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APRIL 15 - 28, 2019, VOL 23, NO.Monitor 08 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Abp. Soc calls to be ‘real witnesses amid threats By Roy Lagarde

PRIESTS are called to face “these dreary times of darkness” by being “real witnesses” amid “an angry disbelieving society,” a official said on Holy Thursday. Those priests, said of Lingayen- Dagupan, should also not be afraid to die or be killed for the Lord. “ priests, make friends with death. Let death not threaten you,” Villegas said in his Chrism Mass homily at the St. John the Evangelist in Dagupan City. “The call to the priesthood is a call to die. It is clear. There is no priesthood without victimhood,” he said. To drive his point, the archbishop said that there’s nothing surprising with priests being threatened with death. In the first place, he said that priests should not have accepted ordination if they were afraid to die or be killed. “Death is not a threat. It is our destiny,” said Villegas, who is also a former president of the Catholic ’ Conference of the . Archbishop Socrates Villegas embraces a as he celebrates the Chrism Mass at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City April 18. COURTESY OF SABINS STUDIO Witnesses / A6 ’s old churches PH bishops condemn Sri Lanka attacks

closed after earthquake CATHOLIC leaders in the Philippines joined the international community in condemning a series of blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Cardinal on April 22 offered Mass at the Cathedral on Monday for the victims of the bombings that killed almost 300 people. In his homily, the cardinal voiced his concern and prayers for the victims of the attacks that ripped through churches and hotels across the country. “On the day they were celebrating the joy of the resurrection, they became victims of the darkness of evil,” Tagle said. “But in the light of the Cracks were seen on the Sta. Monica Church and convent in Minalin, Pampanga resurrection, we are filled following a strong earthquake that hit several parts of Luzon on April 22. PHOTO FROM STA. MONICA PARISH CHURCH MINALIN FACEBOOK PAGE with the hope of new life for the victims, for the families, SEVERAL old churches in had suffered major damages. for the Church and the people Pampanga province have Churches in Angeles, Sta. Condemn / A6 An explosion rocked St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, Sri Lanka, on Easter Sunday, April 21. COURTESY OF ST. SEBASTIAN CHURCH been closed following a Rita, , and Betis, strong earthquake that jolted meanwhile, were reported to Don’t be swayed by candidates’ parts of Luzon on April 22. have sustained some cracks. Cardinal Tagle calls faithful to deeper The Archdiocese of San The tremor left at least 16 ‘winnability’, urges voters encounter with other people Fernando said that at least people dead and 26 others 24 heritage churches will were listed missing, most SAYING that voting is not votes in the 2016 elections. Let be off limits to give way of whom were residents of about winning like a lottery but this be a lesson to us now. Let to inspections after a 6.1 Porac. about being heard, a Catholic us be wiser,” he said. magnitude tremor. Catholic bishops have bishop called on people to vote As a Christian obligation, the The archdiocese’s expressed their sorrow and according their conscience and bishop then urged the lay people Committee on Cultural promised their prayers for not because of the candidates’ to help promote for whom they Heritage said no activities the victims and their families. “winnability”. see as “good candidates” in all would be allowed inside “We pray especially for “It is not a matter of betting possible means. the churches “until they are the grieving people, who on winning horses. It is the free “On their own they can tell deemed safe”. have lost dear ones in the expression of our convictions,” people whom to vote,” he said, “The Technical Secretariat earthquake, and we hope Manila Auxiliary Broderick adding that this can also be is coordinating with experts recovery and help would Pabillo said. done in social media. and national agencies to come to these people,” said He reminded the voters “If more and more lay assure everyone’s safety,” it Archbishop , Churchgoers hold candles during the Easter Vigil Mass presided over by Cardinal Luis of the May 13 midterm polls people do this, this subtle Antonio Tagle at the April 20. ROY LAGARDE said. president of the Philippine not to allow surveys to sway campaigning that is not caught Pampanga is home to many bishops’ conference. them from voting for the right by survey groups can be very CARDINAL Luis Antonio and by taking care of those historic churches, and most “We pray that those injured candidates. effective,” Pabillo added. Tagle led Manila’s Catholics who are in need. are considered as national and lost properties will be Let us not be conditioned by Catholic bishops have into Easter on Saturday night, “We are called as Christians treasures for their history comforted, and that help will survey results and polls. These earlier called on lay groups April 20, urging them at the to encounter others and walk and beauty. come,” he said. are part of the propaganda and to campaign for deserving vigil to foster a culture of with them humbly, without So far, the archdiocese The Davao archbishop also are meant to condition our candidates “as an exercise encounter with other people. judgement or pretensions of reported that only the parish lauded rescue workers, who votes,” Pabillo said. of their Christian faith”. He said people’s encounter having the answer to all their churches in Lubao and Porac Churches / A6 “Many have regretted their (CBCPNews) with God is marked by faith Encounter / A6 A2 WORLD NEWS April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Sri Lanka Easter attacks draw international condemnation, prayer for victims China invites Vatican to have pavilion at Beijing garden expo COLOMBO, Sri Lanka— Religious Accepting an invitation from the Chinese government, the and civil leaders have responded is one of a number of nations and organizations with condolences, prayer, and calls participating in an international garden expo in Beijing. for justice after several explosions Though the expo’s focus is on flowers, horticulture and at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka the environment, the Vatican’s presence will be “one step killed more than 200 people and further” on a journey of dialogue between the Vatican and injured hundreds more on Easter China, Cardinal , president of the Pontifical Sunday. Council for Culture, told reporters at a news conference April Calling it “a very, very sad day for 16. While high-level talks and agreements between the two all of us,” Cardinal , countries, which do not have formal diplomatic relations, Archbishop of Colombo, canceled all are “delicate” and ongoing, taking part in the April 29-Oct. 7 remaining Easter Masses for the day expo and other cultural exchanges have the important task in the Colombo district. of creating “an atmosphere” that facilitates dialogue, he said. He expressed his “deepest sorrow (Carol Glatz/CNS) and sympathy to all those innocent families that have lost someone, and Helping others is the true goal, pope tells soccer also to those who have been injured league and rendered destitute,” Vatican Like those who play soccer, people must learn to work News reported. together, help one another and race toward a clear goal, Pope “I condemn—to the utmost of my Francis said. While one may not always achieve every goal in capacity—this act that has caused his or her life, having a clear set of objectives makes people see “where are we going and where our efforts are taking us” as so much death and suffering to the people,” Ranjith said. He called for a opposed to today’s culture which often pushes young men and An explosion rocked St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, Sri Lanka, on Easter Sunday, April 21. COURTESY OF women to “run without stopping,” the pope said April 15 during strong and impartial inquiry to find ST. SEBASTIAN CHURCH an audience with members of the Italian National Amateur those responsible for the attacks. Soccer League. “To clarify and improve our goals is an exercise At the conclusion of his Urbi et national . The first chapel on the injured. He commends the leadership that is never-ending and carried out every day -- I would say Orbi address on Easter Sunday, Pope Church property was built during Sri demonstrated by the authorities and almost every moment -- to become more and more aware of Francis said the violence in Sri Lanka Lanka’s Dutch colonial period, when unity of the people of Sri Lanka in the what we are doing and the most suitable ways to achieve the has brought “grief and sorrow” to the Catholicism was mostly forbidden on wake of the attacks,” the spokesperson desired result,” he said. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS) people there. the island. said, adding that Guterres “reiterates “I wish to express my affectionate There were also explosions Sunday the support and solidarity of the Pope makes surprise visit to community for people closeness to the Christian community, morning at three luxury hotels in United Nations with the people and with Alzheimer’s struck while it was gathered in prayer, Colombo, and explosions outside the Government of Sri Lanka in this Drawing attention to the special needs of people with and to all the victims of such cruel a zoo and a private home Sunday difficult moment for the nation.” Alzheimer’s disease, made an afternoon visit violence,” he said. afternoon. No group has claimed responsibility to a community of group homes designed to keep residents “I entrust to the Lord all those who In a post on , U.S. Secretary for the attacks, but a police spokesman active and living as normal a life as possible. The pope’s visit have tragically perished,” he said, of State Mike Pompeo condemned the said seven people have been arrested April 12 to Emanuele Village on the northern edge of adding his prayers for those who are attacks “in the strongest terms.” in connection with them, according to was part of his continuing series of “Mercy Friday” visits, injured and suffering from the attacks. “These attacks demonstrate the the AP. Some reports suggested that which he began during the Holy Year of Mercy in 2015-16 to Shortly before 9 a.m., explosions brutal nature of terrorists whose sole an additional six suspects were later highlight the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Emanuele were detonated during Easter Mass aim is to threaten peace & security,” arrested. Village consists of 14 group homes, each with six residents, at Catholic churches in the Sri Lankan he said. “We offer our deepest The island nation, which is home to as well as a small supermarket, hair salon, coffee bar and capital, Colombo, and in Negombo, a restaurant, “allowing the residents to live as normally as condolences and stand with the a population of more than 21 million, possible, reproducing many of the little aspects of daily life,” city 20 miles to its north. At the same government & people of #SriLanka.” has been plagued with periodic and helping them maintain ties with others. (CNS) time, a bomb exploded at a service A spokesperson for UN Secretary violence since its 26-year civil war at the evangelical Zion Church in General António Guterres voiced concluded in 2009. More than 70% Vatican firefighter says St. Peter’s at much less risk Batticaolo, on Sri Lanka’s east coast. outrage at the attacks and calls for of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, roughly than Notre Dame Pews were shattered by the blast justice for perpetrators. 