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JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO.Monitor 2 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

Bishops offer church facilities Red-tagging incidents as vaccination hubs ‘worrisome’ — CBCP THE country’s Catholic bishops By Roy Lagarde on Jan. 28 said they are willing to transform church facilities into Covid-19 vaccination sites. THE spate of red- , tagging incidents in president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the , the country has been said the Church’s role is to serve described as ‘worrisome’ God and His people. by the Catholic Bishops’ And during this pandemic, he Conference of the said that helping in the vaccine Philippines. roll-out is an effective way they can do those things. Speaking in a virtual press “The bishops decided to offer, conference on Jan. 28, CBCP vice if needed, church facilities to be president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David vaccination centers or facilities of Kalookan said the recent red-tagging related to the vaccination involving activists and universities is a program,” Valles said in a virtual serious cause for concern. press conference after their two- “It is becoming worrisome. day online plenary assembly. Definitely,” David said. “I think The bishops acknowledged there is reason for people to be how daunting the vaccination afraid when that becomes a trend.” program can be so they wanted The prelate spoke to the media to help out. following their unprecedented online “We can offer our church plenary assembly, that saw over 80 facilities to help in this bishops discuss pressing issues and massive and complicated and the Church’s continuing response very challenging program of According to him, red-tagging vaccination,” Valles said. brings back memories of being The government earlier said it under the dictatorship during the is targeting to inoculate at least martial law regime. Red-tagging / A6 Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, CBCP Vice President, speaks during their virtual plenary assembly on Jan. 27, 2021. CBCP NEWS 50 to 70 million individuals within the year. If necessary, Valles said they are also willing to roll up their sleeves in public and get calls Philippine bishops vaccinated if it can help build confidence in vaccine campaign. “If the Holy Father and the Pope Emeritus had themselves to ‘evangelical charity’ vaccinated (in public) and, in my estimation, it helps… if POPE Francis has called with open doors’, offering atteneded the biannual people would see me publicly on Philippine bishops to hope and strength to the meeting, which is usually vaccinated, then why not” Valles continue their efforts in suffering and to all who held in January and July. said. giving concrete witness to seek a more humane and Among the items in the “The point is because our “evangelical charity” amid dignified life”. agenda were the reports people understandably have the prevailing coronavirus The pope also assured from the nine regional this fear of the vaccine. So if our pandemic. his support and blessings representatives of the CBCP being vaccinated is a big help, In his message for the to members of the CBCP as Permanent Council about then why not,” he added. bishops’ virtual plenary they discuss matters that their situation amid the Echoing Valles’ statement, assembly, he expressed affect the Church and the pandemic, their responses Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, hope that their deliberations country. and plans of action. CBCP Vice President, said they will lead to “more creative His message was read to The bishops will are willing to help allay some expressions” of pastoral the assembly on Jan. 26 by also discuss updates on Archbishop (on screen), Apostolic to the Philippines, people’s fear of the vaccine. charity. Archbishop Charles John delivers the message of Pope Francis for the CBCP 121st online plenary assembly the plans for this year’s “Anything that can allay the In doing so, he said it Brown, apostolic Nuncio to on Jan. 26. PHOTO BY ROY LAGARDE quincentennial celebration fears of vaccination, we will offer would enable the Church the Philippines. of the coming of Christianity in the Church,” he said. (CBCP in the Philippines “to be The bishops’ 121st plenary an online format from Jan. health crisis. to the Philippines. (CBCP News) recognized as ‘a home assembly is taking place in 26 to 27 because of the More than 80 bishops News) CBCP remains opposed to Charter change Church renews commitment to THE Catholic Bishops’ abolish ‘arancel’ despite pandemic Conference of the Philippines remains opposed to any moves to amend the 1987 Constitution, its leaders said Jan. 28. Speaking to the media virtually after their two- day plenary assembly, CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao said there is no need to rush Charter change in the midst of a pandemic. “When I mentioned two previous documents from the CBCP, with prudent wordings, we said not yet, not this time,” Valles said. Parishioners attend at the Saint Anthony of Padua Church in ’s Bishop Pablo Virgilio Malate district on Dec. 18, 2020. CBCP NEWS David of Kalookan, CBCP Vice President, said their THE in the poor to receive God’s grace CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao presides over the bishops’ online plenary assembly from his residence in previous pastoral statements on Jan. 26, 2021. CBCP NEWS Philippines has reaffirmed and blessings”. on Charter change are still its commitment to abolish “Let us do our best, then, to relevant. bishops during their online in the agenda of Cha-cha “Therefore, the charter the “arancel” system even remove obstacles to genuine “We are against Charter meeting held on Jan. 26 when our focus and priority change can be used as a ploy amidst the crisis spurred by service, especially to the change, based on previous to 27, amid renewed talks should be the pandemic?” for no-eL (no election), term- the Covid-19 pandemic. poor,” Valles said. statements. And we still are,” on tinkering with the The bishops’ social action extension, or a revolutionary In a “pastoral statement on “This is a concrete step David said. economic provisions of the arm, in a separate statement, government—all of which stewardship”, the Catholic in renewing ourselves in “We have made ourselves Constitution. also warned against Charter are detrimental to people’s Bishops’ Conference of the the practice of stewardship, very clear in the 2018 CBCP David said having change under an “unstable welfare,” it said. Philippines (CBCP) stressed praying that others may see pastoral statement on lawmakers use the pandemic governance”. Nassa also asked the that the arancel has become us truly ‘as good stewards of Charter change. It is still very as reason to again push “The present unstable faithful to openly participate prejudicial against the poor. God’s varied graces,” he said. relevant. The basic questions constitutional amendments governance is very susceptible in the political exercise by Archbishop Romulo Valles The bishops’ statement was are still the same. Why now?” is what makes things worse. to corruption of the mind,” being vigilant and lobbying of Davao, CBCP President, issued on Jan. 28, following he said. “All the more reason to said the National Secretariat politicians to stop Charter said that the fixed amount their two-day plenary Charter change was among be suspicious,” David said. for Social Action, Justice and change at this time. (CBCP asked for church services assembly held online. the topics discussed by the “Why you would be bringing Peace (Nassa). News) “can be a hindrance for the Arancel / A6 A2 WORLD NEWS JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 CBCP Monitor

UN adopts resolution on protecting religious sites Vatican Briefing The U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution Jan. 21 calling for greater efforts to protect religious sites from Vatican cardinal speaks out against social stigma acts of terrorism and asking for a global for leprosy patients conference on the subject. People with leprosy suffer not only from physical Titled “Promoting a culture of peace disease but also from harmful social stigmas which can and tolerance to safeguard religious lead to mental illness, Cardinal said on sites,” the resolution asks Secretary Sunday. In a message for World Leprosy Day on Jan. General Antonio Guterres to launch an 31, the cardinal encouraged people to include those international conference to discuss the sick with leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, in best means of implementing the United their communities and relationships. “Not everyone Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard will have the skills or expertise to cure Hansen’s disease Religious Sites. physically, but everyone is capable of promoting that “Religious sites are representative culture of encounter which brings about healing and the of the history, social fabric and mental well-being of those affected by this distressing traditions of people in every country illness,” he said. (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) and community all over the world and should be fully respected as such,” the Pope Francis encourages catechists to lead resolution says. others to a personal encounter with The resolution highlights the Pope Francis said Saturday that catechists have the increasing threats to culturally vital responsibility of leading others to a personal and spiritually significant sites by encounter with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, United Nations Headquarters in New York. UN PHOTO terrorists and militias, who have at and Scripture. “The kerygma is a person: Jesus Christ. times destroyed religious property and and potential targets as well as “ensure and cultures. Catechesis is a special space for fostering a personal illicitly trafficked artifacts. that comprehensive measures are in Saudi Arabia proposed the resolution, encounter with Him,” Pope Francis said in the The resolution denounces “all attacks place for the immediate response to which was co-sponsored by Arab Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace Jan. 30. “There on and in religious places, sites and an attack.” nations including Egypt, Iraq, the UAE, is no true catechesis without the testimony of men and … including any deliberate The resolution also challenges the Yemen, Sudan, and Palestine. The women in flesh and blood. Who among us does not destruction of relics and monuments” United Nations to develop “strategies, resolution was also supported by the remember at least one of his catechists? I do. I remember and condemns “all acts or threats educational initiatives, and global United States and the European Union. the who prepared me for my First Communion of violence, destruction, damage communications campaigns and tools” “The United States is pleased to and was so good to me,” the pope added. Pope Francis or endangerment, directed against that foster greater multicultural respect join the European Union’s statement received an audience with some of the members of religious sites as such, that continue to and media awareness. concerning this resolution, and the National Catechetical Office of the Italian bishops’ occur in the world, and denounces any “[We invite] all Member States recalls that the rights to freedom conference at the Vatican. (Courtney Mares/CNA) moves to obliterate or forcibly convert to enhance education and capacity- of religion or belief and freedom of any religious sites.” building to counter incitement to expression are mutually reinforcing Pope Francis appeals for fight against It calls on the governments to promote violence through fostering the messages and complementary,” said David ‘unacceptable poverty’ these religious sites as vulnerable of unity, solidarity and interreligious Messenger, the advisor for Political Pope Francis encouraged Catholic organizations targets and to implement safeguards and intercultural dialogue,” it said, Affairs of the U.N. Mission to the on Friday to continue to fight against “unacceptable to protect them. The resolution states calling for the promotion of peace and United States, in a Jan. 21 statement. poverty.” In a message to two Belgian groups released that governments should assess risks coexistence among different religions (CNA) on Jan. 29, the pope said that the coronavirus pandemic had made poverty relief even more difficult. “The challenges that await you are compounded by the crisis of COVID-19, which is affecting the entire world, but Vatican gradually to defund some mission territories even more terribly the poorest and most neglected. It VATICAN— Earlier this is therefore more important than ever to continue and month the Congregation for develop the action undertaken,” he said in the message, the Evangelization of Peoples dated Jan. 8. The message was addressed to members sent a letter to the bishops of Entraide et Fraternité and Action Vivre Ensemble. of some 1,100 Catholic (CNA) territories and announced the gradual reduction of Pope Francis gives over $100K for earthquake the financial support they relief in Croatia regularly receive from the Pope Francis has given a Catholic charity in Croatia Vatican. more than $121,000 for earthquake relief. The Since apostolic money was given to Caritas, part of the local bishops’ vicariates and prelatures conference, to aid families in the Banija region, which are regarded by the Vatican was struck by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake last month. as mission territories, they The quake and its foreshocks and aftershocks, which hit fall under the jurisdiction on Dec. 29, killed at least seven people, injured dozens, of the Congregation for the and destroyed homes and churches. The funds from Evangelization of Peoples, and Pope Francis were donated through the Dicastery for the vast majority of them are in Promoting Integral Human Development. (Hannah the poorest parts of the world. Brockhaus/CNA) The Vatican has traditionally supported Vatican archbishop: Turn off your phone and these jurisdictions via the open the Gospel “Universal Solidarity Fund” A Vatican archbishop urged Catholics to turn off their of the Pontifical Mission cell phones and open the Gospel instead as he celebrated The Palazzo di Propaganda Fide in . Credit: Sheila1988 via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) Societies. The main source Mass marking the Sunday of the Word of God. Archbishop of income of the fund comes Dal Toso, adjunct secretary get more.” has jurisdiction over 186 Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for from the collection of World of the Congregation for Archbishop Dal Toso archdioceses, 785 , Promoting the New Evangelization, issued the appeal on Mission Sunday, celebrated the Evangelization of stressed that “along with 82 apostolic vicariates, 39 Jan. 24 in a homily prepared by Pope Francis for the Mass every year on the second to Peoples and president of the Aid to the Church in Need, apostolic prefectures, 4 in St. Peter’s Basilica. “Let us set the Gospel in a place last Sunday of October. The Pontifical Mission Societies, the Pontifical Mission apostolic administrations, where we can remember to open it daily, perhaps at the fund is independent from stressed that “the letter is Societies only support 6 missiones sui iuris, 1 beginning and at the end of the day, so that amid all those the Congregation for the in no way intended to cut pastoral projects. This is territorial abbacy, and 6 words that ring in our ears, there may also be a few verses Evangelization of Peoples. the support we are giving very important for the future military ordinariates. of the word of God that can touch our hearts,” Fisichella But some bishops’ to the diocesan missions. of the Church.” By pastoral, In 2019 the Societies said. “To be able to do this, let us ask the Lord for the conferences in Latin America It instead aims at a better the archbishop means funds distributed some $130 strength to turn off the television and open the Bible, to contacted by CNA claim distribution of the money, that go to specific expenses million, all of it collected turn off our cell phone and open the Gospel.” (CNA) that the local have following the criteria of related to the work of during World Mission announced a significant stewardship.” evangelization, as opposed Sunday. There are no Pope Francis: Witness to the truth by exposing cut in the Vatican financial It means, he explained, to social justice funds, which figures regarding the 2020 ‘fake news’ support and have requested that “if there are dioceses or are usually more readily collection, but Dal Toso said Pope Francis issued a new warning about local bishops from non- bishops able to carry on with available. he expects to collect less misinformation on Saturday, weeks after he was the missionary territories to their resources, they could According to 2016 money than in 2019, because subject of a viral “fake news” story. Writing in his World make up for the difference. renounce to their share figures, the Congregation of the economic crisis as a Communications Day message, released on Jan. 23, the Speaking with CNA on Jan. and give the opportunity to (also known with the Latin consequence of COVID 19. pope said that “the risk of misinformation being spread 20, Archbishop Giampietro other, poorest dioceses to name of Propaganda Fide) (CNA) on social media” was now widely recognized. “We have known for some time that news and even images can be easily manipulated, for any number of reasons, at times Cardinal expresses concern about preteens using social media simply for sheer narcissism,” he wrote. “Being critical AN Italian cardinal expressed concern challenge,” involves restricting oxygen investigation into the death, which has in this regard is not about demonizing the internet, this week about the use of social media to the brain to induce a high. been widely reported as being caused but is rather an incentive to greater discernment and by children, encouraging the Church to “Certainly there is also a responsibility by the video-making platform. responsibility for contents both sent and received.” “All do its part to give young people hope of the media,” Bassetti said, declining TikTok, which is owned by Chinese of us are responsible for the communications we make, for the future amid the coronavirus to comment on the specific situation of company ByteDance, is cooperating for the information we share, for the control that we can pandemic. the family in Palermo, which he said he with authorities in the investigation exert over fake news by exposing it. All of us are to be Cardinal , did not know. into possible “incitement to suicide.” witnesses of the truth: to go, to see and to share.” (CNA) president of the Italian bishops’ He added that with young children, The company responded on Jan. 22 conference, spoke about kids and “the sense of imitation is very strong, that it had not identified any content on Vatican official calls for synergy in fight against social media use on Jan. 24, after the and if you create a hero figure, or even its platform which could have induced poverty and climate change death of a 10-year-old girl in Sicily, the sense of competition, we can have the child to participate in something The Vatican Secretary of State has called for a new which some have tied to use of the tragic results, as has happened.” such as the “blackout challenge.” model of development built on “the synergistic bond” video platform TikTok. The coronavirus pandemic has Bassetti also commented on the between the fight against climate change and the struggle “You have to pay close attention created “a sad moment and a difficult need for hope during the coronavirus against poverty. In a video message to the Climate to kids. At the very least, they can moment, especially for kids and young emergency—and the role young people Adaptation Summit taking place online Jan. 25-26, approach certain [social media] people,” he said, “and therefore, we can have in communicating hope to the Cardinal said that climate change is “one programs when they are older—14-15 need to be close to them also as a elderly and disabled. of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.” years old—but at 8-10 years old it is Church. We must do more.” “If hope is not brought by young “This is a moral and humanitarian imperative, especially harmful,” Bassetti told journalists after The girl died in a hospital after people and we are unable to since the greatest negative consequences of climate Sunday Mass at the of the being found with her cell phone in the communicate hope to young people, change often affect the most vulnerable: the poor and archdiocese of Perugia. bathroom on Jan. 20 by her five-year- who should transmit it?” he said. future generations,” the cardinal said. “While the poor The cardinal was responding to a old sister. The child’s phone was taken In his homily at Mass, the cardinal are the least responsible for global warming, they are question about the accidental death by police. addressed young people specifically, the most likely to be affected, since they have the least of a 10-year-old child in Palermo After the accident, the Italian Data especially “adolescents, who live in adaptive capacity and often live in geographical areas last week. The child’s father told the Protection Authority blocked access an age of transition, of delicate and which are particularly at risk.” The Climate Adaptation Italian newspaper La Repubblica that, to TikTok users whose ages cannot be fundamental personal growth for Summit is a virtual international summit organized by according to their other daughter, proven, at least through February 15. their life, but who are forced to live the Netherlands aimed at outlining practical solutions for the girl had been playing a TikTok TikTok’s terms and conditions state it indoors, without being able to confronting climate change. (Courtney Mares/CNA) “game” before her death. The “game,” that users must be at least 13 years old. establish normal social relationships.” reportedly called the “blackout Italian prosecutors have opened an (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 NEWS FEATURES A3

Cardinal Bo urges Burma’s military to release Aung San Suu Kyi after Pope Francis proclaims World Day ‘shocking’ coup for Grandparents and the Elderly POPE Francis announced offered via a live video Sunday the establishment broadcast due to the of an international day to COVID-19 pandemic—the honor grandparents and the pope recalled the upcoming elderly to take place each year liturgical celebration of the in July. Presentation of Jesus in the “The Holy Spirit … Temple by Mary and Joseph. arouses thoughts and words “The day after tomorrow, of wisdom in the elderly February 2, we will celebrate today: their voice is precious the feast of the Presentation because it sings the praises of Jesus in the Temple, of God and guards the roots when Simeon and Anna, of peoples. They remind us both elderly, enlightened by Cardinal , archbishop of Yangon. MAZUR/CATHOLICNEWS.ORG.UK that old age is a gift and the Holy Spirit, recognized that grandparents are the Jesus as the Messiah,” the CARDINAL Charles Maung Tatmadaw?” link between generations, pope said. Bo urged Burma’s military Referring to Burma’s to transmit to young people Pope Francis also pointed Pope Francis and an elderly person at an audience in October 2016. VATICAN MEDIA on Wednesday to release troubled history since it an experience of life and to the example of the Virgin Aung San Suu Kyi after its gained independence from faith,” Pope Francis said in Mary who “always kept Jesus’ Jesus,” he said. participants in the virtual “shocking” coup on Feb. 1. Britain in 1948, he continued: the library of the Vatican’s words and gestures in her The pope explained that “Caravan of Peace” organized In a statement published “We have seen so much pain Apostolic Palace Jan. 31. heart and followed Him Jesus’ ministry of healing, by Catholic Action. Feb. 3 on the website of the in conflicts. Seven decades of “Grandparents are often with total willingness and exorcisms, and “preaching Pope Francis also Archdiocese of Yangon, the shedding blood and the use of forgotten and we forget this faithfulness.” with authority” show that highlighted World Leprosy cardinal appealed to the violence brought no results.” wealth of preserving and “May she help us too to Christ “aimed at defeating the Day, which occurs each armed forces to free the “You all promised peace passing on the roots. For listen to Him and follow evil present in humankind year on the last Sunday of country’s elected civilian and genuine democracy. this reason, I have decided Him, to experience the signs and in the world.” January. He appealed to leader. Democracy was the streak of to establish the World Day of His salvation in our life,” “Jesus’ teaching has the world leaders to join efforts Aung San Suu Kyi was hope for solving the problems of Grandparents and the he prayed. same authority as God to treat those suffering detained after the military of this once rich country. Elderly,” the pope said. The pope said that Jesus speaking; in fact, with a from leprosy – officially seized power in the early This time millions voted The World Day for the “speaks not with human single command he easily called Hansen’s Disease – hours of Monday, along for democracy. Our people Grandparents and the Elderly authority, but with divine frees the possessed from and to work for their social with Burma’s President Win believe in peaceful transfer will take place annually on authority, because he has the evil one and heals him,” inclusion. Myint. of power.” the fourth Sunday of July, the power to be the definitive he said. “I express my closeness to Addressing Aung San Suu Questioning the military’s close to the feast of the prophet, that is, the Son of “His word points directly at those who suffer from this Kyi, Win Myint, and other rationale for taking power, grandparents of Jesus, Saints God who saves us, heals us the kingdom of Satan: it puts disease, and I encourage members of their party, the 72-year-old cardinal Joachim and Anne. all.” him in crisis and makes him missionaries, health workers the National League for said: “Allegations of voting This year it will take place He asked: “Do we listen to retreat, forcing him to leave,” and volunteers committed to Democracy (NLD), directly, irregularities could have on Sunday, July 25, and Pope the words of Jesus which are Francis said. their service,” the pope said. Bo said: “You are in this plight been solved by dialogue, in Francis will offer a special authoritative?” After the prayer, “The pandemic has in your unending struggle presence of neutral observers. Mass to mark the occasion, “Always, do not forget, children from the of confirmed how necessary it is to bring democracy to this A great opportunity was according to the Vatican carry a small Gospel in your Rome joined the pope in the to protect the right to health nation. The unexpected lost. Many leaders of the Dicastery for , Family, pocket or bag, to read it Apostolic Palace to read a for the most vulnerable turn of events has made you world have condemned and and Life. during the day, to listen to letter about the importance people.” (Courtney prisoners. We pray for you will condemn this shocking In his Angelus address— that authoritative word of of peace. The children are Mares/CNA) and urge all concerned to move.” release you at the earliest.” “Now you promise Describing Aung San greater democracy — after Pope Francis calls for ‘mission of compassion’ Suu Kyi as “the voice of our investigation and another people,” Bo added: “At this election. Myanmar people moment I offer my personal are tired of empty promises. spurred by coronavirus pandemic sympathies with your plight They will never accept any and pray that you may once fake protestation.” POPE Francis urged Catholics on Friday of experiencing vocation as a true love “It has unmasked our false sense of again walk amidst your “You also promise to hold to engage in a “mission of compassion” story that urges them to go forth to the security and revealed the brokenness people, raising their spirits.” multiparty elections after one to a world ravaged by the coronavirus peripheries of our world as messengers and polarization quietly growing in Bo is the first cardinal in the year. How will you gain the crisis. and agents of compassion.” our midst. Those who are most frail history of Burma, also known trust of our people? They will Writing in his World Mission Day “He addresses this call to everyone, and vulnerable have come to feel even as Myanmar, a country with trust only when words are message, released on Jan. 29, the pope and in different ways. We can think more so.” a population of 54 million matched by sincere actions.” warned Catholics not to succumb to the of the peripheries all around us, in “We have experienced people bordering China, Pope Francis visited temptation of justifying indifference on the heart of our cities or our own discouragement, disillusionment and Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, Burma, a majority Buddhist the basis of COVID-19 restrictions. families. Universal openness to love has fatigue; nor have we been immune from and India. country, in 2017. He met “In these days of pandemic, when a dimension that is not geographical but a growing negativity that stifles hope.” Since his appointment as with Aung San Suu Kyi as there is a temptation to disguise and existential.” Nevertheless, he said, the resurrection Archbishop of Yangon, the well as Min Aung Hlaing, the justify indifference and apathy in the Quoting from his latest encyclical, of Jesus still proclaims a “powerful former capital city, in 2003, army general who now leads name of healthy social distancing, “Fratelli tutti,” he added: “Always, but message of life.” he has emerged as a leading Burma following the coup. there is urgent need for the mission especially in these times of pandemic, “‘What we have seen and heard,’ advocate for democracy in Speaking during an in-flight of compassion, which can make that it is important to grow in our daily the mercy we have experienced, can the country. press conference after the necessary distancing an opportunity ability to widen our circle, to reach out thus become a point of reference and In his message, the cardinal visit, the pope told reporters: for encounter, care and promotion,” he to others who, albeit physically close a source of credibility, enabling us to emphasized that he was “This general asked me to wrote in the message signed on Jan. 6, to us, are not immediately part of our recover a shared passion for building ‘a writing as a spiritual leader. speak. And I received him. I the Feast of the Epiphany. ‘circle of interests.’” community of belonging and solidarity “We are journeying through never close the door. You ask World Mission Day — also known “To be on mission is to be willing to worthy of our time, our energy and our most challenging times of our to speak and enter. Speaking as World Mission Sunday — was think as Christ does, to believe with him resources,’” he said, referring again to history,” he said. “I write with you never lose anything, you established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. It that those around us are also my brothers “Fratelli tutti.” love towards all, seeking a always win.” is usually observed on the third Sunday and sisters. May his compassionate love “The Lord’s word daily rescues and durable solution, praying for “It was a beautiful of October and will be celebrated this touch our hearts and make us all true saves us from the excuses that can plunge an end forever to the periodic conversation. I couldn’t say year on Sunday, Oct. 17. missionary disciples.” us into the worst kind of skepticism: darkness that envelops our because it was private, but This year’s theme is “We cannot but A worldwide collection is held ‘Nothing changes, everything stays the dear nation.” I didn’t negotiate the truth. speak about what we have seen and each year on World Mission Day same.’” The cardinal, who is also But I did it in a way that he heard” (Acts 4:20). The pope described for the Pontifical Mission Societies, Citing his 2013 apostolic exhortation president of the Federation of understood a bit that the path the theme as “a summons to each of us an umbrella group of Catholic “Evangelii gaudium,” he continued: Asian Bishops’ Conferences, as it was during the nasty to ‘own’ and to bring to others what we missionary societies under the pope’s “To those who wonder why they should boldly challenged Burma’s times renewed again today bear in our hearts.” jurisdiction. They include the Society give up their security, comforts and new military rulers, known as isn’t viable. It was a good In the message, he reflected on the for the Propagation of the Faith, the pleasures if they can see no important the Tatmadaw, to fulfill their meeting, civilized and also missionary drive of the early Church, Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the result, our answer will always remain promise to restore civilian there the message arrived.” as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Holy Childhood Association, and the same: ‘Jesus Christ has triumphed rule. The armed forces took Urging the armed forces “The first Christians, far from yielding the Missionary Union of and over sin and death and is now almighty. power alleging fraud during not to use violence against to the temptation to become an elite Religious. Jesus Christ is truly alive’ and wants last November’s elections, the civilian population, Bo group, were inspired by the Lord and In 2019, the Societies distributed us to be alive, fraternal, and capable of won by the NLD. said: “Sadly, the elected his offer of new life to go out among around $130 million from the World cherishing and sharing this message of “When, in 2015, a peaceful representatives of our people the nations and to bear witness to what Mission Sunday collection. But the hope.” transition to the elected belonging to NLD are under they had seen and heard: the good news pandemic is likely to have significantly “In our present circumstances, there government was effected arrest. So are many writers, that the Kingdom of God is at hand,” reduced the collection in 2020, with is an urgent need for missionaries of by the Army, that won the activists and youth.” he wrote. potentially serious consequences for hope who, anointed by the Lord, can admiration of the world,” Bo “I urge you, respect their He encouraged readers to think of missionary territories that depend on it. provide a prophetic reminder that no wrote. rights and release them at the missionaries who, in centuries past, The pope said in his message that, like one is saved by himself.” “Today the world tries the earliest. They are not risked their lives so that Catholics today the first Apostles, Catholics today were The pope concluded his message by to understand what went prisoners of war; they are could know the faith. living in difficult times. invoking the Virgin Mary. wrong in the following prisoners of a democratic He said: “We know that the call to “The pandemic has brought to the fore “May Mary, the first missionary years. Was there a lack of process. You promise mission is not a thing of the past, or a and amplified the pain, the solitude, the disciple, increase in all the baptized the dialogue between the elected democracy; start with romantic leftover from earlier times. poverty and the injustices experienced desire to be salt and light in our lands,” civilian authorities and the releasing them.” (CNA) Today too Jesus needs hearts capable by so many people,” he wrote. he wrote. (CNA) It’s what you do than what you say, Archbishop Peralta reminds priests

