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APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NOMonitor 9 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE ‘Religious services are essential’ Calls mount for resumption of public Masses

By Roy Lagarde

AFTER nearly two months in lockdown, calls are mounting for the government to allow the resumption of public Masses and other church services while keeping all the necessary precautions. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of Manila, said that “religious services” should be considered as “essential services” during the coronavirus pandemic. “So when the decision makers consider the essential services to be allowed, they should also consider the opening of the churches and its services as important,” Pabillo said. “Of course, necessary precautions should be taken, like the proper social distancing and the sanitation practices to be done in the churches,” he said. According to him, religion is very important to many Filipinos for it gives them Catholic priests Eduardo Vasquez Jr., and Rey Amancio wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to bless deceased people at a morgue in Malabon City on April 29, amid the prohibition of religious gatherings, including strength especially in funerals, during the government-imposed lockdown to contain the coronavirus. JUN SANTIAGO, CSSR difficulties. He said that a proof to this adding that allowing public particularly in dioceses where the doors of our churches for also urged the government to “With strict compliance is that one of the things that Masses “will uplift their there are no Covid-19 cases. people to pray. While it is true rethink its decision and give to Government Guidelines people save first in times of spirits to a great extent”. He said that while going to that we can pray anywhere, the faithful an opportunity on Social Distancing and disasters are their religious “Allowing people to go the public market is allowed, there is no place like the to uplift their spiritual Sanitation, the lay faithful images and Bibles. back to Church to thank the where physical distancing church and no celebration well-being, “which are both requests for Religious After the disaster, the Lord, to ask for his protection is hard to implement, “I see like the Mass,” Ayuban said. humane and essential”. Gatherings to be allowed in prelate said the first thing and implore his help, are no prevailing reason why an Government authorities The Council of the Laity the GCQ areas,” said Rouquel that the community would deemed very important by organized Sunday gathering earlier announced that of the Philippines said it is Ponte, Laiko President. restore is their chapel and the people,” he said. in a cathedral or spacious worship gatherings will willing to submit its plans, “We demand that our right pray together. Fr. Elias Ayuban, superior parish church, where physical continue to be banned even protocols and guidelines to to religious worship be not “The signs of God in their of the Claretian congregation separation can easily be after easing quarantine assure authorities of their curtailed when the necessary lives are very important for in the Philippines, also called executed, not permitted”. measures in some areas. strict observance of the safety safeguards are followed,” he the people,” Pabillo said, for the reopening of churches, “It is about time to reopen A lay Catholic organization and health measures. also said. Church leaders alarmed over govt’s Mindanao archbishop hits reopening of POGOs amid quarantine shutdown of broadcast network A CHURCH official has criticized the government’s decision to allow IF freedom of expression and dissent the reopening of online gambling is curtailed, human rights will even amid the country’s coronavirus follow suit, a Catholic archbishop lockdown. has warned. Archbishop Martin Jumoad Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Ozamis could not hold his of Lingayen-Dagupan said press frustration that authorities allow freedom encourages debates gambling during the quarantine, and discussions to increase while religious services remain government’s accountability and banned. protect the rights of the people. “Our leaders may want to “When freedom of speech or change our name from the only criticism is suppressed, tyranny predominantly Christian nation in abounds, liberty dissolves, our the Far East to gambling capital in country is weakened and human the Far East,” Jumoad said. rights are threatened,” Villegas said. Online gambling companies, also The former head of the Philippine known in the country as POGOs bishops’ conference made the for Philippine offshore gambling statement May 6 after the Employees and supporters of ABS-CBN hold a rally outside the network’s compound in Quezon City on operators, will be allowed to open Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamis. BRENDA P. MILAN Network / A3 February 28, 2020. FILE PHOTO POGO / A7 Retrenchment of Catholic hospital workers ‘held in abeyance’ Bishops air stance to THE head of the Dominican trustees of UST, to which Order in the Philippines has UST Hospital is attached. uplift plight of workers halted the retrenchment of “In the midst of the non-frontliner employees of Covid-19, the University of ON Labor Day, Catholic “The Filipino workers are the hospital being run by its Santo Tomas is one with the bishops denounced the plight not only fighting Covid-19, top educational institution, nation in its hope and prayer of ordinary Filipino workers they are racing against time the University of Santo that we shall overcome this who are suffering the brunt of to survive. We are their only Tomas (UST). global pandemic,” the UST the coronavirus crisis. lifelines. Let us help them by UST, in a statement, said statement read. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo upholding their rights and of Kidapawan and Gerardo dignity,” he said. the termination of workers, In a report, the Varsitarian, UST Hospital in Manila. THE VARSITARIAN contained in a memo dated UST’s student publication, Alminaza of San Carlos said The prelate claimed that April 29, was “held in said UST Hospital planned to Francis Ramirez also said with all legal requirements the pandemic has exposed more than two million abeyance” by Fr. Napoleon lay off some “non-frontliner” the Philippine Health such as a 30-day notice even more the “injustices” workers have been displaced Sipalay, and would be personnel and adapt other Insurance Corp. had yet to to affected employees against workers. in only over a month “with no reviewed by the UST Board cost-saving measures as pay more than P180 million and coordination with “Indeed, this year’s Labor assurance of getting back to of Trustees in a meeting on financial losses brought about in reimbursements, which the Department of Labor Day is yet another frustrating work when the crisis is over.” May 20, 2020. by the Covid-19 pandemic usually took five to six and Employment. Laid- commemoration for our The Labor department has Sipalay, the prior provincial continued to balloon. months to be settled. off workers will receive a workers,” Bagaforo, who earlier stopped accepting of the Dominicans, is also Hospital medical Ramirez said the 150-percent separation pay, heads Caritas Philippines, applications for its Covid-19 chairman of the board of director Dr. Marcellus retrenchment plan complied he said. (PressOne) said. Workers / A7 A2 WORLD NEWS APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 CBCP Monitor

Italian churches prepare to resume Vatican Briefing funerals after eight-week ban Pandemic could take heaviest toll on homeless, says pope ROME Newsroom— After eight weeks The homeless “risk paying the heaviest price” amid the without funerals, Italian families will coronavirus crisis, Pope Francis has said in a message be able finally to gather together to to street newspapers. In a statement dated April 21 but mourn and pray at funeral Masses for released by the Holy See press office April 27, the pope the victims of the coronavirus starting noted that the pandemic posed a dire threat to the more May 4. than 100 publications sold by the homeless worldwide. In Milan, the largest city in Italy’s Thousands of people depend for their livelihoods on the coronavirus epicenter, priests are sale of street newspapers, he said. (CNA) preparing for an influx of funeral requests in the coming weeks in the Pope Francis urges Catholics to unite through praying the Lombardy region, where 13,679 have rosary in May died. Pope Francis sent a letter Saturday encouraging Catholics Fr. Mario Antonelli, who oversees to pray the rosary throughout May. He also shared two new liturgies on behalf of the Archdiocese prayers to implore the help of the Virgin Mary during the of Milan, told CNA that archdiocesan coronavirus pandemic. “Contemplating the face of Christ leadership met April 30 to coordinate with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more guidelines for Catholic funerals as more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this than 36,000 people remain positive for time of trial,” Pope Francis said in a letter April 25. He COVID-19 in their region. urged families and individuals to “rediscover the beauty of “I am moved, thinking of so many praying the rosary at home in the month of May,” which dear people who have wanted [a Undertakers wearing face masks carry a coffin in a cemetery in Bergamo, Italy, March 16, 2020.AFP is traditionally a time of increased devotion to the Blessed funeral] and still desire one,” Fr. Virgin Mary. With his letter, the pope included two prayers Antonelli said April 30. funeral liturgy includes three ‘stations’: its lockdown, it remains unclear when to Our Lady to recite at the end of the rosary, which he said He said that the church in Milan is the visit / blessing of the body with the public Masses will be allowed by the he would also pray throughout May “in spiritual union with ready like the Good Samaritan to “pour family; community celebration (with or Italian government. all of you.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) oil and wine on the wounds of many without Mass); and burial rites at the Italian bishops have been critical of who have suffered the death of a loved cemetery,” Antonelli explained. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s latest On Earth Day, Pope Francis urges solidarity one with the terrible agony of not being “Trying to reconcile the sense of coronavirus measures, announced on with most vulnerable able to say goodbye and embrace.” the liturgy … and the sense of civic April 26, saying that they “arbitrarily Commenting on the celebration of Earth Day during his A Catholic funeral is “not just a responsibility, we ask the priests to exclude the possibility of celebrating general audience Wednesday, Pope Francis urged people to solemn farewell from loved ones,” refrain from visiting the family of the Mass with the people.” show solidarity with the weak and vulnerable and to protect the priest explained, adding that it deceased to bless the body,” he said. According to the prime minister’s humanity’s common home. According to Pope Francis, expresses a pain like childbirth. “It is the While Milan archdiocese is limiting April 26 announcement, the easing Earth Day “is an occasion for renewing our commitment cry of pain and loneliness that becomes priests from the traditional blessing of of lockdown measures will allow to love and care for our common home and for the weaker a song of hope and communion with the the body in the home of the family, the retail stores, museums, and libraries members of our human family.” “As the tragic coronavirus desire for an everlasting love.” funeral Mass and burial rites will be able to reopen beginning May 18 and pandemic has taught us, we can overcome global challenges Funerals in Milan will occur on an to take place at a church or “preferably” restaurants, bars, and hair salons only by showing solidarity with one another and embracing individual basis with no more than 15 at a cemetery, Antonelli added. June 1. the most vulnerable in our midst,” the pope said April 22. people in attendance, as required by During the nearly two months Movement between Italian regions, He called for a renewed sense “of sacred respect for the “phase two” of the Italian government’s without Masses and funerals, dioceses within regions, and within cities and earth, for it is not just our home but also God’s home,” coronavirus measures. in northern Italy have been maintaining towns is still prohibited except under adding that “this should make us all the more aware that Priests are asked to notify local telephone lines for grieving families strict cases of necessity. we stand on holy ground.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) authorities when a funeral is scheduled with spiritual counsel and psychological In a letter April 23, Cardinal Gualtiero to take place and ensure that social services. In Milan, the service is called Bassetti of Perugia, the president of La Civiltà Cattolica launches Chinese edition distancing measures defined by the “Hello, is this an angel?” and is operated the Italian bishops’ conference, wrote The Catholic periodical La Civiltà Cattolica will now be diocese are followed throughout the by priests and religious who spend that “the time has come to resume the published in simplified Chinese, in what its publishers liturgy. time on the phone with the sick, the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, say is an attempt at establishing a better relationship with Milan is home to the Ambrosian rite, mourning, and the lonely. and church funerals, baptisms and the Chinese people. The Jesuit magazine announced the the Catholic liturgical rite named for Aside from funerals, public Masses all the other sacraments, naturally new language edition in a press release on April 21. “This St. Ambrose, who led the diocese in will still not be allowed throughout following those measures necessary to initiative is also offered as a gesture of friendship, given the 4th century. Italy under the government’s May 4 guarantee security in the presence of the increasingly important role that China plays in our “According to the Ambrosian rite, the coronavirus restrictions. As Italy eases more people in public places.” (CNA) contemporary world within the global context,” said the statement. La Civiltà Cattolica is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year. The publication was founded by Italian members of the Society of Jesus and all pieces are White House consults bishops on written by Jesuits. With the addition of simplified Chinese, La Civiltà Cattolica is now published in six different church reopening guidelines languages. (CNA) Pope Francis creates foundation to promote WASHINGTON, D.C. discussions came from own guidelines on April Masses],” he told CNA. John Paul I’s teachings Newsroom— The White the White House, sources 22, including provisions “They were very much Pope Francis has instituted a Vatican foundation to House has consulted four familiar with the talks told for restoring access to interested in our experience promote the thought and teachings of Venerable John Catholic bishops who have CNA. Communion for Catholics. and what we were doing.” Paul I, who was pope for 33 days in 1978. The John Paul I reinstated public Masses, as During the calls Tuesday In their own public The calls were coordinated foundation was formally established with a papal rescript the Trump administration and Wednesday, various statements last week, through the United States Feb. 17, according to the April 28 Vatican announcement. considers issuing guidelines policies put in place across Montana’s two bishops, Conference of Catholic According to a note signed by Secretary of State Cardinal on the safe reopening of the different dioceses were Bishop Austin Vetter of Bishops at the request of Pietro Parolin, the foundation’s purpose “is to promote and churches and religious outlined, including extra Helena and Bishop Michael the White House, sources disseminate awareness of the thought, works, and example services during the measures for maintaining Warfel of Billings-Great- told CNA, but the bishops’ of Pope John Paul I.” Often called “the smiling pope,” John coronavirus pandemic. social distancing indoors Falls also issued their own conference did not play an Paul I died unexpectedly on Sept. 28, 1978 after just 33 days Multiple sources confirmed and outside, and for the guidance on the phased active role in the discussions. in office. A priority of his short pontificate was carrying to CNA that officials from the distribution of Communion. reopening of churches in When contacted by CNA forward the work of the Second Vatican Council. (CNA) White House Domestic Policy Administration officials line with the governor’s about the calls, White House Council and the Centers for also underscored to the announced plans. spokespeople declined New director named for Vatican financial watchdog authority Disease Control conducted a bishops the administration’s Bishop Michael Warfel to comment. Calls to the The Vatican has named a new director for its internal series of conference calls with ambition to see church of Billings-Great Falls told USCCB were not returned by financial watchdog. In a statement April 15, the Holy See bishops from three states on buildings reopen whenever CNA Wednesday that he the time of posting. press office said that the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tuesday and Wednesday. and wherever reopening can took part in a call with Bishop Peter Baldacchino Pietro Parolin had appointed Giuseppe Schlitzer as director The bishops of Las Cruces, be done safely. several other bishops and of Las Cruces, who was of the Financial Intelligence Authority (AIF). He succeeds New Mexico, Lubbock, Texas, On April 15, the Las Cruces White House officials the first U.S. bishop to Tommaso Di Ruzza, who completed his five-year term and Billings-Great Falls and diocese issued guidelines earlier in the day. announce the resumption of office January 20, according to the Vatican. Cardinal Helena, Montana, spoke providing that Masses could “I was on a phone call of public Masses during Parolin also named a new vice-director, Federico Antellini to administration officials resume either outdoors or just earlier this morning the coronavirus pandemic, Russo. The two men will run the watchdog, which combats who asked for feedback on inside church buildings with the director and deputy released a statement to CNA money laundering, along with AIF President Carmelo the dioceses’ resumption of while conforming to state director for domestic policy confirming that he had taken Barbagallo, who was appointed after the departure of René public ministry in line with requirements on social for the White House, and we part in a call but declined to Brülhart in Nov. 2019. (CNA) state public health orders. distancing. The Diocese were sharing our experiences elaborate on the discussion. The initiative for the of Lubbock circulated its [reinstituting public (CNA) Vatican creates commission to address coronavirus aftermath The Vatican is creating a commission to provide Chinese government resumes removal of crosses from church buildings local aid and tackle issues related to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a statement CNA Staff— As the Chinese government The bishops of the CPCA, who were said they did not know of any plan to released April 15. The group, created at the request of makes progress containing the in many cases illicitly consecrated and remove the cross from the building. Pope Francis, will work in collaboration with the Roman COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have under official excommunication, were Xinhong was one of the bishops who Curia and specifically the Dicastery for Promoting resumed action to remove crosses from received into full communion with had his excommunication lifted and Integral Human Development. The commission has been buildings and crackdown on religious Rome as part of the Vatican’s 2018 his position recognized by the Vatican formed “to express the concern and love of the Church practice. provisional agreement with China. following the 2018 provisional deal. for the whole human family in the face of the COVID-19 The latest round of enforcement The full terms of the China deal were On April 17, the parish community pandemic, above all through the analysis and reflection actions have included the removal of not released to the public but have leader said that he had been given on the socio-economic and cultural challenges of the crosses from buildings belonging to been reported to include the right of “directions from superiors” regarding future and the proposal of guidelines to face them,” the state-run churches. According to state authorities to propose and veto removing the cross. The following day, according to the announcement. The commission will be a report from UCA News, priests say candidates for the episcopacy in China. said John, the cross was removed by a headed by the leadership of the Integral Development they are cooperating in the removal John, speaking to UCA News, “team of young people.” dicastery: prefect Cardinal Peter Turkson, secretary of exterior crosses in hopes that explained that on April 13, the leaders Elsewhere in the province of Anhui, Archbishop Bruno-Marie Duffé, and new deputy entire church buildings will not of Our Lady of the Rosary--which on April 19 a cross was removed from a secretary Fr. Augusto Zampini. (CNA) be demolished or converted into a does not have a member of the clergy church in Suzhou City during pre-dawn building for secular use. assigned to it, and all religious activities hours, presumably to avoid the chance Vatican congregation to send ventilators to Syria and Holy Land According to a parishioner in the are organized by the laity--asked the of a crowd protesting its removal. A A Vatican Congregation has announced that it is Chinese province of Anhui named city authorities about making repairs man from the diocese named Paul sending medical supplies to Syria and the Holy Land John, Chinese officials cut down the to the church building. Three days told UCA News that the removal had as the coronavirus spreads across the Middle East. The cross from the top of Our Lady of later, the community director of the previously been scheduled for the Congregation for the Oriental Churches said April 18 it was the Rosary Church on April 18. Our city requested keys and access to the afternoon. donating 10 ventilators to Syria and three to St Joseph’s Lady of the Rosary belongs to the church, in order to remove its cross. Paul said that police officers blocked Hospital in Jerusalem, as well as diagnostic kits to Gaza Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association Concerned parishioners went to people from entering the church or and funds to the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem. The (CPCA, the Catholic Church officially Bishop Joseph Liux Xinhong of the taking pictures of the removal, and Congregation explained that the donations would be made sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Diocese of Anhui, who told them to that a cell phone had been confiscated in the name of Pope Francis through a new emergency fund Party and operating both in communion request more information from the after it captured a picture of the cross called Fondo Emergenza CEC. (CNA) with Rome and under state control. local CPCA office. The local CPCA office coming down. (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 NEWS FEATURES A3

