NOVA ET VETERA RP PROVINCE NEWSLETTER November-December 2016 Vol. 52 No. 11
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By Jean-Baptiste Mubibi, CICM
Mission is an essential attribute of our identity as CICM. Just like Jesus was sent by the Father, we are also sent to pursue God‟s Mission through various ad extra and ad intra involvements. Thus, our pioneering spirit, our zeal to be in the periphery, our option to minister in the frontier-situations, and our universal brotherhood remain valuable assets in the establishment of the local Church. And when all this is in place, then we could re-echo the inspiring words of Theophile Verbist in his letter to Jacques Bax: “We have a Good and Beautiful Mission”. “The harvest is abundant, but laborers are few”… There are a large number of possible missionary commitments; there are various areas of pastoral involvements. As a matter of fact, many Church Leaders have appealed of our missionary services. Well, not to boast ourselves, but this is merely because of the good and beautiful mission we do undertake. However, most of these requests can‟t be yet addressed due to our limited resources and personnel at hand.
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In the Acts of the 14th CICM become then humble agents and General Chapter, it affirms that, “the instruments in God‟s vineyard. Provinces must define and identify All Missions stations and their missionary priorities”. Then from Parishes entrusted to our pastoral the RP Provincial Assembly of July care as CICM are valuable venues 2015 which led to the formulation of that offer great opportunities to the RP Provincial Missionary Project, respond to various missionary we came to articulate specific ad extra ventures or priorities.. They offer and ad intra missionary priorities. We many opportunities to cater and re- can‟t just be everywhere; and we can‟t invent lost dreams and aspirations of just do everything. We must the people at the margin of the thoroughly read the signs of the society: the least, the outcast, people times, and in the spirit of our with disability, etc. Here, we can Charism and traditions, be where we follow the itinerant Jesus always on must be. Thus in our priorities, we the road healing and liberating. mention: missionary involvement in rural and peripheral urban MISSION IN THE SPIRIT OF COR UNUM ET communities, JPIC, Education ANIMA UNA apostolate, interreligious dialogue, Parishes give us opportunities to etc. These areas of concern may preach not only by words, but most appear different in nature. Yet, they loudly by actions, by our life-style, by are all interconnected. Out of these our living testimony. We are to live by mentioned priorities, I would briefly what we proclaim. One of the reflect on some aspects of pastoral provoking topics nowadays is related involvement in the rural and to multicultural living. In fact, most peripheral communities. of us live and work in multi-cultural My pastoral experiences in setting. Coming from a variety of Mabuting Pastol Parish (Manila), cultural backgrounds, yet we live and Allaguia, Pinukpuk (Kalinga), and work in community or pastoral team. Irisan (Baguio) have tremendously This eventually entails different ways widen my horizons on the challenges of thinking and perceiving at reality, and concerns within Parish sector. and honestly problems will never fade Here, I have come to see that my away. Actually to my own perception, ideals and mission aspirations meet most of the problems are „character with reality. And in the light of my and personality‟ related. Anyway, we Christian faith as well as CICM do find ways: we do overcome our imprints, I commit myself accordingly. differences through fraternal I have to admit that, life here is not correction, and we do live and work just a bed of roses. But, it‟s honestly together. This becomes the best tool of worthwhile. Moreover, I see our life evangelization in this fragmented witnessing as solid contribution to world amidst tribal conflicts and God‟s mission here and now. We turbulent times. Our life is just a beautiful story of how as CICM
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 3 confreres we are forged and fashioned this Good and Beautiful Mission. We into a community of priests and just need to be ourselves, and to have brothers giving witness to Jesus‟ courage to embrace new ventures in admonition that we are all brothers; order to discover the hidden treasure we are One! This doesn‟t require of God‟s Kingdom. This could imply extraordinary accomplishments. more hassles and inconveniences by During this Christmas season, getting out of our comfort zones as we we are again brought to refresh are bound toward periphery. But fear ourselves in the divine love offered by not. It‟s worthwhile. Let‟s go, and God God the Father through Jesus the will go with us in this good and Emmanuel. Jesus emptied himself beautiful mission. Carry on the from his divinity to become one of us, Mission! and to save. As he was sent by the Blessed Christmas and Father, he sent us also as partners in Prosperous New Year!
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***INVITATION*** Ordination to the Priesthood
REV. RICKY GELLADULA, CICM missionary to Kinshasa (KIN), will be ordained priest on January 21, 2017 (Saturday), 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Guimbal, Iloilo.
ATTENTION !!!
Bishop Carlito Cenzon, CICM, DD, will reside in Home Sweet Home – Quezon City, starting January 16, 2017. The Provincial House Community and the Home Sweet Home – QC Community welcome the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Baguio with open arms and a wide smile. Your presence, Confrere-Bishop Otto, will surely be a blessing for all of us! See you soon!
WHEN WHAT WHERE December 14, 2016 PG Meeting Provincial House December 16, 2016 Last day of Office (CICM Secretariat) Provincial House December 20, 2016 Last day of Office (Treasurer’s Office) Provincial House Ordination to the Priesthood of January 21, 2017 Rev. Ricky Gelladula Guimbal, Iloilo San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish – 2 PM CICM Mission Center – January 23-26, 2017 PCPI Ongoing Formation Session Maryshore, Talisay City CICM Ongoing Formation Session for CICM Mission Center – February 6-10, 2017 38-59 age bracket (Group 1) Maryshore, Talisay City February 20 to Meeting of the March 20, 2017 General Precapitular Commission Rome, Italy June 4-25, 2017 CICM General Chapter Rome, Italy CICM Ongoing Formation Session for CICM Mission Center – August 21-25, 2017 38-59 age bracket (Group 2) Maryshore, Talisay City
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY to each and everyone of you!!!