CATHOLICS pay more attention “In other words people do not In his homily, he discussed the our ministry,” Peralta said. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, to what their pastors do than what give so much attention to what three important functions of an The ministry of ruling, according organizers allowed a limited they say, a church official said. we say as to our life of witness,” archbishop: to teach, sanctify, and to him, is all about “kindness, mercy attendance of mostly priests, Archbishop Marlo Peralta of Peralta said. to rule. and compassion”. and some local government officials. Nueva Segovia said all priests are “We may be able to explain very Regarding the ministry of “We are asked to lead our Church, Also present were Baccay’s called to witness Christ through well articles of the faith but what sanctifying, he said pastors need the faithful and also our priests predecessors in the their lives and the faithful have a they seek in us more than ever is to lead their flock to the path of with mercy and compassion,” he archdiocese— retired right to expect this of their pastors. our life of witness,” he said. holiness, which should start with added. Sergio Utleg and Diosdado While preaching is an important The church leader was speaking “our rootedness in Christ”. Pope Francis entrusted to Peralta Talamayan. element in evangelism, he said during Mass for the imposition “It is very important that we the imposition of the sacred bond Bishop David William Antonio that the “more effective” way to do of the pallium upon Archbishop recognize this first step that we of white wool on Baccay, who of Ilagan and Bishop Prudencio their ministry “is by believing and at the Tuguegarao cultivate our personal relationship was installed as archbishop of Andaya of Tabuk also graced the practicing what we teach”. Cathedral on January 14. with Christ for it can bear fruit in Tuguegarao a year ago. occasion. (CBCP News) A4 OPINION JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Ridiculous yet worrisome IN a virtual press conference this January 28, after the bishops’ plenary assembly, which was also virtual, the vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, said: “It was really ridiculous. Ridiculous. We are glad that these universities banded together and came out with a collective statement in order to question that kind of red-tagging.” Red-tagging perpetrated by the military of the Duterte government is condemned not only by the prestigious universities in the country that have been tagged as “recruitment havens for the New People’s Army,” but mostly by well-meaning . Responding to the malicious accusation of Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the leaders of Ateneo de Manila University, , University of Tomas and Far Eastern University denounced in a joint statement the red- tagging against them by the military. The careless accusation has cast a bad light to these institutions of learning, that may in all likelihood endanger the lives of both students and teachers. The naming by the military of some prominent UP alumni as communists was so indiscriminate that no sooner had they realized their mistake and recalled their careless charge. That was a shameful admittance of very poor intelligence that ironically gets the largesse of annual budget. BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION But worse is the fate of activists, cause oriented groups, those critical of governance and even journalists because red- tagging could mean a death sentence much like the “Tokhang” The way of peace and euphemism of the propaganda-laced drug war that reportedly Along the Way claimed over thirty thousand lives of poor Filipinos. Red- Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD nonviolence tagging and the planting of evidence, as recently claimed by journalist and Manila Today editor Lady Ann Salem, to substantiate the tag shows a dearth of military intelligence and a penury of tactics. Or maybe an oblique understanding “In many parts of the world, there and on. The culture of violence prevails the consequences of the rupture of this of insurgency just in terms of hazard pays and more military is a need for paths of peace to heal which is a manifestation of the culture of communion due to sin. Christ came to budget. open wounds. There is also a need death. Genuine lasting peace and justice restore this broken communion and The roots of insurgency or the reasons why young people for peacemakers, men and women remain elusive. friendship with God, with each one and may be lured to join leftists groups while leaving behind the prepared to work boldly and creatively As Christians we are called to follow with creation which is achieved when the security and comforts of their homes cannot be addressed to initiate the process of healing and the way of peace and nonviolence amidst kingdom of God is fully realized. solely by military tactics no matter how fierce. The Catholic renewed encounter.” (Pope Francis, the situation and culture of violence. This By his suffering and death on the Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) says Fratelli Tutti 225) is the way of Jesus Christ. This is what he cross, Jesus showed what nonviolence it more clearly in a recent statement, “We encourage the taught in the sermon on the mount and is all about. In fulfilling his prophetic government to address the roots of the problem of insurgency, WE live in a violent world. Violence this is what he showed by his death on and liberating mission he manifested like poverty and marginalization.” is taking place in the homes, in the cross. Nonviolence involves doing no his willingness to suffer and give his “It is becoming worrisome. Definitely. I think there is a neighborhood communities, in schools, harm and intending no harm following life without taking life. In doing so he reason for people to be afraid when that becomes a trend…It in the streets and in the countryside. the commandment: “Thou Shall not showed how love can overcome the sort of brings back to memory the times when we were under To solve the problem of drug addiction, Kill”. More than that, it is based on forces of sin and evil and break the cycle authoritarian rule. We are in a democracy. In a healthy some governments wage war on drugs Christ’s commandment of love for one’s of violence. The way of the cross is the democracy, it is good to question policies like this,” says often resorting to extrajudicial killings. neighbor that includes love for one’s way of nonviolence. Bishop David of red-tagging. In pursuit of justice, equality and social enemy. This love is accompanied by Jesus’ way of peace and nonviolence It is indeed ridiculous. Yet its worrisome. Because who change movements resort to violence mercy and compassion and the readiness have inspired those who struggled knows who could be next. or armed struggle. As a reaction, the to forgive and attain reconciliation. for justice, freedom, equality and state use violence that often leads to Nonviolence is also grounded on transformed society peacefully like To vaccinate or not? violation of human rights. Mining and the recognition of human dignity and Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King logging companies who are destroying inalienable rights of each one made Jr, Cezar Chavez, Benigno Aquino THIS is the burning question at the moment. While the the environment use violence against in the image of God. It is based on Jr. The strategy of nonviolence has general response should be, yes, we should, there are serious indigenous communities and those who the acknowledgement that we are all been used against dictatorial regimes questions and issues raised around this matter. It’s usually protect the environment. Nations engage brothers and sisters created to be in in the Philippines, Eastern Europe, the public officials who are pushing the official line that we in armed conflict or wage war with other communion with God, with each other Middle East, etc. Nonviolent actions should get vaccinated. And that’s very understandable. nations. The spiral of violence goes on and with creation. Violence is one of But some people, who also have their own credentials, say Along the Way / A7 otherwise. They talk about a sinister conspiracy being hatched in this matter, about a certain plan by some powerful men Online Masses to control people’s lives, to eliminate certain people due to And That’s The Truth overpopulation, etc. Others, who are in the medical and research field, say Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS that the vaccines presently made available are still in their experimental stage. Their effectivity is put in doubt. In fact, there are reports of some terrible side effects of a few of those OF course, online Masses a precautionary measure— needed to work ever more candelabras, overabundant who have already been vaccinated. are a poor substitute for that’s quite acceptable—and generously for the spread flower pots, and an Still others claim that some of these vaccines being actual attendance in the real with so many hours to choose of God’s Kingdom and the inharmonious plethora of developed make use of tissues from aborted babies, raising Eucharistic celebration, but from, the over-65s are quite growth of the civilization of statues—and the lack of choir the question about the morality in the use of these vaccines. under the pandemic-bred content to “attend” (not just love.” rehearsals evident in their In this point, a sharp debate is ongoing. circumstances, online Mass to “watch”) Mass by internet While the odd practices cacophonic performance. Obviously, these claims just cannot be dismissed outright. is better than no Mass at all. each day. I notice tend to distract me My sincere trust in the loving But we need a lot of time and expertise to sort out which Ask senior citizens who have After almost 11 months of from the solemnity of the intentions of the faithful who ones are true and which ones are false. Sometimes we get the made the daily Mass a vital virtually joining the faithful Eucharistic celebration, decorate and sing for the sensation of being between the devil and the deep blue sea, part of their day. Missing the in these online Masses, I allow me to comment at liturgy has dulled my senses of being between a rock and a hard place, of being damned if daily Eucharist is some kind can’t help but notice certain the moment on but two of to the otherwise offensive you do and damned if you don’t. of deprivation. For seniors, odd practices that I pray them. If there’s one thing sights and sounds they We are indeed all thrown into confusion, which should remind it’s all right to be rejected at the liturgists or Church that this Covid thing has present. us of the story about the tower of Babel. (Gen 11,1-9) Could this malls or restaurants, but to authorities would do forced me to learn, it is to Of all the online Masses I present state of public dilemma and perplexity a reprise of that be kept out of the church is something about in order to embrace imperfection where have heard so far; I find the biblical story that gives us a painful lesson about humility and another matter. create an environment for the I find it. So, as far as online ones celebrated in the Manila about always acknowledging God’s power properly? In spite of relatively relaxed Eucharistic celebration that Masses go, I can now say I Cathedral the most conducive Especially now with our powerful communication quarantine restrictions, could help us online Mass- can accept with serenity the to prayer. First, the priests technologies, we find ourselves awash with all sorts of churches still discourage goers to (in the words of Pope things I am not in a position consistently act and speak information and data, many of which are contradicting each “seniors over 65” from Emeritus Benedict XVI) “… to change, like the non- reverently—that alone other. And we cannot be so naïve as to think that all these attending Holy Mass, even if discover ever more fully in existent aesthetic refinement sets the tone for a solemn pieces of information and data are presented to us with the they’re obviously fit for their the Eucharist the sacrament in liturgical decorations— celebration. The visuals are purest of intentions. So, who would not be confused? age or even stronger than of Christ’s sacrificial love, some churches smother the clean and appropriate—the We are aware that there are some people who, with their some 50-year-olds. Sure, it’s the inspiration and strength sanctuary with oversized And That’s The Truth / A7 hidden agenda and in pursuit of their selfish interests, can take advantage of some extraordinary situations like what we are having these days. With their power and resources, Virtue signaling they can easily weaponize certain things to meet their goals. Candidly Speaking Let’s remember that Christ told us that while we should be and gaslighting as simple and innocent as doves, we should also be as shrewd, Fr. Roy Cimagala clever, wise and cunning as serpents. (cfr. Mt 10,16) Yes, we Editorial / A7 WE have to be wary of these tricks that Especially in matters of opinion and one’s position on a particular issue.” This news and opinion makers often use even in matter of faith and beliefs, we is meant, of course, to undercut others CBCP these days to push their ideas, agenda can expect differences and conflicts. who differ or contradict their views. or narrative. While it’s good that they These differences and conflicts are Another source puts it as “a pejorative should set out their credentials to not necessarily bad. With the proper neologism for the conspicuous and Monitor establish and strengthen their credibility, attitude and skills, they can enrich disingenuous expression of moral values PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE we have to see if the tone and timing of our knowledge of things in general with the intent to enhance one’s own such journalistic devices are proper and and occasion the development and image.” Still another source describes it Pedro Quitorio Editor-in-Chief relevant to the issues at hand. refinement of virtues. as taking “a conspicuous but essentially We cannot help but be discerning of the When differences and conflicts useless action ostensibly to support a Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite real motives of these news and opinion occur, we should rather try to engage in good cause but actually to show off how Associate Editor Circulation Manager makers, because we cannot deny that respectful dialogue, sorting out things much more moral one is than everybody often instead of objectivity and fairness, carefully, and looking for common else.” We should try our best to stay away Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas Marcelita Dominguez what is aimed at is the fulfillment of their ground rather than getting stuck with from virtue signaling. Design Artists Comptroller biases and other ulterior motives. While what can divide us. Gaslighting, on the other hand, is, The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the generally we should give everyone the One source defines virtue signaling as one source describes it, “a form of CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, CBCP benefit of the doubt, these days to omit as “the action or practice of publicly psychological manipulation in which a Compound, 470 General Luna Street, , Manila. Email Address: [email protected], Business: (632) 8404 - 1612. this consideration would generally be expressing opinions or sentiments person or a group covertly sows seeds ISSN 1908-2940. considered as a clear manifestation of intended to demonstrate one’s good of doubt in a targeted individual or naivete. character or the moral correctness of Candidly Speaking / A7 OPINION CBCP Monitor JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 OPINION A5

Vac-Scene of chaos By the Roadside and inequality Commentary Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD Michael Cook UN experts alarmed “You hide Your face, they are one easily notices how the enormity of the smartness or brilliance of his dismayed; You take away their spirit, of their resources have translated into favored countries’ scientists could allay at growing trend they expire” (Ps 104:29) better quality vaccines and systems of an anxious public already reeling from distribution. the hard socio-psycho-economic effects for ‘right to die’ “I believe that morally everyone must It is not the same reality throughout of anti-Covid-19 measures. take the vaccine...It is the moral choice the world. In the Philippines there is still All indications point to the very because it is about your life but also the a lot of verbiage about the procurement same realities that make the world THIS week UN human rights experts expressed alarm at a lives of others.”—Pope Francis of different vaccines from different and, particularly, the Philippines a growing trend to enact legislation enabling access to medically sources or promises of varying numbers bittersweet proposition. Richer and assisted dying based largely on having a disability or disabling FROM the start, world leaders, of allocations being expected to arrive more developed countries have better conditions, including in old age. including local ones, have seen and in the country. The better-off local access to better vaccines and have better “We all accept that it could never be a well-reasoned decision touted the vaccine as the silver bullet government units have begun arranging systems of distribution. Poorer countries for a person belonging to any other protected group—be it a by which to slay the dreaded deadly for their own purchases of the vaccines are seemingly akin to beggars waiting at racial minority, gender or sexual minorities—to end their virus. Throughout the year 2020 Oratio albeit through the national government. the sidelines for crumbs. They often are lives because they experience suffering on account of their Imperata prayers were offered by many, My province of Eastern Samar has of at the mercy of richer and more powerful status,” the experts said. “Disability should never be a ground if not all, dioceses in the Philippines and late appeared to still be determining countries ever ready to take advantage or justification to end someone’s life directly or indirectly.” in the entire planet partly for scientific how many of our local residents are of any weakness to advance their own The experts are: Gerard Quinn, rapporteur on the rights and medical experts to find a cure and/ willing to be vaccinated in an apparent economic and political agenda. In a of the disabled; Olivier De Schutter, rapporteur on extreme or a vaccine against Covid-19. Like a sign attempt at a realistic assessment of the poor country like the Philippines the poverty and human rights; and Claudia Mahler, an expert on from heaven, a number of anti-Covid-19 public trust in the vaccines being touted same plague is at work—richer LGUs human rights of the elderly. vaccines emerged in the latter part of by government. One wonders what the trample poorer LGUs in the race to Legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide, they said, would the year past. LGU would do to those who do not want vaccine procurement and distribution. institutionalize and authorize ableism, and directly violate Article 10 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION For a while there was muted euphoria. to be vaccinated; in any case, the move Where there is an inequality, there is People started thinking of planning to does not seem wise because it does not also chaos. When both are not addressed Disabilities, which requires States to ensure that persons with take back their normal lives. But reality promise to help solve the problem. It or resolved, the hardest lockdown will disabilities can effectively enjoy their inherent right to life on appears to be pointing to, at best, a long is doubtful if it has enough funds to be of little help. an equal basis with others. wait ahead or, at worst, another round procure the vaccines themselves—a We are a People of Faith. Our God The experts said that when life-ending interventions are of uncertainty and bitter economic probable reason behind its action—or whom the Savior reveals created all of us normalized for people who are not terminally ill or suffering at realities. Too many have too little to tide whether it will only wait for its share as his images and likenesses, adopting the end of their lives, such legislative provisions tend to rest on— things through. Many have lost their from the national government. When us in Christ Jesus as his children. For or draw strength from—ableist assumptions about the inherent jobs or sources of income and are hard that happens it remains uncertain if him, says Paul the Apostle: “There is “quality of life” or “worth” of the life of a person with a disability. pressed to find new ones. Government people could be free to choose which neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither “These assumptions, which are grounded in ableism and help is coming in drip. vaccine they want for themselves or their slave nor free, there is no male and associated stereotypes, have been decisively rejected by Anyone who has family, friends or families. The national government’s female, for you are all one in Christ the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. relatives who work or reside in richer politically charged policy of pivot to Jesus” (Gal 3:28). The hard but worthy Disability is not a burden or a deficit of the person. It is a and more developed countries realize China and Russia has dramatically effort—or struggle—towards equality universal aspect of the human condition. with a somewhat numbing force how complicated the chaos. At one point, must permeate and manage even what “Under no circumstance should the law provide that it could fortunate they are. Many, if not most, the presidential spokesman asked seems solely a health issue such as be a well-reasoned decision for a person with a disabling already have been vaccinated and are citizens not to be too choosy when it vaccinating people against Covid-19. We condition who is not dying to terminate their life with the talking to their counterparts in the comes to which type of vaccine to take, ought to do this not only because we all support of the State.” Philippines about side-effects they either apparently because the vastly promoted equally deserve the chance to survive The experts said that even when access to medical assistance experienced or avoided. Their richer and vaccines from the favored countries are the virus but, most of all, because we in dying is restricted to those at the end of life or with a terminal more developed locations have started least trusted not only in the Philippines want to live by what our faith requires. illness, it is still dangerous. People with disabilities, older distributing the vaccines among their but also around the world due to the The future does not belong to only one persons, and especially older persons with disabilities, may feel own people, mostly starting with a lack of transparency surrounding their class of human beings;’it belongs to all. subtly pressured to end their lives prematurely due to attitudinal public vaccinations of their leaders to production and testing. Concerned The prophet Jeremiah brings us God’s barriers as well as the lack of appropriate services and support. boost the public’s trust and confidence citizens have countered, “Don’t we perspective: “For I know the plans I “The proportion of people with disabilities living in poverty in the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. want only the best for ourselves and have for you..., plans for welfare not for is significantly higher, and in some countries double, than Although their numbers (positive cases our families? Why should we not evil, to give you a future and a hope” that of people without disabilities,” they said. and deaths) considerably dwarf those be choosy?” It is nigh impossible to (Jer 29:11). “People with disabilities condemned to live in poverty due of the Philippines—for which local argue against views such as this. No The ongoing chaos cannot be an to the lack of adequate social protection can decide to end authorities must be acknowledged— amount of presidential assurances option. their lives as a gesture of despair. Set against the legacy of accumulated disadvantages their ‘architecture of choice’ could hardly be said to be unproblematic.” The people have the right The experts also expressed concern at the lack of involvement of Duc in Altum people with disabilities, as well their representative organizations, to choose the vaccine in drafting such legislation. “It is paramount that the voices of Atty. Aurora A. Santiago people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds are heard when drafting laws, policies and regulations that affect their rights, and especially when we talk about the right to life,” they said. “Ensuring that people with disabilities and their EVERYONE is worried and Sinopharm from China. to distribute than the Pfizer- it? Is it not a waste of money representative organizations participate meaningfully in whether the Philippines Sinovac vaccine has 50.38% BioNTech alternative. especially if nobody would key legislative processes affecting them, including with regard would be able to obtain efficacy while Sinopharm As to the cost of covid-19 like to be vaccinated with to assisted dying, is a key component of States’ obligations the anti-covid-19 vaccine developer stated that it vaccine per dose in the Sinovac? Likewise, it has to promote, protect and fulfill human rights and respect in due time. Controversies showed 79.34% efficacy based world market: Pfizer $20; the least efficacy among the everyone’s right to life on an equal basis.” surrounded the government’s on an interim analysis of late- Moderna $10 to $50; covid-19 vaccines. Moreover, While various United Nations agencies have drawn fire from procurement of the much- stage clinical trials. Reviews AstraZeneca $4; Sinovac the price of Sinovac is more pro-life campaigners, some of its officials have clearly recognized needed vaccine. The different show covid-19 vaccines $18. On the other hand, in than five (5) times higher the dangers of euthanasia. In the 2019 the then rapporteur for Local Government Units by Pfizer and Moderna the Philippines, Senator than AstraZeneca, the choice the disabled Catalina Devandas-Aguilar, reported: or LGUs conducted survey have overall efficacy that Sonny Angara, Chairman of of the LGUs. The prices of the “If assisted dying is made available for all persons with a among their constituents is essentially identical; 95 the Senate Committee on vaccines had been disclosed health condition or impairment, regardless of whether they on whether or not they percent for Pfizer and 94.1 Finance stated that during in all media platforms, both are terminally ill or not, a social assumption might follow that want to be vaccinated, percent for Moderna. The the budget hearing, the internationally and locally, it is better to be dead than to live with a disability. and if yes, what is their covid-19 vaccine developed Department of Health (DOH) however, why is it that the “Therefore, a first concern is that persons with a newly preferred vaccine. Majority by the University of Oxford gave the following prices of government does not want to acquired impairment may opt for assisted dying based of the population surveyed and AstraZeneca has an covid-19 vaccines per dose: release the price of Sinovac, on prejudices, fears and low expectations of living with a explicitly replied that they overall efficacy of 70.4%. Pfizer P2,379.00; Moderna stating the non-disclosure disability, before even having the chance of coming to terms want to be inoculated so that This is lower than the 95% P3,904.00 – P4,504.00; clause of its purchase with and adapting to their new disability status. they would be protected and efficacy offered by the AstraZeneca P610.00; agreement with Sinovac? “Second, persons with disabilities may decide to end their shielded from covid-19 virus Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Sinovac P3,629.50. The taxpayers have the lives because of social factors, including loneliness, social and would be secured from but studies show the shot Considering the factors right to be informed of the isolation and lack of access to quality support services. being infected by covid-19 reduces the risk of flu illness of efficacy and cost, the cost not only of Sinovac, “A third problem is that persons with disabilities, patients, covid-19 positive by around 40% and 60%. government’s choice is still but all of the vaccines, particularly older persons with disabilities, may be vulnerable and asymptomatic. AstraZeneca also says its to procure Sinovac. It cannot after all, it is the taxpayers to explicit or implicit pressures arising from their context, The survey results preferred vaccine can hit 90 percent be helped but we ask these money that will be used to including expectations from family members, financial either Pfizer or Moderna efficacy under certain dosing questions: Why should the buy them. The government pressures, cultural messages and even coercion.” vaccine. The populace conditions. Likewise, the government choose Sinovac must be transparent in its Clearly, it would be false to campaign for the “right to die” rejected both Sinovac Biotech vaccine is cheaper and easier when the population rejected Duc in Altum / A6 and claim that it is supported by the United Nations! “Covidences” Whatever Fr. Francis Ongkingco

“IN life, there are no already foreseen this, that’s them as well as for many work and rest. Some dads previous engagements that been praying more as a coincidences!” This is a why I gave man his ears so other families. who used to travel or arrive only allowed them to be with family. Of course, the digital common adage of those who that he could wear his mask!” • Discovering new talents. late have treasured being their children during dinner participation in Mass and believe that God’s providence Amusing as it is, there are With the pandemic, people’s with their children more and time. other religious commitments oversees everything and really no coincidences in life former molds of work, leisure engaging them in activities • Living life simply. Many will never compare to everyone with His love. even with the strange lateral and socialization have been that previously their hectic parents have once again physically going to mass or There is nothing that our protrusions from our heads disrupted. But this has workload and schedule did cherished the simple joys of confession. But in some way, Father God will allow in our we call ‘ears’. positively opened for them new not permit them to achieve. life. For example, they were the pandemic has helped life that will not have some In the past months, I have horizons where they discover • Watching the children happier and more united many to discover the deeper a good, small and lasting had the blessed opportunity to their skills in cooking and grow up. With living together even without having to go and more fruitful meaning of repercussion. Being human, chat with new parents whose baking, painting and playing comes the wonderful out to malls, restaurants and praying together as a family. we are not capable of seeing daughters study in the school some musical instrument or phenomenon of treasuring theme parks. Naturally, going As much as the on-going all the good that He showers where I work as chaplain. Out even overcoming their fear the experience of seeing how out less also help them save pandemic lifestyle may us with even during these of curiosity, during our brief of technical instruments as the children are growing and on their finances. But they continue to burden us with times of our pandemic. ZOOMeetings, I would ask computers and tablets. maturing. Parents would realized that what they have many unwanted restrictions, I once read a meme what their ‘take-home’ from • Family time and bonding. refer to how each son or reaped from the pandemic it too occasions for us to containing a ‘complaint’ to COVID will be. After zooming Majority of parents would daughter starts to display lifestyle is that life’s profound appreciate and embrace God on how He could allow with more than 50 couples agree that the pandemic has distinctive features in their joys can be found in living it the apparent coincidences such a tragic pandemic to I have come up with a brief brought them closer. In fact, personalities and characters. simply. through which God helps to happen to humanity now. compilation of COVIDences it has helped them to value This would not have been • Praying together. Most increase our faith, hope and Smiling, God replied: “I have that have been blessings for family time over dinner, evident especially in their parents agree that they have love.

