VOLUME 20, NUMBER 4, JANUARY 27, 2016

Cardinal Bo to Cebu dancing inmates: ‘Pray for me. I love you all!’ CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 - in this city was entertained The prelate said that he viral after it was uploaded Papal legate Charles Maung by the inmates their world will also include those who to YouTube. After which, Cardinal Bo, SDB, DD asked famous dance routines. are in the prison ministry, they danced the IEC official the famous Cebu dancing “We pray for each and calling them “those who hymn “Christ in us, our inmates to remember one another. We will be have brotherly or sisterly hope of glory.” him in prayer, saying the waiting for you for the care over you.” The cardinal, visibly prayers of the prisoners are table fellowship like the “Your prayers are very touched by the prisoners’ “powerful” since God is near Eucharist,” he said. powerful because God is very dance number, addressed to them and always wishes near to you. So pray for all of them, saying, they are always to see them soon at the table ‘I love you all’ us. Pray for a more peaceful in his thoughts and prayers. of fellowship, the Mass. Bo then said in Cebuano Philippines,” he added. The pope’s personal “I love you all. I’ll pray That day, inmates Dancing in the rain representative to the 51st for you all”, which elicited presented a Michael “Life is not about waiting International Eucharistic smiles and applause from Jackson dance routine, for the storms to pass but it Congress currently being held among the inmates. which had previously gone Inmates, A7 Cardinal Charles Maung Bo blesses the inmates at the Cebu Provincial Jail on Tuesday. ROY LAGARDE

More than 300 inmates perform to the tune of “Christ in Us, Our Hope and Glory,” the official hymn of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, in honor of Myanmar Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Papal Legate to the IEC, during his visit to the Cebu Provincial Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. ROY LAGARDE IN THIS ISSUE: Filipinos, a powerful force vs secularism – Bishop Barron By Felipe Francisco “I experienced it very directly in America. Filipinos keep the parishes going,” Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 - Barron told reporters covering the 51st Secularism is wreaking hav- International Eucharistic Congress oc on society and is threat- (IEC) in a press conference on Jan. 26 Maria Georgina “Maggie” Cogtas (Photo taken from Cogtas’ Facebook account) Ex-scavenger to ening to marginalize the at the IEC Pavilion. share at IEC, A2 Church. Fortunately, Fili- Today’s Irish pino Catholics all over the Filipinos have taken over the role IEC best follow-up to world are helping thwart it, that the Irish Catholics had played in according to one of the global America, said Barron, 56, who is of papal visit, A3 Church’s most intellectually Irish descent. This vibrancy is breathing engaging spokesmen. life into the Church amid attacks from Robert Barron, the Chicago priest secular society, he added. IEC, Lent ‘soul- who has risen to the episcopacy after The Church exists to remind people stirring the Catholic faithful with that God is the only source of satisfaction, searching’ preps for his social-media preaching, said the and marginalizing it, the Word on Fire Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, California, gestures as he deep religiosity of Filipino Catholics host emphasized, would bring disaster May pools, A3 speaks about “The Eucharist: Celebration of the Paschal Mystery” at the IEC Pavilion is a powerful reminder of God in the to humanity. in Cebu City on Jan. 26, 2016. FR. REYNALDO JARANILLA, OAR increasingly secular West. Powerful, A7 ‘Gospel is about Cardinal Rosales: ‘Eucharist not just a task, but a mission’ moral order not CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – The power of faith Lord Jesus,” explained the prelate. not hinder the faithful from utopia’ - Peruvian Do we keep the Eucharist to Yes, the Eucharist is the “Do the Eucharist, live the approaching the Eucharist. “It is ourselves? memorial of Christ’s saving Eucharist, release the Eucharist our sinfulness that brought us the Bishop, A3 This was the question, and sacrifice, just like the Passover from sheer celebration! And allow Jesus that we know today. It is challenge, posed by Gaudencio meal that commemorated the the Body and Blood of Jesus because we are sinful that we came Cardinal Rosales to pilgrims at escape of the Jews from slavery in you to roam the streets and to know Jesus,” Rosales said. the 51st International Eucharistic under the pharaohs of Egypt. byways, in jeepneys, tricycles and “Above all the passion and Congress (IEC). But Christ’s mandate to “Do this buses, stores and cafés, offices and the death of Jesus redeemed Delivering the homily for the in memory of me” goes beyond schools, in every dining table, in humankind from sin. If the triumph Mass on the third day of the repeating Christ’s last meal on homes where families engage in of Jesus over death, the harshest congress, Rosales, Archbishop earth, he said. dialogue,” he said. face of evil, were not true, then emeritus of Manila, reminded IEC “‘Do this in memory of me’ means all our confidence, all our faith participants that the Eucharist is that as often as one eats the Body World-changing in Christ is completely empty,” “not just a task, but a mission.” of Christ, he or she announces to “It could change the world.” he added. (Felipe Francisco / others the power of the faith of our Sinfulness, however, should CBCP News) A2 NEWS January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 CBCP Monitor

