. In this night, the This disease has not only deprived activities. one another. The European Union grave humanitarian crises, as in Church’s voice rings out: “Christ, us of human closeness, but also This is not a time for indifference, is presently facing an epochal the Province of Cabo Delgado in my hope, has arisen!” (Easter of the possibility of receiving in because the whole world is challenge, on which will depend the north of Mozambique. May Sequence). person the consolation that flows suffering and needs to be united in not only its future but that of the he warm the hearts of the many This is a different “contagion”, a from the sacraments, particularly facing the pandemic. May the risen whole world. Let us not lose the refugees displaced because of wars, message transmitted from heart to the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Jesus grant hope to all the poor, opportunity to give further proof drought and famine. May he grant heart—for every human heart awaits In many countries, it has not been to those living on the peripheries, of solidarity, also by turning to protection to migrants and refugees, this Good News. It is the contagion possible to approach them, but the to refugees and the homeless. innovative solutions. The only many of them children, who are of hope: “Christ, my hope, is risen!”. Lord has not left us alone! United May these, the most vulnerable alternative is the selfishness living in unbearable conditions, This is no magic formula that in our prayer, we are convinced that of our brothers and sisters living of particular interests and the especially in Libya and on the border makes problems vanish. No, the he has laid his hand upon us (cf. Ps in the cities and peripheries of temptation of a return to the past, between Greece and Turkey. And resurrection of Christ is not that. 138:5), firmly reassuring us: Do not every part of the world, not be at the risk of severely damaging I do not want to forget the island Instead, it is the victory of love over be afraid, “I have risen and I am abandoned. Let us ensure that the peaceful coexistence and of Lesvos. In Venezuela, may he the root of evil, a victory that does with you still!” (cf. Roman Missal, they do not lack basic necessities development of future generations. enable concrete and immediate not “by-pass” suffering and death, Entrance Antiphon, Mass of Easter (all the more difficult to find now This is not a time for division. solutions to be reached that can but passes through them, opening Sunday). that many businesses are closed) May Christ our peace enlighten permit international assistance to a a path in the abyss, transforming May Jesus, our Passover, grant such as medicine and especially all who have responsibility in population suffering from the grave evil into good: this is the unique strength and hope to doctors and the possibility of adequate health conflicts, that they may have the political, socio-economic and health hallmark of the power of God. nurses, who everywhere offer a care. In light of the present courage to support the appeal for situation. The Risen Lord is also the witness of care and love for our circumstances, may international an immediate global ceasefire in all Dear brothers and sisters, Crucified One, not someone else. In neighbors, to the point of exhaustion sanctions be relaxed, since these corners of the world. This is not a Indifference, self-centeredness, his glorious body he bears indelible and not infrequently at the expense make it difficult for countries on time for continuing to manufacture division and forgetfulness are not wounds: wounds that have become of their own health. Our gratitude which they have been imposed to and deal in arms, spending vast words we want to hear at this time. windows of hope. Let us turn our and affection go to them, to all who provide adequate support to their amounts of money that ought to We want to ban these words forever! gaze to him that he may heal the work diligently to guarantee the citizens, and may all nations be put be used to care for others and save They seem to prevail when fear and wounds of an afflicted humanity. essential services necessary for civil in a position to meet the greatest lives. Rather, may this be a time death overwhelm us, that is, when Today my thoughts turn in the first society, and to the law enforcement needs of the moment through the for finally ending the long war that we do not let the Lord Jesus triumph place to the many who have been and military personnel who in many reduction, if not the forgiveness, has caused such great bloodshed in our hearts and lives. May Christ, directly affected by the coronavirus: countries have helped ease people’s of the debt burdening the balance in beloved Syria, the conflict in who has already defeated death and the sick, those who have died and difficulties and sufferings. sheets of the poorest nations. Yemen and the hostilities in Iraq opened for us the way to eternal family members who mourn the In these weeks, the lives of This is not a time for self- and in Lebanon. May this be the salvation, dispel the darkness of our loss of their loved ones, to whom, millions of people have suddenly centeredness, because the time when Israelis and Palestinians suffering humanity and lead us into in some cases, they were unable changed. For many, remaining challenge we are facing is shared resume dialogue in order to find a the light of his glorious day, a day even to bid a final farewell. May the at home has been an opportunity by all, without distinguishing stable and lasting solution that will that knows no end. Lord of life welcome the departed to reflect, to withdraw from the between persons. Among the allow both to live in peace. May the With these thoughts, I would like into his kingdom and grant comfort frenetic pace of life, stay with loved many areas of the world affected sufferings of the people who live to wish all of you a happy Easter. B2 UPDATES April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Psychological Incapacity for Marriage The canonical concept and its misapplication by Civil Law

By Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD to that of the fulfillment of such impossible for him to assume the obligations. “The error can arise essential obligations of marriage. in which the expert declares the The causes of a psychic nature incapacity of the contractant not that are commonly alleged can be with reference to the minimum grouped into the following: capacity that is sufficient for a valid Mental illnesses: psychoses in its consent, but with reference to the variations, neuroses, etc. ideal of a full maturity for a happy Psychosexual anomalies, which conjugal life.” impede the normal exercise of The core of the incapacity lies sexuality: sexual hyperesthesia, in the conjugal pact—the capacity some manifestations of masochism to oblige oneself to the essential or sadism, homosexuality, trans- obligations of marriage—and not in sexualism and other sexual the ensuing conjugal life, because dysfunctions. the reasons for the non-fulfillment Personality disorders: serious of such obligations are varied and forms of narcissism, anti-social irrelevant to consensual capacity or personality with violent inclination, incapacity. We need to remember weak personalities easily led that the success or failure of the substance or other habits harmful conjugal life does not normally to family life (e.g., pornography). depend on the foundational moment, but rather on the adequate From all of these, it is clear that response to the ordinary problems of Rotal jurisprudence distinguishes integration that arise in the course between a mere difficulty for of its development. assuming or fulfilling the essential marriage obligations and a real Proof of incapacity to assume impossibility for doing so. essential matrimonial For a marriage to be declared CREDIT: UNSPLASH obligations null due to incapacity to assume Among the elements indicated by the essential obligations of marriage The canonical concept of to this norm, those subjects who John Paul II revealed the mens Rotal jurisprudence for the proof for reasons of psychic nature, the incapacity to assume the do not have the self-dominion to legislatoris at the core of c.1095, 3° of this incapacity are the following: following have to be proven with essential matrimonial assume and respond to the essential in his discourses to the Roman Rota. The defect should render the moral certainty: obligations matrimonial obligations, regardless For example, in 1987 he affirmed: “A person incapable of assuming or the presence of a psychic cause The canonical concept of incapacity of actually committing themselves true incapacity can be conceived only fulfilling the obligations that stem for the subject’s incapacity to for validly contracting marriage due to such obligations through a in the presence of a serious form of from the tria bona of marriage. fulfill the essential obligations of to causes of a psychological nature formal act, are incapable of giving anomaly, which—regardless of how Rotal jurisprudence is unanimous marriage; is neatly stated in c.1095, 3° that we matrimonial consent: because it is called—should substantially in the need for a grave cause, which the failure of matrimonial life; quote in full below: nobody can validly commit himself affect the capacity of understanding gives rise to incapacity in the juridic the causal link between 1) and 2) Can. 1095. The following are to something that he is intrinsically and/or willing of the contractant.” sense, such that one can speak of and the vital process in which the incapable of contracting marriage: incapable of assuming. Further on he would affirm: “For incapacity only when there is a incapacity is manifested. 1° those who lack sufficient use Thus, in the case of a factual non- the canonist, the principle should real impossibility for assuming the of reason; fulfillment of the essential marriage be clear that only impossibility, and essential obligations of marriage. Thus, to declare marriage nullity 2° those who suffer from a obligations, the determinant not the difficulty, of giving consent Slight vices, ill will and personality due to consensual incapacity, it grave lack of discretionary question is: Is it a case of simple non- and fulfilling a true community of disorders that make inter-personal is not enough to prove the failure judgement concerning the essential fulfillment of obligations that had life and love renders a marriage relationship difficult are not enough or unhappiness of matrimonial matrimonial rights and obligations been validly assumed (which would null. On the other hand, the failure to declare consensual incapacity; life; there should be a causal link to be mutually given and accepted; then be irrelevant for the judgment of the conjugal union, in itself, is what is necessary is at least a moral between the failure of marriage, 3° those who, because of causes of of the validity of the marriage), or never a proof of such incapacity impossibility for such relationship. the cause of the incapacity and the a psychological nature, are unable a case demonstrating the absence in the contractants. It is good to The cause of nullity is always a vital process in which the incapacity to assume the essential obligations of a valid matrimonial consent? In remember that incapacity does not serious psychic cause, i.e., it does not is manifested. of marriage. the latter case, a posterior question refer to the ideal marriage, but to a depend on the will of the subject. On This particular number of c.1095 would be: Is the non-fulfillment valid marriage—i.e., the possibility the other hand, the use of the term The wrong application of takes into consideration those due to a positive will contrary to of establishing a relationship that cause implies that it is not enough psychological incapacity in subjects whose psychic structure marriage or to one of its essential can be called matrimonial, even if that a psychological anomaly exists, civil courts makes it impossible for them to elements or properties (a case of in a minimum but sufficient level.” but that such anomaly should be the As is well know, most of the bind themselves to the essential simulation or exclusion dealt with Finally, in his discourse in 1988, cause of the incapacity to assume norms of the The Family Code of obligations of marriage, regardless in c.1101, 2°), or due to an incapacity John Paul II warned against the in the juridic sense. A subject may the Philippines as regards Void of their capacity to discern and to assume the essential obligations danger of shifting the focus of the still be capable of marital consent and Voidable Marriages (Title I, deliberate over such obligations of marriage, which is the object of incapacity from the impossibility of even with a psychic anomaly, if Chapter 3) were taken from the (the object of c.1095, 2°). According c.1095, 3°. assuming the essential obligations such anomaly does not make it Marriage/ B7 Distribution of communion during a TV Mass Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:

Q: I am writing to ask for your advice regarding the liturgy during this unique time in our history. As a community of religious sisters we, fortunately, possess some consecrated hosts. Is it liturgically sound if we watch the Holy Father’s televised Mass and for our superior to distribute the reserved hosts to us at the time of communion? — M.P., Rome

A: In this time of the coronavirus crisis there are probably many houses of religious sisters and consecrated laity in similar positions. In the current lockdown, it is a very good thing to follow a live- streamed Mass whether by the Holy Father or indeed by any of the many priests who have undertaken similar initiatives. It is a moment of prayer, of pondering God’s Word along with the celebrant, and of making an act of spiritual offering and communion with the Eucharistic sacrifice. It is not, however, participating at Mass, which requires physical presence, and so it would not be sound liturgical practice to distribute Communion during the live streaming of the Mass. Communion may be administered A family attends an online Mass celebrated by Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan at his residence’s chapel on Sunday, March 22. All public Masses in the diocese were suspended amid coronavirus pandemic immediately after the Mass has concerns, prompting many parishes to livestream their liturgical celebrations. ALREN BERONIO/ESTE NEWS concluded, or at some other suitable time, and always following the when Mass is not celebrated or when •Introductory Rites: Greeting and votive Masses of the Holy Eucharist the general intercessions.” approved rites of the Church for communion is not distributed at penitential act. or the Precious Blood, the readings If, for example, the rite of distribution of Communion outside scheduled times. The purpose is that •Celebration of the Word of God. from which are in the Lectionary. A distributing Communion were to of Mass. the people should be nourished by the •Communion rite: Our Father, list of these passages can be found be celebrated immediately following The Church has two similar but word of God. By hearing it they learn Sign of peace, “Behold the Lamb in nos. 113-153 of this Ritual. The a live-streamed Mass, it would be different forms of this rite: a rite for that the marvels it proclaims reach of God… Lord I am not worthy…”, Lectionary offers a wide range of a legitimate option to use one of administering communion to the their climax in the paschal mystery distribution of Communion, readings that may be drawn upon for the other readings suggested in the sick, and the “Rite of Distributing of which the Mass is a sacramental moment of silence or a song, particular needs, such as the votive above rubric so as not to repeat the Holy Communion Outside Mass memorial and in which they share concluding prayer. Mass of the Sacred Heart. See nos. readings of the day. If the rite is with the Celebration of the Word of by communion. Nourished by God’s With respect to the celebration of 154-158 below. celebrated separately, then the best God.” In the context of a community word, they are led on to grateful and the Word of God it indicates: “There may be one or more option is to use the daily readings. of religious, it would be this second fruitful participation in the saving “29. The Liturgy of the Word now readings, the first being followed There is also a briefer form of the rite that is to be used. mysteries.” takes place as at Mass. Texts are by a psalm or some other chant or rite with a very short reading. This According to the rubrics of the rite: The rite has the following chosen for the occasion either from by a period of silent prayer. The may be used when there are only “26. This rite is to be used chiefly structure: the Mass of the day or from the celebration of the word ends with one or two people for Communion. UPDATES CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 FEATURE B3 Post COVID Ministry By Bishop Broderick Pabillo