By the Roadside / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 CBCP Monitor

Unity is both gift and responsibility, Amid pandemic, celebrate 500 says Church’s ecumenism chief years of Christianity with good deeds — CBCP head

THE best way to celebrate 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines amid the health crisis is “to make our Archbishop Angelito Lampon, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on faith shine in deeds of charity Ecumenical Affairs. PHOTO FROM DAVAO CATHOLIC HERALD and mercy,” a top church official said Jan. 26. CATHOLIC bishops’ top to the prevailing coronavirus Archbishop Romulo Valles ecumenical official has called pandemic. of Davao, president of the for more work for unity, The theme for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference saying that ecumenism is not celebration was taken from of the Philippines, said the just a gift but a responsibility. the Gospel of St. John: “Abide “gift of faith” must be shared Archbishop Angelito in my love… you shall bear with others. Lampon, chairman of the much fruit”. “Anyone of us can take Episcopal Commission on Archbishop Charles John up this challenge – to serve Ecumenical Affairs, said a Brown, Apostolic Nuncio the least and lowest of our concerted effort is needed to to the Philippines, also brethren,” Valles said in achieve unity not only among said that the initiative, that his opening remarks for Christians but all mankind. has been going on for 27 the bishops’ virtual plenary “While unity is a gift from years, may bear fruits and assembly. God, it is also a task and collaboration. While plans for the responsibility that we have Albeit marred by the celebration have been to work hard in order to pandemic, he lauded the changed because of the CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles (on screen) addresses the bishops’ 121st plenary assembly on Jan. 26, achieve it,” Lampon said in a efforts to observe the annual Covid-19 pandemic, he said 2021. CBCP NEWS video message for the Week celebration “to pray together, the Church and the faithful of Prayer for Christian Unity. to beseech, to entreat the “cannot take this precious gift “We might wake up one ephemeral if not empty,” another year. The Cotabato archbishop Lord for the gift of unity”. for granted”. day, like other peoples have, he said. The original culmination of said this can be done by “our He explained this year’s “For if we do not, we may no longer able to share this Due to the pandemic, the celebration in April 2021 coming together, respecting theme that highlights the no longer be ‘gifted to give’,” gift with others, for our the bishops have earlier will now be the launch of a each other’s beliefs and need for people to come Valles referring to the theme hearts and souls have been announced that the Great yearlong celebration that will rejoicing in our diversity”. together because “with of the Great Jubilee. hijacked by other beliefs, Jubilee will be extended for end in April 2022. “We are already making a Him all things are possible, huge statement to the world without Him nothing is that unity is possible not only possible”. Cry for justice loud in burial of slain Bukidnon among Christians but also for “Ecumenism is a gift from humanity,” he added. God, a gift that becomes SLAIN Father Rene Regalado was This week of prayer kicked possible through prayer,” buried in a southern Philippine city on off on Monday via online due Brown said. (CBCP News) Jan. 29 amid calls for justice over his “brutal” death. Duc in Altum / A5 Fr. Regalado was laid to rest at a cemetery in Valencia City following a commercial dealings to avoid We pray that the twice a funeral Mass at the San Jose Parish being accused of kickback year Plenary Session of the Church officiated by Archbishop Jose and overpricing, considering Catholic Bishops Conference Cabantan of de Oro. that the national elections is of the Philippines or CBCP Msgr. Noel Pedregosa, diocesan just around the corner. in the last week of January administrator of Malaybalay, appealed be a successful one. May our for anyone with information on the *** bishops be guided by the incident to come forward. Spokesperson Harry Holy Spirit in the discussion “I am challenging the people of good Roque was quoted saying of all topics during their conscience to please come out in the “why be choosy… otherwise sessions so that they will be name of truth, justice, and in the name sign a waiver.” It is the able to release a meaningful of God,” Msgr. Pedragosa said. Constitutional right of and much-awaited Pastoral “Likewise, please stand for the truth, every Filipino to choose Letter. please stand for justice, please stand for which vaccine should be heaven, please stand for God,” he said. administered on him. Section *** Priests carry the casket of Fr. Rene Regalado during his funeral at the San Jose Parish Church in Valencia City on 1, Article III (Bill of Rights) To our parish priest Fr. The priest of the Malaybalay diocese Jan. 29, 2021. PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF MALAYBALAY was gunned down near the Carmel of the 1987 Constitution Amado “Bong” Gino and the reads: “No person shall parishioners, Happy Feast Monastery in the city on Jan. 24 by still Cathedral on Jan. 27. to this dreadful end in the hands of be deprived of life, liberty, of our Patron Saint San unknown assailants. “So that means the accusation is false,” ruthless murderers”. or property without due Ildefonso of Toledo. This is His body showed signs he was mauled said Fr. Sajelan said in his homily. “We are in solidarity with you in process of law, nor shall any the 28th Fiesta Celebration before he was killed. Before Fr. Regalado went on mission in mourning, in praying and in seeking person be denied the equal since San Ildefonso became The diocese said that Fr. Regalado the nearby Diocese of Iligan from 2017 until justice for the brutal killing of the good protection of the laws.” The a parish in January 23, had been receiving death threats since October 2020, he was known for his fight servant of God, Father Rene,” said government cannot impose 1993. Unlike in the previous last December. against illegal logging in Bukidnon province. Rapadas, who was also present during on each and every Filipino years, many fiesta activities The priest was also out on bail over The bishops and priests whom he the funeral service. to be vaccinated by Sinovac, will not be held. Instead of allegations that he raped an 18-year- had worked with also vouched for the Fr. Regalado is the third priest to be if he does not want that , there will be a old girl last October when he was still innocence of the Fr. Regalado. killed in the diocese. vaccine. The government motorcade in the morning assigned at a parish in Lala town in Archbishop Cabantan, who served In 1991, the diocese’s “green priest” cannot also impose on a (due to curfew in the evening) Lanao del Norte province. as bishop of Malaybalay from 2010 to Fr. Nerilto Satur was murdered for person to sign a waiver. In composed of only ten (10) But Fr. Regalado had always August 2020, said the accusation was his convictions in defending the this time of pandemic, each 4-wheeled vehicles, including maintained his innocence. “not true” and “baseless”. environment. and every Filipino must be the pick-up vehicle which His claim was confirmed when the Bishop Jose Rapadas of Iligan said Jesuit Fr. Godofredo Alingal, who vaccinated with covid-19 will carry the image of San medicolegal report showed negative that “by no stretch of the imagination” worked for the rights of the province’s vaccine. No person should be Ildefonso. Bishop Emeritus for rape, said Fr. Cerilo Sejalan in one could anyone think that Fr. Regalado’s poor, was also killed by still unknown left behind. Any person not Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr. will of the wake Masses at the Malaybalay “fruitful” ministry “would simply come perpetrators in 1981. (CBCP News) inoculated may be the carrier be the Main Celebrant at 6pm of the virus, and it would Mass. At 8pm, there will be a Arancel / A1 put to waste the vaccines fund-raising Virtual Concert The document was also As of today, a number that are having difficulty in spontaneously overflowed purchased and administered and may be watched at the released as the Church marks of dioceses have already implementing the program during this pandemic and on everyone. Parish FB Page San Ildefonso this year the 30th anniversary scrapped the arancel and despite the pandemic, which has kept our communities in The medical practitioners Parish—Navotas, with 4 of the 2nd Plenary Council adopted the tithing system dealt a blow to ’ operation.” who are frontliners know segments—Pananalig or of the Philippines, which and other stewardship finances. “We will look back with that they have the right to Faith, Pag-asa or Hope, Pag- mandated the gradual programs. “Let us not be afraid to amazement and gratitude choose which vaccine to be ibig or Love and Paglilingkod abolition of the arancel The arancel has also been give freely and cheerfully, at these times, wondering administered on them, so are or Service. Persons will share system. totally abolished in many even in times of crisis and how we got by even at the the poorest of the poor. Let their experiences before The gradual abolition of parishes that are well- difficulty like the Covid-19 height of the lockdowns their economic status in life not and after the pandemic; the arancel and replacing it oriented to Basic Ecclesial pandemic that we are that we thought would be the reason to inoculate them choirs and priests will sing, with a concrete stewardship Communities. presently experiencing,” seriously challenge the with vaccines they rejected and including its parish priest, program had been a constant The CBCP said it will Valles said. sustainability of our did not approve. the Parish Pastoral Council topic in the bishops’ meeting also put up a service arm “Let us sustain the spirit parishes,” he said. (CBCP Execom and the ministries in recent years. that will assist the dioceses of generosity that has News) *** and organizations.

Red-tagging / A1

“It sort of brings back to memory which was condemned by the bishops University of Santo Tomas, De to address the roots of the problem group added. the times when we were under in Western Visayas region. La Salle University, Ateneo De of insurgency, like poverty and authoritarian rule. We are in a “Much of that is also related Naga University and Holy Angel marginalization,” the CEAP said in Academic freedom democracy. In a healthy democracy, to red-tagging, and we express University as among the schools a statement released Jan. 30. The CEAP, which has more it is good to question policies like solidarity with our bishops that are allegedly hotbeds of rebel The CEAP assured the government than 1,500 schools in its roster, this,” he said. there,” he said. recruitment and radicalization. that Catholic schools can never also stressed the importance of David also pointed at the recent support any armed struggle because upholding academic freedom, which Anti-terror law allegations that some Catholic Address roots of insurgency they are committed to nation- provides “our society a space, free David noted that red-baiting universities are among the Instead of red-tagging educational building “through peaceful and from external constraints, where is also one of the reasons why supposedly “breeding grounds” for institutions, a group of Catholic non-violent means”. truth can be shifted from untruth, the CBCP explicitly opposed the communist insurgents. educators also called on government “We remain committed to live out and right from wrong”. controversial “anti-terror” law. “It was really ridiculous. to address injustices and other roots our Catholic principles of respect for “We believe this is essential and “It is the fear of the exaggerated Ridiculous. We are glad that these of the insurgency problem. human life and liberties, and promotion necessary for the benefit of society response to the move to address universities banded together and The Catholic Educational of social justice and peaceful social and the common good,” it said. terrorism that might compromise came out with a collective statement Association of the Philippines said transformation,” it said. Saying that the challenges of human rights of people,” he said. in order to question that kind of red- that continued red-tagging will not “We continue to promote our nation-building are “complex”, The bishop cited as examples the tagging,” he said. help but only “endangers the security Constitutionally-guaranteed basic CEAP said it will continue to engage recent killings by state forces of nine The military has earlier accused and welfare of teachers and students”. human rights of free speech, the government “in a spirit of indigenous peoples on Panay Island, the Ateneo De Manila University, “We encourage the government expression, and association,” the partnership and dialogue”. LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 A7 W. Visayas bishops: Hear indigenous peoples’ cries against mega dam project

WESTERN Visayas’ rights of all,” they said. Maceda of San Jose de Catholic bishops called on At least nine Tumandok Antique, Patricio Buzon of the government to hear the tribespeople in the upstream Bacolod, Gerardo Alminaza cries against a mega dam villages of and Iloilo of San Carlos, Louie Galbines project following the killings provinces were killed and of Kabankalan, Jose Corazon of indigenous peoples on a number were arrested in Tala-oc of Kalibo, and Narciso Panay Island. predawn raids on Dec. 30. Abellana of Romblon. In a pastoral letter issued Authorities alleged the “Let us all together Jan. 15, the eight bishops in fatalities were communist contribute whatever we the region condemned the rebels who fought back can to stop the killings; recent atrocities and called for during the joint police respect the rights of people an independent investigation and military operations in to live in peace; and stop into the incident. search of illegal firearms the militarization of the IP They said those killed and explosives. communities,” they said. were leading a fight against But the families of those To protect the police the Jalaur mega dam killed refuted police’s claim, against false accusations, construction that would adding that the supposedly the bishops also asked that displace them from their recovered firearms were they be required to use body ancestral land. planted. cameras. To prevent further Various human rights “This will also protect the bloodshed, the bishops urged groups also believe the civilians from the use of the government to “listen killed Tumandoks were violence or abuse of power to the legitimate cries of red-tagged because of their such as planIng of evidence, the Tumandoks against the strong opposition to the dam illegal arrest and even construction of the Jalaur project. killings,” they said. mega dam”. Signatories of the The pastoral letter will “We call on everyone to be statement include Cardinal be read in all Masses in all highly vigilant in defending of Capiz, churches of Western Visayas Wester Visayas bishops, top from left: Cardinal Jose Advincula of Capiz, Archbishop Jose Lazo of Jaro, Bishop Patricio Buzon of the sacredness of life and in Archbishop Jose Lazo of on January 24. (CBCP Bacolod, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, Bishop Louie Galbines of Kabankalan, Bishop Marvyn Maceda of San Jose de respecting and protecting the Jaro, and bishops Marvyn News) Antique, Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc of Kalibo, and Bishop Narciso Abellana of Romblon. Cagayan Valley dioceses to plant 1.2 million trees in 500 days Sto. Niño feast: Cebu archbishop