‘No science-religion ‘IEC 1937 memory’: Pinoys still conflict’ – scientist at IEC CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – A assertion that scientists like faithful, music lovers Filipina scientist representing her tend to deny the existence the Diocese of Iligan to the of a Supreme Being than most CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 has visited various countries 51st International Eucharistic people who are not. – One of the privileged and hasbeen told by his fellow Congress (IEC) in Cebu City She testified there are more few who attended the 33rd prelates that Filipinos form echoed on Monday what the non-scientists than scientists Intternational Eucharistic a significant portion of their Church knew all along: reason who are atheists. Congress (IEC) in Manila in faithful. and faith, science and religion Despite her training, the 1937, then a five-year old boy, “Ang Filipino ay kapit are not at odds. Iligan native fully subscribes Manila Archbishop Emeritus sa patalim, kapit sa Krus,” “There’s no conflict between to the teachings of the Church Gaudencio B. Cardinal (Filipinos are willing to hang science and religion,” stressed like the one on the Eucharist. Rosales said what the Jesuit on by their fingernails and Dr. Angelina Vacan, a physics historian and scholar Horacio hold on to the cross.) he said. researcher and university Catholic advantage V. dela Costa wrote during There are over 10 million professor in an interview “It’s good we are Catholics the late 1930s still holds true Filipino migrants worldwide. on the shuttle service to because we don’t only have the today: Filipinos have faith Waterfront Hotel where Bible. We have the saints and and love music. The Eucharist concurrent IEC sessions were the Tradition of the Church as In an interview with CBCP Referring to the 51st scheduled on Jan. 25. well. We can depend on them. News, the 83-year old prelate International Eucharistic For her, there is no point We have the sacraments. referred to what dela Costa Congress in this city, trying to contend the “truths” That’s why I appreciate my wrote about the Filipinos the prelate said it is an of science and those of being a Catholic. We have so being prayerful and music opportunity for the faithful religion, given that the two [much] to bank on,” she said. lovers. Filipino Catholics to remain assured of Jesus’ Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. DOMINIC BARRIOS have different concerns. According to Vacan, she across the country have presence at every Mass. was not always as faithful their own devotions to their imahen ay isang paraan ng faith. Rosales added scholars “The Eucharist is not just Science ain’t everything growing up although her favorite saints represented by panalangin (The Theology will never have measures for the priest’s prayer, but is “Science is only about father was a member of a icons and religious images in of Touch, the touching of people’s faith. the prayer of Jesus to his the physical world and Sacred Heart confraternity. their homes. images is a form of prayer),” Contrary to what some Father, where Christ brings the physical world is tiny It was after attending an he added. The prelate added people say that church our prayer to his Father,” compared to the entire reality. exhibit of Eucharistic miracles Theology of Touch this is further expressed in attendance has gone down explained Rosales. We cannot understand God in Florida that the 58-year old “While 80 to 90% of the how Filipinos value feasts. in metropolitan areas, the He went on to describe because we are finite. If we was finally convinced of the Filipinos may not have He also observed Filipinos former Archbishop of Manila the Eucharist as a “beautiful can understand God, then claims of Catholicism, and the received formal instructions in gatherings have guitars to said shopping malls, banks, sacrament” where Jesus He is no God,” she explained. ongoing IEC helps strengthen about faith, they are contented liven up occasions though offices, and even prisons Christ joins the people in “When you talk about religious her faith even more. with the Theology of Touch,” technology has introduced now have regular Masses. prayer. matters, you don’t use the She went on to share that he said, noting that this videokes which have gained He added the demand for Over the years, Rosales said language of science. The truth of she has enjoyed the congress form of Filipino religiosity wider acceptance here and priests to officiate Masses has the message at every IEC is Christianity is revealed. It’s not talks so far, noting these are common in 1937 still prevails abroad. remained high. clear for the Catholic faithful a product of investigation. It’s a things she wished she had until today. to understand that Jesus revelation. Either you believe it learned sooner. He was referring to the Mass attendance Filipinos abroad Christ is with everyone during or you don’t,” she added. “I’ve had an amazing Filipinos’ practice of touching He said most Filipinos Rosales said he has received Eucharistic celebrations. Vacan, who earned her experience. I’m not disappointed,” sacred images whenever they may not regularly attend encouraging information He said the event is a special Ph.D. from Louisiana State she exclaimed, commenting visit churches. Mass due to their distance about Filipinos actively privilege accorded Catholics. University after doing on the lectures she attended. “Ang Theology of Touch, from churches but they do participating in church (Melo M. Acuña / CBCP research on elementary (Raymond A. Sebastián / ang pagpupunas sa mga remain steadfast in their activities abroad. He said he News) particle physics, disputed the CBCP News) Some Cebuanos still ‘clueless’ about IEC? CEBU City, Jan. 25, 2015 – ‘Happy for Cebu’ added in Cebuano. Child] for their family, Despite years of promotion When told that leaders of Likewise, the “yellow ladies” health, employment, some Catholics in Cebu the local Church had earlier surrounding the Magellan’s success in the board exams, still seem “clueless” received the representative Cross have little to no clue and other blessings,” shared about the meaning and of Pope Francis at the airport, about the IEC Opening Mass Velasquez. importance of the 51st Yangon Archbishop Charles being celebrated at the nearby Her companion, Carmen International Eucharistic Cardinal Maung Bo, Catalonia Plaza Independencia on Castro, 72, gave a similar Congress (IEC). excused himself saying he was Sunday, Jan. 24. answer but promised to While many have just listening to the news. “It [IEC] came here only pray also for the congress heard of the religious He went on to confess now so we cannot say much,” delegates. event through radio he has been missing his explained Lucia Velasquez, 62, Alejandra Paradero, announcements and other Sunday obligations lately who offers candles and “prayer- a 55 year-old hawking forms of mass media, since it’s the only day he is dances” to visitors for a living. lettuce outside the Basilica, they tend to think the allowed to drive. admitted not knowing there event is just an occasional However, the 44-year Praying for the IEC would be a Mass at the Plaza, gathering of the faithful. old father of five expressed delegates let alone what a Eucharistic “I am not really familiar pride his hometown is She only noted the Congress is. with it. I only confirmed hosting a series of activities unusual increase of people “Sorry. I am from Busay. this morning there are lots of such scale. visiting the Minor Basilica I live far away from the of people coming over [to “I am happy this event of the Santo Niño. city. I only came here to Cebu],” said Jun Catalonia, is putting Cebu on the “As always, they are asking sell lettuce,” she said. a family man who earns map. It also means I will us to help them pray to (Raymond A. Sebastián extra driving a cab. get more passengers,” he the ‘Batang Balaan’ [Holy / CBCP News) Ex-scavenger to share at IEC CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – An AB Psychology graduate is expected to inspire delegates of the ongoing 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu on Jan. 29 with her rise from poverty and experience as a former neglected child and scavenger. “It is in our brokenness that we are able to share with others and in the process allow the healing of our past and renew our connection with God,” said Maria Georgina “Maggie” Cogtas in a statement. According to the Cebuana, the Lord allows people to be broken for them to learn the importance of giving.