JANUARY Age 01 Jacques Parré (BNL) 90 02 Antonio Tanchoco 66 02 Prudencio Andaya, Jr. 58 03 Ronaldo Benueza (BRA) 43 04 Jean-Claude Mulumba (TW) 43 05 Ramel Portula (US) 45 05 Jay Mark Ame (CIFA Th3) 28 07 Paul Zwaenepoel (BNL) 93 09 Paul Foulon (BNL) 84 10 Clem Schreurs (IND) 86 13 Mervin Quiros (IND) 34 15 Manuel D. Valencia 79 16 Tito Bolo, Jr. (BRA) 47 16 Earl Alan Cura (ASI) 47 17 Jozef Lapauw (US) 71 17 Richard Diaz 38 20 Didier Badianga Tona 42 23 Roger Van Cauwenbergh (BNL) 93 24 Jean Eddy Bakando 41 25 Carlito Cenzon 78 25 Willian Fernandes 29 26 Gerard Bouckaert 74 26 Guido Everaert 68 27 Ignatius Sudaryanto (IND) 60 29 Gustaaf Lambrechts (BNL) 79 31 Romeo Olivares 69
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FEBRUARY Age
01 Mike Haelterman (BNL) 83 01 Cevero Ermeje (Th.2) 32 02 Audrey Muñez (RD) 38 02 Adrian Louis Atonducan (HA) 30 04 François-X N’Sapo Kande (AFA) 53 07 Roger Montecalvo (CIFA Th2) 34 10 Niel Arca (Spc Prog) 36 10 Keban Kaha Paskalis 33 11 Romeo Nimez 64 11 Elmer Gao-ay (Th2) 24 12 Nolito Mosqueda (Th2) 30 13 Marcio Flavio Martins 37 14 Valentin Narcise 77 14 Jean Lugbu Mambule (KIN) 45 18 August Wijns 77 20 Angel Luciano 71 22 Jean Bosco Makolo 38
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ANNIVERSARIES OF ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Congratulations to those who celebrate their Ordination anniversary in:
JANUARY - 71 yrs 1946.01.27 - Lefebvre Jean - 21 yrs 1996.01.21 - Belangoy Plutarco - 69 yrs 1948.01.18 - Willems Wout - 18 yrs 1999.01.24 - Costa Jose Geraldo - 64 yrs 1953.01.25 - Deltour Silvere - 12 yrs 2005.01.09 - Magbanua Ronald - 31 yrs 1986.01.18 - Divino Luisito - 12 yrs 2005.01.15 - Bunagan Vincent FEBRUARY - 46 yrs 1971.02.28 - Couvreur Jan - 7 yrs 2010.02.13 - Galasa Maurice - 38yrs 1979.02.20 - Tanchoco Antonio - 7 yrs 2010.02.27 - Sabarillo Wilfredo - 34 yrs 1983.02.12 - Hechanova Jessie
ANNIVERSARIES OF RELIGIOUS VOWS
Congratulations to those who celebrate the anniversary of their vows in:
FEBRUARY - 31 yrs 1986.02.02 - Liman Franz K - 30 yrs 1987.02.02 - Costa Jose Geraldo - Sudaryanto Ignatius
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CALLED TO LIFE death anniversaries
JANUARY Age 01 Bro. Godfried Driessen 1941 41 Louvain, Belgium 01 Fr. Urbain Timmermans 1973 84 Manila, Philippines 02 Mr. Frederick Abelshausen 1977 59 Hoboken, Belgium 03 Fr. Albert Van Zuyt 1955 72 London, Great Britain 03 Bro. Henri De Moudt 1992 69 Baguio City, RP 03 Fr. Moises Somera 1999 62 Baguio City, RP 03 Fr. Norbert Lietaert 2002 88 Rumbeke, Belgium 07 Fr. Tom Letschert 1970 52 Leidschendam, NL 07 Fr. Louis Tysmans 1999 76 Arlington, VA, USA 07 Fr. Julian De Lodder 2000 81 Roxas, Isabela, RP 09 Fr. André Veranneman 2000 87 Malle, Belgium 11 Fr. Herman Gadeyne 2000 71 Baguio City, RP 15 Fr. Cornelis Tonus 1989 77 Sparrendaal, NL 15 Fr. Guillaume Vranken 2007 76 Leuven, Belgium 16 Fr. Frans Gevers 1977 57 Baguio City, RP 17 Fr. Louis De Boeck 1987 81 Arlington, VA, USA 18 Fr. Jan Jozef Hanssens 2003 81 Torhout, Belgium 19 Fr. Robert Timperman 2002 78 Arlington, VA, USA 21 Fr. Rafael Dhondt 2001 69 Torhout, Belgium 21 Fr. Paul Stassen 2006 86 Jambes, Belgium 22 Fr. Paul De Middeleer 2012 90 Quezon City, RP 23 Fr. Hector Harte 1984 84 Antwerp, Belgium 24 Fr. Firmin Dufey 1994 69 Namur, Belgium 24 Bro. Elias Maycacayan 1986 24 Quezon City, RP 25 Fr. Maurits De Brabandere 1953 62 Baguio City, RP 26 Fr. Omer De Smet 1981 66 Gent, Belgium 31 Fr. Henri Cornette 1971 59 Lubuagan, Kalinga, RP 31 Fr. Jose Saplala 2004 68 Quezon City, RP 31 Fr. Paul Defever 2012 80 Torhout, Belgium
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CALLED TO LIFE death anniversaries
F E B R U A R Y Age 01 Msgr. Willy Brasseur 1993 90 Baguio City, Philippines 02 Fr. Henk van Vugt 1991 62 Taytay, Rizal, Philippines 04 Fr. Prosper De Wilde 1989 64 Quezon City, Philippines 07 Fr. Jan Rijpma 1983 69 „s Hertogenbosch, NL 09 Mr. Albert Bardyn 1994 73 Antwerpen, Belgium 10 Fr. Rafael Desmedt 1990 85 Baguio City, Philippines 11 Fr. Pieter Dierickx 1946 84 Antwerpen, Belgium 12 Fr. Oscar Adriansens 1988 76 Schilde, Belgium Fr. Egide (Gil) Huenaerts 1995 77 Baguio City, Philippines 13 Fr. Jules Sepulchre 1912 32 Bontoc, Mt. Province 15 Fr. Hubert Ghijsens 1977 78 Boekhout, Belgium 15 Fr. Frans Wittezaele 1994 71 Quezon City, Philippines 16 Fr. Gerard Peeters 1993 65 Kessel-Lo, Belgium 17 Fr. Ferdinand Wijgerde 1945 40 Baguio City, Philippines Fr. Hubert Standaert 1986 74 Luik, Belgium 18 Fr. Wilfried Deturck 1993 72 Malle, Belgium 22 Mr. Ben Koenen 1999 72 Utrecht, Netherlands 22 Fr. Georges Piron 2011 83 Quezon City, Philippines 24 Fr. Paul De Geest 1958 74 Schilde, Belgium 24 Fr. Daniel Courtens 1999 77 Quezon City, Philippines 25 Fr. Felix Magnus 1994 87 Brabant, Belgium 27 Fr. Louis Segers 1986 71 Leuven, Belgium 28 Fr. Raymond Esquenet 1945 63 Candelaria, Quezon, Phils.
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November 05 : Patrick Masschelein, back to Hongkong 10 : Matthieu Ndjeok, Jean Sylvere Mbuela and Anthony Lim back to Mongolia Hongkong and Taiwan respectively 11 : Edgar Gacutan, back to Japan 12 : Sylvester Asa, back to Indonesia 13 : Vicar General Mike Reyes, back to Rome 16 : Antonius Harnoko, to Rome for the GCIF Meeting December 11 : Wang “Simon” Yujiang, to China
November 22 : Delfin Noriega, from Dominican Republic for his regular vacation 30 : Antonius Harnoko, back from the GCIF Meeting in Rome December 07 : Plutarco Belanggoy, from the USA, for his regular vacation 10 : Ricky Gelladula, from Kinshasa, for his priestly ordination and short vacation January 06 : Wang “Simon” Yujiang, back from China
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of:
FR. MARC DE ROY, CICM-BNL, born in Diest, Belgium on September 10, 1941, died in Liège, Belgium on December 7, 2016 at the age of 75 years. He had been a missionary in Congo (KIN) and in Belgium.