FOLLOWING the massive flooding that urges faithful to ‘have faith over fear’ devastated parts of Cagayan Valley, the ON the feast of Sto. Niño, Despite the pandemic dioceses in the area banded together to the head of Cebu’s Roman and the cancellation of the plant more than a million trees in 500 Catholic Church called on the significant events for the days. people back to God and out of fiesta, he said the day is still Dubbed “Missio 500,” the initiative fear they may be experiencing a “moment of thanksgiving”. aims to plant 500 trees per day in the during the pandemic. “We are assured of God’s Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and in its In a restrained Mass due continuing presence and suffragan areas of Ilagan, Bayombong, to Covid-19 restrictions, support in our journey of Tabuk, and Batanes. Archbishop Jose Palma said faith,” Palma said. The target is to plant at least 1.25 that through faith, people will The archbishop then million trees by early next year. not live in fear. challenged the faithful to The program was launched on “Today, the Niño tells us to “concretize” their devotion Jan. 14 before the ceremony for the have faith rather than fear. by reaching out to those in imposition of the sacred pallium Put your trust in this little the peripheries. on Archbishop Ricardo Baccay of child, small but powerful,” Pointing to the centuries-old Tuguegarao. Palma said in his homily. image of the Holy Child, he Baccay said the launching of the An aerial photo of some villages in the province of Cagayan in the northern Philippines shows the aftermath of The celebration, which said the icon is a reminder to initiative was timed for the occasion typhoon “Ulysses” in November 2019. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO usually attracts millions the other “littles in the society”. “as a symbol of our solidarity, working of people, was held at the To drive his point, the our common home”. our communities,” he said. together, and convergence”. Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño archbishop said that even “The missio 500 is a testament to Also launched was the Metropolitan The project also aims to celebrate this with very limited attendance the Sto. Niño needed the care our commitment to teach, to mold, Ecology Desk and the Eco-convergence year’s 500th anniversary of the arrival of due to the Covid-19 crisis. of Mary and Joseph. and to remind our faithful that we Luzon Hub, in partnership with Caritas Christianity in the Philippines. The basilica has earlier “So we have to care for each are the stewards of God’s creation,” Philippines. Since the initiative involves local suspended all public Masses to other, especially for the poor, he said. Eco-convergence is a partnership governments, civil society organizations avoid coronavirus transmission, the sick, the little ones, the Bishop Danilo Ulep of Batanes, for of church and civil society groups to and non-government organizations, and instead urged devotees to marginalized,” Palma said. his part, also expressed his prelature’s promote the teachings of Pope Francis’ the number of trees to be planted could participate online. (CBCP News) exceed the target. commitment to the initiative. encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si. Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of “May this project intensify and The two other regional hubs are Along the Way / A4 Bayombong said last November’s strengthen our advocacy to protect God’s the Diocese of San Carlos for the flooding that affected thousands of creation and heal the wounds of mother Visayas and the Diocese of Marbel for such as peaceful protests, Ecclesial Communities have families shows “the urgency to protect earth for sustainable development of Mindanao. (CBCP News) human barricades, marches, an important role in peace- boycotts, civil disobedience, making and promoting Editorial / A4 general strikes, non- nonviolence. All these cooperation, negotiations. require developing a culture have to do some deep study, are not expected to judge all that whether in the end we by each one’s conscience, etc. have proven to be more of encounter, peace and research and consultation things correctly, to make the are right or wrong on some by one’s perception of what effective than armed struggle. dialogue – building bridges here, but this will take time proper decisions all the time. issues, we should all be with God is telling him. After all Many paid the price of being rather than walls. and the proper attitude. We are expected to make God. We should follow our God knows everything and arrested, going to prison and Each of us are called In the meantime, what errors, to commit mistakes, conscience that is properly can derive good from evil. giving up their life without to practice nonviolence we can always do is to pray though we should try our best formed and informed. Even our mistakes will work taking life. in our day to day living, that we get enlightened to avoid them. So, whether we should get out for the good. (cfr. Rom The way of peace and remembering that peace somehow. In this life, we What is truly essential is vaccinated or not will be call 8,28) nonviolence is indeed begins in me and around an integral part in the me. This requires inner And That’s The Truth / A4 promotion of justice, peace healing - rooting out negative and integrity of creation. and toxic emotions such as décor is tasteful, and no unnecessary covid.” “Father God, thank you for your Mass in the church, but for one who It can be used as a means anger, resentment, hatred objects clutter the sanctuary. Even blessings. Bless our business and help has only a small television screen as a for demanding justice and and the desire for revenge. before the Mass begins, there are Mass us pay our debts…” “Jesus, tulungan mo physical connection to the marvelous accountability, in addressing This will lead to inner peace. Intentions projected on the screen—no po akong patawarin ang mga nanglilibak liturgy just ended, this could be very the ecological crisis, in peace- This also means cultivating talkies—followed by a beautiful image of sa akin…” “Lord, I pray you make my jarring. making and in the context compassion and love. The the Mary artistically placed off center: husband realize he is wrong…” It is like In the moments after the spiritual of interreligious dialogue. It practice of mindfulness and it’s as though the silence and the empty attending Mass in church while someone communion, one could still be very should be promoted among meditation can be of great space beside her were deliberately is loudly reciting a beside you. much in adoration mode which (again families in their homes, in help. Whatever we do as a meant to calm down the online faithful Nonetheless, by way of saying “Sorry” to in Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s words) communities, in schools group or individual should in preparation for Christ’s sacrifice. the Lord for the distraction, I did pray “…prolongs and intensifies all that takes and universities. Grassroots lead to ending the cycle and That was how perfect and edifying the for them once, thus: “Lord I believe place during the liturgical celebration communities such as Basic spiral of violence. Masses were. Was? this is how You want them to feel Your itself. …Through this gaze of adoration, Were? Past tense? Well, forgive me, love, so I won’t stand in the way.” Still, He draws us toward Himself, within Candidly Speaking / A4 but a little addition on the tv screen is I do wish the live chat ribbon would be His mystery, through which He wants group, making them question perhaps a bit camouflaged with proving to be a not-so-little distraction silenced at least during Consecration to transform us as He transformed the their own memory, perception some subtle rhetorical devices, for me. Since the Mass for the Black and Communion; otherwise, I can cover Host.” Imagine being in this sublime and judgment…Using denial, which makes things worse Nazarene in early January, the live chat that side of the screen until I am given moment when “time remains embraced misdirection, contradiction, since they can appear to be has been turned on as Mass is in progress, the grace to be blind to it. by divine eternity” and then being and misinformation, gaslighting acceptable in public exchanges. introducing unnecessary movement and Speaking of noise: one live streaming rudely knocked in the head by a promo involves attempts to destabilize We have to do everything “noise” on the screen. The human eye, church makes you sit through salesman. the victim and delegitimize the to stay away from these I believe, is automatically attracted by announcements for three minutes Back to the thumbs up to the Manila victim’s beliefs.” journalistic tricks that can movement and the live chat messages before the final blessing is given. The Cathedral. Its online Mass projects In other words, gaslighting only add poison to our social moving up the screen nonstop can easily “announcements” are in reality a similar information for donation but is a form of attack that environment but in a manner grab one’s attention from what’s taking repetitive recitation of what is already does so respectfully—after the final is immoral, with the that is subtle and not easily place at the . on the screen in huge bold red and black blessing and the recessional hymn— requirements of charity detectable. I have caught myself a number of text: several bank accounts numbers just flashed on the screen, sans verbal thrown away and the What we should rather do times reading those messages without and Gcash and PayMaya details for solicitation. This makes me feel they Machiavellian principle of is always to listen to everyone meaning to—I plead guilty, O woeful me! those who wish to donate, the procedure have the dignity to trust that potential any means justifying the end no matter how different and I have been trying to ignore it but with to follow if you wish to donate in donors would know what to do with as its main guide. It does not in conflict their views are little success, especially when the chat person at the parish office, and virtual the information given. They couldn’t attack so much the views of a from ours. The exchanges band blocks the view of some prayers, advertisements of products available in be more right—I, for one, just took a person as the person himself. should be courteous all the such as the Act of Spiritual Communion. the parish store. Maybe some people photo of the screen and with all those In its real and bare time, and effort should always Thus, instead of intensifying my fervor will find me priggish, but don’t you think bank details already saved on my phone, character, gaslighting uses be made to find the common at Communion the live chat exposes there is a more discreet way of doing giving came easy. More sweetly, too, for the crude means of insulting, ground rather than to get me to chatty petitions (pardon the this? It would probably not seem so I felt I did not need to be nagged to give. mocking, ridiculing those with stuck in the differences and pun): “Lord, keep my family safe from offensive for those attending the actual And that’s the truth. different or conflicting views, conflicts. A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES JANUARY 25 - 27, 2021 - VOL 25, NO. 2 CBCP Monitor Pope Francis adds feast of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus to Church calendar POPE Francis on Tuesday added during the time of Christ. of the mystery of Jesus Christ is the memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha, Signed by Cardinal , inextricably linked to the mystery of and Lazarus to the General Roman of the Divine Worship the Church,” Cardinal Sarah wrote Calendar, giving the siblings the congregation, the pope’s decree said in the decree. combined feast day of July 29. that “in the household of Bethany “This link between holiness and A decree from the Congregation the Lord Jesus experienced the understanding things divine and for Divine Worship said on Feb. family spirit and friendship of also human shines out in a very 2 that Pope Francis had included Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and special way in those who have the three saints in the General for this reason, the Gospel of John been given the title ‘Doctor of the Roman Calendar “considering the states that he loved them.” Church’,” he said. important evangelical witness they “Martha generously offered “Indeed, the wisdom that offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus him hospitality, Mary listened characterizes these men and into their home, in listening to him attentively to his words and Lazarus women is not solely theirs, since attentively, in believing that he is promptly emerged from the tomb by becoming disciples of divine the resurrection and the life.” at the command of the One who Wisdom they have themselves The General Roman Calendar humiliated death,” the decree become teachers of wisdom for the is the liturgical calendar of the continued. entire ecclesial community. It is in Catholic Church, which denotes the The July 29 feast day of Sts. this light that the holy ‘Doctors’ are dates of holy days and the feast days Martha, Mary, and Lazarus will now inscribed in the General Roman of saints commemorated annually. appear in the Church’s calendars Calendar,” Sarah explained. The memorial of St. Martha and liturgical texts as a memorial. St. Gregory of Narek was a 10th- was already included on Jan. 29 Memorials rank third in the century priest, monk, mystic, and The Raising of Lazarus (1857), by Léon Joseph Florentin Bonnat. PUBLIC DOMAIN in the General Roman Calendar classification of feast days on poet beloved among Armenian before the , the Catholic Church’s liturgical Christians. He was named a Doctor Catholic Church through their the “Apostle of Andalusia” because but St. Lazarus and St. Mary had calendar. The memorial of Sts. of the Church by Pope Francis in learning and writings. At present, of his extensive ministry to that been originally left off due to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus will 2015. the Church has given this title to area. uncertainty about the identity of be an obligatory memorial, which He is venerated as a saint both 36 saints. He was a priest, author, and Mary Magdalene. means it must be observed. in the Catholic Church and the From the 12th century, the German mystic, and is known to have The decree explained that these Pope Francis also added three Armenian Apostolic Church, which St. Hildegard was a Benedictine corresponded with, and influenced, uncertainties “have been resolved other saints and Doctors of the is not in full communion with abbess, writer, philosopher, Spanish saints such as St. Teresa in recent studies and times,” and Church as optional memorials on Rome. Christian mystic, and visionary. of Avila, St. John of God, and St. pointed out that Mary and Lazarus the General Roman Calendar. Sts. John of Ávila and Hildegard She was also a musical composer Ignatius of Loyola. are already commemorated on July According to a Feb. 2 decree, of Bingen were named Doctors of and is one of the best-known With the insertion of their 29 in the Roman Martyrology, the St. Hildegard of Bingen will be the Church by Pope Benedict XVI composers of sacred monophony, feast days in the General Roman Church’s official catalog of martyrs commemorated on Sept. 17, St. in 2012. meaning songs with a single tune Calendar as optional memorials, and saints. Gregory of Narek on Feb. 27, and Doctor of the Church is a title or melody, usually performed by a the three saints may now be Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus St. John of Ávila on May 10. given to some saints in recognition single voice or instrument. commemorated at Mass and other were three siblings living in the town “The combination of holiness of their extraordinary contribution St. John of Avila lived in Spain in liturgies. (Hannah Brockhaus/ of Bethany outside of Jerusalem with knowledge in the experience and universal importance to the the 1500s and is sometimes called CNA) CBCP elevates Obando Church Archbishop Baccay of Tuguegarao to national status receives sacred pallium ARCHBISHOP Ricardo Baccay of Tuguegarao on Jan. 14 received his sacred pallium, exactly a year after formally assuming his post. Archbishop Marlo Peralta of Nueva Segovia conferred the pallium on Baccay in a liturgy at the Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral. With the pandemic, fewer people attended the actual ceremony but presumably San Pascual Baylón Parish-Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao in Obando, Bulacan. PHOTO FROM OBANDO CHURCH attended online by many through live-stream over A POPULAR pilgrimage Obando has been a pilgrimage Facebook. site widely known for its site for barren couples and The woolen band that fertility festival in Bulacan their families. symbolizes unity with the province has been designated In the middle of May, pope and responsibility to a national shrine by the devotees dance to the tune of care for the flock was blessed Archbishop Marlo Peralta of Nueva Segovia confers the pallium on Archbishop Ricardo Baccay during Mass at the St. Peter Catholic Bishops’ Conference “Santa Clara pinong-pino…” by Pope Francis on the feasts Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao City on Jan. 14, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL PETER VALDEPEÑAS of the Philippines. following the steps of the of Sts. Peter and Paul last The San Pascual Baylón traditional “Pandanggo”. June 29 in Rome. archbishop receives it in his “intended to be imbued Peralta said. Parish-Diocesan Shrine The Obando fertility Due to Covid-19 travel archdiocese, in front of the with Christ’s mercy and “While we need to be kind of Nuestra Señora de la dance is celebrated in three restrictions, Archbishop faithful and other bishops. compassion”. and merciful we also need to Inmaculada Concepcion de consecutive days from May Baccay was unable to travel to In his homily, Archbishop Turning to Baccay, he practice fairness because this Salambao in Obando town 17 to 19, each one honoring Rome for the papal blessing Peralta said the imposition stressed that to be entrusted is the only way that we can now joins the 26 other St Paschal Baylón, St. Clare of the pallium, which was of pallium completes the with an archdiocese, fairness promote the common good,” churches across the country of Assisi and Our Lady of entrusted to Archbishop installation of Baccay as and justice should play a role. he added. with such a title. Salambao respectively. Peralta for conferral. metropolitan archbishop of “You are to promote the Baccay was appointed It is also the fourth national With profound faith and While the pope continues Tuguegarao. common good. fairness and archbishop of Tuguegarao shrine in the Diocese of devotion of pilgrims and to bless palliums and give The vestment, he said, justice should be part of by Pope Francis on Oct. 19, Malolos, located just north locales alike, the tradition them to new archbishops implies that an archbishop the overall picture in the 2019. He was installed to of Manila. of the fertility dance and its as his predecessors did, he has to be united with the pastoral governance of your the post on Jan. 14, 2020. The bishops on Jan. 27 Marian following continues decided in 2015 that each pope in governing the Church metropolitan archdiocese,” (CBCP News) voted in favor of the petition to grow through the ages. to declare the parish as a In the 250th year of the national shrine during their parish in 2004, the venerated Retired Bishop Sorra of Legazpi dies aged 91 online plenary assembly. image of Our Lady of The Obando Church was Salambao was granted an PHILIPPINES’ oldest bishop, Jose Sorra Philippines as founded by the Franciscan episcopal coronation, the of Legazpi, has died on Jan. 21 at the a formation missionaries on April 29, first of its kind in the Diocese age of 91. program for the 1754. of Malolos, by Bishop Jose He passed way around midnight youth. Its humble beginnings Oliveros. “due to respiratory failure secondary to He also served came with the settlement at In 2007, the same bishop pulmonary embolism,” said Bishop Joel as the first the small chapel dedicated elevated the parish as a Baylon, Legazpi’s current bishop. chairman of the to St. Clare of Assisi, which diocesan shrine in honor “We ask for your prayers for his CBCP’s Episcopal was then already established of Our Lady as Nuestra eternal rest,” said Bishop Baylon said. Commission on in the town in order to Señora de la Immaculada Worshippers and mourners paid their Youth, which was Christianize the local pagan Concepcion de Salambao. last respects to Sorra, who was laid to established in rituals connected to fertility. Between the years 2014 rest at a crypt in the Virac Cathedral 1986. The missionaries chose St. to 2020, the church’s patio, on Feb. 1. In his homily, Paschal Baylón, a Spanish interior and exterior had The interment took place after a funeral Tirona said that lay Franciscan friar, as the undergone continuous Mass presided over by Archbishop Sorra has achieved titular patron of the parish. development through the Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres. many goals “but Bishop Emeritus Jose Sorra of Legazpi (1929-2001) His surname Baylón means generosity of pilgrims from As the funeral took place amid the above all, he has to dance, identifying the saint across the nation. Covid-19 pandemic, the diocese had touched many hearts”. Catholic Action of the Philippines from as a dancing devotee to the On Dec. 19, 2020, the arranged it to comply with health “That is why his memory will leave 1972 to 1974. Blessed Mother. parish also opened to the protocols. lasting moments in our hearts,” Tirona After serving Virac for 19 years, he was On June 19, 1763, three public a 2-storey museum, Sorra, who died at a hospital in said. appointed the fourth bishop of Legazpi. fishermen brothers discovered which houses devotional Legazpi City on Jan. 21 at the age of “Of all the good things that we are Under his term, he set up a welfare an image of Nuestra Señora de artwork, antique images, 91, was buried in Virac in Catanduanes saying about Bishop Sorra, one thing plan for the clergy, and built the la Conception while fishing treasured attire of Our Lady province where he served as its first is certain, that he is a son of God who Bethlehem Pastoral and Retreat Center, in waters near the borders and a visual presentation bishop from 1974 to 1993. . dedicated his life serving the least and an edifice for continuing formation of of Obando and Malabon City of Obando’s history as While in Virac, he was the first bishop the most vulnerable,” he added. the lay and the priests. using a large net attached pilgrimage center. to systematize youth formation in the Sorra was ordained for the Legazpi Sorra also caused the celebration to a bamboo raft called No date has been set yet for Philippines. diocese in 1956. of the historic First Diocesan Synod “salambao”. the rite to formally declare The Youth Encounter (YE), which Before his elevation to episcopacy, of Legazpi, where he served until Just like how Jose Rizal the parish as a national he founded, was also adopted by the he served as CBCP Secretary General his retirement in 2005. (CBCP stated in “Noli Me Tángere”, shrine. (CBCP News) Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the and National Director of the Student News) CBCP Monitor January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Bishop Socrates Mesiona of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa celebrates Mass at a chapel located in a remote village in Palawan province’s Balabac town on August 28, 2020. AVPP-UGNAYAN Pastoral Statement on Stewardship “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied graces.” (1 Pet.4:10)

Dear People of God, remind us: “as each one has received a gift, (Romans 14:12). And we heed the Lord Jesus’ ing for the whole of creation. For ‘the earth use it to serve one another as good stewards instruction to his disciples as he sent them on is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world We mark this year the 500th year of the coming of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). We mission: “Without cost you have received; and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1). to our shores of the Christian Faith. Our com- are certainly blessed not only when we receive, without cost you are to give” (Mt. 10:8). Let us not be afraid to give freely and cheer- memoration of the event is an acknowledg- but especially when we give. Therefore, we, as Church in the Philippines, fully, even in times of crisis and difficulty like ment of this immense gift to our people and God calls us to serve one another more once more commit ourselves to the gradual the Covid-19 pandemic that we are presently our land. We did not only receive the Faith, generously, especially our poor brothers and abolition of the arancel system. This is a experiencing. Let us sustain the spirit of gen- but also allowed it to take root and grow in sisters. The Lord Jesus made his own the concrete step in renewing ourselves in the erosity that has spontaneously overflowed our Filipino culture throughout these years. prophecy of Isaiah, “the Spirit of the Lord practice of stewardship, praying that others during this pandemic and has kept our com- With this gift of Faith, we have become God’s is upon me, because he has anointed me to may see us truly “as good stewards of God’s munities in operation. We will look back with people, partakers of “divine mysteries” (1 Cor bring glad tidings to the poor” (Lk. 4:18). We, varied graces” (1 Pet. 4:10). amazement and gratitude at these times, won- 4:1). We are grateful to God for this immea- then, take the banner of preferential love for We commit ourselves to education, for- dering how we got by even at the height of the surable gift. the poor. On this, Pope Francis tells us: “Our mation and catechesis in the Spirituality of lockdowns that we thought would seriously We are not, however, the ultimate owners of preferential option for the poor must mainly Stewardship for our clergy, religious and laity challenge the sustainability of our parishes. this special gift. We are ‘stewards’ -‘katiwala’ translate into a privileged and preferential in our dioceses, parishes, communities and St. Paul reminds us: “God is able to make (tinugyanan, katalek) of God’s gifts. ‘Is there religious care” (Evangelii Gaudium #200). families, in view of adopting a concrete stew- every grace abundant for you, so that in all anything that we did not receive as gift?’ (Cf. In this spirit, we re-affirm the mandate given ardship program in our dioceses to replace the things, always having all you need, you may 1 Cor. 4:7). Each gift we receive is meant to be us by the Second Plenary Council of the Philip- arancel system as soon as possible. In view of have an abundance for every good work” 2 shared to one another. And so, ‘we are gifted pines (PCP II) in 1991, namely: “tithing, after this, we will also put up a service arm that will (2 Cor. 9:8). May we not waver in our trust to give’; we must share the Faith. a good pastoral catechesis, shall be introduced concretely assist the dioceses that are having in God, for He never fails to provide for our Every gift is a responsibility. We recognize with the end in view of the gradual abolition a difficulty in implementing this program. We needs. In all things, let God be our priority. every gift, nurture it, generously share it with of the Arancel System” (PCP II Decree #118). envision local churches, parishes and BECs Did not the Lord Jesus himself assure us: “seek others, and gratefully return it with increase to The ‘arancel’, which is the fixed amount (Basic Ecclesial Communities) sustained by first the kingdom of God and his righteous- asked for services given in our churches, can the Lord. This is the meaning of the Spiritual- a generous sharing of resources, where those ness, and all these things will be given you 1 be a hindrance for the poor to receive God’s ity of Stewardship. who have none are not left out of spiritual and besides?” (Mt. 6:33). grace and blessings. Let us do our best, then, After five centuries of striving to live the material care, where stewardship is a way of to remove obstacles to genuine service, es- Christian Faith more fully, we heighten con- life. This is a true image of the Church. pecially to the poor. For in the end, ‘each of sciousness of our identity as stewards. We are Brothers and sisters, we are all part of this For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the us will give an account of ourselves to God’ stewards of life, talent, time and material re- endeavor for we all belong to the Church, the Philippines: sources. These gifts are given to us for service, 2 By tithing, we refer, not necessarily to the Biblical notion of ten one family of God. We all share responsibil- that we may become channels of God’s Provi- per cent of one’s earnings, but to various models of making regular ity for the Church. Thus, we encourage all dence to one another. The Holy Scriptures voluntary pledges, sometimes also called “Balik-Handog.” Our the baptized to regularly, wholeheartedly and +ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. BECs (basic ecclesial communities), have set a good example in 1 This was eloquently expounded by the USCCB (United States this regard. Like them, we hope our traditional parishes would be generously contribute to the Church so that we Archbishop of Davao Conference of Catholic Bishops) in their 1992 Pastoral Letter able to draw inspiration from the example of the early Christian can fulfill our common mission of spreading CBCP President entitled, “Stewardship, A Disciple’s Response”. communities, as attested in Acts 2:44-45. the Good News, of serving humanity and car- 28 January 2021 B2 UPDATES January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 CBCP Monitor FEATURE The Sunday of the Word of God The Canonical Provisions of Pope Francis’ M.P. Aperuit illis of 30 September 2019 By Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD

LAST 24 January, the 3rd Sunday accessible to believers, to increase of Ordinary Time, we celebrated their gratitude for so great a gift, the Sunday of the Word of God, and to help them to strive daily better known in the Philippines to embody and bear witness to its as Bible Sunday. What may not be teachings.” known by many is that this was of 2) It was the mind of the quite a recent establishment; still Second Vatican Council: “The less would people be aware that the Second Vatican Council gave Holy Father established a series of great impulse to the rediscovery norms for its observance. For parish of the word of God, thanks to priests, especially, the normative its Dogmatic Constitution Dei aspects of the motu proprio that Verbum, a document that deserves established the event should be of to be read and appropriated ever interest. anew. The Constitution clearly expounds the nature of sacred Rationale for establishing the Scripture, its transmission from Sunday of the Word of God. generation to generation (Chapter “At the conclusion of the II), its divine inspiration (Chapter Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, I III) embracing the Old and New proposed setting aside ‘a Sunday Testaments (Chapters IV and V), given over entirely to the word and the importance of Scripture for of God, so as to appreciate the the life of the Church (Chapter VI).” inexhaustible riches contained in 3) The performative that constant dialogue between the character of the Word of The Holy Bible. VATICAN MEDIA Lord and his people’ (Misericordia God: “To advance this teaching, et Misera, 7). Devoting a specific Pope Benedict XVI convoked an to authentic and firm unity.” assembly on the normative value of heritage of some, much less a Sunday of the liturgical year to the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops God’s word.” collection of books for the benefit of word of God can enable the Church in 2008 on The Word of God in Normative Character of the b) Highlight the proclamation a privileged few. It belongs above all to experience anew how the Risen the Life and Mission of the Church, Motu Proprio of the word: “On this Sunday, it to those called to hear its message Lord opens up for us the treasury of and then issued the Apostolic At first glance, like most papal would be particularly appropriate and to recognize themselves in his word and enables us to proclaim Exhortation Verbum Domini, whose pronouncements—especially by to highlight the proclamation of the its words. (…) The Bible is the its unfathomable riches before the teaching remains fundamental for Pope Francis—the motu proprio word,” and the document specifies book of the Lord’s people, who, in world” (Aperuit illis, n.2). With our communities. That document might sound like just a pastoral how: listening to it, move from dispersion those words as preamble, the Holy emphasizes in particular the pronouncement. On closer look, (1) Emphasis in the homily: “to and division towards unity. The Father proceeded to establish the performative character of the Word however, we realize that the emphasize in the homily the honor word of God unites believers and 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time as of God, especially in the context of document actually has two parts: the that it is due;” makes them one people” (n.4). The the Sunday of the Word of God: the liturgy, in which its distinctively first half containing normative and (2) Rite of Installation of Lectors: document goes down to specific “I hereby declare that the Third sacramental character comes to the pastoral guidelines, while the second “Bishops could celebrate the Rite suggestions: Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be fore. It is fitting, then that the life part dwells more with theological of Installation of Lectors or a a) “Parish priests can also devoted to the celebration, study of our people be constantly marked and spiritual considerations. We similar commissioning of readers, find ways of giving a Bible, or and dissemination of the word of by this decisive relationship with can briefly enumerate the norms to bring out the importance of the one of its books, to the entire God.” the living word that the Lord never established as follows: proclamation of God’s word in the assembly as a way of showing the tires of speaking to his Bride, that 1) Day of the Year: “I hereby liturgy.” importance of learning how to He stated the main reasons as she may grow in love and faithful declare that the Third Sunday in (3) Formation of Lectors: read, appreciate and pray daily with follows: witness.” Ordinary Time is to be devoted “renewed efforts should be made sacred Scripture, especially through 1) It was the request of the 4) It fits into the Christian Unity to the celebration, study and to provide members of the faithful the practice of lectio divina” (n.3). people of God: “With this Letter, Octave, which precedes the Feast of dissemination of the word of God” with the training needed to be b) “Parish priests are primarily I wish to respond to the many the Conversion of St. Paul (January (n.3). genuine proclaimers of the word, as responsible for explaining sacred requests I have received from the 25): “This Sunday of the Word 2) Manner of Celebrating: “The is already the practice in the case of Scripture and helping everyone people of God that the entire Church of God will thus be a fitting part various communities will find their acolytes or extraordinary ministers to understand it. Since it is the celebrate, in unity of purpose, a of that time of the year when we own ways to mark this Sunday with of Holy Communion.” people’s book, those called to be Sunday of the Word of God. It is are encouraged to strengthen our a certain solemnity.” However, ministers of the word must feel an now common for the Christian bonds with the Jewish people and some details need to be observed: Pastoral Guidelines urgent need to make it accessible to community to set aside moments to pray for Christian unity. This is (n.4) Aside from the strictly normative their community” (n.5) to reflect on the great importance of more than a temporal coincidence: a) Enthronement of the sacred provisions, the motu proprio also 2) Improve homilies: “The the word of God for everyday living. the celebration of the Sunday of text: “It is important, however, contains pastoral guidelines by way homily, in particular, has a The various local Churches have the Word of God has ecumenical that in the Eucharistic celebration of desiderata: distinctive function, for it possesses undertaken a wealth of initiatives value, since the Scriptures point the sacred text be enthroned, in 1) Make the Bible more accessible: “a quasi-sacramental character” to make the sacred Scripture more out, for those who listen, the path order to focus the attention of the “The Bible cannot be just the Sunday / B7 Pro Populo Masses Pastor can delegate the intention (Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:) with canons 540 §1 and 517 §2. In most cases the Mass pro populo should be programmed from the beginning of the year and listed in the bulletin as either “pro populo,” or “for the People of the Parish[es].” This helps avoid assuming other intentions for the Eucharistic celebrations set aside for the pro populo Mass. In many places, the Mass reserved for the pro populo intention is the principal parish Mass and is celebrated with some elements of greater solemnity. This is not a strict requirement, however, and a pastor who is scheduled to be away from his parish for a good reason could fulfill his obligation by offering Mass at another location. The obligation to celebrate the Mass falls primarily on the pastor himself. As such, it is not something that he should habitually delegate to another priest. However, Canon 534 §1 recognizes that if a legitimate reason prevents the pastor from this obligation, he may apply it on the same day through another or on another day himself. For example, a pastor with more than one church might have to cover for another priest who has fallen ill and be unable to return in time for the pro popolo Mass. In such a situation he can ask another priest Catholics observing physical distancing while participating in a Mass at the of Our Lady of Montserrat in Manila on Dec. 24, 2020. PHOTO BY ROY LAGARDE to celebrate the pro popolo Mass along with its intention. Q: In the Ordo, it states that for the souls entrusted to him in his diocese. If he is legitimately “§3. A pastor who has not On other occasions, he may Masses pro populo are said on derives from the mission itself as impeded from this celebration, satisfied the obligation mentioned retain the intention but not preside Sundays and holy days by the shepherd of souls. Moreover, this however, he is to apply it on the in §§1 and 2 is to apply as soon as at the Mass. For example, should pastor. Can another priest or obligation is enshrined in canon same days through another or on possible as many Masses for the a newly ordained priest return to visiting priest say the Mass pro law. To wit: other days himself. people as he has omitted.” celebrate his first solemn Mass at populo and not the pastor? — “Can. 534 §1. After a pastor has “§2. A pastor who has the care Therefore, every parish priest his home parish at the celebration M.P., St. Petersburg, Florida taken possession of his parish, he of several parishes is bound to is required to offer the Mass pro foreseen as pro populo, the pastor is obliged to apply a Mass for the apply only one Mass for the entire populo. This also applies to can concelebrate with the pro A: The pastor’s obligation to people entrusted to him on each people entrusted to him on the parochial administrators and populo intention even though he offer Mass and other prayers Sunday and holy day of obligation days mentioned in §1. priest moderators in accordance does not preside at the Mass. UPDATES CBCP Monitor January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 FEATURE B3 Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding access of Women to the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte

To the Venerable Brother Cardinal Luis F. Ladaria, S.J. Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