Rejection, indifference Maria Georgina “Maggie” Cogtas (Photo taken from Cogtas’ Facebook account) Cogtas is one of several people set to give their testimonies during the She noted the poor feel poorer when We may have bitter experiences in the catechesis “The Eucharist: Dialogue they know they have no one to care for past, but from it we can become positive with the Poor and the Suffering” on Jan. them, and feel unwanted and left out. in life,” she said. 29, Friday, to be given John Cardinal The chairman of Dilaab Foundation, Onaiyekan, DD. ‘Not belonging’ Fr. Carmelo Diola and its executive In her own testimony, she said she “What hurts the most is when you feel director, Tess Tejero sent Cogtas to aims to correct the mistaken view you do not belong,” explained Cogtas. the University of Cebu (UC) where she that poverty is limited to not having She expressed confidence IEC graduated on Oct. 19, 2015 at the top of enough material wealth because it also delegates have much to learn from her her class. (Raymond A. Sebastián includes the experience of rejection and testimony. / CBCP News with reports from indifference. “We can use our brokenness to grow. Elias O. Baquero) NEWS CBCP Monitor January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 NEWS A3 IEC, best follow-up IEC, Lent ‘soul-searching’ to papal visit preps for May polls

Thousands of official IEC delegates as well as citizens of Cebu gathered at the Plaza Independencia for the Opening Mass, Jan. 24, 2016. ROY LAGARDE

CEBU City, Jan. 25, remarkable increase in the 2016--Catholic bishops in number of church-goers. the Philippines said this year’s 51st International ‘Returning Catholics’ Eucharistic Congress (IEC), “Pope Francis’ visit was Bishops and priests hold a press conference on the second day of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress at the IEC Pavilion, Jan. 25, 2015. ROMMEL LOPEZ which officially began in the certainly an appropriate afternoon of Jan. 24 at Plaza preparation for the 51st CEBU City, Jan. 26, What it means to be a of our family and also the Police (PNP) Special Action Independencia at the heart of International Eucharistic 2016--Filipinos can take Christian community, perhaps look at Force, the first anniversary of this city is an apt and fitting Congress,” he further said. the opportunity of the “I really pray that much our own identity as Filipinos,” which fell on the second day follow-up of Pope Francis’ In Muslim-dominated country’s hosting of would happen in terms of our said Vergara. of the IEC, is something “we five-day pastoral visit to the Basilan province where the the 51st International desire that we become the Easter can then be a moment don’t want to happen in the country in January 2015. See of the Territorial Prelature Eucharistic Congress and shining example of what it of realization as Filipino future, even as we want also San Carlos Bishop Gerardo of Isabel has been in existence the forthcoming Lenten means to be a Christian. And Catholics commemorate justice and eventually healing A. Alminaza said the IEC is for 53 years, Bishop Martin season to do some spiritual I do believe [this will] happen Christ’s resurrection. “What of events,” he said. definitely “the best follow- S. Jumoad said Pope Francis preparation before the in the way we look at elections proceeds afterward is the Asked about what he thought up of Pope Francis’ visit visit last year brought many May elections, and more and in the way we live out our movement to Easter. This will of the reopening of the Senate emphasizing the social Catholics to the church. importantly to confront the Christianity … I can only help us look at ourselves and investigation into the killings, dimension of the Eucharistic “His pronouncements served nation’s ills, Church leaders. wish that the grace of the who we truly are,” explained the Cebu prelate said “the spirituality.” as fitting preparation for the Bishops at the press event would really happen,” the prelate message of justice and truth is The prelate said to 51st International Eucharistic conference on Jan. 25 were Palma told journalists at the “If we address the basic always a timely message,” and CBCPNews that while he can’t Congress,” the 59-year old asked: “What would be the International Media Center issues of our lives, our family, the message of fairness is also claim to have a grasp of the prelate told CBCP News. He lasting effect of the 51st at the IEC Pavilion. our country, this will make us a timely message.” overall impact of Pope Francis’ added the visit “awakened non- IEC, particularly in helping Pasig Bishop Mylo discern who we really are and “We can only pray that pastoral visit, particularly on practicing Catholics to value Filipinos choose the right Hubert Vergara, chairman who will lead us,” he added. the truth about the matter practices toward the Eucharist, the Eucharist.” leaders?” of the IEC Department of hopefully should come he certainly believes the visit Jumoad said he has witnessed Cebu Archbishop Jose Communications, said the Justice for Mamasapano out and justice will also be influenced “our living out of this in his prelature where Palma, president of the 51st Lenten season, which begins victims served,” Palma said. “At the the Eucharist--in our attitudes, Christians form the minority. IEC, said he believed grace on Feb. 10, Ash Wednesday, “Living out the Eucharist” same time the campaign for values, priorities such as a Apostolic Administrator would flow from the global would be an opportunity to also means knowing the value elections should also be in the growing sense of communion Bishop William David Antonio Catholic event, allowing do some “soul-searching.” of life, the importance of spirit of truth and at the same and sensitivity towards those of the Vicariate Apostolic of Filipinos to “live out the “What a beautiful way responsibility, and working time, not a way of just making in the peripheries and those San Jose in Mindoro said Pope Eucharist” by having hope to prepare … [We can] for peace, said Palma. the events play a role that excluded.” Francis was a “great inspiration” and acting on the challenges look at personal lives, our The massacre of 44 members cannot benefit us.” (Felipe to the Catholic faithful and even they face. relationship with members of the Philippine National Francisco / CBCP News) Shift in consciousness to non-Catholics. He said the [Filipino] people have become “more merciful More vocations ‘Gospel is about moral order not utopia’ – Peruvian archbishop and compassionate. He added participation While Alminaza considers the in Eucharistic celebrations While making all people disciples is increase in church attendance improved “both quantitatively the “official responsibility” entrusted as a work in progress, he said and qualitatively.” to the Church, the Gospel requires priests and bishops “have Cubao Bishop Honesto evangelization to respect cultural had a qualitative shift in Ongtioco said Pope Francis’ diversity, he emphasized. Unlike Judaism, consciousness and heightened visit last year “strengthened Christianity no longer required converts sense of awareness about out faith and practice.” He said to travel to Jerusalem, and instead their identity, vocation, and he knew of two professionals, gathered them in their own lands. misssion.” a nurse and a writer, who “Nations should not change their Bishop Gerry, as called by entered the seminary some socio-cultural identity. It was like that his priests, added Pope Francis months after the historic visit. before, and should remain the same has become an inspiration not “Church attendance now and in the future,” he told some only for Catholics “but even increased and prepared us for 12,000 delegates at the IEC Pavilion for those who claim they don’t this IEC,” added Ongtioco. in Cebu City’s John XXIII seminary believe in God. He explained Pope Francis complex. Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. showed both faith and love Cabrejos asked: “Do we deploy our Arguelles believes the historic as well as the Eucharist “in human energies in favor of human visit changed and improved action” through concrete acts beings, especially the most needy? Do the Filipino practices toward of charity, especially to the we lower ourselves to descend from the Eucharist. He added poor and marginalized. (Melo our position and approach others, this was clearly seen in a M. Acuña / CBCP News)` especially the neediest? Do we deploy our human energies in favor of our particular diocese and society or do we Biblical theologian Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, Archbishop of Trujillo. DOMINIC BARRIOS live enclosed in on ourselves?”