13% are Hindus, almost 10% are After the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, “The Secretary-General expresses Muslims, and fewer than 8% are April 15, Romans and tourists could not help looking at St. and floors and ceilings were covered his deepest condolences to the Christians. There are 1.5 million Peter’s Basilica and wondering, “what if?” But Maj. Paolo De in blood. The Catholic shrine is families of the victims, the people Catholics in the country, constituting Angelis, head of the Vatican fire department, told the Italian the most well-known church in Sri and the Government of Sri Lanka, the overwhelming majority of the Sri news agency ANSA April 16 that the structural differences Lanka, and is designated the country’s and wishes a speedy recovery to the Lanka’s Christians. (CNA) between Notre Dame and the basilica and, especially, the differences in the materials used, make a catastrophic fire at St. Peter’s less likely. While the attic of Notre Dame was known Wooden church- an 'ephemeral cathedral' as “the forest” because of the lattice of oak beams supporting the roof, in St. Peter’s, he said, most of the supports are in stone or masonry. The few wood beams, he said, are covered could go up as Notre-Dame is restored in a fire-resistant varnish and are constantly monitored by an ultramodern fire alarm system.(Cindy Wooden/CNS) PARIS, France— After a “We mustn’t say ‘the massive fire gutted the cathedral is closed for Organ donation fosters culture of life, pope says Cathedral of Notre-Dame five years’ and that’s it,” When done ethically and free of charge, organ donation is a in Paris April 15, the Chauvet said. selfless gesture that contributes to fostering a culture of life, cathedral’s says a There is no formal Pope Francis said. Christians who donate their organs offer temporary wooden church estimate yet for how long “a to the suffering Lord who said that everything we have might soon be constructed the cathedral restoration done for a brother or sister in need we have done for him,” in the esplanade, or plaza, will take. While France’s the pope said April 13 during a meeting with members of the adjacent to the cathedral. President Emmanuel Italian Association of Organ Donors. However, he added, organ donation must remain “as an unpaid, free act.” “In fact, Monsignor Patrick Chauvet Macron has said that he any form of commercialization of the body or any part of it told France’s CNews April would like to see restoration is contrary to human dignity. In giving blood or an organ of 18 that he was exploring completed within five years, the body, it is necessary to respect the ethical and religious plans to build an “ephemeral experts say that possibility perspective,” the pope said. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS) cathedral” adjacent to Notre is extremely unlikely. Dame, where cleanup and Nearly one billion euro construction are expected to have been pledged to the Firefighters in Paris work to contain the burning Notre Dame Cathedral April 15, Pope sends aid to flood victims in Iran 2019. BENOIT MOSER, COURTESY BSPP Pope Francis has sent a large donation to assist tens of begin soon. restoration effort. thousands of Iranians who lost their homes and businesses Mass would be celebrated While the images of of the cathedral’s religious after the fire. The Church’s in waves of severe flooding that began in mid-March. The and confessions offered at the cathedral’ exterior and historical treasures most important religious for Promoting Integral Human Development said the temporary structure, suggested nearly total from the flames. items were spared from Pope Francis was sending 100,000 euros (US$113,000), Chauvet suggested, adding devastation after the fire, The cathedral’s famed the fire: the , and which will be distributed with the help of the Vatican that Paris mayor Anne inside the cathedral’s rose windows, its bell relics of Christ’s crown of nunciature in Tehran. The flooding has killed 77 people and Hidalgo is a supporter of vaulted stone ceiling mostly towers and massive bells, thorns and cross were saved more than a thousand were injured. The homes and property the idea. held, and protected many and its organ were all intact during the fire. (CNA) of more than 10 million people have been damaged and at least 2 million people require emergency assistance, the dicastery said. (CNS) ‘Nones’ rise amid declining church attendance, survey shows

Vatican imposes 10-year suspension on Legionaries WASHINGTON D.C.— Church church has dropped by 13 points. In Mormons say they belong to churches. priest for abuse membership in the United States has 1998-2000, 76% of Catholics said they Mormons, unlike Catholics and The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has banned dropped considerably in the last two were members of a church. By 2016- Protestants, have kept relatively a Legionaries of Christ priest from publicly exercising his decades, and the number of people 2018, this figure had dropped to 63%. stable church membership numbers priestly ministry for 10 years after he was convicted in Chile who say they have no religion has Church “membership” is difficult of the past 20 years. of sexually abusing a young girl. Irish-born Legionaries Father increased, a new report from Gallup to tabulate among Catholics. Parish Women were considerably more John O’Reilly was convicted in Chile in 2014 and sentenced shows. membership is primarily defined in likely than men to say they belong to to four years of “supervised liberty.” When the four years The decline in “membership” of a canon law according to residence in churches, with 58 percent of women was up in December, he was told to leave the country or specific church or parish community the territory of a parish. and 47 percent of men identifying face deportation. He moved to Rome, where he still lives, appears especially pronounced among While many operate themselves as church members. according to the Legionaries. In accordance with church law, Catholics and young people. registration programs for sacramental Membership among men and women he also underwent a trial by a tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which also found him guilty of Nearly one out of three millennials, or pastoral purposes, “registration” experienced a large decline in the last child sexual abuse, the Legionaries of Christ press office said defined as people born between 1980 does not actually define or confirm 20 years, with men dropping by 17 in a statement April 11. (Cindy Wooden/CNS) and 2000, describe themselves as belonging to the parish community, points, and women by 15. having no religion. Of the 68% who which is conferred de facto by domicile All demographic categories now say Human trafficking is ‘crime against humanity,’ pope said they do have a religious faith, within the territory of the parish. they belong to churches at a lower rate says only 57% said they belong to a church. In Catholic , Church than they did 20 years ago. Human trafficking is a “crime against humanity,” because it Twenty years ago, when members “membership” is not ordinarily The demographics that experienced denies the human dignity of the victim, seeing him or her only of “Generation X” were the same age defined by registration or self-identity. the smallest decline were Protestants as a piece of merchandise to be used to enrich or give pleasure to as millennials, 62%--nearly two out Even without taking this into (which Gallup combined with people another, Pope Francis said. Human trafficking, “in its multiple of three--were members of a church. account, according to the data who identify simply as “Christian”) forms, is a wound in the humanity of those who endure it and Today, 54% of Generation X members American Catholics still appear and Republicans, who dropped six those who commit it,” the pope said April 11, addressing the belong to a church, and 79% said they belong to churches at higher rates points and eight points, respectively. closing session of a Vatican conference. The Migrants and have a religious belief of some sort. than nondenominational Protestants. Conversely, and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Those born in 1945 or earlier were Only 57 percent of Americans who call Democrats both dropped 23 Human Development organized the conference April 8-11. The the most religious age group surveyed. themselves “nondenominational” are percentage points in church office brought together more than 200 bishops, priests, men Only nine percent said they did not members of a church. membership over the last 20 years. and women religious, project coordinators, pastoral workers, have a religion, and nearly three out Both of these figures lag behind Democrats dropped from 71 percent representatives of Catholic organizations and foundations and of four believers consider themselves Protestants affiliated with a to 48 percent, and Hispanics from 68 trafficking experts from around the world to brainstorm and to “belong” to a church. denomination, as well as Mormons. to 45. Those between the ages of 18 coordinate efforts to stop trafficking.