Leyte priest offers ‘door-to-door’ Filipino priest in New York confession, communion amid lockdown recovers from coronavirus LEYTE— The hunger for the sacraments has become more NEW YORK— A Filipino priest who pressing among the Catholic contracted coronavirus in New York faithful during the lockdown due has recovered after around a two- to the coronavirus pandemic. week battle with the disease. The suspension of public Fr. Jun Villanueva of the Diocese religious celebrations, however, of Balanga said that a doctor did not prevent a Catholic confirmed his complete recovery priest in the central Philippine from the virus on April 13. province of Leyte from caring “I am feeling so much better for his flock. now… everything feels normal Father Amadeo Corpuz Alvero again,” Fr. Villanueva said. of the St. Isidore the Worker It began with fever, sneezing, sore parish knocks on the doors of the throat, dry cough, no appetite and faithful to offer the sacrament of difficulty breathing so he decided to reconciliation and communion. self-quarantine on March 25. The priest decided to go around The priest thought he should get his parish because people continue tested for Covid-19 so he visited a hospital on March 30. While waiting to go to church for confession and Fr. Amadeo Corpuz Alvero of the St. Isidore the Worker Parish in McArthur, Leyte hears a confession Fr. Jun Villanueva is pictured on a New York street communion despite warnings from inside a villager’s home on April 22. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. ALVERO the result, he was advised to self- March 18. authorities. quarantine at their convent. “I told them not to come and to On March 30, the priest and visit us,” said the 41-year-old Four days later, he was informed cases than any country across the stay at home and join the online started visiting the homes of his De la Cruz. that he had coronavirus. globe. celebration of Mass,” said Father parishioners who sent a request “I felt that God is always guiding Fr. Villanueva admitted that he As of April 26, the virus claimed Alvero, adding that making the online for confession. us and that our faith in Him will got afraid but despite the initial fear, nearly 17,000 lives in New York, Act of Contrition would suffice for After two weeks, the priest has always be there,” she said. he knew what he had to do. with over 282,143 confirmed cases confession during the lockdown. been hearing confessions around The parish priest also visits “I was literally and emotionally across the state, which is home to “Still they come and ask for the parish from 8:30 in the morning the sick and participates in the alone but I took all the moments to some 19.5 million people. confession,” said the priest. “At first until 6 o’clock in the evening. distribution of food aid to poor be with God,” he said. The US, as a whole, has more than I obliged,” he admitted. He heard He would go around the parish areas in his parish. After ten days, the priest said his 980,000 cases, with around 55,000 confessions in secret inside the and knock on doors offer the Body “The role of the Church is to pray fever disappeared and regained his fatalities. church’s sacristy before celebrating of Christ for communion. for the people, to be with them in appetite. New York also extended its Mass. “These extraordinary times their suffering, and to extend help “Good thing I don’t have health lockdown measures, requiring “Then people learned about it strengthened the people’s need to in whatever way we can,” said issues so the recovery was a bit fast,” residents to stay home, until at least and many came for confession,” receive the Body of Christ,” noted Father Alvero. he said. May 15. said Father Alvero. Father Alvero. “Doing these, I feel that I am Fr. Villanueva, who previously It was on March 13 when the One time, a parishioner came to He said that the faithful also doing what Christ wants me to served a parish in Bataan archdiocese also announced the say that it is different to personally seemed to have established a do,” he said, adding that people province’s Morong town, arrived suspension public Masses to slow receive the Body of Christ and to strong faith in the forgiveness of not only hunger for food during in New York on March 6 for a the spread of Covid-19. confess through a priest compared sins through confession. the pandemic but also hunger for five-year assignment at St. Peter For Fr. Villanueva, celebrating to praying online. Parishioner Jenneth de la Cruz “spiritual communal activities.” – Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Masses in an empty church “is my It was the turning point for said it’s difficult to hear Mass He said that during trying times, located near the World Trade loneliest of the loneliest experience Father Alvero. online “and much more to not the Church should take “extra Center. as a priest”. He decided to bring the Body of receive communion” on Sundays. effort to face the challenge to After studying 3D animation “I really cried when I first Christ to every home and to bring “I am very thankful and lucky that make extraordinary care, love, and and digital compositing at the New celebrated Mass without God’s forgiveness to those who despite of our current situation, service to the people.” (Marielle York Film Academy in 2005, the churchgoers. There’s no one in the asked for it. [Father Alvero] takes time to come Lucenio/LICAS.news) priest has been in and out of the Church except Jesus,” he recalled. city, serving different parishes as a “Then I realized that the Mass missionary. is not a show but our union with Archbishop Auza delivers Covid-19 med New York City, the epicenter Jesus, whether there are people or of the outbreak in the US, has none,” he said. “I started to look at also been tagged as the world’s the situation from that perspective”. supplies donated by pope to Madrid hospital coronavirus capital, recording more (CBCPNews)

SPAIN— Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Grand Master of the Order Auza, apostolic nuncio to Spain, delivered three of Malta dies at 75 respirators and other medical supplies donated ROME, Italy— The Grand Master by Pope Francis to a of the Order of Malta Fra’ Giacomo hospital in Madrid. Dalla Torre died early Wednesday According to Vatican at the age of 75. News, the medical Dalla Torre had been in treatment equipment were delivered for throat cancer in Rome in recent to the San Rafael Hospital months. He is remembered by the on April 26 in the presence Order of Malta for his kindness, of Madrid Mayor José Luis appreciation of the arts, and charity Martínez-Almeida. towards the poor and disabled. Ventilators have become “I worked with Fra’ Giacomo for one of the top priorities over 20 years,” Philippa Leslie, in hospitals around the Archbishop Bernardino Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to Spain, leads the turnover ceremony of respirators and other medical communications director of the world amid the spread of equipment to San Rafael Hospital in Madrid on April 26. PHOTO FROM HOSPITAL SAN RAFAEL MADRID Order of Malta in Great Britain, coronavirus, a respiratory told CNA. illness. Auza, the former The donations included and with the city of “He had a warm and sympathetic During the ceremony, Holy See’s Permanent protective equipment for Madrid as its epicenter. personality, a nice sense of humour, Auza expressed the Observer to the United the health care workers As of April 27, the and was always completely natural Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre. COURTESY OF THE ORDER OF MALTA closeness and affection of Nations in New York, of the hospital run by the country recorded around and friendly with all whom he the pope, his concerns for said that they were “very religious Brothers of St. 209,465 Covid-19 cases, met, and took a great interest permanent observer status. victims of the pandemic happily surprised” by the John of God. while 100,875 have in people,” she said. “In relaxed Recently, the Order of Malta has and its negative impact on donation, “which has been The delivery of the recovered. There have moments, we discussed opera been active in its response to the the social and economic well received.” respirators ended with a been over 23,521 deaths. together, particularly Italian opera.” coronavirus throughout the world. sectors. San Rafael, a “very big of prayer in the hospital Pope Francis has been The Grand Master of the The order has delivered medicine Along with the nuncio and referenced hospital” chapel for the victims of donating funds and Sovereign Order of Malta is a and food to the elderly, donated were Cardinal Carlos in Madrid, he said, has the pandemic and the medical equipment to position usually held for life. Dalla iPads to nursing homes so residents Osoro Sierra, archbishop been “almost exclusively sick. countries, organizations Torre led the order for three years can make video calls to family, and of Madrid, and his dedicated, since the Spain is the second and healthcare centres before his death. He was elected as assisted with the construction of auxiliary bishop, José start of the crisis, to the country in the world most dealing with the infection. the 80th grand master in May 2018 a new hospital in Lombardy, the Cobo Cano. coronavirus victims”. affected by the pandemic (CBCPNews) after serving one year as the interim epicenter of the coronavirus in Italy. grand master amid the order’s In April, the order launched a Network / A1 ongoing reform. “Doctor to Doctor” initiative to share Portuguese Grand Commander best practices with medical staff in government ordered the country’s Commission issued a cease-and- over the shutdown of the network, Fra’ Ruy Gonçalo do Valle Peixoto the Middle East for the treatment largest broadcasting network to halt desist order after ABS-CBN’s which has been a major news source de Villas Boas will serve as interim and prevention of COVID-19. The operations. broadcast franchise expired on on the pandemic. head of the order, according to program connected doctors on the Aside from being a legal issue, he May 4. “It is untimely and disservice at article 17 of the order’s constitution, front line in Italy with doctors in said that the matter also involves It also comes after Congress sat this time of pandemic the cease and until the election of the new Grand Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. “moral and spiritual” aspects that on a decision to renew the station’s desist order given to ABS-CBN,” Master. The grand master is the sovereign need attention. license. Santos said. The 80-year-old interim leader and religious head of the Order of According to him, press freedom “With the widespread poverty and “Whatever legal issues there has been a member of the Order Malta vested with the authority to is a key mechanism of a functioning job losses due to the pandemic, do might be in this case, a remedy of Malta’s Portuguese Association conduct diplomatic relations, ratify and healthy democracy. we still need to increase poverty and should be sought that will not for more than 30 years. He took international agreements, and to “The government should be unemployment?” said Villegas. further aggravate the plight of his solemn vows as a Professed issue legislative measures along willing to listen to feedback and In several occasions, President thousands of workers that will be Knight in 2015, and was elected to with the Sovereign Council. criticisms and opposing views to Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly added to the growing number of the position of Grand Commander As grand master, Fra’ Giacomo improve governance,” Villegas said. threatened to close down the Filipino gravely affected by this in May 2019. Dalla Torre del Tempio di “Let us not shutdown anyone who network for its critical coverage of pandemic,” said Alminaza. The Sovereign Military Order Sanguinetto made state visits has a different perspective than the government’s bloody drug war Villegas also called on ABS-CBN of Malta is a Catholic lay religious to Cameroon, Benin, Germany, ours,” he added. that claimed thousands of lives. to use this moment to critically order originally founded as the Slovenia, Bulgaria, and other The archbishop also expressed Before the closure order, examine itself and their mission to Knights Hospitaller around 1099 countries. He visited medical concern to the thousands of workers government’s top lawyer, Solicitor- society, adding that “it does not help in Jerusalem for the protection and staff and patients in the order’s who will be affected by the network’s General Jose Calida, warned NTC that the television is used to break medical care of Holy Land pilgrims. healthcare facilities during each shutdown amid the coronavirus against allowing the station to morals and culture of the Filipinos”. Now based in Rome, it is present of these trips, according to a press pandemic. operate temporarily. “There is something more in 120 countries with over 2,000 statement by the order. ABS-CBN signed off after its For Bishop Pablo Virgilio David important in the top rating. projects in the medical-social field He cared for the poor by serving evening news broadcast on April 5, of Kalookan, the NTC order was Promoting wisdom and goodwill and more than 120,000 volunteers weekly at soup kitchens in Rome’s leaving the jobs of 11,000 news and “treachery of the highest order”. is paramount. Don’t be afraid to and medical staff. railway stations and participating in production personnel in jeopardy. Bishops Ruperto Santos of criticize, but do it for the good of all It maintains sovereignty, holding the order’s International Summer The move followed after the Balanga and Gerardo Alminaza of and always based on the truth,” he diplomatic relations with more Camps for Young Disabled. For over National Telecommunications San Carlos also expressed alarm said. (CBCP News) than 100 states and United Nations Order of Malta / A7 A4 OPINION APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

The importance of labor

MAY1 is Labor Day in many countries. It is a big day for workers. They hold big rallies all over the world on this day. This year May 1 is all quiet. Covid 19 has shut down all factories and has kept the workers at home. This does not mean though that workers no longer fight for the dignity of human work. On the contrary, because of Covid 19, the importance of human labor has been made clear to all. In the popular mind, work is connected to, and even identified to, salary. Labor is important because for almost all, work brings wages by which workers and their families live. This is indeed true. So being of out of work now for 6 weeks, the family income suffers. This is especially true for the daily wage earners. No work, no pay. But this is also true for the regular workers. They are not sure whether there will still be work for them after the quarantine. Surely many will lose their jobs. How will they then support their families? This is a very big problem. Work is important not only because of the wage connected with it. Work itself is important. Without work for a long time, people can go crazy. We are workers by nature. If we do not occupy ourselves, we suffer as persons. Work gives us dignity. It gives us energy. It gives us meaning. Those who have much responsibilities complain of too much work. Their dream is to be totally free from work. However, we should be forewarned. If this indeed happens, and we have been given a taste of it due to the prolonged lack down, we suffer much more. It is not heavenly to be sleeping the whole day, or to watch one movie after another for days, or to be glued to video games every day. This is not life! BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION The quarantine has also brought out clearly the importance of labor in our economy. The virus does not affect capital – the machineries, the materials, the money in the bank – they are intact. Christian unity: History, But capital is useless without labor. Everything comes to a halt Living Mission because there are no workers to make the factories run, to man the Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM guidelines, practice businesses, to work in the offices. So, capital remains dead, useless. This is why we say that there is priority of labor over capital. Labor is more important than capital. In fact it is the work of human beings that makes capital grow. By itself capital is stagnant! BRIEF historical sketch. A glance of peace. On October 31, 2016, almost “Similarly, the Council commends Labor Day is not externally celebrated this year. But no amount at the two millennia of Christian history 500 years after Martin Luther’s protest, the shepherds and faithful of the of rallies and shouts could bring out more clearly the importance is helpful in appreciating our current Pope Francis traveled to Sweden, met Catholic Church to develop closer of labor than Covid 19 does. The prolonged quarantine has reality. In the year 313 the Christian with prominent Lutherans, and urged relations with … [other Christians], so made us realize the priority of labor and the laborers. Proper recognition and compensation should be given to them. By faith and the Church became legally atonement and Christian reconciliation. that friendly collaboration with them nature, the human person is a worker and his work does not recognized under the Roman Emperor, These are a few significant steps on the may increase, in the spirit of love, to only give him money. It gives meaning to his life and it makes Constantine I. Then, in 380 Christian- long road to Christian Unity. the exclusion of all feeling of rivalry or the world economy run. ity became the official religion of the Vatican II guidelines. The Second strife.” All these initiatives will bear (Guest editorial by Bishop Broderick Pabillo) Roman Empire. Vatican Council carefully examined fruit, help remove the barriers that In 1054, the first great division oc- the many diverse challenges facing the divide Christians, and focus believers Let’s grow in our Marian devotion curred and the Church separated into restoration of Christian unity. In the on Christ Jesus, the true cornerstone the Orthodox Church in the East and document on ecumenism, Unitatis Red- of Christian faith. IT’S May again, and we are reminded to turn our mind and heart the Roman Catholic Church in the West. integratio: UR (18), the Council offered Ecumenism in daily life. Near the to the most beautiful, blessed, divinely honored woman in the Then in the sixteenth century the Protes- clear directives to foster genuine unity. conclusion of the Vatican II document whole universe, none other than our Our Lady, “Mater Dei et tant Reformation brought the next great “This Sacred Council solemnly repeats on ecumenism (UR 23), the Council mater nostra,” the Mother of God and our mother. division. Protestantism emerged with the declaration of previous Councils and praises how our “separated brethren” Let’s see to it that our devotion to her grows. And if it is several strands: Lutherans, Calvinists, Roman Pontiffs, that for the restoration authentically live their Christian faith. practically dormant if not dead, then let’s stir it up to life again. Anglicans, Baptists and numerous other or the maintenance of unity and com- “The daily life of these brethren is She is important to us. In fact, she is indispensable to us. She denominations. munion, it is necessary ‘to impose no nourished by their faith in Christ and cannot be treated as an optional feature in our spiritual life, nor In recent decades, several significant burden beyond what is essential’ (Acts strengthened by the grace of Baptism something decorative or appendical only. While she is not God efforts have been made to mitigate and 15:28).” and hearing the Word of God. This and, therefore, not to be accorded with the worship that is only heal these divisions. In 1960 Saint Pope “It is the Council’s urgent desire that, shows itself in their private prayer, due to God (latria), she rightly deserves to be given the highest John XXIII established in Rome the Sec- in the various organizations and living their meditation on the Bible, in their form of veneration (hyperdulia) among all the saints who are retariat for the Promotion of Christian activities of the Church, every effort Christian family life, and in the worship already with God in heaven. Unity. On January 6, 1964 Saint Pope should be made toward the gradual of a community gathered together to She never competes nor undermines our relationship with Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athe- realization of this unity, especially by praise God.” God. If anything, all she does is to bring us to God and to help nagoras of the Orthodox Church met on prayer, and by fraternal dialogue on “Their faith in Christ bears fruit in us fulfill the will of God. Thus, in that episode of the wedding at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem; they points of doctrine and the more pressing praise and thanksgiving for the bless- Cana where she noticed that the hosts were running out of wine, prayed together and exchanged the kiss pastoral problems of our time.” Living Mission / A5 she told the servants, “Do whatever he (Christ) tells you.” (Jn 2,5). She is a mother to us. In fact, she fulfills the perfection of motherhood because she conceived the Son of God in her womb, Enjoying the ECQ thereby making herself, in a mysterious sense, the mother of God And That’s The Truth (Mater Dei), since Jesus is not only man, but is, first of all, God. And since Christ is the “prototype” of the redeemed humanity, Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS she, being the mother of Christ, can rightly be called the mother of all humanity that has been redeemed by Christ. That is why before Christ died, he gave his mother to us through the Apostle John when he said, “Woman, behold your son.” And to John, WHILE there are those who see to them? But later on I felt lucky, really, were it not for the quarantine he said, “Behold your mother.” Like John, we should bring nothing but boredom in the Enhanced indeed! Even blessed! Because my we wouldn’t have realized what we’re our Lady to the home of our heart. We would stand to benefit Community Quarantine, there are also vegetable garden which I had entrusted missing as a family. We’re now all tremendously from such gesture. people who regard it as nothing less than to caretakers before was getting to be present at the dining table eating food If Eve was the first woman and thus the mother of all humanity a blessing. In fact these blessed ones are productive, and I had time to tend to it. I we help prepare; we watch TV and who fell into sin with her, Mary is the second Eve who begot all thoroughly enjoying it. got so engrossed harvesting and posting play board games together, and most of us by begetting the very son of God, “the way, the truth and Maisie, a super-active 40-something photos of tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and importantly we now have time to talk the life” for us, the savior of all humanity. And as mother, she single businesswoman living a melons on Facebook that I forgot about and tell stories to one another. It’s really takes care of us the way she took care of Christ. She will comfortable life, says: “At first I was everything else I had missed. I was like rediscovering your family, and always be with us, ever solicitous of our needs, always ready to annoyed, really so annoyed I was cursing actually eating food from I’m growing everybody, especially the children, are help and intercede on our behalf. As mother, she will always Duterte—he robbed me of my freedom! with my own hands! God, why didn’t happy that their parents have time off understand us, and will be quick to help us fix whatever mess The lockdown caught me in my house Covid-19 come sooner? I’m enjoying from work. We couldn’t have thought we make in our life. Most importantly, she is focused in helping I’m repairing in Cavite. I thought, the ECQ!” this was possible, but God made it so.” us achieve our ultimate goal—our salvation. God, I;m stuck here, what would I do A recent Yahoo survey asked “Is Diana, a widow and a church These are basic truths about Our Lady that should never be here? It was like living life under house Covid-19 and act of God?” got a majority volunteer, is grateful that what she missing in our mind and heart. On the contrary, they should always be made to be felt more deeply so as to give the pertinent arrest. I knew no one in the community; NO answer (63%). The Martins—from couldn’t bring herself to do, the ECQ impulses and motivations to our thoughts, words and deeds. I couldn’t go to Manila to eat out, shop, the father to the youngest of three made her do. “I’m the type who wants Let us develop the habit, even the instinct, of bringing Our Lady visit friends—everything I liked doing children, age 8—are convinced that it is to help all the time; I could not say no to wherever we are. To be with her is to be with Christ, to be sure. I could not do anymore. Worse, I had an act of God. They replied Yes to the requests from my parish, so much that For this, let us soften our heart to welcome and accommodate her, business deals left hanging in the air, but survey. “Not that God wants humanity I was called the Wonder Woman of our and develop an intimate mother-and-child relationship with her. my hands were tied, what will happen to suffer,” says daddy Ferdie, “but And That’s the Truth / A6 With her we can never outgrow our condition as a little child who always needs his mother. Let’s develop a certain fondness for her by availing of some human means that are used for this purpose. Fighting boredom These can be developing the habit of looking affectionately at Candidly Speaking her pictures, saying something nice to her, saying the rosary and and dryness explore the different mysteries of Christ’s life with her, etc. Fr. Roy Cimagala And even if we are in this stay-home order, we can still do some pilgrimages to Marian shrines by doing it online. Love and devotion will always find a way. IT cannot be denied that you can bear. But when you walk in the park. We have to doing at any given moment. even with all our best efforts, are tempted, he will also be ready to be heroic, to go Every activity that we do CBCP the danger of slipping into provide a way out so that you to the extreme of our self- should somehow be a form boredom and dryness is can endure it.” (1 Cor 10,13) giving. Let’s take comfort in of prayer. And let’s see to it always there, what with all So, let’s not exaggerate our the thought that God cannot that our Monitor this somewhat ‘forced’ stay- predicament. be outdone in generosity. If prayer is a real encounter PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE at-home dispensation we are But, yes, we have to we are heroically generous and conversation with God. having these days. It’s truly learn how to fight boredom with him, you can just It should not be just a make- Pedro Quitorio a big challenge for us to be and dryness. They usually imagine how generous he believe thing. Editor-in-Chief resilient and practical, but come when the heart is not will also be with us! Let’s Concretely, we have to Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite we know that we have our anymore beating with love, always remember that he see to it that our awareness Associate Editor Circulation Manager limitations. or is weakening in that vital promised to give a return of of the presence of God is Unless we let it, this should function. What we have to do a hundredfold to whatever constant. For this, we may Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas Marcelita Dominguez not be a big problem. We is to stir it up again, asking we give him and others out have to do many acts of Design Artists Comptroller just have to be constantly first for God’s grace but of love. (cfr. Mk 10,30) faith, hope and charity, some The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the aware of that danger and do without ever neglecting the But, yes, we have to be short ejaculatory prayers or CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, CBCP something about it. There appropriate human effort we practical in this. What comes aspirations that truly voice Compound, 470 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: [email protected], Business: (632) 8404 - 1612. is always hope. As St. Paul have to exert. to my mind is, of course, to out what is in our heart. God, ISSN 1908-2940. said, “God will not let you Of course, the effort we see to it that we are always being a father, will always be tempted beyond what are expected to exert is no praying whatever we may be Candidly Speaking / A5 OPINION CBCP Monitor APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 OPINION A5