CEBU City, Jan. 25, 2016--Christian is essentially universal and salvific,” ‘Not for the weak’ Daughters of Charity- perfection demanded by the Gospel said Cabrejos, 67, a Franciscan who had The proclamation of the Gospel, refers to renewing the moral order studied at the Biblicum in Jerusalem however, “is not within the reach of one and the interior life of a person, not and the Catholic University of Leuven who is weak but one who is sustained by St. Louise De Marillac achieving “utopia for some,” a Peruvian in Belgium. power of Christ.” Strength and energy archbishop stressed in the inaugural But “perfection is not utopia for comes when Christ is at the center of catechesis of the 51st International some,” rather it refers to the moral order one’s life, added Cabrejos. Educational System Eucharistic Congress (IEC). or the perfection achieved by those who According to the prelate, tribulations Biblical theologian Miguel Cabrejos proclaim the Gospel. are a necessary battle so that every Vidarte, the Archbishop of Trujillo, “[Perfection] is directed to the person may understand the Gospel reflected on St. Paul’s Letter to the interior renewal of every believer, for and then believe and become perfect Colossians, from which the congress all those who put hope in the Lord,” in Christ. theme “Christ in You, Our Hope of said Cabrejos. He said the responsibility for the Glory” was taken. universality of the Church, through God’s plan is for Christ His son “to be Respect for cultural diversity the evangelization of all people, MANDAUE CITY announced and presented among the The Gospel, he pointed out, “only strengthens and grows with the pagans and among the nations,” not to is intertwined with the Church. In Eucharist.” a privileged few, and this knowledge of Colossians, the word “saints” refers He reminded the IEC pilgrims of the COLLEGE Christ is a “manifestation of divine glory.” to believers in general. But the saints missionary proclamation in the Gospel attained knowledge of the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ said: “I am Dr. Paulus Mariae L. Cañete Not a utopia by proclamation not through divine with you always, to the close of the age.” President “The purpose of evangelism is to revelation alone. Those who proclaim, “God is not absent, the Risen Christ make everyone perfect in Christ. The meanwhile, are servants of both the with His Spirit cancels all the loneliness proclamation of the mystery (the “mystery” (the Gospel) and the Church, of the human heart,” he said. (Felipe Gospel) of Christ has a purpose, which the Peruvian prelate said. Francisco / CBCP News) IEC pilgrims urged: Back to the Bible, please CEBU City, Jan. 26, of their faith and practices. a small t—not the great reading of the Bible among Pre-Vatican II voices XII insisted on the centrality 2016--Echoing the Second This was very challenging. Tradition which is our Catholics is uncommon and Moloney pointed out of the Word of God in the Bible Vatican Council, one of the This necessarily summoned 2,000 years of Tradition— often viewed as “irrelevant” that less than a century as a pillar of the Christian speakers in the ongoing 51st the whole Church to return generated by a given time and “Protestant.” before Vatican II, Leo XIII faith. International Eucharistic to the Scriptures,” said Fr. and place, became much According to him, this had already been calling The priest said this Congress (IEC) in Cebu City Francis J. Moloney, SDB. dearer to Catholics than should not be the case Catholics back to the document particularly invited delegates on Sunday Secularizing World,” the the Word of God. The considering that the Church Bible amid the extreme encouraged scholars to to avail of what the Bible has Don Bosco priest bemoaned acceptance and observance has always valued the Bible rationalism of his time study Scriptures using all to offer in terms of enriching the tendency of many of these traditions, practices alongside Sacred Tradition, in his 1893 encyclical the critical methods as well their faith. Catholics to emphasize that we do that are very since the time of the Christian “Providentissimus Deus,” as the scientific and literary “Vatican II, in its all- tradition at the expense of good, that demonstrate faith fathers like Tertullian and but was largely ignored. tools available to them to determining agenda of Scriptures. … can sometimes become Irenaeus, and earlier as well Likewise, the few decades understand the Word of God returning to the sources of the the touchstone of Catholic as the Great Ecumenical leading to Vatican II, saw the better and what it means to faith, asked all Catholics, to Bible is Catholic orthodoxy,” he explained. Councils from Nicea to release of “Divino Afflante people today. rediscover the original sources “Passing traditions with He noted that a faith-filled Chalcedon. Spiritu” in 1943 where Pius Bible, A5 A4 OPINION January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Eucharist sharpens ‘apostolic sense’

IF we truly have faith and love in the Holy Eucharist, if we are truly Eucharistic souls, then we cannot help but be intensely and abidingly apostolic souls as well. In fact, we need to be most zealous in our apostolate, since it actually is a duty incumbent on all Christian believers to have and to keep burning all throughout their lives, making use of all the situations and circumstances we may find themselves in. Everytime we hear Mass, receive Holy Communion or visit the Blessed Sacrament, we should remember those final and most heart-felt words of Christ to his apostles: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation…” (Mk 16,15). These words clearly indicate how Christ wants his work of redemption to continue. This time it will be carried out as a joint effort between him and us. While we are first of all the object of his redemptive work, we also become the subject of such work with him. The duty to do apostolate can be done only if we are vitally united with Christ with a unity that has its best form or highest degree here on earth in the Holy Eucharist. Without that unity that is akin to that of the branches to the vine, we would just be on our own, alive and vibrant for a while, propped by some highly perishable things, but sooner or later will just collapse. This commissioning of the apostles that is also applicable to