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By Leonardo Boff August 8, 2003
We are living times of great barbarism coexist in the same cosmos and in the same because solidarity among humans is nature with the same origin and with a extremely scarce. 1,400 million persons live common destiny. Cosmologists and Quantum with less than one dollar a day, two thirds of physicists assure us that the supreme law of which make up humanity of the future: the universe is the law of solidarity and children and youth under 15 years of age, cooperation of all with all. Darwin's law of condemned to survive with 200 times less natural selection, as demonstrated by living energy and raw materials than their organisms, must be seen within the bigger Northamerican brothers and sisters. But, who law of solidarity. Moreover, the living does thinks of them? The opulent countries do not not only struggle to survive, but to realize have the minimum sense of solidarity, potentials present in their being. At the because they set aside less than 1% of their human level, instead of the natural selection, gross internal wealth to meet this calamity. we must opt for caring and love. This way, all More than a political revolution is needed to can be included, even the weakest, thus solve this scourge. What is urgently needed is avoiding that they be eliminated in the name an ethical revolution to awaken the deep of the interests of the groups that gain feelings of fraternity and familiarity to make control by brute force or of a type of self intolerable such dehumanization and that justifying culture that uses and destroys precludes the voracious dinosaurs of others bringing them down. consumerism to continue with their self centered vandalism. We urgently need, then, Solidarity is found at the root of the process an ethos that is in solidarity with all those of humanization. When our humanoid who have fallen by the side of the path. ancestors went out to search for food, they would not eat it by themselves, alone, as Solidarity is inscribed, objectively, in the code individuals; they would bring the food to the of all beings, because all of us are group to be shared in solidarity. Solidarity interdependent one from the other. We allowed the jump from bestiality to humanity
12 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 and to the creation of socialization that is may be included in your care.» It is important expressed through language. All of us owe to nourish solidarity with future generations, our existence to the acts of solidarity of our because they also have the right to an mothers who welcome us into life and to the inhabitable Mother Earth. family. Our mission is to take care of all beings, to be These objective data must be subjectively the guardians of our common natural and internalized, as a goal of a liberty that opts cultural inheritance, making certain that the for solidarity as the basic content of all social biosphere continues to be a birthright to all relations. Political solidarity will be the life and not just for us. Thanks to the ethos articulating axis of all societies worldwide, or that takes responsibility, we venerate each no one will have a future. Solidarity will be and every being and every form of life. built from below, starting with the victims of social processes. The commandment sounds like this: «Be in solidarity with all beings, your Source: www.leonardoboff.com planetary co-adventurers, be especially in solidarity with the more abused, so that all
In the GG Meeting of December 2, 2016, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, transferred Angel Vidal Ludan (LAC) to RP, for three years, as of July 1, 2017.
In the GG meeting of December 2, 2016, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, convenes the Meeting of the General Precapitular Commission from February 20 to March 20, 2017, in Rome. The reason why this meeting will take place a bit later than usual is that most of our Regions have just concluded their Assemblies and some of them are still preparing their reports. Moreover, the GG would like to give enough time to those who would need to apply for a visa to travel to Rome to do so within a reasonable limit of time.
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By WB Eustaquio Buhay SLU, October 2017
On the occasion of the birth of Mary, Mother was followed by the Eucharistic celebration of Jesus, on September 8, 2016, the CICM- with the rite of blessing for the tabernacle, Philippines Provincial Superior Very Rev. Fr. the altar and the whole of the structure. The Ramon R. Caluza, CICM, the SLU Parish angelic voices of the SLU Glee Club added to Priest and VP for Mission and Identity Rev. the holiness of the occasion, especially the Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, the SLU singing of the Litany in the Iloco language. President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, and The Eucharistic celebration concluded with a other CICM priests assigned in the various message of inspiration from Very Rev. Fr. mission stations in Northern Philippines, His Caluza. He emphasized the importance of Excellency Most Rev. Carlito J. Cenzon, CICM starting and ending the day in the campus in D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio, led the sacred space with God, the Church. He the zealously awaited blessing and dedication prayed that this sacred space be a place of of the new Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish love, reconciliation, and commitment. He Church in the SLU Main Campus along thanked Bishop Cenzon for his commitment Bonifacio St.
Full of excitement, silence, awe, and solemnity, the congregation gathered at the facade of the new church witnessed the rite of blessing and dedication which commenced at the main door of the revered church. It
14 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 to respond to the needs of the parish. He expressed by Rev. Fr. Sales and Rev. Fr. commended Rev. Fr. Sales for doing an Maniwang to all who contributed to the excellent job. To Rev. Fr. Maniwang, he success and solemnity of the event. The SLU encouraged him to keep up the good work. President revealed that the design of the Finally, he appealed to all who participated in altar was done by Rev. Fr. Luisito D. Divino, the celebration and blessing to help the CICM CICM, the Rector of Home Sweet Home, in doing the good and beautiful mission that Baguio City. The festivity ended with the the founder Theophile Verbist has entrusted sumptuous meal served at the Prince to the congregation. Message of thanks were Bernhard Gym.
Ready, willing and faith-driven, these consciousness of the current CICM stakeholders. are a few of the many striking responses the SLU Rev. Fr. Pres. Sales emphasized in his afternoon Management Team has imbibed from the dialogue the strategic directions of the University Management Recollection and Leadership Training particularly strengthening SLU’s CICM mission and thoughtfully organized by the Management identity, ensuring quality Catholic education and Support Circle last August 20, 2016 at the SLU’s corporate social responsibility. Maryhurst Seminary. VP for Mission and Identity Challenging group dynamics activities Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, welcomed provided the participants the opportunity to be the sixty-five participants while University acquainted (as this is the first time they met as President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, gave a one SLU Management Team) and to work in brief message prior to the CICM Charism teams. One of the highlights of the day is their discussion of no less than Provincial Superior Fr. pact of commitment done symbolically with their Ramon R. Caluza, CICM. As Rev. Fr. Caluza thumb marks forming a tree. recovered and reignited in mission the CICM’s lay A Eucharistic Mass celebrated by the CICM collaborators – the SLU Management Team, he Fathers: Rev. Fr. Caluza, Rev. Fr. Sales, Rev. laid out the “good and beautiful mission” of CICM Maniwang and Rev. Fr. Geraldo Costa capped the founder, Fr. Theophile Verbist. With much day’s recollection. Indeed, in the Catholic reflection by the participants, inspiring parallelisms education apostolate and ultimately in God’s were gathered from the exchange of stories of service, the SLU Management Team’s greatest how the missionary spirit thrived among the ABILITY is their AVAILABILITY. (Buhay SLU, Religious followers of Fr. Verbist as well as their September 2016) accompanying lay collaborators and how the same missionary zeal has been running in the
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By Emery E. Mwako, CICM-Simbalan
On November 27, Sunday, we effect of post modernity brought innumerable celebrated our Family Day in Simbalan. addictions that the world had ever seen. During that day, I was blessed to discuss Besides of the well-known namely drugs, with two families. We tried to reflect on the cigarettes, liquor, sport, books, etc., let’s issue of addiction which leaves some families focus only on the newborn addictions. miserable. The concept of addiction is well known. In our context of the Philippines, INTERNET ADDICTS people are easily referring to it only in terms of drug addicts. Speaking about addiction The first group is about social addicts makes us focus on the future generation. or Internet addicts such as Facebook addicts, Obviously, today’s generation is more Messenger addicts, WhatsApp addicts, IMO exposed to diverse dangers that lead to addicts, Viber addicts, Skype addicts, Twitter insecurity and uncertainty of life. A lot of addicts, Instagram addicts, Movie addicts, families are unwillingly facing that problem and so forth. In the same group are included with their children and husbands. Either the Pokémon-Go addicts, Temple Run, Piano father or the child or even a relative is Tiles, Criminal Case, Bunnyshooter, Candy addicted. “It’s like hell on earth,” cried a Crush Soda Saga, Clash of Clans, woman. Are there other addictions which we Cleverblocks, Deal or No Deal, Real Boxing, are not aware but indeed affect the life of the and other games. family? She asked. “Becoming a parent today is quite a difficult role”, acclaimed a parent, BRAND AND GADGET ADDICTS “because there is a big difference of the children’s demands today”, he added. The This group mostly attracts the youth and those alike. Nowadays, it really became demanding for a family to provide for each child the latest gadget that comes out. In other words, if you want to buy cellphone for a youth, it should be branded like IPhone, Android phone, and as long as those are smartphones with matching SD card, good MP of camera, Wi-fi connected, mobile data connection, games, and etc. It is the same for the clothes and other materials.
