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AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL.Monitor 24, NOS. 18 & 19 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Church pushes back 500 Pope names US Years of Christianity archbishop as celebration new nuncio to the By Roy Lagarde Philippines

THE quincentennial celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines will be extended for another year due to the pandemic, a church official said. The scheduled culmination of the celebration in April 2021 will now be the launch of a yearlong celebration that will end in April 2022. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, acting president of bishops’ conference, said Pope Francis and Archbishop Charles John Brown in the Vatican in December, 2018. the decision to move the VATICAN MEDIA dates of the historic event POPE Francis on Sept. 28 envoy to Asia’s most was due to the health crisis. Catholic bishops arrive for a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Jan. 27, 2018. PHOTO BY ROY LAGARDE “Due to the crisis caused has chosen Archbishop predominantly Christian by the Covid-19 pandemic, 31, 1521. Clergy set on Aug. 4 to 6, The preparation kicked Charles John Brown to be nation. it was necessary to change On Sept. 12, the Diocese 2021 has been cancelled. off in 2013, with each year his next ambassador to the Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the schedule of our of Maasin began a 200-day Instead of a retreat, the dedicated to a specific theme Philippines. the apostolic administrator celebration of the 500 years countdown to the 500th bishops’ Commission on the related to the faith and new The 60-year-old American of Manila, assured Brown of of Christianity,” David said. anniversary of the 1521 Clergy decided to organize evangelization. diplomat will move to Manila the archdiocese’s support on “So it is now going to be a Eucharistic celebration on a series of conferences on The final year of the from Albania, where he has his new mission. whole year celebration until their island. the Church’s history in the celebration in 2021 is devoted served as apostolic nuncio “We are happy to welcome 2022,” he added. The Church will also Philippines. to the commemoration of since 2017. him and we pray that he will The bishops agreed that commemorate the First “Each (CBCP) Commission the “Missio ad Gentes,” or Archbishop Brown have fruitful work here in the the kick-off will be on April Baptism on April 14, 2021, an will also have adjustments mission to the nations. will succeed Archbishop country,” Pabillo told Radio 17, an Easter Sunday, to event that will be spearheaded of their plans due to the In September 2019, the Gabriele Caccia, who is now Veritas. commemorate the First Easter by the Archdiocese of Cebu. crisis that we are going bishops released the official the Vatican’s Permanent Bishop Ruperto Santos Sunday Mass in the country. Originally set in April through,” he said. theme and logo for the fifth Observer to the United of Balanga said Brown’s The National Historical 2021, the bishops also The Church is currently centenary of Christianity Nations in New York. appointment is “a welcome Commission of the moved the International observing the Year of in the Philippines, dubbed The country has been relief and comfort for us in Philippines has earlier Mission Congress (IMC) and Ecumenism, Interreligious “500YOC”. without a nuncio after this troubling time” of the affirmed that the site for the 2nd National Mission Dialogue and Indigenous “Gifted to Give,” taken Archbishop Caccia ended his coronavirus pandemic. the historic Mass was held Congress to April 2022. Peoples, which is part of a from Matthew’s Gospel tour of duty in the Philippines “We welcome our new on Limasawa Island in Bishop David said that 9-year preparation for the (10:8), is the theme of the in December 2019. Apostolic Nuncio with Southern Leyte on March the National Retreat for the 2021 Jubilee. celebration. The appointment comes our obedience. We give as the country will mark our cooperation and avail next year the 500 years of ourselves for services,” he Forget not lessons from martial law — bishops Christian faith’s arrival in the said. country. For his part, Bishop CHURCH leaders have urged people The country’s bishops have Roberto Gaa of Novaliches not to forget the lessons of martial welcomed the appointment noted the significance of the law and never let its “horrors” happen of Archbishop Brown as the nuncio for the church in the again. pope’s new Nuncio / A7 Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga made this call as the nation marked the 48th anniversary of the military rule Gov’t orders closure of cemeteries by late strongman Ferdinand Marcos on Sept. 21. from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 “We have to learn from martial law and live its lessons, and should never let it happen again,” Santos said. “We have to value, defend and promote our freedom.” Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Manila archdiocese echoed Santos’ call, saying that many Filipinos have not learned their lessons from martial law. “I think we have not learned our lessons. People are not vigilant and are not courageous enough to speak out,” Pabillo said. “They allow themselves to “I personally experienced harassment atrocities that happened during the be bullied.” and danger during this period… dark times of the dictatorship. Retired Bishop Arturo Bastes of However, many Filipinos seem to “There are political leaders, Sorsogon recalled that as priest and have a short memory of the horrors of who are self-serving, using their head of social action in the Surigao Martial Law,” he said. position to enrich, and to prolong Filipinos visit relatives’ graves at the Parañaque Public Cemetery on Nov. 1, 2019. diocese, he was among those who Santos also lamented that there are their power,” said Santos. (CBCP PHOTO BY MICHAEL DALOGDOG suffered the “horrors” of martial law. politicians who opt to replicate the News) ALL cemeteries and during the period before Oct. columbaria in the Philippines 29 and after Nov. 4. Pope to Philippine Catholic schools: Form authentic witnesses to Christ will be closed from Oct. 29 “This means we can to Nov. 4 as a precautionary visit before and after the POPE Francis called on the world”. ministry. modalities to address the measure against coronavirus, cemeteries are closed but Philippine Catholic educators The pope’s words were Amidst the current needs of the students. Malacañang said on Sept. 18. the capacity is 30 percent,” to hone their students not contained in his message challenges, he said that But the CEAP, the prelate Presidential spokesperson Roque said. just to become outstanding for this year’s Catholic continued efforts are exerted said, “will not cower in fear Harry Roque said the The Archdiocese of Manila learners but also as authentic Educational Association so that Catholic schools but rather will stand firm decision was made to avoid has earlier urged the faithful witnesses of faith. of the Philippines (CEAP) “become catalysts of change”. in being steward not only to crowding during All Saints to schedule the blessing The pope said that Catholic Congress. “This is who we are. This is the learners but also to other and All Souls Day. of the tombs of their dear education must not only The annual event, albeit what God wants us to be,” Fr. schools”. “The rationale is to prevent departed ahead of the annual teach critical thinking, but held virtually this time Dizon said. “CEAP will be here to serve gatherings that we are used to observance of All Saints and also encourages “formation because of the coronavirus For his part, Bishop Roberto as wind beneath the wind during Undas,” Roque said in All Souls Day. in Christian doctrine and crisis, opened on September Mallari of the Episcopal of member schools as they a press briefing. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, morality”. 21 and will continue until Commission on Catechesis struggle for survival amidst He instead encouraged the apostolic administrator of Doing so, he said, would September 25. and Catholic Education said the pandemic,” Bishop public to visit their departed the archdiocese, said priests lead to formation of men Fr. Elmer Dizon, CEAP that the educational sector is Mallari said. loved ones on or after the are always available to bless and women “who are ready President, stressed that as the one of the most challenged CEAP is an association of said dates. the tombs and to celebrate to take society’s heavier pandemic continues, they will today. more than 1,500 Catholic He clarified that cemeteries Masses for the dead ahead responsibilities and to remain vigilant in responding He said every school has schools nationwide. (CBCP will be opened but only with a of the annual observance. witness to the true faith to to issues detrimental to their to come up with learning News) limited capacity of 30 percent (CBCP News) A2 WORLD NEWS AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Cardinal Pell to return to

Pope Francis blesses bell that will ring out in defense of unborn Pope Francis blessed a large bell Wednesday that Rome this week Polish Catholics hope will ring out in the defence of ROME— Cardinal George Pell is set to 2019. new financial policies approved by Pope unborn life. “May its ring awaken the consciences of return to Rome on Tuesday, his first The news of Pell’s return to Rome Francis in 2014. legislators and all people of good will in Poland and time back in the Vatican since 2017, comes just days after the dramatic The alleged attempt to hide the loans the whole world,” Pope Francis said Sept. 23. The Voice when he took a leave of absence from resignation of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, off-books was detected by the Prefecture of the Unborn bell, commissioned by the Yes to Life his role as prefect of the Vatican’s whom Pope Francis asked to resign for the Economy, then led by Pell. foundation, is a symbolic bell to be used at Poland’s Secretariat for the Economy to travel as prefect of the Congregation of the Senior officials at the Prefecture for the March for Life and other pro-life events. It is decorated to Australia. Causes of Saints and from the rights Economy told CNA that when Pell began with a cast an ultrasound image of an unborn child and The cardinal is set to fly on Sept. 29, extended to members of the College of to demand details of the loans, especially a quotation from Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko: “A child’s sources close to Pell confirmed to CNA Cardinals on Sept. 24 after he was linked those involving the Swiss bank BSI, life begins under the mother’s heart.” (Courtney on Sunday, following an initial report by to an ongoing investigation of financial then-Archbishop Becciu called the Mares/CNA) Australian journalist Andrew Bolt in the misconduct at the Vatican. cardinal in to the Secretariat of State for Herald Sun newspaper. Becciu had worked previously as a “reprimand.” 2 Vatican officials sign agreement to cooperate on Pell has been living in his former the number two-ranking official in In 2016, Becciu was instrumental fighting corruption Archdiocese of Sydney since his acquittal the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, in bringing to a halt reforms initiated The Vatican’s prefect of the Secretariat for the by Australia’s High Court in April on where, CNA has previously reported, by Pell. Although Pope Francis had Economy and auditor general signed a memorandum charges of sexual abuse. he repeatedly clashed with Pell over the given the newly created Prefecture for of understanding on the fight against corruption on In 2014, the cardinal was appointed by reform of Vatican finances. the Economy autonomous oversight Sept. 18. According to a message from the Holy See Pope Francis to take charge of the newly Pell, who had not spoken publicly authority over Vatican finances, press office, the agreement means the offices of the created Secretariat for the Economy about his former Vatican role since his Becciu interfered when Pell’s financial Secretariat for the Economy and the auditor general and to lead efforts at reforming Vatican exoneration, responded to the news of secretariat planned an external audit of “will collaborate even more closely in identifying financial affairs. After charges of sexual Becciu’s resignation with gratitude. all Vatican departments, to be conducted abuse were brought by Victoria police, “The Holy Father was elected to by the firm PriceWaterhouseCooper. the risks of corruption.” The two authorities will Pell took temporary leave of his role in clean up Vatican finances. He plays a Unilaterally, and without permission also work together to implement Pope Francis’ new 2017 in order to return to Australia and long game and is to be thanked and of Pope Francis, Becciu canceled the anti-corruption law, issued in June, which aimed prove his innocence. congratulated on recent developments,” audit and announced in a letter to all at increasing oversight and accountability in the Pell faced allegations from a single Pell wrote in a statement sent to CNA Vatican departments that it would not Vatican’s procedures for awarding public contracts. accuser related to his time as Bishop Sept. 25. take place. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Fr. of Melbourne. He spent 13 months “I hope the cleaning of the stables When Pell challenged internally the Juan Antonio Guerrero, S.J., head of the Secretariat for in solitary confinement after he was continues in both the Vatican and audit’s cancellation, Becciu persuaded the Economy, and Alessandro Cassinis Righini, interim initially convicted and given a six-year Victoria,” Pell said. Pope Francis to give his decision ex head of the Office of Auditor General. (Hannah prison sentence, before being vindicated CNA has reported that in 2015 Becciu post facto approval, sources inside the Brockhaus/CNA) on appeal to the High Court. seemed to have made an attempt to prefecture told CNA. The audit never Pell’s term of office as head of the disguise the loans on Vatican balance took place. Pope appoints Maltese bishop as secretary general Vatican’s financial secretariat expired sheets by canceling them out against Becciu held a press conference in of Synod of Bishops during his time in prison, with Pope the value of the property purchased in Rome Sept. 25 at which he protested Pope Francis appointed a new secretary general of Francis naming Fr. Juan Antonio the London neighborhood of Chelsea, his innocence of financial wrongdoing. the Synod of Bishops on Sept. 16. The Holy See press Guerrero Alves, SJ, to succeed him in an accounting maneuver prohibited by (CNA) office said that the pope had named Maltese Bishop Mario Grech to the post after accepting the resignation a day earlier of Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, who had Seafarers charity Apostleship of the Sea served as secretary general since 2013. Grech, the emeritus bishop of Gozo, was appointed pro-secretary general of the Synod of Bishops on Oct. 2, 2019, serving is renamed Stella Maris alongside Baldisseri. The Italian cardinal said at the time of the appointment that Grech would assume THE Apostleship of the Sea, appearing interchangeably the full position of secretary general when his own a Catholic charity helping and commonly used to define mandate expired. One of Grech’s main tasks will be seafarers worldwide, will now our ministry to the people preparing for the forthcoming synod on synodality, be known as Stella Maris. of the sea. Sometimes this scheduled for Oct. 2022. He took part in last year’s In a letter to the has created confusion and Amazon synod. (CNA) organization’s chaplains and misunderstanding, giving volunteers released by the the impression that we were Holy See press office Monday, Pope Francis to release new encyclical on Oct. 4 two different and separate international director Fr. Pope Francis will release his new encyclical Oct. 4, organizations.” Bruno Ciceri said the change Ciceri argued that Stella the Vatican announced Wednesday. The Holy See press was necessary because the Maris was a better name office said Sept. 16 that the encyclical Fratelli tutti, on charity had different names for the charity “because, fraternity and social friendship, would be issued at in different countries, being Latin, it has greater noon Rome time on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. causing “confusion and potential for global reach.” The Vatican announced earlier this month that Pope misunderstanding.” He explained that it would Francis would sign the third encyclical of his pontificate “From now on ‘Stella Maris’ not need to be translated during a visit to Assisi on Oct. 3. Pope Francis will offer will be the official name our Catholic roots and Apostleship of the Sea into different languages, a Mass at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi privately at with which the Apostolate maintaining the distinctive as it was inspired by the removing another source of 3 p.m. before signing the encyclical, the Holy See press of the Catholic Church for symbolism of the past,” the Apostleship of Prayer, a potential confusion. office said Sept. 5. (CNA) the people of the sea will be prefect of the Dicastery for global association that began He added: “The term also known. This will replace the Promoting Integral Human in France in 1844. transliterates well into non- Pope Francis: Don’t let financial concerns dominate current name, ‘Apostleship Development said. “Furthermore, with the Roman alphabet systems healthcare of the Sea,’” he wrote, also “The logo is not only a nice growth of the Apostolate, (such as Cyrillic) or even Economic considerations must not be allowed to unveiling a new logo for the sticker but it represents our many new seafarers centers pictorial language systems encroach on the relationship between medical staff charity which is present in unity and common identity. were established in different (such as Chinese). Both and patients, Pope Francis said Friday. Speaking to 55 countries and supports It should be our guide and ports and were called ‘Stella these language systems are members of the International Gynecologic Cancer more than a million seafarers source of our inspiration Maris’ (in English, Star of important to the shipping Society (IGCS) Sept. 11, the pope said that humane a year. for our commitment at the the Sea), a traditional name industry and the crews of care of the sick should not depend on the individual In a letter marking the service of the maritime for Our Lady—referring to ships.” doctor but rather be an integral part of health systems. organization’s 100th world.” her as the guiding star who Ciceri urged the “Financial concerns should not be allowed to dominate anniversary, Cardinal Peter In his letter, Ciceri noted leads to Christ,” he said in organization’s branches to Turkson praised the updated the field of healthcare to the point where such essential that when the port ministry his letter to members dated also adopt the new logo, logo. aspects as building relationships with patients are was founded in Glasgow, Sept. 24. replacing one designed by “The new Stella Maris logo Scotland, in 1920, the “These two names are often co-founder Peter F. Anson. overlooked,” he said. (CNA) has been designed by affirming organization was named inscribed inside the logo, (CNA) Pope Francis pleads with Catholics not to gossip Pope Francis implored Catholics Sunday not to Vatican Cardinal Angelo Becciu resigns from office gossip about one another’s faults, but instead to follow Jesus’ directive on fraternal correction in the Gospel of Matthew. “When we see a mistake, a defect, a slip and ‘rights’ of cardinals of a brother or sister, usually the first thing we do is go and tell others about it, to gossip. And gossip closes CARDINAL Angelo Becciu, who until in a future papal conclave. The Vatican dealings with sovereign wealth funds. today was prefect of the Vatican’s press office could not be reached for CNA has also reported that in 2015 the heart of the community, disrupts the unity of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, comment Thursday evening. Becciu seemed to have made an attempt Church,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address has resigned from that office, and in an The cardinal himself has not yet to disguise the loans on Vatican balance Sept. 6. “The great talker is the devil, who always goes extremely rare move, from the rights responded to a request for comment sheets by cancelling them out against about saying the bad things of others, because he is extended to members of the College of from CNA. the value of the property purchased in the liar who tries to disunite the Church, alienating Cardinals. The move was unexpected, and does not the London neighborhood of Chelsea, brothers and sisters and unmaking community. Please, The cardinal worked previously as seem to have been long planned. Becciu an accounting maneuver prohibited by brothers and sisters, let’s make an effort not to gossip. the number two-ranking official in had been scheduled to preside over the new financial policies approved by Pope Gossiping is a plague worse than COVID,” he told the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, and beatification of Ven. Carlo Acutis, which Francis in 2014. pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. (Courtney has been connected to an ongoing will take place in Assisi Oct. 10. The alleged attempt to hide the loans Mares/CNA) investigation of financial malfeasance Becciu served as “sostituto,” or second- off-books was detected by the Prefecture at the secretariat. ranking official at the Secretariat of State, for the Economy, then led by Cardinal Pope Francis: science and faith together can A statement from the Holy See press from 2011 to 2018, when Pope Francis George Pell. Senior officials at the protect environment office Thursday said: “Today, Thursday, named him a cardinal and moved him Prefecture for the Economy told CNA Pope Francis said Thursday that science and faith Sept. 24, the Holy Father accepted the to the Congregation for the Causes of the that when Pell began to demand details together can help humanity to overcome ecological resignation from the office of Prefect Saints. During his tenure in that position, of the loans, especially those involving crises. Addressing a delegation of French ecological of the Congregation for the Causes he was linked to a number of financial BSI, then-Archbishop Becciu called the experts Sept. 3, the pope said that the Catholic of Saints and related rights of the scandals, most recently the Secretariat’s cardinal in to the Secretariat of State for Church was committed to defending the planet from Cardinalate, presented by His Eminence investment of hundreds of millions of a “reprimand.” exploitation. “It has no ready-made solutions to propose Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu.” euros with the Italian businessman In February 2017, Pope Francis and does not ignore the difficulties of the technical, Becciu remains technically a cardinal, Rafaelle Mincione and the controversial named Becciu as his personal delegate to economic and political issues at stake, nor all the efforts and the Vatican’s announcement did purchase of a London building. oversee the “spiritual and moral” reform that this commitment entails,” the pope said in a speech not specifically delineate what rights CNA has previously reported that a of the Order of Malta, with particular that was handed out to the delegation. “But it wants Becciu has resigned. In 2015, Pope substantial part of the $200 million attention to the professed members. It Francis accepted a similar renunciation used to finance the Secretariat of State’s is unclear if he will continue in the role. to act concretely where this is possible, and above all from Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, purchase of a luxury development at Pope Francis created Becciu a cardinal wants to form consciences in order to promote a deep who in 2013 admitted to serial 60 Sloane Avenue came through credit on June 28, 2018. He was appointed and lasting ecological conversion, which alone can meet sexual misconduct. O’Brien did not extended by BSI, a Swiss bank with a prefect of the Congregation for the the important challenges we face.” (CNA) subsequently attend public eccleiastical long track record of violating money- Causes of Saints on Aug. 31, 2018. events, and was ineligible to participate laundering and fraud safeguards in its (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 NEWS FEATURES A3 Cardinal Sarah: In UN message, Pope Francis decries ‘We must return abortion and family breakdown POPE Francis told the United Nations Sept. 25 that denying to the Eucharist’ the existence of human life in the womb through abortion does not solve problems. “Unfortunately, some countries and international institutions are also promoting abortion as one of the so-called ‘essential services’ provided in the humanitarian response to the pandemic,” Pope Francis said in his address to the UN Sept. 25. “It is troubling to see how simple and convenient it has become for some to deny the existence of a human life as a solution to problems that can and must be solved for both the mother and her unborn child,” the pope said. Speaking to the high- level meeting of the UN Pope Francis records a video message delivered to the United Nations Sept. 25, 2020. SCREENGRAB/HOLY SEE UN Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline General Assembly via a video of the Sacraments. BOHUMIL PETRIK/CNA message, Pope Francis said are victims of this: how many fragmentation that hinders model that “encourages that the problem of today’s of our brothers and sisters our efforts to confront subsidiarity, supports We “cannot be without IN a letter to the leaders “throwaway culture” was throughout the world are common enemies,” he added. economic development and the Christian community,” of the world’s episcopal rooted in a disrespect for suffering, forced at times In his speech, Pope Francis invests in education and Sarah added, “cannot be conferences, the head of the human dignity. to flee from their ancestral said that the coronavirus infrastructure benefiting without the house of the Vatican’s office for worship “At the origin of this lands, cut off from their rich pandemic had highlighted local communities.” Lord,” “cannot be without the and sacraments said that ‘throwaway culture’ is a gross history and culture.” the urgent need to “make The pope also renewed his Lord’s Day.” Catholic communities should lack of respect for human Pope Francis urged world every person’s right to basic appeals that the poorest and “We cannot live as return to Mass as soon as dignity, the promotion of leaders to be especially medical care a reality” and the most vulnerable be given Christians without it can be done safely, and ideologies with reductive attentive to the rights of exposed “the rapidly growing priority in an effort to ensure participating in the Sacrifice that the Christian life cannot understandings of the human children, “particularly their inequality between the super- access to COVID-19 vaccines of the Cross in the which be sustained without the person, a denial of the right to life and to schooling,” rich and the permanently and for the forgiveness of the Lord Jesus gave himself Sacrifice of the Mass and the universality of fundamental acclaiming the example of poor.” debt burdens for the poorest unreservedly to save, by his Christian community of the human rights, and a craving Malala Yousafzai, the young “I think of the effects of the nations. death, humanity which had Church. for absolute power and Pakistani advocate for female pandemic on employment For the first time in its died because of sin...in the The letter, sent to bishops control that is widespread in education. … There is an urgent need history, the UN General embrace of the Crucified One this week, said that, while today’s society. Let us name He reminded the UN that to find new forms of work Assembly is virtual this all human suffering finds the Church should cooperate this for what it is: an attack the first teachers of every truly capable of fulfilling year, with world leaders light and comfort.” with civic authorities and be against humanity itself,” he child are his or her mother our human potential and delivering pre-taped remarks The cardinal explained that attentive to safety protocols said. and father, adding that the affirming our dignity,” he via video link due to the while streamed or televised amid the coronavirus “It is in fact painful to see Universal Declaration of said. coronavirus restrictions on Masses “have performed a pandemic, “liturgical norms the number of fundamental Human Rights describes the “In order to ensure dignified travel to New York. The UN great service...at a time when are not matters on which human rights that in our day family as the “natural and employment, there must be is commemorating this week there was no possibility of civil authorities can legislate, continue to be violated with fundamental group unit of a change in the prevailing the 75th anniversary of its community celebration, no but only the competent impunity. The list of such society”. economic paradigm, which founding. ecclesiastical authorities.” broadcast is comparable to violations is indeed lengthy, “All too often, the family seeks only to expand This was Pope Francis’ It also emphasized that personal communication and offers us a frightening is the victim of forms of companies’ profits. Offering second speech to the bishops can make provisional or can replace it. On the picture of a humanity abused, ideological colonialism jobs to more people should UN General Assembly changes to liturgical rubrics contrary, these broadcasts wounded, deprived of dignity, that weaken it and end up be one of the main objectives in the seven years since in order to accommodate alone risk distancing us from freedom and hope for the producing in many of its of every business, one of the his election. It was the public health concerns, and a personal and intimate future,” he continued. members, especially the most criteria for the success of sixth time that a pope has urged obedience to those encounter with the incarnate “As part of this picture, vulnerable—the young and productive activity.” addressed the UN, following temporary changes. God who gave himself to us religious believers continue the elderly—a feeling of being Calling on the international Pope Paul VI in 1964, Pope “In listening to and not in a virtual way,” but in to endure every kind of orphaned and lacking roots,” community to “put an end John Paul II in 1979 and the Eucharist. collaborating with civil persecution, including Pope Francis said. to economic injustices,” 1995, and Pope Benedict authorities and experts,” “One the concrete genocide, because of their “The breakdown of the the pope proposed XVI in 2008. (Courney bishops and episcopal measures that can be taken beliefs. We Christians too family echoes the social instead an economic Mares/CNA) conferences “were prompt to reduce the spread of the to make difficult and virus to a minimum have painful decisions, even to been identified and adopted, the point of suspending the it is necessary that all resume Russia seeks to bar foreign-educated religious participation of the faithful their place in the assembly in the celebration of the of brothers and sisters... leaders from teaching, preaching Eucharist for a long period. and encourage again those This Congregation is deeply brothers and sisters who have CATHOLIC leaders in Russia are The attempt by the Kremlin to regulate As of August 2020, over a thousand grateful to the Bishops for been discouraged, frightened, expressing concern about a bill that what is being taught to religious leaders homes have been searched, nearly their commitment and absent, or uninvolved for too would restrict the ability of Russian “does not provide for effective solutions, 400 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been effort in trying to respond long.” religious ministers who receive religious rather it would lead to inextricable charged, a few dozen convicted, and in the best possible way to Sarah’s letter made some education abroad to teach or preach in contradictions.” ten are currently serving time, the U.S. an unforeseen and complex concrete suggestions for the Russia. In addition to Catholics, Russsian Commission on International Religious situation,” Cardinal Robert resumption of Mass amid The bill calls for “recertification” in Buddhists typically study abroad as part Freedom reports. Sarah wrote in Let us return the coronavirus pandemic, Russian educational institutions of of their formation, Asia News reported. Before Communism came to Russia, to the Eucharist with joy, which is expected to continue pastors and “personnel of religious The bill comes amid several years a majority of the country’s citizens dated Aug. 15 and approved to spread in the United States organisations” who have received of deteriorating religious freedom in were Eastern Orthodox Christians. by Pope Francis Sept. 3. in the fall and winter months, religious education abroad, ostensibly Russia. During the reign of communism, the “As soon as circumstances with some models predicting with the goal of preventing the spread In 2016, Russian president Vladimir government attempted to destroy the permit, however, it is a doubling of the death count of “extremist ideology” from abroad, the Putin approved a new set of laws Church by blowing up buildings and necessary and urgent to by the end of 2020. Barnabas Fund reports. that would restrict evangelization and killing priests, religious sisters, and return to the normality of The cardinal said that The bill was proposed in the Federal missionary activity to officially registered anyone who resisted them. Christian life, which has bishops should give “due Assembly and approved for first reading Church buildings and worship areas. Once the government gained control the church building as its attention” to “hygiene and Sept. 22, but the reading has been Anti-terrorism measures, catalyzed of the Russian Orthodox Church, they home and the celebration safety regulations” while postponed. by the 2002 Federal Law on Countering appointed their own agents as hierarchy, of the liturgy, especially the avoiding the “sterilization Father Kirill Gorbunov, vicar general Extremist Activity, have given Russian who would then turn people in who Eucharist, as ‘the summit of gestures and rites” for the Archdiocese of the Mother of police powers to disrupt private worship came to the Church seeking baptism. toward which the activity or “instilling, even God at Moscow, told RIA Novosti, services, to arrest and detain individuals The seeds of distrust planted at that of the Church is directed; unconsciously, fear and according to Asia News, that priests handing out unapproved religious time still run deep, and the Russian and at the same time it is insecurity in the faithful.” ministering from Russia who were materials, and to outlay any publish Orthodox Church maintains its ties to the font from which all her He added that bishops educated elsewhere should be informed preaching without prior approval from the government today. power flows’ (Sacrosanctum should be certain that civil about the history, culture and religious Russian authorities. On Sept. 16, USCIRF held a virtual Concilium, 10).” authorities not subordinate traditions of Russia, and should not In 2017, the country’s Supreme Court hearing on the state of religious Sarah noted that “as soon the Mass to a place of priority disseminate extremist ideas in their banned Jehovah’s Witnesses as an freedom in Russia and Central Asia, as is possible... we must below “recreational activities” preaching. extremist group. Judges ordered the warning that “vague and problematic” return to the Eucharist or regard the Mass as only a However, he said it is the Church’s closure of the ecclesial community’s definitions of “extremism” in Russian with a purified heart, with “gathering” comparable to responsibility to regulate this, not the Russian headquarters and almost 400 law give the authorities wide latitude a renewed amazement, with other public activities, and state’s— and the Catholic Church has local chapters, and the seizure of its to interfere in the religious sphere. an increased desire to meet reminded bishops that civic no tolerance for extremist ideas, he said. property. (CNA) the Lord, to be with Him, to authorities cannot regulate receive Him and to bring Him liturgical norms. to our brothers and sisters Sarah said that pastors Preparations resume for World Youth Day in Portugal with the witness of a life full should “insist on the necessity of faith, love and hope.” of adoration,” work to ensure PREPARATIONS for the told the website that Pope international World Youth people in Europe. “We cannot be without the the dignity of the liturgy next World Youth Day have Francis was following Day, in Panama City, on Jan. The Lisbon event was banquet of the Eucharist, the and its setting, and ensure resumed after they were developments. 27, 2019. initially scheduled for table of the Lord to which that “the faithful should be disrupted by the coronavirus “The pope is very pleased, Lisbon, a city of 505,000 August 2022, but the Vatican we are invited as sons and recognized as having the right pandemic. but also reassured because people, is around 75 miles said in April that it would daughters, brothers and to receive the Body of Christ Organizers of the event in he is aware that the from Fatima, one of the most be postponed by a year, to sisters to receive the Risen and to worship the Lord Lisbon, Portugal, restarted preparatory work for WYD visited Marian pilgrimage August 2023. Christ himself, present in present in the Eucharist,” their work Sept. 5, according is progressing,” he said. sites in the world. The 2018 Holy See press office body, blood, soul and divinity without “limitations that go to Vatican News. The pope announced that report “European Young director Matteo Bruni said in that Bread of Heaven even beyond what is provided Bishop Américo Aguiar, an the Portuguese capital would Adults and Religion” found that Pope Francis’ decision which sustains us in the joys for by the norms of hygiene auxiliary bishop of Lisbon host the global Catholic that Portugal has one of the to move the date was “due to and labours of this earthly issued by public authorities.” and president of the WYD gathering of young people highest levels of weekly Mass the current health situation pilgrimage.” (CNA) Lisbon 2023 Foundation, at the closing Mass of the last attendance among young World Youth Day / A7 A4 OPINION AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Returning to the Eucharist