us reflects Christ’s burning desire that his work of redemption BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION has to go on till the end of time. His salvific work just cannot be made a part of the past. It has to continue, for that in fact comprises the ultimate goal for all of us, believers. We are not Remembering: A key to meant only to have an earthly goal, but one that transcends Living Mission time and space. This is what the IEC is trying to show in stressing the social Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM the Eucharist dimensions of the Eucharist. It is about doing apostolate which Eucharistic Congress Reflection should come as an organic outgrowth of our spiritual life, our Eucharistic life. If we don’t feel this impulse to do apostolate, we can suspect that all our apparently fervent profession of SAINTS Paul, when writing to the and do is filtered through this “immense Resurrection are recalled and thus, faith and love for the Eucharist is largely a sentimental affair, Corinthians (I Cor 11:23-27), takes womb we call memory.” Christ’s sacrifice is now sacramentally or just some hot air. special care to faithfully hand on to them We are also aware that memory is not present. One may say that the Eucharist Doing apostolate is the very concrete expression of how core elements of the faith that he himself just centered on individuals; memory does not only “represent” Christ’s to tackle the social dimensions of the Eucharist. It involves has been privileged “to receive from the also lives in human groups. Families, saving action; the Eucharistic action many things. We need to be rooted in Christ through prayer, Lord.” Describing the Last Supper, Paul tribes, clans, peoples, and nations have “re-presents” (makes present once again sacrifice, development of virtues, recourse to the sacraments, narrates what Jesus did “on the same a collective memory. Such “corporate in the here and now) Christ’s death and study of the doctrine, etc. We need to come up with some daily personal apostolic plan that should cover all the possibilities night that he was betrayed.” He took the memory” preserves the identity of the resurrection. of doing apostolate, first of all in our immediate environment bread, thanked God, broke it, and said: community, provides a moral compass, In the Eucharist, we also need to be and then radiating to farther and wider circles. Of course, this “This is my body, which is for you; do preserves treasured values. This memory sensitive to a Christian “timelessness”; has to consider our personal conditions and circumstances. this in memory of me.” Likewise, Jesus allows us to live in community and to tell the past, present, and future all merge Basically, the personal apostolate has to be grounded on the took the cup and said: “This cup is the our collective story. into one eternal moment. The bringing spirit of true friendship and confidence. So, a lot of time has new covenant in my blood. Whenever Memory and Eucharist. Faithful together of past, present, and future, to be spent getting directly in touch with friends, as well as you drink it, do this in memory of me.” to Christ’s command, we celebrate the and the power of Christ’s saving action is developing true social virtues to keep that friendship going— Note that the admonition, “Do this in Eucharist in memory of what Jesus well expressed in Eucharistic Prayer IV: like affability, openness, warmth, loyalty, etc. In other words, memory of me” is repeated twice. Paul has done for us. While recalling the “Therefore, O Lord, as we now celebrate we should try to be “all things to all men,” as St. Paul once said. emphasizes that the very celebration of Jewish Passover meal, we now celebrate the memorial of our redemption, we It would be good that some continuing program of the Eucharist is a faithful fulfillment of new reality: the Lord’s own dying and remember Christ’s Death and his descent apostolic formation be developed, sustained and improved by the Lord’s command to remember what rising. The meal of Jesus’ followers is to the realm of the dead, we proclaim appropriate entities. This is actually an urgent matter that has He, Jesus Himself, has done. no longer focused on the Jewish escape his Resurrection and his Ascension to been taken for granted for a long time already. It now demands Memory, a Precious Treasure. from slavery in Egypt (a Passover meal); your right hand, and, as we await his immediate attention and action. Through us the Eucharist Humanly speaking, memory is very we now remember the salvific death coming in glory, we offer you his Body dialogues with the world. important; it is a special gift, involving and resurrection of Jesus, the Paschal and Blood, the sacrifice acceptable to our entire person (mind, heart, will, Mystery. you which brings salvation to the whole The Eucharist in the Church’s emotions). Remembering enables us The Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass are world.” Note how this prayer beautifully to link past events and people into our fundamentally prayers of remembrance; juxtaposes the past (the Christ event dialogue with the poor lives; they become present, operative expressions like “Remember, Lord” of 2000 years ago), the present (this realities. Saint Augustine asserts are frequently employed. For example, celebration), and the future (Christ’s IN the Church’s dialogue with the poor, the Eucharist, on that we are created in the image and Eucharistic Prayer I asks God to second coming). one hand, upholds and reaffirms values that negate causes likeness of God; we possess three remember the living and the dead; it Conclusion. This reflection has of poverty. It confronts selfishness and greed which are the faculties: the intellect, the will, and the mentions saints and martyrs “whose tried to capture the profound meaning roots of many forms of injustice, with the self-sacrificing love of Christ. It calls into question apathy and individualism memory, the greatest of these being memory we venerate.” In Prayer II, “we of “remembering” in the Eucharist. which desensitize people from feeling the pain of the poor and memory. celebrate the memorial of His Death The celebration of the Mass plunges us suffering, by Christ’s invitation to be a family calling the one When we hear about someone who and Resurrection.” In Prayer III “we into the very depth of Christ’s saving God as ‘Our Father’. has lost his memory, we are saddened. celebrate the memorial of the saving paschal mystery; we experience it It confronts oppressive totalitarian leaderships which put Amnesia or dementia are life situations Passion of your Son….” Prayer IV notes in the here-and-now. Indeed, as we political and economic advantages above people, with Christ’s that are hard to bear. Essentially, without that “as we now celebrate the memorial engage in remembering, we are “re- leadership of service—that of the Master and Lord who washed our memory, we would effectively of our redemption, we remember Christ’s membered” (made members once again the feet of his disciples (cf. Jn 13:13). Above all, the Eucharist cease to be ourselves as we know and death….” of Christ’s body, the Church). We are challenges utilitarianism, consumerism, and materialism appreciate our personal identity. For “Remembering” for Christians means “re-membered” as full sharers in the which treat the poor and the weak as commodities and tools example, if my memory were erased, I infinitely more than a simple calling to People of God. that can be used for one’s gain and pleasure, with Christ’s self- could no longer make a phone call or mind of something from the past (e.g. All these profound insights are well donation that breaks and shares oneself so that others may live. send greetings to a loved one on his a birthday, an anniversary, a person). expressed in the popular communion For “each celebration of the Eucharist makes sacramentally birthday or anniversary. Truly, memory The Eucharistic action of anamnesis song by Marty Haugen: “We remember present the gift that the crucified Lord made of his life, is the heart of our relationships; it roots makes the recalled event a present how You loved us to your death. And for us and for the whole world.” From our participation in our person, connecting us to one another reality. Yes, something from the past is still we celebrate for You are with us the Eucharist, we are sent forth to be witnesses of God’s as father or mother, husband or wife, recalled, but that memorialized action here. And we believe that we will see You compassion towards all our brothers and sisters. brother or sister. In fact, for Augustine, becomes actually present and real. when You come in Your glory, Lord. We On the other hand, Jesus is encountered in the Eucharist everything we touch, smell, hear, see, In the Eucharist, Christ’s Death and remember, we celebrate, we believe.” as the “Bread of life” (Jn 6:35). He is such by being both the “Word that comes from the mouth of God” (cf. Deut. 8:3) and the living bread that came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51), Dialogue with Christ in the “bread for the poor” received in the proclamation of the Candidly Speaking scriptural Word and in Holy Communion. He is the “daily bread” we pray for in the ‘Our Father’. In Holy Fr. Roy Cimagala the Blessed Sacrament Communion, Jesus gives himself as our bread to feed us. And so, we in turn should go to our brothers and sisters who are hungry, and become bread to feed them in compassion and love, in the works of mercy, in giving life, and giving it abundantly. WHAT a blessed thing, this an exercise of piety and a shared life. What is yours It’s in those moments when The celebration of the Eucharist indeed abounds with such practice of visiting Christ devotion. And as such, it has is Mine, and what is Mine is we can seem to hear our indications of how the Eucharist expresses Christ’s and the in the Blessed Sacrament! to be done with faith and also yours. Understand that Lord telling us, “Come to me, Church’s preferential option for the poor as she realizes her Let’s hope that this practice love as the primary motive very well.” all you who are weary and mission in Asia. becomes more widespread and motor. When one has The few minutes spent in burdened, and I will give you and appreciated by more the proper dispositions, he the presence of Christ in the rest.” (Mt 11,28) In fact, it’s -- Excerpts from the theological and pastoral reflection people. There, sadly, are can easily enter into a most Blessed Sacrament will be in those moments that the in preparation for the 51st International Eucharistic indications this practice is moving dialogue with Christ. filled with many thoughts, words we read in the Gospel Congress vanishing, and those who For one, he will be most desires, and impulses that become alive and actual, and still do it do it without due moved just to be before the would strengthen our faith, somehow addressed to us. propriety. real presence of Christ in hope and charity, and that This is no fiction. Faith, CBCP In schools where the the Blessed Sacrament. He would make us more aware of which to some can sound and students are led to make these will be moved to see Christ our duties and responsibilities look like fiction, is actually the visits, there’s the observation remaining in a little box we as a child of God. ultimate reality. We have to that many of the students just call a tabernacle, waiting for It’s in those moments when understand that reality is not Monitor actually mutter some prayers people to visit Him and, at we, in a manner of speaking, what we make out of it, what PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE without entering into some least, to show some affection can recover our senses, get our senses and intelligence intimate conversation with to Him. a more objective and global can discern and understand. Pedro Quitorio Ronalyn Regino the living Christ in the Blessed “O Lord,” the dialogue might view of things, strengthen our It’s what our faith tells us, the Editor-in-Chief Design Artist Sacrament. They just give it a start, “How good of you, the supernatural understanding faith that God, the Creator blank stare. very Creator of the universe of things that would know and the very foundation of Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Gloria Fernando It’s really a pity, for it’s like and our own Savior, to stay the value of suffering, for reality, is giving us to share Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor a most precious pearl is just with us, to be close to us, to example, and would make us what He knows with us. hurled into a pack of pigs that inspire us, to reassure us. How realize that we need to help Christ, truly present in the Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite do not know what they have in good of You to show how much and love everyone, bringing Eucharist, is the fullness of News Editor Circulation Manager front of them. Let’s hope that You love us to madness!” Christ to them and vice-versa. the revelation of God. And He some effective and continuing From there, all kinds of It’s in those moments when is making Himself completely Kris Bayos Marcelita Dominguez catechesis be done about the considerations can be made. we can confide to Him, who is available to us all throughout Features Editor Comptroller “inexhaustible richness” of With our faith in Christ who everything to us, our problems time in the Holy Eucharist. the sacrament, and that this is truly present in the Blessed and difficulties. There we If we would only be aware This special issue of the CBCP Monitor is published daily blessed devotion takes root Sacrament, we can hear Him surely can get our consolation of this truth, and come to for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress by Areopagus in individuals, in families, say, “My child, how good of and encouragement, the believe it, I am sure that Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at schools, offices, and society in you also to come and visit reassurance of His mercy we can never afford to be Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 general. Giving good example me. I want to be with you and help, and the spiritual indifferent to Christ in the F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404- 2182. Business: (632) 404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940 of how it is done, of course, is always because we are meant renewal that would bring Blessed Sacrament. We would a very effective tool. to be together. You and I back peace and joy to us as visit Him and talk with Him This practice is, of course, are actually meant to have we pursue our duties in life. every chance we have. OPINION CBCP Monitor January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 OPINION A5