Journey of uncertainty By the Roadside Spaces of Hope Fr. Eutiquio Belizar, Jr. SThD Fr. Carmelo O. Diola

“Go, my people, enter your chambers the poor in the hot and suffocating observed that the current corona virus and shut the doors behind you. Hide conditions of their crowded homes and has exposed mankind’s undue bias to Tres Marias yourselves for a little while till this neighborhoods. Work stoppage among the economic and the material rather indignation has passed by” (Is 26:20). the poor’s breadwinners with its effect than to the human person. He cited WITH the wind howling outside the glass doors of the of income-deprivation, is hardly offset the case of many empty hotels that rectangular third-floor iron veranda of the parish and uneven “I am living this as a time of great by relief goods and insufficient social cannot take in the many homeless rain clouds hovering over the city of Cebu, I scrounged for uncertainty”—Pope Francis amelioration money. If Mother Earth’s persons, themselves under threat of some consoling memories. My mind reached back to February cry characterized life before Covid-19, viral infection, just because doing 14 when about 60 street children and some parents had DEAR Fellow Quarantine Sojourners, now it distinguishes itself as the cry so obviously does not translate into gathered in the parish for Valentine’s Day. They had given I hear your sometimes shrill voices. of the poor. Even the so-called middle business benefits. I might add that we me a bouquet of multicolored paper flowers they themselves I see your worried faces. I feel your class joins in the groans of the nation’s are a part of this humanity. We must had made. fears. I join your laughter when you try poor under the weight of a seemingly check our biases against humanity’s The parish outreach for street children, called AGAK hard to find humor in the many tales of ever-menacing crisis. own. It appears to me that we are set to (“Atong Gugma Alang sa Kabataan” or “Our Love for the Covid-19 horror. I notice your anxious On the other hand, we cannot ignore discover that the bias is simply due to Youth”) was a daily parish outreach started by my priest- but determined struggle to grapple the lessons and even the blessings of the failure to follow where the arrow of predecessors. A stable group of volunteers and regular with an unseen enemy. I should know. quarantine. Social media abound in the journey of uncertainty leads to. In supporters had gravitated towards three single ladies who In varying degrees I share these same them, and much of the chatter they create effect, it falls into the absurdity of seeing were in the parish daily: Lani, Farrah, and Leobe. Lani is a realities with you. Your impatience is either make sense or, at least, amuse and what is material as primordial and what nurse who works with a lawyer. Farrah is in the corporate understandable, as is your panic when entertain. Many of us, in fact, think that is human as inconsequential. This is a world. Leobe is a public elementary school teacher. rules seem to be as changeable as our quarantine has allowed the earth to rest disease more deadly than covid-19. The outreach is now on its fourth year. Most street children leaders’ understanding of the deadly and us—save for the ever-present fear On the other hand, when we take actually have shelters that bear scant resemblance to a house. disease and how to deal with it. Why of the virus—to take a long and even the leap of faith, we are bound to find They would rather spend time in the streets. With the ECQ, do I sound like I’m talking to myself? extended vacation with our families and ourselves face to face with the Risen the three ladies and other volunteers did weekly distribution

ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION Maybe I am. loved ones. Those of us who previously One whose greeting, “Peace/Shalom of relief goods. Now, however, Sitio Tinabangay, where Farrah Covid-19 has changed our country, had very little time at home, now find be with you!” (Jn 20:19, 21, 26) is the and Leobe live, is in lockdown due to a rising number of Covid as it has changed the world. We no ourselves almost always there. Those fruit of being caught in the arms of the positives. longer live under the rules we once of us who have young children and Lord. Thomas the Apostle’s bias to the Even before the lockdown, the trio also got involved in knew. Society that tries to bring it adolescent family members not only physical and material had to make way setting up the Adopt a Frontliner initiative of the parish. under control has surprisingly been to feed but also to discipline and keep to the spiritual. “You believe, Thomas, Parish volunteers, now numbering 50, commit to pray the so controlled by Covid-19 that it is obedient to the ever-changing quarantine because you have seen me. Blessed are Divine Mercy chaplet, the rosary with the Loreto Litany, the effectively the reason behind new ways rules have our deep sympathy. I add, too, those who have not seen and yet have Gozos (“joys”) of San Roque, and two other prayers daily, of looking at the world, at fellow human my prayers and best wishes. Children are believed” (Jn 20:29). including personal sacrifices, for five frontliners. They began beings, at human activities, at the a joy; they can also be a trial. Family life Let us take the leap of faith because it their mission last April 8. Now 250 frontliners in both Manila present and at the future. is a constant attempt to discover in our enables us followers of Jesus to see him and Cebu have their backs covered, in addition to wearing The world is no longer a stream of trials greater joys. Still, it is true, Covid-19 in others. “Amen, I say to you, whatever PPEs. A group of about eight prayer warriors come together endless faces but of face masks. Fellow has further exposed life’s uncertainty, you did or did not do to the least of my daily, with appropriate social distancing, in a mini-plaza human beings are no longer friends-or- even in the family. brothers and sisters, you did or did not just outside the parish compound to sing the prayers. Their colleagues-in-the-making but potential But I suggest that we take this do to me” (Mt 25:40, 45). This is the kind passion inspires. carriers of the dreaded virus to be kept uncertainty that we live with as an of vision that matters the most because *** as far away (at least one or more meters) open invitation to take a leap of faith. its light takes us to the Father’s house. ECQ is a time to reach out. It is also a time to reach into as possible. Human activities are mostly This is what makes faith what it is. But it begins with the journey of one’s self. Only God knows the personal struggles we all around the most basic.The present is a The uncertainty born of our human uncertainty. At its backdrop remember undergo during the ECQ, when Masses are without people battlefield. The future is a blur. powerlessness and helplessness in the the words of Benjamin Franklin: “The and the sacramental life of the Church has been impeded, The reality it uncovers is uncertainty. face of a deadly threat to our very survival only certain things in life are death accompanied by copious tears of parishioners and clergy. While many governments—including and sanity is an arrow that points to our and taxes.” I beg to disagree. There are When the Apostolic Penitentiary published its decree on ours—have imposed measures and need to rely on a higher power without other certainties. But for now let me special indulgences last March 19, it touched upon something protocols to keep the current virus at the powerlessness and helplessness of mention two: the uncertainty of things that the pandemic puts into relief: the question of death bay, almost all of them manifest little our best human efforts. The journey of earthly (Covid-19 shows that) and God’s and how priests can minister to those afflicted by the virus. to no confidence in any predictable uncertainty must follow where the arrow love for us. One is passing; the other is Suffering is compounded by the sense of physical, emotional, outcome of their efforts. So much is goes. Otherwise the alternative is the permanent. and spiritual isolation. invested in keeping people quarantined, dead-end of life’s absurdity. Cling only to what is permanent. The The value of such indulgences became apparent when a effectively punishing the poorest of The Holy Father Pope Francis once uncertainty will lose its sting. friend texted me about the need for extreme unction for his sibling who was dying from Covid-19. As I prepared myself mentally while inquiring about hospital protocols, I realized Cardinal Chito elevated the letter had actually addressed those in such a situation Duc in Altum when it says that “the Church pray for those who find among top-ranking cardinals themselves unable to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing Atty. Aurora A. Santiago of the Sick and of the Viaticum, entrusting each and every one to divine Mercy by virtue of the communion of saints and granting the faithful a Plenary Indulgence on the point of death, provided they are duly disposed and have recited POPE Francis elevated 50). The Cardinals who are On June 26, 2018, Pope Santa Rufina. a few prayers during their lifetime…” The letter goes on to our very own Luis Antonio titular heads of suburbicarian Francis also issued a similar *** say that the Church “makes up for the three usual conditions Cardinal Tagle to the rank of churches have the right to rescript to add to the College of Pope Francis also appointed required”. The latter include receiving the Sacraments of Cardinal-Bishop, the newest elect one of their members Cardinals four senior officials as Vice Camerlengo or Reconciliation and the Eucharist. and youngest member in as the Dean of the College from the Roman Curia: the Chamberlain Archbishop I inquired from my friend if I could talk to the attending the Order of Bishops. The of Cardinals when the post Secretary of State Cardinal Ilson de Jesus Montanari of isolation-ward physician. Since experience tells me that the latter is composed of the is vacant (Canon Law No. Pietro Parolin; the Prefect Brazil; he is the Secretary of sense of hearing is often the last sense to go, I asked for an cardinals whom the Pope has 352). Earlier this year, they of the Congregation for the Congregation of Bishop opportunity to “speak” to the comatose man through speaker appointed as titular heads elected Giovanni Battista Oriental Churches Leonardo and Secretary to the College phone. He acquiesced. I do not know how well my message of suburbicarian churches Cardinal Re as Dean and Sandri; the Prefect of the of Cardinals, and continues was received by the dying man as I walked him through the which are ancient churches in Leonardo Cardinal Sandri as Congregation for Bishops, in both roles. Pope Francis five conditions for acquiring a plenary indulgence for which the dioceses around the City Vice-Dean. Marc Ouellet; and the then appointed on February 14, the Church had made some flexible provisions for the sake of Rome and the Eastern Rite Due to absence of Prefect of the Congregation 2019 Cardinal Kevin Farrel, of mercy. Only God knows. Patriarchs. The promotion vacancy in suburbicarian for the Evangelization of Prefect of the Dicastery for The same letter also states that “for the attainment of this puts Cardinal Tagle, the first sees, Pope Francis issued a Peoples Fernando Filoni, who Laity, Family and Life as Spaces of Hope / A6 Cardinal in the Philippines “rescript setting aside the was appointed Grand Master Camerlengo. While the Pope and Asia, together with requirements of canon law” of the Equestrian Order of the is alive, the job is titular. Living Mission / A4 Benjamino Cardinal Stella to name Cardinal Tagle to Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. When the Pope dies or ings received from the hands promotion of peace through- of Italy, in the highest of the the rank of Cardinal Bishop. Pope Francis cited the size of resigns, the Chamberlain is of God. Among them, too, is out the world.” three orders in the College of He is the titular head of the College of Cardinals and in charged with “sealing the a strong sense of justice and Indeed, both genuine ecu- Cardinals – Order of Bishops, San Felice da Cantalicea the number of bishops who papal apartments, chairing a true charity toward their menical discussion and con- Order of Priests, most of Centocelle and is the Prefect were over 80 and cannot consultations about the papal neighbor. This active faith crete practice can profitably whom are diocesan bishops, of the Congregation for the enter a conclave. Cardinal funeral, making the practical has been responsible for begin by observing these and Order of Deacons most Evangelization of Peoples Stella is the Prefect of the preparations for the conclave many organizations for the authentic Christian practices of whom are curial officials” and President of Caritas Congregation for Clergy and to elect the next pope, and relief of spiritual and mate- and virtues; then, all Chris- (Code of Canon Law No. 3 Internationales. named titular bishop of Porto Duc in Altum / A7 rial distress, the furtherance tians can commit themselves of the education of youth, the to giving “common witness” Locked down or up? improvement of the social to the Christian faith con- Whatever conditions of life, and the cretely lived in daily life. Candidly Speaking / A4 Fr. Francis Ongkingco understand us, no matter they can acquire tremendous how much we complain in a power to help people in their filial way. needs. God’s mysterious ways COVID-19 has left and continues to and cultural institutions, postpone sacrifice, forgiveness and joy! It will also greatly help if we and the Christian doctrine leave a vicious trail that has left everyone celebrations and other social events, Families unceasingly come up with can have a list of intentions about the communion of anxious, distressed and many dead. etc., has also led us to discover and countless creative confinement activities to pray for and to offer our saints will see to it that even For the first time, the world has come rediscover many valuable realities. that are making the most out of the tasks for. These days, these in our hidden work done with against something that has effectively Families and individuals, for example, lockdown. These continuing months of intentions are endless. There love can reach out to people humbled man’s overdependence on living together in confinement have quarantine will indeed be something are just so many people in we may not even know. technology, economic wealth and power, become aware of many things that we will turn to, and see how God in His great need of things, both It is also good that we come production and transportation and even perhaps, their fast-paced professional mysterious providence is able to bring material and spiritual. We out always with some plan or political systems boasting to provide for life, digital and social-media addiction, more good out of the evil of COVID-19. have to do whatever we can schedule of activities during every person’s basic needs. and intense week-end social lifestyle Thus, it is next to impossible to describe to help them meet those the day, so that we do not get Without a vaccine at sight, the best have masked. or upload all the good each one is needs. lost and confused easily, and possible measure against the virus was News abound –both in print and reaping and will forever carry as a legacy Of course, real love is so that we can manage our to lock down entire cities and countries. digital media– how families are of these trying times of the pandemic. not just a matter of good energies properly. We have to This, we hope, would somehow stem the rediscovering and treasuring bonding As I read or watch the many wonderful intentions and sweet words. realize that while God’s grace virus or as experts redundantly repeat: moments, sharing chores, simplifying family activities being shared through By its very essence, it has to can make the impossible flatten the curve of infections. Despite elaborate celebrations but cherishing Viber and other social media platforms, be expressed in deeds. And possible, we continue to this, we are not free from the anxiety them more, and once-forgotten family I realized that they seem to converge in nowadays, despite the stay-at- remain human with our of a possible surge of infections once traditions come to the light even when the following areas: sorting, scrolling, home order, there will always natural limitations. people become complacent after the there continue to exists the usual family surprising, composing and celebrating. be things to do. Let’s hope that in the end, quarantine. tensions, arguments and trials. But Here is how they are applied. Usually they are small we are always on the move, Meanwhile our quarantined lifestyle, being together in a crisis like COVID, a) Sorting comes with the time that tasks, even menial in acting with zeal. That way, we which continues to take a heavy toll has challenge each one to bring out people now have at hand. They sort character. But if done out of can effectively fight boredom on businesses, disrupt educational the genuine gift of presence, patience, Whatever / A6 love for God and for others, and dryness! A6 LOCAL NEWS APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 CBCP Monitor Covid-19: Church urges gov’t Bishop to gov’t: Don’t be a burden for OFWs to protect inmates in prisons MANY overseas Filipino workers OFWs on a “voluntary” basis. deserve assistance and help and PhilHealth has earlier required not additional “burden”, a Church OFWs with income amounting official said. between P10,000 and P20,000 Bishop Ruperto Santos of to pay 3 percent of their annual Balanga said that requiring OFWs salaries this year— a raise from 2.75 to pay premiums to state insurer percent in 2019. Philippine Health Insurance According to the prelate, many Corp. (PhilHealth) is “lacking of Filipino workers abroad are much compassion and only gives anxiety affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to them”. because of the “no work, no pay” “It is now the time to be considerate policy. and be more caring to our OFWs,” “And so with 3 percent mandatory said Santos, vice chairman of the contribution is to make them suffer bishops’ Commission on Migrants more,” Santos added. and Itinerant People. “Our OFWs have sacrificed so After drawing flack, President much for our country, made our Rodrigo Duterte on Monday economy afloat. Now they need suspended the collection of higher our assistance and help, but we premiums for OFWs. make them to suffer more with He also directed the PhilHealth to this 3 percent,” he said. (CBCP make the premium contribution of News) Caritas to gov’t: Strengthen agri sector to cushion Covid-19 economic impact

The New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. FILE PHOTO

IF ever there were a time to show ordered rearrested. The prelate stressed that compassion to low-risk and In releasing the qualified transferring confirmed Covid-19 vulnerable inmates, it is now, prisoners, the bishop also asked cases to the NBP will endanger all the Catholic Church’s Episcopal that support services be given to the prisoners and prison personnel Commission on Prison Pastoral them. in the country’s main penitentiary. Care said. According to him, this can be in “At present, there are more than As Covid-19 begins to hit jails the form of transport services and 7,000 inmates in this camp and and lockups around the country, inclusion in the Pantawid Buhay this transfer will put other PDLs ECPPC chair Bishop Joel Baylon program of the government. and even the prison officials and urged the government to apply the The Free Legal Assistance Group personnel in great jeopardy,” said compassionate aspect of the law earlier asked the Supreme Court to Baylon. during this pandemic. look into requests for the release Instead, he urged the authorities In a statement released April 30, of qualified prisoners to decongest to bring the infected inmates to he urged President Duterte to use detention facilities in the country the adequate Covid-19 referral his clemency power to commute amid the threat of Covid-19. hospitals. sentences of people eligible for As of the latest count, a total of 233 “We strongly recommend compassionate release and other prisoners and jail personnel have that they be placed in medical inmates at high-risk from the virus. contracted coronavirus, according facilities, where their needs can “We propose that in releasing to the Bureau of Jail Management be attended to properly, and not qualified PDLs (persons deprived of and Penology (BJMP). in penal institutions, where the liberties) to decongest our jails and Bishop Baylon also raised possibility of transmitting the virus A farmer is seen leading his carabao as they begin plowing a field at a farm in Basey, Samar. FILE PHOTO prisons, priority should be given to concern on the transfer of 18 to other detainees and correctional the elderly, those who are sick and Covid-19 positive inmates from the personnel is very high,” said Baylon. CORONAVIRUS pandemic is a hunger,” he said. the youth,” Baylon said. Correctional Institute for Women At least 18 CIW inmates found health issue but it could lead to Bagaforo, however, said that Among those that should be in Mandaluyong City to the New positive of Covid-19 have been a food security crisis if proper “while we find solutions to our food released, he said, are the those Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. transferred to the NBP to contain measures are not taken, the Catholic security problem, we must continue who were earlier freed through “We believe that transferring the spread of the virus within Church’s social action arm said. to be vigilant and ensure that the the benefits of good conduct time female PDLs to this male camp is the Mandaluyong-based facility. Caritas Philippines said it is “high implementation of the Enhanced allowance, but were subsequently not advisable,” he said. (CBCP News) time” for the government to provide Community Quarantine continue “stronger” support to agriculture to be within the bounds of law, Whatever / A5 as the world braces for a crippling and that our authorities enforce economic meltdown due to the maximum tolerance, respect and out the house, old stuff, scrolling also is applied to or work well done. them. pandemic. compassion, especially in locked- clutter here and there, etc. the very people they live d) Composing refers e) Celebrating is no longer “It’s about time we strengthen down areas.” There are even those, with with, as we also become to how our confinement confined to birthdays our programs on food security, Citing Caritas’ programs on a more practical mind, more discerning of their leads us to compose and anniversaries during providing the needed support to sustainable agriculture, he said who start sorting out their needs –a chat, a smile, a ourselves better in confinement. The family farmers and fisherfolk who remain that their community farms are life and asking themselves hand or a glass of water– work, family gatherings learns that every precious until this time the poorest sector in helping deliver fresh vegetables to what they have to change which perhaps we have and rest. There are moment spent together the country,” said Bishop Jose Colin families struggling from the work or improve. And if they do taken for granted in more still unavoidable is a grace from God to be Bagaforo, National Director of the suspension in Iligan, Nueva Vizcaya make it out of this ordeal normal settings. tensions, but physical shared with one another! Philippine Caritas. and Camarines Sur provinces. or not, what will they leave c) Surprising moments restrictions give us Thus, every passing day According to him, the current A local farmers’ cooperative behind. arise when some member no alternative but to is one to give thanks for crisis compels the country to supported by the Diocese of b)Scrolling often happens surprises another. The face issues and resolve and celebrate in the most ensure that each family is secured Libmanan and the Gratia Plena in our smartphones and element of surprise never them as best as we can. ordinary but grace-filled with ample supply of basic food program of the Diocese of San Jose computers. Now we are fails to brighten up family It also means literally way! requirement. are also supplying thousands of more mindful about what life, but even more now composing emails or As we continue to “And this can only be provided sacks of commercial and organic we see as we scroll up or when anxiety permeates handwritten letters journey in this ordeal if the agriculture sector is given rice to Luzon provinces. down. Perhaps, it occurs our homes. Surprise is –how we miss these together, being locked priority,” he said. In the Diocese of San Carlos, the to them to ask if that demonstrated by chores, ones!– to our loved down seems to have given The bishop issued the statement Caritas Kindness Store is providing particular person in his games, some song or ones when we don’t us more upsides that will as the government continues to find opportunity to local farmers to sell contacts lists is doing well dance number, a hug from know how to best surely forge deeper love solutions to stretch its ability to their harvest at fair prices without and what if I send him behind and an inspiring express our apology, and self-giving in our provide food rations and ensure that the interference of middle traders. a message or a call? But complement for the food gratitude and love to families. the food sector has enough supply The same are being experienced by to feed the whole country at least in Mindanao farmers. Spaces of Hope / A5 the next three months. Bagaforo added that Caritas’ “The social amelioration program backyard gardening program indulgence the use of the crucifix providing relief goods, invited Mabolo, Cebu City. Led by its is not efficiently solving our food has also ensured food security at or the cross is recommended (cf. San Roque Parish to help channel indefatigable Executive Director, security problem, however we see it household level, while providing Enchiridion indulgentiarum, no. about 300 packs of relief goods Fr. Pat Ornopia, the staff and as a necessary short-cut solution,” additional stable income to farming 12). In this connection, several that included fresh vegetables volunteers continue to feed street Bagaforo said. families in Iloilo, Bukidnon, communities of the Salesians of from a mountain barangay of Cebu children and other homeless people “Thus, we at Caritas Philippines, Quezon, Leyte, Samar, Capiz, Don Bosco in Cebu, led by Fr. Godo City. Actual distribution occurred on a daily basis. In another effort, strongly urge our government, Oriental Mindoro and Zambales Atienza, have produced about 500 April 25, a happy partnership with relief goods were also distributed especially the Department of provinces. hand-held palochina crosses for the barangay, Caritas-Cebu which last by a sister-group of the activity Agriculture to start mobilizing He also said that the seedlings distribution to those afflicted with had contributed packed rice, the center to “Labangers” who are farmers at the community level distribution being conducted Covid-19. imPACT network of Evelyn, and recovering drug dependents. The while we still have time,” he said. simultaneous to providing food *** the Cebu City Alliance Church. work was led by a determined Ms. The Kidapan prelate pointed out relief in the Archdiocese of Cebu The ECQ has provided unexpected The spirit and work of the Year Mathesa Lusica. that cash aids to poor families are also strengthens the call for food opportunities for service. Who of Ecumenism and Interreligious Amidst these uncertain times, the not enough to combat the negative production at household level. would have imagined giving a Dialogue continues. resilient faith of the People of God economic impact of Covid-19. As of April 26, the Covid-19 Lenten recollection to four different Meanwhile, the so-called will see us through. “Our food industry needs to be response of Caritas’ social action groups in one day? Yet it happened. creativity of love, as Pope Francis Meanwhile, we pray that the supported most importantly by our network has already reached more Within the third week of April, Mrs. puts it, is alive in the activity center relief goods for our tres Marias and agriculture sector. We will triumph than P1.4 billion, helping more Evelyn Nacario, who had helped for street children behind the St. other parishioners will reach the in this crisis if we can ensure that than 4 million families across the organize an ecumenical network Joseph the Patriarch parish in intended beneficiaries. no Filipino family experiences country. (CBCP News)