THE Holy Spirit, the bond of Love between the Father and the Son, builds up and innervates the communion of the entire People of God, bringing forth in it a wealth and variety of gifts and charisms (cf. Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, n. 117). Through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, the members of the Body of Christ receive from the Spirit of the Risen One, in various measures and with a diversity of expressions, those gifts that allow them to offer the necessary contribution to the edification of the Church and to the proclamation of the Gospel to every being. In this regard, the Apostle Paul distinguishes between gifts of grace—charisms (“charismata”) and services (“diakoniai”—“minsteria” [cf. Rom 12:4ff and 1 Cor 12:12ff]). According to the tradition of the Church the diverse forms that charisms assume when they are publicly recognized and are made available to the community and to its mission in stable form are called ministries. In some cases a ministry has its origin in a specific sacrament, the Sacred Order: it pertains to the “ordained” ministries, of the bishop, the priest, the deacon. In other cases the ministry is entrusted, with a liturgical act of the bishop, to a person who has received Baptism A lay woman reads at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on February 4, 2020. VATICAN MEDIA and Confirmation and in whom specific charisms are recognized, strictly connected to the ministry of humanity and experiences the same today are called “non-ordained (or reflects their womanhood” (Francis, after an appropriate journey of the Word, the second to the ministry earthly lot which the world does” lay) ministries” and the “ordained Apostolic Exhortation Querida preparation: we then speak of of the Altar, without excluding that (Paul VI, Pastoral Constitution ministries” allows a loosening of the Amazonia, n. 103). The “baptismal “instituted” ministries. Many other other “offices” may be instituted by Gaudium et Spes, n. 40). In this reservation of the former to men only. priesthood” and “service to the ecclesial services or offices are in the Holy See upon the request of the dynamic one can truly understand While, with regard to the ordained community” thus represent the two fact exercised by many members Episcopal Conferences. the significance of a “Church that ministries, the Church “does not pillars on which the institution of of the community, for the good of The modification of the forms of goes forth”. consider herself authorized to admit the ministries is founded. the Church, often for a long period exercise of non-ordained ministries, In the horizon of renewal outlined women to priestly ordination” In this way, in addition to and with great efficacy, without the moreover, is not the simple by the Second Vatican Council, one (cf. Saint John Paul II, Apostolic responding to what is required for expectation of a particular rite for consequence, on the sociological feels ever greater today the urgency Letter Ordinatio sacerdotalis, 22 the mission in the present time the bestowal of the role. level, of the desire to adapt to the to rediscover the co-responsibility of May 1994), for the non-ordained and to welcome the witness given In the course of history, with sensibility or to the culture of periods all the baptized in the Church, and ministries it is possible, and today by many, many women who have the changing of ecclesial, social, and places, but is determined by the particularly the mission of the laity. it seems opportune to surpass this attended to and attend to service cultural situations, the exercise of need to allow each local/particular The Special Assembly of the Synod reservation. This reservation had to the Word and to the Altar, it ministries in the Catholic Church Church, in communion with all the of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon its meaning in a specific context will appear more evidently — also has assumed different forms, others and having as the centre of Region (6-27 October 2019), in the but may be reconsidered in new for those who are oriented toward while the distinction, not only of unity the Church which is in Rome, fifth chapter of the final document contexts, however, always having the ordained ministry—that the degree, remains intact between to live the liturgical action, service indicated the need to think of “new as a criterion fidelity to the mandate ministries of Lector and Acolyte “instituted” (or “lay”) ministries to the poor and the proclamation of paths for Church ministries”. Not of Christ and the will to live and are rooted in the sacraments of and the “ordained” ministries. The the Gospel in fidelity to the mandate only for the Church of the Amazon, proclaim the Gospel imparted by Baptism and Confirmation. As former are particular expressions of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the but rather for the entire Church, the Apostles and entrusted to the such, on the path that leads to of the priestly and royal condition duty of the Pastors of the Church to in the variety of situations, “it Church so that it may be religiously diaconal and priestly ordination, of every baptized person (cf. 1 Pt recognize the gifts of each baptized is urgent for the Church in the heeded, devoutly safeguarded, those who are instituted as Lectors 2:9); the latter are proper to certain person, also to guide them toward Amazon to promote and confer faithfully proclaimed. and Acolytes will better understand members of the People of God who specific ministries, promoting and ministries for men and women... It Not without reason, Saint Paul they are participants in a ministry as bishops and priests “receive the coordinating them, in order to is the Church of baptized men and VI refers to a venerabilis tradition, shared with other baptized, men and mission and capacity to act in the ensure that they contribute to the women that we must consolidate by not a veneranda tradition, in the women. Such that the priesthood person of Christ the Head” or as good of the communities and to the promoting ministries and, above all, strict sense (namely, it “must” be proper to every faithful (commune deacons “are empowered to serve mission entrusted to all disciples. an awareness of baptismal dignity” observed): it can be recognized sacerdotium) and the priesthood of the People of God in the ministries The commitment of the lay (Final Document, n. 95). as valid, and for a long time it ordained ministers (sacerdotium of the liturgy, the word and charity” faithful, who “are, put simply, In this regard, it is known that the has been so; however it does not ministeriale seu hierarchicum) (Benedict XVI, Apostolic Letter the vast majority of the people Motu Proprio Ministeria quaedam have a binding character, since may be seen even more clearly Motu Proprio Omnium in mentem, of God” (Francis, Apostolic reserves the ministries of Lector the reservation to men only does interrelated (cf. LG , n. 10), for the 26 October 2009). To indicate this Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, and Acolyte to men only and thus not pertain to the nature proper edification of the Church and for the distinction expressions such as n. 102), cannot and certainly must as a result establishes can. 230 § 1 to the ministries of Lector and witness to the Gospel. baptismal priesthood and ordained not exhaust itself in the exercise of the CIC. However, in recent times Acolyte. To offer lay people of both It will be the responsibility of priesthood (or ministerial) are used. of non-ordained ministries (cf. and in many ecclesial contexts, it genders the opportunity to enter the the Episcopal Conferences to In any case it is good to reiterate, Francis, Apostolic Exhortation has been observed that dissolving ministries of Acolyte and Lector, by establish appropriate criteria for with the Dogmatic Constitution Evangelii gaudium, n. 102), but such a reservation could help virtue of their participation in the the discernment and preparation of Lumen Gentium of the Second one of their best configurations to better manifest the common baptismal priesthood, will increase men and women candidates for the Vatican Council, that they are and a more precise reference to the baptismal dignity of the members recognition, also through a liturgical ministries of Lector or Acolyte, or for “interrelated: each of them in its responsibility that arises, for each of the People of God. Previously on act (institution), of the precious other ministries that may be deemed own special way is a participation in Christian, from Baptism and from the occasion of the XII Ordinary contribution that for a long time to be instituted, according to what the one priesthood of Christ” (LG , n. Confirmation, will be able to help General Assembly of the Synod of many, many lay people, including has already been provided for in the 10). Ecclesial life is nourished by this the Church rediscover the meaning Bishops on The Word of God in the women, have offered to the life and Motu Proprio Ministeria quaedam, reciprocal reference and is fostered of the communion that characterizes Life and Mission of the Church (5-26 mission of the Church. subject to the approval of the Holy by the fruitful tension of these two her and to implement a renewed October 2008) the Synod Fathers For these reasons, I found it See and according to the necessities poles of the priesthood, ministerial commitment in the catechesis and hoped “that the ministry of the opportune to establish that not of evangelization in their territory. and baptismal, which despite the the celebration of the faith (Francis, Lector would also be open to women only men but also women—in The Congregation for Divine distinction are rooted in the one Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii (cf. Proposizione n. 17); and in the whom, through the discernment Worship and the Discipline of priesthood of Christ. gaudium, n. 102). And it is precisely Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of pastors and after an appropriate the Sacraments shall provide In line with the Second Vatican in this rediscovery that the fruitful Verbum Domini (30 September preparation, the Church recognizes for the implementation of the Council, the Supreme Pontiff synergy born of the reciprocal 2010), Benedict XVI explained “the steadfast will to faithfully serve aforementioned reform with the Saint Paul VI wished to review ordination of ordained priesthood that the exercise of the munus of God and the Christian people”, amendment of the Editio typica the practices relative to non- and baptismal priesthood can find a reader in liturgical celebrations, and as written in the Motu Proprio of the Pontificale romanum or of ordained ministries in the Latin better translation. This reciprocity, particularly the ministry of Lector as Ministeria quaedam, by virtue of the “De Institutione Lectorum et Church—until then called “minor from service to the sacrament of such, is a lay ministry in the Latin the Sacrament of Baptism and of Acolythorum”. orders”—adapting them to the the altar, is called to flow back, Rite (cf. n. 58). Confirmation—may be instituted as In renewing to you the assurance needs of the times. This adaptation, in the distinction of tasks, in that For centuries the “venerable Lectors and Acolytes. of my prayers, I impart my heartfelt however, must not be interpreted as service to “make of Christ the heart tradition of the Church” has The choice to confer also to Apostolic Blessing to Your Eminence, surpassing prior doctrine, but as the of the world” which is the particular considered those that were called women these offices, which entail which I willingly extend to all the implementation of the dynamism mission of the whole Church. “minor orders”—including, precisely, stability, public recognition and a Members and Collaborators of the that characterizes the nature of the Precisely this unique, although the Lector and the Acolyte—as steps mandate on the part of the Bishop, Congregation for the Doctrine of Church, always called with the aid of distinct, service in favour of the on a path that was to lead to the renders more effective in the Church the Faith. the Spirit of Truth to respond to the world, expands the horizons of the “major orders” (Subdiaconate, everyone’s participation in the work challenges of every era, in obedience ecclesial mission, preventing her Diaconate, Presbyterate). Being that of evangelization. “This would also to Revelation. The Apostolic Letter from withdrawing into sterile logic the Sacrament of Orders is reserved allow women to have a real and From the Vatican, 10 January 2021, Motu Proprio Ministeria quaedam aimed above all at claiming spaces of to men only, this was a valid fact for effective impact on the organization, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. (15 August 1972) configures two power and helping her to experience the minor orders as well. the most important decisions and offices (duties), that of the Lector herself as a spiritual community A clearer distinction between the direction of communities, while and that of the Acolyte, the first that “goes forward together with the responsibilities of those that continuing to do so in a way that FRANCIS B4 FEATURE January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 CBCP Monitor STATEMENTS

“You have but one teacher and you are all brothers” (Mt 23:8). A trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the XXIX World Day of the Sick 2021

DEAR brothers and sisters, demanding quest. The celebration of the XXIX The biblical figure of Job is World Day of the Sick on 11 February emblematic in this regard. Job’s 2021, the liturgical memorial of the wife and friends do not accompany Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is him in his misfortune; instead, an opportunity to devote special they blame him and only aggravate attention to the sick and to those his solitude and distress. Job feels who provide them with assistance forlorn and misunderstood. Yet and care both in healthcare for all his extreme frailty, he rejects institutions and within families and hypocrisy and chooses the path of communities. We think in particular honesty towards God and others. He of those who have suffered, and cries out to God so insistently that continue to suffer, the effects of the God finally answers him and allows worldwide coronavirus pandemic. him to glimpse a new horizon. He To all, and especially to the poor confirms that Job’s suffering is not a and the marginalized, I express my punishment or a state of separation spiritual closeness and assure them from God, much less as sign of God’s of the Church’s loving concern. indifference. Job’s heart, wounded 1. The theme of this Day is drawn and healed, then makes this vibrant from the Gospel passage in which and touching confession to the Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of Lord: “I had heard of you by word those who fail to practice what they of mouth, but now my eye has seen preach (cf. Mt 23:1-12). When our you” (42:5). faith is reduced to empty words, 3. Sickness always has more unconcerned with the lives and than one face: it has the face of needs of others, the creed we profess all the sick, but also those who proves inconsistent with the life we feel ignored, excluded and prey lead. The danger is real. That is why to social injustices that deny their Jesus uses strong language about the fundamental rights (cf. Fratelli peril of falling into self-idolatry. He Tutti, 22). The current pandemic tells us: “You have but one teacher has exacerbated inequalities in our and you are all brothers” (v. 8). healthcare systems and exposed Jesus’ criticism of those who inefficiencies in the care of the “preach but do not practice” (v. 3) sick. Elderly, weak and vulnerable Pope Francis blesses a sick person in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 26 Nov. 2017. VATICAN MEDIA is helpful always and everywhere, people are not always granted since none of us is immune to access to care, or in an equitable the working of the Holy Spirit, we it must have a relational aspect, clear by showing that Jesus heals the grave evil of hypocrisy, which manner. This is the result of political are called to be merciful like the for this enables a holistic approach not by magic but as the result prevents us from flourishing as decisions, resource management Father and to love in particular to the patient. Emphasizing this of an encounter, an interpersonal children of the one Father, called to and greater or lesser commitment our frail, infirm and suffering aspect can help doctors, nurses, relationship, in which God’s gift live universal fraternity. on the part of those holding brothers and sisters (cf. Jn 13:34- professionals and volunteers to finds a response in the faith of Before the needs of our brothers positions of responsibility. Investing 35). We experience this closeness feel responsible for accompanying those who accept it. As Jesus often and sisters, Jesus asks us to respond resources in the care and assistance not only as individuals but also as a patients on a path of healing repeats: “Your faith has saved you”. in a way completely contrary to of the sick is a priority linked to the community. Indeed, fraternal love grounded in a trusting interpersonal 5. Dear brothers and sisters, the such hypocrisy. He asks us to stop fundamental principle that health in Christ generates a community of relationship (cf. New Charter for commandment of love that Jesus and listen, to establish a direct and is a primary common good. Yet healing, a community that leaves Health Care Workers [2016], 4). left to his disciples is also kept in our personal relationship with others, the pandemic has also highlighted no one behind, a community that is This creates a covenant between relationship with the sick. A society to feel empathy and compassion, the dedication and generosity of inclusive and welcoming, especially those in need of care and those is all the more human to the degree and to let their suffering become healthcare personnel, volunteers, to those most in need. who provide that care, a covenant that it cares effectively for its most our own as we seek to serve them support staff, priests, men and Here I wish to mention the based on mutual trust and respect, frail and suffering members, in a (cf. Lk 10:30-35). women religious, all of whom have importance of fraternal solidarity, openness and availability. This spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to 2. The experience of sickness helped, treated, comforted and which is expressed concretely in will help to overcome defensive achieve this goal, so that no one will makes us realize our own served so many of the sick and service and can take a variety of attitudes, respect the dignity of the feel alone, excluded or abandoned. vulnerability and our innate need their families with professionalism, forms, all directed at supporting our sick, safeguard the professionalism To Mary, Mother of Mercy and of others. It makes us feel all the self-giving, responsibility and love neighbors. “Serving means caring … of healthcare workers and foster a Health of the Infirm, I entrust the more clearly that we are creatures of neighbor. A silent multitude of for the vulnerable of our families, good relationship with the families sick, healthcare workers and all dependent on God. When we are men and women, they chose not to our society, our people” (Homily in of patients. those who generously assist our ill, fear and even bewilderment look the other way but to share the Havana, 20 September 2015). In Such a relationship with the suffering brothers and sisters. From can grip our minds and hearts; suffering of patients, whom they saw this outreach, all are “called to set sick can find an unfailing source the Grotto of Lourdes and her many we find ourselves powerless, since as neighbors and members of our aside their own wishes and desires, of motivation and strength in other shrines throughout the world, our health does not depend on our one human family. their pursuit of power, before the the charity of Christ, as shown may she sustain our faith and hope, abilities or life’s incessant worries Such closeness is a precious concrete gaze of those who are most by the witness of those men and and help us care for one another (cf. Mt 6:27). balm that provides support and vulnerable… Service always looks women who down the millennia with fraternal love. To each and all, Sickness raises the question of consolation to the sick in their to their faces, touches their flesh, have grown in holiness through I cordially impart my blessing. life’s meaning, which we bring suffering. As Christians, we senses their closeness and even, in service to the infirm. For the mystery before God in faith. In seeking a experience that closeness as a sign some cases, ‘suffers’ that closeness of Christ’s death and resurrection Rome, Saint John Lateran, 20 new and deeper direction in our of the love of Jesus Christ, the Good and tries to help them. Service is is the source of the love capable of December 2020, lives, we may not find an immediate Samaritan, who draws near with never ideological, for we do not serve giving full meaning to the experience Fourth Sunday of Advent answer. Nor are our relatives and compassion to every man and woman ideas, we serve people” (ibid.). of patients and caregivers alike. friends always able to help us in this wounded by sin. United to Christ by 4. If a therapy is to be effective, The Gospel frequently makes this FRANCISCUS Pastoral statement on potential Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippines

(§1782). We therefore recognize due to special storage and transport that each individual person should conditions, or when various types be left free to decide to choose to be of vaccines are distributed in the vaccinated or not according to his or same country but health authorities her conscience with full awareness do not allow citizens to choose the of the obligation to protect oneself vaccine with which to be inoculated) from being an instrument of it is morally acceptable to receive contagion and the farther spread of Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell the virus. lines from aborted fetuses in their As pastors, we have to call attention research and production process.” to one ethical concern. We have We thank our scientists who have learned that some of the COVID-19 once more applied their expertise to vaccines were manufactured using the welfare of human beings and to cells obtained from the remains their protection from the dreaded of an aborted female fetus who scourge of disease. We know that was killed in 1973. The perennial the study and work that precede the teaching of the Church must be production of a vaccine are arduous. repeated: Deliberately procuring We commend our brothers and abortion, even if it is for the purpose sisters who have perished to the of obtaining material for vaccines, is love of God, and we raise a common morally unacceptable. The end does prayer of thanksgiving for our health not justify the means; otherwise, workers and other front liners the most inhuman and inhumane who served most gallantly in these acts would be permissible in order terrible months that have gone by. to attain supposedly “worthwhile” May St. Joseph, who saved the STEVEN CORNFIELD/UNSPLASH ends. Child Jesus and his Mother, from In our October 17, 2020, CBCP the deadly designs of a king continue AFTER almost a year of suffering the the COVID-19 vaccines to commit the Lord. They should be especially guidelines, we said that “if there to protect us. May Mary, Health ravages of the pandemic—both in themselves to a single vaccine protected because their poverty are several available vaccines we of the Sick and Help of Christians, terms of lost lives and a devastated distribution plan that prioritizes makes them vulnerable to infection urge the national government pray for us. economy – it is only right that medical frontliners and those who and severe disease. The COVID-19 to prioritize vaccines that were we thank God for the news that are most at risk for COVID-19. It vaccines will only be able to end the developed without the use of the scientists have developed vaccines would be a moral tragedy if young, pandemic in our country if enough morally controversial cell lines +RICARDO L. BACCAY, D.D. to immunize persons against healthy company employees who Filipinos are vaccinated so we urge derived from the remains of an Chairman, Office on Bioethics COVID-19. We therefore support the are at low risk for the disease are all of our people to be immunized aborted child.” January 8, 2021 efforts of our national government immunized before our doctors, when the vaccines arrive in the At the same time the Vatican has to procure and to deploy these nurses, and other frontliners, and Philippines. Nonetheless, as the recently explained, “when ethically vaccines in our country, and we before our senior citizens who are Catechism of the Catholic Church irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines Endorsed: thank the private organizations who at higher risk for illness. teaches: “Man has the right to are not available (e.g. in countries have come forward to help acquire We especially commend our act in conscience and in freedom where vaccines without ethical them. We urge our government and national government for considering so as personally to make moral problems are not made available to +ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. the private organizations who have the poor in our national vaccination decisions. He must not be forced physicians and patients, or where Archbishop of Davao helped fund the procurement of program. The poor are beloved of to act contrary to his conscience” their distribution is more difficult CBCP President FEATURE CBCP Monitor January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 STATEMENTS B5 Pastoral letter of Western Visayas bishops on the Tumandok killings “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties…especially of those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieites of the followers of Christ,” (Gaudium et Spes, #1). Life is sacred! “YOU SHALL NOT KILL!” (Ex. 20:13) WE, the bishops of Western Visayas, share (SEMPO) resulted to the death of nine (9) and sisters, we, the bishops of Western by the principles of NONVIOLENT ACTION. the griefs and anxieties of our brothers and people and the arrest of 17 members and Visayas, raise our prophetic voice as WE Lastly, let us all together contribute whatever sisters of the TUMANDOK tribe in Tapaz, leaders of the Tumandok tribes of Tapaz, Capiz DEMAND: we can to: STOP THE KILLINGS; RESPECT Capiz. We grieve with the families of the nine and Calinog, Iloilo. 1. A thorough investigation by an THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE TO LIVE IN TUMANDOK tribespeople who were killed. Those killed and arrested included former independent body to ascertain what really PEACE; and STOP THE MILITARIZATION We share the sufferings of those arrested and or current village officials and leaders of happened last December 30, 2020; OF THE IP COMMUNITIES! of their families. We empathize with the FEAR the group Tumandok nga Mangunguma 2. That once again we—government, the and INSECURITIES of those displaced by the nga Nagapangapin sang Duta kag Kabuhi church, business community—listen to the All these we lip up to God through the ATROCITIES. And WE CONDEMN in the (TUMANDUK). legitimate cries of the Tumandoks against the intercession of NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA strongest possible term, all the KILLINGS and TUMANDUK, an alliance of 17 indigenous construction of the Jalaur Mega Dam; CANDELARIA, the patroness of Western especially, the KILLINGS of our BROTHERS– peoples’ (IP) communities in Tapaz and 3. That the militarization of the IP Visayas, as we mandate that this letter be read the TUMANDOKS. Jamindan towns in Capiz and Calinog in Iloilo communities should stop immediately so that in all the masses in all the Churches of Western The Catechism of the Catholic Church province, strongly opposes the construction our brothers and sisters, the Tumandoks, can Visayas on January 24, 2021. reaches that, “God alone is the Lord of life of the Jalaur Mega Dam. The leaders believe go home and live in peace again; from its beginning until its end” (CCC #2258). that because of their strong opposition to the 4. That the PNP and the AFP follow The voices of the blood (Gen. 4:10) of the project, they became victims of red-tagging, conscientiously the ethical standards in the Signed: January 15, 2021 many, of those 27,000 victims of the senseless being accused as members or supporters of rules of engagement in their police or military war against illegal drugs, cry to God for the CPP-NPA. operations; METROPOLITAN SEE OF CAPIZ: justice. We lament that little or nothing at all “NANLABAN”. They fought it out, that’s 5. That police officers be required to use H.E. Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop has been done to do justice. Recently, from why they were killed, the police claimed. body cameras in all police operations to of Capiz Negros Island, we are hearing the voices of But the families counterclaimed, “The protect the police against false accusations. Most Rev. Jose Corazon Tala-oc, Bishop of the blood of those tagged as members or victims did not resist arrest. The firearms and This will also protect the civilians from the use Kalibo supporters of the Communist Party of the explosives were planted. The victims were of violence or abuse of power such as planting Most Rev. Narciso Abellana, Bishop of Philippines—New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). murdered.” of evidence, illegal arrest and even killings. Romblon Now, we are hearing it from the island of The atrocities created a climate of FEAR and We call on everyone to be highly vigilant Panay. Compelling a brother Bishop to say UNCERTAINTIES among the residents of the in defending the sacredness of life and in METROPOLITAN SEE OF JARO: that the killings were a “continuation” of the Tumandok communities. Fear forced many respecting and protecting the rights of ALL. Most Rev. Jose Lazo, Archbishop of Jaro “mass killings and arrests” of other activists to leave their communities and migrate to We also encourage the ILONGGO Most Rev. Marvyn Maceda, Bishop of San in the central Philippines in recent months.” more secure places in the Poblacion or in the community to reach out in compassion to Jose de Antique In the early morning of December 30, 2020, houses of relatives. Fear also forced many to our bereaved and displaced TUMANDOK Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, Bishop of Bacolod a joint operation of the Philippine Army and surrender to authorities to clear their names brothers and sisters. Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, Bishop of San the Philippine National Police VI to serve 28 or admit that they were former members and We urge everyone to DISCERN and PRAY Carlos Search Warrants under the Synchronized supporters of the CPP-NPA. for the will of God amidst all the killings and Most Rev. Louie Galbines, Bishop of Enhanced Management of Police Operation Amidst the plight of our Tumandok brothers violations of human rights and to ACT guided Kabankalan Statement of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace on Charter change Thus we, the Episcopal Commission on not improve over-night our poverty status Signed this 26th day of January, 2021: Social Action, Justice and Peace, echo the – better delivery of social services will. Real wisdom of the January 2018 CBCP Pastoral accountability and transparency across the Letter on Charter Change: “If the Constitution board all public-private transactions will. + JOSE COLIN M. BAGAFORO, DD is to be revised at all, the process should lead The present unstable governance is very Chairman, Episcopal Commission on Social to a greater defense and promotion of the susceptible to corruption of the mind. Action, Justice and Peace moral values of human dignity and human Therefore, the charter change can be used as a Bishop, Diocese of Kidapawan rights, integrity and truth, participation and ploy for NO-EL (no election), term-extension, solidarity, and the common good.” (CBCP or a revolutionary government – all of which + GERARDO ALMINAZA, DD Pastoral Guidelines for Discerning the Moral are detrimental to people welfare. Vice Chairman Dimension of the Present-Day Moves for Bishop, Diocese of San Carlos Charter Change) Hence, we urge our lay faithful, the children We also take note of the insight provided by and the youth, parents, community leaders + CERILO ALLAN CASICAS, DD THE recent proposals in both houses of Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti: “Public discussion, and every Filipino to: Secretary congress to amend the 1987 Philippine if it truly makes room for everyone and does Be vigilant. Lobby our politicians to stop Bishop, Diocese of Marbel Constitution, in the guise of “improving our not manipulate or conceal information, charter change at this time. economic openness to the world” will not is a constant stimulus to a better grasp Discuss politics at home. We have to form +JOHN F. DU, DD benefit the nation. of the truth, or at least its more effective educated and brave voters, and politicians. Treasurer Converting congress into a constitutional expression.” (203) This is the only way we can change the political Archbishop, Archdiocese of Palo assembly at this time of a pandemic and when Therefore, we again say these: environment in the Philippines. the terms of public office are about to end, is Genuine constitutional reform will only Use social media. Use technology now to +HONESTO ONGTIOCO, DD to our mind, not only malicious but altogether come from the collective participation, free disseminate accurate information, uplifting Treasurer dangerous. The Philippine politics has been so engagement and ownership of the process stories, and insightful posts. Bishop, Diocese of Cubao focused on personalities, on who holds power, of the Filipino people in politics – not from Support good politicians. We need them to machinery and resources – that giving them an exercise of power rooted in fear, distrust stay longer in public offices. Be their support + GUILLERMO AFABLE, DD blanket authority to amend the constitution is and greed. systems. Member like providing explicit permission to commit Now is not the time for charter change. Bishop, Diocese of Digos murder. Issues on COVID-19 pandemic response, Pray for our leaders. Let us seek God’s help One of the most vital elements for disaster financing and management, climate to provide our leaders with wisdom, strength constitutional reform is the direct participation emergency, unemployment, challenges to the and compassion for others. + COSME ALMEDILLA of the citizens in the process, which at this current educational system, false red-tagging Member point is a very remote possibility mainly due and execution of farmers, indigenous peoples’ Let the common good be the aim of our Bishop, Diocese of Butuan to COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, communities and environmental and human politicians and let the common good be the decent and coherent public discourse about rights defenders, questionable automated basis of our choice for our next set of public charter change is also nonviable at this time elections, inefficient justice system, and many officials, then truly, “love and truth will meet; FR. ANTONIO E. LABIAO, Jr. considering that at least 75% of Filipinos have more need better and urgent attention from justice and peace will kiss” (Ps 85:11) in our Executive Secretary, NASSA/Caritas little or almost no knowledge of the Philippine the whole of our government. Changes in the land. (Seek the Common Good, CBCP Pastoral Philippines Constitution. economic provisions of the constitution will Letter, January 2019) Vicar General, Diocese of Novaliches Official Statement on the untimely death of our brother Hear the cry Rev. Fr. Rene B. Regalado (Diocese of Malaybalay) priest at the Monastery to call for police as- strictly observed. of the people sistance to verify what had happened. Fr. Fr. Rene Regalado was ordained to the Regalado’s car indicated that he was going Priesthood on October 18, 2007 with the lay- THE Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas back to the St. John XXIII College Seminary ing on of hands of the Most Rev. Honesto Ch. stands in opposition to the current moves where he was staying. He was in the city in the Pacana, S.J, D.D., now our bishop emeritus. in both houses of Congress to change the afternoon, meeting someone whom he did not He finished his baccalaureate degree in Theol- constitution. indicate when he informed his companions ogy at San Isidro College and his pre-college Clearly, this is not the opportune time at the seminary before he left at around one and college seminary formation at St. John to deal with Cha-cha! We are in the o’clock in the afternoon. Between 8:30 - 9:00 XXIII Pre-College and College Seminaries in midst of a pandemic with millions of our in the evening, the 1st responders from the Malaybalay City. He finished his theological countrymen suffering from lack of food, Malaybalay City Police Force arrived at the studies at the St. John Mary Vianney Theo- shelter, job, education and a decent and scene and conducted an initial investigation. logical Seminary in Camaman-an, Cagayan comprehensive health care system. This At around 12:00 midnight, the Scene of the de Oro City. is our priority! The whole exercise posed Crime Operatives (SOCO) arrived. At around We request everyone to offer prayers for the by the resolutions advocating for charter 1:10 in the morning of January 25, 2021, the repose of the soul of Fr. Rene B. Regalado, for change is a sheer waste of our precious body of Fr. Regalado was picked up by Vil- the consolation of his immediate family and time, energy, effort and money! With Fr. Rene Regalado of the Diocese of Malaybalay. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO lanueva Funeral Homes for attention to avoid the Clergy, for the immediate results of the the 2022 elections just about a year and decomposition and to be ready for the needed investigation and that justice will be served a half away, who will not suspect other THE Diocese of Malaybalay with its Clergy, autopsy. The SOCO Regional Office will con- to whom it is due. underlying political motivations? Consecrated Persons and Lay Faithful espe- duct the autopsy today. Meanwhile, the car We put our full trust on the , We cry out in a loud and categorical cially the Regalado Family in San Jose Parish, that was used by Fr. Regalado was brought to the loving intercessions of Our Lady of Mercy manner that we oppose these moves! We Sinayawan, Valencia City are deeply wounded the Philippine National Police Headquarters and that of our patron, San Isidro Labrador. urge our countrymen to be Vigilant, Pray, and saddened with the news of the untimely in Malaybalay City for further investigation, May the soul of Fr. Rene rest in peace and that Discern and Speak Out! passing to eternal life of one its clergy, REV. gathering and securing of evidence. The official God’s peace will continue to be with us. We call on our lawmakers: address the FR. RENE B. REGALADO. investigation to the case is on-going. We are needs of the people now. They need your We express our deepest sympathy to his im- waiting for further official findings and details. Prepared by: attention. mediate family and supplicate to the Lord of After the needed autopsy, Fr. Regalado will Hear the cry of the people! Life that justice will be served to the perpetra- be laid at the San Isidro Labrador Cathedral, REV. FR. VIRGILIO H. DELFIN tors of this heinous crime without compromis- Malaybalay City for the wake before he will be Official Spokesperson For the LAIKO Board of Directors, ing the Lord’s gift of mercy. buried at the Malaybalay Catholic Cemetery Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul Initial information gathered revealed that on the date to be decided both by the Diocese ROUQUEL A. PONTE at around 7:30 in the evening of January 24, of Malaybalay and his immediate family. For January 25, 2021 President 2021, gunshots were heard at the road near those who want to visit him and his family at Approved by: 18 January 2021 the Malaybalay Carmel Monastery in Pal-ing, the Cathedral as soon as the wake is ready, REV. MSGR. NOEL P. PEDREGOSA, STL Patpat, Malaybalay City which prompted the we request that the pandemic protocols be Diocesan Administrator B6 REFLECTIONS January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS Jesus, the prophet powerful in Healings and zeal unlimited words and deeds 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Matt 1:29-39) February 7, 2021 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Matt 1:21-28) January 31, 2021 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB ONE does not need to be pessimistic by demonic possessions. Jesus By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB to conclude that there is so much knew that the ultimate cause of suffering in the world. It is a reality all suffering was the devil. That as old as mankind itself; a reality as was why, he cast out devils as an varied as the gradations of gray . . . . integral part of his healing and We are afflicted by moral, emotional, saving mission. spiritual, and physical suffering . . . But suffering is still with us, even . All these forms of suffering make after the coming of Jesus, as a life miserable—a veritable “Way of perpetual reminder of the frailty of the Cross”! Job had all the reasons the human condition in the world. It to complain. (See today’s First is also a sign that the Reign of God Reading.) has not yet come in its fullness. It Of all types of suffering, the most is only in the New Jerusalem that striking is usually the physical one. “there shall be no more death or It is always a pitiful sight to see mourning, crying or pain . . . (Rv cripples, lepers, persons devoured 21:4). by cancer, people who are blind, The healings performed by Jesus maimed, or immobilized for life on are signs that the Reign of God has their beds or mats . . . In spite of all already been inaugurated and that the progress of modern medicine, the salvation that Jesus proclaims all those struck by sickness still will surely come in its fullness experience a feeling of helplessness when God’s Kingdom reaches its and humiliation. The many forms completion. of suffering are still with us, and for As Christians, we are not only all we know, they are here to stay, in people who have been mercifully ever-renewed and baffling forms . . . healed by Jesus. We are also sharers When he came to share our human in his mission as “the healer” of condition, Jesus accepted suffering humankind. As such, we, too, are as a natural consequence of the called to show concern for the Incarnation and thereby he showed ailments afflicting mankind, and that he was a human being through to do our best to reduce them. It and through. But he was “a man is also our mission to cast out the with a mission”—the mission to devil from our own lives and the redeem and save every human lives of others. This commitment of being from all that degrades, ours will be one of the most effective oppresses and disfigures him or proclamations of the Good News. her. That was why, part of his It will be one of the clear signs that mission was to relieve as many the Kingdom of God is ever more as he could from any suffering, making inroads in this pain-ridden and especially the one inflicted world of ours.