(Cindy Wooden/CNS) Since 1998-2000, the percentage Seventy percent of denominational and 29 were not far behind, declining of Catholics who say they belong to a Protestants, and 90 percent of by 22 points from 1998. (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 NEWS FEATURES A3 Pope urges students to fight their addiction to phones VATICAN— Pope Francis told high “Mobile phones are a great school students to break their phone help, it marks great progress. It addiction and spend more time on should be used, and it is wonderful real communication with others everyone knows how to use it” and in moments of quiet, personal for the “wonderful” activity of reflection. communication, he said. Young people need to learn about “But when you become a slave to “healthy introspection” so they your phone, you lose your freedom,” can listen to their conscience and he said. be able to distinguish it “from the “Be careful because there is voices of selfishness and hedonism,” danger that this drug -- when the he said. phone is a drug -- the danger of The pope made his remarks April communication being reduced 13 during an audience with teachers, to simple ‘contacts’” and not true students and their family members communication with others, he said from Rome’s oldest classical lyceum to more applause. -- the Ennio Quirino Visconti He told them to not be afraid of Lyceum-Gymnasium. Some notable silence and to learn to listen to or alumni include Eugenio Pacelli, the write down what is going on inside future Pope Pius XII, and Jesuit their heart and head. Father Matteo Ricci. “It is more than a science, it is Pope Francis greets people during an audience with students and staff from Ennio Quirino Visconti Lyceum-Gymnasium, a school in Rome, at the Vatican The pope told the high school wisdom, so as to not become a piece April 13, 2019. CNS/VATICAN MEDIA students to “please, free yourselves of paper” that moves in whatever from your phone addiction!” direction the wind blows, he said. “Love is not a game. Love is school remain free from all forms “Dialogue among different Looking up at his audience as The pope also told the teenagers the most beautiful thing God of bullying and aggression, which cultures, different people, they applauded, the pope said he that God gave everyone the ability gave us,” he told them, so be are “the seeds of war.” enriches a nation, enriches one’s knew they were aware of the many to love. vigilant, protect people’s dignity And he encouraged them to homeland,” he said. It helps people forms and problems of addiction. “Don’t dirty it” with shameful and defend “authentic love, so as reject mediocrity and indifference, move forward in mutual respect But, he warned, an addiction to behavior, but rather, love “cleanly” not to trivialize the language of and instead, “dream big,” living and be able to see the world is one’s mobile phone was something with modesty, fidelity, respect and the body.” with passion and embracing “for everyone, not just for some.” “very subtle.” a big generous heart. He asked them to help their diversity. (Carol Glatz/CNS) Killed in the Rwandan They were going to get married. Now he’s a genocide, a couple is being considered for sainthood priest and she’s a sister BUENOS AIRES, instrument,” said the priest. KIGALI, Rwanda— The story growing deeper in faith and Argentina— Before He added that they also of Cyprien and Daphrose joy together. Those who discovering their vocations, prayed the together. Rugumba is a story of atheism knew Cyprien said he became Fr. Javier Olivera and Sister For her part, Sister and devout faith, of a strained humbler and positive, trusting Marie de la Sagesse were Marie de la Sagesse, whose marriage and a love that in God’s plan for his life. engaged and planning their baptismal name is Trinidad overcomes obstacles, of a In 1989, Cyprien and wedding. God had other Maria Guiomar, told ACI powerful conversion that was Daphrose encountered the plans. Prensa that what she most able to change an entire life. , a Speaking to ACI Prensa, appreciated about her then- Cyprien and Daphrose Catholic organization with CNA’s boyfriend was “his sincere were murdered 25 years an international presence, sister agency, Fr. Olivera search for the truth without ago, at the start of the 1994 focused on discipleship and said that they both grew fearing the consequences.” Rwandan genocide. Today, evangelization through prayer up in Catholic families and The couple got engaged their cause for sainthood is and charity. that “our parents knew when they were 21 and open, and their impact lives The following year, they each other when they were decided to get married after on through the Emmanuel founded a chapter of the young.” They saw each other college, two and a half years Community, an international community in Rwanda. Over frequently when they were away. Catholic association of the next four years, they children. The discovery of a vocation the faithful focused on devoted their time to the “I had really left the One day Trinidad Maria’s adoration, compassion and quickly growing community. practice of religion. When older brother broke the evangelization, which the But while the Rugumbas’ I was 19, I came back from news that he would be couple brought to Rwanda. marriage was filled with joy a back-packing trip to Peru entering the seminary, and The Rugumba’s story is and peace, the country around Father Javier Olivera and Sister Marie de la Sagasse. CNA and I met her. I asked her if she remembered, “we were recounted by the Emmanuel them was not. Decades of she believed in virginity until reeling from it because we Community. ethnic tension dating back to know if the best way to studies, both embraced marriage, because for me weren’t expecting that.” As a young man, Cyprien to Belgian colonialism was get to heaven for me is the their vocations. In 2008, this was kind of an invention “I had a car and with my entered seminary. His time beginning to lead to calls for priestly life or the married when they were 31, he was by the Church. She laid fiancée we decided to take there was difficult. Shocked violence in Rwanda, fostered life? Where can I do the ordained a priest in the out the principles so well him to the seminary, which by scandals among the other by propaganda backed by most good?” of San Rafael, and about purity, from faith and was in San Rafael, Mendoza seminarians and discouraged political extremists. After so many doubts he she made her final vows reason, that it impacted me. Province,” she said. They by the writings of philosophers In April 1994, the tensions decided to tell his fiancée in the congregation of the I met a woman who knew both decided to stay in the who criticized the Catholic erupted into frenzied about his vocational Sisters of the Merciful . how to defend what she area a few days so Javier Church, he left the seminary bloodshed, as members of the concerns, who confessed to Fr. Olivera is currently believed and who was at the could visit some friends who and fell away from the faith. Hutu ethnic majority took up him that she “was thinking a university professor and same time very intelligent,” were in the seminary, and Cyprien found success in machetes and turned on their the same thing” after has a blog called “Que Olivera commented. Trinidad Maria could visit the arts, working as a poet, minority Tutsi neighbors, her brother entered the no te la cuenten” (Find Soon after that some friends in the convent. author, and composer. friends, and colleagues. In seminary. out for yourself). He has conversation, they began “When we got back, we He became an influential the 100-day genocide that However, neither one of written a book on vocational dating. At that time both talked about how crazy all government administrator, followed, it is estimated that them made a decision. “Since doubts entitled “Alguna of them were studying law. that was, that her brother helping to protect and 1 million people were killed. we still had two years before vez pensaste? El llamado He was at the National had left everything, the encourage the creation of Cyprien, who was renowned finishing law school, that de Cristo” (Have you ever University at Buenos Aires possibility of having a traditional Rwandan art. in the country for his work was a great excuse to not yet thought about it? The Call and she was at the National family, an important career. When his fiancée was killed preserving traditional art, had enter the seminary or the of Christ). University at La Plata. We began to ask ourselves, in 1963, he asked to marry her fought the growing tension. convent,” Fr. Olivera said. Sister Marie de la Sagesse Fr. Olivera said that “it was ‘What would happen if God cousin Daphrose, a devout He denounced the violent and They had “a very prudent lives in southern France like any other courtship but called us to the religious Catholic, in order to honor divisive radio broadcasts and monk” as a spiritual adviser, and has an in we tried to take advantage of life?’ The first thing we his engagement to her family. the inclusion of ethnicities on who told them: “Look, that Saint Laurent Parish in the cultural life through music, said was ‘no’ and that that They were wed in 1965. identity cards. is an issue between each one Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon. literature and philosophy. was crazy because we were The marriage was a rocky In his work with the of you and God. No one can Regarding their story, We read books together, having a really beautiful one, leading to an eight- Emmanuel Community, interfere with souls.” she said that “I consider it we’d go out for coffee. engagement and we were month separation at one Cyprien insisted that Hutus and For her part, Sister Marie a special grace that both We had a group of friends already buying things to point. Even after the two Tutsis were both welcome. He de la Sagesse told ACI Prensa of us were called almost with whom we attended get married,” Fr. Olivera were reconciled, Cyprien was stressed unity based in Christ that “it was a long period of at the same time. So kind conferences of Argentine recounted. repeatedly unfaithful to his as the center of the community. discernment, at least two and thoughtful of Divine Catholic authors.” Weeks went by “there was wife, fathering a child out of “We have only one party, that of years, until God clearly Providence, who doesn’t “I started to practice the this constant thought in wedlock. He also ridiculed his Jesus,” he would say. showed me the consecrated miss a detail. And what I faith, to pray, to go to Mass my soul about what would wife’s