THE head of Vatican’s dicastery for worship and sacraments, Robert Cardinal Sarah, sent a letter to the bishops around the world in mid-September urging them to return to celebrating the Mass as soon as it can be done safely amid the coronavirus pandemic. The letter which was approved by Pope Francis said that, while the Church should cooperate with civic authorities and be attentive to safety protocols, “liturgical norms are not matters on which civil authorities can legislate, but only the competent ecclesiastical authorities.” Earlier in May, Manila apostolic administrator Broderick Pabillo called the Philippine government’s directives “unreasonable and preposterous.” It allowed only 5 persons during religious activities in Churches when an area is under MECQ and 10 persons when on MGCQ. He asked: “Where did they get these number? Why is it that they do not give the absolute numbers of persons who can enter a store, or work in the office, or in the factory? Can they say that only 10 persons should word in an office, or that 20 persons can work in a factory, or that only 5 person can enter a store at a time?” Pabillo further observed that “this directive on religious activities was surely taken without any consultation with the religious sector. This is the problem with the government. They make arbitrary decisions without proper consultation with the sectors involved. So they come out with unreasonable directives!” Obviously, the government did not consider spiritual

nourishment as something essential, or something that people BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION can do without for a long period of time, just like going to beauty parlors or tourist destinations. It seems weird that after almost 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines still government Walking the dialogue functionaries and decision makers do not have an iota of idea Living Mission of the essentiality of the human spirit and psyche in all facets Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM road together of life. And its weirdest that after good schooling in prominent universities, these people have not encountered Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that starts with the physiological needs and rises up to the psychological and self-fulfillment needs. In August, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who is IN this year 2020 the Philippine Bishops dialogue prospers. dialogue not only unnecessary, but even a member of IATF, sought the intervention of the Catholic have asked our local Church to focus RULE SEVEN: Authentic dialogue impossible. One honestly examines and Church and spiritual leaders in addressing the increasing on the triple themes of Ecumenism, only takes place between equals. Both assesses the strengths and weaknesses suicide cases in the country by providing counseling and Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous partners, though members of different of one’s own religion; one still loves that guidance to those suffering from depression and anguish amid Peoples; all three elements demand an faith traditions, come mainly to learn faith tradition, but is also aware of its the pandemic. attitude of “dialogue.” Beginning in from each other; thus, the dialogue limitations. Put in another way, Cardinal Sarah in the same aforementioned the previous issue, we began explaining is (and must be): “equal with equal.” RULE TEN: Each participant letter admonished the bishops to see to it that civil authorities some “practical guidelines” found in Therefore, if it be, for example, that the eventually must attempt to experience do not subordinate the Mass to a place of priority below what is popularly termed the “Dialogue Christian views Hinduism as inferior, the other partner’s religious framework “recreational activities” or regard the Mass as only a “gathering” Decalogue” (the so-called “Ten or if the Hindu views Christianity “from within.” A Christian asks: How comparable to other public activities. He said that pastors should “insist on the necessity of adoration,” and ensure Commandments of Dialogue”). as inferior, there will be no genuine does my Muslim or Hindu neighbor view that “the faithful should be recognized as having the right to The first five “rules” or “guidelines” dialogue. Dialogue recognizes the and draw strength from the faith that he receive the Body of Christ and to worship the Lord present were previously presented; now we authenticity of the other person’s or she follows? John Dunne, who has in the Eucharist,” without “limitations that go even beyond hear Rules Six to Ten. We recall religious faith. explored interfaith relations in great what is provided for by the norms of hygiene issued by public that Pope John Paul II in his mission RULE EIGHT: Dialogue takes place depth, speaks of “passing over” into authorities.” encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, stated: only on the basis of mutual trust. Hence, another’s religious experience; then, one After over six months of uncertainty and fear, it’s time to “Interreligious dialogue is a part of the it is wise not to tackle the most difficult journeys back to his own religious faith. return to the Eucharist with joy—or so says the Cardinal Prefect Church’s evangelizing mission” (RM 55). problems in the beginning, but rather to Thus, he returns as a renewed person of the Congregation for Divine Worship and he Discipline of For this very reason, the Church actively approach first those issues most likely to who has been enlightened, broadened, the Sacraments. engages in interfaith collaboration. provide some common ground, helping and deepened from his close encounter RULE SIX: Each dialogue partner to thereby establish human trust. One with his neighbor’s faith. Mutual Let’s always have civil discourse should not only listen to the other thinks immediately about how the enrichment occurs through such sincere WE have to convince ourselves that the best way to resolve our partner with openness and sympathy, practices of prayer, fasting, meditation, encounters; faith is deepened! unavoidable differences and conflicts in the area of politics, social but also attempt to agree with the and service of the needy poor have Summary: In entering into interfaith life, and other fields prone to contention and controversies, is dialogue partner as far as is possible. common perspectives across various dialogue, we are implementing the for us to always engage in civil discourse, in cordial dialogue. This genuine openness and sincere religions. Points of religious teaching Second Vatican Council and are We have to avoid as much as possible engaging in discussions appreciation does not require that or doctrine can be discussed only at a cooperating with several recent Popes where we think our views and positions are the only correct ones, somehow one would “compromise” much later time. who have affirmed that interreligious the only fair ones, etc., and those of the others have no validity one’s own faith. All dialogue partners RULE NINE: Persons entering into dialogue is integral to a comprehensive whatsoever. That’s definitely the wrong way to look at things. are to maintain integrity in their own interreligious dialogue must be at least understanding of the Church’s mission It’s unbelievable that some politicians, for example, claim that faith tradition. Authentic dialogue minimally self-critical of both themselves in the contemporary world. We seek to they have all the truth, that they are practically infallible about does not imply “watering-down” or and their own religious tradition. A lack translate the perspective of dialogue into their views and ways, and that their opponents have nothing “surrendering” one’s faith; rather, all of such self-criticism implies that one’s daily life, enriching all dialogue partners, whatsoever of what may be considered as true and fair. We need to listen to everyone, no matter how different and even in conflict participants maintain fidelity in their own faith tradition already has all the and at the same time promoting world their views are from ours. They will also have some good reason own faith. In this encounter, authentic correct answers; such an attitude makes peace. for their opinions and we just have to learn to respect them. Even in their clearly wrong views, as in being immoral and sinful, they can always be handled properly without sacrificing The priestly charity, since evil can only have a power that is borrowed from And That’s The Truth what pertains to its corresponding good. All we have to do to prayer of Jesus rebut evil is to appeal to the good and the truth that is being Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS distorted or denied. It’s important that we presume that everyone has good intentions. We have to avoid calling to question the intentions behind the views of others, unless it can be clearly ascertained WHAT prayer do we pray same period, 7,718 wildfires sink in time. Don’t natural military muscle flexing by that there is malice. And even if that is the case, it should be in these “abnormal” times in California alone have disasters sometimes make world “superpowers”. And brought up in as cordial a manner as possible. To be avoided are whe—on top of our anxiety razed 1,396,743 hectares us humans feel helpless and closer to home—do we not the ways of sarcasm and ironies, direct, frontal attacks, insults over an indefinitely staying of forests and residential insignificant? at times fear that we would and mockeries, name-calling, etc. In other words, to respond pandemic—come incessant areas. Heat waves and As if all that weren’t one day just wake up with without charity. Charity and good manners should never be and unsettling news about hurricanes seem to have enough to make life harder, our Motherland already a abandoned. multiple natural disasters become deadlier than usual. there are yet man-made “province of China”? Let’s never forget what Christ told us about loving our enemies. St. Paul reiterated that point when he said, “Do not repay anyone worldwide? Climate change continues to disasters to contend with: Being a people of faith, we evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace Flash floods and landslides impact life on earth, the most oil spills, explosions, mining pray. But what do we pray? with everyone. Do not take revenge…but leave room for God’s due to heavy rains claim recent evidence being dead accidents, groundwater The isolation imposed upon wrath…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” lives and destroy homes fish washed ashore along contamination, technology us by Covid 19 has led us (Rom 12,17-21) St. Peter also said something similar. (cfr. 1 Pt 3,9) and crops. Volcanoes are beaches in North Carolina failures, etc. Further to become more prayerful, While we can have our partisan position in political issues, we acting up, too: a total of 55 and South Carolina. Then pushing man deeper into more reflective than usual. have to remember that such condition should not undermine eruptions from 55 volcanoes there’s the rising sea level a quicksand of insecurity Fearing for our lives and our universal goal for the common good that can be pursued in worldwide have been caused by polar ice melt are political unrest, acts of seeing how the “invisible different and even in legitimately and morally conflicting ways. recorded from January 1 to which is predicted to cause terrorism, border conflicts, enemy” has the power to Let’s not forget that temporal matters, as in politics, can follow September 14, 2020. In the beloved coastal cities to the threat of war evident in And That’s the Truth / A6 some political doctrines that at best can only have a tentative effectivity and varying interpretations, and are always in need of updating, purifying and contextualizing. These temporal matters hardly have dogmas where everyone Piety and mental health is supposed to agree and to follow all the time. Temporal matters Candidly Speaking do not have the same status as religious faith and creed. And even in the latter, their dogmas are not supposed to be forced Fr. Roy Cimagala on anyone. Editorial / A7

BECAUSE of the pandemic, organized classes, seminars seriously, we also know then the body would also CBCP there is growing concern and conferences about self- that we are meant to have be healthy, unless there are about the mental health of the care and mental fitness to a supernatural life with God some underlying organic people. It seems the mental address this issue. even now, while we are still disorders. We would have Monitor cases are surging. Many These are very here in this world. peace and joy inside us, and PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE people are getting depressed, understandable reactions Though the relationship our outlook would be positive gripped in some inescapable to our current condition. between the body and the and bright. Pedro Quitorio worries and anxieties and But I believe we should not soul, the natural and the Again, if we take our Editor-in-Chief hardly able to cope with forget one basic element in supernatural is wrapped Christian faith seriously, we Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite their difficulties, trials and all these concerns. And that in mystery, we also know know that it is actually our Associate Editor Circulation Manager challenges. Their thoughts is that developing a genuine that what happens in the spiritual soul that gives life to and reactions are generally life of piety can greatly help body is somehow caused by our body. Of course, our soul Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas Marcelita Dominguez negative and dark. There are in handling these challenges. our spiritual soul as well as has to be properly animated Design Artists Comptroller even signs of discouragement Let’s remember that in the affects it. by the true spirit, which is the The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the and despair. end, we are body and soul. It’s also vice-versa. How Spirit of God. Regarding this CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, CBCP It’s good that many people, There is something material our spiritual soul is affects point, Christ said: “The Spirit Compound, 470 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: [email protected], Business: (632) 8404 - 1612. of course, have sought medical and biological in us, as well our body. If the spiritual gives life. The flesh counts for ISSN 1908-2940. and psychological attention. as something spiritual. And soul is healthy, as expressed nothing…” (Jn 6,63) And some authorities have if we take our Christian faith in our thoughts and desires, Candidly Speaking / A6 OPINION CBCP Monitor AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 OPINION A5

Repentance, By the Roadside the real revolution Life Matters Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD Carlos Antonio P. Palad

“John the Baptist arrived in those days has already lost the struggle. That is, example, how external social changes and started preaching in the desert of unless the violence applied is spiritual that have little impact on persons’ State of perversity: Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom and moral, such as against selfishness, inner realities do not really uproot of heaven is at hand’” (Mt 3:1-2) greed, arrogance and the lust for power. the evils that the new dispensations, Torture, sins against Installing a government of a dominant in the first place, intended to uproot. THE recent highly controversial calls self-and/or an equally dominant Instead of being uprooted, the hated purity and Martial Law for a revolutionary government from collective by force will eventually self- social evils simply took on an entirely among some pro-administration groups destruct simply because it does not have different clothing and playground, with WHENEVER September 21 (anniversary of the declaration have now fallen on largely unfriendly a sine-qua-non: the real consent of its different rules driven by the same dark of Martial Law in 1972) comes around, Philippine media ears. It is just too bad. I am of the view purported subject(s). It may flourish drives. Revolution then has mostly publishes (or republishes) articles about human rights that a real revolutionary government for some time by virtue of enforced become a farce. Even the so-called violations from 1972 to 1986, in the face of fading memories is what we need. But we need to define existence fed to a great degree by the fear Philippine Revolution, despite its lofty and the rise of new attempts at whitewashing the Marcos what it really is. of the populace. Revolution by definition beginnings, at best, has not yet truly era. Many of the articles are about the torture of dissidents First off, a real revolutionary from its Latin root “revolvere”, literally realized itself. The country is still a slave and rebels during those days. A commonly repeated statistic government begins with the self. We a ‘turning’ or ‘roll back’, involves a to poverty, to social injustice, to illusory is that during Martial Law 70,000 people were imprisoned, need to overthrow our own personal turning of personal and social conduct forms of leadership, to corruption, to of whom half (35,000) were tortured—a staggering number. systems and structures of behavior according to more fundamental centers interminable internecine conflicts. I first became aware of Marcos-era torture as a grade school that do us and others little good but, of orientation. Such centers revolve—no All because our inner realities are student. One day I opened a copy of Philippine Free Press, and instead, turn us away from God and pun intended—on the basic human ruled by the forces of darkness. my eyes landed on grim and graphic drawings of various forms neighbor; instead we need to replace drive towards the good, the true, the All true revolutions begins with of torture practiced during Martial Law – electrocution, water them with those that do the opposite, so just, the orderly and the harmonious humility. Without it we will not be able cure, being forced to eat feces, getting burned in the nipples that, growing together in the values this inherent in the nature of the human to see how our existing social evils have and genitals, squeezing the fingers with bullets placed between

ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION twofold relationship requires, such as person and which find an echo in human deep roots in our own sins. The sins that them, etc. I also read about the horrific case of Boyet Mijares, love which is charity, we toil individually conscience. push us to run for office on lies, to elect the 16-year-old son of Marcos critic Primitivo Mijares; Boyet’s and communally to seek the common Third, the history of revolutions that incompetent and unfit candidates on dead body was found violently tortured; it has been speculated good and social justice. In contrast, we aimed only at a change of systems and hopes of self-oriented benefits, to sell our that he was savaged and killed in front of his father, whose need to let go of the Filipino insistence structures of government offers ample votes or buy those of the poor and the own body has not been found. Fast forward to my college on trying to please people with power, proof of enthusiastic beginnings that unprincipled on an unquenchable quest days in UP Diliman: I had a professor who assigned me to wealth or influence at the expense of end in eventual failure. At times the for power. Without humility we will not make a report and a paper on torture during Martial Law. (I God’s values, of the common good, of fiascoes happen in a massive scale be able to accept that real change for later found out that he had been tortured too—it left him a bit the love of preference for the many who that other systems and structures the better is impossible on mere human “affected” in the head, to put it mildly.) To fulfil this task I read are poor, or even of the basic tenets of completely different replace them with efforts. No matter how averse humans are Amnesty International reports on the Philippines from the decency. St. John Paul II once looked their total obliteration as a singular aim. to the idea of a God factor, real changes 1970’s and the early 1980’s; they were full of graphic accounts at the world’s political, social and The French Revolution, the American that saved persons and civilizations were of torture which I then had to meticulously summarize for my economic realities, on the one hand, and Revolution, the Bolshevik and later inspired, nourished and sustained by paper, and report to class. In recent years, I have also read the needed changes, on the other, and Soviet Revolution, the Communist moments of deep prayer and faith. the various accounts of Martial Law torture published by asserted the latter would be impossible Revolution (Russia, Vietnam, China, In the end, the real revolution’s final Rappler, Philippine Star and Inquirer, as part of their attempt “without the conversion of hearts” Cuba) radically changed political, social stop is the coming of God’s kingdom to prevent the historical reality of that time from being buried (Redemptor Hominis, no. 16). and economic structures. But human when every petition of the Our Father by revisionism and historical amnesia. Second, the revolutionary government hearts remained the same. The howling is made real by God’s action through There are many alarming things to be found in these that uses violence in word and action collapse of the Soviet Union shows, for human beings. accounts of torture. One is struck in these accounts by the lack of empathy and the sadism displayed by these torturers Season of Creation - in inflicting sustained and prolonged pain on helpless Duc in Altum prisoners, many of whom were only teenagers. An argument caring for our I have encountered elsewhere is that the uniformed personnel Atty. Aurora A. Santiago who were responsible for these acts did so partly because of common home the psychological effects on them of the brutal hazing they endured as part of their training. Any explanation, however, has to further elucidate why these accounts of torture also THE celebration of Season of to do good without waiting sand project along Roxas supplies especially the N-95 bear witness to a pervasive culture of sexual perversity among Creation started on September for someone else to begin, or Boulevard. Terry Ridon, face mask for our medical the torturers. An example of this perversity is found in the 01 and closes on October 11 until it is too late. Infrawatch PH convenor and frontliners. Many doctors, following account from Fr. Benjamin Alforque MSC, first with the theme Jubilee for Thus, Bishop Ambo, as former urban poor chief of nurses and healthworkers published by Inquirer on Sept. 21, 2014 (https://newsinfo. the Earth. The Culminating Acting CBCP President, the Duterte administration, are being infected, and dying, inquirer.net/639643/im-afraid-but-i-must-write-to-let- Activity will be on October called on his brother bishops said the approved budget of with corona-virus due to young-people-know-fr-benjamin-alforque#ixzz6YkecoMBi), 04, Feast of St Francis of “to heed the call of Pope the Manila Bay Rehabilitation lack of these PPEs. It is like and republished on social media on the same day in 2020: Assisi, the patron saint of Francis and to take the lead Program (Baywalk area) is a family spending money to It was at this point that I was subjected to psychological the environment. Bishop in integrating this advocacy P397.897 Million, such that buy beauty products instead and moral torture, and various indignities. First, the tactical Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David not only in our prayer and the white sand project costs of buying medicines for the investigator, Sergeant Garingalao, talked to me of sex and of the Diocese of Kalookan liturgical life but also in our around P795,000 per meter sick members of the family. sexual descriptions, to break me. said that Jubilee is like a social action, in our education of rehabilitating the Manila Worst, this Manila Bay That tack not having proved successful, I was made to sabbatical year. “The year and faith formation and Baywalk. Ridon stated that White Sand Dump is a clear witness how the uniformed military men tortured the other 2020, as a sabbatical year, is in the rest of our pastoral “for comparison, the average source of anomalies: Health detainees. I was made to hear the terrible pained cries of an opportunity for us to do programs and plans. What is cost of a two-lane road is Hazards, Overpriced, Misuse. detainees from the torture chambers. (…) a soul searching with regard at stake is our own survival around P25 million to P30 1. HEALTH HAZARDS— I was forced to witness the torture and sexual harassment to our attitude and behavior as human species. The earth million per kilometer. The Ridon stated that dolomites of seven farmers from Samar province that the military had as human species towards is indeed our common home, same amount can also fund a will be used in the project, arrested and accused of being NPA members. nature and our environment. we are not its masters, we month’s social amelioration which has already proven The farmers were blindfolded. They were made to face one Our existence as species is are its guests, its caretakers funding for almost 80,000 ill effects on human health. another and the wall and to throw punches with all their might. suddenly threatened by the its stewards. Let us learn to vulnerable families.” “(a) It may cause irritation They were hitting at each other and the wall, according to the mutation of the microscopic put ourselves in our proper It is unthinkable that of cornea, burning, itching whim of the military torturer. Bruised and in great pain, the virus. It awaken us to our place and role in the scheme this project is being done and redness to the eye; (b) farmers were then told to masturbate and drink their own vulnerability and made us of God’s inscrutable plans of during this pandemic, Inhalation of dolomite, semen. realized how helpless we can creation which is a work in when President Duterte repeated or prolonged What kind of moral monster forces other men to do what be despite the scientific and progress.” himself admitted during his exposure may dry out the skin is mentioned in the last sentence? Unfortunately, such technological advances that *** press conferences that the and cause irritation of the perversities were apparently not out of the ordinary. Accounts we think we have achieved. In connection with caring government has no more fund lungs and cause respiratory of torture from the Martial Law era are replete with references Covid 19 is an environmental for our common home, to give “ayuda” or financial or disease; coughing or choking to sexual assault and rape, which were treated as part of the phenomenon.” there are posts going around food assistance to the people. may occur; (c) Chronic panoply of torture in order to break prisoners. Women dragged Pope Francis said in his social media which are very But lo and behold! The effects: For prolonged to the torture chambers could expect to suffer rape or acts message that “May we feel alarming, horrifying and government has funds for this or repeated exposure of lasciviousness. Men, however, were not exempt from the challenged to assume, with unbelievable. It is about beautification project which exceeding the occupational sexual deviances of their male captors. I do not wish to delve prayer and commitment, our the infrastructure by the is given priority than the exposure limits (ARC lists into details; let us just say that going by existing accounts, responsibility for the care of DENR’s (Department of purchase of PPEs of Personal respirable crystalline silica Marcos-era torturers particularly enjoyed inflicting pain and creation. May God, “the lover Environment and Natural Protective Equipment, as a lung disease hazard); (d) doing perverse things to the private parts of their male victims. of life”, grant us the courage Resources) Manila Bay white hazmat suits and medical Duc in Altum / A6 Life Matters / A7 Whatever Viral loading Fr. Francis Ongkingco