FOR centuries, the Jews had been contained in today’s Gospel passage Jesus’ behavior in today’s waiting for “the prophet like Moses” mark only the beginning of the Gospel episode shows that he is a Jesus, the leprosy who would be for them what the revelation of his identity and mission. LIBERATOR greater than Moses, great leader and legislator had been Everything in what he said and did for he sets people free not from the for the Israelites during and after left his audience wondering . . . Jesus enslavement to an earthly ruler, buster their liberation from Egypt. Nobody spoke with all the authority that but from the tyranny of the EVIL knew, however, what that “prophet divine wisdom and truth possess. He ONE. He has come to wage a war of 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Matt 1:40-45) like Moses” would do. was not one of the many interpreters liberation against the devil and his Jesus Christ was the one sent of the law, nor a “commentator” allies. With Jesus, fear of Satan and Pro-life Sunday, February 14, 2021 by God the Father to fulfill the like so many teachers who could compromise with him are over. He By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB expectation of the Chosen people be found throughout Palestine. comes to proclaim that the Reign of and far beyond. When he began his He was showing himself to be a God is at hand and that the reign of public ministry, it was not easy for the “Master,” actually “The Master,” Satan is gone. people to see in him the fulfillment “The Teacher,” par excellence. Today’s account of the liberation of the prophecy/promise uttered Authority and majesty radiated of the possessed man spells out who by Moses some twelve centuries from all over Jesus’ person. In him is going to be the winner in this most earlier, for their views were too was the moral power of the Holy One, “unconventional war.” Powerful in much conditioned by their political who commanded respect even of the his words, Jesus is also powerful in and social situations obtaining devil. And with good reason. For the his deeds, unlike the people of his at that time. Their concerns and first time in human history, Satan time; indeed, unlike the people of expectations were still temporal was afraid of man – of that Man. all time, unlike all of us. He is braver (limited to earthly hardships), and Things had been different up to and more powerful than any simple nationalistic (limited to the Israelite that moment. Men had been living man can be, for the saving power of nation). in continuous dread of “evil spirits.” God is at work in his words and in Jesus had to crack that mold and Not a few had become their victims, his actions. bring his own people to realize that “possessed” and tortured by them As followers of Jesus, we share in there is a harsher form of servitude in frightful ways. Out of fear, entire his prophetic and liberating mission. than that imposed by the Roman nations had tried to keep demons We also share in his strength if we power—the servitude/enslavement quiet through sacrificial offerings cling to him in our struggle against imposed by the Devil not only on the . . . the perversion of idolatry that Satan. Knowing who will be the Jews but also on all mankind. had sadly marked the history of winner, shall we still wonder on His behavior and message mankind. whose side to stand and fight?

AIDS is the terror of so many people passage.) The merciful love that these days. Those affected by it are Jesus felt for the man featured often avoided and condemned to in today’s Gospel passage was Can we create a society that isolation. This rejection by society stronger than the horror which the makes the suffering of the AIDS purulent limbs most likely aroused victims even bitter. And one can only in him as a man. Jesus’ power, pity, wish that such a terrible illness never and love had their day. Thanks to accepts everyone, including existed . . . them, a man was cured. A man was In the time of Jesus, leprosy was saved. And he and all the others gave one of the most dreaded misfortunes praise to God. social outcasts? that could befall a person; it was the Leprosy is no longer so widespread AIDS of those days! While other and dreaded in our time. Modern types of patients were pitied and medicine has done a lot to curb and 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Matt 1:40-45) attended to, lepers were avoided cure it. But another type of leprosy— Pro-life Sunday, February 14, 2021 even by their own relatives. They the spiritual leprosy called sin –is were forbidden to approach a still with us. It affects not only a healthy person. If they ever tried to few but all humans. It affects all of By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD do so, they were chased away with us. Its effects in us are even more stones . . . They had to live in caves destructive than leprosy or AIDS. IT MAY BE unkind to say it, but in instance, that those who contracted beard muffled (Lev 13:45a). He and ravines, away from ordinary Surprisingly—and sadly so— our unkind contemporary society, AIDS are to wear distinctive clothing, was ostracized, and unable to talk human settlements, cut off from any many seem to be unaware of its probably no one is more unfortunate identify themselves whenever other with others who were unlike him. form of social life. (See today’s First devastating effects. Others simply in the eyes of many people than a people are in their vicinity, and be He had to shout from a distance, Reading.) deny the existence of sin or call it person with the Acquired Immunity confined in an island between Jolo “Unclean, unclean!” (Lev 13:45b), as Leprosy meant hell already in this by other “sanitized” names. Pope Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). and Palawan? a warning for people not to approach life. A person in an advanced stage of Pius XII lamented that one of the One may steal billions from the One may not be inclined to him. Wretched and ritually unclean leprosy was a terrible sight. People tragedies of our times was the loss government, have more than one believe it, but a lot almost similar to as he was (Lev 13:46a), he could not turned away their sight from them of the “sense of sin.” But ignoring wife and make erroneous decisions this befell on one who has leprosy participate in religious activities. in horror. or denying it does not prevent its that affect the life of our people; in the Jewish society at the time He lived as an expellee from the Jesus did not follow the spread or its destructive effects. but one can still be acceptable and of Jesus. (We may assume that normal community (Lev 13:46b; prevailing attitude toward lepers. If anything, it makes things worse . . even perceive oneself as respectable. in this particular case, the man Num 5:2). Of course, all these He wanted everyone to have life, . . Such is the “strategy” of the devil! To be known as a person with had Hansen’s disease, though one stipulations served to protect the and life to the full. (See Jn 10:10.) Who will save us from such a AIDS, however, is to invite ridicule should bear in mind that the biblical community, and considering that He had come in a special manner plague? No progress in science or and ostracism. It is to be banned term covers any repulsive scaly skin medicine was primitive, they were for the sick and the outcast, and he technology can offer the cure. Only from one’s social circle and suffer disease, like psoriasis and seborrheic justifiable. Still, these could not remained faithful to his mission. Jesus can. We, the spiritual lepers loneliness; it is to die before one dermatitis.) As the first reading hide the pain which the victims of Even when the most outcast of of our time, have only one hope: goes to the grave. No wonder that and the Gospel today indicate, the Hansen’s disease felt. Indeed, they all—the lepers—approached him, JESUS. The only cure is his merciful save for a few, those who have AIDS leper had an appearance that easily suffered not only physically, even he did not back off in horror. Not LOVE and his GRACE. Our humble keep their misfortune to themselves. distinguished him from others, and as their bodies rotted away. Even only did he welcome them, but prayer is the one of today’s Gospel: But how would AIDS victims feel gave him a bad identity: his garment more painful for them was their even “stretched out his hand and “Lord if you will to do so, you can should the government legislate, for was rent, his head bare, and his Society / B7 touched them.” (See today’s Gospel cure me!” (Mk 1:40) REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 Discovering human dignity

This undated photo shows children behind bars. PHOTO COURTESY OF PREDA FOUNDATION

WHEN I see the newly arrived children— of all humanity- human dignity. They have Until the Universal Declaration of Human Court of Justice are some ways the world all victims of human right violations and been brainwashed and told all their lives in Rights came in to force in the membership community can bring an erring regime to sexual abuse- healing and recovering in our the slums, living in poverty, without proper nations that made up the United Nations, accountability and yet the massacres, child Preda Foundation home and striving to be education, that they are of little worth, of no many countries without a fair and human sexual abuse, violations and trampling on “good,” to be a “better person”, somehow value and are better out earning money with rights-based legal system frequently treated human dignity and rights continue unabated. thinking they are “bad,” I and the Preda staff their bodies. The younger ones are abused people as disposable items by those in power Just as corrupt politicians, criminal gangs, continuously tell them in Filipino that: “You and threatened to tell no one of the sexual and authority. That authority was absolute, drug cartel leaders and mafia bosses are are good children and youth. You have done abuse. They are told that they did a bad thing unquestionable, and every person was at its the killers and tramplers of human rights, no wrong, you are innocent victims of bad and are made to feel guilty and dirty and mercy without respect or recourse. so too are the many individuals who abuse people who trafficked and abused you.” are wrongly made ashamed of themselves. The abominations, atrocities and genocide children and their enablers and protectors. It takes a long while for them to understand But from open emotional expression comes of World War II gave rise to the Universal It is only in our generation in the last twenty this. Then, the day arrives when they freedom and a sense of self-confidence and Declaration of Human Rights, as humanity years that there has been an outcry and have had their fifth or sixth session of self-worth and empowerment from knowing realized that without the recognition of movement to condemn child sexual abuse Emotional Release Therapy. That is where that they have dignity and that their dignity the dignity of the human person, and their and human trafficking and enact strict they dramatically confront their abusers in has imbued them with inalienable rights. rights arising from it enforced in law and laws to bring abusers to account and to the padded therapy room and fight back at Human dignity is the greatest value in the practice, they didn’t have a chance to survive jail. Tolerance, apathy, indifference, secret their rapist. They shout his name, cry and Judeo-Christian tradition. It was neglected, the rise of fascist authoritarian regimes. approval of child abuse was the custom and scream at him and pound the cushions as if ignored and lost for thousands of years. In The principles and the rights laid out in many places it still is. In the Philippines, beating him. They are tearing free from the fact, the word itself was lost until recent by the Declaration has been universally life sentences are frequently handed down fear and subjugation they endured. In time, history. The idea, concept or belief in human accepted and recognized by most nations, to child sex abusers and human traffickers. they have a new self-understanding. It is an dignity as an ‘inherent or unearned worth on paper at least. Many regimes ignore the The strict laws, driven through congress by emotional resurrection, the greatest moment of humans’ was not even used in any official rights and dignity of their citizens that must civil society, are most important in doing of liberation in their lifetime. or government document, researchers say, be treated with respect, equality, and human justice for the victims of these heinous They come to realize that they are good until it appeared by chance in the Mexican value as enshrined in the Declaration and crimes against children. persons and have been exploited and abused. Constitution of 1917. Then, it was a vague to be enforced and implemented by Rule Let us not forget where human dignity, Sandra, a 13-year-old, who was repeatedly reference to human value. The word only of Law. respect for human rights of children raped and beaten by her biological father, appeared in 1948 when the Universal There is international action, condemnation and women, were first announced and told how she felt in a group session after her Declaration of Human Rights was ratified and protest when the violations of human taught. It was by that inspired man, the therapy, “I feel free from them, I can live on by the United Nations. In the introduction, rights and human dignity are violated. prophetic Jesus of , who constantly my own, I see now what is true, I have my the word is used twice to justify why humans Protests, demonstrations, marches, social championed the rights of children and dignity”, have inalienable rights. That humans have media campaigns raise their voice to declared the child as the most important The children have broken free from the these rights is an idea, a concept, based on denounce the violations although much in his planned society of justice, equality, culture of servility and domination and the belief that the human species has an more has to be done. dignity and peace. To accept and respect being downtrodden, and discovered the most ‘inherent or unearned worth of humans’ The imposition of UN sanctions and the the child was to accept him. That is a strong important of all. They discovered they have above all other creatures and species on deployment of peace-keeping troops and the endorsement of human dignity of the most that vital and all-important inherent value the planet. indictments of the International Criminal vulnerable in society.*

Sunday / B2

(Evangelii Gaudium, 142). (…) . to feel an urgent need for personal Christ on Easter Sunday, the Holy in the sacred liturgy, to partake of community of believers. For this Consequently, sufficient time must renewal through familiarity with, Father points out: “The journey the bread of life and to offer it to reason, we need to develop a closer be devoted to the preparation of and study of, the sacred Scriptures. that the Risen Lord makes with the faithful from the one table of relationship with sacred Scripture; the homily. A commentary on This will help them foster in their the disciples of Emmaus ended the word of God and the body of otherwise, our hearts will remain the sacred readings cannot be hearers a true dialogue with the word with a meal. (…) They sit down Christ’ (Dei Verbum, 21). Regular cold and our eyes shut, struck as we improvised. Those of us who are of God” (5). at table, and Jesus takes the reading of sacred Scripture and the are by so many forms of blindness” preachers should not give long, bread, blesses it, breaks it and celebration of the Eucharist make (n.8). pedantic homilies or wander off Theological Conclusions offers it to them. At that moment, it possible for us to see ourselves as 3) Unity between Sacred into unrelated topics. When we take The first half of the document their eyes are opened, and they part of one another” (n.8). Scriptures and the Sacraments: time to pray and meditate on the concludes with a series of theologico- recognize him (cf. v. 31). This 2) Devotion to the Bible a year- “Sacred Scripture and the sacred text, we can speak from the pastoral considerations, which one scene clearly demonstrates the long event: “A day devoted to sacraments are thus inseparable. heart and thus reach the hearts of may still consider as guidelines for unbreakable bond between sacred the Bible should not be seen as When the sacraments are those who hear us, conveying what pastoral action: Scripture and the Eucharist. a yearly event but rather a year- introduced and illumined by God’s is essential and capable of bearing 1) Unbreakable bond between As the Second Vatican Council long event, for we urgently need word, they become ever more fruit” (n.5) Sacred Scripture and the Eucharist: teaches, ‘the Church has always to grow in our knowledge and love clearly the goal of a process whereby 3) Role of catechists: “Catechists, Referring to the Gospel account venerated the divine Scriptures as of the Scriptures and of the risen Christ opens our minds and hearts too, in their ministry of helping of the encounter of the disciples she has venerated the Lord’s body, Lord, who continues to speak his to acknowledge his saving work” people to grow in their faith, ought from Emmaus with the Risen in that she never ceases, above all word and to break bread in the (n.8).