PART 1

AFTER about a month of quarantine, many people have gotten used to it. Now, the chal- lenge to us in the church is no longer on ad- justing to the lock down. We should instead start looking forward to what we will do after the quarantine! It would be too naïve to imagine that come May 1, we will all jump back to the life that we had before the quarantine. No! There will be a very gradual period of adjustment. Many of our ways of doing ministry will change. This early let us already project the changes that can come about based on our experiences during this past month and plan for them accordingly. Some realizations become clear to us. First, the importance of the social media. Parishes who have well-developed social media min- istry are able to reach their people easily and offer them services. Thus we should develop our social media ministry. Online religious services are here to stay. Many of our elderly people will hesitate to go to church; the so- cial distancing cannot be easily done in our churches because we do not have that many churches. So the media apostolate is here to stay and will play a greater role in the life of the Church from now on. Thus all Church in- stitutions are encouraged to set up good social media ministries. If many of our elderly people would prefer to participate in the mass online after the lock down, we should be able to offer them the possibility of receiving communion in their homes. We should deploy more our lay ministers to bring communion to the sick and the elderly. In many parishes, we either do not The Archdiocese of Jaro’s daily prayer of the rosary is being livestreamed during the coronavirus emergency. SCREENSHOT/JAROSOCCOM have enough lay ministers, or many of our lay ministers are old, or both. The elderly ones Our parishes would not be able to identify the consciousness of the need for constant hand- ishes can re-design their confessional boxes can no longer give communion in the homes poor families if there was no good networking washing. A regular feature of our churches will that it would no longer be stuffy but that there because they themselves are susceptible to be with barangay officials. Many times the good now be the alcohol bottles or hand sanitizers be enough room for social distancing during infected. Thus we need to recruit more and relations with the barangay are forged because that will be made ubiquitous at the door of confession. Proper physical distance should younger lay ministers. Can we fast track their of the BECs. This is one thing that we have our churches and offices. A foot bath is to be still be kept during the kumpisalan ng bayan. recruitment and their formation? We can get to develop more—better relations with the provided at the door steps of our churches Let us use our creativity on how to serve our from the older altar servers, or older choir barangay especially through the BECs. Nag- and offices. A new ministry can be started in people in the new situation that we are now members, or even ask the religious sisters and ing mabango ang simbahan sa buwang ito the parishes—perhaps to be called “sanita- in. If the new practices that we will adapt are brothers to help in this ministry of bringing the dahil sa ang simbahan ay bumaba sa mga tao. tion ministry”—whose task is to disinfect or properly explained to the people, they will Body of Christ to the elderly. Talagang naramdaman nila ang simbahan, clean the pews in between masses. This would understand. They will even appreciate that we The pandemic has shown us the importance hindi sa kanyang gawaing pangsamba ngunit mean that masses should no longer be on are making changes so that we can serve God of the ministry to the sick. Not many parishes sa kanyang pagtulong sa mahihirap. an hourly basis. Sometime should be given without jeopardizing our loved ones.* have this. In Manila we have only five priests These are my reflections as of now. Others between services for the cleaning of the pews of the archdiocese who are in the hospital are to follow, that is why this is entitled PART and other “high touch” surfaces much used chaplaincy. Most of our hospital chaplains are I. I offer them as jumping points that can lead in the church. PART 3 either religious or guest priests. We should to still other reflections that would set some An important Filipino social custom may In the past month, most of the work of many seriously think as an archdiocese to strengthen paths for the ministry of the church after the also change—that of the mano po. Instead of parishes was not that of liturgical celebrations. our ministry to the sick, even down to the lock down. Please join, deepen and widen the getting the hand of the elderly or the priest and Of course, we had to prepare our churches and parochial level. This ministry does not only conversation on this topic of challenges to the putting it on one’s forehead, or much worse, ourselves for the online masses and other reli- cater to the sick in the hospitals but also to ministry these coming days. kissing the ring of the bishop, the people gious services. Those did not take much time. the medical staff, and also to the sick and the would be taught to show their respect by a What took most of our time was organizing elderly in their homes. PART 2 polite bow and similar gestures. how to distribute the gift certificates (GCs) At the beginning of the lock down there were An effect of the Corona virus pandemic As Filipinos we are a tactile people. We want and in large part, the actual giving of the GCs criticisms that the church to use its reputedly that is here to stay is social distancing. The to express our nearness by touching. This we to the poor families together with our volun- big money to help the poor. These criticisms consciousness and the practice of social do to one another and also to the objects of teers and barangay officials. Some parishes soon died down when it apparent that we have distancing will be with us long after the quar- devotion. Thus we see people lovingly and also spent time packing rice and other goods churches, schools, and religious houses who antine is lifted. What would this imply in our devotedly touching the statues and even the to distribute to the people. In a word, works were the first ones to open their facilities to ministries in the Church? How do we limit the casing of the statues. We have to be educated of charity characterized our church activities house and feed the street people, the medi- attendance of the people in our services? This to do without this form of reverence anymore. during this time. cal front liners and the uniformed personnel. may mean additional masses on Sundays and A slight bow or a moment of silent prayer in We have done a lot to help many people People will not fault us for having big and good asking the people to come on the times when front of a statue is also a worthy expression during this lock down. We now house more facilities as long as they see that these are open there are less people in order to reduce the of our desire to commune with God and his than 440 street people in 8 facilities in the to serve those in need in times of emergency. density of mass goers in any given time. This saints. archdiocese of Manila. Some 510 medical front This should be a deliberate choice by our insti- can also mean the re-training of our ushers. We have been telling the people during lent liners are given lodging in 23 parishes, hostels, tutions from one on since nowadays emergen- We should get younger ones who can politely that if we cannot go to confession, we can and convents. We have generously received cies are a new normal in our life. ask the people to keep social distancing. Each obtain God’s forgiveness by a sincere contri- help in the form of food items and sleeping One thing that caught the admiration of the parish is to determine the adequate spaces to tion of our sins with firm resolve to come to materials from many religious communities business community and the government is be observed between the mass attendees. Per- confess our sins to a priest as soon as there is and generous parishioners. Helping the poor our silent but rapid mobilization to distribute haps big celebrations should be done outdoors the opportunity. One of the conditions to fulfill has been an important expression of our work more than 1 billion pesos worth of gift cer- to follow the social distancing protocols. The in order to receive the plenary indulgence is to as church during these days. We were able to tificates (GCs) to the poor. Each family was churches can also invest in big LCD screens confess our sins to a priest. After the lockdown, reach more than 400,000 families through given 1,000 pesos worth of GCs. This was done and a good outdoor sound system so that it would be good if the vicariates can organize our gift checks and food packs. through the organizing capacity of Caritas people can remain outside and still be part of a kumpisalan ng bayan in all the parishes so After the quarantine days, it would not be Manila and the enthusiasm of more than 668 the celebration. that the faithful can avail themselves of this right to just toss the street people back to the parishes in MegaManila and their volunteers. Another thing that is here to stay is our sacrament. Perhaps it would also help if par- streets and to let the hospitals take care of their medical staff. We have to maintain the good will and the relationships that we have created with the beneficiaries, with the donors and with the administrations of various medical institutions. The parishes, schools and reli- gious communities need to set up structures that can create a continuous relationship with the people. Besides, it would not mean that come May 1, there would no longer be any COVID 19. This virus will be around for some time so our effort to contain it should also continue. Another consideration that we have to look deeply are our financial situation. People will give to the church once the public services start, but surely not as much as they had been doing. Everyone’s pocket has been affected by the quarantine. Thus the parishes are to plan very carefully with their finance councils how to make ends meet in the coming months. It is good that there are already vicariates who help the poor parishes meet their obligations to their personnel. As we have decided at the start of the lock down, as much as possible we will not dismiss people from our workforce. If people are not able to work, it is not that they do not want to work. Everyone among us is a victim of these hard times. As we try to help our parish and school personnel, let us also explain to them to be patient and not to demand the same treat- ment as before, as if nothing had happened. The challenge now is how to keep the morale of our people high in spite of the fact that we all face hard times. Let us all face this new situation with generosity and trust.* Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, visits to provide aid to hundreds of fire victims in Happyland, Tondo, Manila on April 18.RENZ RESSURECTION/CBCPNEWS B4 FEATURE April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 CBCP Monitor FEATURE ‘And He stilled the storm’ A Meditation on Mk 4:35-41; Mt 8:23-27; Lk 8:22-25 amid COVID-19

By Rev E B Belizar, Jr., SThD

“Peace is my farewell to you. My nurses, health care workers and peace is my gift to you. I do not give members of COVID-19 patients to you as the world gives peace. Do who heroically expose themselves not be distressed or fearful” (Jn to danger, share something in 14:27) common, aside from being in the thick of the battle against the “All the joys of this life are virus. They are also proclaiming accompanied by sorrows: if they the Gospel so eloquently by what were not, we would grow too much they do that words are often poor absorbed in them”—St. Teresa of substitutes to express what they are Avila saying in action. Today there is another clear AS I write this it is already the ninth difference too. Jesus being followed day of our community quarantine in to “the other side” by disciples also, our little community at Our Lady to my mind, counts among his of Mount Carmel Parish, Brgy company priests, with or without Maypangdan, Borongan, Eastern help from the lay faithful, who Samar. I am virtually a prisoner celebrate the Eucharist and other in the rectory except when I go down liturgical acts or organize prayer on my own for Holy Hour or non- brigades, holy hours, relief-sharing public Masses which sometimes etc. through social media. They have go online. That is, despite an ever realized the mission must continue flickering wifi signal. I keep myself even when situations change. updated about almost anything on the corona virus, my parish, 2. “A Furious Storm Came our diocese, country and the Up” (Mt 8:24; Mk 4:37; Lk 8:23) world through television and the All three Synoptic writers social media. Things are not always are one in citing a harrowing cheerful like anyone would want experience by the disciples with them to be. Each day I join millions the Master in their midst—a sea who sings the question “Natutulog does not care. Or that he cares of corona virus patients are seen in thanking the Lord for the grace tempest. It strikes me how the word Ba Ang Dios? (Is God Sleeping?)”. very little if we perish. It is better and condemned as criminals. Fear of, so far, I staying alive despite my tempest seems to lack the impact The answer seems obvious in this for us to pray like the disciples in makes people mistreat real heroes, celibate life—or maybe because of it. of the word ‘storm’. In fact, for a one particular recorded behavior of Mt’s account, that is, with humility such as doctors, nurses and other I have rediscovered over Filipino such as myself the word the Son of God. He sleeps; hence, and trust: “Lord, SAVE US! We are health care workers just because and over again in this our ‘tempest’ sounds poetic but almost evil is running amok. The storm is drowning!” they work in places where they could common ordeal that not even the lame. But both words are used in having a party. This is the whole point of be exposed to the virus. It is a fear threat of COVID-19 is an assurance English translations of the synoptic The corona virus is only organizing rosary crusades, the that reveals a lack of trust in the that silence could be easy. Far from accounts. We note how in the one among many indicators of praying of the Oratio Imperata, health workers’ concern or capacity it, silence could still be a struggle, Jewish mindset the sea is often this runaway evil: hegemonies that novenas to San Roque and other to protect themselves and others considering the various forms of believed to be the dwelling-place want to dominate weaker nations by saints, and, most especially, the from the health menace. When fear noise outside and inside us. But, of the devil or his agents. That hook or by crook; massive hunger celebrations of online Masses by pushes us to behave in a manner somehow, I am grateful for this explains the horrified reaction of and poverty among millions of bishops and priests of our time. We so much less than who we are and chance, although it seems forced the disciples. They are perplexed human beings; lack or non-existent must all do all this with the same meant to be, it is best to listen to upon us, to enter and re-enter over an existential question: Why sense of God and the sacred; dead or urgency as that of the disciples who the Master’s words, “Where is your into silence not only to avoid is it that the very presence of the moribund state of the sense of sin pray to Jesus out of a desperate faith? Why are you afraid?” COVID-19-related situations but Master does not exempt them from or of right and wrong; morality by need. The saddest words that we must also to reflect on what it could mean the attacks and importunings of individual whim; wholesale empires pray should not apply to us are from to us from a faith perspective. Here I the Evil one? In today’s context of pornography; human trafficking 5. “Be Quiet! Be Still” (Mk the Gospel writer regarding the do not pretend to say the last word. many Christians often ask, if non- and other newer forms of the travesty 4:39) people of Jesus’ own country: “And Silence is helping me focus verbally, why evils such as COVID-19 of human dignity and of human Out to show how even Jesus’ he did not do many mighty works on an event many spiritual masters happen even to those who try their rights; unabated environmental words have power, Mk records what there because of their lack of faith” cite in relation to the corona best to be faithful to the Lord and his abuse and destruction. One could the Lord utters to the stormy wind (Mt 13:58). virus—Jesus calming a tempest ways. Answers are not always easy go on. One could say, as I indeed and the waves: “Be quiet! Be still!” at sea. It is found in the Synoptic nor forthcoming. But such a pass is said it, that all these arguably evil The wonder is that these words 7. “Who is This That Even the Gospels that I have mentioned not new. All we have to remember manifestations are happening are also what the Master says to Winds and the Sea Obey Him” in this article’s title. I feel lucky are the saints, such as the beloved because Jesus is sleeping. Or is he the demons he drives away from (Mt 8:27; Mk 4:40; Lk 8:25) to meditate on the episode with San Roque who, while ministering really sleeping, we ask. people, such as in Mk 1:25. Mk also It is curious that all three synoptic the help of commentaries from to plague victims, himself became The sense of Jesus being asleep records the consequences of those writers record the same reaction of Catholic biblical experts: Daniel a victim. is compounded, to my mind, by words: “The wind died down and bewilderment by Jesus’ disciples as J. Harrington, SJ (on the Mattean For Matthew’s readers the a physical inability to come to a it was completely calm” (Mk 1:39). to who he is. It is a case of multiple version); Philip van Linden, CM sea represents the “forces spiritual oasis—a habitual place Mk seems to highlight the Jewish attestation and thus even more (on the Markan version); and of chaos against God, the storm of prayer, the church building. mindset of evil taking possession credible as historical. If one person Jerome Kodell, OSB (on the Lukan as the eschatological earthquake Some churches still have open even of inanimate things, like the says I am kind, that may not be version). Let me take you to what I and the boat as the church” doors. But Jesus in the sacraments waves and the wind. the same as when three different consider some relevant details. (Harrington). Most certainly seems unreachable. His virtual But no matter. But we need to set persons say I am cruel. Three would COVID-19 belongs in the forces presence through social media ourselves on one objective that we be more credible than one. The 1. “Let us Go Over to the of chaos. Part of the evil it has intend to reach by our praying, no three synoptic writers report the Other Side” (Mk 4:35; Lk 8:22) spawned is that, in many instances, is a bridge all right. But it is not matter how desperate and urgent the incredulity of the disciples lends Travelers move from point A to it has kept us from celebrating our the same thing as when one situation. It is simply thar the Lord it greater credibility. We see how point B. Pilgrims and the company saving relationship with God in the encounters him through a flesh- drive the storm that is COVID-19 of Jesus are travelers. He tells his ordinary fashion we are used to— and-blood priest and with a flesh- even the closest associates of the disciples that simple command with participants at least physically and-blood community. After all, away from our own persons, Master who heard him preach and in Mk and Lk to move from one present. Now we are challenged did not the Word become “flesh” families, communities, country and witnessed his miracles from an side to the “other side”. In Mt’s to heed the call of the master to (Jn 1:14)? This is not to say that from our world. The reason is that eyewitness perspective either did version he just takes a boat and continuing conversion through the Church must disobey health this Jesus whom we approach is no not really know him or were not his action is taken by his disciples virtual and, more deeply, spiritual protocols. This is just to say that the ordinary healer. In the Gospel of Mt prepared to accept what they know as a signal to do the same. This is presence. hard realities we experience today he is portrayed as having power over of him or were simply hard of heart because, according to Harrington, The worldwide storm called because of COVID-19 appear to those that only God is known to have or all of the above. Mt’s emphasis is on discipleship COVID-19 has also, for many generate a sense of the sleeping power over. He not only has power Van Linden has an enlightening and faith. Discipleship for him is people, called into question the very Jesus in our midst. over diseases such as leprosy (Mt perspective on the disciples’ “Who literally following Jesus and faith existence of a Good God who would 8:1-4), paralysis (Mt 8:5-13), fever is this” reaction to Jesus after is joining him in the same boat. On tolerate an evil so lethally real but 4. “Teacher, Don’t You Care and demons (8:14-17). He is also the stilling of the storm: “Mark the other hand, Mk and Lk focus on so hidden that it has already killed That We Are Perishing?” (Mk shown to have power over the sea wants his Christians, with their giving the disciples an opportunity both heroes and non-heroes, the 4:38); “Lord, Save Us, We are (Mt 8:23-27). knowledge of Jesus’ entirely life, to get to know Jesus better and more famous and the unknown, the guilty Drowning” (Mt 8:25) That COVID-19 is considered a death and resurrection, to be deeply (Linden and Kodell) by what and the innocent, sinners and saints. In their desperation the disciples disease is beyond question. If we are assured of his protection in their is about to unfold. It is, truly, a storm with a fury now engage Jesus in an urgent to listen very carefully to the Gospel times of stress and confusion. He What strikes me here is Jesus being unleashed but whose end dialogue—a good picture of prayer. writer Matthew, he would remind us asks for more than ‘great awe’ commanding his disciples to move cannot be predicted. That fury has This is especially clearer and more of the power Jesus has over diseases (v. 41) at Jesus’ stilling of the from one side to another. Jesus inspired monumental fears. It has direct in Mt 8:25: “Lord, save us! and what he did to the sick. The storm. He asks for deep here-and- was tired from a day’s work of also occasioned, even now, glorious We are drowning!” They directly tell corona virus is our storm in this day now faith from all who struggle preaching and healing. A boat stories of bravery and compassion. Jesus what they desire—deliverance. and age. Jesus shows his absolute to understand the meaning of ride was a perfect get-away. But it In Lk 8:24 they simply report to power over a storm. He does it in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection also indicates that he wanted his 3. “But Jesus is Sleeping” (Mt Jesus their tragic situation: “Master, the middle of a body of water. He in their own daily experiences company to bring the Kingdom news 8:24; Mk 4:38; Lk 8:23) Master, we are going to drown!” certainly can do it in the middle of of Christian living.” That most to other possible recipients. Jesus All three synoptic writers affirm They let Jesus make the response he a pandemic. certainly includes facing up to the sends all—himself included—to that Jesus was asleep while the chooses, trusting in him. In Mk there challenges of COVID-19. continue the mission of proclaiming storm was underway. There is no is a hint of an accusation: “Don’t you 6. “Where is Your Faith? Why If being most closely associated the Kingdom. This is something explanation for his bizarre behavior, care that we are perishing?” Are You Afraid” (Mt 8:26; Mk with Jesus does not really mean we easily forget. Jesus is with us. especially if the storm was strong, Since prayer is really a listening 4:40; Lk 8:25) knowing the person of Jesus, what It is he who has commanded but as the reaction of the disciples to the Lord speaking to us, it seems There are two realities that, does this say about you and me who also accompanies us who heed seems to suggest. But all one has that the disciples’ attitude shows for the Master, are incompatible, did not see, touch nor hear him? the command. But in doing so to do is consider the punishing how they failed to listen to the Lord the presence of one of which One problem with the disciples is Jesus also teaches us to, once in a activities of Jesus before this boat speaking to them in his previous could explain the absence of the that they had a very short memory. while, get away from the madding ride. Still, in the context of the deeds. They saw him doing good other. Both of them starts with F. As Cicero once said: “Memory and maddening crowds to rest and different theologies or emphases of deeds that benefited people, and, First is fear. The second is faith. For is the receptacle and sheath of enter into a reconnection with the the Gospel writers, the sleep of Jesus particularly in Mk, how his words the Master the disciples’ problem is all knowledge.” The only thing Source and with one another. is hardly just a sleep. For Mt it is a have spellbinding authority and fear. But it is caused by their lack of they needed to do was remember COVID-19 has offered us a chance prelude to showing himself further power to even drive away demons faith. This is a situation that directly something they missed after to go to “another side”, a different as having power over nature, as its (Mk 1:21-18), heal Peter’s mother- takes us to ours today. witnessing the stilling of the storm. situation, if you may, where we as Lord. For Mk and Lk the storm is in-law (1:29-31) or cure a leper Fear, no doubt, characterizes Already when they approached Church could continue the mission an occasion for Jesus’ disciples to (1:40-43). Yet they still thought he the disciples’ condition when they Jesus in a moment of desperate of proclaiming the Kingdom to know him better and more than they might not have cared. confront the storm. it is the same prayer, they addressed him using others. The more than 60 priests already do. It is certainly a real temptation condition we also have in the face of a name that could only have come in Italy and elsewhere who recently In the frenzy of COVID-19 the for people of our time to think COVID-19. Fear so fills up peoples from the Spirit himself: “Kyrie, died literally doing the Lord’s work sleeping Jesus seems to explain that, because of the terrible deaths and governments that they do soson apollymetha! [Lord, save us, among the sick and contracting the the current runaway status of evil that have happened and might still extreme measures, such as treating we are perishing]!” (Mt 8:25). corona virus in the process, along in the world. Filipino believers, for happen to otherwise good people COVID-19 patients as though they They would have answered their with a growing number of doctors, instance, ask with Gary Valenciano due to the virus, God or the Lord are worse than dirt or lepers. Some own question.* FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 FEATURE B5 The right to hope: a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Easter Vigil; St. Peter’s Basilica, April 11, 2020