And That’s the Truth / A4

parish—there was nothing I could junk all these years! Souvenirs from belongings suffocating my closets, unsatisfied cravings and where our the day after, or next week, who not do in the name of charity. travels; photographs waiting to be I realized that I had been hoarding, appetites, our excesses, have led us knows? And it’s not only us or our Because of this quarantine I’m sorted out and filed into albums; which is a sin, a greed of some kind. to. And yet, like an abduction victim loved ones going through this—it’s rather sad that my house is just clothes, shoes and bags bought at I’m sorry, Lord. I am so thankful gagged and hog tied in a dark room the whole world. Activities are on two blocks from our church and bargain sales but never worn; white that under the ECQ I now have the in the middle of nowhere, a glimmer hold—except those that sustain life. yet I couldn’t even visit the Blessed elephant appliances like a soft time to put my house in order, so to of gratitude happens—gratitude Thus we embrace this purging as we Sacrament, but is there anything I ice-cream maker used once and speak. As they say, charity begins for the gift of life. The enemy is are given the grace to see and value can do? Yes, staying home forced stashed away, forgotten; expired at home.” merciless but still hasn’t found us. what really matters in life. In spite me to confront the tasks I had toiletries and medicines; wrapped The ECQ really is a purgatory of Images of unnamed coffins, mass of the inconveniences, I am enjoying been putting off for years at home: Christmas gifts from 2015 that sorts. It ties our hands as it takes graves, and corpses rotting in the the ECQ. In fact, I kinda wish it unloading my closets. I couldn’t were not sent to recipients; etc. away the things we cling to. It streets warn us; we could be one would be Extreme Community believe I have accumulated so much etc. etc. Seeing all these boxes of forces us to take a good look at our of those dying alone tomorrow, or Quarantine. And that’s the truth. LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 A7 Archdiocese donates Homonhon controversy Covid-19 equipment and test sparks calls for mine closure kits to DOH, gov’t hospital

PANGASINAN— The Archdiocese When the pandemic is over, of Lingayen-Dagupan has donated Villegas said that the PCR will be a medical equipment to help detect donated to a hospital in Dagupan coronavirus among patients at a City “so that the poor and the sick government hospital in Baguio City. may have better access to health Archbishop Socrates Villegas facilities”. said the polymerase chain reaction Aside from the PCR, the (PCR) unit is now functional at archdiocese also donated Covid-19 the Baguio General Hospital and testing kits to the Department of Medical Center. Health “to help in stemming the tide “With this additional equipment, of this pandemic”. the BGHMC hopes to test additional The initiative is a collaborative 360 cases per day above their effort of all the priests in the “spirit current output,” Villegas said. of stewardship” which is called In his letter of transmittal of the “Pananabangan” in the archdiocese. PCR equipment, he told BGHMC’s The archbishop also said that head Dr. Ricardo Runez that the even before the donation, the priests archdiocese is grateful for the have been “quietly” offering Masses, hospital’s willingness to collaborate. sacrifices and prayers for their “In accepting our offer, you have parishioners. affirmed our chosen approach to “They continue tirelessly to go this pandemic, which is to be more to the barangays with no internet Residents of Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, stage a protest against the loading of chromite ore by a foreign vessel. EVA MONTES discerning and imaginative in facing access to offer the Church’s this unprecedented health problem absolution and pardon for sins,” EASTERN Samar— The “Please help us bring vessel manned by a crew diocese is supports the facing humanity,” the letter reads. said Villegas. government’s move to this appeal to our of 13 Chinese and four collective opposition of “It is this same discernment and “The food bags and hygiene kits allow a Chinese-manned government officials to from Myanmar, arrived Homonhon parishioners imagination that we will use to solve coming from various unknown vessel to load mineral give our island time and Homonhon on April 4 to against mining. this pandemic by God’s grace,” it donors literally come flowing,” he ores despite the province- a chance to heal itself,” load about 7,000 tons of “Not only that we are added. said. (CBCPNews) wide quarantine measures the petition, which was chromite ore. opposed to any form sparked calls to close the started on April 17, reads. The loading was, of mining operation in mining operations on The appeal, spearheaded however, delayed the island at any time Remember politicians in prayer, Homonhon Island. by the island’s St. John until April 11 when before, now, or in the Homonhon residents the Baptist Parish, also the Department of future, we are also against started an online petition stated that mining caused Environment Natural the mineral ore loading bishop says on Change.org urging the division among the more Resources (DENR) operations at this time government to stop all than 8,000 residents of reversed its earlier that the whole province BATAAN— A church official said to be servants to their constituents, mining operations on the Homonhon. decision to suspend the is under quarantine,” that people need to do more opportunity to help and unite our island off Guiuan, the Controversy ignited at activities. Varquez said. than attacking political leaders people to overcome this Covid-19 southernmost town in the historic island, where The DENR said that “The said operation nowadays. pandemic,” he added. Eastern Samar province. Christianity first landed in guidelines are in place is unbecoming to the Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga The Balanga diocese on April According to them, the Philippines 499 years to prevent the spread of spirit of the quarantine said that politicians need help and 16 released a special prayer for the decades-long mining ago, after environment Covid-19. currently in place and prayers more than ever because of politicians, asking God to guide operations “have caused authorities withdrew As of April 29, the puts at risk the health and the coronavirus crisis. them during these trying times. immense and tremendous its decision to delay the petition already has more well-being of the residents “We should also pray for all our “May their life be a living testimony environmental and loading operations. than 12,500 supporters. of Homonhon and the politicians,” Santos said. “This is of self-giving and self-service; ecological damages to the MV VW Peace, a Bishop Crispin Varquez people of Eastern Samar,” the time to show their true worth, neither for personal privileges nor island”. Panamenian-registered of Borongan said the he said. (CBCPNews) to live up to the expectations of for personal convenience,” part of our people and to show real, true the prayer reads. Duc in Altum / A5 service.” “Inspire them to be like your Son, Santos said the pandemic is a call Jesus, reaching and seeking the chairing a committee of cardinals waiving at each other, throwing air 7,000 metric tons of chromite for government leaders to serve the least and the last; helping the poor taking care of the ordinary affairs hugs and air kisses (flying kisses), ore despite the lockdown. Were common good and they may find and marginalized; protecting and of the church until the new pope is or have birthday cake delivered for those foreign crew put on 14-days just solution to Covid-19. promoting the sanctity of human elected.” The Deputy Chamberlain their Dad’s birthday. quarantine? Why is implementation “Our situation is a call for them life,” it also stated. (CBCPNews) assists him. There is no definite medicine of Heal as One Act not being *** yet to cure covid-19. There is also implemented equally? Senators, It is now final, religious and work no vaccine for immunization. high government officials and Bishop: Martial alaw amid Covid-19 gatherings are prohibited both Until then, we just stay at home foreign nationals got scot-free when under the ECQ and GCQ. IATF on if there is no urgent matter to go they unashamedly violated health is ‘out of proportion’ Covid-19 gave the final decision after out. The new normal way of life protocol. Why are ordinary citizens receiving several complaints against is avoid mass gathering, observe who breached curfew or quarantine SORSOGON— A Catholic bishop its previous decision allowing such physical distancing, wear mask arrested, detained, put on inquest thumbed down President Rodrigo gatherings when GCQ is declared. It properly, wash hands with soap and required to pay P3,500.00 Duterte’s threat to declare martial may be recalled that the spread of and water or use alcohol. Be bail to get out of detention? To law over rebel attacks as the country covid in South Korea started from a reminded that hospitals are full think that the violations committed grapples with the coronavirus religious gathering in a local church. to the rafter. They can no longer by higher officials and foreign pandemic. Our shepherds will not risk the accommodate another patient nationals are worst than what the Retired Bishop Arturo Bastes of health and lives of the flock. Online – not only due to lack of beds ordinary citizens did. Sorsogon said there’s not enough Masses continue. but also because of dwindling Why did the DOH issued reason for a military rule. Like a broken record, we must number of doctors, nurses, and clearance for the foreign vessel to “Martial law is a solution which is remind again and again everyone to health workers, they are getting dock and load chromite ore when out of proportion to the problem,” follow the health protocols imposed infected. As of May 02, the total the required 14-day self-quarantine Bastes said. by civil and health authorities number of covid cases is 8,928 was never complied with by the Duterte threatened to declare during this pandemic. We must , 18.13% or 1,619 of 8,928 are foreign crew of that vessel. The martial law after accusing support our frontliners, especially health workers. Chinese continued its chromite ore communist rebels of killing those working in the hospitals, who *** mining despite the pandemic. The two soldiers who helping relief chose to put their life on the line, and Calling the attention of DENR residents are against the loading operations for those affected by the not be with the members of their Sec. Roy Cimatu, ECQ is blatantly not because they are pro-mining or Covid-19 lockdown. Bishop Emeritus Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon. family even during special moments being violated in Homonhon Island anti-ining, they are concerned with “I’m warning everybody and DIOCESE OF SORSOGON like birthday, anniversary, Online of Guiuian town in Eastern Samar. the health risk it may bring to the putting the armed forces and the Masses and meals. They risk their Chromite ore are being loaded on a residents due to the coronavirus police on notice that I might declare declaring Martial for any crisis of life to extend a helping hand to their ship for export to China. The MW pandemic. martial law. There will be no turning lawlessness,” the prelate said. covid patients. We empathize with VW Peace, a foreign vessel manned *** back,” Duterte said in a televised Both parties earlier agreed to a them, we can relate with them, four by 13 Chinese and 4 Myanmar Happy 1st Birthday to my speech on April 24. ceasefire as the country continues to frontliners doctors in the family nationals, arrived and docked on grandniece, Catrione Gaelle “CC” Bishop Bastes said such “isolated wrestle with the spread of the virus. would be happy seeing briefly their the island since April 4. The DENR Rosales Castro, baby girl of my niece case” can be handled by the military The government’s ceasefire family, already satisfied with just allowed the foreign vessel to load Mary Gretchen and Charlie Castro. and the current situation does not lapsed on April 15, while the rebels warrant martial law. extended their ceasefire to April 30. Order of Malta / A3 “Duterte has the penchant of (CBCPNews) forty years, he was active grand commander, and Holy See, beginning with prevent the spread of Workers / A1 in the order’s pilgrimages after the death of the the dismissal of Grand HIV. Boeselager, whose to Loreto, Assisi, Lourdes, 78th grand master, Fra’ Chancellor Albrecht brother Georg von cash assistance, saying that its Church People-Workers Solidarity, and other international Andrew Bertie, he stood in von Boeselager from Boeselager was appointed funding is already very close to also lamented the “worsening locations. as interim lieutenant. He both his position, and a member of the Board depletion. condition” of workers “due to Dalla Torre entered the served as grand prior of his membership in the of Superintendents of The government’s “social lack of concrete actions” from the Order of Malta in 1985 Rome from 2008 to 2017. order, in early December the IOR in 2016, was amelioration program” also faced government. and made his solemn Dalla Torre was 2016. reinstated after Festing with criticisms due to its failure “These already bad working vows as a professed knight appointed interim grand Boeselager had been was asked to resign by to include the majority of the conditions of our workers are being in 1993. From 1994-1999 master April 29, 2017, dismissed because of Pope Francis. vulnerable sectors as recipients of exacerbated by further negligence he served as grand prior after the resignation allegations that under The death of the Order the financial aids. of the government in this time of of Lombardy and Venice, of Matthew Festing, his tenure the order’s of Malta’s Grand Master “While we recognize and pandemic,” he said. and from 1999-2004 was which marked the end charity branch had comes as the organization appreciate the efforts of the The church officials stand a member of the Sovereign of a month-long back inadvertently been continues its reform. government to provide relief with the labor groups calling for Council. and forth between the involved in distributing (Courtney Mares/ packages to our workers at this the government and business In 2004, he was elected Order of Malta and the condoms in Burma to CNA) time, we also see that these are fill- conglomerate to do what is best for gap measures only and provides the common good. POGO / A1 no actual solutions to our labor “We reiterate our demands for problems,” Bagaforo said. free mass testing, universal health again provided that they follow the The government had banned The archbishop lamented that “We need to see our government care, adequate and timely delivery precautionary measures. mass gatherings to contain the the government preferred to allow and business owners initiate just of goods and services, immediate The Philippine gaming regulator spread of Covid-19. gambling “which breeds vice and and concrete actions for our labor release of financial assistance to made the decision after POGOs Meanwhile, fresh calls have not the celebration of the Holy force. To show compassion for all workers and poor families, were labeled as business process surfaced to allow church services as Eucharist with our people”. our workers is a must. To show realignment of government budget outsourcing (BPOs), which is long as health and safety protocols “My point is allow the celebration that we care is imperative,” he to healthcare and other basic social allowed in quarantine areas. are in place, particularly in areas of Holy Eucharist in areas under added. services among others,” Alminaza POGOs cater mainly to Chinese under the general community GCQ with precautions,” Jumoad. Alminaza, co-chairperson of the said. (CBCP News) online bettors. quarantine. (CBCP News) A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2020 VOL. 24, NO 9 CBCP Monitor Pope names Filipino Philippine bishops to archbishop new nuncio consecrate nation to Mary to Guatemala

Archbishop Francisco Padilla, the new apostolic nuncio to Guatemala. SCREENSHOT/AVOSA YOUTUBE ACCOUNT

POPE Francis has appointed Filipino pontifical representations in Archbishop Francisco Padilla as his Venezuela, Austria, India, Japan Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle blesses a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during a prayer vigil to mark her feast at the Shrine of Fatima in Portugal on May 13, new envoy to Guatemala. and Australia. 2019. COURTESY OF THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA VIA RCAM The appointment of the 66-year- In 2006, he was ordained as Valles, president of the preparation will then our Blessed Mother in this old archbishop, who is currently archbishop in view of his work as THE Philippines, episcopal conference, culminate on May 13 with difficult time, especially as the apostolic nuncio to Kuwait, nuncio to Papua New Guinea and through its archdioceses stated in his letter to the the actual communal we move to the transition Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Solomon Islands and dioceses, will be dioceses on April 27. consecration. to a new way of life after Qatar and Yemen, was announced Prior to his appointment to the consecrated to the care This consecration Bishop Broderick the quarantine,” he added. April 17. Arabian Peninsula in 2016, Padilla of the Blessed Mother reaffirms the bishops’ Pabillo will lead the prayer Pope Francis has earlier Upon his appointment, Padilla served as nuncio in Tanzania since amid the coronavirus previous consecrations of of consecration at the encouraged the faithful to has also been serving as apostolic 2011. pandemic. the Philippines to Mary. Manila Cathedral with the pray the rosary during the delegate in the Arabian Peninsula. The prelate also has a brother The bishops are expected In 2013, during the Year mayors of the five cities whole month of May. Ordained a priest in 1976, who also served as apostolic to lead the consecration to of Faith, the CBCP also covering the archdiocese: In a letter addressed to Padilla was formerly a priest of the nuncio, the retired Archbishop the Immaculate Heart of consecrated the country Manila, Mandaluyong, all Catholics and released Archdiocese of Cebu and holds a Osvaldo Padilla. Mary in their respective to the Immaculate Heart Pasay, Makati and San by the Vatican April 25, he doctorate in Theology. Padilla is one of the three Filipino cathedrals on May 13, the feast of Our Lady of of Mary. Juan. noted that it is a tradition He entered the Diplomatic apostolic nuncios who are active Fatima. In the Manila “It will be beautiful to pray the rosary at home Service of the Holy See in 1985, in the service. The others are The National Shrine archdiocese, the when all the people with family during May. and his first assignment was in Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the consecration will be God, led by their civil “Contemplating the face the Apostolic Nunciature of the nuncio to Spain, and Archbishop of Our Lady of Fatima preceded by instructions and religious leaders, put of Christ with the heart Dominican Republic. Adolfo Tito Yllana, the nuncio to in Valenzuela City has earlier invited the bishops regarding the meaning of themselves under the of Mary our Mother will Padilla then worked in the Australia. (CBCPNews) to celebrate the feast “in a the consecration. protection of the Blessed make us even more united special way”. A triduum of penance Virgin,” Pabillo said. as a spiritual family and “I think this is a and the recitation of “We do this to implore will help us overcome this Int’l Eucharistic wonderful initiative,” the Rosary will also the protection of the time of trial,” the pope Archbishop Romulo begin on 10 May. This powerful intercession of said. (CBCPNews) Congress in Budapest Asian bishops postpone major gathering due to pandemic postponed to 2021