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MATE’S ADDICTS and meaning. In the past, mealtimes were Naturally, a person is correlational and moments for family bonding, reunion and therefore tries to connect with those around sharing. Moreover, moment where parents him/her. However, this does not put a person give advice and guide lines to children in one into total dependence in the other person. hand, and the children share about their The current generation became too much experiences and dreams for their future on the other hand. Nowadays, the reality is dependent on the mate like text-mates, chat- mates, call-mates, video-mates, and etc. unbelievable: every member gathers together How many necessary text or SMS does but remains alone, preoccupied with gadgets. someone receive or send a day? Who can While eating, the father is busy texting his equal the time spent in Whatsapp’ business partners and planning to drink with conversation to the service rendered for the his friends and mother’s attention is focused good of the family? in contacting her relatives and her close friends here and abroad (by a video call). The eldest sister is busy chatting with her SELFIE ADDICTS chat-mates and classmates while the As we all know the selfie phenomenon youngest child is absorbed playing games. that has spread out in our society. These There is no more room for sharing and good days, there are more cases of accidents conversation within the family. This is the because of lack of attention due to selfie model of some family lifestyle today. impact. For example, a postmodern student cannot miss taking selfie in any and all Indeed, these addictions are occasions even unthinkable unworthy ones. compulsory to the demands and the This selfie generation has lost the addictions of each community today. By discernment of the necessity and essentiality. celebrating the closing “Year of the Family” We even notice selfie taking during prayers, (together with the Year of the Eucharist and sessions or class lessons. the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy) and the opening “Year of Communities”, may we Therefore, we can dare to say rediscover the value of interpersonal that postmodern addictions are viruses relationship, family bonds and be in control into or for the family. Because of these of postmodern means rather than being addictions, family ties and bonds are broken controlled by them. as interpersonal relationships have lost value
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By Freddie J. Lucena, CICM-Haiti
Home leave or home vacation is a changed. Even though, the present much anticipated event in the life of a young technology offers the privilege of being near CICM missionary like me. It is an important to familiar faces and places despite of being break especially for those who are in the far, it does not completely compensate the mission outside of their home country. joy and excitement of the physical contact Usually a three-months vacation is given after and presence with family, friends, confreres three years of work and ministry in the and the things familiar with. foreign mission. For some, it is every two Last July until October of this year, I years, like the US Province, but with a shorter had my home leave. This is already the fourth break. Before, as our older confreres would since I left for the recall, it happens every 10 missions in 2004 yet I felt years then it was reduced it was just like the first to 7 until it reached the one. Prior to it, plans standard practice today of were already made on every three years. It only how to spend that short happens every three three months with the years so just imagine the family, friends and even kind of excitement. confreres. I made my own Home vacation is time table and schedule an opportunity to rest and and of course the budget. to recreate with familiar Three months appear to faces and places. It is an be long but actually it is opportunity to go back to still short so planning is one’s root and re- very important. I planned familiarize because after Family Outing in Kamay ni Hesus, to visit my family and three years a lot had Sariaya, Quezon relatives, CICM confreres
18 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 and friends scattered in different provinces of Three weeks after on the 21st of the Philippines. It is always a pleasure to go August, I lost my uncle Rodolfo “Uncle Rudy” back to my roots and reminisce the past Alonzo, my father’s brother-in-law. He died experiences of my childhood, adolescence of asthma at the age of 77.He was present and seminary formation. But unforeseen and during the 9th day memorial of Auntie Ancing unexpected events can change plans. so we were not really expecting that he would die soon. He My home leave Funeral of Auntie Ancing was a memorable that I had recently was a different one. In a uncle for he was very span of three months, accommodating and generous. I lost 3 family members on the side Then a week of my father. Actually before my birthday, on th it was 4 if I include the the 16 of September, father-in-law of my I lost another uncle, brother. Indeed, it was Domingo “Uncle a hard blow to the Doming” Ngaeb, the family because we lost husband of my aunt Funeral of Uncle Doming three memorable who died last July. We family figures. Many expected that he were joking that it was would not last long I they were waiting for anymore. He was before passing away. already undergoing In a way I felt it that dialysis. He died of way, I was present kidney failure at the when they said age 78. Like Auntie goodbye. I was able to Ancing, he was talk to them and considered a Santa minister to them Claus the whole year before they died. round.