“AFTER the Sabbath” (Mt 28:1), a person in need: “Courage; rise, the women went to the tomb. This [Jesus] is calling you!” (Mk 10:49). is how the Gospel of this holy Vigil It is he, the Risen One, who raises began: with the Sabbath. It is the us up from our neediness. If, on day of the Easter Triduum that we your journey, you feel weak and tend to neglect as we eagerly await frail, or fall, do not be afraid, God the passage from Friday’s cross to holds out a helping hand and says Easter Sunday’s Alleluia. This year to you: “Courage!”. You might say, however, we are experiencing, more as did Don Abbondio (in Manzoni’s than ever, the great silence of Holy novel), “Courage is not something Saturday. We can imagine ourselves you can give yourself” (I Promessi in the position of the women on that Sposi, XXV). True, you cannot give day. They, like us, had before their it to yourself, but you can receive eyes the drama of suffering, of an it as a gift. All you have to do is unexpected tragedy that happened open your heart in prayer and roll all too suddenly. They had seen away, however slightly, that stone death and it weighed on their hearts. placed at the entrance to your heart Pain was mixed with fear: would they so that Jesus’ light can enter. You suffer the same fate as the Master? only need to ask him: “Jesus, come Then too there was fear about the to me amid my fears and tell me future and all that would need to be too: Courage!” With you, Lord, we rebuilt. A painful memory, a hope will be tested but not shaken. And, cut short. For them, as for us, it was whatever sadness may dwell in us, the darkest hour. we will be strengthened in hope, Yet in this situation the women since with you the cross leads to the did not allow themselves to be resurrection, because you are with us paralyzed. They did not give in to the in the darkness of our nights; you are gloom of sorrow and regret, they did certainty amid our uncertainties, the not morosely close in on themselves, word that speaks in our silence, and or flee from reality. They were doing nothing can ever rob us of the love something simple yet extraordinary: you have for us. preparing at home the spices to Pope Francis carrying a candle at the beginning of the Easter Vigil April 11. VATICAN MEDIA This is the Easter message, a anoint the body of Jesus. They did message of hope. It contains a not stop loving; in the darkness of At dawn the women went to with an empty smile. No! It is a gift sealed the entrance of the tomb, can second part, the sending forth. “Go their hearts, they lit a flame of mercy. the tomb. There the angel says to from heaven, which we could not also remove the stones in our hearts. and tell my brethren to go to Galilee” Our Lady spent that Saturday, the them: “Do not be afraid. He is not have earned on our own. Over these So, let us not give in to resignation; (Mt 28:10), Jesus says. “He is going day that would be dedicated to her, here; for he has risen” (vv. 5-6). weeks, we have kept repeating, “All let us not place a stone before hope. before you to Galilee” (v. 7), the in prayer and hope. She responded They hear the words of life even will be well”, clinging to the beauty We can and must hope, because angel says. The Lord goes before to sorrow with trust in the Lord. as they stand before a tomb... And of our humanity and allowing words God is faithful. He did not abandon us; he goes before us always. It is Unbeknownst to these women, then they meet Jesus, the giver of of encouragement to rise up from us; he visited us and entered into encouraging to know that he walks they were making preparations, in all hope, who confirms the message our hearts. But as the days go by our situations of pain, anguish ahead of us in life and in death; he the darkness of that Sabbath, for and says: “Do not be afraid” (v. 10). and fears grow, even the boldest and death. His light dispelled the goes before us to Galilee, that is, “the dawn of the first day of the Do not be afraid, do not yield to hope can dissipate. Jesus’ hope is darkness of the tomb: today he to the place which for him and his week”, the day that would change fear: This is the message of hope. It different. He plants in our hearts the wants that light to penetrate even disciples evoked the idea of daily life, history. Jesus, like a seed buried in is addressed to us, today. These are conviction that God is able to make to the darkest corners of our lives. family and work. Jesus wants us to the ground, was about to make new the words that God repeats to us this everything work unto good, because Dear sister, dear brother, even if in bring hope there, to our everyday life blossom in the world; and these very night. even from the grave he brings life. your heart you have buried hope, do life. For the disciples, Galilee was women, by prayer and love, were Tonight we acquire a fundamental The grave is the place where no not give up: God is greater. Darkness also the place of remembrance, for helping to make that hope flower. right that can never be taken away one who enters ever leaves. But and death do not have the last word. it was the place where they were first How many people, in these sad days, from us: the right to hope. It is a Jesus emerged for us; he rose for us, Be strong, for with God nothing is called. Returning to Galilee means have done and are still doing what new and living hope that comes from to bring life where there was death, lost! remembering that we have been those women did, sowing seeds of God. It is not mere optimism; it is to begin a new story in the very Courage. This is a word often loved and called by God. Each one hope! With small gestures of care, not a pat on the back or an empty place where a stone had been placed. spoken by Jesus in the Gospels. Only of us has their own Galilee. We need affection and prayer. word of encouragement, uttered He, who rolled away the stone that once do others say it, to encourage Hope / B7 Letter of His Holiness Pope CBCP message for Easter 2020 Francis to mark the Extraordinary Exposition of the Holy Shroud

The San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila welcome the Easter with the traditional “Salubong”, a re-enactment of the Biblical account of the Risen Jesus Christ reuniting with Mother Mary, after the Easter Vigil around midnight on April 12, 2020. PHOTO FROM SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH Pope Francis at the Turin Shroud in June 2015. VATICAN MEDIA

WHAT kind of Easter message can are filled with selfless goodness at the foot of the cross in Calvary. I give in these difficult days? If one for others, especially for the sick Together, seeing the countless To His Reverend Excellency especially of those who are most watches news on television, both and the poor, individuals who acts of sacrifice and service, acts Msgr. CESARE NOSIGLIA alone and least cared for; but also national and international, and have the courage to offer heroic of kindness and compassion, Archbishop of Turin and Bishop of all the victims of wars and violence, watches them not only with one’s service and sacrifice with the clear we begin to see that the spirit of Susa of slavery and persecution. eyes and mind but with one’s heart, risk of losing their very own lives. Easter is still very much alive in As Christians, in the light of the one can easily be overwhelmed by Moreover, we see people of all our hearts. This is a spirit which I have learned, dear brother, that Scriptures, we contemplate in this this grim worldwide situation; it is walks of life, men and women, old is born out of faith and conviction this coming Saturday you will pre- cloth the icon of the Lord Jesus as if, literally, death brought about and young, manifesting simple that Jesus has defeated death and side at a celebration in the chapel crucified, dead and risen again. To by the Coronavirus pandemic is acts of appreciation and gratitude has risen back to life—for all of us. that holds the Holy Shroud, which, He we entrust ourselves, in Him we staring at you and me. to all those who offer their lives It is a spirit that springs forth from will be made specially visit to all confide. Jesus gives us the strength Easter, that is, our joyful so that others may live. Are these both convictions, the conviction those who participate in prayer to face every trial with faith, with celebration of the Resurrection not concrete manifestations of the that the Lord truly and deeply loves through the means of social com- hope and with love, in the certainty of Jesus, is best understood by Easter spirit? Looking at all these, us and the conviction that we are a munication. that the Father always listens to His not forgetting Calvary, by not isn’t it that our hearts begin to fill people truly capable of loving and I wish to express to you my warm children who cry to Him, and saves forgetting His death on the cross. up with hope? caring for each other in the worst appreciation of this gesture, which them. He died for us when his hour had Then I begin to believe that we, of times. responds to the request of God’s Dear confrere, and all of you, dear come; he faced death. He faced as Filipinos, together with all the We can still celebrate with faithful people, sorely tried by the brothers and sisters who participate death consciously, willingly, with peoples in the world, are bigger profound thanksgiving in our hearts coronavirus pandemic through the media in the prayer his heart filled with love for us, than the threat of the Coronavirus the solemn commemoration of the I too join in your supplication, before the Holy Shroud, let us live filled with the mercy of God for us. pandemic. Together, with hearts Resurrection of Jesus: the triumph turning my gaze to the Man of the these days in intimate union with But then, Jesus rose from the dead; filled with goodness and love, filled of Jesus over death. This is the Easter Shroud, in whom we recognize the the Passion of Christ, to experience he is victorious over death. His with deep sense of service and that, I believe, we can celebrate features of the Servant of the Lord, the grace and the joy of His Resur- victory over death he shares with sacrifice, I begin to see the hope together in these difficult days. that Jesus realized in His Passion: “A rection. I bless Your Excellency, you and me. This is Easter for me. of Easter in us, and this hope is And because of this, with man of suffering, and familiar with the Church of Turin and all of you, Yes, no doubt, we are in an stronger when we, together, have sincerity and deep conviction, I pain… Surely He took up our pain especially the sick and the suffering, extremely grim situation, but I hearts like that of Jesus in his say, A BLESSED EASTER TO ALL! and bore our suffering … But He was and those who care for them. May see clear sparks of the spirit of sacrifice in Calvary. We see that, pierced for our transgressions, He the Lord grant you all peace and Easter in the hearts of thousands together, our life is more powerful Devotedly yours in Christ, was crushed for our iniquities; the mercy. Happy Easter! in the midst of this pandemic. than the menace of death that this punishment that brought us peace Rome, Saint John Lateran, 9 April Indeed, it is so moving and so pandemic brings: together, with +ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. was on Him, and by His wounds we 2020 heartwarming to see individuals hearts inspired by God’s grace, with Archbishop of Davao are healed” (Is 53, 3. 4-5). trying to save and protect the life hearts inspired by the love of the CBCP President In the face of the Man of the Fraternally, of ailing patients, whose hearts Blessed Virgin Mother, who stood Easter Vigil, 11 April 2020 Shroud we also see the faces of so many sick brothers and sisters, FRANCIS B6 REFLECTIONS April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS The Risen Lord is alive in the new community The Risen Christ fills 2nd Sunday of Easter A (John 20:19-31) April 19, 2020 us with His gifts By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD 2nd Sunday of Easter A (John 20:19-31) Feast of Christ, King of Divine Mercy April 19, 2020