devotion to prayer and But his outspoken criticism life, and I could not doubt really appreciate is that on Sundays. All in large happen if God called me, if the . of those perpetrating the that he was asking of me this we’re still friends and not part thanks to her, to God I had to leave everything, Daphrose, however, violence had drawn attention total surrender.” just us, but our families mainly, but to her as an why not be a priest? How remained undeterred in her and made the Rugumba After finishing their too.” (ACI Prensa/CNA) faith and resolute in her family a target. beliefs about the sanctity On the morning of April Church charity steps in to aid disaster-hit Filipino farmers of marriage. She prayed 7, the start of the genocide, continually for her husband’s Cyprien and Daphrose were CARIGARA, Leyte— It took some city of Ormoc, on the central Philippine Danny Carranza, former national conversion and raised their murdered in their home, along time for farmer Rosenda Apay, 59, to island of Leyte. “This is the first time coordinator of Rights Network, said the 10 children in the faith, taking with six of their 10 children, realize that she was finally tilling her that an organization really worked for organization has been working on land them to Mass with her. following a night spent before own farm. It took more than 16 years our rights.” rights since 2008. In 1982, Cyprien became the Eucharist in Adoration. of lobbying and asserting her rights to Florina Reyes, project coordinator When Haiyan hit, areas affected by the seriously ill. Doctors were The canonization cause for have land. of the Rights Network group, said its typhoon became “special cases” because unable to determine the Cyprien and Daphrose was Today, Apay and 21 other farmers, partnership with Caritas made of the “intersection of land rights, cause of his sickness. Fearing opened Sept. 18, 2015, and the affected by the disaster wrought by possible the distribution of land to development issues and humanitarian death, Cyprien had a powerful diocesan inquiry in currently Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, are communities most affected by Haiyan, response.” moment of conversion, underway. tilling a 25-hectare communal farm in the most powerful typhoon on record to Bishop Noel Simard, head of Caritas believing in God’s existence and The couple’s work— the central Philippines. have hit the Philippines. Canada who visited the Philippines last love for him. This experience, particularly Daphrose’s They said their perseverance paid A total of 1,981 certificates of land month, said the support is Canada’s which he would later attribute ministry to homeless children off as they admitted that many of their ownership covering 3,722 hectares response to the “great need and to his wife’s tireless prayers on on the streets and Cyprien’s fellow farmers “have given up the fight.” of land are set to be released to more suffering” the people experienced. his behalf, led to a complete music, poems and books— The realization of the farmers’ dream farmer beneficiaries in Leyte province. “Seeing the happy faces of the families, transformation of his life. are still recognized today. came about with the help of non- At least 3,588 families are expected to of the children in their new homes, we After a difficult 17 years of In addition, the Emmanuel government groups and the Canadian benefit. can only say that Development and marriage, the relationship Community in Rwanda, Catholic Organization For Development “If Haiyan had not hit us, we would Peace did the right thing pushing for between Cyprien and founded by the Rugumbas, is and Peace, or Caritas Canada. not have known that farmers like us this project,” said Bishop Simard from Daphrose was renewed, currently the second largest in “They gave us hope,” said Apay, leader have rights to land,” said Lolita Candaza, Valleyfield Diocese in .(Ronald united in a new fidelity and the world. (CNA) of the Bugho Farmers Association in the 59, from the town of Barugo. Reyes/UCAN) A4 OPINION April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

What Easter is for us

EASTER is the greatest event for all humankind. It is the triumph of God’s love over evil and death. Jesus’ death on the cross is the greatest love that can be offered. Though sinless and blameless, Jesus took the blame for the sins of humanity for all time, since the beginning of the human race till the end of time. Jesus offered himself. Is this offering acceptable? Is this kind of love effective? Will it overcome the force of evil and death? If the death and burial of Jesus were the end of the story, we are not sure whether his love and offering were effective. Easter is the confirmation that Jesus’ love is triumphant. It is able to overcome all evil, even death! Jesus has emptied himself to the fullest. “Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8) On the part of God, He accepted him and lifted him up. His offering was acceptable and effective. “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” (Phil 2:9) We therefore loudly acclaim ALLELUIA! Praise the Lord! Easter is not only about Jesus. It is about all of us. First and foremost, Easter has truly set us free from the power of evil and death. The prophet Ezekiel has prophesied: “You shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people.” (Ezekiel 37:13) We are

no longer enslaved by sin. Death is not our end. We are set BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION free! Not only that! The power of Easter is now operative in us. As Jesus has overcome evil we too can overcome evil. We Campaign… are assured by these words of Jesus: “In the world you will Panaghoy have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) This gives us confidence to face life and all its campaign… campaign Bp. vicissitudes. The assurance of victory is given to us. All acts of love and trust will be rewarded. Pope Francis urges us: “The evils of our world—and those of the Church—must not be excuses for diminishing AFTER the lull of the , if ever people are afraid to be identified with the so that they may be more known. This our commitment and our fervor…. Our faith is challenged there were any, political campaigns for opposition, even by just having posters does not cost any money and does not to discern how wine can come from water and how wheat the May 13 elections are on, but now attached near their homes or offices. need much time. If more and more lay can grow in the midst of weeds. (Evangelii Gaudium, with more heat, since it is the last stretch They are afraid of reprisals. Fear can people do this, this subtle campaigning 84) Because of Easter we do not fall into pessimism and before the elections. We have barely have a paralyzing effect. The best way to that is not caught by survey groups can defeatism. We are assured of Jesus’ victory, which will also three weeks to go before that fateful day. overcome fear is not by going along with be very effective. be ours if we stay close to him and follow his path. The Holy With the encouragement of the last CBCP it, but by opposing it and standing up to At this stage of the campaign, let us Father warned: “One of the more serious temptations which pastoral letter, many lay leaders are now it. If now we are afraid just because of the not be conditioned by survey results and stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into actively involved in campaigning. The threats, what will happen when people polls. These are part of the propaganda disillusioned pessimists. Nobody can go off to battle unless bishops made this call: “Christians are are actually led with a semblance of and are meant to condition our votes. Let he is fully convinced of victory beforehand. If we start without encouraged to engage in principled legality because those in power are now us remember that elections are different confidence, we have already lost half the battle and we bury partisan participation. This means that in total control? It is now then that we from betting in lotteries or gambling. our talents.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 85) With the Easter event, they can campaign for good candidates have to stand up and oppose those who It is not a matter of betting on winning we are convinced of victory beforehand! as an exercise of their Christian faith.” use violence and threats. horses. It is the free expression of our “We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” the Church Many lay leaders are now heeding this In all midterm elections the ones convictions. No matter if my candidate Fathers tell us. So we face sufferings, setbacks, evil and even call. Even with limited resources and in power have the unfair advantage does not have a high rating, my vote for death with confidence. We shall overcome! Jesus has shown experiences, they campaign for the in that they can use government him/her is not wasted even if she/he us the way. We are assured that love will triumph, no matter candidates whom they think can make resources, government money, and loses. What is worse is that I vote for a how bitter is the hatred; truth will shine forth, no matter how a difference in the present governance even government time to campaign for winnable candidate who indeed wins but sinister are the lies; righteousness will prevail, no matter how of the country. They especially support their candidates. This should be illegal! who is a bad public servant. In this way injustice is prevalent. This is good news, for it seems at the candidates who advance democratic Usually, those in the opposition have not I have contributed to the ill in society. moment that lies, violence, and hatred on the one hand, and governance by not allowing themselves enough resources for their campaigns. Many have regretted their votes in the apathy, indifference and skepticism on the other hand, seem to be cowed by fear or used by interests Here the lay people who are convinced 2016 elections. Let this be a lesson to us to prevail. But this is not so! The power of the resurrection of those who have authoritarian or about the worthiness of their candidates now. Let us be wiser. Let all good people in operative among us Easter people! dictatorial leanings. can help. On their own they can tell campaign and vote not for winnable In some areas of the country, this is people whom to vote. This influence is people—iyong may mga matunog ng The challenge of today’s youth an uphill battle. In a northern province, highly effective