PHOTO FROM IEC 2020 FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Vatican announced April 23 at the center of the Church’s life,” that due to the health situation he said. caused by the coronavirus, the “We pray that the Eucharistic 9th FABC Plenary Assembly in Manila in 2009. FILE PHOTO 52nd International Eucharistic event in Budapest may foster Congress, to be held in Budapest in processes of renewal in Christian THE Federation of Asian Bishops’ The church leaders said that “it The pontiff called on Asian church September, has been moved to the communities,” he continued, “so Conferences (FABC) has announced is in moments like these that we leaders “to welcome with parrhesia year 2021. that the salvation of which the that it will postpone its general experience a greater dependence of a future that you yourselves must A statement from Holy See press Eucharist is the source may also conference set in November this God and our faith is strengthened.” help develop and create.” office director Matteo Bruni said be translated into a Eucharistic year at Baan Phu Waan, Thailand, “We are confident that all of us “Both the Church and society in the decision to move the eight-day culture capable of inspiring men to a later date due to the new will rise out of this crisis with a Asia will benefit from a renewed and gathering to September 2021 was and women of good will in the fields coronavirus pandemic. deeper sense of religiosity,” read shared evangelical outreach,” added made by Pope Francis together of charity, peace, family, care of The association of episcopal the letter. Pope Francis. with the Hungarian bishops creation.” conferences of the Catholic Church Despite the constraints brought The foundation of the FABC was and the Pontifical Committee The International Eucharistic in the region noted that because of about by the health emergency held during a historic gathering of for International Eucharistic Congress first took place in France the “fluid situation” no future date across the Asian region, some FABC 180 Asian Catholic bishops during Congresses. in 1881 with the goal of increasing has been fixed for the meeting. planning and regional meetings for a meeting in Manila in time for the The schedule of the Sept. 13- devotion to the Eucharist and A central committee meeting that the general assembly were already visit of Pope Paul VI to the region 20 event included Mass, prayer, bringing awareness to the large has been scheduled for June this held. in November 1970. catechesis, and talks, as well as number of Catholics in the country. year “also stands postponed,” read “Much reflection and discussions The governing body of the cultural and spiritual events around It has continued to be held every a letter addressed to members of have taken place,” said the church federation is the plenary or general the Hungarian capital. few years in a different city and has the federation. leaders. “Although recently we assembly, which convenes once in A three-day symposium crossed the globe, taking place in The FABC, which aims to foster have been unable to travel, we four years with the presidents and featuring talks on the Eucharist Jerusalem, Nairobi, Melbourne, solidarity and responsibility for the have been in contact through video official delegates from each member by religious and theologians was Korea, the U.S., and throughout welfare of the Church and of society conferencing,” they added. conference. planned in the lead-up to the Europe. in the region, includes bishops’ The church leaders noted that the Official delegates to the assembly congress. The last congress was held in conferences from across Asia. “situation is volatile, and we do not take up pastorally relevant questions Pope Francis had been asked Cebu, Philippines in 2016. There “Most of our countries in Asia know what the morrow will bring.” for study and deliberations. It to visit Hungary for the event by were 12,000 participants at the are under lockdown,” noted the They expressed optimism, is customary that two Asian Hungary’s President János Áder, congress, though millions took part federation’s letter dated April 2. however, that “we may be able to theologians each present a major who extended the invitation during in associated Masses. Hungary last “But we feel a greater sense of project” future activities “when paper addressing the theme of the a February meeting. hosted the Eucharistic Congress in bonding during this dark moment things could limp back to normal.” assembly. The Vatican had not made any 1938. in the history of the modern world,” The federation marks the 50th The FABC has played a significant official announcement about a The event aims to give witness to added the federation’s message to anniversary of its foundation this role among churches in Asia. papal trip to Budapest, but during the Real Presence of Jesus Christ its members across the region. year. It strengthened the bonds of an Angelus address Dec. 15, Pope in the Eucharist and to promote a The communique was signed During his visit to Thailand in communion among the bishops in Francis asked for prayers for the better understanding of the liturgy by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of November, Pope Francis noted the region and contributed to the conference’s success. and the Eucharist in the life of Yangon, president of FABC, and that the anniversary “is a fitting development of a shared vision “For more than a century, the the Church. The congress is now Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, occasion” to revisit “shrines where about the Church and its mission in Eucharistic congresses have been typically held every four years. convenor of the federation’s meeting the missionary roots that left their the region. (Joe Torres/LICAS. reminding us that the Eucharist is (CNA) this year. mark on these lands are preserved.” news) CBCP Monitor April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Pope Francis laughs with Carmelite nuns in Madagascar on Sept. 7, 2019. VATICAN MEDIA Words of Vocation Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 3 May 2020

DEAR Brothers and Sisters, risk involved is real: the night falls, walking towards them on the sea, In the Letter to Priests, I also consecrated life or the priesthood. the headwinds howl, the boat is they first think that he is a ghost spoke about pain, but here I would I am conscious of your hard work, On 4 August last year, the tossed by the waves, and fear of and are filled with fear. Jesus like to translate the word differently, the sense of isolation that can at 160th anniversary of the death of failure, of not being up to the call, immediately reassures them with as fatigue. Every vocation brings times weigh upon your hearts, the the Curé of Ars, I chose to write a can threaten to overwhelm them. words that should constantly with it a responsibility. The Lord risk of falling into a rut that can letter to all those priests who daily The Gospel, however, tells us accompany our lives and our calls us because he wants to enable gradually make the ardent flame of devote their lives to the service of that in the midst of this challenging vocational journey: “Take heart, it us, like Peter, to “walk on water”, in our vocation die down, the burden God’s people in response to the journey we are not alone. Like the is I; have no fear” (Mt 14:27). This, other words, to take charge of our of the uncertainty and insecurity Lord’s call. first ray of dawn in the heart of then, is the second word I wish to lives and place them at the service of the times, and worry about On that occasion, I chose four the night, the Lord comes walking offer you: encouragement. of the Gospel, in the concrete and the future. Take heart, do not be key words—pain, gratitude, on the troubled waters to join the What frequently hinders our everyday ways that he shows us, and afraid! Jesus is at our side, and if we encouragement and praise—as disciples; he invites Peter to come journey, our growth, our choosing specifically in the different forms acknowledge him as the one Lord a way of thanking priests and to him on the waves, saves him the road the Lord is marking out for of lay, priestly and consecrated of our lives, he will stretch out his supporting their ministry. I believe when he sees him sinking and, us, are certain “ghosts” that trouble vocation. Yet, like Saint Peter, our hand, take hold of us and save us. that today, on this 57th World Day once in the boat, makes the winds our hearts. When we are called desire and enthusiasm coexist with Even amid the storm-tossed of Prayer for Vocations, those die down. to leave safe shores and embrace our failings and fears. waters, then, our lives become words can be addressed to the The first word of vocation, then, a state of life—like marriage, If we let ourselves be daunted by open to praise. This is the last whole people of God, against the is gratitude. Taking the right ministerial priesthood, consecrated the responsibilities that await us— of our vocation words, and it backdrop of the Gospel passage course is not something we do on life—our first reaction is often from whether in married life or priestly is an invitation to cultivate the that recounts for us the remarkable our own, nor does it depend solely the “ghost of disbelief”. Surely, this ministry—or by the hardships in interior disposition of the Blessed experience of Jesus and Peter on the road we choose to travel. vocation is not for me! Can this store for us, then we will soon turn Virgin Mary. Grateful that Lord during a stormy night on the Sea How we find fulfilment in life is really be the right path? Is the Lord away from the gaze of Jesus and, gazed upon her, faithful amid fear of Galilee (cf. Mt 14:22-33). more than a decision we make really asking me to do this? like Peter, we will begin to sink. On and turmoil, she courageously After the multiplication of the as isolated individuals; above all Those thoughts can keep growing— the other hand, despite our frailty embraced her vocation and made loaves, which had astonished the else, it is a response to a call from justifications and calculations that and poverty, faith enables us to of her life an eternal song of praise crowds, Jesus told his disciples to on high. The Lord points out our sap our determination and leave walk towards the Risen Lord and to the Lord. get into the boat and precede him destination on the opposite shore us hesitant and powerless on the to weather every storm. Whenever Dear friends, on this day in to the other shore, while he took and he grants us the courage shore where we started. We think fatigue or fear make us start to sink, particular, but also in the ordinary leave of the people. The image to board the boat. In calling us, we might be wrong, not up to the Jesus holds out his hand to us. He pastoral life of our communities, of the disciples crossing the lake he becomes our helmsman; he challenge, or simply glimpsing a gives us the enthusiasm we need I ask the Church to continue to can evoke our own life’s journey. accompanies and guides us; he ghost to be exorcized. to live our vocation with joy and promote vocations. May she touch Indeed, the boat of our lives slowly prevents us from running aground The Lord knows that a fervour. the hearts of the faithful and enable advances, restlessly looking for a on the shoals of indecision and fundamental life choice—like When Jesus at last boards the each of them to discover with safe haven and prepared to face even enables us to walk on surging marriage or special consecration boat, the winds die down and the gratitude God’s call in their lives, the perils and promises of the waters. to his service—calls for courage. waves are calmed. Here we have a to find courage to say “yes” to God, sea, yet at the same time trusting Every vocation is born of that gaze He knows the questions, doubts beautiful image of what the Lord to overcome all weariness through that the helmsman will ultimately of love with which the Lord came to and difficulties that toss the boat of can do at times of turbulence and faith in Christ, and to make of their keep us on the right course. At meet us, perhaps even at a time our heart, and so he reassures us: tempest in our lives. He stills those lives a song of praise for God, for times, though, the boat can drift when our boat was being battered “Take heart, it is I; have no fear!” winds, so that the forces of evil, their brothers and sisters, and for off course, misled by mirages, not by the storm. “Vocation, more than We know in faith that he is present fear and resignation no longer have the whole world. May the Virgin the lighthouse that leads it home, our own choice, is a response to and comes to meet us, that he is power over us. Mary accompany us and intercede and be tossed by the tempests of the Lord’s unmerited call” (Letter ever at our side even amid stormy As we live out our specific for us. difficulty, doubt and fear. to Priests, 4 August 2019). We seas. This knowledge sets us free vocation, those headwinds can wear Something similar takes place will succeed in discovering and from that lethargy which I have us down. Here I think of all those in the hearts of those who, called embracing our vocation once we called “sweet sorrow” (Letter to who have important responsibilities Rome, Saint John Lateran, 8 March to follow the Teacher of Nazareth, open our hearts in gratitude and Priests, 4 August 2019), the interior in civil society, spouses whom I like 2020, the Second Sunday of Lent have to undertake a crossing and perceive the passage of God in our discouragement that hold us back to refer to—not without reason—as abandon their own security to lives. from experiencing the beauty of our “courageous”, and in a particular become the Lord’s disciples. The When the disciples see Jesus vocation. way those who have embraced the FRANCISCUS B2 UPDATES April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Liturgical law in times of the coronavirus pandemic (Part 1)

By Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD

THE ongoing coronavirus pandemic and through acts approved by the has not only brought entire nations authority of the Church. to their knees and governments at From the above, the following their wits’ end on how to contain essential elements of a liturgical it, but has also taken its toll on action can be deduced, the last three Church authorities. With the recent of which are juridic requirements: dispositions from the Holy See 1) A fundamental element of the defining a specific situation for liturgy is that it is an exercise of the imparting general absolution and the priestly office of Jesus Christ. Thus, generalized recourse to attending the in the Holy Mass, it is Christ who Holy Mass via internet, the question consecrates the Eucharist; when the now arises on just how far such confessor absolves, it is Christ who concessions can extend. Two specific forgives sins; even when an ordinary questions have been asked: (1) Is the faithful baptizes, it is Christ who attendance at Holy Mass via internet baptizes. a valid one, or is it just a matter of 2) Sensible signs are used, the relaxation of the obligation to which both signify and effect the attend Mass on Sundays and holy sanctification of mankind. In this days of obligation? (2) Can the regard, it is important to comment Sacrament of Reconciliation be that the liturgical sign should keep administered via the internet in the close relation with the sanctification foreseeable future? An underlying that it signifies (to the exclusion of question is also implied: (3) Is the the vulgar and the inane). government right in saying that the 3) The public worship of God is reopening of churches for liturgical carried out by the whole Mystical celebration is not an urgent matter, Body—i.e., it is offered in the name since alternative ways of worship of the Church. Thus, c.837, §1 Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Rector of the Manila Cathedral, celebrates the mass streamed online as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease spread in Metro Manila, April 2, 2020. COURTESY OF ROMAIN GARY LAZARO have been put into effect? states: Liturgical actions are not To answer these questions, private actions but celebrations we need to start with a review of of the Church itself, which is “the canonical discipline of sacred liturgy well as their intimate connection categorically declared that “no other sacramental theology and liturgical sacrament of unity”…therefore shows an acknowledgment of the with the principles of the Faith, person, not even a priest, may add, law. Vatican II affirmed that it is liturgical actions pertain to the insufficiency of the proclamation of constitute the ratio legis on which remove, or change anything in the through the liturgy or the public whole body of the Church and the Word of God alone. The Church is based the exclusive competence liturgy on his own authority” (SC). worship of the Church that “the work manifest and affect it…. Every also has the fundamental mission of the ecclesiastical authority in the 2º The liturgy is the of our redemption is exercised” and liturgical act is never just a private of carrying out the salvation that regulation of all matters regarding principal factor for ecclesial that the liturgy is “the outstanding act of an individual, but constitutes it proclaims “through the sacrifice the liturgy. communion. Thus, any arbitrariness means by which the faithful can the culminating moment when the and the sacraments around which 1) Principle of Substantial Unity. in its celebration implies a rupture of express in their lives and manifest whole Church renders public and revolves the whole liturgical life” “By virtue of its pastoral authority, this ecclesial communion and must to others the mystery of Christ complete worship to God. (SC, 6). Thus, the Code establishes [the Church] can ordain what may therefore be avoided. and the real nature of the Church” 4) The actions are approved by the the doctrinal principle that liturgy— be useful for the good of the faithful, 3º Lex orandi, lex credendi. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n.2). authority of the Church. Thus, c.846 at the center of which are the according to the circumstances, The liturgy is closely linked to the Therefore, the Council concludes, explicitly establishes: sacraments—is simultaneously times and places. But it does not deposit of faith. Hence, any laxity “the liturgy is the summit toward §1. The liturgical books approved an act of worship and an act of have any power to change what in liturgical discipline is at the same which the activity of the Church is by the competent authority are to be sanctification: through it “God pertains to the will of Christ, which time effect and cause of important directed; at the same time it is the faithfully observed in the celebration is perfectly glorified and men are is what constitutes the immutable dogmatic errors. fountain from which all her powers of the sacraments; therefore no one sanctified” (SC, 7). part of the Liturgy.” 1 2) Principle of Centralization. This flow” (SC, n.10). on personal authority may add, To those who object to the very This principle is premised on the reinforces the previous principle, remove or change anything in them. notion of liturgical laws, a recent distinction between changeable and is contained in c.838: What is liturgy? §2. The ministers are to celebrate Instruction from the Congregation and unchangeable (immutable) —§1. The supervision of the The Code of Canon Law gives a the sacraments according to their for Divine Worship pointed out that elements of the liturgy: immutable sacred liturgy depends solely on working definition of sacred liturgy own rite. the finality of the liturgical norm is elements are those which depend on the authority of the Church, which in c.834, which states: §1.The 5) The actions are carried out not only to avoid errors, but above the foundational will of Christ—e.g., resides in the Apostolic See and, in Church fulfills its office of sanctifying by persons lawfully deputed—a all and precisely to unify efforts in the substance of the sacraments and accord with the law, the diocesan in a special way in the sacred liturgy, deputation that is different, as the transmission of the truth. In this whatever is more directly related to bishop (c.838, §1). which is indeed the exercise of previously mentioned, from that regard, the liturgical norm finds its that substance; changeable elements —§2. It is for the Apostolic See the priestly office of Jesus Christ; enjoyed by all the faithful by virtue reason in the double quality of any are those which do not belong or are to order the sacred liturgy of the in it through sensible signs the of baptism, which is a sharing in the liturgical act—i.e., they are public (of not directly related to the substance universal Church, to publish the sanctification of humankind is common priesthood mentioned in the community, of the Church), and of the sacraments. liturgical books, to review their signified and effected in a manner c.836 and described by Vatican II. they express the faith. The basis of this principle is three- translations into the vernacular proper to each of the signs and the fold: languages and to see that liturgical whole of the public worship of God The existence of liturgical laws Principles of liturgical law 1º The liturgy belongs to the public ordinances are faithfully observed is carried on by the mystical Body Vatican Council II emphasized the Liturgical actions are not private patrimony of the entire Church, everywhere. of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head importance of liturgical laws, leading actions but are celebrations of the and should therefore be subject to Thus, the following are reserved and the members. to a greater systematic autonomy to whole Church—i.e., the People of the regulation only of the capital to the Holy See: §2. This worship takes place when liturgico-sacramental norms in the God united and ordered under the offices. Thus, Vatican Council II had 1º All that refers to the validity of it is carried out in the name of the present Code of Canon Law (CIC). guidance of the bishops. This public the sacraments (c.841). Church by persons lawfully deputed Such a systematic emphasis on the character of liturgical actions, as 1 SCDW, Instruction Varietates legitimae, 25.I.1994, Liturgical / B7 n.26. 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 — Communion rite: Our Father, advice regarding the liturgy during Sign of peace, “Behold the Lamb this unique time in our history. As of God… Lord I am not worthy…”, a community of religious sisters distribution of Communion, moment we, fortunately, possess some of silence or a song, concluding consecrated hosts. Is it liturgically prayer. sound if we watch the Holy Father’s With respect to the celebration of televised Mass and for our superior the Word of God it indicates: to distribute the reserved hosts to us “29. The Liturgy of the Word now at the time of communion? — M.P., takes place as at Mass. Texts are Rome chosen for the occasion either from the Mass of the day or from the A: In this time of the coronavirus votive Masses of the Holy Eucharist crisis there are probably many or the Precious Blood, the readings houses of religious sisters and from which are in the Lectionary. A consecrated laity in similar positions. list of these passages can be found In the current lockdown, it is a in nos. 113-153 of this Ritual. The very good thing to follow a live- Lectionary offers a wide range of streamed Mass whether by the Holy readings that may be drawn upon for Father or indeed by any of the many particular needs, such as the votive priests who have undertaken similar Mass of the Sacred Heart. See nos. initiatives. It is a moment of prayer, 154-158 below. of pondering God’s Word along with “There may be one or more the celebrant, and of making an act readings, the first being followed of spiritual offering and communion by a psalm or some other chant or with the Eucharistic sacrifice. by a period of silent prayer. The It is not, however, participating celebration of the word ends with at Mass, which requires physical the general intercessions.” presence, and so it would not If, for example, the rite of be sound liturgical practice to distributing Communion were to distribute Communion during the be celebrated immediately following live streaming of the Mass. A Catholic priest gives communion in Borongan town, Eastern Samar April 22. ALREN BERONIO/ESTE NEWS a live-streamed Mass, it would be Communion may be administered a legitimate option to use one of immediately after the Mass has sick, and the “Rite of Distributing when Mass is not celebrated or when by communion. Nourished by God’s the other readings suggested in the concluded, or at some other suitable Holy Communion Outside Mass communion is not distributed at word, they are led on to grateful and above rubric so as not to repeat the time, and always following the with the Celebration of the Word of scheduled times. The purpose is that fruitful participation in the saving readings of the day. If the rite is approved rites of the Church for God.” In the context of a community the people should be nourished by the mysteries.” celebrated separately, then the best distribution of Communion outside of religious, it would be this second word of God. By hearing it they learn The rite has the following option is to use the daily readings. of Mass. rite that is to be used. that the marvels it proclaims reach structure: There is also a briefer form of the The Church has two similar but According to the rubrics of the their climax in the paschal mystery — Introductory Rites: Greeting rite with a very short reading. This different forms of this rite: a rite for rite: of which the Mass is a sacramental and penitential act. may be used when there are only one administering communion to the “26. This rite is to be used chiefly memorial and in which they share — Celebration of the Word of God. or two people for Communion. UPDATES CBCP Monitor April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 FEATURE B3 Why is it about time to reopen the doors of our churches in ‘Covid-19 free’ areas YESTERDAY, a fellow canon lawyer asked my opinion as regards the giving of communion to healthy parishioners who follow online masses while observing necessary precautions in a diocese where there is no reported case of COVID-19. This is not the first query I received concerning the matter and, mostly likely, not the last. So, allow me to share with you my reflections from the canonical and pastoral perspectives with regard to the measures adopted by the Philippine Church in general, not only in the giving of communion (or lack of it) outside the Eucharistic celebration, but also in the continued suspension of public masses and other liturgical celebrations. At the outset, I would like to clarify that this is just a humble and personal position and does not, in any way, intend to undermine, much less contradict, the existing ecclesiastical and civil norms. Pope Francis encourages us to discern and walk together as a Church and so I write these reflections in light of this call to synodality. Besides, we do not only have the right, but also the obligation to reverently manifest to our Pastors and other Christ’s faithful our “views on matters which A Catholic priest celebrates Mass streamed online on April 14, 2020. COURTESY OF THE DIOCESAN SHRINE OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ARANZAZU concern the good of the Church” (c. 112, 3). receive communion in their homes); restrictions and control should be Mass. Pope Francis, in his homily at bishops to give dispensations It is my hope that these and and, other measures as deemed focused more on those who enter the Santa Martha, expresses support for as needed within the bounds other insights will help pave the opportune. province who are potential carriers, access to sacraments and churches their competence (c. 85). While way for further soul searching and If going to the market or grocery and not those who have been in the with the presence of the people. communion apart from the Mass discernment on how to best respond store is allowed, where social place throughout the entire duration “A familiarity without community, is intended for exceptional cases, to the spiritual needs of the faithful distancing is more difficult to of the lockdown. without bread, without the Church, in these times of crisis, while in this time of pandemic, without implement, I see no prevailing The spiritual needs of our without the people, without the public Masses are suspended, compromising our physical health reason why an organized Sunday brethren may vary. Others can sacraments is dangerous,” the Holy the local Ordinary can allow the and the well-being of others. gathering in a cathedral or spacious continue living as good Christians Father stressed (Zenit.org, April 17, administration of holy communion In provinces where there is parish church, where physical without the benefit of receiving holy 2020). to parishioners who are healthy no reported case of COVID-19 separation can easily be executed, communion, but others get their Yes, these restrictions are in while observing the liturgical rites positive, I am of the opinion that not permitted. In this regard, I principal spiritual nourishment accord with the government policies, (c. 918). This is, by the way, my the celebration of public masses and found the additional schedule of from it. It is the latter that I am more but the Catholic Bishops’ Conference response to the above question of other liturgies should be gradually masses in the diocese of Tagbilaran worried about. And as ministers, of the Philippines (CBCP) and my colleague. resumed while keeping all the at the beginning of the lockdown a we are mindful of the right of the individual bishops can negotiate and In closing, I believe that this is necessary precautions, such as: timely measure to guarantee that faithful “to be assisted from the engage because the right to worship a privileged moment to evangelize social distancing; the wearing of face there would be less churchgoers in spiritual riches of the Church, is at stake here. The Italian Bishops’ and to be evangelized, and to masks; communion by hand, no holy a given mass. especially by the word of God and Conference (CEI), for example, demonstrate the merciful face water at the entrance, but instead, Moreover, after over a month of the sacraments” (c. 213). has already formally protested of the institutional Church. I am alcohol or sanitizer; no touching of ECQ (and now GCQ) and no case It is about time to “reopen the the Italian government’s decision afraid that we might lose the rare images; regular disinfection of the of coronavirus infection has been doors of our churches” for people to to keep the ban on public Masses opportunity if we will not revise our benches and liturgical vessels; non- reported, it is reasonable to say pray. While it is true that we can pray throughout the country (Zenit.org., positions, bearing in mind that “the participation of children, elderly that the threat can come from the anywhere, there is no place like the April 27, 2020). salvation of souls is the supreme and sick people (the latter can outside, not from the inside. Ergo, church and no celebration like the This is also the time for individual law” (c. 1752). I choose to be positive LAIKO responds to the call of ‘Laudato Si’ By Jun Cruz By Fr. Johnpaul Menchavez