VIRAL load refers to the amount of which may weaken their spiritual Sept. 3, 2020)” without the Christian community,” important place during the day. It virus in an infected person’s blood. well-being: the sacramental graces The Cardinal reflects how the he added, “cannot be without the will also be like physically setting Experts would technically describe of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. lockdowns have somehow helped house of the Lord,” and “cannot be ourselves to go there with our family this as the number of viral particles Recently, Cardinal Robert Sarah, to appreciate better the Sacrament: without the Lord’s Day. (Ibid.)” and relatives. in each millimeter of blood: thus, the Prefect of the Congregation “Aware that God never abandons May his words help us to fight back Let’s not just watch the a higher load would imply greater for Divine Worship stressed that the humanity He has created, the virus of routine and indifference celebration, may we be already risk of getting sick or being capable it is ‘necessary and urgent’ for the and that even the hardest trials towards the transforming graces engaged beforehand: familiarizing of infecting others. faithful to return, following closely can bear fruits of grace, we have that can only be gifted us in the ourselves with the readings and With so much of COVID still the guidelines of health officials, to accepted our distance from the sacraments. Even though in some responses, already spiritually misunderstood, people and the normal mode of attending the Lord’s altar as a time of Eucharistic circumstances it may not be possible huddled with the family’s prayer establishments are taking more sacraments, especially the Eucharist. fasting, useful for us to rediscover to attend the Eucharistic celebration intentions and after the Mass—even and more serious measures in order The Cardinal clarified that its vital importance, beauty and or to go to confession, may we at least if we may not have received our to physically stem the pandemic: although the streamed masses and immeasurable preciousness.” strive to intensify our participation Lord physically—to spend a few social distancing, the wearing of other celebrations where helpful, Thus, as soon as circumstances in the Mass and seek constant works minutes thanking our Lord for both face masks and shields, reminders “No broadcast is equivalent to may allow, he urged the faithful of penance within our homes. visible and invisible graces received. to sanitize one’s hands with alcohol personal participation, nor can it to return to the Sacraments. “We For example, although there If we make a daily effort not to fall and avoiding social and religious substitute for that participation.” must return to the Eucharist with is nothing wrong with watching into mediocrity, our Lord will surely gatherings. Moreover, he explains, “these a purified heart, with a renewed masses in different parts of the reward our intense desires with the People, through such health transmissions … risk moving us amazement, with an increased world that the Internet may fruitful graces of conversion. Let us measures, may indeed be lessening away from a personal and intimate desire to meet the Lord, to be with leisurely provide, let us anchor pray that parishes and churches will their chances of catching an invisible encounter with the Incarnate God Him, to receive Him and to bring our participation to one familiar soon open and together we may all threat to their health. They are, who gave himself to us not in a virtual Him to our brothers and sisters physical venue and at a set time joyfully proclaim, “I rejoiced when however, catching less and less of way, but in a real way.” (Letter, Let with the witness of a life full of during the week or day. This will they said let us go to the house of another invisible reality without us return to the Eucharist with joy! faith, love and hope.” We “cannot be already help to give the mass an the Lord! (Ps. 122)”

By the Roadside / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 CBCP Monitor Cardinal Tagle opens up about his quarantine CARDINAL Luis Antonio isolation also bothers you,” that for the survival, even Tagle on Sept. 25 opened up according to him. the mentally of those who about his experience during “But it is the sense that go through this crisis, this the coronavirus quarantine you’re interconnected… you connectedness or what we and his recovery. are connected to God, to the call dialogue is important,” Speaking at an online water, to the air — that will he said. conference for Catholic energize you,” he said. “Your existence depends educators, he admitted The Vatican official was on a rediscovery of the reality struggling with “fear and the keynote speaker of this that you are not alone, you anxiety” during the isolation. year’s Catholic Educational are always connected,” he “But getting out of the Association of the Philippines added. quarantine I realized that (CEAP) Congress that was What was supposed to be for you to really survive, held online due to the to be a low-profile visit to you need a deep sense of pandemic. Manila made international interconnectedness,” Cardinal Tagle is also a headlines when Cardinal Cardinal Tagle, prefect of member of the Vatican’s Tagle was tested positive for the Vatican’s Congregation Congregation for Catholic the coronavirus after flying for the Evangelization of Education and the Pontifical from Rome on Sept. 10. Peoples, said. Council for Interreligious He remained asymptomatic Now that he has recovered, Dialogue. the entire two-week the 63-year-old cardinal said For nearly an hour, he quarantine. And after another the “enemy” is still the feeling discussed the event’s theme, test on Sept. 23, he finally that he is a “threat” and “Missio: Dialogue of Faith came out negative. “danger to others”. and Life and Culture Beyond “I’m very grateful to the “Then you feel like maybe Creed, Beyond Borders, many people who prayed, it is better to just isolate Beyond COVID”. assuring you that you are not Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. PHOTO BY ROY LAGARDE yourself. But then the “That’s why I could say alone,” he said. (CBCP News) Bishop to catechists: Be creative, adaptive CFC offers relief for displaced OFWs amid pandemic THE Couples for Christ (CFC), one of the world’s AS students continue their National Catechetical Month, largest family-oriented education through online celebrated by the Catholic groups, has found their own learning, a Catholic bishop Church in the Philippines way to help overseas Filipino exhorted catechists to be every September. workers (OFWs) displaced by “creative and adaptive” in According to him, even the the coronavirus pandemic. their ministry. digital world can become a The CFC launched Auxiliary Bishop space of encounter with God. on Sept. 25 the “Tawid Medyphil Billiones of Cebu “The key instrument to OFW Program” to assist said that because of the facilitate this is all of you, our repatriated OFWs through coronavirus pandemic, the dearly beloved catechists,” its “Adopt an OFW Family” digital space has become Bishop Billiones said. initiative in coordination even more the “frontier of As the health crisis brought with the bishops’ Episcopal evangelization”. “pessimism and pain” to a lot Commission for the Pastoral He urged catechists to of people, he also stressed the Care of Migrants and utilize the digital platform need for catechists who are Itinerant People. and be with their students “joyful messengers”. Bro. Jess Ferrer, CFC who are mostly confined to But that this does not mean Migrants Program head, online education. that they act as if there is no said the goal is to help the “Let us do our work of problem, the bishop said. recipients generate income catechizing even in that Joy, he added, is rather the and reintegrate them space,” Bishop Billiones said. spirit of hope that people can with their families and “Let us not fear it but be heal with God’s grace. communities. Hundreds of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sept. 26, following creative and become effective “Nourish this first… and “The program aims to their repatriation from Beirut, Lebanon. PCOO communicators.” then you will naturally shorten their dependency on The prelate made the call in radiate this to others,” he dole-outs and to reintegrate their jobs and the figure may OFW families still depend on the “good example that other a video message for this year’s said. (CBCP News) the family into the society reach 500,000 by December. the remittances for their daily communities can emulate”. equipped with livelihood As of today, close to food and needs. As the church currently Duc in Altum / A5 skills,” Ferrer said. 200,000 Filipino workers The study also showed celebrates 34th National Aside from helping abroad have already been that only 38% have the Migrants Sunday, he Overexposure may cause The current market price of address the OFW’s daily repatriated because of the ability to set aside some encouraged everyone to silicosis, cancer, bronchitis, dolomite sand is P469.50 sustenance, the initiative health crisis. savings and only 6% of OFW replicate the effort “that or emphysema.” Dolomite per metric ton. Anything will also require their “The untimely termination households have some form conveys care, compassion, is a source of toxic metals. more will lead the public to families to join in values of their contract left the of investment. acceptance and welcome” Calcium and calcium believe that the project is not formation programs. OFWs unprepared with little “Our ‘unsung heroes’ are for OFWs in distressful magnesium carbonate only a health hazard, but also There are more than 10 or zero savings,” Ferrer said. hurting. Now more than ever situations. specimens submitted as overpriced.” million OFWS deployed all Based on a survey they need our help,” he said. “Each of us can do urinary tract stones. Ridon 3. MISUSE: According to over the world. Due to the conducted by the Bangko Scalabrinian Fr. Resty something in whatever way said the DENR should have Ridon “Dolomite crushed pandemic, an estimated Sentral ng Pilipinas from Ogsimer, ECMI executive possible,” he said. (CBCP known the health risks of and cut is used primarily as 300,000 OFWs have lost 2007 to 2018, 97 percent of secretary, lauded the CFC for News) dolomite sand before giving construction materials for the “go signal” for its Manila cement and used for their And That’s the Truth / A4 Bay project; there is nothing ability to neutralize acids. to be proud about using “Dolomite sand has typically kill anyone in an instant, we seem will affect Southern Luzon and Metro frightening indeed, especially since my dolomite sand as topfill. The been used as auxiliary materials to pray more than before, flooding Manila and all of Luzon. I saw Skyways residence is just 25 meters off the fault DENR will be causing another for iron and steel, plate glass social media—our only “social life” collapsing n many tall buildings line!) However, to the handful who round of public health for construction materials, in quarantine season—with prayer destroyed by the strong earthquake of were truly worried (because as they say emergencies if they insist on automotive glass, fertilizer, soil requests. In the many group chats that a much greater magnitude of 8.5. We “There are at least two Marian groups this material for the project. conditioner. Nothing in this list I happen to be enlisted in, I notice that shall need rescuers, but many dead who are appealing for prayers because 2. OVERPRICED: Project is mentions dolomite as viable prayers consist largely of petitions bodies will never be recovered. Rescue of the end times, and a seer who said reportedly costs 397 Million for use as artificial sand for for sick or dying family members. teams will not be enough to recover that Our Lady of the End Times has but the overpriced project beaches. So why is the DENR And everyone seems supportive, trapped men, women and children been giving him messages about the would cost no more than insisting that there is nothing promising prayers and even offering living in High Riser Condos. Hunger, end times...”), I simply replied: “The the total amount of PHP irregular about using dolomite sacrifices for the petitioners. Same Thirst and pestilence will occur days BIG ONE has been predicted countless 56.977-Million for 62,100 sand in Manila Bay?” with prayers found at online Mass like that of YOLANDA. The fly overs number of times, both by scientists and cu. meters. “The unit cost of Ridon asserted that “This sites—which are slightly more can only withstand an earthquake with psychics. But as to WHEN it may occur, dolomite sand should be no (the project) is not a good expansive, including prayers for “the a magnitude of 7… I saw the Mexico God alone knows. All we need to do is more than P600 per metric sight, given government’s safety of OFWs”, “all people suffering earthquake last nite.! I was accurate to live as purely as possible each day ton (or no more than the total inadequate funding to from Covid 19”, “the poor souls in about Mexico’s 8 magnitude. I m not as if it were our last, embracing God’s amount of P56.977 million confront the coronavirus purgatory”, “the complete healing here to sow FEAR, but am appealing for will. Our Father loves us and wants for 62,100 cu. meters) which crisis. Because harmful white of Cardinal Tagle”, and expressions our President to heed our Lady’s urgent only what’s best for us.” is the highest retail price sandy beaches will certainly of gratitude for blessings received. request to Consecrate our country n our Alone and silent, after the exchanges recorded by the Mines and not put food in the mouths of However, I have yet to see in those people to the Blessed Mother of Our with the chat groups, I confront the Geosciences Bureau in 2017. our most vulnerable families.” chat platforms someone praying for Lady of Guadalupe. The devastation “What ifs” lurking in the back of my the environment, enemies, or even can be mitigated…” mind. When you have worked hard Candidly Speaking / A4 people they don’t admire (certain So, they were asking me what I to keep yourself out of debt while politicians, for example); the concern thought of the letter, and if I knew saving enough to provide for your This is where the value For this, we really have is almost always for “my family, my its author. I called up the visionary retirement and your children’s future, of piety comes in, playing to learn to pray, to refer relatives, my loved ones, me”. Of to confirm if she indeed wrote it. She you can’t escape the “What ifs”. Wars, a crucial role in keeping everything to God whom we course, no humble prayer is bad said yes, but she was wondering how pandemics and natural calamities are us healthy mentally, have to regard as our Father prayer. I assume that whatever is not it got around, because it was sent only no respecter of persons. Everything emotionally, psychologically who never fails us. Our belief remembered in the faithful’s prayers to Secretary Martin Andanar in the can be taken away from you in an and even physically. Piety is and love for him should be are all covered by the Pope’s prayer hope that it would reach the president. instant—the possessions you sweated our relationship with God. It such that we trust him for intentions for every month. She also said the attached Prayer of blood for, your health, your future. is nourished by God’s gifts everything, even in those How do we pray in the face of an Consecration was missing from the What if the killer earthquake swallows of faith, hope and charity to things that humanly speaking impending calamity? This past week letter circulated. Feeling her visions up my home while I’m asleep? What which we have to correspond cannot anymore have human some chat groups have asked me about to be genuine although regretting that if, what if, what if… In that “What if…” knowingly, freely and solutions. a letter circulating in social media, “…they spread only the sensational mode, when even my most heartfelt lovingly. This means that we also supposedly coming from a visionary part but left out the prayer,” she said prayer turns to ashes in my mouth, We have to realize more have to develop a certain appealing to President Duterte to she believed “Our lady must have only one prayer has the power to deeply our need to have a sense of abandonment in the consecrate the Philippines to Our Lady a plan…” She added that since the engulf my being—John 17, the high genuine life of piety to be truly hands of God. It should be of Guadalupe. In part, here’s the letter: letter to Andanar is already public, “it priestly prayer of Jesus. What this healthy, first in the spirit and such that whatever happens “This time I saw a devastating huge would be nice if someone could show prayer does to me—or in me, for me, then in the body. We have in our life, we can still remain earthquake on our way to our country. it somehow to Sarah Duterte, because whatever—defies understanding. to spread this Good News calm, cheerful, optimistic and With the Marikina faultline reaching she’s Marian, then maybe Sarah can Merely reading it (strangely) makes widely. It hardly involves confident. Laguna—the earthquake will affect give it to her father.” me feel catapulted to the heavens, money or some material Let’s not leave behind this this time the volcanic eruption of Mt. Besides disclosing to the chat groups losing myself yet finding myself, things. What only is needed need for piety even as we look Makiling and this will erupt worse than my conversation with the visionary, I knowing with utmost clarity that being is an act of faith, which is for human solutions to our Mt. Pinatubo did during Cory Aquino’s did not give the opinion they requested. in that sacred place is the only thing something spiritual, a matter problems and challenges and time… The eruption will be horrific and (But I did think that if it’s true, it’s that matters. And that’s the truth. of our will and intelligence. develop good mental health! LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 A7 Bishop deplores killing of Infanta prelate: Fight against red-tagged parish lay leader Kaliwa dam a matter of ‘survival’ LEGAZPI City— Bishop Joel her care,” Baylon said. Baylon of Legazpi has condemned “We pray for consolation, peace, INFANTA, Quezon—The the killing of two village officials, and safety of their community and local Catholic Church in including a parish lay leader in the family and loved ones they left Quezon province renewed Albay province. behind,” he said. their opposition to the Village chief Luzviminda “Kap According to him, Dayanda multibillion mega dam Ida” Dayanda and treasurer Albert complained of being accused as a project, saying their fight Orlina of Brgy. Batbat in Guinobatan New People’s Army supporter by is a matter of survival of town were gunned down on Sept. 21. some soldiers who were staying the people. The two were killed by unidentified in their village, “a charge she Bishop Bernardino gunmen while heading back home vehemently denied”. Cortez of Infanta after helping a constituent go to The prelate also expressed reiterated that the Kaliwa a hospital and meeting with the concern over reports of NPA Dam project poses risks town’s mayor. activities in the village and nearby to lowland agricultural The bishop called for an areas, as well as alleged human and fishing communities investigation on the murders of the rights violations against civilians by with a history of flash two officials “and speedy disposition government forces. flooding. of their cases so that justice may be Baylon asked the warring parties The prelature, which served”. to stop violence, saying that “peace covers the northern part Dayanda, he said, is also active and security cannot be achieved at of Quezon and the Aurora lay leader in St. Vincent Ferrer the expense of justice and human province, lies along the Parish in Mauraro village, while rights”. Sierra Madre Mountain also serving as chair of their village “When armed groups clash in Range and on the east of pastoral council. communities, without regard the vast Pacific Ocean. A “No to Kaliwa Dam” tarp posted outside the St. Mark and the Child Jesus Cathedral in Infanta, Quezon. CBCPNEWS “People who knew her attest to her for rule of law and the dignity of The area is also home to quiet faith in God, humble service persons, it is the poor and vulnerable thousands of Dumagats, for this year’s Season of Forest Reserve. and a paradigm shift in to the Church, and passionate residents who suffer the most,” he an indigenous community Creation. Cortez urged the our care and use of the commitment to the people under said. (CBCP News) in the highlands of The P12.2 billion China- government to instead common home,” he said. Infanta. funded Kaliwa Dam is look for alternative In February, the Catholic Bishop, clergy in Quezon oppose coal plant projects “So, you will understand among the government’s sources of water Bishops Conference of by geography our very priority projects as a long- such as watershed the Philippines added its LUCENA, Quezon— The fired plants, raising concerns that survival depends on the term solution to Metro rehabilitation and voice to those against the government must stop the “it will add more environmental care of our mountains, Manila’s water woes. improving existing dams dam construction. construction of all new coal-fired degradation and health risks to our forests, rivers, protection The prelate argued that and water facilities. The bishops also called plants in Quezon province because locality”. of mangroves and the dam would also pose “We hope and pray for “proper review” of it is inconsistent with the efforts The church leaders were referring seashores,” Cortez said. danger to the environment that our people in this the project “to correct to mitigate climate change, local to the two coal-fired power plants The prelate made the as the project falls within ‘Jubilee for the Earth’ will its flawed procedures”. church officials said. proposed by SMC Global Power statement a video message the Kaliwa Watershed develop a new mindset (CBCPNews) In a statement, Bishop Mel Holdings to be constructed in Rey Uy and the clergy of the Pagbilao town. Diocese of Lucena, said the power They also reiterated its Bohol diocese plants 60k trees in single day plants “must be ceased” if only to opposition against the construction TAGBILARAN City—Thousands of the environment,” Bishop Uy said. opened the Philippine celebration of help avert the impacts of climate of Meralco’s coal-fired plant in people planted 60,000 tree saplings At least 100 volunteers in every the Season of Creation, which urges change. Atimonan town. in Bohol province on Sept. 6 in a parish joined the initiative and people to “respond to the calls to care The cancellation of the projects, The diocese appealed to the coal local Church campaign to improve planted 10 trees each in their for the earth, our common home”. according to them, will also proponents “to listen to the cry of the environment. surroundings, backyards, and other Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of stand as a decisive rejection of all the earth and cancel their plans to Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran designated areas. Kalookan, acting president of the unsustainable and carbon-intensive set up this dirty, deadly and costly said priests, nuns and volunteers Not only that trees bring Catholic bishops’ conference, asked practices not just in Quezon but in source of energy”. planted fruit-bearing and hardwood aesthetics and many practical dioceses and parishes to “take the the entire country. “We appeal to the local and trees in parishes across the diocese. benefits, the prelate stressed that lead in integrating” the campaign “We oppose these coal-fired national government and their He particularly noted the every Christian is called to care in all church ministries. power plants also because they respective agencies, to listen to the participation of young people in about God’s creation. He stressed it is “never too late” are entirely inconsistent with the cry of the people of Quezon and the activity that was held to mark “May all of us develop love for to act and to “put ourselves in the care for our common home so disallow these projects and any this year’s Season of Creation. nature and start caring for the proper place”. desperately needed today,” they further coal plants in our beloved “This is what we prayed for — that environment,” he said. The season ends October 4, the said. province,” they added. people, especially the young, will More than 70 church and civil feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron The statement was released The diocese also enjoined the learn to love creation and to care for society organizations on Sept. 1 saint of ecology. (CBCPNews) Sept. 1 as the Church starts the project proponents to place their annual celebration of the “Season efforts and resources in developing Editorial / A4 of Creation”. Quezon’s renewable energy sources With the country’s growing instead of “outdated, profit- We all have to create this environment as it developments. Everyone can move on. energy demand, the government oriented and polluting power the proper environment should be—clean, open, should have a clear idea There has to be some has continued to approve new coal- plants”. (CBCPNews) and atmosphere for a welcoming, always of what can be tolerated set of ground rules that civil discourse, a cordial working for unity. and what not in the everyone should accept. Bishop calls for more ‘missionaries of creation’ dialogue to take place. The different actors exchanges of opinions. Of course, these ground This is especially and parties should do Everyone should agree rules may also be modified SAN FERNANDO, La Union— environment. incumbent on our their part. The media that some compromises as we go along, but such A Catholic bishop appealed for The bishops have been issuing a leaders, both the civil and especially should be may have to be made modification should also more “missionaries of creation” series of pastoral exhortations on the spiritual. Everything fair and balanced to reach a certain be done gradually, not who will continue to advocate for the care of creation over the last should be done to keep in monitoring the consensus, so everyone violently! environment protection. three decades. Nuncio / A1 Bishop Daniel Presto of San “Let this season of creation urge Fernando de La Union said the us to do some actions… and become Philippines. appointing new bishops Brown is the third observer to the United country needs more voices “to care for missionaries for creation,” Bishop “We are very thankful as well as disciplining American to head the Nations in November the earth” and towards a better future. Presto added. for having a new Nuncio erring clergymen. Vatican’s diplomatic 2019. “[We need] voices that will reach For his part, Bishop Severo to journey with us to There are currently mission in the Philippines, Before entering the including our government leaders Caermare of Dipolog also called receive guidance from five vacant ecclesiastical after Archbishop Edward diplomatic service, to support initiatives to address the on the people to reaffirm their the Pope,” he said. jurisdictions in the Joseph Adams who served Brown had worked climate emergency,” he said. personal vocation to be “stewards Nuncios represent the country including Manila, the post from 2007 to with Cardinal Joseph The prelate made the statement in of creation”. pope in the Church in Alaminos, Malaybalay, 2011. Ratzinger, who became his message for the ongoing Season The Season of Creation, according a foreign country. His San Jose in Mindoro, and Turning 61 on Oct. 13, Pope Benedict XVI, in of Creation that started on Sept. 1 to him, is also a special time “to pray role is equivalent to Taytay. the archbishop has been the Congregation for the and will end on October 4. and act as one”. that of an ambassador, In many Catholic the Apostolic Nuncio to Doctrine of the Faith for He invited the people to use the “Caring for creation honors the representing the Holy See countries like the Albania since March 2017. around a decade. celebration as an opportune time to creator,” Bishop Caermare said. to the government of their Philippines, the nuncio In Manila, he succeeds He also represented the reflect on Pope Francis’ encyclical “We are invited to protect the host country. is also the Dean of the Archbishop Gabriele Holy See in Ireland for six Laudato Si’ and the Philippine vulnerable people and our common They also play key Diplomatic Corps. Caccia, who Pope Francis years before moving to bishops’ pastoral letters on the home,” he said. (CBCPNews) roles in selecting and Born in New York, appointed permanent Albania. (CBCP News)