Two weeks after It was very my arrival on the 29th painful to the family of July, I lost my aunt and to all the people
Anastacia“Auntie with close ties to the Ancing” Ngaeb. She is deceased. We did not the elder sister of my expect that these father. She died of old deaths will come so age (80) and of soon and come one sickness. She was after the other in a married and had no MMeemmoorrriiiaalll SSeerrrvviiiccee oofff UUnncclllee RRuuddyy short span of time. It child of her own. Her caused a lot of pain childless situation and grief to all of us. It made her consider all her nieces and was very draining on the part of the family. nephews as her children. All of us considered Aside from the financial expenses incurred her our Santa Claus the whole year round. before and after the burial, work time and
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 19 energy were sacrificed just to be present. It together like birthdays and anniversaries. I was painful for those family members who was able to fulfil some functions and were outside of the country because they commitments outside of the family. I were not able to come. But these sacrifices facilitated the recollection of the Grade 11 will never surpass the goodness our beloved students of my former alma mater Saint dead showed when they were still alive. Augustine’s School in Tagudin. I was grateful that I had the chance to be with my confreres In order to compensate the loss, we made these deaths as opportunities for the when I joined the Provincial Assembly of the whole family to be together, to pray and to CICM RP Province and the Priestly Ordination express solidarity and unity. Every funeral of Adrian Atonducan in Cebu aside from became a sort of family reunion even for a the time spent in the Provincial House and in short period of time. It was a moment of the formation house. memorial and thanksgiving for our beloved dead. Being a priest, my presence became a consolation to the whole family. It was my responsibility then to make them feel God’s presence in the moments of grief and loss. I celebrated the funeral masses, their 9th and even their 40th day death memorials. No words or testimonies can comfort enough but with just the presence and the expressions of solidarity these added to the alleviation of the pain and grief. Filipino-CICM Missionaries to Haiti On the brighter side, my home leave was not all about death and burials. The I was not able to realize the way I family decided that since I am with them only wanted my vacation would pass. However, I every three years we have to spend more profited my home leave as a moment to have time together. There were moments of joy more time for the family. It may not be all and relaxation. We had our family outings in joyous experiences but it was filled with Baguio, in Batangas and in Quezon. I tried to moments to minister to them. For sure, it will be present where my family members where take time before the whole family can be in Tagudin, San Fernando, La Union and comfortable of the absence of Auntie Ancing, Uncle Rudy and Uncle Doming especially Batangas. We celebrated important events during Christmas vacation. I pray that they would remain strong and faithful despite of the loss. Now I am back in Haiti and as I recall those 3 months of vacation, I thank the Lord for those experiences. I thank God for the opportunity to be of service and of ministry to my family. I feel recharged to continue my mission work here and I cannot avoid looking forward for that home vacation again three Family outing in Baguio City years from now.
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Welcome to Theses Corner!
Dr. Joefrey M. Almazan, Head of the SLU Department of Religion, School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts, presented his thesis to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Maryhill School of Theology, Quezon City in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Religious Studies on March 18, 2009 and received a grade of 1.378 (magna cum laude). Below is the Abstract of his thesis entitled THE EUCHARIST AND THE ILOCANOS REVISITED: Towards a Meaningful Ilocano Eucharist through Inculturation.
Eucharist as the Source and Summit of Christian life (LG 11)
This study entitled “THE EUCHARIST AND The study hence, sought to shed light to THE ILOCANOS REVISITED: Towards a the inquiry: Meaningful Ilocano Eucharist through Inculturation” is an attempt to raise the level of “Is the Liturgical rite of the Eucharist discussion on the imperative of Liturgical prescribed by the Catholic Church still meaningful Inculturation, and to propose some general and relevant among Ilocanos at the present?” Yet suggestions on how to shape more relevant and to conduct a more though discussion, the more meaningful Ilocano Eucharist. This paper following reformulations were made as sub- hence, does not envision to provide a complete problems: and comprehensive study of how the Roman rite of the Eucharist can be adapted into the Ilocano 1. Who are the Ilocanos?; 2. What is the context. Eucharist?; 3. How can the method of Liturgical Inculturation help the Ilocanos to have an active, It adopted the principles, processes and full, conscious and fruitful celebration of the methods of Liturgical Inculturation following the Eucharist? paradigm of Anscar Chupungco, the leading figure As a starting point of this study, a brief in the field. It also highlighted a possibility of description of the culture of the Ilocanos is realizing Second Vatican Council’s agenda of presented. Further, it also presented a historical liturgical reform yet maintaining a fidelity to a native — the Ilocano. survey on the meaning and development of the Eucharist and it ended with the Ilocano
understanding of the Eucharist. To supplement
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 21 the need for inculturation, a presentation of the Based on the findings of the study, the arguments of Anscar Chupungco on the principles, following recommendations were derived: 1) That processes and methods of Inculturation was the strength of Eucharist be enhanced by a made. It was concluded with appraisal of the two maximum and genuine practice of “Naindayawan- models of Inculturation that is, dynamic a-Rambak-ti-Gimong” as a God-centered equivalence and contextualization. celebration, a memorial of God’s “naimbag-a- nakem” and community-oriented (gimong), in Results of the study revealed that the Ilocano home, places of gathering and Eucharist is unquestionably ambivalent to many celebrations in order to promote a genuine and Ilocanos. The Eucharist is treated by many authentic Ilocano Liturgical community; 2) that Ilocanos as the center of their Christian faith. Still, inculturation as a meaningful approach for majority of the Ilocanos uphold to the Liturgical renewal, is highly recommended for understanding of the Eucharist as: First, the further attempts of inculturating the other Eucharist is a meal in memorial of Christ’s passion, sacraments; 3) It is also recommended that: a. death and resurrection (rambak/padaya). Second, The “Misa ng Bayang Pilipino” of Anscar the Eucharist is also understood by many Ilocanos Chupungco be translated into Iloco. Recognizing as a great sacrifice of thanksgiving (panagyaman). the richness of the Ilocano culture, the “Misa ng Third, that the Eucharist is the central celebration Bayang Pilipino” would therefore, be enhanced by of the Church meant to build up the Body of Christ Ilocano world of meanings; b. Following the (gimong). Thus, the Holy Mass is treated among paradigm of the “Misa ng Bayang Pilipno”, the the Ilocanos as the most popular and significant “Naindayawan-a-Rambak-ti-Gimong” be celebration of their faith. However, though there accentuated as the dynamic equivalence of the are many beautiful and sweet words that can be Roman Catholic Church’s Sacrament of the linked with the Eucharist, some alarming realities Eucharist in Iloco. The “Naindayawan-a-Rambak- which affect the Ilocanos’ full and active ti-Gimong” indeed, is a portrait of who Ilocanos participation of the Eucharist were also are; c. In depth catechesis/instruction on the considered. First, until now many Ilocano Catholic meaning and importance of the Eucharist and Christians have lack or poor understanding on how inculturation be given to the young people at the the Eucharist operates or works. Second, until this present. 4) That with the recovery program of the time many Ilocanos display ignorance or lack of Ilocano society in particular and the Philippine proper understanding about Eucharist. Third, just society in general, an emphasis be given to like many Filipino Catholics, Ilocano Catholics “Naindayawan-a-Rambak-ti-Gimong” to mean, separate the Mass from their daily lives. communion (gimong), God’s presence The importance of Inculturation at this juncture is (naindiosan) and a memorial of God’s offer of emphasized. That the Ilocano’s full, conscious, salvation (naimbag-a-nakem). Indeed, these active and fruitful participation in the Eucharist Eucharistic values are the needed elements for can be done through a mutual integration of the transformation and recovery; 5) That since the rite prescribed by the Church and their native Eucharist is the summit of the Christian culture. It respects the process of integration celebrations, seminars, retreats, recollections whereby both the Eucharist and the Ilocano bearing this important concept be conducted in culture are able to evolve through mutual insertion schools, parishes and private and government and absorption while preserving their identities. agencies; 6. Finally, that readers of this paper are Thus, the Eucharist that is ritually expressed in a challenged to venture also into this enterprise. It Roman form is assimilated and reformulated in a is desired hence, that future researchers would language and form that the Ilocanos understand also welcome the principles of this study in their and participate in. It is here where genuine own culture. integration happens.