Along the Way The Eucharist and Half-a-world Away Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, SThD the Family Brian Caulfield

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of and of sorrows.” (Familiaris Consortio 21) celebration of communion with Christ the Philippines has declared 2016 as the Communion describes the relationship and with one another--a celebration Year of the Eucharist and the Family. of love among the members of the family- of unity, friendship, and sharing. The Believe and Receive What is the relationship between the -between husband and wife, and between community truly celebrates its being the Eucharist and the family? At the outset, it parents and children, and among siblings body of Christ when the members receive “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his seems difficult to find a direct connection and other members of the extended the body of Christ in holy Communion. blood, you do not have life within you … For my flesh is between the Eucharist and the family, family. This communion is concretely According to John Paul II: “Participation true food, and my blood is true drink” (John 6:53, 55) besides saying that the members of the expressed in table-fellowship (common in the sacrament of reconciliation and family should go to Mass together every meals and celebration). Communion is in the banquet of the one Body of Christ IMAGINE hearing those words for the first time, in Sunday. Perhaps, looking at the family also expressed in the sharing of material offers the Christian family the grace the synagogue of Capernaum with the Apostles, or while as the domestic Church could help us and spiritual goods and resources (time, and responsibility of overcoming every reading the Bible today. A natural reaction would be to discover the link between the Eucharist talent, and treasure). This is called the division and of moving towards the ask what in the world Jesus is talking about. Indeed, His and the family. communion of goods. Communion fullness of communion willed by God, followers said quite plainly, “This saying is hard; who In his post-synodal apostolic does not only describe the relationship responding in this way the ardent desire can accept it?” (John 6:60). exhortation, Familiaris Consortio, St. between the members of the family. It of the Lord: “that they may be one.” Jesus saw the effect these words had on His disciples, John Paul II develops the theme of the also applied to the relationship between (Familiaris Consortio 21) and He knew that some of them would begin to have family as the domestic Church which the family and other Christian families in When the family actively participates second thoughts about His message and mission. You Vatican II popularized in Lumen Gentium. the neighborhood and the Basic Ecclesial in the Eucharist, the family celebrates its can almost hear their thoughts in this section of John’s Since the family is the domestic Church, Community (BEC), and with the wider life of communion with Christ, with one Gospel: “Sure, He turned water to wine, cured a few sick John Paul II appropriates the Vatican II Church (parish, diocese, universal). Since another and with the wider community-- people, and fed thousands with a little food, but what He vision of the Church as Communion and the family shares in Christ’s three-fold the Church which is the Body of Christ. The says now about His body and blood is just too much. I’d the Priestly-Prophetic-Kingly People mission, it is a prophetic community--a family also fulfills its priestly role and is look foolish to keep following Him.” of God to the Christian family. Thus, believing and evangelizing community energized to carry out its mission prophetic Yet Jesus did not change or nuance His message. the Christian family is a realization of where the Gospel is proclaimed and the and kingly-servant mission. He was purposely provocative, for He was testing His communion and active participation in faith transmitted. It is a kingly/servant The Christian family is called to be a followers, to show who was drawn to Him by faith, and Christ’s prophetic, priestly, and kingly community, in the service of humanity Eucharistic community. It does not only who was with Him for glory or gain. As John writes, mission. and called to concretely express loving participate in celebrating the Eucharist “Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not According to John Paul II: “The service and charity at home, in the wider but lives the Eucharist in its day-to-day believe and the one who would betray him,” the latter Christian family constitutes a specific community and in society. life. Life in the Eucharist is a life of loving being Judas (6:64). revelation and realization of ecclesial The Christian family is also a priestly communion with Christ, with each other When a group of followers left Him, Jesus did not call communion, and for this reason too it community in dialogue with God--a and with the Christian community. It is them back; He didn’t say--as some do today--that He was can and should be called “the domestic praying and worshipping community. a life constantly listening to the Word of speaking symbolically about eating His flesh and blood. church”. All members of the family, each The family that prays together stays God and sharing it and giving witness No, He turned to His Apostles to ask, “Do you also want according to his or her own gift, have the together. The family should set aside to it. It is a life of prayer, worship, and to leave?” It was Simon Peter, the chief of the Twelve, grace and responsibility of building, day time for family prayer--such as praying thanksgiving. It is a life of service to who uttered a statement of faith, “Master, to whom shall by day, the communion of persons … this the rosary or other forms of prayer. others, especially the poor and the needy. we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come happens where there is care and love for Active participation as a family in the Ultimately, it is a life of self-giving and to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One the little ones, the sick, the aged: where liturgical celebration in the parish church self-sacrifice and the readiness to offer of God” (John 6:67-68). there is mutual service every day; where and the BECs is a concrete expression of one’s life--one’s body and blood--doing Did Peter understand about eating His body and there is there is sharing of goods, of joys this. The Eucharist is the sacramental this in memory of Christ. blood? I think not, at least not yet. He simply declared his faith, his utter trust in the Person of Jesus. Peter provides a supreme example of the Catholic teaching, Mission Mass “Fides quaerens intellectum,” that is, “faith seeking Whatever understanding.” This is the open attitude to the Word of God we should Fr. Francis Ongkingco have when we approach the mysteries of our faith. A mystery is not something we can never know anything about. Rather, a mystery is such a deep reality that, while we can know only a portion about it, we can still keep IT was Joanna’s first time and replied, “That’s because their conscience. They comply circumstances of our work learning more and more. Indeed, we believe not because to attend a Latin Mass in it really means sending us off reluctantly, wearing a mask and family, and to undertake we know it all, or can explain it all. We believe because of Rome during a pilgrimage to carry out our mission after of religiosity for an occasion a genuine hunger for souls and the trustworthiness of the one who reveals the mystery. she and her family did last having received Jesus!” the importance of which lead them to Christ? No one is more trustworthy than Jesus, God Himself. year. Although she couldn’t *** they cannot yet meaningfully Thus, it is highly suggested At this 51st International Eucharistic Congress, we understand what was being Joanna’s mom couldn’t have integrate into their lives. to set an ecclesial and personal contemplate and learn more about the ultimate Mystery said or read, she tried her best said it better. The Mass, unlike Our participation in the Holy mission in every Mass. An of Faith – the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. to follow what she was familiar other events, doesn’t usually Sacrifice has the principal goal ecclesial mission focuses on Like those who turned from Jesus at Capernaum we may with attending the Mass: the end with “That’s all folks!” of identifying ourselves with praying for the whole Church, wonder, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” But Sign of the Cross, the striking or “The show is over!” As a Christ. Our Lord affectionately the Pope, all the Bishops, like Peter, we need only to make a profession of faith that of one’s breast during the divinely celebrated event on reproached St. Augustine, priests, and religious. All these we believe, because Jesus is worthy of belief. Fortunately, Confiteor, and so on. earth, it is actually ‘sending us making this holy Bishop seem like a lot to pray for, but our faith is supported by the practice and witness of two Her mother explained off with a mission’ after having realize what transpires within the Mass can infinitely cover millennia of Catholics who have believed the same thing that attending Mass in Latin been received ‘new graces’ that the Mass when one receives all them for us. and received the same Lord. We are privileged not only (the language of the Roman empower us to transform the Holy Communion: “I do not For our personal mission, to believe, but also to receive the same flesh and blood Catholic Church), was not world. become you, you become Me!” we may for example, ask for an that Jesus spoke about, a sacrament most holy that has just a cultural experience, but When the priest bids the Thus, if we are going to increase of faith and hope to been handed down to us in trust. also something that helped people with ‘Ite missa est!’, fully embrace our mission as embrace certain trials, or the Indeed, I can see Peter and the other Apostles at the to enrich one’s faith. She add he is, in fact, encouraging us Christ’s disciples of baptizing grace to forgive someone or Last Supper, with the words of Capernaum ringing that, except for the language “to return to our ordinary all men in the ‘Name of the simply to maintain a grateful in their minds, nodding with sudden wonder and and some minor material occupations to love and serve Father, and of the Son and of spirit before God’s Fatherly understanding as Jesus takes bread and wine and says details, the Mass was the one the Lord. We serve the Lord the Holy Spirit,’ it can only and loving providence. Aside they are now His body and blood. Their faith is now Sacrifice offered by Christ while fulfilling our usual be so if we become Christ from what we intend to realized in reality, as they believe and receive “for the through His Church and His norms of piety, resting, or Himself. And nowhere else personally offer it for, we may life of the world.” Let us do the same here in Cebu, and ministers. working in the presence of can this take place than within also ask for a specific grace all the days after! “Ite missa est!” The priest God. In this way, we constantly the most Holy Eucharist. that would make us more said. keep alive those dispositions If we daily require food prompt to respond to God’s “Deo gratias!” The people we had during the Mass. (C. and other supplements to demands. Bible, A3 answered. Belmonte, Understanding the ensure our bodies can carry We must strive to ask our These last words caught Mass)” out our duties, how much Lord through the Holy Spirit Same divine well-spring One Table of Body and Joanna’s attention. It is a sad to see people, more important it is to be to fill us with a sense of mission Moloney went on to Word As the noonday sun greeted mainly because of ignorance, constantly strengthened by with every Mass we participate highlight the contribution The priest, moreover, them outside the Basilica, she who are not aware of what our Lord’s Body and Blood. in. We cannot take for granted of Vatican II in the history lauded Vatican II’s conviction asked, “Mom, I understand the Eucharist is and Who Where else will we draw the the unique grace which only of Catholic theology, which in DV 21 that the Church ‘gratias’ means ‘thanks’ but they are about to receive. grace to prepare ourselves for the Eucharist is capable of he described as “breaking has always venerated the what the priest said didn’t What seems to weakly prod our daily battles against the giving. The Mass always has a through the stranglehold of divine Scriptures “as she sound like ‘the Mass is ended.’” them to attend is a strange, ‘wiles of [satan] the enemy’, to mission for us and therefore is the two-source theory,” that has venerated the Body of Her mother smiled at her, fuzzy, unsettling feeling in live the virtues in the varying for us, a must! of Tradition and Word. the Lord,” stressing how it Quoting the Council Fathers “never ceases, above all in the Eucharistic: From Celebration in “Dei Verbum” (DV) No. 9, Sacred Liturgy, to partake of Biblically Speaking he said, “Sacred Tradition the Bread of Life, and to offer to Commitment and Sacred Scripture, then, it to the faithful from the one Leander V. Barrot, OAR are bound closely together, table of the Word of God and and communicate one with the Body of Christ.” the other. For both of them, “We receive Jesus Christ flowing out from the same from one table, and this one divine well-spring, come table consists of the Body of ONE of the many challenges posted by often, they are stuck to the bottom of the not the death of humanity, neither the together in some fashion to Christ and the Word of God,” the Papal legate to the 51st International wheel of fortune with almost no opportunity destruction of life nor an obliteration of form one thing, and move he added. (Raymond A. Eucharistic Congress (IEC), Cardinal to lift themselves up. By contrast, the property. On the contrary, its gains are towards the same goal.” Sebastián / CBCP News) Charles Maung Bo, SDB, DD, was on wealthy and the most fortunate remain what St. Paul calls, “There is no longer the social significance of the Eucharist. to be and are owners of the greater part of Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or He challenged the participants and the economic pie. As real members of the free, there is no longer male and female” delegate to move from mere devotes of the Body of Christ, so all share the image and (Gal 3:28 ) i.e. the equality of all before a Eucharist to become people committed likeness of the Father (c.f. Gen 1:26). Our God of love and justice. to the communal responsibilities of the being members of Christ’s Body is to make John the Baptist, up to his death, Eucharist celebrated constantly. He put us committed to the least and the poorest remained to be a disciple of Jesus. He was to task the devotees to become disciples among us. Those who have much are to imprisoned because he never spared even of the Eucharist. A devotion to the provide enough economic breaks not mere the highest authority of the land from Eucharist, he continued, only lasts an dole-outs enough for the day to those who his preaching for moral uprightness and hour but a commitment to the Eucharist are less fortunate. respectability. Even his death was caused as its disciple lasts a lifetime. John the Baptist is an example of real by hatred to truthfulness, a vengeance In Scriptures, one of the disciples of poverty. Externally he is presented with against decency, and a rebellion against Christ par excellence is John the Baptist. much simplicity having for his clothing morality. But this death of John the He is no mere devotee. He addressed a garment made from “camel’s hair with Baptist was a prophecy to the death of the socio-religious context of his time a leather belt around his waist” (Mk 1:6) his own master. For John was a precursor head on. He encouraged those who and his food “locusts and honey” (Mk not only to the life of Jesus but even to were religiously confident of their being 1:6). However, his internal dispositions His death. sons and daughters of Abraham in no reflect the poverty of Christ Himself. His It would be anachronistic to claim that simple words to “… Bear fruit worthy message was not his but the very message John the Baptist constantly received of repentance” (3:8). And when Jesus of Jesus Himself: “proclaiming a baptism the Eucharist. However, it would best already started his public ministry, John, of repentance for the forgiveness of sins safe to say that his life, his preaching, because of his advocacy to truthfulness (Mk 1:4). His very life was an offering to and his death is a prefiguration of the and commitment to justice (Mk 1:14), was the Kingdom for which he was called. Filipino who is a disciple of the Eucharist, already in prison. The Papal legate envisioned a World War committed to societal and communal The Philippines’ socio-economic context III against poverty, against malnutrition, responsibilities, accountability, and offers no bright hope for the poor. Most against injustice. Its collateral damage is obligation. A6 FEATURES January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 CBCP Monitor The Catholic Church In The Philippines: A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW (3rd of a series)