Life Matters / A5 World Youth Day / A3 Male prisoners forced to do sexual acts, not be dismissed lightly. imaginable, both in body and mind. and its consequences on the Day would be “Mary arose or raped, or sexually abused by their The specter of Martial Law continues The Church must make it clear in its movement and aggregation and went with haste,” from male torturers were not uncommon. to haunt our country. In the last few ministry to security forces—as clear as of young people and St. Luke’s account of the All these point to an issue that few if years, we have heard calls for and threats the sky on a bright summer day—that families.” Virgin Mary’s visitation to any have dared to discuss. It would seem of a return to Martial Law. In the last four torture is immoral and unjustified, and The local organizing her cousin Elizabeth after that during the Marcos era, certain parts years we have witnessed the impunity that torture involving sexual immorality committee welcomed the the Annunciation. of the state’s security personnel were not with which thousands of people have and perversity is doubly sinful and delay, saying that it shared The traditional handover only inured to sadism and violence, but been killed, apparently by state forces— damnable. Nothing—NOTHING—can “with the Holy Father the call of the World Youth Day were also corrupted by an inclination killings that have been defended if not ever justify a policeman or a soldier that, in the current context cross and icon of the Virgin to sexual perversity and unnatural welcomed by many Filipinos. Love for in doing base, carnal, unnatural and and in the coming time, the Mary was due to take place acts. Unfortunately, it is possible that authoritarianism and the arbitrary use perverse sex acts on a prisoner whether focus of everyone’s attention on Palm Sunday in St. this corrupt inclination has not been of state violence seems to have become male or female, not even the demands is on caring for the most Peter’s Square, but was also rooted out. Some may remember that ingrained in many of our fellow citizens. of “interrogation” or the need to gain vulnerable, families, and postponed because of the as recently as 2010, a video of a naked A future return to Martial Law may yet “life-saving information” or as a form all who, for very different coronavirus outbreak. robbery suspect being subjected by a happen, and cannot be laughed away of “punishment”. Indeed, any torturer reasons, suffer from the A delegation from policeman to genital torture was widely or dismissed as an improbable fantasy. who takes part in such sins, goes not only effects of the pandemic Panama is now scheduled circulated on Philippine news media. When that happens, there is no reason against the fifth commandment, but also caused by COVID-19.” to pass the cross and icon Even then, I could not help but think to think that we will not see torture being against the sixth and the ninth—with all World Youth Day, which to young people from … of a hundred and one ways to inflict used on a massive and widespread scale. the heavy burdens on conscience that is usually held every three Portugal Nov. 22, the Feast pain, why did that policeman choose a And just as during Martial Law, and they bring, and the added punishment years and often attracts of Christ the King. But particularly perverse manner? What did just as with that case in 2010, it will be that will be their lot for all eternity in the millions of youngsters, was Aguiar said this date might that say about him and his colleagues, likely be torture combined with horrific next life if they do not repent. (I might founded by St. Pope John be subject to change due to who nonchalantly went about their tasks forms of sexual abuse on innocent men add that a torturer who happens to be Paul II in 1985. An estimated the pandemic. while he tortured the suspect? As noted and women. Those who, because of their married, who commits sexual acts on the 700,000 young Catholics He added that he hoped by media at that time, it pointed to such commitment to various political and body of another prisoner in the course of attended the last gathering that “the event in Lisbon torture being considered as “normal” by spiritual causes, have good reason to torturing the latter, is also guilty of an in Panama. will be held in harmony with some policemen. believe that they will face torture should adulterous act.) In June 2019, the pope the lifestyle, way of feeling The mixing of torture with perversity is such a dark day ever come, should For reactions please write to revealed that the theme and language of the youth.” a particular cause of concern that should be prepared to suffer every indignity [email protected] of the next World Youth (CNA) A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020, VOL. 24, NOS. 18 & 19 CBCP Monitor Archbishop Cabantan takes helm of Cagayan CEAP elects woman as de Oro archdiocese head for first time FOR the first time in its elected on Tuesday during history, a woman will lead the the CEAP’s organizational country’s largest organization meeting. of Catholic schools, colleges Also elected as the new and universities. Vice President is Fr. Thadeu The Catholic Educational Enrique Balongag, a trustee Association of the Philippines of the CEAP Negros Island. (CEAP) on Tuesday elected CEAP also named Fr. Sr. Marissa Viri of the Gilbert Sales as its new Religious of the Virgin Mary corporate secretary, and congregation as its new reelected President. Fr. Albert Delvo as Sr. Viri, who is currently Treasurer. CEAP’s Vice President, will Fr. Sales is the president succeed Fr. Elmer Dizon of the St. Louis University in

of the Archdiocese of San Baguio City, while Fr. Delvo is CEAP’s newly elected president, Sr. Marissa Viri, RVM. PHOTO FROM CEAP Archbishop Jose Cabantan is seated in his cathedra during his installation Mass on Fernando, who served the currently the Superintendent Aug. 28, 2020. SCREENGRAB/ARCHDIOCESE OF CDO post since September 2019. of the Diocesan Schools of being held online. They will educational institutions in The nun, who is currently Novaliches. take their oath on Friday at the the Philippines founded ARCHBISHOP Jose Cabantan stay at the center of the the President of the The election of the new event’s closing ceremonies. in 1941. It now has more took his new mission amidst parish but to be in the field,” University of the Immaculate officers took place at the CEAP is a national than 1,524 member-schools. the coronavirus pandemic Cabantan explained. Conception in Davao City, was ongoing CEAP Congress association of Catholic (CBCPNews) on Aug. 28 by telling the “This the church in the flock “to confront the unseen midst of people, a church enemy” with “hope and care that goes forth, a church for one another”. always in mission. To infect Philippines now has 17 minor basilicas In a solemn ceremony our brothers and sisters with at the city’s St. Augustine love and mercy of God is our Cathedral, Cabantan was common mission,” he added. formally installed as the fifth The ceremony included archbishop of Cagayan de the rite of imposition Oro. of pallium conferred by The archbishop sat in a Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, symbolic “bishop’s seat” the archbishop emeritus of for the first time after Cotabato. his appointment was Attendance was limited read declaring him the because of the pandemic but archdiocese’s new shepherd. the service was streamed on He said his appointment the archdiocese’s Facebook during a health crisis “calls page. us to rise as one, to survive Pope Francis appointed as one, to live in solidarity, to Cabantan on June 23 to strengthen our communion lead the southern Philippine with one another and with archdiocese with more a God above all”. million Catholics in 62 “This pandemic allows us parishes. to shape once again the kind He replaced Jesuit of church we should be,” the Archbishop Antonio 63-year-old Cabantan said. Ledesma, who served the By calling the church archdiocese for 14 years until a “field hospital,” the his retirement two months former Malaybalay bishop ago. said that Pope Francis Cabantan was ordained a calls a radical rethinking priest for Cagayan de Oro in of ecclesial life. 1990, until he was appointed “Like the field hospitals bishop of Malaybalay in 2010. which are built to be able to The pope has yet to treat more of our infected announce Cabantan’s brothers and sisters, the successor in Malaybalay. church then should not just (CBCPNews) Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao leads the celebration of the Solemn Declaration of the Santuario de San Pedro Bautista as a Minor Basilica in Quezon City on September 14. ERIC PAUL GUANLAO/DIOCESE OF CUBAO

Homonhon parishioners celebrate QUEZON City’s oldest church was Being a basilica, he added, is not only a bell mounted on a pole that can be formally declared a minor basilica on a privilege but as in the case of any carried in processions. Basilicas are dedication of new church Sept. 14, making it the 17th Catholic honor in the church, “it carries with it also permitted to use the crossed “papal place of worship in the Philippines with the obligation to service”. keys” on banners and signs. such title and dignity. Monday’s ceremony comes after Pope The celebration also took place as the The Franciscan-run Santuario de San Francis in early June approved the country continues to grapple with the Pedro Bautista was officially elevated petition to elevate the parish church into coronavirus pandemic. to a minor basilica status in solemn a minor basilica. Bishop Ongtioco encouraged the rites led by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco In making a church a basilica, a faithful to visit the minor basilica, of Cubao. designation made through the Vatican’s especially those who are greatly affected In his homily, he said that becoming Congregation for Divine Worship and by the situation. a minor basilica is not only about the Discipline of the Sacraments, the “This has always been a place of rest its historical and patrimonial but a pope declares the church to be one of and healing for troubled souls and it will recognition of its special role and his own. continue to be,” he said. mission in evangelization. There are over 1,800 minor basilicas The new minor basilica is one of the The parish community led by its in the world, and the second in the country’s oldest churches, which dates pastor, he said, is then challenged more Cubao diocese. back to 1590. The church is located in than ever to seek new ways of service The designation binds San Pedro the same area where the parish’s patron The newly built St. John the Baptist Parish Church on the historic Homonhon Island. CBCPNEWS and to be steadfast in evangelization. Bautista to the four major basilicas in saint, San Pedro Bautista, stayed when “But above all the church is mother Rome: St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. he was in the Philippines. A DECADES-LONG dream off Guiuan town in the because of her love for and thus this Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the St. Pedro Bautista is a Franciscan for Homonhon islanders has southernmost part of sanctuary must have that mark of Walls. missionary and a known theologian, come to fruition. Eastern Samar province motherhood, that charity that is the Basilicas are granted the privilege of served in the country for 10 years before Parishioners finally have where Portuguese explorer heart of all missionary efforts in the an “ombrellino”—a red and yellow, cone- he was sent to Japan where he was a bigger “home” in which to Ferdinand Magellan first church,” Bishop Ongtioco said. shaped canopy—and a “tintinnabulum,” martyred. (CBCPNews) participate in Mass and other landed nearly 500 years ago. liturgical services in a new Some theorists even claim church. that the first Mass may have Laoag diocese gets relics of St. Augustine, St. Nicholas The St. John the Baptist been celebrated on the island, Parish celebrated its new where Magellan and his men A RELIC dating back to 430 the construction of now 504-square-meter church took a weeklong respite on A.D. is not something that is world-renowned churches on Friday during dedication March 16, 1521. easy to obtain. of Paoay and Santa María. ceremonies led by Bishop The government has earlier When the Diocese of One of the churches they Crispin Varquez of Borongan. affirmed Limasawa, an island Laoag received a first class also built is already a minor Completion of the church, off the neighboring province relic of St. Augustine of basilica, the church in Badoc which cost around P7 million, of Southern Leyte, as the site Hippo on Sept. 15, it was town. is the result of years of work of the “First Easter Sunday considered a blessing to the “We have received the faith by parishioners, said Fr. Mass” on March 31, 1521. local Church. through the many zealous Christian Ofilan, the parish The priest said the “These sacred relics will and holy Augustinians who priest. construction lasted for certainly remind us of our planted the faith in this land He said the new church is around two years, starting ‘Augustinian Roots,’” Bishop some 500 years ago,” Bishop “very timely and providential” with the demolition of the old Renato Mayugba said. Mayugba said. as the diocese prepares for the church in September 2018. He said the relic will be As the Church will celebrate quincentennial celebration of He added that the new enshrined in a parish church the 5th centenary of the the arrival of Christianity in church was built mainly dedicated to St. Augustine in The first class relics of St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Nicholas of Tolentino enshrined country’s Christianization in parish churches dedicated to them in the towns of Paoay and San Nicolas, both the Philippines. from the donation of Mr. Paoay town. in Ilocos Norte. next year, the prelate “It is a fitting gift to and Mrs. Leonard Allana, a Along with St. Augustine’s requested relics of the two the parish community as parishioner based in Manila, is another first class relic The bones of St. Augustine del Santísimo Nombre de saints from the Order of St. it prepares to welcome and from the generosity of of St. Nicholas of Tolentino are reposed in a sarcophagus Jesús,” now based in Spain Augustine in Rome through in 2021 the dawn of the the locals. which will be placed at a at Pavia, Italy, while the were responsible for the the Augustinian Province of quincentennial anniversary “May this beautiful newly declared diocesan bones of St. Nicholas rest in evangelization of the Ilocos the Santo Niño de Cebú. of the arrival of the Christian church be a reflection of shrine. his basilica in Tolentino, also in the 1570s. The relics, he said, shows a faith on this historic island,” the unwavering faith of the The relics were extracted in Italy. The Augustinians are “revival of the great mission Fr. Ofilan said. people of Homonhon,” he “ex ossibus (from the bones)” The Augustinian Friars credited to be the founders of of the Augustinians in the Homonhon is located said. (CBCPNews) of the Augustinian saints. from the older “Provincia the old Ilocos towns including province”. (CBCPNews) CBCP Monitor August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sept. 13, 2020. FILE PHOTO Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation “You shall thus hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim a release throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you.” (Lev 25:10)

DEAR Brothers and Sisters, existence. We need constantly we hear the voice of creation satisfy everyone with a sufficiency, must be focused on the common Each year, particularly since the to remember that “everything is admonishing us to return to our without destroying the ecosystems good and guarantee that global publication of the Encyclical Laudato interconnected, and that genuine rightful place in the natural created that sustain us. social and environmental goals are Si’ (LS, 24 may 2015), the first day care for our own lives and our order—to remember that we are part In some ways, the current met. of September is celebrated by the relationships with nature is of this interconnected web of life, pandemic has led us to rediscover We also need to restore the land. Christian family as the World Day inseparable from fraternity, justice not its masters. The disintegration simpler and sustainable lifestyles. Climate restoration is of utmost of Prayer for the Care of Creation and faithfulness to others” (LS, 70). of biodiversity, spiralling climate The crisis, in a sense, has given us importance, since we are in the and the beginning of the Season of disasters, and unjust impact of the a chance to develop new ways of midst of a climate emergency. Creation, which concludes on the 2. A Time to Return current pandemic on the poor and living. Already we can see how the We are running out of time, as feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on A Jubilee is a time to turn back vulnerable: all these are a wakeup earth can recover if we allow it to our children and young people the fourth of October. During this in repentance. We have broken the call in the face of our rampant greed rest: the air becomes cleaner, the have reminded us. We need to period, Christians worldwide renew bonds of our relationship with the and consumption. waters clearer, and animals have do everything in our capacity to their faith in the God of creation and Creator, with our fellow human Particularly during this Season of returned to many places from where limit global average temperature join in prayer and work for the care beings, and with the rest of creation. Creation, may we be attentive to the they had previously disappeared. rise under the threshold of 1.5°C of our common home. We need to heal the damaged rhythms of this created world. For The pandemic has brought us to a enshrined in the Paris Climate I am very pleased that the theme relationships that are essential to the world was made to communicate crossroads. We must use this decisive Agreement, for going beyond that chosen by the ecumenical family for supporting us and the entire fabric the glory of God, to help us to moment to end our superfluous and will prove catastrophic, especially the celebration of the 2020 Season of life. discover in its beauty the Lord of destructive goals and activities, and for poor communities around the of Creation is Jubilee for the Earth, A Jubilee is a time to return to all, and to return to him (cf. SAINT to cultivate values, connections and world. We need to stand up for intra- precisely in this year that marks the God our loving Creator. We cannot BONAVENTURE, In II Sent., I, 2, 2, activities that are life-giving. We generational and inter-generational fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day. live in harmony with creation if we q. 1, conclusion; Breviloquium, II, must examine our habits of energy solidarity at this critical moment. In the Holy Scriptures, a Jubilee is are not at peace with the Creator 5.11). The earth from which we were usage, consumption, transportation, I invite all nations to adopt more a sacred time to remember, return, who is the source and origin of all made is thus a place of prayer and and diet. We must eliminate the ambitious national targets to reduce rest, restore, and rejoice. things. As Pope Benedict observed, meditation. “Let us awaken our God- superfluous and destructive aspects emissions, in preparation for the “the brutal consumption of creation given aesthetic and contemplative of our economies, and nurture life- important Climate Summit (COP 26) 1. A Time to Remember begins where God is missing, sense” (Querida Amazonia, 56). giving ways to trade, produce, and in Glasgow in the United Kingdom. We are invited to remember above where matter has become simply The capacity to wonder and to transport goods. Biodiversity restoration is also all that creation’s ultimate destiny is material for us, where we ourselves contemplate is something that crucially important in the context to enter into God’s eternal Sabbath. are the ultimate measure, where we can learn especially from our 4. A Time to Restore of unprecedented loss of species and This journey, however, takes place everything is simply our property” indigenous brothers and sisters, A Jubilee is a time to restore the degradation of ecosystems. We need in time, spanning the seven-day (Meeting with Priests, Deacons, who live in harmony with the land original harmony of creation and to to support the U.N. call to safeguard rhythm of the week, the cycle of and Seminarians of the Diocese and its multiple forms of life. heal strained human relationships. 30% of the earth as protected seven years, and the great Jubilee of Bolzano-Bressanone, 6 August It invites us to re-establish habitats by 2030 in order to stem the Year that comes at the end of the 2008). 3. A Time to Rest equitable societal relationships, alarming rate of biodiversity loss. I seven Sabbath years. The Jubilee season calls us to In his wisdom, God set aside restoring their freedom and goods urge the international community to A Jubilee is indeed a time of grace think once again of our fellow the Sabbath so that the land and to all and forgiving one another’s work together to guarantee that the to remember creation’s original human beings, especially the poor its inhabitants could rest and be debts. We should not forget the Summit on Biodiversity (COP 15) in vocation to exist and flourish as a and the most vulnerable. We are renewed. These days, however, our historic exploitation of the global Kunming, China becomes a turning community of love. We exist only in asked to re-appropriate God’s way of life is pushing the planet South that has created an enormous point in restoring the earth to be a relationships: with God the Creator, original and loving plan of creation beyond its limits. Our constant ecological debt, due mainly to home of life in abundance, as willed with our brothers and sisters as as a common heritage, a banquet demand for growth and an resource plundering and excessive by the Creator. members of a common family, and which all of our brothers and sisters endless cycle of production and use of common environmental space We must restore with justice in with all of God’s creatures within share in a spirit of conviviality, consumption are exhausting the for waste disposal. It is a time for mind, ensuring that those who have our common home. “Everything not in competitive scramble but in natural world. Forests are leached, restorative justice. In this context, lived on the land for generations is related, and we human beings joyful fellowship, supporting and topsoil erodes, fields fail, deserts I repeat my call for the cancellation can regain control over its usage. are united as brothers and sisters protecting one another. A Jubilee is advance, seas acidify and storms of the debt of the most vulnerable Indigenous communities must on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven a time for setting free the oppressed intensify. Creation is groaning! countries, in recognition of the be protected from companies, together by the love God has for and all those shackled in the fetters During the Jubilee, God’s people severe impacts of the medical, social particularly multinational each of his creatures and which of various forms of modern slavery, were invited to rest from their usual and economic crises they face as a companies, that “operate in less also unites us in fond affection with including trafficking in persons and labour and to let the land heal and result of Covid-19. We also need to developed countries in ways they brother sun, sister moon, brother child labor. the earth repair itself, as individuals ensure that the recovery packages could never do at home” (LS, 51), river and mother earth” (LS, 92) We also need once more to listen consumed less than usual. Today being developed and deployed at through the destructive extraction A Jubilee, then, is a time of to the land itself, which Scripture we need to find just and sustainable global, regional and national levels of fossil fuels, minerals, timber remembrance, in which we cherish calls adamah, the soil from which ways of living that can give the must be regeneration packages. and agroindustrial products. This the memory of our inter-relational man, Adam, was made. Today Earth the rest it requires, ways that Policy, legislation and investment Message / B7 B2 UPDATES August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Sacramental Confession in the COVID-19 pandemic A call to return to the House of the Father By Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD

A priest hears confession inside the San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Mandaluyong City June 19. ERIC PAUL GUANLAO