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By Jonel Dalimag, CICM (Continued from previous issue) [Correction in previous issue: After D. Elements of Indigenous Spirituality is: 1. The Belief in the Great Spirit. In the book of Genesis…]
In the daily life of the indigenous peoples, dominate other creatures (The Dominion this belief in the Great Spirit and other Theory). It may be true that the Book of spirits is translated into respect and care Genesis states that: “And now we will for Mother Nature, which is the make human beings; they will be like us foundation of ecological spirituality. and resemble us. They will have power “Indigenous peoples look at over the fish, the birds, and all animals, themselves as integral part of domestic and wild, large and small.” 27 So nature, and hence, one has to live God created human beings, making in productive harmony with nature. them to be like himself.” For the Unlike the prevailing worldviews of indigenous peoples, the emphasis is not the capitalists and socialists, the on the power of man over the fishes, the indigenous peoples‟ view of nature birds and animals in the sense of is not something to be dominated. destroying them for his own sake, but on They lived with the land. The land is the image and likeness of God. This simply viewed not as a resource to be means that God has created human exploited for profit but the source beings as stewards of his creation: “I am of their group‟s being. The thought putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, that one is a mere part of Nature, and all the wild animals.” Fr. Diarmuid when understood seriously, is a very O’Murchu laments this reality when he humbling experience.”1 said: “From the religious point of view, This worldview of considering oneself as the aliveness of the nonhuman mere part of Nature is very much contrary world (animals, etc.) is a secondary to the belief that Man is created to life form, frequently perceived to exist for the use and benefit of 1 N. Caoili, 1998
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 23 humans. This form of reductionism Creator is himself present in his seems dangerously creation. The Holy Spirit is anthropocentric, undermining not nonetheless also the Spirit of Christ merely the spiritual empowerment and requires the redemption of all life but relegating humans to wrought in Christ to act effectively a cosmic and planetary superiority in the world.”3 that seems to be at the roots of many of the major problems That Kabunyan is himself present in his confronting humanity today.”2 creation is not only a concept or an idea for the indigenous peoples but a way of This kind of spirituality, which is the belief in life they practice every day. For the the Great Spirit is akin to Christianity’s indigenous peoples, spirituality is a lived Pneumatology. This was explained by experience, not institutionalized. It is a O’Murchu by quoting and expounding kind of an incarnational spirituality. In the the idea of a German theologian Jurgen words of the late Bishop Julio Labayen: Moltmann: “By incarnational spirituality, we “God and the Holy Spirit…is in all mean the life of our human spirit created beings…if we understand that is situated and rooted in the the Creation his creation, and the human flesh. By this orientation, we goal of that creation in a Trinitarian are shifting our understanding of sense, then the Creator, through spirituality from institutionalized this Spirit, dwells in his creation as a spirituality to incarnational whole, and in every individual spirituality, from spirituality that is created, but by virtue of his Spirit associated with an institutional way holding them together and of the living to a spirituality that is keeping them in life. The inner rooted in our common humanity.”4 secret of creation is this indwelling of God.” “For Moltmann, the Spirit uniquely 2. LAND IS SACRED represents God‟s indwelling of the whole creation…The indwelling of In the book of Genesis, God made the God in creation is facilitated land appear from the waters and put in it primarily by the Spirit, described by many living creatures as well. This reminds Moltmann as the „principle of us of the sacrament of baptism in which evolution…the Spirit of the universe, new life comes after being baptized with its total cohesion, its structures, its water. Then God commanded, “Let the formation, its energy.‟ God the Holy water below the sky come together in Spirit has the exclusive quality of one place, so that the land will appear”— saturating creation, and it is God as and it was done. 10 He named the land Spirit through whom creation “Earth,” and the water which had come experiences this special immanence and indwelling of 3 Ibid, p. 139. 4 Most Rev, Julio Xavier Labayen, “Human Rights God…Through the energies and and Spirituality”, in Not to Hurt the Womb That potentialities of the Spirit, the Gave Birth; Dynamics of Neglect and Dynamics of Spirituality, Asian Human Rights Commission, 1998, 2 O’Murchu, 2013, p. 71 pp. 133-149.
24 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 together he named “Sea.” And God was origin myths the land and everything pleased with what he saw. 11 Then he connected to it were created by this commanded, “Let the earth produce all deity. Because land was of divine origin, it kinds of plants, those that bear grain and was sacred. Being sacred, it was not those that bear fruit”—and it was subject to ownership, sale, purchase, or done…20 Then God commanded, “Let the lease. Among indigenous peoples in the water be filled with many kinds of living Philippines, there was a widespread belief beings, and let the air be filled with birds.” that land was held usufruct; it could not 24 Then God commanded, “Let the earth be removed from the community’s use. produce all kinds of animal life: domestic The interaction of the ancestors with the and wild, large and small”—and it was land varied according to how they done. 25 So God made them all, and he produced what they needed for food.6 was pleased with what he saw. Land is The indigenous peoples do not believe in life! Land is sacred! That is the undeniable private ownership of land. Rather, they creed of the indigenous peoples. Land is subscribe to communal owner through life and land is sacred is a worldview that the concept of ancestral lands and threads their spiritual rituals and worships ancestral domains. Ancestral domains is and their worldviews. The ethnicity of the defined under R.A. 8371 or the IPRA Law indigenous peoples is the most significant as: “all areas generally belonging to aspect of their claim to the land and life. ICCs/IPs comprising lands, inland waters, Their life has a vital link to their land. Their coastal areas, and natural resources world consciousness and the continuity of therein, held under a claim of ownership, their way of life are firmly rooted in their occupied or possessed by ICCs/IPs, by land where they were born and have themselves or through their ancestors, defined their humanity. Their land of origin communally or individually since time is not is not only the source of their immemorial, continuously to the present sustenance, it is their identity and culture. except when interrupted by war, force Their ancestral land is the repository of majeure or displacement by force, their knowledge and worldviews. Their deceit, stealth or as a consequence of clear awareness of the environment and government projects or any other their keen respect for its natural processes voluntary dealings entered into by constitute for them a kind of intellectual government and private and spiritual identity.5 individuals/corporations, and which are Land is a central issue to indigenous necessary to ensure their economic, peoples because it defines their very social and cultural welfare. It shall include existence. Since time immemorial, ancestral lands, forests, pasture, Philippine ancestors believed in a residential, agricultural, and other lands cosmology where the Creator (known by individually owned whether alienable various names such as Bathala, Kabunian, and disposable or otherwise, hunting Magbabaya, Apo Sandawa) was linked grounds, burial grounds, worship areas, with other deities and spirits. In Philippine bodies of water, mineral and other natural resources, and lands which may
5 Aurea G. Miclat-Teves, Land is Life: Reclaiming no longer be exclusively occupied by the Ancestral Domain of the Aetas for Food ICCs/IPs but from which they traditionally Security, in Promoting Indigenous Knowledge for Food Security, A Source Book, 2009; pp. 79-94. 6 Molintas