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

THE disciples had locked or ignored, or even disdainfully themselves up in the Upper Room rejected. All that Jesus can do is offer for fear of the Jews. They had every them and encourage all to accept reason to be afraid. And their hearts them with grateful appreciation. were locked, too—locked with On our part, we must have a clear the chains and bars of confusion, idea of the immense value of the disappointment, for what happened gifts, the great difference for the to Jesus, and remorse for their better that they can make in our cowardice when they deserted him lives. By making us share in his . . . . They knew they had not put mission, the Risen Christ raises us up a great show of solidarity in the to an unprecedented dignity: the face of their Master’s arrest. And honor of being sent to all mankind now that he had been humiliated, as signs and bearers of God’s love killed, and buried, their lives and of the Good News. By receiving had been plunged into an abyss from Jesus the gift of the Spirit of of shame, meaninglessness and Holiness, we become the privileged discouragement. instruments of God’s forgiveness But all of a sudden, Jesus appeared and sanctification. in their midst, in spite of all those We should also become aware locks, both material and spiritual. of the immense loss we will inflict Nothing could stop him. He was on ourselves if we refuse them. not there to show off or to get even The choice between accepting or with the disciples who deserted rejecting Christ’s gifts is not like him. In his mercy and love, he had the choice between colors or what come to offer gifts – the gifts/fruits shoes to wear. Rather, it is a choice of his resurrection: his presence, his between life and death. So much is peace, his joy, the participation in at stake. his mission, and his Spirit. Christ’s gifts are forever. They These gifts were the tangible are for us, today, as they were for signs of his enduring and forgiving his disciples on the first Easter day. love. They were plenteous and most And they will be for all believers, till precious gifts. They were meant for the end of time. His Spirit makes each and every one of his disciples, them present and alive in every including the latecomer and slow- generation. In this way, all feelings THE resurrection of Jesus admits of into those who were slain, they few words may be said of this text. to-believe Thomas. of dejection, confusion, anxiety various meanings, but one of them were given a new life (Ezek 37:10). Though the instruction included Christ’s gifts are not only for his and fear . . . are banned, and are is akin to this. As we noted last There is no doubt that John had the Old Testament, it gradually disciples gathered in the Upper replaced by that sublime peace and Sunday, God the Father, by raising in mind these texts when he wrote focused on Jesus’ teachings and Room, but for all because his love joy which the Risen Christ alone can Jesus from the dead, vindicated him. today’s Gospel. By saying that Jesus the interpretation handed on by encompasses every human being give. Thus, Easter becomes always The resurrection proved that Jesus’ breathed into his disciples, John the apostles. Later on, these were and endures for ever. No one is and everywhere the lasting season enemies were wrong, after all. But wanted to teach us that with the collected, committed to writing, and excluded by Jesus, not even the of a renewed mankind. All that we this vindication was efficacious. In death and resurrection of Jesus, a applied by preachers, teachers and greatest sinners. have to do is stretch out our hands today’s Gospel (John 20:19-31), new life was imparted, and a new catechists to their own particular But gifts are gifts. They are not in acceptance and proclaim, “Thank this is indicated by a significant community was born. There was, situation. An important feature of impositions. They can be accepted you, My Lord and my God!”* gesture of Jesus—he breathed on in other words, a new creation—a this community life was the sharing his disciples (John 20:22). This new people was born through the of goods. Those who believed action of Jesus readily recalls God’s Holy Spirit, which is what the air shared all things in common. They creative acts recounted in Genesis breathed signifies, by Jesus’ death would sell their property and goods, The Risen Christ, our and Ezekiel. In Genesis, it is said and resurrection. dividing everything on the basis of that when God breathed into the The second reading describes to us each one’s needs (Acts 2:44-45). nostrils of Adam the breath of life, the form of this new creation: “The The practice obviously brought each fellow traveler Adam became a living being (Gen [members of the new community] member closer to one another, and 2:7). Thus, the gesture of breathing devoted themselves to the apostles’ encouraged the development of an 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A, (Luke 24:13-35) completed the action of the creation instruction and the communal ethics of renunciation of property April 26, 2020 of man. Similarly, in Ezekiel, it is life, to the breaking of the bread and rejection of concentration of told that when the wind breathed and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). A Risen / B7 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB Where do Christians encounter the Risen Lord? 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A, (Luke 24:13-35) April 26, 2020 By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

AS should be obvious from the after the resurrection, but whether 4:32b-34). And the early Christians Readings of the Easter Season, the one can at the present moment showed themselves always ready to central message of the resurrection recognize his presence. To bring the help those in need (Rom 15:26; 1 Cor is that Jesus lives on (Luke 24:23), point home, Luke tells us that when 16:1-3; Gal 2:10). and that the resurrected Lord is Jesus “had seated himself with them In its pastoral letter issued during no other than the same Jesus who to eat, he took bread, pronounced the 1987 Eucharistic Year, “One walked with his disciples (John the blessing, then broke the bread Bread, One Body, One People,” the 20:18). But if he is alive, where and began to distribute it to them” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of do we find him? In Luke’s Gospel, (Luke 24:30b). At this, the eyes of the Philippines (CBCP) says in this the evangelist carefully points the disciples, who failed to recognize connection: “It may be truly said out that the resurrected Christ is him, were opened, and whereupon that the task of the Church is to identical with the earthly Jesus by they recognized that it was Jesus radiate the Eucharist in the life of demonstrating that the risen Lord who was breaking the bread (Luke the world. In this sense the ministry performed the same ministries 24:31). For Luke, then, the presence of the Church is first and foremost that he did when he was still with of Jesus is recognized in the breaking a ‘eucharistic ministry’. Such his disciples before his death. For of the bread. Of course, by breaking ministry works toward creating a instance, he taught his disciples of the bread Luke does not mean new world of Christian communities about Moses and the Prophets; he an ordinary meal. The wording where freedom and justice reign, interpreted the Scriptures to them; of the narrative easily recalls the a new world of loving and caring, and he opened their eyes (Luke institution narrative in which the sharing and working together—a 24:27-31). But while stressing the same verbs practically occur: take, kingdom of reconciliation and identity, Luke likewise points out give thanks, break and distribute peace.” The concluding appeal of that there is a discontinuity between (Luke 22:19). That is to say, Luke the letter remains relevant: “Our the risen Lord and the earthly wants to say that the risen Lord is present situation summons us to Jesus. It is for this purpose that he recognized in the celebration of the seek ways of breaking down the narrates the incident in the Gospel Eucharist. many dividing walls in our midst, today (Luke 24:13-24). Notice that This, to be sure, should binding up and healing our nation’s when Jesus walked with the two not be taken to mean that Christ wounds; of sacrificing ourselves so disciples on the road to Emmaus is encountered in the Eucharist that those who suffer hunger and and joined in their lively exchange, without any connection to practical other ills which accompany the these two who had seen the earthly life. The reason for this is that widespread poverty in our land may Jesus failed to recognize him. They the act of breaking the bread has find meaningful work and the means simply thought that he was just significance beyond the rite. If the to fashion better lives for themselves another Jerusalemite who was bread is broken, it is because it is and their children, worthy of sons rather ignorant of what happened meant to be shared. This implies and daughters of our Father who is TWO lonely wayfarers were sharing been tossing at each other that late in the city the past few days (Luke that such values as monopoly, in heaven. The Eucharist is “bread their disappointments as they Sunday afternoon. 24:18). exclusiveness, and selfishness broken to feed a hungry world.’ It is trod the dusty road leading from All the while, however, a doubt At the same time, Luke, in cannot become media of the Lord’s also the bread of brotherhood and it Jerusalem to Emmaus—wounded kept tormenting their minds: portraying the ignorance of the presence. To monopolize business is in the eucharist and from that we soldiers of a routed army . . . . “What if what he says is just a disciples, could have in mind the and industry, to place the wealth must find the motivation and power Almost stealthily, a foreigner pious invention? . . . A kind way situation in his own community in of the nation in the hands of a few to realize, even in part, renewed caught up with them. He seemed of soothing our pain? . . .” The which Christians, who did not see the oligarchic families, to arrogate to social relationships and a new unaware of what everybody in answer to their doubt came in the risen Lord, may have felt themselves oneself the rights of others is to social order for our people—based the region was talking about. But late evening, in the quiet of the less privileged than the disciples deprive oneself of the encounter with on truth and freedom, justice and soon he showed that he knew house where the three had stopped who did see the earthly Jesus. It the risen Lord, however one tries to love. It is in the eucharist and from many things. He mastered the to “break bread.” That was a usual seems that for Luke, what is decisive create an elaborate worship of him. the eucharist that we must find the Scriptures brilliantly. He knew action which the stranger did for the Christian community is not No wonder that a distinctive feature wellspring of that peace which we all them in depth. And from them he exactly as Jesus had done three whether or not one saw the earthly of the early Church was the holding seek, with such desperate longing, was able to draw the answers to nights before . . . . Traveler / B7 Jesus or the risen Lord immediately of possessions in common (Acts for our country today.”* the many “whys” the two men had REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 We all want to live By Fr. Shay Cullen

WHAT do we recall these holy days but the life-giving love and compassion of one person who changed the world by teaching mankind that justice is more powerful than revenge, that compassion is greater than condemnation, that believing in goodness and truth to overcome evil is a power that can change the world. That person is Jesus of Nazareth, truly a revolutionary who worked to convert the nation and corrupt leaders by calling for justice, loving the poor, respecting their dignity and rights. He stood with the downtrodden and for him, the children were the most important of all and women had equal rights. He was rejected by the leaders, despised, falsely accused, charged as a rebel and given the death penalty. Yet those values he introduced are alive today but are rejected by corrupt leadership. Jesus of Nazareth had a deep conviction in the power of goodness and truth. He taught that people who had conviction and was one in goodness would live a fuller life of happiness and this would change the world. Everybody wants to live, be secure, healthy and happy and avoid death. These dreams and desires are supposed to be made reality by a just government of integrity. The tragedy of the human species is that so many of the leaders succeed by nefarious ways to get and remain in positions of political PHOTO FROM THE CHICAGO ARCHDIOCESE and economic power. The bad ones are people of low moral values, of fatalism. “There is nothing we for work where they could be fatally moguls and corrupt captains of society, devoid of spiritual values, devoid of principles and integrity. can do,” they said. Let the weak die infected themselves and die? industry that oppress and exploit one that is based on selfishness, They despise the weak, exploit them and create “herd immunity” for the It is the power that comes from the downtrodden making them greed, exploitation, and power. and steal from the public purse to strong. Fatalism is a form of spiritual the unshakeable conviction, the refugees, homeless and hungry. The Yet if enough people unite enrich themselves. They silence the and mental paralysis, it denies the belief that goodness and truth will leaders that Jesus wanted were to be believing in the force of goodness, speakers of truth; they kill the doers truth, undervalues people’s lives overcome evil. It is called faith. believers in goodness and truth that the power of loving each other, of good. These world leaders are and freezes decision-making that That kind of faith is a true and good protect, serve and help the poor, the respecting the rights of all and the greatest threat to the well-being would have saved many. As a result, conviction that every person is of oppressed, the deprived, the abused making it a movement, there will of the people and the planet. They death is all around us. Friends, value, has dignity and right to life. children. be change. There will be a halt to lack commitment and concern for relatives, parents are dying because Such faith and belief motivates and The world community is facing a the pandemic, to climate change, climate change. They are devoid of the failure of leaders to act in empowers people. They are the few catastrophic situation right now like to global collapse of the world of wise and learned action for the time against the deadly pandemic who leave their comfort zone and no other in history. Not only is the economy. We can change the world common good and bring the people Coronavirus. choose to help others. They help Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the for the better. We need to believe and planet closer to the brink of I saw shocking video clips from others out of kindness, integrity world but even more damaging are that we can and that our faith disaster. So it was in the time of Indonesia of people in public places and goodness. They love the poor the deadly effects of climate change. will save us. That is the powerful Jesus who called for change before convulsing and choking to death and work for justice. People stuck The indifference and apathy of many reason Jesus gave to those who were it was too late. with Covid-19 and no one would in fatalism and despair cannot act world leaders and their business healed. No one did it. They healed This disastrous failure of dare to help them. One brave in this way. partners accelerates deadly climate themselves. “Your faith has made leadership today has allowed woman rushed to help a dying Their conviction that goodness change that is threatening the you whole,” he said. For doing good the latest catastrophic spread of woman. She acted on an impulse of and truth will triumph over evil is an human race and bringing the natural and wanting a just and equal society, the Coronavirus to every nation, compassion and empathy to try and inner experience that flows out into world close to collapse. To return they killed him, nailed on a cross, community and parish. It was help the stranger. She risked her action for justice for the poor. It is to doing the good and taking right a cruel death for an innocent man. foreseen, predicted, and a stupefied own life. Who or what motivated her the unseen immeasurable power of action based on faith in the goodness He left a meal of friendship. Do this immoral leadership failed to act. and others to act in a self-sacrificial a spiritual experience. It is akin to and dignity of every human with the in memory of me, he said, and we Some leaders and their rich cronies manner? Patients have willingly hope, for hope too is a conviction right to a sustainable life is what the remember his powerful message and supporters, in order to preserve given up their life-saving ventilators that goodness will triumph over world needs. This will bring justice how to change the world. Many good their economic wealth and prevent to others younger and choose to evil. The world urgently needs such and peace to all. Without such innocent people are killed today the stock market from crashing, die so that others could live. What conviction to challenge with courage values, evil will triumph and we will for doing justice and believing in resisted a lock-down. It was a policy motivates health workers to report the despots and tyrants, the money face the consequence of a faithless goodness.