SECOND WORLD WAR. February 1986 and the roles Japanese forces invaded in played by church people and December 1941. Allied forces Cardinal Sin is instructive. under General MacArthur The overthrow of the Marcos returned in 1944, but severe regime was “a victory of moral fighting continued until values over the sheer physical the Japanese surrender in force on which he had relied” August 1945. Manuel Roxas [J. Carroll]. It signaled became president of the people’s determination not second independent Republic to shed Filipino blood. The of the Philippines on July revolution was a “movement 4, 1946. The war inflicted for active non-violence which heavy damage; 257 priests was promoted by Church- and religious lost their lives, related groups” [ibid.]. In and losses in ecclesiastical addition, “the February property and equipment were Revolution was a political estimated at 250 million event, not a social revolution” pesos (U.S.$ 125 million). [ibid.]. Basic social issues of Priests, brothers, sisters, and wealth and power that plagued dedicated Catholic women the nation for generations and men exhibited great faith remained. Many Filipinos and heroism during the war; still found themselves outside many suffered imprisonment. the mainstream of national social, political, and economic ORGANIZATION OF life. PHILIPPINE BISHOPS. The origins of what is known today as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) can be traced back to February 1945 when Apostolic Even in exceptional Delegate William Piani, even as the war was still raging, situations that may appointed John Hurley, SJ to at times arise, one take charge of relief work and “ created the Catholic Welfare Organization (CWO). As LAGARDE ROY can never justify the very name indicates, any violation of the primary purpose of Pontificio Collegio-Seminario effects of the two-decade An important 1977 for dynamic faith in their lives the CWO was to assist in Filippino in Rome (1961). The Marcos era (1965-1986) were pastoral letter, The Bond and an emphasis on justice the fundamental alleviating the immediate period saw renewal programs increased militarization, of Love in Proclaiming the and peace. Specifically, John suffering and destruction introduced; the Christian insurgency, the absence of Good News, addressed many Paul II told the president and dignity of the brought on by the war. On Family Movement (CFM) juridical procedures, the social problems as well as the government leaders: “Even July 17, 1945 all the bishops came to the Philippines in destruction of democratic divisions within the Church in exceptional situations that human person or met in Manila for their first the 1950s; the Cursillos de processes, economic decline, created by various positions may at times arise, one can of the basic rights meeting after the Japanese Cristianidad introduced in and pervasive fear. The taken vis-à-vis martial law never justify any violation of Occupation; they requested 1963 (and the evangelization end result, in the words of a (e.g. the absence of a clear the fundamental dignity of that safeguard this that the CWO become the seminars for various Church Filipino social scientist, was stance and the long delayed the human person or of the official organization of the sectorial groups they inspired) to place the country “on the response on the part of most basic rights that safeguard dignity. Hierarchy of the Philippines. ignited a renewed fervor of lay trembling edge of a social members of the hierarchy; this dignity.” In subsequent years, the involvement in the Church. volcano.” the infiltration of Church The assassination of AQUINO PRESIDENCY. CWO continued to be largely This period proved a time of structures and institutions Benigno Aquino on August Corazon C. Aquino, catapulted engaged in relief services and 1965: A PIVOTAL testing and growth for the local by left-leaning priests and 21, 1983 ushered in a period into office with little experience, the rehabilitation of Church YEAR. In mid-year, the Church. Prophetic stances were religious). The pastoral letter of national mourning and a served as Philippine president institutions; it also became nation observed a six- often met by military abuse, sought to enunciate a clear, widespread clamor for justice from 1986-1992. Aquino’s the vehicle through which day renewal-celebration imprisonment and torture, and holistic vision to guide the and truth. In this highly main contribution was the interests and values of the of the quadricentennial even deportation for foreign Church’s mission of integral charged atmosphere the the reestablishment of a Church were protected and of evangelization in the missionaries. The Church evangelization: local Church’s response was democratically functioning furthered. Philippines (1565-1965). evolved a position of “critical This is EVANGELIZATION: crucial. Jaime Cardinal Sin, government. She began The 1945-1965 period in the The bishops established collaboration,” cooperating the proclamation, above all, of Archbishop of Manila since by enacting a temporary life of the local Church in the the Mission Society of the with the regime on programs SALVATION from sin; the 1974, cautioned Filipinos: “freedom constitution.” In Philippines is characterized Philippines, signifying beneficial to the populace while liberation from everything “If we allow his death to fan May 1986, Aquino appointed by: quite rapid recovery from Filipinos’ commitment to criticizing government actions oppressive to man; the the flames of violence and a constitutional commission the ravages of war, greatly spread the gift of faith they judged harmful. DEVELOPMENT of man in division, then he will have (including Church people) and expanded school system at had received to other lands. all his dimensions, personal died in vain.” asked that a new document upper levels, involvement Two more events would prove and communitarian; and Events moved rapidly in be produced within three of Catholics (laity, sisters, to shape significantly the ultimately, the RENEWAL the ensuing years. Filipino months. This constitution was clergy) in social action, experience and mission of OF SOCIETY in all its strata consciousness had been ratified overwhelmingly by a and growing Filipinization this local Church. The first This period proved through the interplay of the awakened; Philippine society national referendum in 1987. of Church structures and was the election of Ferdinand GOSPEL TRUTHS and man’s had been galvanized. The Difficult issues faced administration. The First Marcos as president of the a time of testing concrete TOTAL LIFE…. Church did not remain on the Aquino: a bankrupt economy, Plenary Council of the Philippines; the second was THIS IS OUR TASK. THIS sidelines during this national communist insurgents, Philippines (1953) focused the conclusion of the Second “and growth for IS OUR MISSION. crisis. In the volatile context the status of the United on the “preservation, Vatican Council on December President Marcos that followed the elections of States military bases, coup enrichment, and propagation 8, 1965. the local Church. announced the lifting of 1986, the Catholic bishops plotters, natural disasters, of Catholic life” and offered Prophetic stances martial law on January issued a statement declaring a burgeoning population, Church resources “to renew AUTHORITARIAN 17, 1981. It was carefully that fraud provides no moral Islamic separatists, the the social order.” The Church RULE. The Philippine were often met timed—three days before the legitimacy for any regime. foreign debt, agrarian became involved in Catholic constitution, modeled on inauguration of United States If citizens agreed that the reform—the list appeared Action programs with that of the United States, by military abuse, President Ronald Regan, and election had been “stolen,” endless. Yet, she guided the farmers (FFF) and workers established a democratic form exactly one month before they should oblige the regime Filipino people to free and (FFW). Guidance from the of government. Ferdinand E. imprisonment Pope John Paul II’s scheduled to respect their will. The fair elections in May 1992 hierarchy continued; from Marcos, first elected president visit to the Philippines. In bishops added: “But we insist: and the orderly transfer of 1945-1965 the CWO issued in 1965, declared martial and torture, and view of the broad range Our acting must always be power to President Fidel 39 joint pastoral letters and law in 1972 and imposed even deportation of authoritarian controls according to the Gospel of Ramos (1992-1998), the statements on a variety of a form of “constitutional retained by Marcos, the lifting Christ, that is, in a peaceful, first Protestant president subjects relevant to Church authoritarianism.” The for foreign of martial law was recognized non-violent way.” of the Philippines. Aquino, and civil society. The martial law period posed by the Filipino people as a an “icon of integrity,” died Philippine bishops sponsored new, challenging questions missionaries. purely cosmetic gesture. The PEOPLE POWER ONE. on August 1, 2009. (To be a Marian Congress in Manila for the Church and nation. papal visit brought two clear An analysis of the story of continued) Fr. James H. (1954) and inaugurated the Among the more pernicious messages to Filipinos: a need the “bloodless revolution” of Kroeger, MM

Manufactured by FOOD INTERNATIONAL, INC. FEATURES CBCP Monitor January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 FEATURES A7