OUR “screens” these days show us so old and new friends. Look from many testing POSITIVE. The number within, and you will appreciate the of the infected, the deaths, and the silence, the peace, and the spiritual enforced community quarantine, developments that are taking the economic recession… I worry, place… Prayer is becoming central above all, that all these, plus the at home. Solidarity is at its finest. apparent uncertainty of our fate Heroism is on the rise. Humanity is risks a pernicious and a more serious advancing in knowledge and wisdom danger: that we all be NEGATIVE, (as countless books are read), and pessimists, hopeless and miserable quality as well (as personal hobbies in spirit. are cultivated). The spiritual leader of the close I’m not counselling you to be naïve to 1.5 billion Catholics imparted a but these are the certain things that solemn blessing to Christ’s faithful we cannot ignore today. This is relatively recently. Pope Francis POSITIVE. Our language experts prayed to God: “You are calling on teach us that the certainty is the us to seize this time of trial as a time original sense of the word “positive”. of choosing…a time to choose what A late Middle English word from the matters.” I agree. And I feel that one Latin “positivus”, which has “posit-“ of the crucial choices in this very ‘placed’ at its root, from the verb delicate situation in human history “ponere”, it was used to refer to laws is this: to choose to be POSITIVE. as being formally ‘laid down’, which It is pretty obvious that I am not gave rise to the sense ‘explicitly laid referring to a suicidal attempt. I down and admitting no question’, speak of getting a different ‘virus’ hence ‘certain’. Words evolve and that comes from within, that every acquire derived meanings. At the Hundreds of young people join the launching of Laudato Si Generation – Philippines at the Quezon City Memorial Circle June 22. COURTESY OF LAUDATO’ SI GEN human being is capable of ‘mutating’ turn of the 20th century, it started to – PILIPINAS on one’s own. We all desire to be allude to the sense of “concentrating happy, and we can be if we want, on what is constructive and good”. THE Vatican believes that climate ing arm, the Sangguniang Laiko (MOA) between CBCP-Laiko and yes, even today and now. Some With positivity (certitude of the change is a moral issue and has ng Pilipinas (LAIKO), presented WeGenLaudato Si’ was signed by would call it a mindset, others—an good things), one can have a positive an effect on human dignity. “We some of the concrete steps it took LAIKO Chairman, Bishop Brod- approach to life—and there are outlook (optimism). know what we can do, and what to protect the planet. erick S. Pabillo, SDB, D.D, and those who describe it as the state of Symbolically, POSITIVE is we have to do becomes an ethi- The report expounded on “Our WeGen Laudato Si’s Chairman the soul. I see it as a choice, a very represented by a plus sign (+) in cal imperative,” said the Vatican Best Practices in Response to the Michael Saalfeld and its then CEO, personal one and it could change contrast with NEGATIVE (-). For Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Challenges Posed by His Holiness, Atty. Julito R. Sarmiento. your world, and those around you. Christians, this may further cast Parolin. Pope Francis, Marking the 4th I’m a chaplain by profession and not light on something dear—the big In June 26, 2019, the Vatican Anniversary of the Publication of “Let there be light” a Chaplin, but Charlie’s words really icon not only for math problems, requested the Catholic Church of the Holy Father’s Papal Encycli- After the signing, WeGen Lau- hit the mark: “You’ll never find a but any equation in life: the Cross, the Philippines (CBCP) for a report cal, the Laudato Si’, ‘On Care for dato Si’ established strategic re- rainbow if you’re looking down.” the glory of Jesus the Christ. on their response to Pope Francis’ our Common Home’”. lationships with most of the 85 Yes. Today, look up and realize NEGATIVES (minuses) can always call for environmental action. The In this report, the CBCP-Laiko Catholic dioceses covering the en- that the spectrum has indeed be made POSITIVE with a vertical request was relayed through, the explained in detail how it forged an tire Philippines to assist their dio- expanded and the world is slowly line, a vision for transcendence Apostolic Nuncio to the Philip- unprecedented long-term partner- ceses, parishes and other Catholic changing, and with its “silver connecting the two points: one pines, His Excellency, Archbishop ship with WeGen Laudato Si’ Inc. institutions to transition towards linings” even. The sky is bluer, above (God) and another at the Gabriele Caccia, DD. in October 2016. the use of renewable energy. and the stars are more visible at bottom (man). The words of the LAIKO stated that it engaged in These partnerships with the night. Look a little beyond and you Holy Father addressing the world The Philippine Church’s call a partnership with WeGen to put Dioceses have already produced a find out that the rooms, streets, in this time of crisis recently could for a ‘radical shift’ to renew- the Catholic Church in the Philip- modest, yet irreversible result (of markets, and even our seas, are indeed be understood: “God turns to able energy pines and its varied institutions more than 200 Solar Installations now tidied up. Look around you the good everything that happens to The Catholic Bishops’ Confer- at the forefront of the urgent and nation-wide) towards “easing the and you’ll see that family members us, even the bad things.” With Him, ence of the Philippines - Episcopal radical shift from fossil fuels to impact of climate change through are spending more time with one we will always be, and we have to Commission on Lay Apostolate renewable energy. responsible mitigation and adapta- other. People are “connecting” with choose to be: POSITIVE. (CBCP-ECLA) with its implement- The document of partnership tion measures”. B4 FEATURE April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 CBCP Monitor FEATURE To make our religious activities safer from the spread of the virus Protocol for religious service in the Archdiocese of Manila Note: These guidelines are given to be celebrated during set times on due to our extraordinary situation. weekdays to decongest baptisms on They are therefore temporary in Sundays. nature. Furthermore, the situation 3. The Holy Oils should be applied, is so fluid that we foresee that there using cotton, on the one baptized. will be other guidelines that will The cotton with holy oils should be follow when the situation changes burned after the celebration. The or when there are other directives cotton applied to one child should that will come from the government not be used for another child. One or from the church hierarchy. These cotton ball per child. guidelines are given so that we are prepared when religious services will For confirmation already be allowed. 1. We can forgo mass confirmations this year. Those who are to be Schedules baptized as adults or who get married 1. There should be at least a half can be confirmed by the parish priest hour gap between masses to allow as church discipline dictates. the church to be disinfected after each service. For confessions 2. Since we have lesser masses on 1. The small confessional boxes Sundays, we can have more services should be reconfigured to allow on weekdays. social distancing. If this cannot be 3. Ask the people to come on the done then have the confessions times when there are lesser people. done outside the confessional box, Encourage the faithful to come on with one meter distance between weekday masses if they cannot come the penitent and the priest. A special on Sundays. place should be designated for 4. The presence of difficulty, and in A priest presides over a simple wedding at the Manila Cathedral on April 30. ROMAIN GARRY LAZARO this where people can see that some cases impossibility, of fulfilling confessions are available. the Sunday obligation renders the them cheaper and the parishes will processions. The offerings can be 25. People will be catechized on 2. Both the priest and the penitent obligation suspended during these just have to buy them from RCAM. dropped in a basket at the back of the need for internal disposition should wear face masks. extraordinary circumstances. While 2. Since online masses will have to the church or in a box and one or before receiving communion, like 3. Priests may not hear confessions via Sunday and weekday Masses will continue for quite some time, let the two persons will bring these in front participation in the live stream telephone or Zoom teleconferencing, already be celebrated in parishes, Commission of Social Communion during the offertory. There will be Masses, short liturgy of the Word though they may use these methods the live streaming of Masses, at least help the parishes how to technically no offering of the bread and wine with the family, and personal prayer. to offer the penitents spiritual on Sundays, will continue for those improved their online capability, coming from the people. These prayers can also be printed in counsel. who are unable to participate in like what gadgets to use for better 15. The collection during the tarpaulins outside barangay chapels 4. When the sacrament of the community celebrations due to output and how to improve their offertory will be done through bags where communions outside the Reconciliation is not possible, for sickness, old age, fear and caution. internet connections. Let the Social attached to sticks, not and not bags mass will be given. example to a patient who is isolated 5. Because we will have lesser mass Communication Ministry of the that are passed around. 26. In those areas without nearby or in quarantine, they can make an schedules on Sundays and less parishes be given added training. 16. There will be no holding of chapels, communion can be given Act of Perfect Contrition. An Act of people can come on Sundays, the hands at the Our Father and no but outside the house. Let the Perfect Contrition always has been a parishes may start their “anticipated During the Holy Mass handshakes at the giving of peace. A communicants, dressed in a decent part of our Catholic tradition. God is masses” on Saturdays at 3 pm, 1. All the people attending the mass bow with a smiling face can already way, wait for the ministers to pass always present to us, even when the thus have three or four masses on and other church services should be a good sign of peace. to give communion. It would be Sacrament of Reconciliation is not Saturdays and invite the people to wear face mask. In fact, the marshals 17. Before communion the priest good if there is a small table with possible. While a priest cannot give join in these masses. and ushers should see to it that all shows the Sacred Host to the people sacred images or a crucifix as an absolution over the phone, he can 6. We can have more schedules people in the Church and its offices and says: “The Body of Christ” and indication that someone is this use the phone to give a blessing and of baptisms during the week so should wear face masks. For those the people answer “Amen”. When house is receiving communion. The even guide a person through an Act that people will not congregate on who do not have, low priced face the communion is given to the hands parish should be advised beforehand of Perfect Contrition. This is done Sundays masks should be available in the to each communicant, there will no and the people be told around what when the person expresses faith parish offices. longer be any conversation between time the minister will be coming to in and love of God above all things Physical structure 2. The body temperature of all those the minister and the communicant. give communion. and resolves to make a sacramental 1. Clearly mark the entrance and who enter the church building shall 18. If the congregation is small 27. Young and healthy women Confession as soon as possible. All exits to the church so that incoming be taken, by thermal body scan, enough especially on weekday religious and seminarians will be his/her sins, even mortal sins, are people will not meet outgoing ones. which will be a standard equipment masses, only the priest will give requested to help in distributing forgiven. Have marshals who shall man the in all parishes. communion. communion to the sick and the 5. The parishes can organize entrance and exits on Sundays to 3. The person/s who prepare/s 19. The lay ministers and the elderly kumpisalan ng bayan with keep order. the hosts, water and wine for priests will wash their hands with 28. The “Mass in Time of Pandemic” penitential service to enable the 2. Each entrance and exit should consecration need/s to observe alcohol before and after they give [Recently provided by the Holy See] people to come to confession, which have footbath container. proper hygiene and health protocols. communion. It is good that this is can be celebrated, according to the they were not able to do last lent. 3. There should be hand sanitizers 4. Let there be only one or two done in view of the people to give rubrics given for Masses and Prayers If there are too many people, then at the entrances. altar boys serving in the mass. If them assurance of the hygienic for Various Needs and Occasions, two or three kumpisalan na bayan 4. The places to be occupied in possible, the mass servers should practice. on any day except Solemnities, can be done. Proper social/physical the pews should be indicated to not be children, and if they are below 20. The flow of the communicants the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and distancing should be observed as help people keep social/ physical 18 years old, they should have the should be so directed that there be Easter, days within the Octave of during the mass. The parishes in the distancing. The people should written permission of their parents. strictly occupy only those places 5. If the mass servers are all indicated. children, let the extraordinary lay 5. There should be notices in front of ministers be trained to serve also as religious images telling people not mass servers. to touch or wipe the images. Short 6. Instead of choirs, we will just prayers can be posted in front of request a song leader and an the images to help the people pray instrumentalist to lead the people in front of them. in singing. There can be less singing 6. All holy water fonts should be in the mass. emptied and covered so that they 7. The ushers and marshals shall be may not be used. going around the church to remind 7. If the adoration chapel is small people of the social distancing. and enclosed, it is better not to open 8. Once the indicated spaces to be it. Encourage the people to pray in occupied are filled, we will no longer church instead. allow the people to enter the Church. 8. Let there be non-touch garbage They can stay outside but with disposal bins in parish offices and proper social distancing. Because of around the church and remind the this, the sound system should also people to dispose their waste in the be clear to the people outside and proper places. The maintenance TV monitors can be set up so that the people in the parishes are to be people outside the church can also taught to properly dispose the know what is happening in the mass. garbage. 9. In parishes where there are 9. Let the parish comfort rooms be parking spaces within the Church properly maintained and soap be compound, if there is need and if available for proper hand washing. their budget would allow, they can 10. For those churches which are air- set up big monitors in the parking conditioned, it would be better if the lot and a loud sound system so that air-conditioning is not used during if the church is full the people can this time. It will not be so hot after all participate in the mass in their cars. Livestream equipment at the Manila Cathedral. ROMAIN GARRY LAZARO because there will not be any over- 10. If there are enough priests, crowding. Explain to the people that masses can be celebrated outside of no meeting of people. They come Easter, the Commemoration of All vicariates can help one another here. open areas are better than closed the church, like in gymnasiums, still from one side and go to the other the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ spaces to ward off the virus. observing social distancing. side after communion. Day), Ash Wednesday and the days For weddings 11. For those parishes with 11. We need to recruit younger 21. All the ministers and the priests of Holy Week. Please see again the 1. We allow only simple weddings mortuaries, do not accept clients people as volunteers to help in should wear face masks during the communication from the Holy See this year, with only the bride and who have many days of wakes. the ministries, like collectors, lay giving of the communion. regarding the text and the use of the groom with one set of sponsors These days, the shorter the wake, the ministers, and ushers to lessen 22. The face mask should be worn this Mass. and the immediate family. Wala na better. Anyway, they cannot expect possibilities of infections among by all the mass servers – the altar 29. The oratio imperata is to be munang mga abay. distant relatives to travel these days the elderly. If the elderly volunteers boys/girls, the lay ministers, the prayed in every mass. and online services are available for insist to serve they may be allowed sacristans and the lectors when not 30. Children and the elderly will For Anointing of the Sick them to participate without being but with proper warning and reading. be advised to stay at home and 1. The appropriate protocols like the physically present at the funerals. precautions. Their time of service, 23. After the mass, the people join in the online mass. They may wearing of face mask, gloves and the 12. If we allow less people to however, should be shortened to would not be immediately allowed received communion which will be necessary preparation and post-visit participate physically in baptisms, limit the possibility of exposure to to enter so that the pews can be distributed outside the mass at the guidelines must be followed. weddings and funerals, let the parish any infection. disinfected. A group of volunteers places indicated. 2. The laying on of hands may be be ready to offer to the people online 12. In the Church lecterns, the can be organized to do this. It can be done without physical contact on the services. So the parishes should have microphones should have coverings; called the SANITATION MINISTRY. For Baptism head of the sick. their own equipment, good internet these are to be changed after each 24. Ministers can bring 1. Only the parents and one set of 3. Sanitize the oil stock before connection, and properly trained mass. communion to the sick and the godparents will be allowed per child and after each anointing to avoid people. 13. Things used in the mass should elderly. Arrangements can be made for the baptism. If there are many contamination of the sacred oil. be washed with hot water and that communion be distributed to be baptized, the children to be 4. A cotton ball or cotton buds/tips Services of the RCAM properly ironed. This can be one way in chapels for those who are not baptized can be organized by smaller can be used instead of the thumb for 1. We will ask RCAM to buy mask, of disinfecting them. disposed to join the community batches. anointing. For each anointing, use alcohol and sanitizers in bulk to get 14. There will no longer be offertory celebrations due to fear and caution. 2. Let the parishes allow baptisms Activities / B7 FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 FEATURE B5 Pastoral instruction: Let us be one with the whole Church