THE recent Pastoral Instruction of Bp. conflictive period of the two World Wars). cannot enter without prejudice to his own remembered that perfect contrition, coming Broderick Pabillo, the Apostolic Administrator 2° there exists a grave necessity health. from the love of God, beloved above all things, of Manila (8.IX.2020) focused on the need for (adsit gravis necessitas). The state of 5) “Where the individual faithful find expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness Sacramental Confession. After six months of necessity, the canon explains, exists when themselves in the painful impossibility of (that which the penitent is at present able different grades of quarantine, despite the the number of penitents and the scarcity of receiving sacramental absolution, it should to express) and accompanied by votum availability of online substitutes for many priests causes the faithful, through no fault be remembered that perfect contrition, confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution of the usual practices in the Catholic Church, of theirs, to be deprived for a notable length coming from the love of God, beloved above to have recourse, as soon as possible, to this call to return to the House of the Father of time of the sacramental grace or of Holy all things, expressed by a sincere request for sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness is not only timely but quite moving. We can Communion. forgiveness (that which the penitent is at of sins, even mortal ones.” review the norms and the recent dispositions In other words, three conditions must present able to express) and accompanied This need to go to Sacramental Confession is in this regard on the occasion of the Corona actually concur: a scarcity of priests, a great by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm what is being addressed now by the Apostolic pandemic. number of penitents, and the faithful have resolution to have recourse, as soon as Administrator of Manila: not had nor have the possibility of confessing possible, to sacramental confession, obtains “In extraordinary circumstance we can Individual and integral confession individually beforehand or immediately forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, receive the grace of forgiveness, even on and absolution is the only ordinary way afterwards. no. 1452).” This final disposition bears further grave sins, by making sincere acts of sorrow, for serious sins to be forgiven looking into as it holds the key to unraveling or perfect contrition. Part of the condition for Can. 960 states: Individual and integral The special situation of the COVID-19 the controversy that the Note seems to have a sincere act of sorrow is the resolve to come confession and absolution constitute the pandemic roused. to sacramental confession as soon as possible only ordinary way by which the faithful, After reaffirming the foregoing and to confess each and every one of our grave who is aware of serious sin, is reconciled norms and criteria, a Note from the The efficacy of perfect contrition when sins that are not yet confessed (cf. CCC 1452). with God and with the Church; only physical Apostolic Penitentiary on the Sacrament sacramental confession is impossible “I invite all the faithful to come to avail of the or moral impossibility excuses the person of Reconciliation in the current pandemic, What the Note really expressed was that great mercy of God that is poured on us by the from confession of this type, in which case dated 20.III.2020, at the start of the Covid-19 in the impossibility of administering the sacrament of reconciliation. The parishes are reconciliation can take place in other ways. quarantines, stated the following: Sacrament of Reconciliation in the manner instructed to set aside time for confession and Can.961, §1 states a general prohibition: 1) “This Apostolic Penitentiary believes— laid down by canon law—including the two to make provisions for places for confession Absolution cannot be imparted in a general N.B. it is only stating an opinion, albeit a very exceptions outlined in c.961, §1, 1° & 2°—the that are hygienically safe for both the priest manner to a number of penitents at once prudent one—that, especially in the places merciful Love of God will prevail. There is no and the penitent. Each one may also make an without previous individual confession, most affected by the pandemic contagion and need to accommodate the Sacramental sign appointment in the parish office for confession unless…. until the phenomenon recedes, the cases of to special circumstances—e.g., extending and the priests will readily accommodate you. “The canon sanctions the obligation of serious need mentioned in can. 961, § 2 CIC the faculty for general absolution which was Confession cannot be done online. It has to be individual confession, with the accompanying above mentioned, will occur.” In other words, specific for the case of chaplains of hospitals done personally. So, I invite all to take time to absolution, as the only ordinary way for it is not stating that it has occurred, or is not being able to approach the patients receive this sacrament in the coming weeks.” obtaining reconciliation with God and with occurring, but that it will most probably occur. infected with Covid-19. Pope Francis could (Pastoral Instruction, 8.IX.2020) the Church. Such ordinary way is qualified as 2) “Any further specification is delegated by not have been more explicit: a sincere act of pertaining to Divine Law by the Council of law to diocesan bishops, always taking into contrition effects reconciliation with God. Confession cannot be done online Trent (cf. DS 1707). account the supreme good of the salvation On the same day that the abovementioned The fundamental requirement for validity “The duty sanctioned in c.960 is of souls (cf. can. 1752 CIC).” This phrasing is Note came out, Pope Francis himself reminded is that priest and penitent sense their mutual complemented and confirmed by the norm very important, because it in fact remits to the the faithful of the same thing: presence and immediate communication— established in c.986, §1 that states: All to existing norms contained in the cited canon “I know that many of you go to confession i.e., that the individual penitent (accuser and whom the care of souls is committed by and further explained by the aforementioned before Easter so you can be right with accused) is in fact speaking to the individual reason of an office are obliged to provide that Response from the Pontifical Council for the God again. But many will say to me today: priest (judge). What should be precluded is the confessions of the faithful entrusted to Interpretation of Legislative Texts (Prot. No. ‘But, Father, where can I find a priest, a some manipulation of the communication their care be heard when they reasonably ask 5309/96, 8.XI.1996). confessor, when I can’t leave the house? between the two parties—through some to be heard and that the opportunity be given 3) “In the present pandemic emergency, And I want to make peace with the Lord. I technical means. to them to come to individual confession on it is therefore up to the diocesan bishop to want Him to embrace me. I want my Daddy Purely as an exercise—a gedanken days and hours set for their convenience. In indicate to priests and penitents the prudent to embrace me… How can I do it if I can’t (thought) experiment as the Germans would fact, this is a fundamental right of the faithful attentions to be adopted in the individual find a priest?’ Do what the Catechism says. say—can the phone or internet guarantee and a serious duty of justice of the sacred celebration of sacramental reconciliation, It is very clear. If you don’t find a priest the absolute fidelity of the communication pastors (cf. cc.213 and 843).” such as the celebration in a ventilated place to go to confession, speak to God. He is between priest and penitent, excluding any outside the confessional, the adoption of a your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I possibility of manipulation in the process? It General absolution has an exceptional suitable distance, the use of protective masks, did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask is not difficult to conceive of an arrangement character with stringent conditions for without prejudice to absolute attention to the His forgiveness with all your heart with that would make this possible, thereby the exception safeguarding of the sacramental seal and the an Act of Contrition, and promise Him, assuring the validity of the sacramental sign. A Response from the Pontifical Council for necessary discretion.” In this regard, it is ‘afterward I will go to confession, but However, there is one difficulty, the danger of the Interpretation of Legislative Texts—with noteworthy that the CBCP, in fact, had given forgive me now.’ You will return to God’s which has led Church authority to preclude Prot. No. 5309/96 and dated 8.XI.1996— guidelines in this respect, which the different grace immediately. You yourself can draw this option all these years: the possibility of settled this issue by first pointing out that Local Ordinaries had ratified in their proper near to God’s forgiveness, as the Catechism breaking the sacramental seal: phones can “John Paul II had expressly underscored this circumscriptions. teaches us, without having a priest at hand. be hacked (and legally even by the service exceptional character: The reconciliation of 4) “Furthermore, it is always up to the Think about it: this is the moment! This is provider), and more so the internet. That is several penitents through general confession diocesan bishop to determine, in the territory the right moment, the appropriate moment. like allowing Confession to take place with and absolution, hold an exceptional nature of his own ecclesiastical circumscription and An Act of Contrition, made well. In this way an eavesdropper. That is why the Supreme and hence cannot be left to free choice, but with regard to the level of pandemic contagion, our souls will become as white as snow.” Authority of the Church has not allowed should be regulated by norms instituted for the cases of grave necessity in which it is [Homily on 20.III.2020] confession by phone or by internet. If one this purpose (Apost. Exhort. Reconciliatio lawful to impart collective absolution: for were to do that—and the priest were to absolve et Paenitentia, AAS, LXXVII, 1985, p.267).” example, at the entrance to hospital wards, The need to go to sacramental him/her—it might be valid, but it would It then summarized the present norms as where the infected faithful in danger of death confession as soon as possible definitely beillicit , such that both priest and follows: are hospitalized, using as far as possible and However, both the Pope and the Apostolic penitent would be guilty of profanation of Can. 961, §1, nn.1°-2°, presenting the with the appropriate precautions the means Penitentiary reminded everyone of the the Sacrament and possibly even of breaking extraordinary way of collective absolution, of amplifying the voice so that absolution obligation to go to Sacramental Confession the sacramental seal, which is punishable by taxatively establishes two conditions that may be heard.” In fact, this is the only novelty as soon as possible: automatic excommunication of the priest, indicate the only cases in which such of this Note—i.e., citing a very specific case Pope Francis: “Ask His forgiveness with the remission of which is reserved to the Holy absolution is licit: when the exception can be made. Since the all your heart with an Act of Contrition, See (cf. c.1388, §1), and a just penalty (not 1° danger of death threatens norm on general absolution is an exception and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to excluding excommunication) for all others (immineat periculum mortis) and there to a prohibition (to impart general absolution, confession, but forgive me now.’” involved—e.g., the penitent and the possible is no time for the priest or priests to hear as laid down in c.961, §1), this specific case Catechism of the Catholic Church, hacker (cf. c.1388, §2). the confessions of the individual penitents. should be interpreted in a strict sense—i.e., n.1452: “Where the individual faithful find As Bp. Pabillo simply said: “Confession (This is a reference to the original motive for only in this specific scenario of a COVID-19 themselves in the painful impossibility of cannot be done online. It has to be done the concession of general absolution in the infected medical facility, where the confessor receiving sacramental absolution, it should be personally.” UPDATES CBCP Monitor August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 FEATURE B3 My first ten years of grace

By Archbishop-Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ

ON August 31, 1996, 24 years ago, I was of the Prelature decided to form ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of the an interfaith and transpartisan citizens’ Prelature of Ipil in the Cathedral of Cagayan alliance, called Silingan Ka (Sibugaynon de Oro. Looking back, it was the beginning of Lihok Ngadto sa Nagpakabanang my first decade of grace from 1996 to 2006 as Katawhan!) or Sibugaynons’ Movement a bishop in a remote and, at that time, the for a Concerned Citizenry. This would no youngest ecclesiastical unit of the Church in longer be under the church. This group Mindanao. included several Protestant, Muslim and From the earlier Jesuit Mission District Subanon participants, in addition to the in the northeastern part of Zamboanga majority Catholic members. The SK! Archdiocese, the Prelature of Ipil was Movement articulated their own principles created in 1980 with the appointment of and organized forums for all the political its first bishop, Bp. Federico Escaler, SJ. I candidates to present their platform of succeeded Bishop Escaler on July 16, 1997 government.. As election day approached, and therefore had the privilege of working as the SK! leaders decided to choose across an apprentice bishop under him for almost party lines their own candidates for local a year. During that first year as coadjutor officials. They distributed a sample ballot bishop, I was asked often to take his place containing an advisory list of worthwhile in Confirmations and fiesta Masses. It was candidates. By this means, a significant at that time an unforgettable experience in number of SK!-backed candidates were traveling to many of the 19 rural parishes over elected into office. This movement for Good rough roads which included even the national Governance has continued in subsequent highway connecting Pagadian to Zamboanga. elections and has been instrumental in The period of the 80’s and 90’s in the preventing a political dynasty from a nearby Prelature was a time of turbulence under province from coming into the local scene. martial law and the intermittent conflict A third learning from Ipil Prelature was the between Muslims and Christians; but it introduction of Gasa Balik sa Dios (GBSD, was also a time of hope, with EDSA I, Gift Offered Back to God). The practice of and rapid changes with the continued influx of regular pledging of support by parishioners, settlers from other parts of Mindanao and the instead of the arancel system of stole fees, rest of the country. We were cautioned that was a more systematic way of sustaining the five armed groups had their presence ministries of the church, and removed the within the Prelature — Moro pirates along image of a church “selling” the sacraments. I the coast; military checkpoints along the first sent a parish priest and a lay finance highway; the NPA, the “lost command” and worker to attend the seminar on diocesan some bandit groups in the hinterlands. In tithing offered by Bishop Nicolas Mondejar the course of events, three Italian priests and his team in San Carlos Diocese. Then we were kidnapped within the prelature; started with the pilot parish of Kabasalan, the three public school teachers and several second largest parish after Ipil. From then businessmen also suffered the same fate; on, with some modifications, the practice and a Protestant pastor was killed along the has been adopted by practically all the other shoreline of Ipil during the first month I parishes. arrived there. fourth learning that I received directly It was one of these “lost commands” from Bishop Escaler was his careful and purportedly that held up Bishop Escaler prudent accounting of resources for a and several of his companions as they fledgling prelature. Regularly every were traveling to Zamboanga in February Christmas season he would send a summary 1985; they were kept hostage for three financial report of the state of the prelature facilitate instant communication when been cut off. Eventually, this stewardship days before they were rescued by military to friends and donors as well as to the clergy telephone lines and mobile cell phones were accounting of limited resources led to the commandos after a brief firefight that ended themselves. Local resources amounted to less still non-existent. The bishop’s car was adoption of Standard Living Allowances for miraculously with no casualties. Ten years than a third of the total expenses. Despite equipped with this radio set to enable the clergy. Beyond these four practices, the most lasting learning I received was my association and collaboration with the clergy, religious and lay leaders of Ipil Prelature. As a neophyte bishop, I looked up to my “elders,” the veteran missionary priests that had toiled in many remote parishes on the Zamboanga mainland and Olutanga Island. Among these were Jesuit, Claretian, PIME, Maryknoll, Sacred Heart and later on SVD priests. There was also a growing number of Filipino diocesan priests who were beginning to take over several parishes; one of them has become the new bishop of Iligan. The sisters’ congregations included: Spinola, Guardian Angels, Faithful Companions of Jesus, Hijas de Maria, Tertiary Capuchins, Mercy, SPC, RVM, CM, DC, SFIC and OP sisters. Among the priests and religious sisters were several nationalities: Italian, Spanish, American, Polish, Belgian, Indian, Indonesian, German, British, Panamanian and Filipino. The numerous local lay co-workers would not be outdone in the ministries they carried out, such as catechetics, family life and natural family planning, community-based health program, youth, BEC formation, Subanon apostolate and social action. Ipil Prelature offered a microcosm of the universal Church at work in mission territory. later in 1995, a mixed group of Muslim this, he would gradually be able to provide communication with parishes even while Because of these learnings and militants raided the Ipil town center, burned for the priests the motorcycles and later traveling. It was the availability of this pastoral experiences, I must confess that the market place, broke into two banks, on four-wheel vehicles they needed to radio central unit at the bishop’s house Ipil was my “first love” as a bishop. But then and killed about 60 people. Because of traverse the rough roads of the prelature. We that provided instant news to the outside after 14 years in the Archdiocese of Cagayan Bishop Escaler’s own admonition of non- were also able to purchase single-side- world about what was happening during the de Oro, a second love has grown—with God’s retaliation against the Muslim minority in band radio units for all the parishes to Ipil raid, when communication lines had grace for both. Deo gratias!* the town, Ipil became a symbol for peace and development, the episcopal motto I adopted as Bishop of the Prelature: Pax et Progressio. It was during these initiation years as a bishop that I learned the value of four practices that later on I would try to adapt in the much larger Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. First was the KRISKA (Kristohanong Kasilinganan) program. This was the formation of Basic Christian Communities (BCC’s), comprising selda groupings of household heads as well as the activation of kapilya communities at the barangay or sitio level. The clustering of chapels also created the sonas (zones) that provided a larger scope for in-service training. Many local leaders were formed and empowered to become alagads (cell facilitators), or kaabags (chapel lay ministers) or chapel presidents. Due to the lack of priests and the distances involved, many of the chapel or zone communities took on the functions of a mini-parish, with their own planning for liturgical and socio-economic activities. For a time “Mag KRISKA ta!” on t-shirts displayed an open invitation for parishioners to join this new way of being church. Second, during the election period of 2004, several lay social action workers B4 FEATURE August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 CBCP Monitor FEATURE CBCP-ECMI’s message for the 34th National Migrants’ Sunday IN these difficult and trying times of Mary and Joseph who were forced of COVID-19, we are experiencing to flee from their own country the harshness of life. Many of our with the baby Jesus in order to OFWs are forced to come back home protect him. We know that we with no security of a better life. Yet, have to welcome, protect, promote, they are still luckier than those who and integrate displaced migrants, return home in caskets or urns, or especially in these trying times. those whose remains could not be This pandemic has also become an repatriated. equalizer; everybody is affected by At home, lately, we have come to it. Nevertheless, even if we claim know the meaning of LSIs—locally that all of us feel its effects, we are stranded individuals, stranded in still capacitated to be in solidarity the places where they were when with those most in need, and not to the quarantine was declared. There discriminate nor isolate our victim were many construction workers brothers and sisters. from Visayas and Mindanao who COVID-19 is no reason to forget were left to fend for themselves; the displaced migrants. This is students who could not go home to the message of the mystery of the their families, and many others who Incarnation: God became one like could not return to their loved ones. us so we can become like him. Let This pandemic has displaced many us share our hope with our displaced others, especially those whose jobs migrant workers and those displaced were in the service industry—public by COVID-19. This is the time when transportation drivers, restaurant we need each other the most. and salon workers, those in the entertainment industry, etc. There are those who have no more work In the Heart of Jesus, to go back to, their companies having folded up or closed. These +NARCISO ABELLA, MSC are displaced workers, and they have Bishop of the Diocese of Romblon families to take care and feed. It has Chairman, CBCP Episcopal also displaced the economy. It has Commission on Migrants and made life doubly hard, and the end Itinerant People is not yet in sight. Hundreds of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sept. 26, following their repatriation from Beirut, This must have been the insecurity September 24, 2020 Lebanon. PCOO Movements of the ship: Sail, carry and reach Pastoral Message on the occasion of the 25th National Seafarers Sunday, 27 September 2020

Ship reaches her port, readies to and carry our luggage. We bear sail again. our loads. We are advised that First, the ship is made to sail, to too many luggage slow down our venture in the open seas. A ship journey. So in life, take only what docked at the port is safe, but is very necessary, cast aside what that is not what the ship is meant will hinder us from completing our for. She has to sail. Her strength pilgrimage to God. is measured how she faces the Our dearest seafarers, you harsh weather and braves the have heavy burdens on your unpredictable oceans. shoulders and the load weighs Our life here on earth is a journey, you down. Climate batters our as if we are sailing on earth towards body. Sustenance at home and our true home, in Heaven. Whatever the present condition of family life has to offer, we go on. Even members sometimes undermine life has its ups and down, we are our mental disposition. So be ready to ride into it. Even life is strong. Set your sight on God. Let not smooth-sailing as its road is Jesus be the captain of your soul. rough and rugged, we always raise Anchor your life on His words. our sails and look beyond the new Jesus will surely keep us safe and horizon. successful. Our dearest seafarers don’t let the If you are in pain or nursing storms of separation and loneliness family problems, your chaplains break your spirit and make you are available to walk with you and withdraw into dark corner of work for you. If you feel alone or your being. Don’t let the waves at lost, your Stella Maris are your of material pleasure and luxuries home and your comfort. If you need distract your vision of harmonious rest and refuge, your Apostleship of homecoming to your loved ones. We the Seas are your shelter and family. must not let the temptations of easy Come to us. We will walk alongside money or vices ruin our dreams of you, and help carry your loads. happy and healthy family. Facing trials is like being hurled Just remember, with our innate into a ferocious storm in the sea. But qualities as brave and best Filipino be encouraged. God’s providence is seafarers, our potentials for being greater than all the problems and fruitful and successful are as afflictions in this ocean of life. PHOTO FROM THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA immense as the seas. In spite of Nothing and no one can hinder His what lies ahead, sail on. plans for you. His voice will be like a IN celebration of our National pastoral care of the Apostleship of assuring words of our beloved Pope Second, the ship carries her load. beacon of light in the middle of the Seafarers Sunday, on behalf of the Seas-Philippines. Our seafarers Francis, “you are not forgotten.” It can either be cargo or passengers, sea, telling us “take courage, it is I; the Catholic Bishops Conference find a caring and loving home in our Thanking Apostleship of the or both. As the ship takes her load, do not be afraid” (Matthew 14, 27). of the Philippines, let me express Stella Maris. Seas-Philippines and Scalabrini you do everything to give your best. Lastly, the ship reaches her port. our gratitude for the services and The Philippine Catholic Church Migration Center for this Webinar, Everything is well-taken care of, Even though the sea journey is sacrifices of our dedicated and is not only very proud of you but let me share with you my reflective protected and conserved. Nothing long and tiring, the ship will surely devoted seafarers. With your hard we spiritually journey with you in message focusing on the movements will be lost, damaged, or wasted. dock at the port. Amidst storms works, strength in body and spirit, our prayers and commitment to of the ships. For me, these are the Everybody is protected and being and the scorching heat of sun, your ships reach their destination your welfare and well-being. We are following: served with utmost diligence and the ship’s journey will still come efficiently and safely. We proudly one with you for the promotion of Ship sails in the open seas. respect. to its completion. Whatever the recognize the sensible and credible your rights and protection. In the Ship carries its load. In our earthly sailing, we bring Ship / B7 AMRSP statement on the commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law “We wept when darkness fell upon our beloved land.” FORTY-EIGHT years ago, Ferdinand and their ownership transferred to the poor. rural communities, answering the and salvaging still stood their E. Marcos declared martial on Marcos’ cronies. In the countryside, Many Christians, especially challenge of the Federation of Asian ground and defied the dictatorship September 21, 1972. It ushered in thousands of farmers’ and Catholics, inspired by the Gospels, Bishops’ Conference to “bring Christ until it was driven away. an unprecedented reign of terror indigenous peoples’ communities the development of Liberation to the rural poor” by establishing Our fundamental rights and and unbridled greed. were subjected to harassments, Theology, and the reforms of the Basic Christian Communities freedoms were somehow restored Suddenly, the whole country massacres, blockades, and forced Second Vatican Council, began to (BCCs, the predecessor of BEC) and through the blood, sweat and tears was plunged into darkness and evacuations, to give way to multi- participate in the anti-dictatorship Community-Based Health Program of the unsung and nameless heroes uncertainty. Organizations critical million development projects. struggle as an exercise of their faith (CBHP). and martyrs who burned light in the of the administration were suddenly We raised our voices when in the saving and liberating power of Many of them found the face darkness of the night. We rejoiced declared illegal, thus many of them repression reared its ugly head. God who actively works in history. of Christ in the suffering poor, when we saw the light. The whole were forced to go underground. The Shuddering are the accounts of Many of us joined the mobilizations reinvigorating their faith by world that was watching us change myth of “Malakas” and “Maganda” human rights violations committed in the streets, organized discernment actively upholding their prophetic our situation without violence. as the saviors of this country who by state forces during the dark era circles where national and sectoral witnessing in the society. Many Today tyranny is on the rise again. would lead us out from the darkness of martial law. According to the data situationers were discussed and would later testify that the period Now we weep again for the more of poverty and start a new era of of Amnesty International, about analyzed using the lens of the faith. of their involvement in the anti- than thirty thousand human beings peace and prosperity reigned in 34,000 Filipinos suffered torture in Some were found in the picket dictatorship struggle is some of the arbitrarily killed in this war on drugs. mass media, losing the freedom various forms, 77 “desaparecidos” lines of workers’ strikes, calling best years of their lives, deepening The orphans and widows demand of the press and the people’s right (some of them are religious, like for workers’ rights and assisting their commitment both as Christians justice. We demand accountability of access to credible information Fr. Rudy Romano, CSsR and Rev. their families. They were even and as consecrated women and men. and justice. There will be no peace and politicizing the military and Carlos Ma. Tayag, OSB), 70,000 at the “barikadang bayan” of the In the process, we were vilified, until the blood spilled in our streets judiciary. were imprisoned for their political urban poor fighting against the demonized, and many of our and our homes find justice. The public coffers were plundered involvement, and 3,240 known demolition of their communities to members arrested, tortured, and We are appalled again by resulting in economic collapse. cases of extrajudicial killings from give way to projects both of local and even killed. The church and its continuing attacks on human rights According to the Presidential 1974 to 1981. multinational corporations. people were persecuted. defenders and all those who serve Commission on Good Governance, In response, we in the AMRSP Others actively participated in Yet to keep us going, we celebrated the least, the last and the lost. about $5 billion to $10 billion and our predecessors committed Fact-Finding Missions and prison the courage and resistance of a They are the modern-day apostles were plundered by Marcos and his ourselves to be prophets and visits to document human rights people despite all the threats, arrests, of our times—mocked, harassed, cronies. Companies were seized witnesses to a church of and for violations. Still others went to the detention, torture, disappearance Statement / B7 FEATURE CBCP Monitor August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 FEATURE B5 Pastoral Instructions for All Saints and All Souls Day Circular 2020-33 RE: All Saint’s-All Souls’ Day

Reverend Fathers: It is evident and to be expected that like the Lenten and Easter seasons, our observance of All Saints-All Souls Days will be substantially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic that we are going through.