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 25 had access to for their subsistence and community and sensitive to the traditional activities, particularly the home well-being of future generations. ranges of ICCs/IPs who are still nomadic These practical knowledge and and/or shifting cultivators.” 7 Ancestral foresight explain why indigenous lands on the other hand is defined by the people defend the land. Ironically, same law as: “land occupied, possessed the active articulation of these life- and utilized by individuals, families and affirming and life-sustaining clans who are members of the ICCs/IPs principles has become the reasons since time immemorial, by themselves or for their marginalization and the through their predecessors-in-interest, suffering imposed on them.9 under claims of individual or traditional group ownership, continuously, to the Apo Pangat Makliing Dulag of Kalinga present except when interrupted by war, articulated clearly that land is sacred as force majeure or displacement by force, an element of indigenous spirituality when deceit, stealth, or as a consequence of he said: government projects and other voluntary "You ask if we own the land. . . How dealings entered into by government and can you own that which will outlive private individuals/corporations, you? Only the race own the land including, but not limited to, residential because only the race lives lots, rice terraces or paddies, private forever. To claim a piece of land is forests, swidden farms and tree lots.”8 a birthright of every man. The lowly Hence, for the indigenous peoples, in the animals claim their place; how words of Rev. Rex RB Reyes, secretary much more man? Man is born to general of the NCCP: live. Apu Kabunian, lord of us all, “It is foolishness to say we own the gave us life and placed us in the land. The land owns us!” Indigenous world to live human lives. And peoples around the world have where shall we obtain life? From affirmed this statement time and the land. To work (the land) is an again in defense of the land from obligation, not merely a right. In wanton abuse. This springs from a tilling the land, you possess it. And profound understanding that the so land is a grace that must be earth‟s resources are to be shared nurtured. To enrich it and make it for the sustenance of all that is fructify is the eternal exhortation of upon it and not to be exploited to Apu Kabunian to all his children. satisfy the greed of the few. Such Land is sacred. Land is beloved. indigenous people‟s perspective From its womb springs …life.”10 resonates with the Christian understanding of responsible 9 http://nccphilippines.org/2016/09/mga-katutubo- stewardship. Responsible kristyanong-pamayanan-kinakalinga-ang-buhay- kalikasan-kabundukan/ stewardship and indigenous 10- Macli-ing Dulag, Chieftain of the Kalinga Tribe spirituality uphold the reverence of (quoted in Ponciano L. Bennagen, "Tribal Filipinos" life, the good interrelationship that in Indigenous View of Land and the Environment, ed. Shelton H. Davis, the World Bank Discussion should be the dynamic of a Papers, No. 188, pp. 71-72.) Also quoted by J. Kapunan in his separate opinion in Isagani Cruz 7 See Republic Act 8371 (IPRA Law) and Cesar Europa vs. Secretary of DENR, et all., 8 Ibid. G.R. No. 135385 , December 6, 2000.
26 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 Pope Francis shares this world view that relationships among the indigenous land is sacred. In his encyclical Laudato peoples. Customary laws is defined as Si, Pope Francis developed the spirituality “the laws, practices and customs of cultural ecology based on cultural of the indigenous and local values as against consumerist’s culture. communities which are an intrinsic He recognizes the role of the indigenous and central part of the way of life cultural communities in practicing a of these communities. Customary sound cultural ecology based on the laws are embedded in the culture notion that land is of divine origin, and and values of a community or therefore, sacred. society; they govern acceptable "In this sense, it is essential to show standards of behavior and are special care for indigenous actively enforced by members of communities and their cultural the community.” 12 (Emphases are traditions. They are not merely one supplied). minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners Customary laws are generally not written, especially when large projects but are transmitted through oral tradition affecting their land are proposed. and practices. Since time immemorial, For them, land is not a commodity indigenous peoples have regulated their but rather a gift from God and from societies by internal social-political and their ancestors who rest there, a cultural-religious structures and processes. (to be continued) sacred space with which they These informal and flexible rules and need to interact if they are to functions or customs and traditions were maintain their identity and values. passed on from one generation to the When they remain on their land, next, eventually evolving into customary they themselves care for it best. laws that are enforced by the Nevertheless, in various parts of the community.13 world, pressure is being put on them to abandon their homeland (to be continued) to make room for agricultural or mining projects which are undertaken without regard for the degradation of nature and culture."11
3. CUSTOMARY LAWS For lack of a better term, I chose a politically correct term in customary laws. I was toying with the idea of using living traditions but I found out that most groups used customary laws. Anyway, customary laws covers everything that governs 12 See Customary Laws and Free Prior and Informed Consent, TFIP, 2013. P. 12 11 Laudato Si, #146. 13 Ibid.
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By Fr. Geraldo Costa, CICM
Our Founder Theophile Verbist’s first well. Research shows that a greater inspiration for founding a Missionary percentage of child prostitution in the world Congregation was to answer the suffering happens due to syndicates residing in clamor of many children who were left behind Belgium, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom. and abandoned in China. His inspirational Child trafficking, a major problem for experience was the desire to uplift the plight developing countries such as the Philippines, of many children left to die due to poverty Dominican Republic, Mexico and Indonesia, is and social stigma (e.g. boys are more a major concern too for several countries in valuable than girls) in China at his time. Europe, where children are shipped for the sex trade. More than a century has passed since Verbist left his hometown and joined an In the same line of universalization of international missionary crusade to preach our child abuse problems is the sexual Saviour who in His simplicity welcomes the exploitation of children through cyber child (Mark 10:13-16) and blessed them; the pornography. Such traffic of images and figure of the most marginalized and videos became so rampant that children as victimized, not yet considered persons, young as four years old in a fisherman village individuals of his time. However, although in the far reach island in the Philippines are with improvements in some areas such as sexually exploited by pedophiles from education and health, the situation of the everywhere in the world. The secrecy of such children in the world has somehow remained trade has transformed innocent children into very similar, if not worsened, in some areas of mere sexual objects for anyone who has a the world. credit card to pay for a minimal fee.
The Universal Problems of Children in Emotional neglect and the World abandonment is not only a problem of the poor countries but also of children left on The problems children are suffering their own in the developed countries. from today tend to be similar in different parts Emotional neglect is of the world. As observed by many not easy to international agencies such as UNICEF and measure as Save the Children, the problem of children physical abuse transposes frontiers and continental barriers. and the level Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation- of poverty. prostitution of children is not anymore the However, the problem alone of children in the Philippines, effects of Brazil, Thailand and Sri Lanka, but also of emotional neglect children in the United States and Europe as hinder the whole
28 NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 future of millions of children. For example, the increase mental health problems in adulthood such as borderline personality disorder have its link in emotional neglect in early childhood.
Physical abuse is a major concern not only for poor countries, but a reality in almost all countries in the world. The Convention on the Rights of Children promotes legislations that protect children from abuse. Only two countries in the world did not ratify the Convention, namely, Somalia for reasons of country of origin, ethnicity, and the United States. Although legally gender or circumstances in which they are protected children continue to be hampered born. The economic inequality is affecting by extreme physical harm anywhere in the millions of children in the world, thereby world. denying them of a better future. There are observations that the proposed project of the Specific Problems of childhood Millennium Development Goals might not be a
reality for millions of children who will die While many of the challenges children before accomplishing the target time. The are confronting today are universal and UNICEF estimates that before 2030, the without distinction of borders, there are some deadline year for the Sustainable new adversities that are distinctive according Development Goals, almost 70 million children to the order of birth, social sphere and place may die before reaching their fifth birthdays – in the world the child is born. 3.6 million in 2030 alone.