My dear People of God in the Archdiocese of At 12 noon, let us unite our hearts as TV Maria will live stream all these activities is a very concrete sign of common activity of Manila, an archdiocese for the live streaming of (TV Maria facebook page, Sky Cable – all religions since prayer, fasting and acts of the Eucharistic Celebration at the Manila Channel 210; Destiny Cable – Channel 96; love are common to all, and we are all affected As we strive to be personally connected Cathedral. At the conclusion of the Mass, SatLite – Channel 102; Sky Direct – Channel by this pandemic. I ask our faithful in the with God, let us also be connected with each the bishop together with the Mayors of the 49; Cable Linek Channel 18). You can also archdiocese to fully participate in this activity. other in and through the Church as the Body different cities within the Archdiocese will tune in to Radio Veritas. I invite the social To make our act of charity concrete, I invite of Christ. Let us join then in the activities that consecrate the archdiocese and the cities to communication ministry of the parishes everyone to extend material help to at least are meant to draw us closer to one another the Immaculate Heart of Mary. to hook in to broaden the reach of these one person within your reach, no matter the and to God. In preparation for this important event, let broadcasts. Even individually please invite amount, to make that person/s feel the care I invite the parishes, religious communities us be one through a triduum of fasting, prayer your friends and relatives in the archdiocese we have for each other. May this sign of unity and families of the faithful in their homes and reflection on May 10, 11 and 12 through TV to participate in these activities. among us draw us all to the One Source of all to participate in the Consecration to the Maria live stream and Radio Veritas: Let us entrust ourselves to the maternal Goodness. Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 13, the protection of Mary, our Mother during 103th anniversary of the apparition in Fatima. 3:30 PM this time of crisis. We pray that through At 8:30 in the morning, let us follow the Praying of the rosary and the Flores de Maria her prayers as at Cana in Galilee, joy and Thank you very much. live stream of the praying of the holy rosary devotion celebration may return after this time of trial. and the prayer of consecration of the whole The Holy Father is calling for a day of Sincerely yours in the Lord Jesus, country to the Blessed Virgin. This prayer will 4:30 PM prayer, fasting and acts of charity on May 14 be done simultaneously all over the country. Reflection of Bishop Broderick Pabillo to be participated in not only by Christians The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Prayers to be led by different sectors of the but by all religions to implore the Almighty + BRODERICK S. PABILLO in Valenzuela City will be the center of this Church to end this pandemic. Being in the Year of Apostolic Administrator of Manila activity. Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue, this May 6, 2020 A call for compassion “I was imprisoned and you visited me.”-- Mt. 25:36

the recent fatal shooting of an ex- with great prudence, always taking not in penal institutions where the soldier, who was said to have mental into consideration the best interest possibility of transmitting the virus problems, after he allegedly tried to of all PDLs. to other detainees and correctional pull out a gun after being confronted Allow us then to make the personnel is very high. With the by a police officer for violating following recommendations: terrible congestion in our penal quarantine rules. Even as we call for 1. We beg the police to observe institutions, the transmission to an in-depth investigation into this the proper rules of engagement and other inmates is very high and it matter, we would like to appeal to show utmost respect for the human will be very catastrophic. We call for our law enforcers to always exercise rights of those under investigation the urgent testing for correctional maximum tolerance and prudence and/or accused persons under our employees, and all PDLs who are in the performance of their duties laws. Detainees should be provided under investigation or monitoring especially during these troubled with basic needs, e.g., food and (PUIs and PUMs), and the provision times. potable water, a decent sleeping of personal protective equipment 2. On the matter of the transfer gear and be detained in a place (PPE) for our correctional front of PDLs with COVID-19 to the New where proper physical and social liners and medical teams. We also Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa: distancing can be observed. A good urge the Inter Agency Task Force We are deeply concerned about number may be turned over to their (IATF) on COVID response to the report that the COVID positive respective barangay officials who strictly mandate observance of female PDLs of the Correctional will then check the individual stories protocols on isolation of COVID Bishop Pedro Arigo celebrates Mass inside the NBP Minimum Security Compound during the Prison Institution for Women (CIW) were of those arrested. Alternatives to patients, PUIs and PUMs, testing Awareness Week in October 2019. ordered transferred to the New detention should be considered, and proper treatment for the said Bilibid Prisons—Medium Security such as education of the violators patients. THE COVID-19 global pandemic into the streets, we are concerned Camp, an all-male facility. We and community service upon their has adversely affected practically that this may pose more problems believe that transferring female release. At the outset we enjoin everyone all the people in the world, rich and than solutions, mainly because of PDLs to this male camp is not 2. We propose that in releasing to cooperate and observe all the poor alike, regardless of race and the big possibility that those who advisable. At present, there are more qualified PDLs to decongest our reasonable measures laid down creed. There is really a need for a will be caught belong to the poor and than 7,000 inmates in this camp and jails and prisons, priority should by our civil authorities to combat united and concerted effort to curb indigent sector. this transfer will put other PDLs be given to the elderly, those who this menace. Let us continue to this menace. In certain areas we have learned, and even the prison officials and are sick, the youth, as well as those pray for and honor our frontlines, They say that critical times call for instance, that many alleged personnel in great jeopardy. Also, existing PDLs who were earlier especially the medical workers, law for equally critical and drastic ECQ violators were rounded up aside from PDLs, there are many granted release through the benefits enforcers, jail and prison officials solutions. While we truly appreciate and brought to a sports complex residents in the area near the facility of the good conduct time allowances and personnel, for their noble efforts the government in its efforts in where physical and social distancing and the probability of transmission (GCTA), but were subsequently and sacrifices. We include in our battling this pandemic, we wish to was unfortunately not properly is very likely. ordered re-arrested; and finally prayers those who are still battling air the following concerns: observed. We were informed that 3. On the matter of moves calling those who are already qualified for with the disease, that they may be 1. On the matter of the strict the detainees are not provided for the release of PDL’s with minor Executive Clemency and favorably healed soon. implementation of the ECQ rules: with food and water. The only cases to help in jail decongestion: recommended by the Board of Rest assured that the Church is State authorities have declared way that they can be released is We join the call from other cause- Pardons and Parole. always ready to work hand in hand that they will be very strict in by posting bail with the courts for oriented human rights groups for Needless to say, we also ask that with the State to curb this pandemic the implementation of the rules their temporary liberty. But where the expeditious release of vulnerable support services be given to those and mitigate its adverse effects on regarding the enhanced community will they get the money to post bail, inmates who are ill, old, as well as who will be released, like those our populace. May God bless us and quarantine (ECQ) in the entire when these are mostly the poor? the youth in conflict with law, and national prisoners who will have deliver us all through these tough country, with violators being And since they are unable to bail low-risk offenders. We all know the to travel back to their provinces. times! severely dealt with—with no chance themselves out, they eventually land general condition in our country’s This can be in the form of transport for these to explain their side, and in jail, thereby further contributing detention facilities (cramped, overly- services and inclusion in the Legazpi City, 30 April 2020. that they will just be apprehended, to the congestion in our prisons and congested and mostly unkempt) Pantawid Buhay program of the and detained with corresponding exposure to the COVID-19 virus hence the probability that one will government. criminal charges filed against them and other illnesses. But is this not get infected and in turn infect other 3. Finally as to the housing of +JOEL Z. BAYLON, D.D. in court. the very purpose of the ECQ, i.e., fellow detainees as well as the jail COVID-19 positive PDLs, we strongly Bishop of Legazpi While this hardline stance may to prevent the spread of the COVID personnel manning the facilities, recommend that they be placed in Chairman, CBCP-Episcopal somehow deter people from going virus through social distancing? is very high. We call on the jail and medical facilities where their needs Commission on Prison Pastoral out of their homes and venturing We are very concerned about prison authorities to implement this can be attended to properly, and Care (CBCP-ECPPC) Goodness is an overflow of God’s goodness to us Statement of affirmation and appeal THE Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas do good things and share from the affirms and congratulates the Inter- treasury of their good heart. “A Agency Task Force for its hard work good person produces good things and effort in stemming the tide of from the treasury of a good heart” the Pandemic Virus. We are highly (Luke 6:45) cognizant of the measures it has We recommend that a further implemented to address the impact review be made, which may of the pandemic in the economy, include looking into the possibility food security and the general well- of delegating this decision to the being of the Filipino people. Hence local executives, who have greater as good citizens, we gladly complied appreciation, information and with the guidelines set-forth by control over the Religious groups the IATF to prevent even more the present among their constituents. spread of the Covid-19. We are willing to submit our plans, As the IATF continues to assess protocols and guidelines to assure its next moves after May 15, 2020, them of our strict observance of and with the withdrawal of its earlier these safety and health measures. decision to allow Religious gatherings With strict compliance to (in general) in areas declared as Government Guidelines on Social General Community Quarantines Distancing and Sanitation, the (GCQ), we present this appeal so as lay faithful requests for Religious to give the Filipinos a sense of the new Gatherings (Ex. Catholic Masses, normal in their spiritual gatherings Baptisms, Anointing of the Sick and an opportunity to uplift our and Funerals, etc.) to be allowed Spiritual Well-being, which are both in the GCQ areas. We demand that humane and essential. our right to religious worship be The Sangguniang Laiko ng not curtailed when the necessary Pilipinas believes that giving the safeguards are followed. people the opportunity to connect with the Almighty God, especially through religious encounters and For the Laiko Board of Directors, spiritual events will directly translate into goodness for themselves and for ROUQUEL A. PONTE others. These are great opportunities President to inspire and challenge them to Residents pray the novena outside their homes in Parañaque city’s San Dionisio village on May 3, 2020. PATRICK DOMINICK ROMERO 04 May 2020 B6 REFLECTIONS April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS Jesus as the way to the Father Jesus the way to the 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A, (John 14:1-12) home he prepared for us May 10, 2020 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A, By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD (John 14:1-12) May 10, 2020 JESUS, in today’s Gospel, speaks Jesus has to be explained. The term Jesus. The life of Jesus, that is the of preparing a place for us so that “way” depicts the mediatorial role life of God; what Jesus taught, that By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB where he is we may also be: “In of Jesus between the community is the teaching of God. In the words my Father’s house there are many of men and God the Father. It is of a New Testament writer, “in this dwelling places… I am indeed go- unfortunately that, for some people, the final age, [God] has spoken to WHEN we reflect on what Jesus is in reach old age, they see themselves ing to prepare a place for you and religion is about theories or laws us through his Son” (Heb 1:1). John himself and for us, we cannot help like bundles of garbage on the then I shall come back to take you that should regulate relationships. himself makes a similar affirmation: being amazed at the richness of the sidewalk, waiting to be collected by with me, that where I am you also Of course, these are important, but “No one has ever seen God. It is meaning of his titles as we can derive the “basureros” and dumped into may be” (John 14:2-3). But how these do not belong to the heart of God, the only Son, ever at the Fa- them from the readings of today’s “Smokey Mountain.” can one dwell in the mansion of Christianity. It is not even about ther’s side, who has revealed him” Liturgy of the Word. The “believers,” instead, see death God? How can he be united with duplicating the crucifixion, as some (John 1:18). Hence, if we wish to St. Peter speaks of him as as a “second birth”—their entry into the Father? Jewish conventional people are inclined to think. Chris- know the goal of our existence, and the “LIVING STONE” and the eternal life. That is why they wait for wisdom teaches that it is achieved tianity is first of all about the person the way how to reach it, we only “CORNERSTONE” upon whom the it with expectation and hope. They through the observance of the law: of Jesus. It is Jesus who is the way have to hear it from Jesus himself. building of the Church rests. (See are like retired people waiting for “Who shall sojourn in your tent? to God, not a formula to be observed The reason for this is that he is today’s Second Reading, vv. 4 and 7.) the bus or boat that will take them Who shall dwell in your holy moun- or magic words to be uttered. If we the life. If the term “way” depicts The first title sounds contradictory on a pleasant excursion – a pleasure- tain? He who walks blamelessly and wish to be united with the Father, his mediatorial role between God for a stone is surely a “dead thing.” filled excursion that will last for ever! does justice” (Ps 15:1-2). Literally of then we have to be united with Je- and men, and if “truth” expresses Not so with Jesus. He has all the Most people used to consider old course, the text is about one’s being sus, we have to be committed to him, his mediation of revelation, the solidity of the stone, while at the age and retirement as a sort of “pre- worthy to enter God’s sanctuary, but and follow his way of life. That is term “life” used to describe Jesus same time being full of life. And, departure area.” But the truth is that the substance is there. Thus Prophet why Paul can say: “Continue to live emphasizes his mediation of salva- more than that, from him all other all of us, in this life, are in the “pre- Baruch: “Had you walked in the way in Christ the Lord in the spirit which tion, which is none other than life stones that make up the Church of departure area,” regardless of age, of the Lord, you would have dwelt you receive him” (Col 2:6). The way with God, unity with him. As we God derive their life and solidity, profession, or social status. People in enduring peace” (Bar 3:13). For of life that he lived, which is that of a noted earlier, it is only in being in thereby becoming, in turn, “living do die at all ages, in the most varied a Christian, however, it would not loving obedience to the Father’s will, communion with Jesus that one stones.” circumstances. And no one can be enough to follow the law. Keep- is what is of importance. Hence, can be in communion with the As the original “Living Stone,” boast: “Death will never catch me!” ing the law may bring some form of Paul says: “Follow the way of love, Father. It is for this unity and life Jesus is then the source of our life Death does catch all. What makes peace to a person or to a community, even as Christ loved you. He gave that he came: “I came that they and the reason for our presence the difference is the way we look at it. but it would never bring one to an himself for us as an offering to God, may have life, and have it to the and role in the Church. Without With his promises, recorded in experience of God’s life. It is not a gift of pleasing fragrance” (Eph full” (John 10:10). So long as we him, there would be no Church as today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that we insignificant that Matthew makes 5:2). do not have life, our heart will a spiritual edifice. There would be should look forward to our death as Jesus declare: “Unless your holi- The claim that he is the truth remain restless, because it was for no other “living stones” used by the moment when he will come to ness surpasses that of the scribes underlines his mediation of the the experience of this life that we God to construct the Temple of His take us with him, so that where he and Pharisees, you will not enter the Father’s revelation. He is the way were created. In fact, the present wonderful plan. is we also may be. (See v. 3.) Such kingdom of God” (Matt 5:20). precisely because he is the truth. realization that all mankind is just The image of Jesus as is our eternal destiny, our supreme The unity with God is given This recalls what the Matthean Jesus one family, the experience that “Cornerstone,” instead, connotes calling. There is no greater view and to a Christian not so much by follow- affirms: “No one knows the Son but after all the world is one global both solidity and primacy. It is like aspiration than this. ing the law, as by being in commu- the Father, and no one knows the village—this is to be taken as sign speaking of strong foundations and Some may laugh at such an nion with Jesus, for “no one comes Father but the Son—and anyone to that finally the world is becom- supporting beams in a building. assurance. Their perception has to the Father but through me” (John whom the Son wishes to reveal him” ing aware that we are moving to a No house would stand without become so materialistic that they 14:6b). To bring home the point, (Matt 11:27). It is strange that some certain goal, which for a Christian them. Likewise, without Christ as are not able to conceive anything John has Jesus say: “I am the way, people are anxious to hear about is none other than union with God, its cornerstone, there would be no that stretches beyond the confines the truth and the life” (John 14:6a). new revelation from God, when God but made possible through union enduring Church. Persecutions and of what can be seen, touched, These three terms used to describe has already fully revealed himself in with the risen Lord. defections would have soon reduced measured, or weighed. They even it to nothing. But the Church has look at the believers as “self-deluded survived for two thousand years – a people” who try to find refuge in clear sign that She rests on a most imaginary worlds that are only the solid cornerstone! fruit of their disappointments in The risen Lord lives on in the Church But Jesus is not only the source of life . the solidity of the Church over the But we know that our faith in 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A, (John 14:15-21) centuries. He is also the foundation eternal life has a much more solid May 17, 2020 of our hope that there is LIFE beyond foundation than our frustrations. Its the barriers of time and space. He is foundation is no less than the word By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD the one who has prepared for us of Jesus himself, who is “THE WAY, a future of unending happiness. THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE.” He His final plan is that he and all his is the one who said that he came to THE central message of Easter is disciples be together for ever in the earth that people might have life and that Jesus is alive! But if he cannot Father’s house – that is: HEAVEN! life to the full. (See Jn 10:10). And he be found among the dead, where is That is our real “homeland” and assured his disciples (and all human he? Where do we encounter him? lasting abode! beings) that he has gone to prepare In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks This certainty is one of the factors a place for them promised that he of the Paraclete. It may be noted that make the difference between would come back to take them where that John uses the term another believers and those who are not sure he is (See today’s Gospel text, vv. Paraclete—to indicate that Jesus or flatly deny that there is life after 2-3.) This is what we to believe and is the first Paraclete. Literally, the death. The latter view death as the continue to hope in. This is what word means “called-to-one’s-side” end of everything they are and have. gives us joy and light, even in the or helper, and has reference to the Hence, they look to it either with fear dullest and darkest moments in this Holy Spirit that the Father sent as or with resigned fatalism. When they earthly life. a response to the prayer of his Son. As Paraclete, Jesus revealed the Truth about God the Father to his disciples until his death; but after The challenge to love his Ascension, the Spirit now reveals and Judaea. The spiritual presence not be taken to mean that ecstatic the Truth about Jesus. Thus, as of Jesus is thus shared and expanded. experience is always a necessary Paraclete, the Holy Spirit continues Until his death, Jesus was physically element of being Church. There was in words and deeds the work of Jesus. This is what is present only in the community of and there will be ecstatic experience; 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A, (John 14:15-21) meant when Jesus says that “I will disciples, but with the coming of miracles of healing and driving ask the Father and he will give you the Holy Spirit, he becomes present of spirits might be present, but May 17, 2020 another Paraclete—to be with you in all the communities that profess what being charismatic necessarily By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB always: the Spirit of Truth” (John his name, and are at the same time implies is the observance of the 14:17a). As Helper, the Spirit will linked to the mother Church in commandment of love, which is the be the source of Truth; and will act Jerusalem. How do we say this in indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In PROFESSION of our faith and our in our existence through the action as Paraclete, as the disciples suffer our time? Perhaps this means that fact, in today’s Gospel, the presence love for Christ in words is good and of the Holy Spirit, the supreme Gift hostility from the world. For John, all communities must form a unity of the Father is linked with the needed. But along with the words— of the Risen Lord. Life may be hard the coming of the Paraclete is the with the mother Church in Rome. commandment of love: “If you love and even more important than for us. We may be misunderstood return of Jesus to the community Secondly, because the Holy Spirit me and obey the commands I give they—there should be a profession or even persecuted because of of disciples. That is why Jesus dwells in the Church, the community you, I will ask the Father and he of faith and love for him through our faithfulness to God. This says that, even with his departure, is in communion with the Risen will give you another Paraclete to our lives. already happened to Jesus. At he will not leave them orphaned, Lord. The Risen Lord lives in the be with you always: the Spirit of Actions speak louder than words. the Last Supper he stated: “If because through the Holy Spirit, Church because the Holy Spirit is Truth” (John 14:15-16). The world is filled with crowd- they persecuted me, they will also he will continue to abide with his there. But quite apart from being In contemporary theological drawing speakers and charismatic persecute you.” (Jn 15:20). It will community. In fact, they will share present, the community shares the reflection, the Church is viewed preachers, but it is always in dire surely happen to us if we remain his life, even as Jesus shares the life life of the Risen Lord, who shares as a Church of Communion, and need of real, consistent Christians. faithful to him. Then it will be of his Father. Thus, the Holy Spirit the life of the Father. For this there is no doubt that today’s For most of us, an authentic Christian helpful to remember the saying appears to be the spiritual presence reason, the Church experiences the Gospel provides a solid basis for life is the only profession of love for of Peter: “It is better to suffer for of Jesus in the community. In other continuing action of God among such a theology. In the Church, Christ we can offer, and the only doing good, if that be the will of words, if we ask the question, where men. The Father is revealed by the members are in communion one which most people are inclined God, than for doing evil.” (See do we meet Jesus? John’s answer is: Jesus and his saving-presence is with the Trinitarian God and with to accept. The testing ground of today’s Second Reading, v. 17.) we encounter him in the Holy Spirit, shared through the Holy Spirit. That one another. In practice, this our love for Christ is not so much Occasional failures may occur, the pulpit, or the microphone of a but a real disciple keeps rising who is present in the community. is why the Church is an icon of the implies that the love of God dwells Radio or TV station or a website. It and forging ahead, despite of Because Jesus abides in the Trinity: the saving work of God the in the community and is shared is especially our behavior – the way all difficulties from within and Church through the Holy Spirit, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is among the members. On the other we relate to God and respond to the from without. In the midst of all we are therefore given a very rich shared in the Christian community. hand, the members are assured needs of our fellow human beings, be difficulties, we should keep in mind understanding of what being Church In other words, being Church is an of the presence of the Trinity they near us or far away . . . . Jesus’ wonderful promise: “Whoever means. First of all, since, as the First experience of Trinitarian life. by their observance of the love- To respond to Christ’s love loves me will be loved by my Father, Reading (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17) tells us, And finally, this Trinitarian life commandment. Their love for one for us throughout our life, in and I will love him and reveal myself the Church in Jerusalem sent Peter is lived in love. “He who obeys the another is a sign that the Trinity constant faithfulness (and not just to him . . . and we will come to him and John to confer the Spirit on the commandments he has from me dwells in the Church. Which occasionally), is a daunting task. and make our dwelling place with developing Christian community is the man who loves me; and he means that it is not enough to view And we are weak. We often falter him. (See Jn 14:21.23.) This will to incorporate them fully into the who loves me will be loved by my the Church simply as an institution. and fall! Jesus knew it, and that was make our earthly life a foretaste of fellowship, this implies that local Father. I too will love him and Of course, to see the Church as a why he promised his disciples (and heaven—a unique privilege reserved churches cannot be isolated from reveal himself to him” (John 14:21). structured visible society has it own us) that he would not leave them/us for those who really love Christ and Rome, even as the expanding church The fact that the Spirit lives in merits, but to look at the Church orphaned (Jn 14:18). He promised show it by the way they live. in Judea and Samaria cannot severe the Church—this signifies that the as a Communion is to emphasize to stay with his disciples/us to the These are words worth itself from the Church in Jerusalem. Church is a charismatic Church. the work of grace that unites all very end to guide and support us. remembering and believing. Their The Holy Spirit that is at work in There never was a time that the members in Christ and draws them (See Mt 28:20.) fulfillment will make our life the the mother Church in Jerusalem is Church was not charismatic, or it is into the communion with the Father, Jesus’ presence is made operative greatest success ever. shared in the community at Samaria not a Church at all. But this should Son and the Holy Spirit. REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 Free the child prisoners before they die By Fr. Shay Cullen