ST MonstranceThe 51 IEC The 51st IEC Monstrance, nourishment and healing which will be the focus that the Eucharist offers. of the Eucharistic Around the circle Procession on January the circle that holds 29, bespeaks the faith the receptacle of the and life-situation of the Consecrated Host are Filipinos. five studs of pearls inlaid Its base is in a form in sampaguita patterns, of a tripod symbolizing signifying the five centuries the three main island of Christianity in this Pearl grouping in the of the Orient Seas; come Philippines. This tri-base 2021 the Philippines will rises to form a cross which mark the 5th Centenary of serves as the holder of the its Christianization. monstrance head. The Lastly, alongside the cross takes a particular cross’ shaft and crossbar, historical significance and not readily noticeable, for Cebu, the host 2016 are the four cardinal Organizers unveil and present the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) Monstrance to the media on Dec. 10, 2015. This monstrance will be the main feature in the IEC, because it is in this directions of the compass Eucharistic Procession on Jan. 29, 2016. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. MARNELL MEJIA island that the Christian (NSEW) implying the faith was implanted and missionary dimension where the First Baptism of the Eucharistic life was celebrated. (The of every baptized that Magellan’s Cross is Cebu’s this IEC 2016 will give Eucharistic Miracles and God’s Unrelenting Mercy symbol, in fact.) particular attention, and By Robert Z. Cortes We are told that Pope miracles in history. But that with a Eucharistic miracle-- The outer part of the to which the Filipino Urban IV, who was in nearby realization is in keeping with arresting as it always is--may monstrance head features faithful is called to be the IT may be an embarrassing Orvieto at the time, after a Eucharistic hymn composed be a first step to genuine faith 51 sunrays (the significance foremost thing to admit for some having confirmed the veracity to honor that very miracle in in the Real Presence. of which is obvious.) The responders. of us--especially those of of the miracle, had the Host Bolsena-Orvieto: St. Thomas And to believers Eucharistic part towards the center is us who consider ourselves and the corporal brought Aquinas’s masterpiece, miracles often serve as a the intriguing kamonggay “believers”--that from time to the Cathedral with the “Adoro Te, devote” (I Adore wake-up call from the slumber (malunggay, moringa) to time, we ask ourselves, “Is pomp and dignity that the You, devoutly). In the second or stupor in which we find pattern, which made Jesus really present in the relics deserved. The blood- stanza, the saint affirms: ourselves, accustomed as we not quite a few Holy Eucharist?” Perhaps the stained corporal is still in that “Sight, touch, taste are all are to seeing the Host on the to wonder, “why thought--not even a serious Cathedral now, for all to see, deceived in their judgment altars day in, day out. Because kamonggay?” doubt--would pass for just a enshrined in a breathtakingly of you, but hearing suffices of the natural weakness of our To which fleeting moment; yet it does beautiful chapel whose walls firmly to believe. I believe senses we may not realize it the answer come, and not just once. are painted from top to all that the Son of God has that externally we act like is “why not?!” This was perhaps the very bottom with scenes from spoken; there is nothing truer non-believers. We forget to The leafy- same challenge that a German the striking events of those than this Word of Truth.” greet or visit Our Lord in the vegetable priest on his way to Rome extraordinary days. In other words, the real Blessed Sacrament, we fiddle kamonggay is the had, as he was celebrating It was with genuine awe motive of our faith in the with our gadgets at Mass, ordinary Juan dela Mass in the church of St. that my friends and I beheld it Eucharist is simply that Christ and we do our genuflections Cruz’s go-to source of Christina in Bolsena, Italy. He when we had the good fortune Himself said it: “This is my so carelessly – if we even sustenance and nutrition. was pious, we are told, but his of going there in pilgrimage Body… This is my Blood.” do them at all. Or even if we It also has healing and faith was not irreproachable. last year. To get that close to Since it was the Catholic don’t act as badly, perhaps antiseptic properties that Joan Carroll Cruz, author of what can only be described Church that handed down to the effort we exert to giving native folks used to avail of a classic book on Eucharistic as God’s condescension to us these very words of Christ, Our Lord in the Eucharist the when modern medicines miracles, tells us that in what the hard-heartedness of man another – albeit implicit – way honor and love He deserves were not yet around. would seem a result of his makes one truly thankful that, of expressing the motive of our is nowhere in proportion to Health and healing - two lack of faith, the priest “had despite our sinfulness, God faith in the Eucharist is this: the gifts He has endowed us elements that the barely spoken the words of continues to have mercy on us because the Church has told us to The good news is that not lowly kamonggay Consecration when blood and reaches out to us. But it so. There is no contradiction; even our lack of faith stops possesses that started to seep from the was also an occasion to realize after all, the Church is the God from wanting to give it to point to the greater consecrated Host and trickle more profoundly, especially Body of Christ, and Christ is us. If anything, it only makes reality of the deeper over his hand onto the altar after the initial thrill and the Church’s Head. Him more generous: the and the corporal.” excitement of the encounter To say all that is not to miracle of Bolsena-Orvieto is had left, that my faith in trivialize Eucharistic miracles, a testament to that. This is not the Holy Eucharist cannot but rather to put them in the to encourage presumption. be based on a sanguinary proper perspective: they can Rather, it is to affirm that spectacle, no matter how and do inspire faith. In fact, regardless of the level of our remarkable. these miracles are of as much faith, now is a good time to That statement may sound value to those who don’t ask for an increase in this a wee bit ungrateful for believe as to those who do faith as a fitting response to that wonderful experience- already believe. For those who God’s unrelenting goodness -indeed, for all Eucharistic don’t believe, an encounter and mercy.

Inmates, A1

is about learning to dance in the rain,” said Bo touched by the visit of the papal legate, noting that the inmates danced heartily while impressed by how a busy VIP like him could a light drizzle fell. consider visiting them. “Yes, you have danced in the rain. Your “We thank him for visiting us. We hope he dance is a beautiful love directed straight to always prays for us,” he said. the heart of all of us. Thank you for your love. Granada, who has been incarcerated for Daghang salamat.” 14 years serving a life sentence, said prison The Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar told life changed him by making him closer to the the inmates to “never, never, never, give up’” Lord, describing himself as “not believing in Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. who was the Lord before [he] was jailed”. himself jailed many times, the papal legate He said life in prison changed him and said that only light can drive out darkness, made him realize that there is a Lord who hatred by love. loves everyone. “Darkness can never drive darkness. Only “I know that problems are big and heavy, light can drive out darkness. Hatred can but recognizing that the Lord is with us, the never drive hatred. Only love can drive out load becomes lighter,” he said. hatred.” The 44-year old family man said he first of After his address, the cardinal mingled with all offered his dance to the Lord and secondly the inmates, smiling, and blessing them. to “our visitors, especially the cardinal.” “We are part of the Eucharistic Congress. Closer to God And for that we are happy,” he said. (Rommel One of the inmates who danced, Lito Lopez with reports from Roy Lagarde Granada from Camotes island, said he was / CBCP News)

Powerful, A1 “Secularism is a spiritual St. Paul and social media in various colleges and rector disaster because we’re built Use social media, but… of the Mundelein College for God and we know that. Social media is an of the Chicago archdiocese Because nothing in the world “extraordinary gift” the before being named a satisfies us. All the pleasure, Church can use to reach out shepherd of the Archdiocese all the power, all the honor to the restless youth, Barron of Los Angeles. that the world can give you, said, and priests ought take there’s still this restlessness advantage of this revolution in Read books! in the heart, a restlessness for communications technology. “I would say, well first, God,” said Barron. “God knows there are spend a long time with the old “If we get marginalized by dangers and limitations to it media of books. Because you a secular society that sees but, if St. Paul were around, gotta have something to say. I secularism as the default it seems he would use all the think the danger is people get position, and religions as kind media available to him. He out in the new media, but what of a nice hobby that some people used the communications they communicate is often have, that’s doing deep damage technology of his own time, very superficial and then that to society. Because we’re the Roman roads and Roman world becomes so tendentious ones who remind people of ships and parchment, etc. and contemptuous. People this longing of the heart, we’re … It would be silly not to just fall into mudslinging,” the ones who remind people of take take advantage of this he said. what satisfies,” he added. extraordinary gift we’ve been Media content cannot be Secularism is particularly given,” Barron said. just philosophical musing dangerous to young people, But the new media should or cultural impressions. “I Barron said. “Young people are be backed up by the rich encourage students, have taking in this ideology through content of old media, he something substantial to every movie, every song, every pointed out, recalling the say. And that means you’re commercial, and what that advice he had given to reading Origen and Augustine does is that it breaks the spirit, seminarians eager to become and Thomas Aquinas and at least a deep unhappiness, a media personalities. Barron John Henry Newman and deep alienation,” he said. had been seminary professor John Paul II.” A8 January 27, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 4 CBCP Monitor SKY ORTIGAS