because it is a one-on- pangalan lang—but for those who really I was told by a local leader of the one personal approach. This can also be can help in the good governance of the WITH the holding of the National Youth Day celebration here opposition that she has a lot of posters done in the social media by posting the country. Let us make good candidates in Cebu this week, we are again given a chance to take a long but they cannot post them because names and programs of good candidates known. Campaign for them! and serious look at the situation of today’s youth not only in our country but also all over the world. And let’s see what we can do with the pluses and minuses, the lights and shadows Wrecking friendship that such consideration would give us. Whatever It is obvious that today’s youth are way different from those in the previous generations in so many respects, like Fr. Francis Ongkingco in terms of mentality, behavior and lifestyle, attitude, culture and manners, etc. It should come as no surprise since today’s youth are exposed to a lot more things than those of the DISNEY’S second installment One day, Ralph decides and actions. Vanellope. Ralph’s insecurity past. While every generation is different from the others, the of Wreck It Ralph, once again to surprise Vanellope who Ralph never fails to thicken is replicated and wrecks the present one seems to be more sharply different. delivers another smashing was getting bored with her the plot when, as he also does Internet. Today’s youth, in general, seem to know and to use a lot message about relationships Sugar Rush racing track. in the first part, he innocently Friendships can fail and more things in terms of technologies. Aside from the wealth and adds a timely lesson on He improvises a track for introduces a “foreign break due to insecurity issues. of knowledge that has been accumulated through the ages how the Internet can either Vanellope, but this generous element,” wreaking havoc in The movie brings out this worldwide and now made more accessible due to the new help human bonds to grow initiative unexpectedly ruins the Internet. He had intended reality with today’s millions technologies, they are now freely riding the wave of the many or, end sadly. the car game and sends them to introduce the seemingly of virtual connections new developments in the areas of the sciences, the arts, and Faithful to the story’s first on a digital roller coaster harmless virus to disrupt bridged through social media of the course the technologies. They are thedigital natives. part, the movie introduces chase into the Internet to Vanellope’s newfound game platforms. These sites vary These new things, of course, can have double effects. They a continuing digital save Vanellope’s game. and convince her to return in their content and focus, can be good and bad, depending on how we understand and relationship between Ralph It is amazingly enjoyable to their former video consul but all hold one common use them. While we can see a lot of today’s youth empowered and his Sugar Rush Racing to watch how Wreck It gaming worlds. Interestingly, goal: to connect people greatly because of these new things, we can also see many of princess, Vanellope von Ralph managed to underline the virus tracks any sign of (obviously, making money them sinking in all forms of anomalies and disorders. Schweetz, or the Glitch. So far, some very valuable lessons “insecurity” in a game or site in the process). Connectivity There are those who manage to make good use of the many the first part ends with a lively as the plot evolved. The and replicates it to destabilize is made up of the positive possibilities the new things offer them, but there also those connection with no short story revolved around the the program or force it to content in comments, photos, who are simply confused and lost, trapped in their own self- circuits and thrives through challenges that friendship reboot. Unfortunately, it likes, and shares which are indulgence. And between the two, I am afraid the latter is a programmed lifestyle of faces in the world of social discovered Ralph’s 100% viewed by millions net-wide. far more plenty than the former. It’s the latter case that we games, conversation and media and how this can insecurity level after his Sadly, with the misuse of should be more concerned about. They are the ones who seem watching the sunset. powerfully shape one’s ideas argument+break-up with Whatever / A7 to mature late when, in fact, the challenges and complications of the times call for them to mature early. How can we help them? What measures should we When an idiot is better Editorial / A6 Candidly Speaking than a genius Fr. Roy Cimagala CBCP

THE comparison may sound crazy, but with his grace we slowly and steadily consistently teaches us, supported by Monitor it is helpful to highlight a basic truth become more and more like God in the fact that despite all our sinfulness, PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE of our faith. And that is, irrespective of Christ through the Holy Spirit, since God God continues to love us and to forgive whatever human condition we may be wants us to be his image and likeness, us through the sacrifice of Christ, the Pedro Quitorio in, we should not forget that we have children of his, meant to participate in son of God who became man to save us. Editor-in-Chief to be with God. Our life is supposed to his very own life. Besides God through Christ in the Spirit be in communion with God always. We In concrete terms, we should see has given us all the means so we can be Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas have to do our part to make that ideal to it that the very substance of our as we should be. Associate Editor Design Artists real in our life. consciousness is not only of ourselves, This point is underscored in that Thus, to dramatize this point more but also and most especially of God, and parable about the two sons who were Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite News Editor Circulation Manager vividly, we can say that we should rather that whatever we think, desire, say and asked by their father to work in the have the IQ of an idiot but with God than do is done not only by ourselves but also vineyard. (cfr. Mt 21,28-32) The first Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez that of a genius but without or, worse, with and for God. son at first said no to the request, but Managing Editor Comptroller against God. It does not really matter That might sound too much for us later on obeyed his father. The second how our condition is in our life here on to believe, let alone, to carry out. We, said yes at first, but then did not actually The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices earth. What really matters is that we with all our weaknesses, mistakes and comply with what he said. at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna believe and love God and make use of sins, will always feel unworthy to share Of course, between the two, it was the Street, , Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ whatever condition we have to show that in God’s nature and life. We might be first son who actually loved his father areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. belief and love for God. tempted to say, “Tell it to the Marines!” by doing what was requested despite We should therefore try our best that But that is what our Christian faith Candidly Speaking / A7 OPINION CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 OPINION A5

Dying and rising in the By the Roadside Philippines: Are we on Collection Box Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD reverse Paschal Mystery? Fr. Jerome R. Secillano, MPA

“Christ is risen! And life is liberated! tinted eyes. darkness into light, from sin into grace, Christ is risen! And the tomb is emptied With these eyes a Christian who reads from slavery to liberation, from evil to Filipino youth in search of its dead; for Christ having risen from the Scripture readings at Easter Vigil, for good? Are there enough indications that the dead, is become the first-fruits of instance, sees the paschal movements we are journeying to the tune of Jesus of meaning and identity those who have fallen asleep. To Him be of God’s acts among his creatures, Christ’s genuine Paschal Mystery or are Glory and Power, now and forever, and in particular among his “images and we, by most signs, following a reverse ‘Year of the Youth’ from all ages to all ages. Amen!”—ST. likenesses”. Paschal in Paschal Mystery, paschal mystery fueled by fake news The youth now take center stage in the Philippine Catholic JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (Easter Sermon) as most priests know from classes in OT instead of the Good News? Church as the latter celebrates the Year of the Youth (YoY) exegesis, is from the Hebrew ‘pesach’ Are the real movements in the country from November 2018 till November 2019. “...We must confront with holy anger or ‘pass over’. The movement from one from death to life or, rather, mostly from Since 2013, as the Church prepares for the 500th the more than thirty thousand senseless point to another results in liberation life to death, from light to darkness, anniversary of the arrival of in the country murders of the poor in the name of a from an evil. Genesis’ first chapter tells or from darkness to greater darkness, (1521), vital elements of faith and religion are highlighted and false drug-free society...” (Archbishop of the paschal movement of all creatures from wrong to greater wrongs, from the celebrated during a nine-year span that will then culminate Socrates Villegas, DD, Chrism Mass from darkness to light, from non- presence of God to the rejection of God’s in a grand feast in 2021. Previous to YoY was the Year of the Homily) existence to existence, the movement presence? Is it already Easter morning Clergy and Consecrated Persons. from existence to life, from life to in our land? Or are we still riding the By focusing on young people, the Church shows them deep “Christ has died. CHRIST IS RISEN. Christ “God’s images and likenesses”. Genesis’ jeepney of a prolonged recognition who were referred to by the Synod Fathers in will come again,” so we the faithful declare twenty-second chapter recalls the continuously doomed to run towards Rome in 2018 as no longer the future but the ‘’present of the the ancient confession of the mystery of paschal movement from the darkness Black Saturday and