Marriage/ B2 Hope / B5

Code of Canon Law. Unfortunately, incapacitated to comply with of marriage. Hence, that incapacity to resume the journey, reminding who bear the burdens of others such adaptation of canon law the essential marital obligations is the object of proof, by showing ourselves that we are born and and who offer encouragement: into civil law was not done in a of marriage, shall likewise be the causal link between the reborn thanks to an invitation given messengers of life in a time of systematic manner, such that the void even if such incapacity failure of matrimonial life and the gratuitously to us out of love, there death! In every Galilee, in every juridic structure of marriage—as becomes manifest only after its psychic anomaly. However, the in our respective Galilees. This is area of the human family to which presented in the Codex—was not solemnization. jurisprudence of civil courts in the always the point from which we can we all belong and which is part of adequately imported by the framers At first glance, it would seem like application of Art.36 of the Family set out anew, especially in times of us – for we are all brothers and of the Family Code. An attentive the Family Code provision mirrors Code shows that the evidentiary crisis and trial, remembering our sisters – may we bring the song of reading of the provisions of the that of the Codex. However, actual burden has shifted to the presence Galilee. life! Let us silence the cries of death, aforementioned chapter on Void jurisprudence by civil courts of the psychic anomaly—i.e., that But there is more. Galilee was no more wars! May we stop the and Voidable Marriages reveals has repeatedly shown a lack of such anomaly has become the the farthest region from where they production and trade of weapons, a lack of understanding of such coherence—specifically as regards cause of marriage invalidity. Hence were: from Jerusalem. And not since we need bread, not guns. Let juridic structure. In no way is this the causal link between the presence the terminology: psychological only geographically. Galilee was the abortion and killing of innocent shown better than in the provision of a psychological anomaly and the incapacity. In this construct, also the farthest place from the lives end. May the hearts of those for the so-called psychological failure of matrimonial life. The almost any psychological anomaly sacredness of the Holy City. It was who have enough be open to filling incapacity, enunciated in Art.36 fault lies in a logical shift: becomes determinant of marriage an area where people of different the empty hands of those who do not of the aforementioned code. In the canonical structure of invalidity, regardless of whether religions lived: it was the “Galilee have the bare necessities. Art.36. A marriage contracted by c.1095, 3° the cause of consensual or not it is in fact the cause of the of the Gentiles” (Mt 4:15). Jesus Those women, in the end, “took any party who, at the time of the invalidity is the incapacity to incapacity to assume the essential sends them there and asks them hold” of Jesus’ feet (Mt 28:9); celebration, was psychologically assume the essential obligations obligations of marriage. to start again from there. What feet that had travelled so far to does this tell us? That the message meet us, to the point of entering Risen / B6 of hope should not be confined to and emerging from the tomb. The wealth. The breaking of the bread was while the breaking of the bread and to think that what makes a business our sacred places, but should be women embraced the feet that had an early feature of community life: the prayers pertain to the entire corporation successful must be brought to everyone. For everyone trampled death and opened the way “Every time then you eat this bread worship of the Church, but especially applied to the Christian community. is in need of reassurance, and if of hope. Today, as pilgrims in search and drink this cup, you proclaim the the Eucharistic Celebration and the However, from the viewpoint of we, who have touched “the Word of hope, we cling to you, Risen Jesus. death of the Lord until he comes” (1 sacraments. The fellowship of Christian faith, that is far from being of life” (1 Jn 1:1) do not give it, We turn our backs on death and Cor 11:26). The breaking of the bread love, on the other hand, is related correct. The parish, for example, who will? How beautiful it is to be open our hearts to you, for you are refers, of course, to the Eucharist, to the ministry of social service in is not about profits and successes, Christians who offer consolation, Life itself. which replaced the temple sacrifice the Church. If these have anything or about display of achievement. Traveler / B6 with the destruction of the Temple to teach us, it is that the present Looked at in the perspective of That breaking of bread “opened unable to find satisfactory answers in Jerusalem. Finally, no doubt the practices in the Church did not faithfulness to the early Church, the eyes” of the two men. It opened to the hard “whys” of life. Our eyes prayers consisted of Jewish prayers, come from nowhere, nor were they it can be seen—in the words of their hearts to believe that their are veiled, our minds are confused, although in the long run, Christians invented by the present Church. On the 1987 Synod of Bishops—as mysterious fellow traveler was and our imagination distorted . . . . gradually formulated their own, the contrary, they developed out of “the customary place where the Jesus: the one whom Mary of The Risen Christ is the only after the example of Jesus himself the effort of the Church to actualize faithful gather to grow in holiness, Magdala had declared to be alive! one who can help us read events who taught the “Our Father” to his the distinctive features of the early to participate in the mission of the And now the two travelers could and persons in depth, and make disciples. Christian community in the current Church, and to live out their ecclesial testify that, indeed, he was alive, sense even of the most senseless It should be emphasized that situation as the members tried to communities.” No wonder that and had set their hearts afire occurrences and people. Our these features of the early Christian demonstrate how the Spirit works the Second Plenary Council of the through his presence and his word. patient Fellow Traveler leads us to community were an actualization of in the new age. Philippines (PCP II) recommends That discovery made them forget understand them all, bit by bit, and the new life in the Spirit of Jesus in Therefore, as we pause to consider that the parish “should be a dynamic their tiredness. It wiped out their to “situate” them within the wider the daily life of Christian believers. the present structures of our parishes Eucharistic and evangelizing discouragement, and set them context of God’s plan. In other words, they reflect the work and dioceses, it is important to ask community of communities, a center on the road of an enthusiastic The Eucharistic celebration is of the Holy Spirit in the community. whether these stand in continuity which energizes movements, Basic proclamation of the Resurrection. the culminating moment in the From these features developed with the earliest traditions in the Ecclesial Communities and other (See vv. 33-34.) process of enlightenment whereby some of the fundamental structures Church. It is unfortunate that today, apostolic groups and is in turn We, too, sometimes tread the we become ever more aware of the of the Christian community. For when people try to look at their nourished by them.” By being such, dusty roads of life with a heavy presence of the Risen One who example, the apostles’ instruction Church—the parish or the diocese, it the parish exhibits the life of the heart. We find ourselves unable to alone can give meaning to all that could be easily identified with the seems that their point of comparison Spirit that God continues to pour make sense of many sad events . . . we do, suffer, hope, and pray for.* Church’s task of evangelization, is the world of business. They seem out in the Church.* B8 ENTERTAINMENT April 13 - 26, 2020 Vol. 24 No 8 CBCP Monitor

ORATIO IMPERATA PRAYER FOR PROTECTION against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

God our Father, We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), That has claimed lives And has affected many.

We pray for your grace I still believe For the people tasked with studying the nature DIRECTED BY: Erwin Brothers and cause LEAD CAST: KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Melissa Roxburgh, Nathan Of this virus and its disease Dean, Shania Twain, Gary Sinise SCREENPLAY BY: Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Madeline Carrol And of stemming the tide of its transmission. BASED ON: I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp PRODUCERS: Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin GENRE: Drama, Musical, Romance Guide the hands and minds of EDITED BY: Parker Adams, Ben Smallbone medical experts MUSIC BY: John Debney CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kristopher Kimlin That they may minister to the sick PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Kingdom Story Company, Kevin With competence and compassion. Downes Productions, Erwin Brothers Entertainment DISTRIBUTED BY: Lionsgate COUNTRY: United States And of those governments and LANGUAGE: English RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 56 minutes private agencies That must find cure and solution to this epidemic. Technical assessment: 3.5 Moral assessment: 4 CINEMA rating: V14 We pray for those afflicted MTRCB rating: PG May they be restored to health soon. The son of a former struggles to overcome his Protestant Minister, Jeremy difficulty to keep his faith in Camp (KJ Apa) knows that the Lord’s disposition. Grant us the grace Melissa (Britt Robertson) The causal sequence of To work for the good of all has stage-3 ovarian cancer. events is easily understood And to help those in need. Nonetheless he proposes to which makes this true life marry her. A well-known story (of contemporary singer, he asks for prayers for Christian music singer Grant this through our Lord, Melissa during his concerts. Jeremy Camp) easy to follow. Jesus Christ, your Son, Their prayers must have Apa and Robertson display been answered because she a winning chemistry that Who lives and reigns with You, is eventually pronounced 100 makes the central love story in the unity of the Holy Spirit, percent cancer free. They get highly appealing. Scenes at God, forever and ever. Amen. married in October 2000. the beach and its aerial view However, their honeymoon give a refreshing atmosphere period is shortlived, because besides enhancing the compelling story in film based — is a powerful reminder Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. in February 2001, less than romance of the couple. on real events that reveal that in life’s storms, true St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. four months after they Debney’s music enhances heartfelt moments of strength hope can be found because St. Rock, pray for us. got married, Melissa dies. the emotional moments. in the face of adversity. The is God is always available to Grief-stricken, Jeremy asks The Erwin brothers film — whose trailer has been us, especially in moments of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. his father for advice as he have succeeded in telling a viewed over 10 million times suffering. St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.

Bloodshot Buhay San Miguel

DIRECTED BY: David S. F. When Marine Ray Garrison Wilson (Vin Diesel) and his wife are LEAD CAST: Vin Diesel, Eiza murdered, Ray is resurrected González, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell, Guy Pearce by a secret team of scientists SCREENPLAY BY: Jeff Wadlow, led by Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Eric Heisserer Pearce). Enhanced with STORY BY: Jeff Wadlow nanotechnology, he becomes BASED ON: Bloodshot, by a superhuman, biotech killing Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, Bob machine without a memory Layton of his former life. As Ray PRODUCERS: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani, first trains with fellow super- Vin Diese soldiers, a particular melody GENRES: Drama, Fantasy, brings his memories flooding Sci-Fi back. As he subsequently EDITED BY: Jim May remembers the man who MUSIC BY: Steve Jablonsky killed both him and his wife, CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jacques Jouffret Ray breaks out of the facility PRODUCTION COMPANIES: hell-bent on revenge, only to Colombia Pictures, Bona Film discover that there’s more Group, Cross Creek Pictures, to the conspiracy than he Annabell Picture, The Hideaway originally thought. Entertainment, Original This superhero film, Film, Valiant Entertainment based on the Valiant Comics DISTRIBUTED BY: Sony Pictures Releasing character of the same name, COUNTRY: United States cannot claim any originality LANGUAGE: English either by way of plot or action RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes sequences. Everything it offers has been offered by so many other titles in its genre, Technical assessment: 3.5 like fight scenes, menacing Moral assessment: 2.5 CINEMA rating: V18 language, intense fighting MTRCB rating: PG13 sequences as well as science fiction elements. THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI

CBCP Monitor Vol. 24, No. 8 April 12 - 26, Vol 24 Knights of Columbus: Touching lives, doing good amid COVID-19 By Sir Knight Rene V. Sarmiento Luzon North Deputy “Jesus Christ is risen Neighbor Behind” that moved ...Indifference, self- incumbent Grand Knights of centeredness, division and Luzon North Jurisdiction Dr. forgetfulness are words we Marcelo Y. Jaochico of Sto. are not to hear at this time Niño de Congreso Council No. . . . “ 13774, Diocese of Novaliches and Dr. Cecilio Terrado, Jr. Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi of Binmaley Council No. Message, Basilica of Saint 5891, Diocese of Alaminos, Peter, April 12, 2020 Pangasinan, to frontline in hospitals and to die in line THE four foundational of duty. To the Knights of principles of the Knights of Columbus and to the Filipino Columbus are charity, unity, people, they are heroes whose fraternity and patriotism. The exemplary conduct will always program model designed to be remembered. implement these principles Indifference and self- in Faith and Action, a model centeredness? These are far that “empowers Knights from the minds of Brother to come together to share Knights of the four Jurisdictions their Catholic faith, celebrate as shown by the following: fraternity with loved ones 1. The Luzon North and do what they do best Jurisdiction launched an --stand shoulder to shoulder anti COVID-19 drive among in service to the community its officers and members and to defend life at all stages and donated the funds The Knights of Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction KCFAPI Unit Manager and Brother Almar Dicar Posa facilitated the donation of PPEs to Barotac Nuevo District Hospital for the frontliners. and in every condition. raised to the: (a) Philippine Inspired by these four General Hospital (PGH) to the entire municipality. Personnel Protective 4. The Mindanao State people gather, and all travels foundational principles and Medical Foundation, Inc. Bro. Knights in the Dioceses Equipment (PPEs) for Jurisdiction enjoined Bro, for Knights of Columbus program model, the Luzon for the purchase of Personal of Cabanatuan and San Jose various hospitals in the same Knights to pray the Novena for business, until further notice. North, Luzon South, Visayas Protective Equipment (PPE) donated 1,000 bottles of localities and Consolacion Protection in Time of Pandemic Building a culture of life and Mindanao Jurisdictions, for medical frontliners; (b) purified water and 150 bottles town in Cebu. Bro. Knights in and to recite the Rosary daily and civilization of love. With had done their share, and Cathedral of the Immaculate of locally made calamansi Tacloban City solicited food until the pandemic is over. this guidepost, in addition still do, to treat and heal Conception of Batanes in juice for frontliners of Dr. donations for distribution to It launched Oplan Tabang to the Order’s foundational COVID-19 victims, to feed the coordination with the HaPag- Paulino J. Garcia Medical Bro. Knights who are seniors involving 20 Dioceses to raise principles and program model, hungry, to provide protection Ibig Food Assistance Program Center in Cabanatuan City. and whose livelihoods got funds to buy food items for the Knights of Columbus in the to health care frontliners, and Committee for Ivatans initiated For its part, Ina ng Laging affected by the lockdown. distribution to the poorest of Philippines will continue to to give spiritual nourishment by District Deputy Fr. Ronaldo Saklolo Council No. 8226, 3. The Luzon South State the poor Bro Knights. find ways to treat and to heal to members, families and B. Manabat, parish priest; K-01 of the Diocese of Jurisdiction, through Bro. As a manifestation of the COVID-19 patients, to feed the communities. and (c) Caritas Manila as food Cabanatuan holds a daily Knights of the Divine Mercy four (4) Jurisdictions’ care hungry, to protect frontliners Resonating loudly and assistance to poor families Rosary via Zoom video call. Council No. 15139, District and concern for its members, and to inspire the scared, the clearly with these four affected by coronavirus. 2. The Visayas Jurisdiction P-24, Diocese of Paranaque, they adopted the Guidelines scarred and the shattered by Jurisdictions is Supreme In addition, Bro. Knights through Bro. Knights in the regularly provide food packs for Fraternal Leaders issued the pandemic. Knight Carl A. Anderson’s of St. Dominic Council 4465, provinces of Iloilo and Cebu, meals to medical frontliners by Supreme Knight Carl A. Yes, the Knights of call to Bro. Knights to “Leave upon the request of the Mayor cities of Dumaguete and of various hospitals, traffic Anderson on March 11, 2020 Columbus embraces Pope No Neighbor Behind” in this of Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, Tacloban, and Catarman, enforcers, checkpoint regarding the cancellation of Francis’ Easter message time of pandemic. volunteered to repack the Northern Samar conducted frontliners, drivers, street all personal contact meetings, “contagion of hope” because It is the spirit of “Leave No relief goods for distribution fund drives to acquire dwellers, and security guards. all planned events where Jesus Christ is risen! KC Luzon North launches Covid-19 fund drive THE Luzon North The Executive Bro. Knights were the Ivatans of Batanes Drive is ongoing and Jurisdiction (LNJ) Committee of the encouraging and through the Cathedral kindhearted donors launched last March LNJ subsequently heartwarming. As of Immaculate may deposit their 30, 2020 KC Anti- decided to expand the of this writing, the Conception of Batanes donation in whatever Covid Fund Drive to beneficiaries of the amount of P50,000 was and the amount of amount in the LNJ’s raise funds for the Fund Drive to cover given to the Philippine P20,000 to Caritas Metrobank Intramuros Personal Protective poor families affected General Hospital Manila. Branch Account No. Equipment of Health by the pandemic. Foundation, Inc., the This Faith in Action 632-7-63202602-8. Care Frontliners. Response from amount of P30,000 to KC Anti-Covid 19 Fund (RVSarmiento)