Society / B6 being unwanted, their loneliness, why Jesus was angry at the misery Of course, today, we have few world. We normally discriminate one in Christ Jesus”(Gal 3:27), for since, social outcasts as they were, (pain, loneliness, ostracism [Mark lepers, but we have a number of against, if not exclude, them from our vocation is to be one: “to preserve people avoided them. It is not an 1:42]) which accompanied the modern counterparts whom our the respectable society. We erect the unity of the spirit through the exaggeration to say that many of disease, and took pity on the leper. unkind society normally rejects. various walls to keep them out, in bond of peace: one body, one Spirit… them would have felt themselves He healed him of his leprosy. The We can think of moral lepers: much the same way that the Jews one Lord, one faith, one baptism; worthless. consequence was of course more prostitutes, guest relation officers, put barriers between those within one God and Father of all…” (Eph However, the experience of such than just the restoration of the sick calls girls and criminals. We also and those outside the respectable 4:3-6). So as Christians, we have to pain and suffering is contrary to man’s health. Even more important have physical lepers: HIV and AIDS Jewish society. make every effort that all people, no God’s will. Far from wanting that to Mark was the fact that he was victims, tuberculars, neurotics and But if the Gospel (Mark 1:40-45) matter the kind of leprosy they have, they live in misery, he wills that socially and religiously made whole psychotics. And to some extent, we has any lesson, it is that we are should have a place in our Christian men be saved from all forms of evil again. He returned to his family, have social lepers: dockworkers, invited to accept such people to the community, where humanity, justice (cf 2 Pet 3:9). It is not his desire to his circle of friends, and was squatter settlers, barkers, hold- Christian community where no one and dignity are restored, and where that anyone be lost; rather, it is restored to the normal religious uppers and small-time thieves is excluded on the basis of money, they will be accepted, and treated as his plan that all form part of the community. People could now (big-one ones, ironically, are often morality, and gender: “There is fellow Christians. We have to make community of the saved, where associate with him, and he could honored in high places). In many neither Jew nor Greek, there is every effort to support them, and there is acceptance, togetherness, participate of the sacrifice in the ways, they are the alienated, the neither slave or free person, there is uplift them from misery through our wholeness and happiness. Which is Temple . unwanted in our contemporary not male and female; for you are all love and concern for them. B8 ENTERTAINMENT January 15 - February 7, 2021 Vol 25, No. 2 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel

ng kanyang isip at gawa. hanga din naman ang Fan Girl Ipinagmamalaki niya na ginawang pagtaya ni Avelino alam niya ang kaliit-liitang sa kanyang reputasyon nang detalye sa buhay ni Paulo, pumayag siya na pangalan at ang puno’t dulo ng karera niya ang gamitin sa papel ORATIO nito bilang artista. Patay na ng idolo — hindi lang iilan patay siya sa kaguwapuhan sa mga nakapanood ang ng kanyang idolo, sa husay nagtatanong kung ang papel IMPERATA nitong umarte (o lumuha ba niya ay tunay niyang sa harap ng kamera), at sa buhay. Nagbunga naman ang (For Protection Against the Covid-19 Virus) galing nitong mangiliti sa kanilang hirap at pagod nang as of January 2021 mga manonood. Hahantong tanghalin silang MMFF 2020 ang kanyang pagkalulong Best Actress at Best Actor. Merciful and compassionate Father, sa punto kung saan — sa Batay sa pamagat na “Fan we come to you in our need isang mall, matapos ang Girl”, maaaring akalain ng isang promo event ni Paulo mga manonood na isang to seek your protection against the COVID 19 at ng katambal na artistang karaniwang romantic comedy virus si Bea Alonso (Bea Alonso) lamang ang pelikula. At gawa that has disturbed and even claimed lives. — aangkas si Jane nang na rin ng umugong na balitang palihim sa pickup ni Paolo dito magpapakita diumano We ask you now to look upon us with love para lamang masundan ang ng kanyang “hinaharap” idolo. Ni wala sa kanyang si Avelino, maaaring and by your healing hand, hinagap na dadalhin siya nangibabaw ang pagkausyoso dispel the fear of sickness and death, ng kahangalan niya sa ng mga manonood sa halip restore our hope, and strengthen our faith. isang malayong barrio sa na siryosohin nila ang hatid probinsiya kung saan sa isang na mensahe ng Fan Girl. May We pray that you guide the people lumang bahay niya makikilala taglay na babala ang pelikula ang tunay na pagkatao ng para sa mga tagahanga ng tasked to find cures for this disease artistang sinasamba. mga artista. Inaanyayhan nito and to stem its transmission. Umani ng walong tayong magtanong kung bakit We thank you for the vaccines developed gantimpala ang Fan Girl sa nahuhumaling ang mga fans made possible by your guiding hands. nakaraang sa kanilang mga lodi. Ano ang Film Festival 2020, kasama pinaghuhugutan ng kanilang Bless our efforts to use these vaccines na ang Best Film, at Best nagtitirapang paghanga sa to end the pandemic in our country. Director (Antoinette mga paborito nilang artista, Jadaone). Sadyang natatangi at ano ang maaaring ibunga We pray for our health workers ang husay ng pagdidirihe dito nito? Sa isang banda, ano that they may minister to the sick ni Jadaone. Bukod sa nakuha naman ang idinudulot ng DIRECTOR: Antoinette Jadaone LEAD CAST: Charlie Dizon, niyang palutangin ang galing katanyagan at kayamanan sa with competence and compassion. Paulo Avelino, Sheenly Gener, James Fajardo, Mina Cruz, Joshua sa pagganap nila Avelino at mga artista? Ano ang wastong Grant them health in mind and body, Cabadiles, Bea Alonzo PRODUCER: Bianca Balbuena, Dan Dizon, nagawa din niyang pananaw upang maiwasan strength in their commitment, Villegas SCRIPTWRITER: Antoinette Jadaone GENRE: Drama nakakasabik ang daloy ng ang kaakibat nitong banta protection from the disease. CINEMATOGRAPHER: Neil Daza EDITOR: Benjamin Gonzales kuwento — sa pagsasalitan sa katinuan at kinabukasan Tolentino MUSIC: Teresa Barrozo PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Ferdi Abuel SOUND: Vincent Villa PRODUCTION COMPANY: ng mga sandali, hindi mo ng mga artista? May Epicmedia Productions, Inc., Project 8 cor San Joaquin, Black masisiguro kung sino ang pananagutan ba ang mga We pray for those afflicted. Sheep, Globe Studios, Crossword Productions COUNTRY: magiging biktima o kontrabida artista hinggil sa ikabubuti May they be restored to health. Philippines LANGUAGE: Tagalog, English RUNNING TIME: 101 sa dalawa. Impressive ang ng kanilang mga fans — Protect those who care for them. minutes pagsasalarawan ng 23-anyos tutal, malaking bahagi ng Grant eternal rest to those who have died. na si Dizon sa 16-anyos na kanilang kayamanan ay Technical assessment: 3.5 si Jane — malaking tulong nanggagaling sa mga ito. Moral assessment: 2 CINEMA rating: V 18 sa sariwa niyang mukha ang Ang daigdig ng pelikula ay Give us the grace in these trying times MTRCB rating: R16 suot niyang school uniform mapang-akit, at madalas to work for the good of all para maging kapani-paniwala ay mapang-linlang. Ngunit and to help those in need. Hindi lamang basta idolong si Paulo Avelino ang karakter na ginampanan maaaring maging isa rin May our concern and compassion for each other nahuhumaling ang high (Paolo Avelino); nalululong niya at makuha nito ang itong makapangyarihang school student na si Jane na siya kaya’t ang artista simpatiya ng manonood. kasangkapan tungo sa see us through this crisis (Charlie Dizon) sa kanyang na ang nagsisilbing sentro Sa kabilang dako, kahanga- ikabubuti ng tao at lipunan. and lead us to conversion and holiness.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ Mang Kepweng, ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim your Son Isang arbularyo si Mang bandanang pula upang who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Kepweng (Vhong Navarro, magapi si Maximus. Holy Spirit, Mang Kepweng Returns, Dito na magsisimula ang God forever and ever. Amen. 2016) na yayaman mula sa umaatikabong adventure ng paggagamot sa mga taong barkada at ang pa-init ng ng We fly to Your protection, O Holy Mother of God. may iba’t ibang uri ng kanilang misyon. karamdaman. Pero kalaunan, Malaman mo lang na ang Do not despise our petition in our necessities, lalaki ang ulo niya, magiging mga sangkap na kailangan but deliver us always from all dangers, maramot at matapobre — upang manumbalik ang O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. sa halip na magpatuloy kapangharihan ni Mang sa paggagamot ng mga Kepweng — nagbabagang maysakit na lumalapit upang tabako ng kapre, kuko ng Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us. humingi ng tulong sa kanya, manananggal, at luha ng St. Joseph, pray for us. mas gugustuhin pa niyang sirena—ay mahuhulaan mo St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. dumalo sa mga pagtitipon na kung ano ang aksiyon San Roque, pray for us. kung saan siya ang bida at na ihahain ng pelikula. San , pray for us pinapupurihan. Darating Siyempre, tulad ng dati, ang panahong haharapin kabulastugan, pagpapatawa, San , pray for us. niya ang engkantong si pantasya, kalabisang mga Maximus (Joross Gamboa) eksena, at disimuladong na nagbabalak sumakop sa kabastusan na dapat lunukin na ring komedya ang Mang malinaw naman nitong daigdig ng mga tao. Hawak na lang nang may isang kurot Kepweng, na nagbibigay nailahad na ang kasamaan ni Maximus ang bandanang na asin. Si Navarro ba naman ng pahinga mula sa takot ay masama at ang kabutihan itim, na nagiging sanhi ng ang bida eh, atsaka, ikalawa ng marami sa pandemyang ay mabuti. Ipinakikita paghina ng kapangyarihan na itong kwento ng arbularyo. Covid. Wala namang din dito ang kahalagahan ng bandanang pula na hawak Parang nakakapanghinayang pagkukunwari ang pelikula ng kooperasyon ng mga naman ni Mang Kepweng. lang na ang kakayahan ng bilang isang seryosong mabubuting tao upang Sa tulong ng kanyang mga batikang artistang si Jaclyn panoorin — gusto lang magapi ang kalaban. May kaibigan, hahanapin ni Jose ay hindi nahahamon ng nitong magbigay-aliw sa mga hatid din itong aral tungkol Mang Kepweng ang mga papel niya bilang ina ni Mang nababagot sa paraang sanay sa masamang epekto ng sangkap na makapagbabalik Kepweng. nitong gawin. Pagdating pagkakaroon ng labis na sa kapangyarihan ng Kung tutuusin, pasable sa laman ng kuwento, kapangyarihan ng isang tao.

DIRECTOR: Topel Lee LEAD CAST: Vhong Navarro, Barbie Imperial, Jaclyn Jose, Joross Gamboa, Benjie Paras, Ryan Bang, Ritz Azul SCREENWRITER: Rod Marmol PRODUCER: Carlo Katigbak, Olivia Lamasan EDITOR: MUSICAL DIRECTOR: GENRE: fantasy, comedy CINEMATOGRAPHER: DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema LOCATION: Philippines RUNNING TIME: 101 minutes

Technical assessment: 3 Moral assessment: 3 CINEMA rating: V14 THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of the Order of the and KCFAPI

Vol 24, No. 23 K of C Jurisdictions hold Mid- year District Deputies’ Meeting

NO Pandemic can dampen the Santiago, Isabela for Districts within Cam Norte, Albay, Legaspi and of Columbus, Knights of Fraternity” Basilan, Sulu and Ipil (Zabazuli) unwavering commitment and the Diocese of Iligan followed by a Sorsogon held their meeting on were spread out to different dates by at the Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga fraternal love of the Brother meeting last January 10, 2021 for January 30, 2021 at the Villa Caceres location and Diocese. The schedule City; Diocese of Tagum and Mati Knights of the Order of the Knights the Districts within the Diocese of Hotel, Naga City. Their theme for of jurisdiction are as follows: at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Lanang of Columbus in the Philippines. Tuguegarao and January 23, 2021 this year is “Leave No Neighbor December 30, 2020 – Davao South Davao City; Diocese of Kidapawan at Despite the challenges of the current for the Districts under the Diocese of Behind”. at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Boylyn Hotel and Resto, Kidapawan situation, the Brother Knights Balanga, Iba and Archdiocese of San Visayas Jurisdiction headed by Davao City; , 2021 – City; and January 24, 2021- Diocese moved forward with their Annual Fernando held at St. Joseph Parish Worthy Visayas State Deputy Bro. Archdiocese of Cotabato at Alnor of Tandag at Shacene KRV Bar, District Deputies’ Meeting following Olangapo City. Their last batch Teofrido B. Lagria held their annual Hotel, Cotabato City; January 10, Tandag City; January 31, 2021 – the prescribed restrictions of the of Mid-Year meeting will be held Mid-Year meeting last January 9, 2021 – Cagayan Central West and Gingoog City (Cagayan East) at the national and local government to in Baguio for Districts within the 2021. The meeting was done in 4 Malaybalay North at the Grand City Engineer’s Office, Gingoog City; ensure all attendees’ safety. Cordillera Administrative Region. different locations blended with Caprice, Limketkai, Cagayan de Diocese of Digos at the Dusit Thani The Luzon North Jurisdiction The theme of the series of meetings virtual meeting rooms for those who Oro City; Diocese of Butuan North Hotel Lanang, Davao City. with the leadership of Worthy Luzon in their Jurisdiction is “2020: An were not able to physically attend at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan The Mid-Year Meeting of District North State Deputy Bro. Rene V. Extraordinary Year for the Knights”. due to the pandemic. The in-person City; January 16, 2021 – Diocese of Deputies is an opportunity for the Sarmiento started their Mid-Year Meanwhile, the Luzon South meetings were held at the Diversion Pagadian at the Three Guest House, leaders of the Knights of Columbus meetings as early as December 12, Jurisdiction headed by Worthy 21 Hotel, Iloilo for the Archdiocese of Pagadian City; Davao North at the in the Philippines to discuss their 2020 held at the Cathedral Shrine Luzon South State Deputy Bro. Jaro, Diamond Hotel in Cebu for the Dusit Than Hotel Lanang, Davao programs in Life, Faith, Family and Parish of the Good Shepherd Bonifacio B. Martinez had 3 separate Archdiocese of Cebu, JJ’s Seafood City; Marbel East and West at the and Community. They also tackle for the Districts under the Diocese of sessions held last January 9, 2021 Resort in Tagbilaran for the Diocese Family Country Hotel, General topics about membership growth Cubao and Novaliches and Prelature via Zoom for Districts within Boac, of Talibon and Tagbilaran and Santos City; Marbel North and and retention and all jurisdiction of Infanta followed by the meeting Masbate, Puerto Princesa, Taytay, Haiyan Resort Hotel in Tanauan, Cotabato South at Paraiso Verde activities for the Columbian Year. at Dambana, Cabanatuan City for Palawan and Romblon; January 16, Leyte for Eastern Visayas. Their Hotel and Resort, Koronadal City; Lastly, awards were also given to the Districts under the Diocese of 2021 at Tryp Hotel in City theme for this year’s meeting is Diocese of Butuan South at Mabe’s outstanding members and councils Alaminos, Cabanatuan, Lingayen- for Districts within the National “Knights of Columbus, Knights of Savory Place, San Francisco Agusan for their performances for the Dagupan, San Jose, Tarlac and Capital Region, Rizal and Cavite Fraternity”. Sur; January 23, 2021 – Diocese year. One of the highlights of these Urdaneta. They ended the year with and last January 23, 2021 at the Lastly, the Mindanao Jurisdiction, of Iligan at the Chamber House of meetings are the messages from the the meeting with Districts from the Jet Hotel Lipa City for Districts headed by Worthy Mindanao Council 3343, Iligan City; Osamis Supreme Knight, Carl A. Anderson; Diocese of Malolos at DJ Paradise within Batangas, Quezon, Mindoro State Deputy Bro. Gerry Eutemio City at the Elemento Residence, Supreme Director Bro. Jose C. Reyes, Resort, City of Malolos. Last January and Laguna. Their last session for T. Mission, had their Mid-Year Osamis City; Dipolog City at Kamalig Jr. and speeches of the Worthy State 9, 2021 they held their meeting at Districts within Naga City-CamSur, meetings with the theme “Knights Resort, Dapitan City; Zamboanga, Deputies. KCFAPI and K of C launches online Christian KCFAPI prexy sees optimism for 2021 Formation Program ALTHOUGH 2020 took a it,” he said. sharp turn with the Covid-19 While tough decisions have THE Knights of Columbus Catholics practice the faith pandemic, the head of to be made, the KCFAPI head Fraternal Association of the timidly or are only minimally the Knights of Columbus’ stressed that everyone’s well- Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) - committed to passing the faith insurance arm in the country being and health “was never Fraternal Benefits Groups in on to their children. is looking forward to a compromised”. collaboration with the Knights Several years ago, the progressive 2021. “No retrenchment made, of Columbus Philippine Supreme Council launched Bonifacio Martinez, no deduction of working days Jurisdictions initiated an the initiative, Building the President of the Knights to mention a few,” Martinez online Christian Formation Domestic Church. The of Columbus Fraternal said. Program for all the members objective of which is to Association of the Philippines, As challenges continue, he of the Order featuring the strengthen the family as the hopes that this year will be said that what is important is twelve video episodes of the sanctuary of the Church. As one of great successes for the for the company to keep track Into the Breach produced members of the Knights of KCFAPI. “of everything that keeps us by the Supreme Council. Columbus, we have a shared Over the last 10 months, going— our beloved clients, The topics were lifted from responsibility in the mission to the country’s insurance sector employees, our families, our the book, Into the Breach, evangelize our family. Every has faced significant pressure goals, and objectives”. an Apostolic Exhortation Catholic family must stand on on underwriting growth and “We have to be kept abreast to Catholic Men, written a solid ground, enforced by a profitability amid the ongoing with all of the changes, not by Most. Rev. Thomas J. strong foundation of faith. health crisis. just for our association to Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix. Today, the family is subject the group, Members of the The third episode, However, Martinez said survive and thrive but for According to the author, to various forms of challenges. Knights of Columbus in the Leadership, will be that innovations and progress all of the people who believe the World is under attack Many families are separated Philippines. It will regularly broadcasted on February have stood the KCFAPI and trust our advocacies,” by Satan, as our Lord said from their homes due to the run every second Friday of 12, 2021 at exactly 7:30 PM. in good stead even as the Martinez added. it would be. This battle is necessity of working abroad the month at 7:30 PM to 8:30 Most Rev. Crispin Varquez, pandemic continues. “We shall conquer the year occurring in the Church or due to the demands of PM. Each episode comes with D. D., Diocese of Borongan “Despite this year being 2021 and that we hope and herself, and the devastation their jobs. The children are a deep reflection and sharing and State Chaplain of the a year full of mishaps, it is pray that the upcoming year is all too evident. Since 2000 growing up without seeing from our invited Bishops who Visayas Jurisdiction will be but a heart’s prayer that we will be full of love, growth, and AD, 14 Million Catholics have their parents as their role are our resource speakers. the resource speaker. survive this, and thankfully positivity,” he also said. (Roy left the faith. Parish religious models who can mold their As of today, we have The nine other episodes with God’s guidance, we did Lagarde) education of children, values and morals. shown online two episodes, and topics are: Fatherhood, Catholic school attendance, In order to prepare more Masculinity and Brotherhood. Family, Life, Prayer, Suffering, infant baptism, adult baptism men and fathers on the We invited Most. Rev. Gerardo Sacramental Life, Spiritual and sacramental Catholic challenges that our Church Alminaza, D.D., Diocese of Life, Evangelization, and The marriages have all dropped. are facing today, the Supreme San Carlos and Immediate Cornerstone. We have lined up One of the key reasons Council came up with this Former State Chaplain of the several Bishops who will share that the Church is faltering Christian Formation Program Visayas Jurisdiction and Most their thoughts and reflections under the attacks of Satan to serve as a guide to our Rev. Midyphil Billones, D. D, on each of the episode. is that many Catholic men spirituality. Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese Join us every second Friday have not been willing to Here in the Philippines, of Cebu and KCFAPI Scholar, of the month at 7:30 PM step into the breach - to fill Into the Breach was officially as our resource speakers on the to 8:30 PM. Make this a the gap that lies open and launched last December aforestated topics. The past regular date with your family vulnerable to further attack. 11, 2020 using Zoom and two events were successful, as we reflect on our journey (L-R) Ms. Mary Magdalene G. Flores, VP-Treasury, Bro, and Hrcc; Rev. Fr. Reynaldo V. Romero from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan; Ms. Gloria O. Alegre, Manager- A large number have left the simultaneously broadcasted hitting the average of 1,300 as members of the Knights of Bro Department and Bro. Arvin Dapula, Claims Assistant last January 18, 2021 during faith, and many who remain on Facebook Live under views from facebook live. Columbus. (APNazario) the loan availment of Fr. Romero from his benefit certificate from KCFAPI. (KAYngco) C2 Vol. 24, Nos. 23 THE CROSS THE CROSS

Bonifacio B. Martinez Jose C. Reyes, Jr. President’s Chairman’s Message Message Blessed To Bring Blessings To Others

2021, A Year Of Hopefulness THIS year 2021 is a very significant year is “Gifted to give.” For us Knights of first of all, thank God for all the blessings for us Catholic Filipinos because we are Columbus leaders and members, who He has given. Then, let us ask Him to celebrating the arrival of Christianity are defenders of the Catholic Church, give us the grace to always be alert in RECHARGING our energies as we take on the upcoming in the Philippines in the year 1521. A the theme is a calling to be active even responding to the needs of others. We chapter is the best thing we can do especially that this year Portugese Explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, more now, in showing support to secure have been blessed and in turn, let us be a poses to be a challenging one. We cannot wait for the last year discovered and landed on our shores our Faith. We are gifted in many ways blessing to others. In this way, we can also to end hoping that this year will be better. Thank God that last 500 years ago. The first holy mass was - with a family, with food and shelter, evangelize other Catholic gentlemen to be year can go and that we have a new year to start all over again. celebrated by Fr. Pedro De Valderama education and opportunities to grow in a part of our Order. Let them see our acts Reflecting on the things that we have done and went through in Limasawa, Leyte and many people faith and translate all these material and of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism the last year will help us refocus on where we are headed. As were baptized. spiritual blessings in concrete action. in ways that Jesus himself has shown us. a fraternal organization that truly cares for our members—our The theme of this year’s celebration As we wake up every morning, let us Vivat Jesus! beloved brother knights, it is an honor to be able to serve your needs in every possible way we can. KCFAPI does not only care Karlo Serviento for you, dear brother knights, but also for all your loved ones. Thus, in this change of our lives’ chapter, you can expect more from us - more programs that will truly enrich and more Pondering the Words programs that make our lives worthwhile. While we face the pandemic that we have been battling since last year, we are mostly assured that the financial institution where we belong Philippine Knights with Mary on the Road to 500 years truly cares for us. Of course, this will never be possible without the utmost cooperation, help, and support of our beloved management, MARY, the patroness of symbolizes the mantle of Our of Christianity in the country, our conception, we are gifted employees, and all our stakeholders. As we once again the Order of the Knights of Lady who hugged the Savior we also renew our vow of by the Lord, and are to be gifts showcase to all of our stakeholders the spirit of brotherhood, Columbus, plays a big part from his birth unto his death. faithfulness and integrity to to our fellowmen. may we continue to inspire and device more programs and in the deepening of faith of It also pertains to hope that the Order. We transcend as Mary will serve as the beacon platforms that are in line with what our brother knights and the brother knights as under founts the assurance she said brother knights founded in of love, hope and peace in the their families need the most, especially now. her maternal protection we at Guadalupe at the time of charity, unity, fraternity and midst of uncertainties we Continuous improvement in our processes and consistency commence and entrust our her apparition, “Am I not patriotism in service to one are facing in the real world. in our workmanship is what we will remain to offer. This is advocacies. Every January here, your Mother?” and in service to all. We are Brother knights will be bearers the least that we can do, being the trusted financial institution 1, we commemorate with “Do whatever He tells you. the Church and the Church of these as we continue to of our brother knights and their families. May this serve as great joy her solemnity, as (Jn. 2:5)” These were the needs us. We should work imitate the life of Mary in our a reminder that we are here to fulfill our founder’s lifelong the Mother of God. We are words we should be reminded hand in hand in order that own lives. On the road to the advocacy. all God’s children and with of as we enter the great feast this year’s celebration would 500 years of Christianity, we As I end this message, I would like to thank all our brother this, she is our persistent and for our country. Mary reminds not end the day after, the continue to live Christ and knights and their families for the undying support and trust. ever-loving companion and us to heed her Son’s words. week after or the year after. share Christ by following the Furthermore, I would like to congratulate the management co-journeyer that will lead us What is Jesus telling us? He Rather, have its rebirth and example of Mary who piously and employees of KCFAPI for a job well done as far as last to eternity. prompts us that we are the renewal for the good of the lived for the fulfillment of year is concerned and I challenge you to make this year more What is Mary’s role as the Church. Being the body of the Holy Mother Church in the God’s plan to mankind. memorable and life-enriching for all of our stakeholders. Philippine Knights are about Church and members of the country and worldwide. Entering the days of great Vivat Jesus! to celebrate the 500 years of Order at the same time, our GIFTED TO GIVE. We are jubilation, we walk together Christianity in the country? vocation is to follow Christ God’s gift. Mary is God’s gift. in harmony and veracity with Arsenio Isidro G. Yap In the logo of the Order, Jesus, as Archbishop Socrates Your response to the Order is Mary, the obedient Mother behind the dagger, the sword Villegas once stated, “Live a gift. The Order is gifted to of God, that in our mission as and the anchor reflect the blue Christ, Share Christ.” have a heavenly intercessor, Catholic Filipino Faithful we A Brother’s Insight shade that ecclesiastically As we open another chapter Our Lady. From the time of will fully give our YES! Erwin John Mallari EJ’s Corner Retreat Houses