vice versa? Church’’, the ‘’here and now’’ so to speak. The recognition faith during the Eucharist, the sacrament of God’s test of Abraham involving Paul the Apostle’s words to the does not, of course, undermine the presence and contribution of Christ’s Death and Resurrection. Inside the sacrifice of his Isaac to the light of Christians at Colossae and Corinth are of the older portion of the people of God in building up the our churches that confession is solemnly Isaac’s release from imminent death our guide. We need to take them seriously. body of Christ. In an open letter to the Catholic Church of the ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION sung but almost always taken for granted on the blind-and-obedient faith of But would we? “Since you have been Philippines, the Filipino youth admitted their “need for being by everyone who sings it. Outside of us, Abraham his father. Exodus’ fourteenth raised in company with Christ, set your guided and formed.” By whom? If not by their peers, surely by particularly in the dark alleys or even chapter takes us to the model par heart on what pertain to higher realms their elders. In context, the youth are now tasked this early to the sun-lit corners of the archipelago, we excellence of all liberations: the paschal where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. build upon the foundation which their elders had laid. also mostly take for granted the ways in movement of Israel through Moses Be intent on things that are above rather As the new face of the Church, the young are not expected to which Christ continues to die in the poor from slavery in Egypt to liberation than on things of earth” (Col 3:1-2). To the change the Church’s core beliefs and teachings in an attempt and voiceless victims of the drug war, towards journeying in the desert to the Corinthian Christians he explains how we to make the Church more modern and attuned to the times. hate campaigns against dissenters and Promised Land. The other OT Scripture must live out Jesus Christ’s resurrection They are simply exhorted to infuse vitality and energy to an other forms of oppression or criminality readings invariably speak of prophecies in our everyday existence. Embracing the otherwise ‘’aging institution’’ that’s already under threat of under the protective cloak of impunity. on Israel’s paschal movement from the Risen Lord whose Body is in a completely secularism and other post-modern values. But Christ also dies in those who merely darkness of exile in foreign countries to transformed state means saying no to “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not watch helplessly by the sidelines, quietly their eventual liberation through God’s our old life of sin and penchance for the pass away.” (Mt. 24:35) protesting but blatantly powerless against acts as proclaimed by his prophets. fleshpots of our former dark nights of To live in an era where everything seems to be going the country’s mysterious but mighty angels Of course, the fullest realization of slavery. “Get rid of the old yeast to make against the values espoused by Christ requires a tremendous and peddlers of death. Christ especially the liberation of God’s People, which of yourselves fresh dough, unleavened commitment to go against the tide. The youth is thus torn dies in those who praise the murders includes us, is the Paschal passage of loaves, as it were, Christ our Passover has between clinging to Jesus or riding the waves of secular thinking they are the more effective Jesus the Christ from his Passion to his been sacrificed. Let us celebrate the feast practices. There’s also tension in wanting ‘’to belong’’ or to means to achieving peace and order in Death to his Resurrection on Easter. not with the old yeast, that of corruption be different from their peers. our streets, families, neighborhoods Unhappily, the liberating and saving and wickedness, but with the unleavened The secular identity for which the youth is unfortunately and communities. Unfortunately Black fruit of the Paschal Mystery won by the bread if sincerity and truth” (1 Cor 5:7-8). known for undermines whatever commitment they have to Saturday in our shores seems to announce Master for us is not imposed even by the Jesus Christ is risen! But why are embrace and to cling to what the Church stands for. In the no impending end. (Even the leader of the Savior on us. We still have to decide to our poor dying? Jesus Christ is risen! same letter, the Filipino youth said, ‘’We are all searching for land recently admitted that the country’s take it upon ourselves. We are taught But why are our consciences, and their our identity—who we are. We search for our meaning and illegal drug problem is worsening. That that we have done so by virtue of our voices, being murdered repeatedly ultimately our purpose in life. We know that we are called for seems to also hold true to the corruption Baptism. We revisit that decision when physically, psychologically, morally and something more than ourselves. We are called to act, but we and poverty problem). The stone covering at Easter the Church asks us to renew legally, with our tacit permission? Jesus still need to be guided and formed. We lack critical thinking Christ’s tomb in the Philippines and in our baptismal vows. Christ is risen! But how come social and decision-making skills that usually make us hesitant to many parts of the world is yet unmoved. Therein lies a great part of our justice, decency, integrity, truthfulness, commit. We do not see ourselves as “the future” but as “the Darkness still rules in the graveyard. And problem, I submit. To the question among others, are still deeply buried present” of the Church, the world, and of society. Hence, we it is stark. of “Does our ‘I do’ to our baptismal in tombs we have embellished with are , life-given to the Church and to the Philippines, and Someone might say such words look promises on Easter make a paschal perpetuity? we want to be truly life-giving.’’ at realities from dark-colored glasses. movement from words to deeds?” the “HAPPY EASTER” is not a greeting. To be the life given to the church and to be truly life- Perhaps. But our common concern is to answer is, at best, “more or less” to It is a decision to RISE with the Risen giving requires embodying the Gospel values in their daily see our realities from Paschal-Mystery- “more on the less”. Are we moving from Lord. life. The lure of ‘’worldly values’’ will always be strong, but young people have to be reminded that ‘’worldly values’’ are Churches’ heritage is ephemeral, not lasting, a fad that easily goes out of . It Duc in Altum is the Word of God that is eternal, consistent, fundamentally country’s heritage sound and does not simply change over time. The Word of Atty. Aurora A. Santiago God is, therefore, the best foundation to found a family, to build the Church, community, and society. As St. Matthew put it, ‘’Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away’’ (Mt. 24-35). IN August 2018, a SBP Church as the Diocesan again destroyed during the formerly chapels of Tondo, Memorandum of Agreement Archives and Museum. Second World War and was like San Bartolome. The Gospel as counter-cultural or trans-cultural? (MOA) was signed between During its Blessing and finished in 1951. Bishop David also As young people attempt to permeate the world with Gospel the National Historical Inauguration and turnover Mr. Badoy stated that as a mentioned that another values, they will be confronted by a sea of public opinion that Commission of the of the completed Restoration national heritage, everyone national heritage that will question the validity, effectiveness, and practicality of Philippines (NHCP) and Project of the Old Sacristy must know how to care for the needs to be looked into by such values. They will be confused and it will lead them to the Diocese of Kalookan Ruins, NHCP Acting Church; its wealth is beyond the NHCP is the La Loma wonder if carrying on such a mission is worthy of their time (Diocese). Under the MOA, Executive Director Mr. compare. In his response, Catholic Chapel at La Loma and effort while the world laughs at them, questions, and after a series of research Ludovico Badoy narrated the Bishop Pablo Virgilio David Catholic Church Compound challenges them. and study, the NHCP will great history of SBP Church. of Kalookan Diocese thanked and he hopes that the NHCP In a milieu where same-sex union is gaining acceptance, reconstruct the old ruins of Previously a chapel of Tondo the NHCP in doing its share will have it reconstructed, for where divorce, live-in relationships, pre-marital sex, abortion, the Sacristy of San Bartolome in 1509, it was separated as a in reconstructing the ruins the heritage of the Church is and many other morally unsound practices have become the Parish (SBP) Church into parish under the patronage of of the old sacristy of San the heritage of the country. new normal, the Gospel, therefore, should either become a its original structure and San Bartolome the Apostle in Bartolome. He said that The Certificate of Turnover counter-cultural or trans-cultural force that should re-direct strength. It includes the 1614. The construction of the he now learned that San and Acceptance of Completed the course of man’s life to the path paved towards Jesus. strengthening of the pillars Church started in 1622 and Bartolome Parish and the two Restoration Project of the Should young people stay committed to this path, then made of adobe, reconstruct was made of adobe in 1861. churches in his hometown ruins of the old sacristy of they have to stay away or reject a culture that is entirely the doors and windows and The two belfries in front of the in Pampanga are siblings SBP Church was signed by different and contrary to the one founded on the principles installation of new tiles, Church was constructed by (magkapatid). Santiago the Bishop David and Acting of the Gospel. ceiling and roof. Luciano Oliver. The Church Apostol Parish in Betis, Executive Director Badoy, The Gospel is pro-marriage. It teaches that such union The Diocese considered was burned down in 1898 and Guagua, Pampanga and San and witnessed by SBP Church entails a life-time commitment between a man and a woman. the renovated old sacristy of reconstructed in 1906. It was Agustin in Lubao were also Duc in Altum / A7 It is ordained for the pro-creation of children, who are God’s gifts to the couple and to the family. To put procreation within the bounds of God’s precepts, sex or