KC Foundation screens scholarship applicants

IN anticipation of the coming Mr. Cyrus Lao; Davao Service school year 2020-2021, the KC Office facilitated by Mr. Philippines Foundation, Inc. Rogelio Cabanlit and Ms Mary held its series of scholarship Jane Mendoza; Cagayan De application examinations Oro Service Office facilitated from February 22 to March 7, by Mr. Renante Bragat; and 2020. The examinations were Baguio City facilitated by the held at the KCFAPI Center foundations Supervisor, Mr. The Luzon South Jurisdiction Deputy Bro. Bonifacio B. Martinez called all State Officers, and San Rafael, Bulacan Juan Karlo S. Serviento. DD’s, GK’s, Knights of Columbus members and their families to participate in the Pray facilitated by Ms. Arvi Rina As previously announced for Life activity in lieu of the Annual Walk for Life last March 22, 2020. Albaracin, HRCC Assistant; to the applicants, the results The Mindanao State Deputy Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission, in response to the Iloilo Service Office facilitated will be out by the first week of call of Mindanao State Chaplain Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, DD and by Mr. Anthony P. Nazario, April. But due to the enhanced Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson to “Help our Neighbors and Leave No Knight Behind”, launched “Operation Tabang” in the Archdiocese of Davao wherein 2 Knights-doctors die to coronavirus VP for FBG (VisMin); Cebu community quarantine, it will food packs were distributed to over 700 recipients. Service Office facilitated by Scholarship / C2 THE Knights of Columbus death. has two new heroes with the The other is Dr. Cecilio death of Bro. Knight- doctors/ Terrado Jr., incumbent Grand frontliners. Knight of Binmaley Council KC priest in action Cebu KC volunteers buck risk, first to Dr. Marcelo Y. Jaochico, 5891, Diocese of Alaminos. EVEN if the country is struck of Columbus Fr. George J. respond in helping frontliners the Provincial Health Officer He also frontlined to treat by the covid19 pandemic, Willmann Charities, Inc. of Pampanga, and incumbent Covid-19 patients. having without public has initiated series of relief WE received the call from It was the height of the Grand Knight of Sto. Nino To these two Bro. Knights masses especially during operations to his parishioners the Integrated Bar of the community quarantine de Congresso Council 13774, who gave their lives so others the Holy Week celebrations, since the first week of the Philippines (IBP), Cebu and that reports of the Diocese of Novaliches, died will live, we offer our prayers the church did not stop its Enhanced Community Chapter on the 3rd week of first contamination of the on March 24, 2020 after for their eternal repose mission in serving those in Quarantine declared in the March, 2020, looking for coronavirus start to trickle in succumbing to Covid-19. A and our salute. They died need. Rev. Fr. Hernandez Luzon Region. people who might have the the Cebu scene. much-loved Doctor of the exemplifying the Faith in Mendoza, Jr. of Sta. Martha “In my priestly life, serving knowledge of producing Without hesitation, we Barrios, a Lay Minister, he Action program model of Parish, Kalawaan, Pasig City, the marginalized and the poor the personal protective accepted the job. And with was active in attending to the Knights of Columbus. a priest scholar and a Board is always dear to my heart. I equipment (PPEs) like masks, video instructions from Covid-19 patients before his (RVSarmiento) of Trustee of the Knights Priest / C3 facial shields. Respond / C3 C2 April 12 - 26, Vol 24, No. 8 THE CROSS THE CROSS

Bonifacio B. Martinez Jose C. Reyes, Jr. President’s Chairman’s Message Message

“You are not in the dark, brothers” 1 Thessalonians 5: 2-6

FORGIVING is not an easy task, we know that if we forgive, we will Jesus under the hands of people He has Easter: Resurrection of the Lord especially at times when the reason have peace and will eventually see cured, loved, trusted, and eventually for not forgiving seem so valid and the light of Christ through a renewed saved through His death on the cross. IN this season of Lent, Easter or the resurrection of our Lord understandable, even to other people friendship, and feel the joy of being Our pain is nothing compared to His, yet Jesus Christ symbolizes the hope that we have victory over sin. who know why. What causes us to delay able to overcome the obstacles by God’s He forgave us. Let us also remember that And that through His death, we are given the chance to eternal forgiveness? When we hold back, we grace. we are all sinners, and that our sins can life so long as we believe in His death and resurrection. remain partly in darkness because of So brothers, let us not delay forgiving only be forgiven, if we forgive those who This year’s commemoration of Lent Season is coming to an pain, fear and pride. the people who have hurt us. This Holy have sinned against us. end as we enter Holy Week this April. Regardless of what we But since we are all children of light, Week, let us reflect on the sufferings of Vivat Jesus! have been through in these past months brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, may it not be the reason for us to break Karlo Serviento away from God’s loving hands, rather may this crisis be an instrument for us to strengthen our love and faith in His Grace. Unconditional love is what He offers, may we also be able to Pondering the Words transform this love towards our brothers and sisters who are in one way or another affected by this pandemic. Our help in any way possible will be highly appreciated not only by the lives we I Thirst have touched but God will also be grateful. May we appreciate the essence of waking up each day healthy and given the chance to be an instrument in spreading the goodness and love of God. LENTEN season, seemingly, have decided to make all the once a week then we keep on to be in solitude and wait for In our way no matter how little we think of its impact is, is the time in which Catholics celebrations in private, using doing our weekly routines. the glory of Easter. collectively, it will make a difference. In these trying times, nurture their spiritual life only live streaming to be a Attending the Mass seems But, it is not only us who we have to spread kindness, compassion and a daily prayer further especially when it part to stop the spread of the sufficient for us. It ends as is thirsting, the Eucharistic is also a must. reaches to the Holy Week as virus. It is for our safety. we pass by the doors of the Lord, the Crucified Lord, the We have nothing to worry about and rest everything in it is filled with much spiritual Have you observed, the church to return home. Risen Lord also thirst for our God’s loving hands. It is in these situations wherein we lift activities from one day to temperature outside is hot And this is the beauty of sweet gaze on His Tabernacle. all our worries to Him, we ask for guidance, patience, and another. Starting from Palm and we need more water to be what had happened. We have He thirsts for our voices of enlightenment as we altogether triumphantly conquer this Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, hydrated? Remember Jesus seen that we are spiritually prayer and praise inside His pandemic. Truly, with God’s love towards humanity and in going to the whole week itself, hanging on the cross? He thirsting. We have seen the sacred place. He also wants turn, our trust and faith in Him will work its wonders. in the Easter Triduum that even said the words, “I thirst.” importance of the Holy Mass. to see us once again. Vivat Jesus! starts during Maundy Thursday (John 19:28) In these trying We have seen how going to What we can do now is and ends in the eve of the Black times, we also are thirsting. church on Sundays matter. to continue to nurture our Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Saturday until we all reach Did you also feel that you We have felt that great desire spiritual life. In silence God Resurrection Sunday, activities miss going to the church? to receive Jesus in the form speaks. In our solitude God of different churches varies Receiving Holy Communion? of the Holy Eucharist. Now, comes. In our hearts God A Brother’s Insight yet all are centered on Jesus’ If yes, then, you really thirst. we are all looking forward to lives. It is now our time to triumph over death. The truth is we thirst even singing once again songs of talk one on one with the Lord. This year’s celebration before this had happened. Yet praises and of thanksgiving. We will now become our own is quite different from our this pandemic has awoken We even look forward to sing retreat masters in front of customary practices in the us that we really thirst. We “Papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!” our Supreme Master, in the past. Upon the declaration thirst for our God. Looking Yes, our quarantine helps deepest recesses of our hearts. Crisis of the Enhanced Community back, we became too busy, we stop the virus, on the other Hanging on the cross, Jesus Quarantine in the whole look at the Holy Mass being hand, it also helps to us see, thirst. We also thirst. His JUST about a month ago a lockdown was imposed in Metro- Luzon Region, even churches just a Sunday obligation to discover and deepen the resurrection will quench our Manila, then in the entire Luzon and finally the entire were closed and the bishops attend within an hour at least meaning of these holy days, thirst. Philippines. This was necessitated by the pandemic Covid 19 which is spreading all over the world in a very rapid phase that Erwin John Mallari it became necessary to impose a lockdown. Nobody knows how to deal with it properly and appropriately. Tensions are running high as businesses are shutdown and workers without EJ’s Corner warning are out of jobs. During the first week, my realization and worry was that our sales target would not be met in a couple of months. Holy Thursday Income would dwindle as low as it can get or worst, it could be a lost for this year, by how much, only time can tell. It is a MAUNDY Thursday marks the start love just as Jesus did. The mass also to their respective parishes. daily struggle as we don’t really know how the next day would of the Easter Triduum, wherein the commemorates the Eucharist or the Maundy Thursday is considered a unfold. But we need to do something to mitigate huge losses passion, crucifixion, death, burial, sacrament of the Holy communion that holiday on many countries and most and cash requirements to meet our obligations especially to and resurrection of Christ are Jesus instituted during the last supper. businesses are closed during this period our employees who cannot afford a disruption on their income. commemorated. The term “maundy” is A Chrism Mass is also traditionally of the Holy week. One of the oldest Without thinking too much, we decided to follow the request taken from the latin word mandatum, held in each diocesan Cathedral. It is Philippine traditions practiced on this of the government to release the 13th month pay, provide some meaning commandment, since it was one of the most important liturgies day is the Visita Iglesia where in a group assistance financial and/or in kind and any other form of help we during this day that Jesus said “A new and is often the largest gathering of the of faithful visit several churches to pray could extend to our workers. On the second day of the lockdown, commandment I give to you, that you clergy and the faithful. This mass is a and recite the Stations of the Cross. It is I’ve already sensed that this is not an ordinary crisis; it is not an love one another, even as I have loved celebration of priesthood with Jesus said that the origin of this practice began ordinary lockdown. The effect will be long term not only for the you, that you also love one another.” words of “do this in memory of me” in Intramuros when the walled city still company but for the employees as well and for the rest of the Maundy Thursday commemorates during the Last Supper. The priests, had seven churches before the bombing population. The economy would be in jeopardy. Everybody would Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, ministers, and deacons reaffirm their of Manila in 1945. With the enhanced be affected, rich and poor alike as well as the government. And and the Last Supper. Because of this, the ministry by renewing their promises community quarantine preventing us something must be done. Everybody must do their part to mitigate Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated during their ordination. It is also during from doing some of our Holy week the downfall of everything. The poor would be hit hardest. where the practice of washing of the feet this time that the blessing of the holy oils traditions, I hope we keep the faith and We set aside our sales target, our projected income and of 12 chosen people is done by the priest used in sacraments is done and are given find simple ways to have a solemn holy decided we need to do something not only to protect our or bishop showing the act of brotherly to the priests and ministers to take back week. business but to be able to provide for the needs of our employees. We decided to delay a big project of ours which Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza is about to start by the third quarter of this year. The delay would be indefinite as we need to stabilize our cash flow first, before we could decide on any form of expansion. We decided By the Reading Lamp to prioritize the needs of our employees as we all very well know that most of us have extended families to provide for. Without thinking about the repercussion on our bottom line, Ponderings on Valor, Kindness and Compassion we decided to release our 14th month pay due on May 8 in two tranche to all employees whether able to report to work or not. The first half was given last March 31 and the second half to be TODAY I write not by the War. All classes were suspended. a Catholic Christian is more be a salute to the fallen soldiers released this coming April 15. An additional P3,000.00 was given reading lamp inside my office Airports and seaports were than just the guided traditions of Corregidor and Bataan. Our also last March 31 and another P3,000.00 this coming April 15 as room. My laptop is well placed closed. Public transportation and the ceremonies observed. medical professionals and financial assistance for their other needs. A bag of groceries with on a makeshift study desk at was placed on a halt. All One’s virtue of religiosity would other frontliners are indeed rice worth P500.00 every week which started last March 20 was home, alongside my brother’s businesses except essential be useless and shall remain a heroes during this crisis. given and will continue every week thereafter during the duration personal computer and office ones remain closed. People futile exercise of rituals if our Therefore, all citizens should of the lockdown. They were also given a liter of Isopropyl Alcohol documents. For almost a dare not leave the confines of spirituality is not enhanced not hesitate in doing what (IPA) and a liter of Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorox). Those who month now, we have been their houses for fear of coming through actions which live they can to support the heroic are able to work were given extras in the form of snack or meal, made to endure the agony in terms with the enemy that is out the gospel. This is indeed efforts of those the lot who are an energy booster of either an egg or a banana and vitamin C. of laboring remotely within more insidious than the bullets true during these trying times sent to the battlefields. This Brother’s Insight / C3 the confines of home- all in and shrapnel from crossfire when resources are scarce and starts by ensuring that we stay an effort to cooperate with between forces outside during people, in as much as they home. the government mandated the war. Incidentally, this stay want to toil in order to survive Indeed, we all cannot wait Enhanced Community at home living had coincided are mostly left to fend for for this crisis to be over and I Quarantine, aimed at stopping with the commemoration of themselves. “If anyone is poor am looking forward to that day THE CROSS the spread of the pandemic the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day among your fellow Israelites like how we anticipate Easter- A Supplement Publication of the caused by the SARS COVID-19. of Valor) and the observance of in any of the towns of the land a celebration of new life and Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI This is not a sci-fi movie. the Holy Week. the LORD your God is giving new beginnings. To end this, This had been the lived reality While we ought to suspend you, do not be hardhearted I take queue from the recent Editorial Board for all Filipinos young and old all Lenten activities in an effort or tightfisted toward them. broadcast of Queen Elizabeth all over the country, and most to curb mass gatherings and Rather, be openhanded and of the United Kingdom: “We Bonifacio B. Martinez Jose C. Reyes, Jr. if not all the citizens of the unmonitored mobilization of freely lend them whatever they shall meet our family again. Chairman President world. Indubitably, the closest people, I reckon that this should need.“ - Deuteronomy 15:7-8. We shall meet our friends Ronulfo Antero G. Infante Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III event to which Filipinos had not deprive us of the chance On the other hand, we should again. We shall meet again.” OIC - Executive Vice President Spiritual Director experienced something like this of understanding and living let this year’s celebration of See you all again by my was during the Second World the essence of Lent. Being Araw ng Kagitingan not just reading lamp. Mary Magdalene G. Flores Editor-in-Chief Scholarship / C1

Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox, Juan Karlo S. Serviento be announced on the second week of Charities, Inc., the foundation that (Visayas) Rev. Fr. Giovanni Bandoy and Associate Editors May 2020. supports the priests and seminarians will (Mindanao) Rev. Fr. Rodel Balansag. The foundation continuously supports also announce the qualified applicants On the notice issued last March Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco, Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza the advocacy of its founder, Fr. George J. for their scholarship program on the last 25, 2020 by the two foundations, its Contributors Willmann to provide educational support week of May 2020. President, Mr. Alonso L. Tan, requests to poor but deserving students around For the school year 2020-2021, the everyone to pray against the spread of The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana the Philippines. recipients of the Fr. McGivney Fund the disease (covid19), for the safety of Sts., Intramuros, Manila with tel. no. (02) 8527-22-23 to 27 (trunk line) local 200, 201. Email Address: [email protected]. Website: http://www.kofc.org.ph On the other hand, the Knights of for Priest Scholars in Rome are: (Luzon our country and all the brother knights. Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann North) Rev. Fr. Solomon Geslani, (JSServiento) THE CROSS April 12 - 26, Vol 24, No. 8 C3 A sure path for renewal The challenge of reform and preserving unity within the church calls for natural and supernatural virtue by Supreme Knight Peter answered, “Lord, to whom We see this social reality, this in difficulties and constancy in the Carl A. Anderson shall we go? You have the words of unity within the Church, most pursuit of the good” (1808). eternal life” (Jn 6:68). beautifully in the presence of the And as St. Thomas Aquinas taught, EARLIER THIS YEAR, I attended Jesus’ question remains painfully Blessed Sacrament in the hundreds fortitude is dependent upon yet the consecration of a beautifully real in light of the devastating of thousands of tabernacles another virtue: justice — certainly restored church. As the Blessed scandals that have recently rocked throughout the world. And this today, justice for the victims of Sacrament was placed in the new the Church and the declining church call to communion is especially sexual abuse and their families as tabernacle, I thought of the Ark of attendance among Catholics. And if important for us as Knights of well as justice for the People of God. the Covenant, which was the place Jesus’ question has new relevance, Columbus, committed this year in a Indeed, all four of the cardinal of God’s presence among his people, so does Peter’s answer. If we were to special way to the principle of unity. virtues — prudence, justice, fortitude beginning in the time of Moses. Now, turn away from the presence of the As we pray for and seek renewal in and temperance — will be necessary in the New Covenant, the Lord’s Lord, where would we go? our Church today, I am reminded what to achieve “correction” while true presence is a reality wherever There is a growing trend, the 18th-century British statesman preserving the unity of the Church. Mass is celebrated and wherever the especially among young people, to Edmund Burke said about institutions In Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict further Eucharist is reserved. say that we can be “spiritual” while in need of reform. He argued that the reminded us: “God is the foundation As Catholics, we may take this also rejecting organized religion. virtue of prudence is necessary to find of hope. … His love alone gives us the reality for granted today, but the Pope Benedict XVI addressed this the right combination of “conservation possibility of soberly persevering day initial reaction to Jesus’ discourse on issue in his encyclical Spe Salvi and correction.” by day, without ceasing to be spurred the bread of life was one of disbelief (Saved in Hope) when he asked, “Is We should keep in mind Burke’s on by hope” (31). — the Jews saying, “How can this Christian hope individualistic?” He recommendation of prudence. In In the days ahead, therefore, let us man give us his flesh to eat?” and answered that “salvation has always the foreseeable future, however, rededicate ourselves to the practice The Lord remains in the midst his disciples saying, “This is a hard been considered a ‘social’ reality,” the most important of the cardinal of the moral virtues and pray for an of his people, and he will never saying, who can listen to it?” Most of adding that we are called “to a lived virtues may not be prudence but increase in faith, hope and charity. abandon us. He calls us to unity. He his disciples actually left, and Jesus union with a ‘people,’ and for each fortitude, which the Catechism of In this way, we will continue to calls us to virtue. And in him, we will then turned to the Apostles: “Will individual it can only be attained the Catholic Church defines as “the move forward, meeting whatever find a sure path for renewal. you also go away?” As we know, with this ‘we’” (14). moral virtue that ensures firmness challenges may arise. Vivat Jesus!

Respond / C1 the IBP, a group of youth, ready for delivery! The Gentle Warrior practicing stay-at-home We made another 700 a day protocol responded. after, before the group rested By James B. Reuter, SJ By afternoon of March 19, and took some badly-needed materials of the face shields sleep. After one day, they started to arrive. A KC were at it again, producing CHAPTER FIVE member, actually the Grand 600 - 800 depending on Knight of Cebu Technological availability of materials. And THE WAR YEARS there was a rifle crack, just outside of University, Carmen Campus, so it went on. Barracks 19. George ran to the barracks Fred Torregoza, hastily And the delivery is another THEY wheeled him into the operating door. There on the ground, just outside assembled 5 youth ranging obstacle that must be room. Aside from the Navy scrub nurse, the first row of barbed wire, was a young from the ages of 16 to 20. resolved. But thanks to the all the nurses at the operation were Pan-American pilot, an internee. He They cut, designed, lay out, resourcefulness of persons Maryknoll nuns. Dana Nance started was shot through the shoulder, and was pasted, etc., all the while and their marked passion of the operation, by kerosene lamp, held rolling on the ground in agony, but he observing social distancing. making sure that the precious high by a Maryknoll Sister. When the was holding on to a bundle. A Japanese I called local KofC leaders goods would reach the hands operation was only five minutes old, Officer was standing over him, with a to the task at hand, but they of the frontliners, soonest way Sister Isabel said suddenly: “He is dead.” rifle. Father Leo McGovern said to the were somehow reluctant, possible, this too was resolved. Nance could not believe it. He worked Japanese, from the barracks door, that understandably, to lift a finger Today marks the 4th week the chest of Father Mulry with his hands. it was inhuman to let a wounded man considering the situation. And of now enhanced community Then he reached through the incision die, without helping him. The Japanese they are afraid we might get quarantine, but the youth are and pumped the heart with his fingers. Officer said: “It is a military offense to contaminated one way or the still at it. But it was no use. Old Joe Mulry had try to escape from this camp, and — even other. Sometimes, doing some really gone home to God. if he were not wounded — we would I told them I called only by way ‘diskarte’ how to get the Sister Isabel prepared the body for execute him.” of informing them what some of raw materials from the city, burial. The stretcher crew went to get So they dragged the body outside the the knights are doing, and this and getting them delivered, the plain wooden coffin, and the purple camp to a little gully, and put a bullet is not as an official project of the required patience, guts, vestments, from the chapel. Sister Isabel through his head. George heard the shot, the camp. The guerrilleros were to come Order. Anyway, they told me to determination but always with tied a cloth around Father Mulry’s chin, in the barracks. When they gave the body in on the ground, from all sides. They had reprint the Oratio Imperata and a certain joy that somehow the up over his head, to keep his face from to the internees, the bullet hole was small gotten this message to the Pan-Am boys. distribute them. I told them we PPEs would save lives, knowing being distorted. The stretcher crew in the back, but big in the front. It blew So the internees made a map, indicating have been praying the Oratio full well the risks they have carried him back to the chapel, in Vatican out all the brains. where every one of the 210 Japanese in conjunction with the one taken. And somehow without City, in the coffin. They arranged the While they were digging the grave, a guards would be at seven in the morning. offered by the Basilica del Sto. knowing, that they also have coffin in front of the altar, for the Mass Jesuit said to another Pan-American They folded this map up small, and taped Nino Church. saved their own. in the morning. It was already 2:30 a.m. pilot who was also on the burial crew: it between the shoulder blades of the boy Nevertheless, by nightfall, God bless these kids! Sister Isabel untied the cloth, took it “What was he trying to do — breaking who was killed. They covered the map 600 face shields were finished, (EMM R.ESPINA) away from around his chin, and the face out at dawn? That’s suicide!” with make-up. At eleven in the evening Brother’s Insight / C2 of Father Mulry fell into a smile. Sister To try to break out at dawn really they caused a little divergent noise on Isabel wept. She said to him: “Father, was suicide. There were three rows of two sides. The guards went toward the On the second week, we needs of doctors and nurses in you have to be serious! At least in death!” barbed wire, and four rows of Japanese noise. And the boy slipped through the decided to help barangays hospitals where supplies for At five in the morning, when the Sisters guards. And the guards were amazing middle. where we are situated in, our such are badly needed. came into the chapel and saw the coffin, marksmen! One young internee, trying He met the guerrilleros and delivered office, our parental home and Just a couple of days ago, they did not know who it was. They came to escape, hid in a ravine all day. When the map. They fed him. Then the boy our warehouse. We offered the lockdown was extended tip-toeing down the aisle, to look into the it was evening, and the ravine was full of began to think of his wife and baby in the disinfectants for free with to April 30. Again this poses a open coffin, at the face. It was a shock, shadows, he ran across it. The Japanese camp. They were hungry. So he made a free refills. We also decided to new problem to our employees’ for most of them. The night before, he guard was on a bluff, above him. George little bundle of food, and started back. give 100 cavans of rice, 50 to welfare and to our finances. It was talking to them, laughing. And now heard the shots in the camp — four The guerrilleros tried to stop him. They our parish at the Most Holy would not be a problem to he was in the coffin, smiling, but dead. quick shots, in rapid succession, one said: “We’re going to strike that camp, Redeemer at Brixton Hills, QC those who are able to work as He was buried in a shallow grave, in burst. When they gave the bodies to the soon!” The boy answered: “Listen. I have and the other 50 to different they are more than adequately the little cemetery beside the chapel, in internees, all four bullets went into the heard that for three full years! First it barangays we decided to help. compensated. But it would the prison camp at Los Baños. The graves base of the neck, between the right ear was ‘apple pie by the fourth of July’. But We also decided to reduce the be a major concern for those in that cemetery began at six feet, but as and the right shoulder. All four bullets the fourth of July came, and there was workdays from 6 to 5 and the who are unable to. I guess as time went on and those assigned to dig passed through the body, and came out no apple pie. Then it was Christmas….. number of work hours from 8 on the onset of the lockdown the graves became weaker, the graves on the left side, above the left hip. Any Three Christmases under the Japanese! to 6. The 6 hour per day work we will again without thinking became shallower and shallower. The one of the bullets would have killed him. Now you say: ‘Soon’. Suppose the strike is being paid in full as if they about the repercussion on our grave of Father Mulry was hardly three So the Jesuit said: “What was he trying does not come soon, and my wife and had worked for 8 hours. This bottom line decide again to feet deep. There was a wooden cross over to do — breaking out at dawn?” baby die in that camp? Give me that is some sort of hazard pay. For take care of our employees’ it, with his name, and the date. The Pan-American boy was quiet until the bundle!” every 5 days work, they are also financial needs. We’ll have to George had lost a friend….or gained Japanese guards were out of earshot. Then So he started back, sometime after given two extra day credit to decide to release half of their one, in heaven. Old Joe Mulry was a he said: “He was not shot trying to break out! midnight. And he almost made it…. If compensate for the lost 6th day 15 month due on September 8 brave, brilliant, good natured generous He was shot trying to get back in!” he had five more minutes, he might work and the Sunday pay, as an on April 30 and the other half man. He died of ulcers. His death The guerrilleros wanted a map of have been inside that last row of barbed extra hazard pay and incentive. on May 15 if need be? really began in Fort Santiago, when he where every Japanese guard would be, at wire…. But at that time there was a glow In normal times we pay our The crisis is far from was sitting on the floor, in the prison seven o’clock in the morning. There was in the east. A guard saw him. The rifle employees even on Sundays. over. We still do not know cell. a plan on foot to liberate the prisoners shot. The bullet through the head. And a Last April 4, the Quezon how long it will take for Death struck frequently, in those of the Los Baños camp. American shallow grave. (to be continued next City government reached out the situation to normalize. days. One morning, just before dawn, paratroopers were supposed to jump on issue) to me for a disinfectant. We Despite the difficulties, we started with a batch sample need to extend help as much Priest / C1 of 20 liters which is good as we can. We have to donate enough for 4,000 liters of again another 100 cavans of to the Eucharist, serving Columbus, he continues to disinfectant. The following rice for distribution to our the poor is our Joy in the be a priest in action like the day April 5, Palm Sunday, parish, to some barangays and priesthood. I thank the Lord Servant of God Fr. George they said that our disinfectant probably to some institutions that in my projects, there are J. Willmann, bringing the was okay and that they need as well. We’ll consider again many generous individuals Gospel of Christ into the it very badly as they have run providing disinfectants to extending their resources peripheries. out of the disinfectant they barangays where we are and to especially in this initiative. “And now, I am invited were using before. We gave the Quezon City government I thank the Lord that He by different Religious and them 10 drums for free as our should a second round be provides always in whatever Diocesan seminaries to give help to the city government in requested. Donations of projects that I have for the recollections and conferences stopping or at least to mitigate disinfectants like Isopropyl marginalized and the poor. about serving the poor. I the spread of viruses like the Alcohol (IPA) and Sodium In my previous and present am very proud also that my Coronavirus. The 10 drums Hypochlorite (Chlorox) will Fr. Hernan gives a food pack to one of the beneficiaries in his parish. parishes, serving them (the members of the Knights could make 400,000 liters of be given to the same group of poor) is really part of my of Columbus in the Parish disinfectant which I believe doctors. am glad that many young opportunity to help others programs.” are helping me in all of my is good enough for the entire The extended lockdown will priests and seminarians especially the poor.” Fr. With his missionary spirit, projects for the needy and the city if used properly and definitely put a lot of strain on are encouraged with my Hernan stated. he also spent his apostolate poor.” he furthered. efficiently. Other disinfectants our financial resources but we convictions in serving the He also added that “There in giving recollections Fr. Hernan is also an active like Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) are hopeful that all would be poor. I am doing this kind is always joy when we to various dioceses and chaplain of their parish and Sodium Hypochlorite recovered with God’s Graces of charitable works not only extend help and assistance congregations in the country. council and on his 2nd year (Chlorox) are being donated and Blessings. Happy Easter during this pandemic but in to those who are in need. Also through the inspiration of being a Board of Trustee of to a group of doctors who to all and may the risen Christ any moment where I have the In fact, I believe that next of the Order of the Knights of KCFGJWCI. (JSServiento) are addressing directly the deliver us from Covid 19.