OUR FAITH Before we look into the adjustments in the pious devotional practices that we traditionally observe on All Saints’-All Souls’ Days, let us return to some fundamental Catholic teachings. 1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is our first guide. The Church in its pilgrim members has always honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and ‘because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins‘ she offers her suffrages for them.” Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective. (#958). 2. On her death bed, Saint Monica taught her son Augustine, “Lay my body anywhere. Let not the care for that in any way disquiet you. I only ask this: that you remember me at the Lord’s altar, wherever you are.” 3. Sacramentals are sacred signs and practices instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life. (CCC 1677, 1679). Visiting cemeteries is a sacramental. Families light candles and keep vigil on All Saints’ Day before an apartelle-type graves for the dead in a cemetery in Laguna on November 1, 2012. FILE PHOTO

OUR SITUATION: Still in Community faithful departed. All green ferial days must the current pandemic and creeping hunger so season and offer fake religious rites for pay. Quarantine be Masses for the Faithful Departed. prevalent in our communities should also 7. Enclosed is a Prayer Guide for Family 1. At the individual level, each of us should The Catholic faithful can request the names encourage us to offer, instead of flowers and Prayers for the Faithful Departed which the practice basic health precautions. These of their departed loved ones to be remembered candles, alms for the poor in the parish, to Catholic faithful can use at home with the include frequent and proper handwashing, in the Masses within these days. be used for feeding and giving out food relief family. The pandemic can be a good occasion proper cough etiquette, and social distancing 2. Within October 7 to October 31, those packs. The parish must organize an alternative to recover the value and beauty of family of two meters. These measures minimize the who wish to offer votive candles may bring UNDAS by giving food bags to the poor on prayer. spread of COVID-19 because the virus travels the unlit candles to the parish office. They will October 27, the Sunday before UNDAS in I borrow the words of Cardinal Robert Sarah in the air through water droplets. be gathered until October 31 and will be lit by memory of the faithful departed. Almsgiving from his letter “Let Us Return to the Eucharist 2. At the community level, each of us should designated lay leaders in the cemetery of the covers a multitude of sins and is beneficial with Joy”. The Church “bears witness to minimize our social mobility and stay home parish as an act of reverence for the faithful for the souls in purgatory more than flowers hope, invites us to trust in God, recalls that to prevent the social interactions between departed. and candles. earthly existence is important, but much infected and non-infected people that are 3. The image of the dead Christ will be 6. The Catholic cemeteries will not more important is eternal life: sharing the necessary for pandemic spread. When we are put out for veneration in the parish church, be accessible to the Catholic faithful on same life with God for eternity is our goal, out in public, we should wear masks and face properly secured to prevent people from October 31 to November 2 as an act of social our vocation. This is the faith of the Church, shields, because again, these simple measures kissing or touching the image. To the image responsibility. As most of us have availed of witnessed over the centuries by hosts of block infectious water droplets from moving of the dead Christ, the faithful who wish to spiritual communion during this time that martyrs and saints.” from one person to another. offer flowers by the graves of their loved ones we are unable to physically attend Mass, In this time of pandemic he urged us pastors may just lay the flowers before the image of so we are encouraged to focus more on the to “renew our intention to be witnesses of the REVERENCE FOR THE DEPARTED dead Christ and offer prayers for the faithful spiritual communion of prayers for the faithful Risen One and heralds of a sure hope, which 1. Let the motherly counsel of Saint Monica departed. departed this year. transcends the limits of this world.” be our guide, “Lay my body anywhere. Let 4. From October 24 to November 1, the The parish priests with private memorial We who are unable to visit the cemeteries not the care for that in any way disquiet you. enclosed Prayers of the Faithful will be used parks or government cemeteries in their areas pray that someday, we can join the saints in I only ask this: that you remember me at the for the souls in purgatory. Before Mass, the are advised to request the local government heaven. Our destiny is heaven not the grave. Lord’s altar, wherever you are.” Visiting the Novena for the Poor Souls, as enclosed, will units and the memorial park owners to graves of our loved ones is a pious devotion be prayed. Within this novena days, the observe these same protocols for the sake of called sacramental. There is something parish priest must visit the cemetery to bless social order and public health. We have no Sincerely yours, higher and more spiritually beneficial than the graves and tombs without making any jurisdiction over them but we plead in the +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS sacramental—the sacraments. announcement on the specific date so as not spirit of social responsibility and solidarity Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Starting October 7, memorial of Our Lady of to unduly gather people to join the blessing. against the pandemic. It would also help to the Rosary until November 2, all Masses in the 5. While the Filipino custom of offering warn the police about the possible priest Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist archdiocese will be offered as suffrage for the flowers is recognized as religious inculturation, impostors who might take advantage of the September 21, 2020 Pastoral Instruction: One with our beloved dead MY dear people of God in the Arch- cemetery on any day before October containing the ashes in our homes diocese of Manila, 29 and on any day after November permanently. There is great danger 4. What is to be avoided is that we of desecration in the future, espe- A few weeks ago, the mayors of Met- congregate together and form large cially when we are no longer around ro Manila came out with a resolution crowds only on certain days. to look after and care for these ashes. to close the public cemeteries from On November 1 and 2, all are en- So the ashes should be laid to rest October 31 to November 3 this year couraged to go to Church and offer in columbaria in the cemeteries or to avoid large crowds congregating Mass for our beloved dead. The Holy in churches. In this way too, other and thus spread the Corona 19 virus. Eucharist is the best prayer that we people outside of our families who I commend our local executives for can offer. All of us, living and dead, would like to visit and pray for them their care to prevent any upsurge are united in the offering of Jesus can freely do so any time. of the disease. This was extended in the Holy Mass. Our parishes will We give due respect to the remains nation-wide by the IATF resolution celebrate more Masses on those of the dead because we believe that 72 which came out on September days to accommodate more church “just as in Adam all die, so too in 15. It states: “All public and private goers with proper physical distanc- Christ shall all be brought to life” (1 cemeteries, and memorial parks, ing. Lighting of candles for the dead Cor. 15:22). So we all await our com- including columbariums and the can also be done in areas provided ing together into God’s house at the like throughout the country shall by the parishes during the month of resurrection of the dead. We believe be closed to visitors from October November. The lighting of candles in the words of our Lord Jesus: “In 29 to November 4, 2020.” I enjoin is an external manifestation of our my Father’s house there are many everyone to cooperate. prayer. dwelling places. If there were not, We hold on to our faith in the Instead of going to the cemeteries would I have told you that I am go- Communion of Saints and to our on November 1 and 2, we can also set ing to prepare a place for you? And oneness with our beloved dead. We aside time together as a family in our if I go and prepare a place for you, I believe that death does not totally homes and pray for those who have will come back again and take you to separate our loved ones from us. In gone ahead of us. It is a good and myself, so that where I am you also physical death life is changed, not holy thought to pray for the dead. It may be” (Jn. 14:2-3). Our regular ended. Our relationship with our would also be good if we can share visits to cemeteries and our remem- beloved dead, however, is no longer with the family members our recol- brance and prayers for the dead are material but spiritual. In fact, we go lections about our beloved dead so deep signs of our longing to be with to the cemetery during the UNDAS that their memory can bind us closer them forever in our Father’s house. to remember and pray for them. to each other. Remembrance and prayers are spiri- During these past six months, Yours truly in Christ Jesus, tual activities. We can still do these. many have experienced death in We can go to visit them in the cem- the family, and for hygienic reasons +BRODERICK S. PABILLO, DD eteries on other days, not just in the many of our dead were cremated. I Apostolic Administrator of the Arch- first two days of November. So we would like to remind everyone that it diocese of Manila A replica of Michaelangelo’s Pietá at the Blessed Souls Chapel of the Manila Cathedral. ROMAIN GARY LAZARO can schedule our family visit to the is not allowed for us to keep the urns September 21, 2020 www.undasonline.com B6 REFLECTIONS August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS Exceptionally generous Learning from God to be magnanimous is God to us! 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matt 20:1-16) 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matt 20:1-16) September 20, 2020 September 20, 2020 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

THE Parable of the Laborers of the unskilled, the owner was generous to fathom, but one can understand Vineyard tells the story of a vineyard enough to take them in. For another, why God’s thought is unlike human owner who hired from a labor pool he gave each of them a wage that thought. at various hours of the day. When was more than commensurate with But if God does not deal with us evening drew on, all the hired men, their work. One wonders, of course, in the way men do, it is because if including those who were hired at whether this could be practiced in he does, no one would probably five in the afternoon, received the a business corporation. It is easy survive: “If you, O Lord, mark same payment. If one looks at the to imagine a company eventually iniquities, Lord, who can stand? parable in terms of labor relations, folding up because of the extreme But with you is forgiveness, that he can always sympathize with those generosity of the owner—being you may be revered” (Ps 130:3-4). who labored all day, beginning at exceptionally gracious would send Since no one can stand if God deals nine in the morning, but nonetheless the company into bankruptcy! with us like we do, he deals with us received a wage that was exactly But that is how human thinking in his mercy and forgiveness. God the same as those who came at five goes. Nonetheless, the first reading remains good to humans, even if in the afternoon. It is not difficult reminds us: “For my thoughts are the latter are not good to him. He to see the injustice done to them, not your thoughts, nor are your ways deals with us in his generosity. if by justice is meant the giving of my ways, says the Lord. As high as God is good to us not because what is due to everyone. Obviously, the heavens are above the earth, we are good, but because he is it is a gross injustice for the estate so high are my ways above your good. This is the way the parable owner to give the same wage to ways, and my thoughts above your answers the murmuring of the those who came to work early in thoughts” (Isaiah 55:5-6). Pharisees. When Jesus accepted the day and those who came late Linked with the parable, this the prostitutes, tax collectors and in the afternoon. That would be Isaianic saying merely indicates sinners to table fellowship, the a case of unfair labor practice. that God does not deal with men in Pharisees complained that he was But the parable is not about labor the same way that men deal with thereby making sinners on par with relations. For the focus of the story their fellow men. To curb greed them who were perfect observers of is not on the laborers who came to and inequality, men like to appeal the law. For the Pharisees, they the vineyard, but on the owner who to justice—give each one his due, stand above transgressors of the was extremely gracious to those they say! But one wonders whether law, and they deserve a reward that who came last—he was extremely justice is enough. Law brings was much higher than sinners’. THE “workers of the first hour” had We live on borrowed life! We all generous! justice, but one can easily recognize But Jesus answered that that God been praiseworthy, available, hard- are the fruit of God’s generosity, In trying to understand the that something is lacking—it lacks is extremely generous that he could working, laboring the whole day in not of God’s retribution. And He lesson of the parable, it may be compassion, magnanimity and even give equal pay for unequal the scorching heat. Really, they had keeps being generous with us, even helpful to point out that at Jesus’ similar values! Dura lex sed lex, work. What counts, in other done their best to earn their wages. when we positively deserve His just time, the market place was some the law may be harsh, but it is words, is the mercy of God, not our But their complaining at paytime punishment. kind of a labor exchange. Men the law! Obviously, the world own merits! What does this imply tarnishes their image, for it reveals Why react negatively, then, at His went there in the morning and cannot be ruled by law alone, for the community? This means their weakness: they are envious. In “exceptional generosity” toward waited for an employer to come and it would be unfortunately to that since all are recipients of his spite of all our efforts to sympathize some of our brothers and sisters along. And in the normal course of leave the world only to lawyers mercy, members should rejoice with their concern for a fair retribu- when we know that everyone will things, any employer would always or justices! Love is to be added, whenever they receive gifts from tion, the truth of the matter is that have to account in proportion to hire the skilled or the competent for it is love that enables us to God. Gifts are not earned; they are they do not know how to appreciate what one has received? Why be sad- workers. Consequently, if there share with those who are marginal simply given! There is therefore the magnanimity of their Master. dened by God’s generosity toward were any workers standing idle in and abandoned members of the no reason to be envious, when They feel envious when they see others, and forget that we too, and the marketplace from morning to community. “The Lord is good to someone receives more than the that others are offered a better deal. more than once, have been the bene- afternoon, they were certainly the all, and compassionate towards others. The Christian community Their jealousy clouds their vision. ficiaries of His wonderful liberality? leftovers whom no one hired. The his work” (Ps 145:9), says the has no room for people who cannot They would be right if everything Envy is a terrible woodworm. It lesson of the parable lies here, for it Responsorial Psalm, but that is bear to see others surpass them in in life were to be reduced to pro- devours us from within. If left un- is in connection with these leftovers because God is first of all love. gifts or talents. On the contrary, portional retribution – so much checked, it can destroy so much good that the extreme generosity of the Equality may express justice, but all have to rejoice in that, despite compensation for so much done or in us and around us. Envy over the owner is shown. For one thing, it does not convey the compassion their unworthiness, God remains produced. But if this were the only good fortune or achievements of our in spite of the fact that they were and love of God. It may be difficult generous to them with his gifts! rule in life, no one would have time neighbor is like a plague that makes and attention (and money!) for those everybody’s life miserable. Instead, who do not “produce” – the weak, we should learn from God, who is the sick, the disabled, the babies, ever so generous, ever so good. We the aged . . . . should learn to rejoice at His liber- A test of discipleship: Even the strongest among us ality toward all His creatures. We would have had a very short life. should learn to imitate Him, in our For all of us, in fact, there was a little way, by using His very gifts to words backed up by deeds time when we were weak, when we do good to others. The person who did not “produce” anything at all, really loves is never jealous. He/she and were totally dependent on the who really loves “God’s way” always 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matt 21:28-32) generous love of our parents and rejoices in the good fortune and suc- September 27, 2020 other people. cess of others. By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD Aiming at imitating Jesus, the WORDS have to be substantiated. but the religious establishment did have the truth, but are intolerant of This is the main point of today’s not. But at the level of Christian life, those who happen to disagree with Son who “said yes” and “did yes” parable of the two sons. The story is the parable is about discipleship. them. How often they forget that extremely short. When their father In particular, it has to do with the they have to love in deed and in truth 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matt 21:28-32) asked them to go and work in his importance of practical response (1 John 3:18). The final test that one September 27, 2020 vineyard, the first one objected, but to God’s invitation in Jesus. No is a disciple is not the ability to quote eventually changed his mind and doubt, the first son is held up as the appropriate biblical text to prove By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB obeyed. The second one said yes an example of discipleship. It does that one’s argument is rooted in the but never went. To the question not matter whether one was born Bible, but the fleshing out of that MANY of us, whenever we read the to the Father. The whole Gospel is of Jesus, “who of the two did to a pagan family, or to morally belief in love. story of the two sons featured in about this wonderful “parable” that the father’s will?” the answer of questionable parents; what matters The parable is a big challenge to today’s Gospel passage, may dismiss teaches us how Jesus—the “perfect course is the first son. There are is that, in the ultimate analysis, one us, Catholics. The center of our lives it as irrelevant to our situation. Son”—always responded with a various ways of understanding the accepts God’s offer of salvation in is the Eucharist, where we proclaim Others may remain puzzled by perfect “Yes!” to the Father, both in parable, depending on the level of Jesus Christ through repentance the death of the Lord until he comes the indirect praise given to the words and actions. interpretation one wants to focus and faith. Just as the tax collectors (1 Cor 11:26 ). In Christian life, To “first son” by the chief priest and Such should also be the way of on As told by Jesus, the story and sinners repented and believed borrow the words of the Second elders of the people (who, most all Christians. It is not enough to seems to have been originally linked in Jesus (Matt 21:32), so any person, Vatican Council, it is “the summit likely, thought that “the first son” be “nominal Christians,” (being with the question of who was a true whatever might be the beginnings of toward which the activity of the represented them.) He definitely did Christians only in words). It is not Israelite. The first son portrays the his life, has only to respond to the Church is directed; at the same time better than the “other son.” But the enough either to be “occasional tax collectors and sinners. Because offer of discipleship by changing his it is the fountain from which all her behavior of the former, too, was far Christians” (people who sometimes they were unable to follow the law, life and putting on the life of Christ. power flows. For the goal of apostolic from being perfect, for he dared to behave well, though refusing to make they were treated as outside the pale Such a person is God’s son, Jesus’s works is that all who are made sons say an arrogant “No!” to his father a clear profession of faith in Jesus.) of the true Israelite community. The disciple, heir to the kingdom of of God by faith and baptism should before doing what he had been What we need is CONSISTENCY. All second represents the scribes and God : “Whoever does the will of my come together to praise God in the asked to do. The villain of course, is of us must be “consistent Christians,” the Pharisees, those who know the heavenly Father is brother and sister midst of his Church, to take part in the “other son” who said “Yes” but i.e., people who constantly live by law. They claimed to represent the and mother to me” (Matt 12:30 ). her sacrifice and to eat the Lord’s did “No.” the faith we profess. Indeed, the test true Israelite community because One of the bitterest criticisms of Supper”(Sacrosanctum concilium, The surprise, however, to the of our worth as Christians lies in they were faithful in its observance. Jesus against the Pharisees precisely 10). But there looms the danger that embarrassment of the religious honoring our commitment to God, Because of their claim, they became consisted in this—that they merely the Eucharistic celebration may be authorities, comes when Jesus in doing the good we have promised so secure in their position that when talk, but their deeds are scarce: “Do reduced to a mere ritual celebration, identifies “the first son” not with the to do, and in avoiding what we God revealed himself not through not follow their [the Pharisees’] divorced from our daily life. It could chief priests and the elders, but with promised to avoid. the law but through a person named example. Their words are bold, but happen that though we are faithful the tax collectors and the prostitutes Being a real Christian entails Jesus, he refused to respond to him. their deeds are few” (Matt 23:3). in celebrating it, we do not make an as the ones who are entering the also taking responsibility for one’s That is why they are compared with They are like the second son who effort to live the life patterned after Kingdom of God. The latter, in fact, failings and faults, rather than the second son because they said yes said yes to his father, but failed him. Jesus’, which is a life of self-giving at the preaching of John, underwent trying to put the blame on others, to God, but in actual fact, they did Discipleship is thus a matter of (Phil 2:9; Second Reading). In that conversion, unlike the religious as the Israelites did during their not obey his word spoken through deeds. Discipleship is what makes sense, we could be like the Pharisees authorities who did not believe in exile. (See today’s First Reading.) Jesus. On the other hand, the tax one a child of the kingdom, Jesus whose words are bold, but whose John. (See vv. 31b-32.) Genuine Christians know that they collectors and sinners, who were could say: “None of those who cry deeds are few and far between. To As for us, independent “judges,” are not perfect. They know they regarded as transgressors of the out, “Lord, lord,’ will enter the make the Eucharist the real center of we somehow feel that there must be a can fail and they are ready to admit law, now said yes to the revelation kingdom of God but only the one our life, it must also affect our very better way of relating to one’s father that, occasionally, they did fail. This in Jesus. Hence, they are identified who does the will of my father in life—all our thoughts and actions who symbolizes God, our heavenly honest and humble admission has with the first son. heaven” (Matt 7:21). On the basis come from it and lead toward it. For Father . . . . This “better way” is not to be followed by a real and lasting It is even possible that the parable of this, one can only be amused that a Eucharistic celebration that does included in today’s parable, but it is conversion. This is the basis for was applied first not to the ministry of peripatetic preachers and born- not lead to action on behalf of others the basic message of “the parable” resuming with determination saying Jesus but to that of John the Baptist. again Christian could be so zealous is simply empty; it does not exhibit a of Jesus’ life. This “better way is: “YES!” to God in words and deeds, In his case, the poor who did not in their attack against the Catholic response to the offer of God’s grace “Saying YES” and “Doing YES.” That following the example of all saints, know the law accepted his teaching, Church, convinced as they are they in Jesus Christ. is the way of Jesus, the perfect “YES!” the best imitators of Jesus. REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 Corruption and spread of Covid-19

By Fr. Shay Cullen

THERE are many global threats her precious, beautiful, happy life facing the world today. The most and that of her family. But it is also serious in everybody’s mind is the the many mistakes of the politicians coronavirus pandemic with 200,000 that have failed to act decisively in dead in the USA alone and spreading. time to lead and instruct the people It is a cause of shock and realization that Covid-19 is a dangerous deadly that we humans for all our economic, virus with the power to kill and maim. military and medical power is very They fail to insist that everyone must weak and vulnerable to the invisible wear masks, avoid contact with virus that has invaded our world, others, disinfect, wash their hands our communities, families and our frequently since anyone may have bodies. Some nations have had the deadly killer virus. It is spreading success in controlling it; others have because many people ignore these failed through incompetence and precautions and corrupt, inadept corruption. and stupid failed leaders do not order Martha has a cheerful, happy- and impose protective measures to go-lucky personality, a healthy save the vulnerable people and issue mother of four. On a recent Saturday strong, consistent health warnings. evening, she forgot herself and went They have failed to implement and to a house party with friends to insist on a national response to celebrate a birthday. She ignored test and trace the infected people precautions as did others and and isolate them. How else can wrongly believed it wouldn’t touch this vicious virus that spreads like her. But it did. By Friday, she was venom be contained? Those strong, having strong coughing and fever respected leaders who did response symptoms and reactions and was to the attack of Covid-19 in a wiser, rushed to the overcrowded hospital. more scientific and disciplined and There in painful convulsions, Martha educated manner saved hundreds of struggled and gasped for breath, thousands of their citizens, which is isolated from family, only the nurse, their sworn duty. dressed in blue plastic, went to help In the nations with the highest her. It was no use, Martha quickly death rates, it seems they have fell silent and died. It was her weak restricted the showing of videos of lungs, they said. Some underlying mass burials, lines of waiting coffins, health condition, said another. No full crematoriums, overcrowded

A Caritas Manila worker helps distribute relief goods to more than 400 jeepney drivers received in Malabon City on Sept. 26. CARITAS MANILA

because of some selfish, pleasure- It may seem like mission world that allows the virus to seeking and irresponsible people impossible to persuade the virus spread uncontrolled in many who flout precautions and care for deniers and the climate sceptics of countries, mostly among the poor. no one other than themselves. In the truth of a pandemic and global We see much irresponsible selfish their ignorance, they demonstrate warming. We have to challenge behavior by some national leaders, against the safety precautions no and call out the oppressors, bankers, industrialists, military, less. corrupt leaders and politicians police and criminals. We know It is our fervent hope and belief to do justice, respect the rights of that abuse and evil persist because that the majority of humans are all, to care and protect the public they with the power choose the evil good, law-abiding people that health and to serve humbly. To and reject the good as they exercise care for others, protect them from convince these people who live in their free will corruptly. The evil Covid-19 and care for the public darkness that it is a better life to be comes from making the wrong health and environment. They in the light and to bring happiness choice to crush and hurt others choose the good over evil. They act in to people, not terror, oppression, to retain political and economic a responsible way saving their own pain, suffering, rights violations power and to plunder the nation. Fr. Hans Magdurulang of San Felipe Neri Parish prays over the medical staff of Santa Ana Hospital in lives, their families and neighbors. and death. It is a mission to For them, the health and well- Manila on August 31. COURTESY OF SAN FELIPE NERI PARISH The people who do believe and persuade the ordinary people to being of others is just a matter choose to do the good and practice always choose the good over evil. of lip-service, words without one really knows why she died so hospitals, dying people and sick the values of love of the stranger, It is a challenge for all to teach by meaning, action without purpose, quickly. There was no time for an doctors and nurses. It is too shocking. of neighbor and work for justice, good example, taking action for hypocrisy and skullduggery for autopsy, not even a proper funeral. Is it for some an effort to deny and have a responsibility to share those justice and accepting and living selfish personal gain. The great She was brought straight to the cover up the real extent of their values so that equality, peace and the truth that justice and goodness hope is that a society, a nation, will crematorium, leaving behind a incompetence, criminal behaviour harmony can be a reality in society. is the path to happiness for all. It evolve with the beautiful values, weeping crying, traumatized family. and lack of moral conscience all We should actively persuade and is a great shining ideal, but will it principles, and compassion that There are hundreds of thousands for the sake of retaining political convince the others to do likewise. ever come to be? motivate overwhelming good that of people like Martha and more of power? Covid-19 is spreading and Inactivity in the face of wrong is to This is the goal we must work is the paramount driving force that them every day. A mistake took away causing more sickness and death allow it to grow and prosper. for. There is so much evil in the brings happiness to all.