the conjugal act is to Faith and Culture Beauty: A gift of the be done only inside of marriage. St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians reiterates these basic teachings when he wrote, Cristina Montes Catholic Church to ‘’But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. the world (Part I) The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have AFTER the burning of the cathedral of what am I doing to express my love for art, saying it would be better for the authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise, the Notre Dame in Paris, people of diverse the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of God Catholic Church to sell it and distribute husband does not have authority over his own body, but the religious and ideological persuasions who is also notre, “ours”? the proceeds to the poor. To this I would wife’’ (1 Cor. 7:2-4). mourned and pledged to help rebuild it. Beauty, is, indeed, an important gift of reply: the Catholic Church keeps these While it is a fact that there are emerging values in opposition Many “Notre Dame” stories also came Catholicism to the world. The desire to treasures not for herself, but in trust for to the standards set by Christ, yet have been accepted by to light: testimonies of people—again, express faith, hope, and love has inspired everyone, including the poor. The poor some, young people have to be taught that Gospel values do of diverse religious and ideological many beautiful paintings, sculptures, would be impoverished all the more if not have to be imprisoned and rendered inutile by man’s persuasions—who had been to the churches, musical compositions, and the Catholic Church did not preserve choice of more practical and convenient standards for living cathedral and were moved by its beauty. literary works. These works, in turn, these treasures for them. The poor also in the world. The Gospel is also trans-cultural. It transcends I myself have been to Notre Dame have been a source of grace for many. deserve the opportunity to experience worldly standards set by man for the simple reason that it is and was impressed by it. In the Beauty plays a major role in beautiful art which, in many cases, can the standard set by God. middle of Paris, amidst monuments evangelization. Since beauty is a only be done in churches. For one does to the Enlightenment and the modern reflection of God, the beauty in art— not live on bread alone. Searching for meaning and identity worldliness characteristic of modern especially sacred art—gives the viewer, The Catholic Church must never Jean Paul Sartre’s existentialism provides a relatable Western cities, stands a gem of faith, the listener, or the reader a glimpse of stop offering beauty to the world that framework that can help in understanding who the Filipino a masterpiece built out of a desire God that will draw him or her to the hungers for it. She must resist the tides youth are. But first, we ought to know that young people seem to make something beautiful for Source of that beauty. Beauty engages of uglification and banality engulfing to demand freedom in excess. They most often do not want God and His Mother. The ingenious the whole person—not just the intellect, the world. She must, by offering beauty to be caught up in the web of parental control, restrictions, architecture and the intricate stonework but also the imagination, the emotions, to the world, satisfy its longing for the and impositions. They want to be free and to chart their own and stained-glass work debunk modern and the senses. A well-made painting, a transcendent. destiny. preconceived notions of the Middle Ages song, or a poem can convey theological In my next column, I will discuss some For Sartre, human beings are ‘’totally determined and as an unsophisticated era. Seeing the truths as effectively as a well-argued practical ways Catholics—both priests totally free’’. For him, man is free to define himself and that cathedral that was obviously built with theological treatise. and —can help the Catholic Church he is defined only insofar as he acts. Man does not depend on much love prompted me to ask myself: There are those who scoff at sacred remain a source of beauty for the world. Collection Box / A7

Whisper from the Desert / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 CBCP Monitor Churchgoers’ safety is paramount, says Cardinal Tagle tells Caceres archbishop youth: Face your upsets, never lose hope

Sts. Philip and James the Apostles Parish Church in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. PHOTO FROM THE CACERES ARCHDIOCESE

CHURCHES in a Bicol ensure peaceful liturgical archdiocese are looking into celebrations,” he said. tougher safety measures to According to him, the protect congregations from archdiocese will partner natural calamities. with structural and security Archbishop Rolando experts to help them Tria Tirona said recent safeguard the parishioners earthquakes that hit parts and preserve their cultural of the country are “wake up heritage. calls” and that the time to “We must always ensure the prepare is now. safety of our churchgoers, and “I enjoin you dear be pro-active in safeguarding parish priests and heads our churches and the faithful of institutions to initiate against human violence and periodic inspection of the natural calamities,” Tirona structural integrity of our added. churches, seminaries and On April 22, a powerful ‘conventos’, especially our temblor jolted Central Luzon old historical churches, that claimed at least 16 lives Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle washes the feet of 12 young people during the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Manila Cathedral. ROY LAGARDE conventos and buildings,” and damaged properties and Tirona said. old churches. USHERING in Holy Week, The cardinal acknowledged wants you to be His friend,” a person with cerebral palsy, The archbishop also cited The next day, a 6.5 Cardinal Luis Antonio how hard it is to talk about he said. two foreign missionaries, the series of terror attacks magnitude earthquake Tagle celebrated Mass of hope when family problems, The church official then and a married couple. in Sri Lanka as urgent calls caused injuries and damages the Last Supper with a injustice, poverty and misery trained his attention to The twelve were chosen for the church “to remain to properties in Samar and message on hope to young are pervasive. the parents and the elders, in line with the Year of vigilant and ever conscious of Leyte provinces. The tremors people. Yet, he told them, the asking them to guide the the Youth celebrated by the parishioners’ safety. were also felt as far as Cebu In his homily, he urged youth must be agents of young people, especially in the Catholic Church in the “Without causing undue and some parts of Bicol young people to face their hope, unafraid to believe in troubled times. Philippines. panic and confusion, I region. fears with courage, and God’s mercy. “To those who have In view of the coming enjoin you dear pastors On April 23, twin follow Jesus’ example of “Even when the stresses responsibilities in society, midterm elections, the to put in place security earthquakes struck waters reaching put to the poor and of life have made you doubt the youth should be guided, cardinal washed the feet of a measures in your off Davao Oriental and Davao suffering. whether you’re loved, believe not exploited. They should first-time voter and a parish- respective Churches to Occidental provinces minutes “Be compassionate, not that Jesus loves you,” Tagle be loved, not sold, not fooled, based poll-watch volunteer. protect our faithful and to apart. (CBCPNews) self-focused. Be a servant told the crowd at a jam- not taken advantaged of for The washing of the feet rather than wait to be served. packed Manila Cathedral. profit,” he added. commemorates Jesus Editorial / A4 Love others and not just “And He can wash not only During the liturgy, the Christ’s “mandatum” to love expect to be loved,” Tagle your feet but your wounds cardinal also washed the feet one another as he has loved. use? I am sure we can come go together in the journey of said. and your history. Jesus of 12 young adults including (CBCPNews) out with many ideas and life. We have to find a way initiatives. But initially of putting together for the these are what come to my benefit of today’s youth the Cardinal Tagle: Value dignity over money mind. We have to intensify old and the new things in our efforts to give effective our life, the traditions and CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle visited accompaniment to our the innovations, etc. a shanty community in Manila on April youth. How this can be done Some practical pieces of 17 and urged its dwellers not to fall prey is something that should advice are also very much to the allure of money at the expense of be the object of constant in order. Like, we have to one’s dignity. reflection, study, research remind the young ones to Speaking during a Mass at the Parola and consultation. go slow in their pursuit for Compound in the city’s Tondo district, In spite of difficulties the new things today, and to he urged them to resist the idolatry of arising from the sharp avoid a multi-tasking work wealth because it is a betrayal similar to differences between the style especially if they do not what Judas Iscariot did to Jesus. young and the old of today, yet have a proper sense of He said that behind these sowers of we have to find a way of priority about the different discord and divisions are 30 pieces of how these two sectors can human needs. silver, which often times are hiding behind good intentions. Churches / A1 “I hope that our generation will stop were immediately on hand to at earthquake drills should this kind of betrayal wherein people are provide aid to others. be reviewed with the sold for materials and money,” Tagle “We would like to note also community. We pray for the said in his homily. the work of those who went safety of all,” said Tagle. The cardinal also said that money to rescue and helped those In the wake of the strong does not make a person rich, “character people in the damage areas,” quake that hit northern does”. he said. Philippines, another powerful According to him, there are lots of In Manila, Cardinal Luis temblor was recorded in wealthy people but are impoverished in Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle visits a shanty community in Manila’s Tondo district on Wednesday, April 17. CBCP NEWS Antonio Tagle ordered the Visayas on Tuesday. character. inspection of all church The 6.5-magnitude “In the end, your character is your true The church official arrived at the Cardinal Tagle joined the people and facilities in the archdiocese. earthquake struck Eastern wealth and it’s priceless,” said Tagle. area riding an e-trike coming from the a group of parish volunteers for lunch. He also directed church Samar, and was also felt in Dozens of people attended the Mass nearby Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Cardinal Tagle last visited the area in officials to undergo refresher Samar, Northern Samar, held in a makeshift tent built beside the Parish Church. 