WE are all feeling the restriction of begging. Like hundreds of street confinement in our homes with the children, he had nowhere to hide Coronavirus lock-down which is to and was jailed. Just imagine if your continue. We cannot go where we young boy was punished like this. please so let’s think of the prisoners There are six images drawn on jailed unjustly for years. Many of the page. In Raymond’s drawing, them are political prisoners and he shows the torture and abuse he human rights activists caged like suffered in the local government- animals, and above all, they who run Bahay Pagasa. It reads like the suffer most- the children behind torture that suspected terrorists bars. All are in danger of the were made to suffer. Coronavirus. On a single page are six images, Many thousands are imprisoned the first a picture of flies on rotten without any evidence against them food. They ate bad tasting, fly- and without being charged. Many infested expired food from cans. are jailed for non-serious offenses. The cans were likely donated by The Coronavirus puts them in companies. Then the centre’s budget grave danger of death, a painful and for fresh food disappeared. desperate death. They die gasping The second image is of Raymond from slow suffocation, alone, forced to climb the steel bars of the abandoned, unaided, unknown, cell and left to hang there for pain- isolated and unreported as if they filled hours, a cruel punishment. never existed. Sometimes, he was punched and The children are the most whacked with a rubber slipper. vulnerable as they are weak from Below that, to the left, Raymond is malnutrition, racked by asthma, shown being beaten with a stick and some with tuberculosis and damaged spat upon as if he was dirt. To the by physical and sexual abuse and centre right is a drawing of when he hurt. They are jailed in subhuman is sleeping. The older boys, some conditions. Most sleep on concrete adults or the guards put toothpaste murderers and rapists- need to be for hours in a stress position. He Let’s us act now. Share this floors and sub-human conditions. in his eyes causing painful stinging held in jail to protect the public, was shouted at, insulted and beaten article on your Facebook account They are deprived of education, and beat him with a rubber slipper but not the children especially with with a rubber slipper when in these and send it to the Commission on exercise, sunlight, fresh air, good when he fights back. Coronavirus hovering nearby. This stress positions. Human Rights at chrcrc@yahoo. food, medical help, legal help, In the upper right side of the is the great hidden scandal of the There are many more child com and Secretary Eduardo Año entertainment, visitors, without drawing, Raymond shows how he local governments- the torture of victims who have and are suffering of the Department of Interior and showers and toilets. It is a desperate, was put in a steel drum and the children in the Bahay Pag-asa. They like this. We must raise our voices Local Government at emano@ dangerous situation. They must be others beat the sides of the drum need to be overhauled and made in any way we can and demand that dilg.gov.ph. Ask him to act freed at once. to inflict severe noise, causing compliant with the guidelines issued they be released without delay. with the JJWC headed by the I can reveal and prove that many pain, hurting and damaging his by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare As Jesus of Nazareth said, to Secretary Rolando Bautista of the of them are tortured. Here is a small eardrums. The bottom right side of Council (JJWC). be his true follower we have to have Department of Social Welfare and fragment of the evidence of their the drawing is when he was forced Alvin is 12 years old. His drawing commitment and action to help free Development (DSWD). The DSWD torture in their own pictures. to clean the filthy, clogged toilet shows how he was forced to hang on the oppressed and the captives as he is the “lead social protection Raymond (not his real name),13 bowl. He sometimes sleep on metal the bars and beaten. He was hung did (Luke 4:18) To be a member of agency” that is requesting the years old, is now safe in the Preda grills. The Bahay Pagasa is a regime by the feet, so the blood rushed God’s family, we will be asked when release of old and sick prisoners home for rescued boys. He is a of cruel torture and child abuse and to the head and gave him a severe did we visit the prisoners and help so they, too, must release all small boy, one of many, picked up it is common. headache. He was forced to stand them? (Matthew 25:35) Matthew detained children in the different on the streets by the tanods (local The Philippines system of law against a wall with legs stretched out exposed the torture and massacre Bahay Pagasa. Then, they must community guards) in Metro Manila enforcement is very weak, arbitrary in a painful, stress position, He cried of the children by King Herod act to close the Bahay Pagasa and jailed in the so-called Bahay and in general there is much abuse with the pain. His picture shows also (Matthew 3:16) and he wrote about that are houses of torture and Pagasa (House of Hope). He, like of authority. The law is there to rotten food. He was hit on the ears, how Jesus told his audience that abuse and instead build genuine others, ran away from an abusive, protect, not to punish unjustly. and was forced to hold up a heavy the most important in the world are child development centers. Acting violent father. He lived on the streets Yes, the dangerous criminals- box causing pain. He had to kneel children. together, we can bring change.

Liturgical / B2

2º All that refers to the licitud of the richness of the liturgy of the not to wear all the vestments competencies, corresponding to Conference and the procedure for its of the sacraments the regulation Church. They are at the service of for Mass on a warm day—under the need for a certain plurality of exercise (nn.55 & 66-67). of which the Holy See has not the pastoral function of the liturgy the guise of a misunderstood liturgical forms, in accordance b) Secondarily the Diocesan decentralized to the Episcopal of stimulating and increasing the principle of contextualization. Such with the different mentalities and Bishop: It pertains to the diocesan Conferences and to the diocesan sense of Christ among the faithful “experimentation with the liturgy traditions of different peoples bishop in the church entrusted Bishops. (cf. IGMR, n.313). is illicit, unless it counts with the (cf. SC, 37-39). This is channeled to him, within the limits of his 3º The edition of liturgical books A particular application of this expressed authorization of the Holy through: competence, to issue liturgical (c.383, 2). principle is what has come to be See”.2 a) Primarily the Episcopal norms by which all are bound. 4º Recognition of versions of known as inculturation—i.e., the 4) Principle of Decentralization. Conferences: It pertains to the (c.838, §4). liturgical books in the vernacular incidence of the different cultures The ecclesiology of Vatican II, conferences of bishops to prepare 4) Principle of Full and Active (c.383, 2). of peoples in whatever is fitting to which re-emphasized the particular translations of the liturgical books Participation of the Faithful. Of less 5º Vigilance over the fulfillment better express the inexhaustible Churches and the dignity of the into the vernacular languages, juridic impact than the foregoing of the universal liturgical norms riches of Christ, provided that diocesan Bishops, opened a with the appropriate adaptations principles is one which is latent everywhere (c.383, 2). it is compatible with the Gospel wide margin for Particular within the limits defined in the in the whole liturgical renewal and does not contradict ecclesial Law in the matter of liturgy. liturgical books themselves, and to ushered in by Vatican II, and that 3) Principle of Liturgical communion. Thus, after establishing the publish them with the prior review is the desire for the full and active Elasticity. The rituals in force do A different matter is the exaggerated aforementioned principles, the rest by the Holy See (c.838, §3). The participation of all the faithful in not impose uniformity, but rather adaptation of the liturgical norms of c.838 enumerates the different Instruction Varietates legitimae the liturgy, each one according to permits the use of different forms for to more specific and even simply 2 SCDW, Instruction Varietates legitimae, gave further indications on the his state and condition. (To be celebrating, which are expressions personal circumstances—e.g., 25.I.1994, n.66. ambit of this power of the Episcopal concluded.)

Activities / B4

a new cotton ball/tips and new oil 1. Our Extraordinary Ministers family of God, which is the Church. their responsibility, so they have to add to the unemployment problem on the cotton. of Holy Communion, ushers ang Each is obliged to support the observe necessary precautions. of our people. If need be, we have to 5. It is permitted that only the other ministers need retraining church according to one’s capability. 3. A part of the work of this ministry retool or reschedule our personnel forehead be anointed. considering the extraordinary We give to the church not because is to help bring communion to the to take on new jobs that the new 6. For communion of the sick circumstances and the appropriate we have received a service from sick and the elderly. Only young situation calls us. However it should and viaticum, enough consecrated protocol. The Archdiocesan it. We support it regularly and volunteers are to be asked to do this. be properly explained to them that if hosts must be brought to avoid Liturgical Commission will provide voluntarily because we are part of it. the financial situation of the parish unnecessary contamination of the instructional videos. Parish Priests Social Communication does not improve, then their work host/s. and ministry coordinators will be To get in touch with the Ministry load – consequently their wages— responsible for their re-training. parishioners 1. Every parish should have a social will be diminished and some other For funerals 1. Let the parish have zoom capability communication ministry, with benefits may no longer be given. All 1. Only let the immediate family be In parish offices so that it can organize meeting with proper equipment and well trained of these however should be done in allowed during funeral masses in 1. Parish offices should be so some parish leaders without asking people. consultation with our legal office and the church, observing proper social designed that proper distancing is them to physically come to the 2. Let the parish have their own thus done according to law and charity. distancing. observed. church. online mass every Sunday. 2. Avoid having several dead people 2. There should be thermometer check 2. Let each parish invest in its social 3. Let each parish maintain its Finances for one funeral mass to avoid large for all who enter the parish office. communication infrastructure and own facebook where people can 1. We expect our revenues to fall. crowds. This would mean more 3. There is sanitation handwash have people properly trained for its get relevant information about and People have no money and we have funeral masses or telling the people facility upon entering the office. social communication ministry. from the parish to do a lot of charitable works. not to bring their dead to the church 4. Let the parish offices set up 4. The task of the socom ministry Thus let us minimize our expenses, anymore if a mass has already been facilities for online donations and Health ministry is also to help the people to be especially our capital expenses. done during the wake. let these by transparent and user- 1. Let all parishes set up a functional responsible users of the social Improvements and projects can 3. Proper social distancing is to be friendly. health ministry whose activities means of communication and not wait but proper maintenance should observed during wake masses. 5. An important work of the parish could include: be addicted to it or be manipulated be done so as not to incur greater office now is to build up the data a. To identify the sick and the by it. expenses later on. Blessing of sacramentals base of the parishioners so that text elderly in the parish and minister 2. The finance department of RCAM 1. A place should be indicated or email blasts can be given to them to them. Maintaining good relationships will set up guidelines for online where people can have their medals, inform them of what is happening b. To help comfort the sick and 1. Let the parish priests and parish donations. All the parishes should rosaries, statuettes and other in the parish. This can also create a their family. leaders maintain good relationships be open to online donations but the materials blessed. The place should sense of belongingness to the parish. c. To help people make referrals with the barangay leaders and the transparency and proper accounting be big enough so that the people when they get sick LGU officials. of the donations should remain. need not congregate as they wait for Recollections d. To take care of health care 2. We follow up the relationships 3. Let the parishes strive to the priest for the blessing. 1. Organize more online recollections, workers within the parish and we have established during this give their contributions to the curia 2. The parish can have talks and Bible studies and tell the have good relations with them. quarantine period and maintain because these go to the salaries of containers with holy water available people to attend these for their e. To guide people to have healthy long term engagements with them. our catechists and to the apostolic for people to bring home. They spiritual nourishment. Encourage lifestyle 3. Inform our donors of what fund of the priests. We priests should be properly instructed that the people to tune in more to Radio f. To minister to the mentally sick. we have done and maintain good and the catechists continue to this holy water can be used in their Veritas and to TV Maria which can 2. When volunteers join the relations with them. receive our allowances even in this homes to remind them of their broadcast these talks. ministries in the parish, health situation. baptism. 2. The spirituality of stewardship precautions should be given to Parish personnel should be promoted in the talks. them by this ministry. The would- 1. The general policy is that as Bishop Broderick Pabillo Parish Ministers and In this spirituality all the faithful be volunteers should be made to much as possible we do not lay Apostolic Administrator of Manila volunteers are reminded that we belong to the understand that their health is off regular personnel so as not to May 6, 2020 B8 ENTERTAINMENT April 27 - May 10, 2020 Vol. 24 No 9 CBCP Monitor

A person’s response to a life and death situation reveals his true nature. The Platform ORATIO IMPERATA amplifies how the need to survive seemingly supersedes compassion, kindness, PRAYER FOR PROTECTION against the and selflessness. “Hunger spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) unleashes the madman in us.” It does not matter if you belong to the upper and privileged God our Father, sector. As long as there are We come to you in our need people below you and people To ask your protection against the above you, once your survival is threatened, humanity is Coronavirus (COVID-19), forgotten. For a few who still That has claimed lives a horror-thriller movie which hope and hold on to their might come as surprise for core goodness, the struggle is And has affected many. The Platform those expecting corpses and to effect change — below and DIRECTOR: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia; ghouls chasing innocents at above. The people need to We pray for your grace SCREENPLAY; David Desola, Pedro Rivero heart pumping speed. The change so the entire system LEAD CAST: Ivan Massague, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor, horror here is much more can be shaken into reality. For the people tasked with studying the Emilio Buale Coka, Alexandra Masangkay terrifying — the loss of one’s As the movie demonstrates, MUSIC: Aranzazu Calleja; CINEMATOGRAPHY Jon Dominguez; nature and cause the well-meaning objectives GENRE: Horror- Thriller-Drama COUNTRY: Spain humanity just to survive. Of this virus and its disease LANGUAGE: Spanish DISTRIBUTED BY: Netflix; The movie is technically of the administration is RUNNING TIME: 94 minutes well crafted. Point in corrupted when they are out And of stemming the tide of its case, it either manages to of touch with the effects of its transmission. Technical assessment: 4 Moral assessment: 2 convey the allegories or policies and the responses of CINEMA rating: V18 MTRCB rating: R 18 turns off viewers because the people. The Vertical Self-Management commits herself to be able the violence is a little too Change cannot happen Guide the hands and minds of Center is a 333-floor facility to help the prisoners “reach relatable. Massague gives with only or a few people medical experts known as The Hole. Each spontaneous solidarity”. She that low-keyed performance working for it. It has to be a floor (or level) serves as a explains that if people will while Eguileor swings from collaborative effort. People That they may minister to the sick cell with two inmates and only eat what they need, the charming to chilling. The need to work together and With competence and compassion. a huge hole in the middle food ration is sufficient for setting delivers clinical have a common selfless goal. where a platform laden with everyone. They get transferred coldness and desperate Working together means gourmet food descends from to level 202 where Imoguiri pain. The brilliance of the being in solidarity for the sake And of those governments and level 1 to the lowest level. This commits suicide and forces narrative is that it takes a of the helpless, the voiceless, private agencies daily banquet is prepared Goreng to feed on her. He simple premise anyone can and the disadvantaged. meticulously in a five-star then wakes up on level 6 with understand and relate to: While most reviews look That must find cure and solution to this kitchen. The prisoners in the Baharat (Coka). After a failed hunger and helplessness. at The Platform as a snide epidemic. cells on the upper tier get to attempt to get help from the Then it complicates it with attack against capitalism, eat first while those below prisoners in level 5, he joins physical and moral challenges, we can also surmise that the are left with scraps if they Goreng in forcibly rationing after which it challenges the greed and self-preservation We pray for those afflicted are lucky. Every so often, the food to all levels so no one will viewers to recalibrate their attributed to the capitalists May they be restored to health soon. prisoners are drugged and go hungry and they would be moral compass amidst the are easily absorbed by people transferred to different floors able to send a message to the reality presented, instead of in any level of socio-economic randomly. For a diploma, people on level 0 where food what is ideal or by the book structure as soon as they Grant us the grace Goreng (Massague) has is prepared. They encounter — as Goreng tells Imoguiri, experience dearth and power himself confined in The Hole resistance and are mortally “solidarity does not happen — as shown in the film, To work for the good of all and learns its rules from wounded before reaching spontaneously, it sometimes relationships change when And to help those in need. his first cellmate Trimagasi the lowest level. They find a needs to be wrapped in s#*t”. the cellmates move from (Eguileor). The two bond little girl hiding and decide The movie’s release is very higher to lower levels. while in level 48, where they to give her the untouched timely when the world due There is the issue of being Grant this through our Lord, get a fair share of meals Panna Cota they were saving to the Covid-19 pandemic is corrupted by the system Jesus Christ, your Son, daily. However, when they to be sent back to level 0 as a nearly experiencing scarcity and the metaphor of the girl Who lives and reigns with You, get transferred to level 171, message. Baharat succumbs in the basic resources while ascending as the message. Goreng finds himself tied up to his wounds and Goreng lets people are forcibly locked Goreng had no choice but in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in bed for Trimagasi to strip the girl ascend the hole and be in their homes. How many embrace the violent and God, forever and ever. Amen. off pieces of his flesh for both the message that humanity is times have we been told that despicable — not to survive of them. Fortunately, Goreng not totally broken. there is enough food and but to effect change. However, is saved by the descending The first thing we have basic needs for everyone, he felt he is no longer worthy Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. Miharu (Masangkay) before to be clear about is that yet municipalities have to be a symbol of change. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. he is mortally wounded — the movie contains brutal had to implement strict The girl — the daughter Miharu travels the platform violence bombarding the anti-hoarding ordinances. Miharu has been protecting St. Rock, pray for us. every month in search of her senses, and that it is intended And how many have taken from starving and from the St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. child. Goreng then wakes up for audiences whose maturity advantage of the situation system — remained innocent, on level 33 with Imoguiri (San and metaphoric wisdom can and sold their hoarded facial pure, and thus the symbol of St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. Juan). Imoguiri, unaware sieve through the treatment. masks and alcohol three or hope and the message that of the savagery happening, The Platform is classified as four times their retail price? humanity has not died.

Onward Buhay San Miguel

Daddy issues come in many muster some juju and makes because alas, technology can Such selfless love warms the forms. Kids rebel, some dad materialize, but only do everything for them. While soul. The movie also shows cower. It’s the latter for the from the waist down. The two the story is not unique, lines magic in two ways. There’s timid and tentative elf Ian brother-elves must find the like “There’s a mighty warrior the magic of simplicity that Lightfoot (voiced by Tom gem that will get dad’s upper inside of you, you just have makes us appreciate simple Holland) who lost his dad half appear, with the help of to let him out” come to life things, but that appreciation when he was too young to a map held by the riotous because it’s Pratt (Guardians somehow has been eclipsed remember. Rowdy elf and Manticore (voiced by Octavia of the Galaxy) and Holland by technology. There’s older brother Barley (voiced Spencer). So on they go to find (Avengers) behind the also the magic of believing DIRECTOR: Dan Scanlon by Chris Pratt) shares the the gem that would complete characters. The movie doesn’t (although here we must alert LEAD CAST: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia same longing for dad. So dad’s transformation — even wow us as does the signature for some parental guidance Spencer when mom Laurel (voiced by for a day. Pixar innovative storytelling because of some scary scenes, SCREENWRITERS: Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley, Keith Bunin Julia Louis-Dreyfus) hands This animated fantasy that made Toy Story, The like a fire-spewing dragon). PRODUCER: Kori Rae EDITOR: Catherine Apple them a gift from dad that adventure deserves an A for Incredibles, and Up, but it’s Ian needs to first believe that MUSICAL DIRECTORS: Jeff Danna, Mychael Danna would make daddy resurrect diversity, for representing a fun ride nonetheless. he has magical ability before CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Sharon Calahan, Adam Habib from the dead for a day, the people of color and gender Eclipsing the daddy issues he can make the magical GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure two boys melt. But the gift preferences without in the movie is brotherly staff work. As we say, if we DISTRIBUTOR: Press Play Pictures requires some magical spell, endorsing anything, just love. Barley is genuinely want to move mountains, LOCATION: USA because it turns out they’re stating matter-of-factly. happy — never jealous — that we must first believe. A RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 42 min a family of wizards. Problem Meanwhile, the screen is his brother Ian is a wizard. CINEMA reminder, though, Technical assessment: 3 is, technology has made it busy with elves, dragons, Between the two, it is Ian lest impressionable minds get Moral assessment: 3.5 so easy to automate tasks, and wizards flying around, who needs desperately to talk carried away: while it makes CINEMA rating: V13 no one casts magic spells not quite sure when and how to his father. But he gives up for good entertainment, belief MTRCB rating: G anymore. Ian manages to to use their magical powers the chance for his brother. in magic is not a gospel value.