The inequality problem Children in countries such as Brazil, Many children, millions as indicated by Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Congo, UNICEF, are being deprived of a better future Cameroon, Indonesia, Philippines and so on, will not have the opportunity to be educated and later find a decent job just because of the social status or economic class they belong to. Absence of a nationwide fair politics focus on the wellness of children in many developing countries has denied millions of children to a possibility of a future with dignity or even of a possible future. Extreme poverty is still a major obstacle for children to develop well.
Children in the traffic of prohibited drugs
The international traffic of prohibited drugs is universal. Aside from the providers to the consumers, in many places the drug traffic has now involved young children. This includes the marketing of prohibited drugs
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 29 with all the risks; the production of drugs, for example, some poor farmers use their very young children in the cleaning of marijuana leaves plantation. This is because of the children’s small stature without the need to bend their bodies to clean the bushes. Many children are being affected on their development because of the worldwide drug A RECOMMENDATION production and marketing. There are more challenges that Children in the armed conflicts children today are facing, compared with the situation our Founder Theophile Verbist The general conflict in the Mideast and encountered in China in his time. The many countries in Africa and how it is missionary challenge today has reached an affecting children has been a general alarming large scale. Children are not only international public clamor. Just recently, faced with the impossibility of life and a Pope Francis called the situation in Syria a future; but they are also suffering from the crude reality of sin. Such problem has again daily pain of abuse and neglect, often only to trespassed frontiers with many children and favour a few and a global market that enslave their families being killed while attempting to and exploit the children’s dignity. escape from the desperate situation they were living in the country of origin. Rich Answering the outcry of many children countries just block the entry of the families today and those who are still to be born is a to their countries without consideration of way to stand at the side of the most poor and their human rights and dignity. fragile children of God. We just need to answer proactively to the calling for such Child abuse in the Church mission.
A sad reality is the scandal of children being sexually abused and exploited in the References: Catholic Church. Although there are many attempts to cure such disgrace in the UNICEF, 2016; A FAIR CHANCE FOR EVERY institution who should welcome and bless the CHILD - The State of Children Today 2016 “little ones,” there are still many local clerical UNICEF 2014, HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT - A and religious communities that did not face Statistical Analysis of Violence against the problem as it should be. But hiding the Children perpetrators will only work for the situation of sin that is child abuse. There is definitely a SAVE THE CHILDREN, 2016; End Violence need for a systematic intervention to cure our against Children Now Catholic Institutions from such sin. This is undoubtedly a major challenge for the Church MAHIDO UNIVERSITY and SAVE THE in this century. CHILDREN, 2016, Studies - Child Rights Situation Analysis Within the ASEAN Region
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
FORMATION MATTERS Emery Mwako’s application for Perpetual Vows: After hearing the evaluation/recommendation by the Internship Director, the PG decided to endorse to the GG the admission of Emery for Perpetual Vows.
PERSONNEL MATTERS Jonardo Jonel Dalimag: After a long deliberation the PG approved the medical leave of Jonel. JR Mallonga as Alternate DC will assume Jonel’s duties as District Coordinator. In connection to this the previous PG decision to appoint Jonel as JPIC Chair will be postponed for 6 months. JR Mallonga’s task as JPIC Chair is extended (status quo for 3 months). Alberto Tamisen: As a result of the medical leave of Jonel, the PG decided to appoint Alberto as ad interim Rector of the Provincial House. Didier Badianga: The PG approved the application of Didier for sabbatical leave after his term as Formator in AIFC in 2017. The application for vacation in 2017 of the following confreres was approved by the PG: a) Jean Kanyinda: late April 2017 to late July 2017 b) Jean-Baptiste Mubibi: late April 2017 to late July 2017 c) Paskalis Keban Kaha: June 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 d) Louis Vuadi: August 9, 2017 to November 9, 2017 e) Thiago Silva: December 10, 2017 to March 13, 2018 f) Gaby Dieryck: July to October 2017
NOVA ET VETERA • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 31 Stories for the Missionary Disposition should be about CICM confreres, should be true, and should not require Parental Guidance.
Fr. Omer Dewilde Omer Dewilde, who died in retirement in Belgium in 1986, was a zealous, dedicated missionary for long years, but he had the tendency to be a little naïve and perhaps ambitious. He worked for quite a time in Nueva Vizcaya. At the time that the Vizcaya confreres were meeting for recollection in Bayombong, a new Provincial had been appointed but the Vice-Provincial and council members were not yet known. Cornelis Tonus was presiding at the recollection as District Coordinator. During the meeting there was a knock at the door and a confrere placed a note in front of Cornelis. “Dear confreres,” Cornelis announced, „we have just received here the names of the new councilors of the Province.” He read the names and there, as the last one, came the name of Omer Dewilde. Everybody got up to congratulate confreres for they were “in” on the joke played on Omer. Some started provoking him, teasing and even threatening him. “You better be careful from now on,” Omer said, “I might see to it in the council that you are given another appointment! He threatened in turn. There was also a time that the appointment of a Prelate of Bayombong was impending. A confrere had a seamstress make a tiny miter and had it mailed to Omer. This was too obvious and Omer never acknowledged that he had received it. [Albert Depré, More Anecdotes]
Father John Pardou As Chancellor of the Bishop, John Pardou must have been fatigued with problems of the former Vicariate of the Mountain Province. John would see the Sisters in the kitchen to exchange jokes or stories whatever. But every time he saw Sr. Aurora he would always say, “Let her do the dishwashing to make up for what she is eating here. Sr. Aurora was staying at Bishop‟s House when she would have evening classes in SLU; otherwise she was commuting daily from Tuding to Baguio. While staying at Bishop‟s House she was charged with making the bed of John and sweeping his room and the corridors. Sister observed that John was just dropping his cigarette ashes on the floor of the corridor. Before Sr. Aurora went for her individual annual retreat, she tried to clean the room. She placed ash trays on the places the ashes were dropped. When he came back from his morning mission, he noticed that ashtrays were scattered in different places of the corridor. He inquired where Sr. Aurora was and he got the answer that she had gone to Tuding to make her retreat. He wanted to follow her to scold her but he never came. One evening John came while the washing was going on and repeated his refrain of wanting Sister Aurora to wash all the dishes. That particular night Jose Baute came and in her irritation, Aurora announced she was tired of John so she wanted to go with Jose to Tuding, John followed her in the car promising to give her chocolate. Sr. Aurora said in anger: “Go away with your chocolate, I don‟t need it” It was only much later that his joking and teasing must have been his outlet for heavy obligations he had as a young Chancellor. So sometimes he expressed these to the Sisters at Bishop‟s House. [Sr. Aurora Codiam, SIHM]
All confreres of any Provinces are invited to contribute some anecdotes about themselves or about deceased confreres. Give your stories to Rex Salvilla. You will be remembered in his masses. E-mail [email protected]
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