Message / B1 Ship / B4 corporate misconduct is a “new common home and defend the others as well. hindrance may be, the ship sails. protocol where the change of crew version of colonialism” (SAINT most vulnerable in our midst. We We rejoice too that faith Difficulties and setbacks will not of a certain vessel is accepted JOHN PAUL II, Address to the see the gradual emergence of a communities are coming together derail nor stop her from sailing. and facilitated. But reflecting Pontifical Academy of Social great mobilization of people from to create a more just, peaceful Reaching the port, the ship gets deeper, this is not only to fulfill Sciences, 27 April 2001, cited below and from the peripheries and sustainable world. We are reviewed, making sure everything the International protocol but it in Querida Amazonia, 14), one that who are generously working for the particularly happy that the Season is accounted for; getting repairs or is also a manner of showing our shamefully exploits poorer countries protection of the land and of the poor. of Creation is becoming a truly restorations done. She readies for true character. We are genuinely and communities desperately We rejoice to see how young people ecumenical initiative. Let us the next sea voyages. very hospitable people, always seeking economic development. and communities, particularly continue to grow in the awareness Yes, along our journey we get tired extending our hands to help. We need to strengthen national indigenous communities, are on that we all live in a common home or even hurt. Our hurts can come With grateful hearts, we thank and international legislation to the frontlines in responding to the as members of a single family. from being rejected or ridiculed and appreciate the goodness of regulate the activities of extractive ecological crisis. They are calling Let us all rejoice that our loving because of our color or customs, or our municipal mayor, Antonio companies and ensure access to for a Jubilee for the earth and a new Creator sustains our humble efforts even our accent. We hear offensive Raymundo, who promptly arranged justice for those affected. beginning, aware that “things can to care for the earth, which is words. We are in pain because everything, informing him that change” (LS, 13). also God’s home where his Word of problems at home or with our our Diocese of Balanga is always 5. A Time to Rejoice We also rejoice to see how “became flesh and lived among us” working relationships on board. open and offering her pastoral In the biblical tradition, a Jubilee the Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary (Jn 1:14) and which is constantly These are moments to turn to God and spiritual services. We in was a joyous occasion, inaugurated Year is inspiring many initiatives being renewed by the outpouring of and trust Him more. Remember, Bataan, especially Barangay Puting by a trumpet blast resounding at local and global levels for the the Holy Spirit. God is always beside you. Recall Buhangin and Orion are not afraid throughout the land. We are aware care of our common home and “Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, His goodness. Our almighty God to welcome those seafarers amidst that the cries of the earth and of the the poor. This year should lead to and renew the face of the earth” will refresh our spirit and we will the threat of Covid-19 pandemic. poor have become even louder and long-term action plans to practise (cf. Ps 104:30). surpass all those hardships. He We narrated to Father Pierpaolo more painful in recent years. At the integral ecology in our families, will strengthen us, sustain us for that Bataan was formerly a refuge same time, we also witness how the parishes and dioceses, religious Rome, Saint John Lateran, 1 renewed service. and home to the so called “boat Holy Spirit is inspiring individuals orders, our schools and universities, September 2020 Our dearest seafarers, our journey people” fleeing from Indochina and communities around the world our healthcare, business and does not stop. But once at the port wars. From then on, Bataan has no to come together to rebuild our agricultural institutions, and many FRANCISCUS or at home, we focus not on the past borders. Her roads, our homes are but what lies ahead. We nurse our wide open especially for those who Statement / B4 wounds. We correct our mistakes. take the “journey of hope.” and vilified. We are humbled by Fake news is the norm, while to emancipate our people from We equip ourselves better with Unfortunately, Father Percival their courage and selfless service. critical thinking is met with feudal bondage and exploitation, faith, experience, and hope. As the Medina whom came to me twice Our democratic institutions, our branding as “communist” or the drift towards tyranny is going ship prepares herself to sail, we was contact traced from baptism freedom of expression, freedom of “dilawan”. And now, even the to the other side of the pendulum. likewise move on. We don’t give he ministered the Sunday of the press and other fundamental already-narrowing democratic Now, the Marcoses are trying up, having the assurance that with September 6. This temporarily rights are muzzled. space in the land is being further to re-write history to sanitize God, we will have a very successful put a halt to our plans. But like a The culture of death is being stifled with the passage of the themselves. completion of our journey and ship on quarantine, we patiently glorified, first with the continuing Anti-Terror Law of 2020, which On this day we pray to the ultimately He will lead us safely wait until the time we can go to perpetration of the bloody “War we demand from Supreme Court God of liberation and renew our back home. Port Capinpin to welcome our dear on Drugs” which have claimed to declare it unconstitutional. commitment to serve the voiceless On September 11, Friday, I, seafarers. Who knows? You may thousands of lives of people, We, as citizens of our country, and dehumanized, to a Faith that together with the parish priest of be one of them. Meanwhile, let us especially from the urban poor strongly uphold that dissent and does justice and makes for peace. Saint Michael the Archangel in anticipate that moment by fixing sector, blamed to be “drug pushers opposition are inextricably linked Today we declare, “Never Forget, Orion, Father Percival Medina, our gaze at these three movements: or users” without the benefit of the to a democracy however flawed Never Again to Dictatorship and along with Italian Comboni Ship sails. judicial process. it may be. A popular mandate is Tyranny!” Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, She carries the load. And now, the death penalty is not a license to do as one pleases. Father Pierpaolo Monella, were Ship reaches the port. being sought to be re-imposed. It does not replace reason. Our FR. CIELITO R. ALMAZAN, OFM supposed to be at the Port of Large-scale corruption committed social contract imposes check SR. MARILYN A. JAVA, RC Capinpin in Barangay Puting +RUPERTO CRUZ SANTOS, DD by the administration’s allies and balances for institutions of AMRSPO Co-Chairpersons Buhangin in Orion for the first Bishop of Balanga is rampant, for example, the governance and accountability. crew change hub outside Manila. It CBCP Bishop-Promoter of the PhilHealth corruption issue. While it is true that EDSA 1 failed September 21, 2020 is the commitment of our country Apostleship of the Seas-Stella Maris to the International green lane Philippines B8 ENTERTAINMENT August 31 - September 27, 2020 Vol. 24 No 18-19 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel

The King: ORATIO Eternal Monarch DIRECTOR: Sang-Hoon Baek IMPERATA LEAD CAST: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan, Lee Jung-Jin, Kim Kyung-nam, Kim Young-ok, Jung Eun-chae SCREENWRITER: Eun-sook Kim PRODUCERS: Jinnie Choi, Yoon Ha-rim PRAYER FOR PROTECTION against the GENRE: Fantasy Drama/Romance DISTRIBUTOR: Netflix spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) LOCATION: South Korea RUNNING TIME: 16 episodes, 1 hr 10 min per episode

Technical assessment: 4 God our Father, Moral assessment: 4 We come to you in our need CINEMA rating: V 16 NETFLIX rating: 16+ To ask your protection against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Bloodshed mars the serenity from Corea who is now Tae That has claimed lives of the night in the Kingdom Eul’s fellow law enforcer in of Corea when Lee Lim contemporary Korea, Kang And has affected many. (Lee Jung-jin) murders his Shin-jae (Kim Kyung-nam). half-brother, the king, and As the two opposing forces We pray for your grace steals the mythical bamboo transit from one universe to For the people tasked with studying the nature flute called manpasikjeok the other, two truths endure and cause in the king’s safekeeping. across time and space: the Intending to take over the love between Lee Gon and Tae Of this virus and its disease throne, Lee Lim charges to Ul, and Lee Gon’s friendship And of stemming the tide of its transmission. kill his nephew, the young with his royal guard Jo Young. crown prince Lee Gon (Lee Characters portray a dual Guide the hands and minds of Min-ho), who witnesses his role in this phantasmagoric father’s murder and fights off dalliance in quantum physics; medical experts his uncle. In the scuffle, the they are neither similar That they may minister to the sick flute breaks in two, with Lee nor different but definitely With competence and compassion. Gon grasping half and Lee not the same. If we see the Lim the other. Overpowered, nuances in their characters, And of those governments and the boy is sure to die were it it is thanks to the way the not for a mysterious figure outstanding array of actors private agencies who appears and stops the was directed and the scenes That must find cure and solution to this carnage. The flute apparently intricately constructed, along epidemic. is a key to eternity, at the with the music and lighting we would watch all 16 women: “The party helped same time that it enables that idealize the mood and episodes trough the end. The you gain that position” and its bearer to travel through the seamless editing that struggle rather is whether we “All you’re doing is putting We pray for those afflicted time and space. Lee Gon, transports us from one could fight the powerful urge on more makeup.” But she May they be restored to health soon. now king of the Kingdom of realm to the other. Scenes to consume the series in one fires back and fulfills her Corea, uses the flute to cross showcase the grandeur of sitting. duty in the most feminine Grant us the grace over to a parallel universe in the old and new nation The movie contains violence fashion (that she has a To work for the good of all contemporary Korea where of Korea, with the writer and bloodshed — they are dark side is another story). he finds his mysterious savior, adroitly embedding science warranted in the story and Then there is the heartfelt And to help those in need. his one love, Lieutenant Jung and math in the story. The never egregious. Still, we bromance between Lee Gon Tae Eul (Kim Goe-un). The profound is melded with caution against letting and Jo Young, a friendship Grant this through our Lord, quest for the other half of the characteristic Korean children watch it. Teens and of reciprocal selflessness Jesus Christ, your Son, the manpasikjeok continues romantic drama formula adults, on the other hand, between ruler and subject. Who lives and reigns with You, across parallel realms as Lee of close-ups as the camera will be drawn to thinking Most magnetizing of all is Lim builds an army of villains lingers in slow motion on (and researching) science the enduring love between in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in contemporary Korea by the tender images of the and mathematical theories Lee Gon and Tae Ul, God, forever and ever. Amen. smuggling criminals and characters. No doubt, the and finding the historical demonstrating how true love disenfranchised citizens movie is another milestone backdrop for the events and and mutual respect grow Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. from the Kingdom of Corea. for Hallyu, the Korean characters in the movie. The gradually as one peels off Lee Gon tries to stop him wave that infuses our women are strong; they take one’s person, talents, gifts, St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. from getting the other half of consciousness with Korean on roles traditionally reserved weaknesses, wealth, and St. Rock, pray for us. the flute, which would give culture through the movie’s for men, such as Tae Ul as a want. We can conceive of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. him absolute power. On the costumes, food, music, police officer and Koo Seo The King: Eternal Monarch St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. king’s side is Lee Gon’s loyal customs, nationalism, and Ryeong (Jung Eun-chae) as as an allegory of Christ imperial guard Jo Young values. We are engaged from prime minister. Seo Ryeong who loves us first, seeks to (Woo Do-hwan), Tae Eul, start to finish, and there is is subjected to the usual connect with us, and comes and another wandering soul never a question of whether disparaging behavior toward to our world to be with us.

flashing of her private parts unacceptable. But it does Cuties warn us that social media DIRECTOR: Maimouna Doucoure exploits the unguided and LEAD CAST: Fathia Youssouf, Medina El Aidi-Azouni, Esther misguided. Because Ami and Gohourou, Ilanah Cami-Goursolas, Mainouna Gueye; Mbissine Angelica felt better appreci- Therese Diop ated in social media than with WRITER: Maimouna Doucoure; PRODUCERS: Sylvain de Zangroniz; their families, they easily cast MUSIC: Niko Noki; aside modesty and integrity. CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yann Maritaud; The second and stronger EDITING: Mathilde Van de Moortei, Stephane Mazalaigue; theme, though overshadowed GENRE: Drama; by controversy presented by COUNTRY: France; the Cuties’ provocative dance LANGUAGE: French; DISTRIBUTED BY: BAC Films/ Netflix; and outfit, is a critique of duty RUNNING TIME: 96 minutes and how women in certain cultures are treated like sec- Technical assessment: 3.5 ond class citizens. That they Moral assessment: 2.5 need to accept if their hus- CINEMA rating: V 16 bands bring home another NETFLIX rating: 16+ wife. That they need to be at the husband’s beck and call. Cuties presents a strong nar- spective characters strongly That their role is more of a rative of misplaced duty and and allow viewers to empa- servant than a partner. That misguided coming of age thize with them. We don’t they have no right over their expressions. Ami must de- agree with their choices, but lives or their hearts. This cide what a woman should we understand them well. very thinking pushed Ami to be — become either docile There is poetry in Maritaud’s rebel and try to live the op- like her mother or liberated shots and Doucaoure’s di- well crafted movie that invites content. There are two strong mindful that they are easily posite. While we respect the like the Cuties. The poignant rection — the hated dress serious reflection. issues the film brings forth. accessible to children. The different cultures and ways of storytelling seems to cross for her dad’s wedding be- The sudden outburst of One, and probably the most film does not condone how life, the very basic respect for the line of acceptable morals ing blown by the wind as if netizens over Cuties is more controversial, is the negative the Cuties behave. In sev- women cannot be set aside until we realize this is actu- beckoning her to be the duti- about Netflix’s marketing effect of social media. True, eral occasions we see the just because of tradition. As ally a stand against society’s ful daughter, Ami suffering and framing of the story the idea of 11 year olds scant- adults in the film rejecting Ami realizes freedom from mindless use of social media for her sins while gyrating rather than the story itself. ily dressed and gyrating like the girls’ conduct, the older the shackles of the unreason- and discrimination against as a sinner. While the film People need to differentiate loose women, is disturbing boys telling them to act their able tradition does not mean women in certain cultures. might have benefitted with the trailer from the film, in and hard to watch. But it is age, the contest’s audience living a life with loose morals, In both cases, women are less emphasis on sexualizing the same manner the more the adults who irresponsibly showing obvious distaste in Mariam realizes duty needs to objectified. Youssouf, Gueye 11 year olds and tightening of discerning ones differentiate post tasteless and improper their choreography, and even be within reason and allows and Diop perform their re- some scenes it is arguably a clickbait headlines from the content on social media, un- the Cuties considering Ami’s loosening of the shackles. THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI

Vol. 24, Nos. 18 & 19 August 31 - September 27, 2020 Philippine Jurisdictions join the 138th Supreme Convention ANNUALLY, the members festivities online. of the Order of the Knights An Opening Mass was held of Columbus gather for the on August 4, 2020 at St. Supreme Convention. This Mary’s Church, New Haven, year, the 138th Convention Connecticut concelebrated with the theme “Knights by Most Rev. William E. Lori, of Columbus: Knights of Archbishop of Baltimore and Fraternity” and a celebration Supreme Chaplain; Very Rev. of the upcoming beatification Jonathan C. Kalisch, OP, Prior of Fr. Michael J. McGivney, of St. Mary’s Priory; Rev. John founder of the Order, was held Paul Walker, OP, Pastor of St. at New Haven, Connecticut Mary’s Parish, Rev. Jeffrey V. from August 4 to 6, 2020. Romans, Connecticut State The current COVID19 Chaplain. and Most Rev. crisis prompted the Order Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop to celebrate this event of Hartford as homilist. virtually. In the Philippines, During the convention, the the pandemic situation in achievements of jurisdictions country did not dampen the for Columbian Year 2019 to spirit of the valiant Filipino 2020 were acknowledged. Brother Knights to miss this Over the years, the once in a year occasion. The jurisdictions in the Philippines Visayas Jurisdiction led by received numerous awards for Worthy State Deputy (WSD) consistently overachieving Bro. Teofrido B. Lagria their targets. The Circle of together with the delegates Honor Awards, an award of the jurisdiction virtually given to State Deputies who attended the convention meet or exceed their Annual The Philippine State Deputies Worth State Deputy (WSD) Bro. Bonifacio B. Martinez of Luzon South, WSD Bro. Rene V. Sarmient of Luzon South, WSD Bro. Teofrido B. Lagria of Visayas at the Mariott Hotel, Iloilo Membership targets, were and WSD Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission of Mindanao as recipients of the Circle of Honors Awards during the 138th Supreme Convention held at New Haven, Connecticut, USA. City. On the other hand, the given to WSD Bro. Bonifacio Mindanao Jurisdiction led by B. Martinez of Luzon South for for achieving 107.01%. All 62 Councils for Mindanao commitment to the Order of Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop WSD Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. achieving 113.58%, WSD Bro. Philippine State Deputies were Jurisdiction, 21 Councils the Knights of Columbus. of Hartford; Very Rev. Mission and delegates of the Teofrido B. Lagria of Visayas also recipients of the New in Visayas Jurisdiction, 14 The three-day convention Jonathan C. Kalisch, OP, jurisdiction virtually joined for achieving 113.44%, WSD Council Development Awards, Councils in Luzon North and 10 was ended with a memorial Prior of St. Mary’s Priory; the convention at the Dusit Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission an award given to jurisdictions Councils in Luzon South. These mass for the dearly departed Rev. John Paul Walker, OP, Thani Hotel, Davao City. of Mindanao for achieving who meet and exceed their recognitions are indeed firm members of the Knights of Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish Both Luzon North and Luzon 107.82% and WSD Bro. Rene new council targets for the testaments of the Philippines Columbus around the world and Rev. Jeffrey V. Romans, South delegations joined the V. Sarmiento of Luzon North Columbian Year, by establishing State Deputies’ love and concelebrated by Most Rev. Connecticut State Chaplain. KCFAPI Commemorates the 43rd Death Anniversary of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ.

LAST September 14, 2020 and dishonor, and through Years later, from its the Knights of Columbus Jesus, it turned into a humble beginnings, it is Fraternal Association symbol of life and his glory now an institution that still of the Philippines, Inc., as we celebrate his triumph embodies his aspirations through the Knights of over death. and objectives of helping Columbus Fr. George J. We commemorate this the poor, supporting the Willmann Charities, Inc., day to honor Fr. George J. activities of the church, has commemorated the Willmann, Servant of God and worthy causes of the 43rd Death Anniversary of his works and sacrifices Knights of Columbus in the of the Servant of God, Fr. for the church and the Philippines. George J. Willmann. On Order. His selfless ideas After the Holy Mass a that same day, we also of upbringing the life of wreath laying ceremony celebrated the Feast of the the poor and the needy, was held at the Fr. George Exaltation of the Cross, the his charitable works, and J. Willmann Statue within universal symbol of our the lives of the people he the KCFAPI premises catholic faith. has changed. Fr. George along Gen. Luna St. in The Holy Eucharist turned difficulty into new Intramuros, Manila. was presided by one of possibilities. During the During this day let it our Foundation scholars time that the Supreme remind us to promote the and Board of Trustee, Fr. Council could not provide life and works of Fr. George Robert T. Young, who an agency to cater life J. Willmann for his love to Wreath laying ceremony (L-R); Administration Services Department Manager - Bro. Michael P. Cabra, Knights of Columbus Luzon North State taught us the meaning of protection to Filipino the Order and the Church. Deputy and Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. (KCFGJWCI) Trustee – Bro. Rene V. Sarmiento, Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann – Fr. Robert T. Young, Knights of Columbus Luzon South State Deputy and KCFGJWCI Treasurer – Bro. Bonifacio the cross by reminding us KC members, Fr. George So that one day we may B. Martinez, and Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. OIC-Executive Vice-President Bro. Ronulfo Antero G. Infante. of its origins. That once, thought of a way of funding raise his honors in the (KAYngco) it was the figure of death a local insurance system. altar.

The KofC Mindanao Jurisdiction delegates headed by Bro. Gerry Eutemio Mission, State The Luzon South Jurisdiction during one of their Leave No Neighbor Behind – COVID19 The KofC Visayas Jurisdiction delegates headed by Bro. Teofrido Lagria, State Deputy Deputy as virtual attendees during the 138th Supreme Convention at the Dusit Thani Relief Operations at Dagat Dagatan Caloocan. Other relief operations were also held in as virtual attendees during the 138th Supreme Convention at the Mariott, Iloilo from Hotel, Davao City from August 4 to 6, 2020. (Photo Credits: Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission) other areas within the jurisdiction such as in Intramuros, Baseco and Maypajo. (Photo August 4 to 6, 2020. (Photo Credits: Bro. Dante Dolar) Credits: K of C Luzon South Jurisdiction)

The Luzon North jurisdiction Basco Batanes Council during their Tree Planting Activity COVID19 Relief Operations of the Visayas Jurisdiction Council 15190 at Barangay Bugas, The Mindanao Jurisdiction Council 14370 Holy Cross De Nazarene, participated in their held last September 11, 2020. (Photo Credits: K of C Luzon North Jurisdiction) Sabang South, Borongan City wherein they donated face shields to front liners. (Photo province-wide Clean-up drive at Balulang River, Cagayan De Oro last September 19, Credits: K of C Visayas Jurisdiction) 2020. (Photo Credits: K of C Mindanao Jurisdiction) C2 August 31 - September 27, 2020, Vol. 24, Nos. 18 & 19 THE CROSS THE CROSS

Bonifacio B. Martinez Jose C. Reyes, Jr. President’s Chairman’s Update Message October is the month of the Rosary

OCTOBER is the month when we daily prayer. In our small community 10. high degree of glory in heaven Fr. George J. Willmann SJ: celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of at Villa San Miguel, my wife and I used 11. granted petitions Father McGivney of the Philippines the Most Holy Rosary, specifically on to wake up early for the 5:45 am daily 12. help in necessities October 7 of each year. Her title used to mass. Afterwards, my wife and a few 13. intercessors in life and death AS time goes by with many hardships that are being experienced be Our Lady of Victory because Pope St others stay behind to say the rosary while 14. become children of God by most individuals in all of life’s aspects, we are still blessed Pius V attributed the miraculous victory I prepare to leave for work. One day, she 15. sign of predestination with the people that are dedicating most of their lives to the of the Christian forces in the Battle of came across her files a bookmark that At this time of COVID19 Pandemic, acts of service to others. Despite their personal issues and Lepanto more to the power of the rosary enumerated Mary’s promises to those let us make sure we pray the rosary for life challenges they never fail to consider others, especially in than the power of cannons and valor of who recite the rosary. Allow me to give our protection and for frontline health times of crisis. One of the great examples for this is Fr. George soldiers who fought there. The Rosary an abbreviated form of these 15 Promises workers, for the victims, so that they Willman known as the father of the Knights of Columbus here was told to be given by Mother Mary she gives: will complete all the sacraments before in the Philippines. to St. Dominic to help him in times of 1. signal graces they die, and for those most vulnerable Many articles have been written describing and referring conflict. Through the efforts of St. Pius 2. special protection to the virus so that they get the help they to Fr. George J. Willmann SJ, as the “Father McGivney of the V, the Rosary became one of the most 3. armor against Hell need through the intercessors in life and Philippines,” because they have the same passion and lifelong popular devotions in Christendom. 4. virtue and good works death. Now more than ever, we need the advocacy—the growth and prosperity of the Order. Both of Knowing the promises of Mary to 5. sanctification of souls help of Mama Mary. Let us pray to her them worked hard as they wish for the transformation of faith Christians who recite the Rosary will 6. eternal life more fervently so that we can save lives into action. He has devoted 44 fruitful and productive years help us appreciate why people up to this 7. assurance of all sacraments and return to normalcy with greater faith here in the Philippines serving the young people, the sick, poor, date continue to pray the rosary not only 8. light of God in God. oppressed, orphans, and many more. He was born on June 29, in the month of October but even as a 9. deliverance from Purgatory Vivat Jesus! 1897 in Brooklyn, New York with devoted Catholic parents. He was granted Philippine citizenship by then President Ferdinand Karlo Serviento Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 740. Father Willmann established numerous organizations in the country most notable of which is the KCFAPI founded in 1958. Pondering the Words Fr. Willmann dedicated most of his life serving the Philippines the young people, the poor, the sick, the orphans, the oppressed, the lonely, and the desolate. Aside from his Brave Soldiers unparalleled service and dedication in his lifelong advocacy is the foundation of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). In September KNIGHTS of Columbus has still here we are, responding witnesses. their hands to accompany 1958 KCFAPI was established, the insurance system and been into another major turn to that call and continuing Brave soldiers are sent to them in their journey. Our cooperative works specifically designed for brother knights as the coronavirus hit the the legacy of the first charter the hardest battle as the king shoulders will be their own and their families. Fr. Willmann is a visionary and a great globe. As an order actively members on the basement of knew that they will return to shoulder when they need man. He had thought of this institution as a way to alleviate participating on the church St. Mary’s Church with the the kingdom with a flag of someone to lean on. And our the hopelessness of the families being left by their husbands in need by any means and Venerable Michael McGivney victory. We are God’s brave arms will be their arms that and sons by various circumstances. KCFAPI changed our circumstance, it immediately as their guide. What makes soldiers. With the cross of can give them warmth in the lives forever. Since its existence, we have done a lot and have adapted to the new normal the KofC unique from other Christ as our guide, we are coldness of the night. We are helped so many. scheme by having social media fraternal groups is that it can sent to the battlefield of life. our own keepers. It is the love In the year 1977 or 43 years ago may have been a long time. and the use of technology to straightforwardly adjust and Tempus fugit. Memento mori. of Jesus that binds us and will However, both the K of C here in the Philippines and KCFAPI reach its members and even to respond to whatever instance We are always reminded that continue to bind us as one, are flourishing. Indicating that as if he is still alive – helping have new members. Pandemic they are about to face. we have only one life, seize that same love manifested and guiding all our endeavors. became not a hindrance in The Lord first called each day with Jesus as our first on the wood of the cross Thus, in these trying times may we always have strong and fulfilling its mission, rather Matthew. Who would have model and guide. A battle which now serves as our guide generous hearts towards the greater and mightier Knights of an avenue to prove that the thought that a tax collector well fought is a victory of going on before our heavenly Columbus. It may have hindered us from doing our normal Order can do more beyond its can be one of Jesus’ apostles our faith. army. routines but please bear in mind all the things that we need to capacities. and was even given the divine We are sent to be warriors With the sword of be thankful for, our good health, peace of mind, the food we Since the time of our inspiration to transcribe the of faith as Jesus knows we faithfulness and the maternal eat, and many more. May we never leave our neighbors behind conception, it is the voice Gospel of Christ which is can return to the home of His shield that comes from our as we combat COVID-19 pandemic. In this, we are together. of the Lord that called passed from generation to Father with the flag of victory. Blessed Mother, we can bring Vivat Jesus! us to satisfy a mission. A generation? Apostles are also What flag is this that we are to home the crown of victory in mission always starts with entrusted to be the brave bear? It is our own hearts with the courts of our Supreme Arsenio Isidro G. Yap a call. Jesus in the Gospel soldiers of our faith and so the souls whom lives we have Master, Jesus Christ. called His first apostle by as the Knights of Columbus touched and renewed, those Lord, as we continue to fulfill these words: “Follow me.” members. We are all unworthy we have won and brought back our mission as a response to A Brother’s Insight (Mt.9:9) Being members of to be called one but Jesus into the grace of God amidst Your call in the Order of the Order, it is also the same makes worthy those whom the challenges in life. Be it the Knights of Columbus in words we have heard when He calls. Being its member an epidemic or a pandemic, the midst of this pandemic, we responded our “Yes” to is a vocation and a ministry. no one can separate us from grant us the courage to stand the call we have received. We respond to the call and the fact that we are entrusted up for our faith by being the Remember the first time we satisfy our response as we to fight for the welfare of the ministers of your mercy in the Humanity vs. COVID19 we heard about KofC. Some are not only to abide the rules church and of our brethren. face of our brethren whom might be puzzled, others of the Order but we are called We continue to serve those you have entrusted to us, your DOES anybody really know how to handle COVID 19? There might be hesitant to join, to live the gospel as its new in need. Our hands will be brave soldiers. are a lot information out there on how we could avoid the very persistent virus. All seems to be easy enough to do or follow. Erwin John Mallari Unfortunately, a good number of people do not take the virus seriously. This seemingly total disregard for the dangers of the virus has fueled it further and has cling within us with such EJ’s Corner tenacity that we could not get away from it. Some even think that they could not be affected by the virus simply because they think they are strong enough and Republic day healthy enough to be infected by it. These carelessness and irresponsibility on the part of many a people spells defeat against the virus. This makes the virus strong, reaching and DURING the month of October, many so Pope Pius V, called for all of Europe it to the 1st Sunday of October. Pope Pius infecting even those who are already homebound. They can be Catholic organizations and parishes to pray the Holy Rosary for victory. The X restored the celebration to October 7 likened to the “Makapili’s” of World War II, the traitors who organize a Marian exhibit. This month Pope also led a Rosary procession in in 1913 because of the significance of the took the side of the enemies. is also known as the month of the Holy Rome. After five long hours of rigorous date and as part of his effort to restore the The only way we could kill or get rid of the virus is to starve Rosary. This is because of the celebration battle in the gulf of Corinth, in western celebration of liturgy of the Sundays. The it to death. The best way we could do this is by keeping safe of the feast of Our Lady of the most Holy Greece, the Holy League somehow Dominican Friar Juan Lopez wrote in his distance from one another; wearing a face mask whenever Rosary which is held every October 7. managed to stop the Ottoman empire book that the celebration of the feast is “in we’re outside of our residence and probably by knowing the The Holy Rosary is a tool given by the and prevent it from advancing towards memory and in perpetual gratitude of the health condition of people we meet, not to mention our own. Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Dominic to use the Atlantic Ocean and to the Americas. miraculous victory that the Lord gave to And we should always bear in mind that people we meet could against heretics. Many years later, on Because of this profound victory, Pope his Christian people that day against the be infected by it and we should likewise think we are infected October 7, 1571, The Holy League faced Pius V instituted October 7 as the feast of Turkish armada”. by it. With this line of thinking, it would only be natural for off against the mighty Ottoman empire Our Lady of Victory, which he attributed During this time of the pandemic, anybody to take extra safety precaution in stopping the spread in a naval battle known as the Battle of to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1573, it was let us not lose hope but rather use it to of the virus. Lepanto. The Holy League (the combined Pope Gregory XIII that changed the name strengthen our faith. Let us all celebrate We should also keep tab of people we meet for contact navy forces of the Papal States, Venice, from the “Feast of Our Lady of Victory” to the month of the Holy Rosary and tracing, in case we might have interacted with somebody who and Spain) was heavily at a disadvantage the “Feast of the Holy Rosary” and moved continue praying with our families. is infected. We should also be responsible enough to inform those people if we ever show signs of symptoms more so if we Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza tested positive from COVID19. This way, those people would Brother’s Insight / C3 By the Reading Lamp