WHAT is a spiritual retreat? Well, basically it is a few Saint Paul The Apostle hours of getting away from it all as in a whole day only, an overnight, a weekend or several days to even a week or so. A retreat is reconnecting with God through prayers, reflection and reassessing one’s commitment to one’s faith. There is always a specific purpose for the retreat; specific topics to ACCORDING to history, St. Paul was Damascus by hand. Saul was blinded for and are an invaluable record of the discuss wherein one would strengthen spiritually his potential born between 5BC and 5AD. He first 3 days and he spent all those 3 days in expansion of Christianity. weaknesses. Whole day spiritual retreats would be best done appears in the bible in the Acts of the prayer to God and he didn’t eat nor drink. As inspired by the Holy Spirit, St. in your parish. It’s convenient, no hassle and very cheap. The Apostles under the name of Saul. He When Anianas of Damascus arrived he Paul’s letters are part of the Canon of only cost is the food for the retreatants and the facilitator’s fee was a Roman citizen by birth and is part laid his hands on Saul saying: “Brother the New Testament. All in all, there are which is normally very affordable and at times free if given of a devout Jewish family from Tarsus. Saul, the Lord Jesus, that appeared unto 13 epistles that bear Paul’s name but by your parish priest. It can be continued the following day He made a living by being an artisan of thee in the way as thou came, hath sent scholars believe that he did not write all if there are many topics to be discussed making it impossible leather and making tents. While he was me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, of it. Among the 13, Saint Paul authored to finish in one day. If such is the case, participants are asked still young he was sent to Jerusalem to and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” With the first and second Thessalonians, to return the following day to continue with the retreat. study in a school of Gamaliel, one of the this, Saul regained his eyesight and he Galatians, Philippians, first and second Overnight retreat cannot be done in most parishes as they most noted rabbis in history. He believed got up and was baptized. As a result of Corinthians, Romans, and Philemon. have no facilities for such. that the law should be followed by this experience, Saul became a follower The epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, However for an overnight, weekend or a several days to himself and all Jews. Saul was very upset of Christ. He had become convinced that Titus, and first and second Timothy were a week’s retreat or longer, the best place to do it would be with the early Christian church since he fellowship with the risen Jesus Christ, believed to be written by the apostles somewhere outside the city where you are from. It’s not believed that they had broken away from not the strict observance of the law, of St. Paul who wanted to continue his normal that one would attend a two nights retreat in his their Jewish traditions and he actively was needed to receive God’s promise of teaching. parish. If a retreat’s program requires two nights/three days persecuted the church in Jerusalem. Salvation. The most profound day in St. Paul’s stay, away from the hustle of everyday life, then the best place Saul was present when the 1st Christian Saul, whose name now became life was his encounter with Jesus Christ. would be outside the city. I think Tagaytay would be the best martyr, Stephen, was stoned to death. Paul went to Jerusalem to consult He was well respected in the Jewish for two nights/three days retreat as it is still quite near and Saul then travelled to Damascus to with Peter. After his 1st missionary community but gave it all up for Christ. affordable for those in Metro Manila. However for weeklong further persecute Christians. On the road journey, Paul was called by Jesus to He realized that the Father sent Jesus retreats, Baguio would be the most ideal. going to Damascus, he encounters the proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Christ as Salvation for all and teaches us Tagaytay and Baguio would be my top choice for several Risen Jesus Christ, who asks him: “Saul, He spent the rest of his life going on that we are united with Christ through days’ retreat, where one can have peace and quiet, a Saul, why are you persecuting me?” missions, establishing local churches, faith and baptism. The feast of the place where one can disconnect from everything even he asked: “Who are you Sir?” to which and writing to them when he heard of conversion of St. Paul is celebrated every electronically if the participants would turn their devices Jesus replied: “I am Jesus whom you their accomplishments and failures. January 25. Let us follow the example off. In such a serious retreat, one needs a place where one are persecuting.” Saul was then blinded Paul’s letters are the earliest record of of Paul in being open to change and can also commune with nature to complete his rejuvenation, after the incident and had to be led into the life and history of the early church realizing the error of our ways. spiritually, mentally and physically. Have you ever noticed that all retreat houses are owned and Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza managed by the religious orders? They have their own regular clients, the members of their very own congregation who By the Reading Lamp also needs to be renewed. Their contacts from the different dioceses where they have a house requiring a venue for spiritual renewals away from the very city they are in. Most of O Niño Dios them have also very large compounds sparing the participants Brother’s Insight / C3

EVERY January, the devotees mark the occasion run San Beda University. celebrated the feast of the predominantly Catholic of the feast of the infant Jesus Before he passed on, famous Sto. Niño at San Beda for the THE CROSS Philippines commence a through a series of street Benedictine monk and first time. Since no statue A Supplement Publication of the month-long veneration to dancing and grand solemn musical legend Fr. Benildus was available, they used a Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI Jesus Christ through a series . Maramba OSB. (and once this framed picture of the Holy of feasts for almost each week While these festivals have author’s boys choir conductor) Child. On November 4, 1904, Editorial Board of the month. The first in the been marked as iconic to had chronicled about the the Community installed a Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Bonifacio B. Martinez calendar is the feast of the the point that it had been devotion to the Holy Infant wooden image of the Sto.Niño Chairman President in Quiapo, likewise considered tourism of Prague: “On December de Praga at the Benedictine Manila with the famous destinations, a small number 13, 1903, the Benedictine Chapel in Tanduay. Maximo Ronulfo Antero G. Infante Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III Traslacion which is replicated of devotees of the infant Jesus Community in Manila agreed Vicente, a known sculptor OIC - Executive Vice President Spiritual Director in various parts of the country. whose image is somewhere to establish the who maintained a taller While it is considered massive in the heart of Manila, of the Infant Jesus for the for religious images and Mary Magdalene G. Flores Editor-in-Chief in scale due to the thousands likewise hold their own. students of the Colegio de paraphernalia in Quiapo, if not millions of devotees that Although smaller in scale San Beda. The following day made this image of Sto. Niño. Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox observe the yearly tradition, and less popularly known, it the students presented to The story is told that the same Associate Editor this author reckons that this is as remarkable, notable and the a formal petition image is a copy of the image is eclipsed by the more festive, timeless as Sinulog in Cebu or for the establishment of a venerated in the Church of Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco, cheerful and celebratory Dinagyang in Iloilo. This is the Confraternity. In January Salesian Sisters in Barcelona, Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza, Juan Karlo S. Serviento Contributors mood imbibed in the various Feast of Sto. Niño de Praga 1904 the hymn O Niño Dios Spain. On December 28, feasts dedicated to the infant in the Abbey of Our Lady of was composed by Fr. Jaime 1904, the Archbishop of The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Jesus or the Sto. Niño. From Monserrat, which coincides Bofill, OSB, who taught music Manila, Archbishop Jeremias 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 Cebu, to Tondo, to Pandacan, with the celebration of Frolics at the Colegio. On January 17, Harty, gave permission for Iloilo, Cotabato and Bulacan- in the campus of Benedictine 1904, the monks and students By the Reading Lamp / C3 THE CROSS Vol. 24, Nos. 23 C3 Our Pro-Life Commitment The Order has long stood at the forefront of the movement to protect human life — and that legacy continues by Supreme Knight that “exercise in raw judicial O’Connor, hoped that one 6 out of 10 of those who Carl A. Anderson power” to be overturned, and day the sisters would have a describe themselves as “pro- we have supported both the retreat center that would be choice” — want significant I TAKE THIS OCCASION Hyde Amendment to limit tax “a place of peace, a place of restrictions on abortion. The to recount how, for the past dollars to pay for abortion and tranquility, a place of light and conclusion: The unlimited five decades, the Knights of the City Policy to stop refreshment, a place of love.” abortion mandate of Roe v. Columbus has been a leader promoting abortion in U.S. That dream became reality Wade is not supported by the in the pro-life movement. In foreign aid programs. in 2004 when the Knights majority of Americans. 1974, Knights helped organize For many decades, we have of Columbus established Then, in 2009, we began the first March for Life in had a three-part strategy Villa Maria Guadalupe in our Ultrasound Initiative Washington, D.C. The next to defend unborn children: Stamford, Conn. The center, to place new ultrasound year, we provided $50,000 mobilize nationwide support operated by the Sisters of machines in pregnancy to the U.S. bishops to support through the annual March Life, is a source of healing resource centers. We have their pastoral pro-life efforts. for Life; support the pastoral for many, including women since placed more than 1,300 We continue our partnership ministry of our bishops; experiencing the aftermath of ultrasound machines worth with both the March for Life and work to restore legal abortion. Thousands of lives over $60 million. Through and the bishops’ Committee protection to unborn children have been changed and many this program, we have helped on Pro-Life Activities to this in our courts and legislatures. saved by the Sisters of Life, save hundreds of thousands of day. More recently, we added who help courageous women unborn children. Our program falsehood that we do not know Pope Francis writes that In 1976, Supreme Knight several initiatives essential to choose life despite all odds. is building the culture of life that the child before birth is the “defense of the innocent John McDevitt said that building a culture of life. Second, in 2008, we began one heart and one child at a a human being. And because unborn needs to be clear, “killing innocent human life is ‘The defense of the unborn an annual national survey on time. it is false, we have worked firm and passionate, for at so monumental an injustice” is a preeminent priority for abortion with the Marist Poll The defense of the unborn to overturn it; to mobilize stake is the dignity of a human that we must not be “lulled the Knights of Columbus to understand public attitudes is a preeminent priority for national protests against it; life, which is always sacred” into acceptance of this evil,” because abortion is the killing on abortion and help shape the Knights of Columbus to educate the public about it; (Gaudete et Exsultate, 101). and instead must work to of innocent children on a the national debate. In a series because abortion is the killing to help women heal who have Encouraged by his words, we reverse the Supreme Court’s massive scale.’ of groundbreaking findings, of innocent children on a been hurt by it; to help keep will continue to build a culture 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The first began with the our polling showed that, massive scale. more women from being hurt; of life in all the nations where The Knights of Columbus Sisters of Life. In 1998, their among other things, 3 out Roe v. Wade will ultimately and to rescue unborn children we are active. has consistently called for founder, John Cardinal of 4 Americans — including fail because it is based on the from its deadly consequences. Vivat Jesus!

Prayer for the Beatification of the The Gentle Warrior Servant of God Father George J. Willmann Blessed are You, Almighty Father, By James B. Reuter, SJ source of all goodness and CHAPTER FIVE wisdom. Look down upon us Your Bert Cruz wrote, in 1945: Konichi had escaped from the camp when children, who are “Father Willmann received, from no the paratroopers of the Eleventh Airborne trying to serve You less than General Douglas MacArthur, dropped on it, on February 23, 1945. But he with all our heart. a donation consisting of 100 cots, 100 was taken prisoner later, and tried. He was Deign to raise Fr. mosquito nets and 100 blankets, to sick with tuberculosis, and for most of his George J. Willmann replace the slabs of plywood which had trial he was lying on a stretcher. George saw to the honors of the been improvised to serve as the soldier’s pictures of this. The prosecution attorneys altar. resting places. were wearing medical masks over their He was the “Father Smith, Chaplain of the G.I.’s, mouths and noses, so that they would not prayerful, strong, gave a generator to brighten the social contract the disease. And the report was dauntless model hall during the dances every Thursday that the Americans were hurrying the trial that we all need in and Saturday. a little, so that Konichi would not die before this new era, he was “Later, the military band of the United it was over. They did not want him to die a a pastor in the care States Army in the Philippines was natural death. and formation of the youth; that all of us may learn from providing music for the dances.” During the trial, Konichi asked to be the relief of victims of war his courage, his integrity, The Espiritu Santo Club was turned instructed in the Catholic Faith. An and violence; the alleviation his indomitable spirit in over to the USO —actually to “the American chaplain did instruct him. of the suffering of the poor propagating and living the Manila Committee of the United Service Konichi asked to be baptized. and the preservation and Gospel. Organization”. It became the first home He was convicted of war crimes, and promotion of the sanctity Through his intercession, of the Manila U.S.O. sentenced to be hanged at Los Baños, of life, marriage, and the bestow on us the favor we In the Pacific Stars and Stripes for the scene of his crimes. At four in the Ateneo, early in the Occupation, when family. ask You in faith (pause here Thursday, August 28, 1969, it was recorded: morning he was carried down to the Father Hurley was being beaten for Make him the lamp on the and silently entrust to the “The USO has honored Father gallows, which were specially built for defending the maid of Mrs. Lippe. lampstand giving light to Lord your petitions). Through George J. Willmann, S.J. with the him. He was baptized, lying on the The Captain helped the priests and all in the house. Make him Christ our Lord. Amen. organization’s 25th Anniversary Award, stretcher, at the base of the gallows. He nuns in Manila, in many ways. And the city set on the mountain Our Father, Hail Mary, for his dedicated service to the American received his First Holy Communion. continued to help them, when they were which cannot be hidden, so Glory be. servicemen for over two decades.” They brought him up to the wooden interned at Vatican City, in Los Baños. In the end, his work was recognized, platform, put the black hood over his He told Father Greer that he was the only Brother’s Insight / C2 even by General MacArthur! head, put the rope around his neck, and Catholic in his family. He had married, released the trap door. and his wife became a Catholic to marry from the prying eyes and ears to failure as their target CHAPTER SIX The priest who baptized him was waiting him. He showed a picture of his wife to of an immediate neighbor. participants would always on the ground level, below the platform; Father Greer, and gave him the address There’s more privacy in want their retreats outside of Building an Army behind the gallows. He was holding the of his family in Tokyo. They hoped to religious compounds. These their parish, outside of their George appreciated the value of the Holy Oils. While Konichi was still kicking remain friends, when the war was over. factors make them an ideal diocese. work for military men, and he was proud on the rope, the priest anointed him, on his But the Captain was killed in Manila, venue for retreats. The Diocese of Cubao is of the Knights who were doing it, but he hands, which were tied behind his back. when the Americans re-took the city. These retreat houses constructing a retreat and knew when a job had reached the point of Baptism remits all sin, even without Father Greer was re-patriated to the United managed and operated by renewal center which leaves diminishing returns. In his article: “The going to confession. Konichi received States in a troop ship, the Eberle. There he the religious are very cheap me to wander if they have Knights Stayed On the Job!” he writes: the last sacraments. So — as far as was assigned to work in Washington, D.C., as they are not operated studied its viability? Quezon “The clubs were a landmark in the city George could make out — he was safe in for two years, on the war claims of the for profit but for spiritual City has more than twenty until the end of 1945. At that time, some heaven, with Old Joe Mulry, with Ramon religious congregations in the Philippines. renewal of the faithful. There retreat houses which are months after V.J. Day, demobilization of the Cabrera, and with the Pan-American On his way back to Manila, in 1947, are hardly any privately operated by the religious. soldiers in the Philippines began on a large flyer whom he shot through the head. Father Greer resolved to find the family owned retreat houses as they Can the Diocese of Cubao scale and thousands were shipped back To George, the whole conversion of of the Japanese Captain in Tokyo — cannot compete with those be competitive enough? Is to the United States. Ironically enough, Konichi seemed absolutely reasonable, because the Captain had been so good being run by the religious it being built because of an as soldier population in the Philippines because the Sisters were praying for to the Catholic internees. In Tokyo, he communities. And besides, identified need or is it being decreased, soldier clubs conducted by him! Many of the male prisoners said found the area indicated in the address all retreatants would prefer built for legacy? Surely it other organizations increased. So we felt very harsh words about Konichi. One — but it had been destroyed in the great to have their retreats in cannot expect its parishioners that the crisis no longer existed, and turned prisoner said: “I would gladly give my life Tokyo fire. It was an empty space – flat. centers that are run by the to attend an overnight retreat back to peace-time activities.” for his! I’d gladly die if I could kill him!” Father Greer sounded around, among religious as they also have within the city. Have any The master of the civilian internees at But the nuns in Barracks 20 prayed for the Japanese in the area. One old man the resources for different of the parishes within the the Los Baños concentration camp, the Konichi. Sister Ruth prayed for him. remembered. He said: “Ah, yes! They programs required by the diocese participated in a Japanese Officer whom George knew George said: “The prayers of the Sisters used to live here! But they moved!” He faithful. It is also an indirect retreat in any of these retreat as “Konichi”, was executed for war are very strong! And it was beautiful, to gave Father Greer a new address. It was support for the religious houses within the city. crimes. His chief offense was starving have it happen that way!” all the way across town, and Father Greer programs in their ministries What is their expectation the prisoners in the camp, but he was Father Henry Greer, S.J., became the did not know Tokyo. But he worked his in all places where they are on this project? I hope the also found guilty of massacring innocent close friend of a young Captain from the way across the city, and — hours later — in. On top of that, it is their construction committee had Filipino civilians because they were religious section of the Japanese Army. found the new address. It was a store. expertise and no privately done its math; otherwise it’s accused of helping the internees. This was the Officer who came to the (to be continued in the next issue) owned retreat house could a waste of money. ever compete with those It is being constructed By the Reading Lamp / C2 managed by the religious. without a MOA with the Personally, I do not want parish pastoral council in the the establishment of the Confraternity San Beda College Alabang school affair that is capped by the grand mass to participate in an overnight midst of a pandemic. The laity of Sto. Niño de Praga. The Colegio Community celebrates the same Feast in the San Bea’s Senior Football Field. retreat if it will be done was not consulted and the held the first procession of the Sto. in the third week of January. Students, Surely, this pandemic that is upon us within the city where I live in. last three parish priests are Niño with the image made by Maximo alumni, administrators, faculty and staff may change the landscape and color of I also do not want to attend not included in its planning. Vicente on January 20, 1905. Its route pay homage to Jesus through festive how this feast or other festivities would a retreat in a privately owned Don’t the parishioners have was from the Colegio de San Beda in activities and games, dances and music, be held. But what will not change is the retreat house as there could the proprietary rights on Arlegui to the house of the Benedictine exhibitions and renditions.” unending devotion to the venerated be distractions, facilitators their parish property? Which Community on Balmes Street. The Having attended the yearly feast since Holy Infant Jesus uniquely found and might not be available and leads one to ask, what then Benedictine Priory in Manila gained grade school in the once exclusive boy’s practiced in this side of heaven. And so programs could be inadequate is the Santatlo? What does the dignity of an Abbey in 1924, and in school to meet erstwhile acquaintances by the reading lamp of my room I pray or not in conformity with the empowering of the laity 1926 the Abbey and the Colegio moved and lifelong friends in Mendiola, the the Hymn: Church teachings. means? The voice of the to new buildings on Mendiola Street. event had evolved through the years from “O Niño dios de praga rey clemente I also do not know of any laity is being ignored in this Since then, the shrine of Sto. Niño de being an exclusive campus affair to a el viador sosten retreat house that is owned case. Is the voice of the laity Praga has been in the Abbey Church of community gathering in the San Miguel solo de ti de gracia rica fuente and manage by a diocese? limited to yes father, yes Our Lady of Montserrat. Since 1975, the district of Manila. Alongside throngs of dimana dimana todo bien If there are, could they ever bishop? I certainly hope not. Benedictine Abbey celebrates the Feast alumni and their families are community solo de ti de gracia rica fuente compete with those run and I hope and pray that the voice of the Sto. Niño de Praga as a Solemnity members from neighboring campuses solo de ti de gracia rica fuente managed by the religious? of the laity be heard and be on the last Sunday of January. The and barangays who attend the three-day dimana dimana todo bien”. Such a retreat house is doom given value? C4 Vol. 24, Nos. 23 THE CROSS THE CROSS A primer on Guaranteed Issue Offer (GIO) Plans DO you want to leave your next fall victim to a terminal illness. of kin a small inheritance? Are A terminal illness is a medical you worried of not getting a life condition diagnosed after the insurance because of your age and issuance of the benefit certificate health? Are you worried your and will result in the death of the application might be turned down? Assured within twelve months from KCFAPI can give you and your date of diagnosis. loved ones peace of mind without The GIO Defender proposes a the hassle. KCFAPI introduces its lifetime insurance coverage. The own version of guaranteed issue life GIO Crusader provides insurance insurance in the form of three plans: protection for twenty years. If the GIO Defender, GIO Crusader and Assured survives the twenty year GIO Avenger. period, he gets a maturity bonus These Guaranteed Issue Offer equal to the benefit certificate’s plans (GIO) provide insurance face value. The GIO Avenger is protection at your convenience. A an upgraded version of the GIO GIO plan is a life insurance with no Crusader. In addition to the benefits health qualifications, that is, without presented, the Assured will collect consideration of the medical history twenty percent of the benefit of the applicant. An applicant can certificate’s Face Value on the fifth, avail of this plan without having to tenth and fifteenth anniversary of go through the process of medical the benefit certificate, if alive, or a examinations. GIO plans are the total of one hundred sixty percent KCFAPI President Bonifacio B. Martinez during the unveiling of the GIO plans held last January 19, 2021 at the KCFAPI Center, Intramuros, Manila. most accommodating or ‘convenient’ of the BC’s face value. form of life insurance as nearly all Summary Table of Death Benefits, Table 1 applications are approved. These See Table 1. Date of Death Cause of death Death Benefits plans are available for insurance ***Refers to date of last approved ages 18 to 49 with a minimum face reinstatement. Terminal illness Within two years from Effective Date Accident 100% of Face Value value (FV) of one hundred fifty benefit terminates at attained After two years from Effective Date Accident 100% of Face Value thousand (P150,000) up to one insurance age 81 million pesos (P1,000,000.00) per With GIO plans, KCFAPI offers life. These plans have a fifteen year you the following guarantees: Date of Death Cause of death Death Benefits limited payment period. Guaranteed protection that will To compensate for the acceptance never decrease regardless of your Within two years from Reinstatement Accident 100% of Face Value of all types of health risks, GIO age. Date plans have a graded death benefit, Guaranteed contribution that will After two years from Reinstatement Accident 100% of Face Value a refund of contributions if the never increase during your lifetime. Date applicant/Assured dies soon Guaranteed acceptance that your due to sickness after getting an application will not be refused insurance coverage. As a bonus, because of health reasons. Date of Death Cause of death Death Benefits all contributions refunded will be Guaranteed payment up to fifteen Within two years from Effective Date Sickness/not accident ROC* credited three percent interest per years only annum. Guaranteed benefits for insurance After two years from Effective Date Sickness/not accident 100% of Face Value All three plans come with a ages 18 to 49. *ROC refers to return of contribution paid from Effective Date plus 3% interest per annum terminal illness benefit, which allows Guaranteed coverage from the Assured access to the death 150,000 up to one million pesos. benefit equivalent to one half of So, what are you waiting for? Date of Death Cause of death Death Benefits the Benefit Certificate’s face value, Contact your fraternal counselor Within two years from Reinstatement Sickness/not accident ROC** to cover medical treatment bills and submit those applicationsnow! Date or outstanding debts, should he (AABala) After two years from Reinstatement Sickness/not accident 100% of Face Value Date Summary Table of Plan Benefits *ROC refers to return of contribution paid from Effective Date plus 3% interest per annum Summary Table of Terminal Illness Benefit Plan of Insurance Death Benefit as % of Living Benefit as % FV of FV Period of availment Age at Availment Terminal Illness Benefit Within two years from Effective Date Before age 81 None GIO Defender After two BC years but At age 100: 100% before age 100: 100% After two years from Effective Date Before age 81 ½ Face Value Within two years from Reinstatement Before age 81 None GIO Crusader After two BC years but Twentieth BC Year: Date*** before Twentieth BC 100% After two years from Reinstatement Before age 81 ½ Face Value Year: 100% Date

GIO Avenger After two BC years but Fifth BC Year:20% before Twentieth BC Tenth BC Year: 20% Year: 100% Fifteenth BC Year: 20% Twentieth BC Year: KCFAPI Ready for 2021 100% THE year 2020 affected market, the Fraternal KCFAPI now has a total the highest standards the Filipino people in Benefits Group reinforced of 21Area Managers and of integrity and many ways because of the its Salesforce through approximately 1,550 professionalism in its pandemic which made us recruitment initiatives Fraternal Counselors service. approach life differently to ensure that there across the Philippines who For your insurance with the dawn of the are sufficient field are very knowledgeable needs, you may reach “New Normal”. However, representatives to provide and well equipped in out to the assigned Area these challenges did not services by offering assisting current and Manager or Fraternal become a hindrance for KCFAPI’s insurance potential BC Holders Counselors in your the Knights of Columbus products to our dear in offering insurance Council or you may get in Fraternal Association Brother Knights and products according to their touch with the Fraternal of the Philippines, Inc. their immediate families. specific requirements. Benefits Group through (KCFAPI) in remaining At the start of 2021, the This year will definitely their facebook account – committed in their mission Association reassures its be tough because of the https://wwww.facebook. provided optimum BC Holders that it has lingering effects of the com/kfcfapi1958/ . You fraternal benefits to all the capability to provide pandemic to the Filipino may also check their its members and their the needed services for people but this will not products through their immediate families. their particular needs. stop the Association and website www.kofc.org. In order to cater to Apart from launching its Field Representatives ph or call the through the needs of its growing a new product, the in relentlessly providing (02)8527-22-23 to 27.

The Luzon Area Managers together with FBG Luzon VP, Bro. Gari M. San Sebastian; KCFAPI President Bro. Bonifacio B. Martinez and OIC EVP, Bro. Ronulfo Antero G. Infante During the GIO Product Launch held at the KCFAPI Center, Intramuros, Manila last January 19, 2021. Area Managers from Visayas and Mindanao and VP VisMin, Bro. Anthony P. Nazario also joined the launch via Zoom and FBLive (JPDeGuzman)

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.

JOB OPENINGS!

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the fraternal benefits arm of the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines is in search of the following qualified individuals: Sis. Orencia E. Perez, wife of  Corporate Audit Supervisor (must be a CPA) Bro. Mario V. Perez+, claiming  Training and Marketing Manager the Council Mortuary Benefit  Investment Supervisor  Actuarial Associate Plan (CMBP) Check last  Underwriting Staff December 18, 2020 with the  Service Office Staff – CDO  following testimonial “The Service Office Staff – Davao proceeds have helped us recover all the financial losses Visit us at the KCFAPI Center, Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila 1002 or call us at 0906-297-8303 for due to his untimely death.” Globe, 0949-135-8105 for Smart and (02) 8527-2223 local 201. You may also send your resume to [email protected]