Angelito A. Bala C4 April 12 - 26, Vol 24, No. 8 THE CROSS THE CROSS The Life Insurance Cover That Fits Every Filipino Family ASKING what life insurance Holder will receive 100% anytime within 1 year with BC Holder. years will eventually enjoy product is best for you? of the Face Value in a form only a 10% interest. As the Let us share with you a fully-paid life insurance For this article, we would of Maturity Benefit. By this Cash Value grows annually, an example: A 35-year old plan. like to feature one of the time, the Benefit Certificate it will eventually reach 100% KC member with standard Who may apply for KC best-selling products of will automatically of the Benefit Certificate’s and acceptable risks for Family Protect Series? We KCFAPI, the KC Family terminate. Face Value which becomes insurance applies for a encourage every Brother Protect Series. It is a Another important feature the Maturity Benefit if the KC Family Protect Series Knight to start protecting Whole Life Permanent of the product is its Cash insured individual outlives Plan with P1,000,000 Face their lives with life insurance Life Insurance Plan that Value or what we also the coverage period. Value. The brother knight coverage at a younger age. offers lifetime insurance know as Living Benefit. The KC Family Protect Series has 4 options to pay: Life Insurance Plans are coverage. It means that the Cash Value is a guaranteed is available in 4 payment 10 years to pay: P37,610 also considered as Income insurance coverage starts increasing living benefit terms: 10 years, 15 years, 20 per annum Continuation Fund because from the effectivity date of of the Benefit Certificate. years and whole life. Most 15 years to pay: P27,320 of its ability to provide the Benefit Certificate and To further understand, the BC Holders choose shorter per annum income after the death of automatically ends at age increase of the Cash Value payment terms because of 20 years to pay: P22,090 the insured individual. 100. Its Face Value, or what happens on an annual basis the fear to commit to longer per annum And, getting a Whole Life we know as the insurance with already an identified paying terms. However, it Whole Life: P14,740 per Permanent Plan like KC coverage, may be received in amount of increase. It must also be understood annum Family Protect Series is the one of two ways: either as a means that even at the that longer paying terms Analysis on this is: Two best way to protect income Family or Death Benefit or start of the effectivity of the may provide BC Holders an individuals of the same because of its lifetime as a Maturity Benefit. When Benefit Certificate, the BC opportunity to pay lower age choose to get the same coverage feature. We are the insured individual dies Holder already knows how contributions. The number life insurance product with sure, you wouldn’t want to within the coverage period, much the Cash Value of of years a BC Holder will the same Face Value and leave your family behind the beneficiary will receive the Benefit Certificate will pay and the amount of benefits may have different with nothing. 100% of the Face Value in a increase yearly as long as contribution must always amounts of contribution The product is available form of Death Benefit which the contributions are paid be based on the income and depending on their chosen for ages 1 to 80. is known to KCFAPI BC before due date. The Cash payment capacity of the BC payment term. The one Get in touch now with the Holders as Family Benefit. Value also has a loanable Holder. At the end of the who chooses to pay longer Fraternal Counselor nearest On the other hand, if the amount which BC Holders day, the Benefit Certificate will pay a more affordable to you and know more about insured individual outlives may take out during times must be manageable to amount of contribution. But how you and your loves ones the coverage period and of emergency. The payment ensure continuous payment the one who chooses to pay can get a KC Family Protect reaches age 100, the BC for the loan must be finished and must fit the needs of the within a shorter number of Series Plan. (JDJavier) Ang Insurance at Kung Bakit Natin ito Kailangan Mental Health in HINDI na bago sa pandinig yung insurance na pwede pa! Mayroon din naman mahaba rin ang panahon na ng mga Filipino ang konsepto nating gamitin kapag tayo ay mga life insurance plans na ibinibigay natin dito para ng insurance ngunit marami nagkasakit at kinailangang walang ipon at investment. sa kaniyang paglaki. Again, Extraordinary Times pa rin sa atin ang sarado maospital. Pwede rin Ang benepisyo nito ay mas bata, mas mura ang ang kaisipan tungkol dito. itong gamitin kapag tayo pawang proteksiyon lamang insurance at mas maganda IT’S okay not to be okay. manage our emotions and face Hindi tulad ng ibang bansa ay magpapacheck-up na maaaring makuha kapag ang resulta ng iyong savings There are lots of great this crisis stronger than we at kultura, ang Pilipinas ay lamang. Malaking tulong ang inusred ay namatay sa or investment component. events during this enhanced have ever been. The experts nananatili pa rin mababa ang ito upang hindi mabawasan loob ng coverage period. Maraming mga bagay community quarantine, which also recommended opening up pagtanggap sa kahalagahan ang ating ipon sa oras ng Kasabay ng Health ang maaaring iaddress ng could further cause frustration to people who you trust, and ng pagseseguro gamit ang pagkakaroon ng sakit. Insurance, importante na insurance sa ating buhay among the populace. Some being willing to raise help once mga insurance products na Kadalasan, ang health magkaroon tayo ng sarili dahil ang insurance ay might still feel uneasy right you need it. makikita sa merkado. Hindi insurance ay ibinibigay ng nating Life Insurance habang ating maaasahan sa oras ng now—perhaps anxious, stressed Mind over matter agresibo ang pamahalaan sa kumpanya kung saan tayo tayo ay bata pa upang makuha pangangailangan. Huwag or maybe scared amid the rising Think positive. Act on pagbibigay ng mandato sa nagtatrabaho. Ngunit para natin ito sa mas murang nating isipin na gastos cases within the country. For things one can control. Make mga pamilya at indibidwal sa mga self-employed o halaga at habang tayo ay lamang ang pagkuha ng ordinary people, the enhanced decisions. Plan. Draw up a upang magseguro. Ang walang trabaho, maaari ka malakas pa at mataas pa ang insurance dahil ibinibigay community quarantine isn’t schedule. One in every issue is pagkuha ng insurance ay ring makakuha ng health ating insurability. Sigurado nito ang pinakaimportanteng almost containing the virus, it’s the feeling of being powerless, nananatili pa ring isang insurance para sa iyong ako na ayaw mong dumating regalo natin para sa ating also about their family going that we can’t control the case desisyon na hangga’t maaari sarili. Makipagugnayan ang panahon na hindi ka na mga sarili - at ito ay ang hungry and this can be causing or situation. Doing things that ay isasawalang tabi. Sa lamang sa mga health makakakuha ng insurance Peace of Mind. Dahil gusto such a lot of strain and distress. we are able to control, drawing kabila ng pagsulpot ng mga insurance companies kung dahil may karamdaman natin na anuman ang sakuna The pandemic has begun to up plans, and doing things that naglalakihang insurance paano ito maaaring gawin. ka na o masyado na itong o pagsubok na dumating sa take a toll on their physical, we can manage on our own can companies sa bansa, hindi Maaari rin naman tayong mahal at hindi mo na kayang ating buhay ay nakahanda mental and emotional health. help remedy these feelings. pa rin sapat ang bilang ng kumuha ng insurance bayaran. tayong harapin ang mga ito As much as we may have set Do enjoyable activities mga Filipino ang nakaseguro bilang Income Continuation Ang insurance ay sa tulong ng life insurance. a few mechanisms to deal with Learn how to cook or bake at ang buhay ay protektado. Fund or Protection Fund. maaari rin gamitin bilang Para mas maunawaan daily stressors, a crisis of this and find out new recipes, Kaya naman, patuloy Ito ay ang Life Insurance Educational Fund para sa natin ang mga benepisyo degree could overpower our watch your favorite movies or na inilalapit ng mga Life na inooffer ng mga Life ating mga anak. May mga mula sa mga produkto usual coping mechanisms. Each series, give longer time to play Insurance Advisors at Insurance companies at life insurance products na ng life insurance, maari individual has different levels of with your pets, do gardening Fraternal Counselors sa Mutual Benefit Associations may savings and investment tayong makipagugnayan sa coping, it’s important that we and general cleaning or play ating mga tahanan ang tulad ng KCFAPI, na kung component na maaaring pinakamalapit na Fraternal must always not judge people some board games together kahalagahan ng insurance. saan, kapag ang insured gamitin sa pag-aaral ng Counselor sa ating lugar o who could also be having a with your family. You do not Ito ay upang masiguro ang individual ay namatay, may anak pagdating ng kolehiyo. tumawag sa tanggapan ng tough time to cope. According to have to consider something katuparan ng ating mga pera na ibibigay ang Life Kailangan lamang bigyan KCFAPI. Kung ikaw ay isang the World Health Organization very elaborate. You can do pangarap para sa ating Insurance provider sa mga ng sapat na panahon ang Brother Knight o kapamilya (WHO), it’s typical to “feel sad, something simple that you and pamilya. beneficiaries na magagamit savings at investment upang ng isang Brother Knight, stressed, confused, scared or your family already enjoy! Ngunit bakit nga ba nila upang maipagpatuloy mas mamaximize natin ang hangad namin na ang unang- angry during a crisis” which Boost self awareness natin kailangan kumuha ang kanilang buhay. Income returns nito. Kadalasan, unang life insurance provider it said was “generating stress Meditation and mindfulness, ng insurance? Bilang Continuation Fund ang tawag bata pa lang ang anak ay na iyong tatangkilikin ay ang within the population.” Other the psychological process of mga indibidwal, dapat ay sa Life Insurance dahil kapag kumukuha na ang mga KCFAPI, dahil bilang isang than actually guarding one’s bringing one’s awareness nauunawaan natin ang mga namatay ang breadwinner magulang nito ng insurance Mutual Benefit Association, body to stop infection from to things happening at the rason kung bakit kailangan na siyang insured, yung upang makatulong sa maaari mong maseguro COVID-19, the public should moment without judgement nating kumuha ng insurance. income na naputol dahil kaniyang pag-aaral sa ang proteksiyon ng iyong also take serious effort to take are among the most ways you At iyan ang tatalakayin sa kaniyang kamatayan kolehiyo. asawa, mga anak, at mga care of their mental state during can do. natin ngayon sa artikulong ay maipagpapatuloy ng At siyempre, ang insurance pinakamamahal mong mga this period. And how do we just By simply sitting in a quiet ito. Narito ang ilang sa insurance. Mayroon ding ay maaari ring gamitin apo! Makakakuha ka ng mga do that? Here are the expert- room and focusing on your mga dahilan kung bakit mga life insurance products bilang Retirement Fund. benepisyo at dekalidad na approved tips to keep your breathing without dwelling importante ang insurance: na may saving at investment Importante na bata pa serbisyo na sa KCFAPI mo mental health in check amid for too long on your passing Una, maari tayong components na maaari mong lang tayo ay sinisumulan lang mararanasan. crisis: thoughts should be sufficient kumuha ng insurance gamitin para sa mga medium na natin ang pagseset-up Ano pang hinihintay mo? Minimize reading, to exercise this! para sa ating kalusugan, term to long term goals o ng ating Retirement Fund Sigurado na mayroon kaming listening and watching to Maintain well-known tinatawag ito na Health para sa mga emergencies sa dahil habang mas bata tayo produkto na tamang-tama sa news that causes distress routines for youngsters Insurance at makabibili iyong pamilya. Maganda na mas malaki ang potensiyal pangangailangan ninyo ng According to WHO, it’s Provide engaging age nito mula sa mga Health sa isang life insurance policy, ng pagtaas ng ating Cash iyong pinakamamahal na best to “look for information suitable activities for children, Insurance Companies. Ito insured ka na, may ipon ka Value or Fund Value dahil pamilya. (JDJavier) updates at particular times including activities for their during the day, once or twice. learning. Encourage them to The sudden and near-constant keep on playing and socializing ADVISORY stream of story reports about with others, even if only within an epidemic can cause anyone the family. Children will notice Dear Valued BC Holders, Fraternal unable, at this time, to operate normally E-mail remain open. We encourage to feel anxious. Get the facts; adults’ behaviors and emotions Benefits Managers and Fraternal due to restrictions beyond our control, you to reach out to us through the not the rumors and half- for cues on how to contract Counsellors: we remain focused on providing you, following: truths.” WHO, for instance, is with their own emotions during President Duterte has declared the our dear BC holders and Sales Force, E-mail: [email protected]. accessible practically across all difficult times. nation under a state of calamity by virtue support during these challenging ph, [email protected], social media platforms. It’s best Help yourself by helping of Presidential Proclamation 929 and the times. We ask for your patience and [email protected], fbgkcfapi@ to filter your social media feeds others government has strictly implemented understanding for any delays in yahoo.com, [email protected] and try to find information Volunteering and donating in an Enhanced Community Quarantine servicing that you may encounter at FB Messenger: Kcfraternal Bro, only from trusted and reliable any way can do wonders for the (ECQ) in the whole area of Luzon to this time. You may continue to make KCFAPIIntramuros, fmas.kcfapi.5 sources during this time of soul. We can do it for our self- prevent the spread of the COVID-19. inquiries about benefit certificates Cell Phone Numbers: “infodemic”. worth, and also to scale back As such, the government has through the following: contact (0947) 1579606 (BC Relations Office) Take care of yourself, too our feelings of being helpless. ordered for the suspension of numbers, email address, and social (0917) 8940841 (Cebu Service Office) You need to eat right, Let our Bayanihan spirit come operations of all non-essential media accounts. (0917) 1708850 (Davao Service Office) hydrate, sleep well, exercise, forth! companies, mass gatherings BC HOLDER PROTECTION (0917) 8979013 (CDO Service Office) have proper hygiene, and take It is vital for us to be emphatic were prohibited, public transport To ensure continued protection of (0999) 3580008 (Underwriting Dept.) your vitamins and medicines. towards those that could also be operations were disallowed, people BC Holders, the grace period has been (0917) 5219029 (FMAS) Open and constant feeling anxious or depressed. movement was restricted and social extended from 31 days to 90 days for (0917) 8902647 / (0999) 8494618 communication with Please remember that whatever distancing was promoted to keep insurance contributions due from (FBG) family and friends is vital you’re feeling, you’re not alone Filipinos safe in their homes. As February 1 to March 31, 2020 and We are committed to serving you If you feel lonely and isolated and there’s help available. If such, KCFAPI has temporarily from 31 days to 60 days for insurance to the best of our capabilities but we right now, chances are high you or someone you know is in suspended the operations of its contributions due from April 1 to April also have to do our part in this fight that your loved ones are need of emotional assistance, offices effective March 17, 2020 until 30, 2020. against COVID-19 and abide with the feeling the same way, too. you may visit the Facebook the ECQ is lifted. Service offices in COMMUNICATION government’s precautionary measures We should take advantage of page of Hopeline PH. Their the Visayas and Mindanao were also While work suspension continues for everyone’s safety and welfare. With the time to speak with our hotline numbers are now closed due to localized quarantine in our operations, we have mobilized God’s grace, we shall overcome this loved ones especially those available 24/7. You can also imposed by their respective LGUs. alternative work arrangements for global health crisis. more emotionally unstable. check silakbo.ph/help/ for the We value the trust you have bestowed employees so that we can continue to Thank you for your understanding. Allow us to benefit this time list of centers and institutions on us but the directive limits our address your inquiries. to reconnect with our family and their contact details. capability to offer you unparalleled, Our alternative communication KCFAPI MANAGEMENT and loved ones and our inner We will get through this fraternal service. Although we are channels such as the FB Messenger and April 18, 2020 self in order to more effectively together. (ASAlbaracin)