THE CROSS Beyond this Pandemic A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI AS of writing, much had after all. While food on the usually would during these establishments who are Editorial Board already been said (and table, air in our lungs and roof trying times. This is more operating during this time Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Bonifacio B. Martinez written) about the Covid-19 over our heads are essential apparent in social spaces like of protracted community Chairman President pandemic. Seven months for nourishment and physical the work place. quarantine. had passed by since we had well-being, social interactions Having said that, I reckon While the responsibility Ronulfo Antero G. Infante Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III gone from being normal make it all worth it. For who workplace management of work place management OIC - Executive Vice President Spiritual Director to embracing the so-called or what we choose to live for should shift and likewise befalls primarily on the Mary Magdalene G. Flores new normal. Slowly we are will only matter when that focus in not only ensuring shoulders of establishment Editor-in-Chief reclaiming some semblance of is shared or witnessed by or safety against infection from owners and management, the old lives we once had but I with others. Hence, there the corona virus. It should to come up with programs Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox cannot help but to think that is a natural impetus to not likewise consider the mental on mental health, I believe Associate Editor we are still deprived of that only promote physical health and emotional well-being of that each of us who spend single-most important aspect during this pandemic. Mental those who, by virtue of the hours in the office are Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco, Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza, Juan Karlo S. Serviento, Jerald D. Javier of our lives that makes us and emotional well-being nature of work, are labored responsible for each other’s Contributors whole and complete- human is as just as important. It to leave the confines of their mental and emotional health. interactions. Well at least the should therefore not come as homes to be in the workplace. Social distancing should The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana one’s we were used to. a surprise why we all tend to This is to find support in not preclude us in being Sts., Intramuros, Manila with tel. no. (02) 8527-22-23 to 27 (trunk line) local 200, 201. Email Address: [email protected]. Website: http://www.kofc.org.ph This is based on the premise see others acting or behaving existing recommended able to say hi or hello, eat that humans are social beings differently than how they government guidelines for By the Reading Lamp / C3 THE CROSS August 31 - September 27, 2020, Vol. 24, Nos. 18 & 19 C3 A Sure Way Forward The authentic history of saintly missionaries, Native Americans andOur Lady of Guadalupe shows us the path of reconciliation and justice Junípero Serra. This heroic anti-Catholic atheism. nor were they at the in this way can we find a path Spanish. and holy missionary has Catholic missionaries massacres of Sand Creek or of reconciliation, healing It was with her image become the victim of a false sought to lead native people Wounded Knee. Junípero and justice. The Knights of that missionaries such history. to the faith. They never Serra never called for the Columbus is prepared to as St. Junípero Serra In the late 18th century, sought to eliminate whole “extermination” of the walk that path with them. brought Christianity to the Father Serra walked from peoples, as the Puritans did native people of California as Twenty years ago, I Indigenous peoples. St. Mexico City up the coast when they destroyed the did the governor of that state dedicated the Knights of John Paul II told us she is of California, founding Pequots in Connecticut or after gold was discovered Columbus to Our Lady of the “example of a perfectly missions that became other tribes during King there. Guadalupe. Just two years inculturated evangelization” great cities. He demanded Philip’s War. In fact, Junípero We do not fear an honest before the Virgin Mary’s (Ecclesia in America, 11). a declaration of rights to Serra sought to protect from review of the Catholic legacy appearance in 1531, Bishop I believe she is Our Lord’s protect the native peoples. the death penalty even Native in North America. Indeed, Juan de Zumárraga of answer to the crisis our And he obtained it. At his Americans who had killed we welcome it. We urge Mexico said of the situation nation faces today. Our death, the Native Americans Europeans. every city, state and province in New Spain, “If God does nation once again needs her who gathered around him In the mid-1800s, Alexis to undertake a careful review not provide the remedy from message. referred to Junípero Serra de Tocqueville, writing in of its own treatment of native His hand, the land is about During the canonization as “el santo” — “the saint.” Democracy in America, peoples. to be completely lost.” Mass of Junípero Serra five Why is the truth about recounted the condition of Tragedy and hardship We know the land was not years ago, Pope Francis said, Father Serra not more the Native Americans he are only one aspect of the lost. Instead, millions were “He was the embodiment of widely known? Catholics observed. “I was the witness story of Native Americans. converted and a new Catholic ‘a Church which goes forth.’” should realize that, for of sufferings which I have For centuries, many tribes culture emerged as a result of Perhaps this is why today by Supreme Knight generations, much of not the power to portray,” he have also witnessed to their Our Lady’s message of love, he is under such attack. Carl A. Anderson the history of Catholic wrote, concluding, “I believe strong Catholic faith. As hope and reconciliation. His motto was Siempre missionaries in New Spain that the Indian nations of brothers and sisters in the Our Lady of Guadalupe adelante! Always forward! RECENTLY, WE HAVE and New France was written North America are doomed faith, their story is part of was not imposed upon native So let us go forward with witnessed throughout the by their historic competitors to perish.” our story. They, too, are part peoples by Europeans. renewed confidence under United States attacks on our — that is, English-speaking None of these sufferings of the history of our Church And her message was not the banner of Our Lady of Catholic heritage. Catholic Protestants. And today, the were caused by Catholic in North America. introduced by the Spanish. Guadalupe. May she again churches and statues of legacy of our missionaries is missionaries. They did not Native peoples have a right To the contrary, St. Juan lead our Church to a new and saints have been desecrated, viewed by many through the map out the Trail of Tears to have their story told with Diego, a Native American, inculturated evangelization! especially statues of St. distorting lens of a militant, walked by the Cherokee, accuracy and integrity. Only brought her message to the Vivat Jesus! The Gentle Warrior By James B. Reuter, SJ CHAPTER FIVE

GEORGE was appalled at the number of in a classroom. They are all filled with An INVITATION to become Jesuits lost in the war: Big Ed McGinty refugees. But I can give you a bed, on the a FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ died of malnutrition in Santiago second corridor.” Hospital; Franciso Lopez was shot So that is what he got: one single bed, FELLOW in the back by a sniper when he was on the second floor corridor, overlooking climbing over the wall between Ateneo the patio — for himself, his wife, and THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the and Assumption, bringing bandages to his newborn baby. And he had been a Knights of Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, the nuns; Ricardo Pimentel was killed wealthy young man. Inc. last June 29, 1997 during the Centennial Birth Anniversary in the Ateneo compound, in front of the That night the basketball player was celebration of Rev. Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. This fund- auditorium, with shrapnel through the sitting on the floor, talking in the dark. raising campaign finances the theological research expenses head; Abrogina was bayonetted and his George was sitting on his bed in the necessary to possibly raise Fr. Willmann to the honors of the body thrown into the flames of the dormitory. George had a bed, because altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cathedral of Lipa; Consunji was beaten he was a Jesuit. The basketball player G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened the Archdiocesan to death; and the body of Old Joe Mulry was heavily bandaged. He had many Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of was still in that shallow grave, in Los flesh wounds. He was talking in the dark, Fr. George J. Willmann. Baños . because the war was still on, and the Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights And Manuel Colayco — his good friend whole city was under blackout. of Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and Manuel Colayco — died heroically, as he He said: “I don’t know what I ever did, should be so good to me!” even to business institutions. As of December 2019, more had lived. He led the American forces that God should do this to me!” George He had lost everything he owned. And than 1,100 individuals and 36 institutions all over the country into the Japanese prison camp at the thought that he was getting resentful, he did not even remember it. What he have already joined this fellowship. Father Willmann Fellows University of Santo Tomas. Manny was because he had lost everything he owned. had was his wife and baby, love and life. serve as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the good news the first man through the gate. He was The boy went on: “You know, my baby And that was enough! In the horror of about Fr. Willmann’s life, works and holiness. Their donation shot, and killed. was born by kerosene lamp! There wasn’t war, suddenly he was seeing the world is a lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of But there were some good things. An any electricity in that hospital! They told with the eyes of God. Ateneo basketball player, a real star — me that childbirth was beautiful, but He said: “My brother is in Baguio. He’s Columbus of promoting awareness on Father Willmann in order the most valuable player in the NCAA they never told me about the blood! The such a good man. And he is probably that authentic devotion to him may be encouraged among the in 1941— married during the war. They blood was pouring, like a little waterfall! dead. And here I am, with everything! faithful, especially those who need his intercession for God’s spoke of the liberation of Manila street I’m a man, but I couldn’t watch! I …. I was a lucky player! I was a lucky grace. by street — Taft Avenue, from Herran turned away. I was so ashamed. Until player! …. What did I ever do, that God We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join to Padre Faura. When the Philippine the bombing! The whole building began should be so good to me?” the Fr. Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in General Hospital was liberated, the to rock! I turned to look, and there was Other good things happened to George spreading the sanctity of Father Willmann and the graces that patients came out from under the the doctor, slipping and sliding in the while he was in the city. He discovered come with it, each Fellow is entitled to receive the following Hospital, because that was where the blood, hanging on to the delivery table so that in the Supreme Convention of the items as memorabilia: (1) a Certificate of Membership, (2) a air raid shelter was. The Hospital was a that he would not fall down. Then, when Knights of Columbus, held in Toronto, lapel pin and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a Cause of wreck. There were holes in the building. the building stopped rocking, he went Canada, in 1944, authority was granted Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge you to fervently Whole floors were sagging. And this back to the delivery…. And do you know? for the establishment of an Educational seek Fr. Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions for God’s young basketball player came out from My baby — perfectly normal! Perfectly Trust Fund for the children of Knights…. graces and to report to the Foundation all blessings you may under the Hospital, carrying his wife, normal! The doctor gave my baby to the who gave their lives while serving in the have received with the intercession of Fr. Willmann. who was carrying their baby girl. nurse, and then he said to me: ‘You better armed forces in World War II, who died He put her down, and then went to take your wife downstairs! This building from a service-connected cause within KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS look for his house, on M.H. del Pilar. At is going to collapse!’ ten years following the termination of FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC. that time, M.H. del Pilar was a beautiful “So I picked up my wife, and I started the war, who became permanently and Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila residential district, with big trees and down the stairs. I was only there at the totally disabled as a result of military Tel. Nos. 8527-2223 local 221 & 8527-2244 (Fax) magnificent Spanish houses. He could top of the stairwell when this shell went service in the war. not find even a corner, from which to through the wall, right over my head, The Fund, set aside, was $1,000,000 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP measure off where his house ought to be. and all the rubble began to fall down dollars. It would provide: “a four-year to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW The house was gone. The whole area was around me! I held my wife as tight as I scholarship at a Catholic college of the 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution): flat. All his possessions were in that house. could, and I braced myself, and I prayed! student’s choice, leading to the Degree ______And they were all gone. All he had left Because I thought that the stairwell was of Bachelor of arts or its equivalent…. 2. Address: ______was the clothes that he was wearing — no going to collapse, and we would fall down tuition, board and room (or an allowance ______money, no food, no home, no job, nothing! three storeys, and she would break her for board and room if the student does not Tel. Nos. ______He wandered around until he found back! But, do you know? My wife – not reside on the campus), books, laboratory 3. Office Name & Address: ______Father Hurley at Plaza Guipit, in what a scratch! Not a scratch!” fees and other incidental college charges Tel. Nos. ______4. K of C Council Number and Location: ______later became Nazareth School. It was George put his hand on the shoulder of that may be levied upon the student in ______filled with refugees. Father Hurley was the boy. The boy put his own hand over the pursuit of his education.” 5. Enclosure: ______in charge. The priest said: “Sure, I will the hand of George and said: “Father, I (to be continued in take you in! I cannot give you a place don’t know what I ever did, that God the next issue) [ ] Cash P ______[ ] PMO/check No.______Brother’s Insight / C2 (Note: Please make check payable to KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.) or should isolate themselves from other virus. the dangers of the virus and should treat people, most especially from members Whether they know it or not, careless it seriously. It should not downplay its Date: ______of their family. and irresponsible people are spreading threat to all of us, as it is already within Signature: ______Contact tracing is easy enough to do the disease without let-up, keeping the us, striking at every chance it gets. And to stave off the spread of the virus, but virus in tip top condition to prey on the we are the ones fueling its spread. By the Reading Lamp / C2 most infected (the “Makapili’s”) people weak. It’s World War III - Humanity versus couldn’t care less of what happens to The virus is a threat to our very own COVID19. Humanity must unite and communally with caution, Relate. Be empathetic. See those they had interacted with. This existence. It’s like being in a war, but kill the enemy - COVID19. This is and be as vicarious as we can through the face masks and careless and irresponsible attitude is the unlike in any war, we cannot see the one war wherein we do not take any in serving our clientele. These face shields, the human person main reason why the virus is still very enemy. The virus is within us and at any prisoners alive. The enemy must be forms of human interaction beyond these accessories and much around spreading havoc to the moment could infect us all to extinction. totally eradicated from the face of are beyond what government barriers. Our lives today might innocent and the unwary. There are too many battlefronts. It is the earth. It’s time to sign up in this guidelines can recommend not be as good or normal than No sector of society is exempted from within our doorsteps, ready to strike the great battle to win the war against the and what management can what it used to be, but it is the virus. Other than the vulnerable, it moment we step out. virus. No one is too old or too young instruct all of us to do. definitely better considering has also victimized the rich, the powerful, Unless we put our acts together and to fight, and nobody will be denied. Hence, as we traverse the alternative. To choose members of the clergy, the frontliners, make a collective stand against the virus, For Humanity’s sake, we must all through this pandemic, we living a life over simply living and people from all walks of life. It spares the efforts of a few to stave off its spread do our part and stop COVID19 from ought to make it a better one to survive, knows no time no one as we are not united enough to would be for naught, an exercise in threatening our very own existence. Be for all of us. Hence, the term or place. And it definitely is, make a stand against the spread of the futility. Governments should recognize safe and stay safe. “better normal”. Interact. beyond this pandemic. C4 August 31 - September 27, 2020, Vol. 24, Nos. 18 & 19 THE CROSS THE CROSS KCFAPI Celebrates its 62nd Anniversary

(L-R) Mr. Angelito A. Bala, VP for Actuarial and Business Development; Rev. Fr. Marvin S. Mejia, CBCP Secretary General; Mr. Bonifacio B. Martinez, KCFAPI President and Mr. Ronulfo Antero G. Infante, KCFAPI OIC-EVP during the turn-over of Seed of Hope Fund donation last September 14, 2020 at the CBCP Office, Intramuros, Manila. (KAYngco)

Some of the BC Relations Office (BRO) team members leg by Ms. Gloria O. Alegre, BRO Manager, during the 62nd Anniversary of The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) last September 9, 2020 at the KCFAPI Center, Intramuros Manila.

THE current pandemic did not stop festivities by designing their work areas Group also made a special incentive the Knights of Columbus Fraternal to set the spirit of joyous celebration of program specific to the occasion. Association, Inc. (KCFAPI) from the occasion. On its 62nd year, it is also worth commemorating its 62nd Anniversary last The BC Relations Office gave some mentioning that the Association has been September 9, 2020. It was not the usual give-away to clients who visited the very successful in providing fraternal celebration that everyone was used to have office during the month as a form of service to all its BC Holders. In 2019, because of health and safety restrictions thanksgiving for patronizing the products KCFAPI had a total insurance inforce of that needed to be followed but everyone of the Association. A joint small training P20.3 billion in face value with a total did their part in their own little ways to activity for selected employees was also of 68,082 members. This achievement celebrate this milestone. The celebration conducted by the Human Resources and is a great feat and testament of the was started with a thanksgiving mass held Corporate Communications Department Association’s commitment to provide at the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Chapel, and Legal Services wherein topics optimum fraternal benefits to brother Intramuros, Manila officiated by Rev. such as Time Management, Stress knights and their families. Fr. Robert Young attended by KCFAPI and Anxiety Management and Basic There is nothing but a better KCFAPI is President, Bro. Bonifacio B. Martinez, Legal Compliance and Mutual Benefit expected in the next years in the service selected officers and employees. Inside Association Regulatory requirements of the Order of the Knights of Columbus the office, various departments joined the were discussed. The Fraternal Benefits in the Philippines. KCFAPI Commemorates 62nd Founding Anniversary through Essay Writing Contest

THE Knights of Columbus “I Am Proud Of My Dad, My The Top 3 winners are as Facebook page of KCFAPI. Fraternal Association of the Knight And My Hero!” It was follow: The initiative did not only Philippines, Inc. celebrated its participated by 38 sons and 1ST PLACER (Visayas showcase the writing skills 62nd Founding Anniversary daughters of Brother Knights Jurisdiction) of the participants but it also last September 9. The Home writing about how much love Warlito Alagao, Jr. promoted the KofC order and Office of KCFAPI and its and gratefulness they have for The Building Blocks of Life insurance program of KCFAPI Satellite Offices participated their fathers. The initiative 2ND PLACER (Luzon South to the audience that we want in the celebration. Several also helped broaden the reach Jurisdiction) to reach. departments decorated of the insurance program of Kaye Ziel Masagca The Association is their respective areas with KCFAPI through social media. My Unsung Hero extremely happy for all the colorful balloons and other Out of the 38 entries, Top 3RD PLACER (Luzon South support the initiative was decors to make the festivity 10 entries were chosen by a Jurisdiction) able to get from our Brother felt in the office which was panel of judges and they were Nepo Jerome Benter Knights nationwide. The also witnessed by visiting posted on the official KCFAPI Hero at the Backseat sons and daughters of these BC Holders and other Facebook page. The chosen The Top 3 entries are the 38 Brother Knights surely guests during the weeklong entries were given 10 days to ones that got the highest found a way on how they can celebration. gather heart reactions from scores from the judges and express to the world how One of the initiatives that the the public which also helped they also belong to those who much they appreciate their Association launched was the the Facebook page gather got the highest number of fathers for all that they do for Essay Writing Contest entitled more followers. heart reactions on the official their families. The Building Blocks of Life by Warlito Alagao, Jr.

EVERYTIME I look at my father, a thank you for their dedication and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers I remember “Magbubunga rin ang hard work. My father’s modest acts - Biliran Chapter, Chairman of the paghihirap” vividly in my mind. Papa, have brought people happiness and Board of Directors of the Naval Water back in the days, was impoverished, seeing them blissful speaks volumes District, and the Diocesan Membership thus not having enough resources and for his gratitude. and Program Coordinator, Fraternal opportunities open. Despite that fact, There are lessons we have learned Councilor and Unit Manager(EVL4) Papa strived hard in order to reach all throughout our lives shown by Papa of the KCFAPI – Diocese of Naval. The his childhood dream of being a civil being both a loving husband and an dedication my father has for his work is engineer; it is undeniable that every exceptional father. My parents have commendable for the reason that I have now and then I look up to him for been married for 29 years and counting; seen him work tirelessly late in the night motivation. I have acknowledged that and they have unending support for each yet he still has time with us as a family. no father is perfect, but the word itself is other. Every business my Mama delves He knows how to prioritize important unattainable in reality, my Papa’s efforts into, you can expect Papa to follow as things in his life; and that family always to become a good father is all enough for well. They just got into utilizing to grow comes first. Every family vacation he me to make him my hero. fruit-bearing trees and vegetables; and even jokes about not going, but when Helping selflessly has been a rare all I can think of is my Papa saying that in reality Papa is the one hyped about quality these days, but I have never plants are one of the best investments the outing. Simple moments like these seen my Papa refuse to give support a person could do to have a sustainable are always cherished and matter most for people in need; whether it would future. In relation, both my parents to me. be from his relatives to someone decided to acquire the KCFAPI Family Above all, I know that these are not he doesn’t know, because nobody insurance and the KCFAPI College Plan, much to describe my father, but to sum is a stranger to him when it comes in which I am currently a recipient of. it up, Papa is a responsible, selfless and to providing aid. The Knights of It is imperative that my father thinks God-fearing person. He is more than Columbus Fraternal Association of the ahead thereby securing us a worry-free the three words combined, I admit that Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) has been a future. he is not perfect but there is nothing I platform for my father to reach farther Having a life-work balance is kind of could wish more than providing us a into extending a helping hand. His hard for some, but I am proud to say foundation and molding us to who we construction also gives bundles of joy that my Papa has that too. Being the are now as his children. I am forever to the workers, and long-time workers sole proprietor of his own construction grateful for and proud to call him my have insurances all paid by Papa as company, the current President of the hero.