2015 after a large fire that swept through activities on safety drills. Leyte and parts of Bicol Pasig River. After the liturgical celebration, the community. (CBCPNews) “The procedures taught region. (CBCPNews) Witnesses / A1 Encounter / A1 “To be killed is not a defeat The priests also reaffirmed However, Villegas said “We must exorcise the problems,” Tagle said. the risen Christ this Easter”. of our mission. Martyrdom their promises that they are that they must be priests creeping culture of vulgarity, “It is through these And with the love that is the crowning glory of our committed to being faithful “for all season, priests for obscenity, lewd jokes and encounters that our hearts people have received, he mission,” he said. stewards of the Gospel and sunny middays and dark lack of good breeding, with are opened and presented urged them to “spread seeds As part of the liturgy, servants of their people. midnights”. the humble power of the with a new horizon and a of hope across our country” Villegas blessed the oils of Archbishop Villegas was “We must confront with Crucified Lord.” renewed energy to move amid killings, poverty, the sick, catechumens and among the and holy anger the more than “We must not fear suffering forward,” he said. unemployment, addictions, chrism, which priests will priests who received death thirty thousand senseless rebukes, being calumniated, The culture of encounter, indignities, hate speech, use in the administration of threats for being critical of murders of the poor in the forgotten, ridiculed, wronged he said, must characterize false accusations, killings, sacraments throughout the the government’s brutal war name of a false drug-free or suspected,” he also said. the people of faith, enabling corruption and human archdiocese for the year. on drugs. society,” he added. them to see other and trafficking. Condemn / A6 their situation “with deep “Love is not just a understanding, compassion word, it’s a lifestyle of of Sri Lanka,” he said. as worshippers gathered for Easter and innocent civilians died “due to cruel and solidarity”. seeing, encountering and The death toll has soared to 290 and services. acts of violence”. “It is through these understanding other people,” more than 500 people have been injured As the Islamic State claimed “I hope those who participated in encounters of love and caring Tagle added. in the worst attack since its bloody civil responsibility for the attacks, Bishop planning and in the execution of the that persons, families and “It is the lifestyle of Jesus, war ended 10 years ago. of Balanga said that terroristic acts will not be given peace communities are transformed crucified and risen. It is The first six explosions struck in quick “violence will never achieve anything”. of mind unless they will repent and face from prisoners of despair into the lifestyle of being with succession in three luxury hotels in the “It just sows destruction and death, the court of law,” he said. bearers of hope,” he said. and living for others in the country’s capital of Colombo. must be denounced and condemned,” Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist The cardinal also invited belief that light will always Two Catholic churches in Colombo Santos said. country of 21 million people, with Hindus the faithful “to seize the overcome darkness,” he also and Negombo and an Evangelical Archbishop Martin Jumoad of representing approximately 13 percent power of love unleashed by said. (CBCPNews) church in Batticaloa were also targeted Ozamiz said it’s sad that churchgoer and Christians 10 percent. (CBCPNews) LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 DIOCESAN NEWS A7 Marking first Mass in Philippines Cebu expects around ‘reaffirms’ faith 12,000 pilgrims for LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte— A group Nat’l Youth Day of young Filipino Catholics in the central Philippines wanted to “reaffirm” their faith, so they decided to take a boat to an island called Limawasa. The island, about 10 kilometers long from north to south, is believed to be where the first Mass on Philippine soil took place on March 31, 1521, celebrated by Father Pedro de Valderrama. The priest came with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who was looking for the land of spices. This year marks the 498th anniversary of the first celebration of the Eucharist in this part of the world, so Cherline Carbonilla, 22, thought it would be good to go there for the anniversary Residents of Limasawa in the central Philippines re-enact the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on the island 498 years ago on March 31. RHOEL AMAZONA/UCAN celebration. “Coming here is like reinforcing my came ashore on Limasawa on March home to at least 12 religious sects whose belief,” she said after spending a night 31, 1521, and celebrated Easter with an chapels stand a few meters from each camping on the cold ground where the early morning Mass. other. first Mass was supposed to have been “Who knew at that time that on a Danny Sindo, a 45-year-old resident, celebrated. remote island in the Pacific somebody said the sects started arriving on the Abbie Jean Tampos, a 26-year-old Archbishop Jose Palma (center) receives the pilgrim bag for this year’s National Youth was saying Mass? Back there, they island in the 1970s when no Catholic Day during a press briefing in Cebu City April 11. NYD 2019 FACEBOOK PAGE youth leader, was shepherding the didn’t even know that there were lands priests came to visit, unlike these days. flock of 14 young people wanting “to and islands here,” said Archbishop “I am just happy that this time there CEBU City— Around 12,000 Archbishop Caccia. strengthen their Catholic faith.” Caccia. are already plenty of church workers pilgrims are expected to The youth pilgrims will be “[Attending the celebration] has “We are grateful to those who came,” and religious activities in our island,” gather in Cebu this month staying in more than 3,000 helped them understand and appreciate he said. said Sindo. for the country’s biggest host families and common the history of the birth of Christianity “But as they came, they went. But Archbishop Caccia thanked the gathering of Catholic youth. spaces like seminaries and in this country,” said Tampos. faith stays,” said the , adding people of the island for welcoming him Hosting the National Youth convent dormitories. About 3,000 mostly young people that the legacy of the first Mass “is not while trying to compare how the natives Day for the first time, the Frankel Gerard Margallo, took the 45-minute boat trip to only language and culture but the gift welcomed Magellan 498 years ago. Archdiocese of Cebu wants Cebu archdiocesan youth Limawasa from the nearest large island of knowledge of the true God.” “I see the same spirit of warm to show that it is ready to coordinator, said around to attend the anniversary celebration. The papal said the birth of welcome is still present in you like host the huge event to be held 90 percent of the pilgrims “I understand the joy of this event,” Christianity in the Philippines inspired your ancestors,” said the archbishop from April 23 to 28. are coming from different said Archbishop Gabriele Giordano “to share, to announce to who joined the people in a religious “We are anticipating a outside Cebu. Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the people this Good News.” procession of the image of the Child wonderful event here in our One of the highlights of Philippines. Jesus. archdiocese,” Archbishop the five-day gathering is the Archbishop Caccia, who celebrated Losing the faith “You received the image of the [Child Jose Palma said in a press youth festival which will be the Mass, said, “the presence of the Amid the celebrations, however, Jesus] and you received also the faith, conference in Cebu City on held across Metro Cebu. Church, the presence of Christianity a resident of the island warned that the Christian faith,” said the papal Friday. Hosted in nine locations, has shaped this country.” the Catholic Church is fast losing nuncio. “Let us pray that this the youth festival will engage He said the first Mass, which was adherents. The prelate told the faithful that the would be peaceful, joyful and the pilgrims in various most likely attended by only a few Rommel Labastida said church faith that started in Limasawa “is like fruitful and full of promise for expressions of art, music people, “was like a seed put in the soil.” leaders have to speed up efforts to reach a light” amid the darkness. our young people,” he said. and culture. “Now that seed has become a big out to people, especially the youth. “This candle reminds us that the true Papal Nuncio Archbishop Various activities will tree,” said the prelate. “Most have gone astray,” he said. light is Jesus. Those who follow Jesus Gabriele Caccia will be center on the theme “I am According to history books and Limasawa, which has a population will not walk in darkness,” he said. present starting April 27 the servant of the Lord. May official records, Magellan and his men of about 6,000 in six villages, is now (Ronald Reyes/UCAN) where he will a dialogue with it be done to me according to young people. Your word”. More than 30 members “This will be a festive, Bishop warns Catholics of ‘The Book of Truth’ of the Philippine bishops’ formative and prayerful SAN CARLOS City— A never endorsed such seriously, discussed Catholic faith. Second Coming is conference led by its gathering,” said Fr. Mark Catholic bishop has group and the book or distributed within The author asserts about to occur. president, Archbishop Rommel Barneso, NYD warned the faithful by a woman who the Diocese of San to have predicted Pope “And adherence to Romulo Valles of Davao, also Steering Team Leader. against a group whose calls herself “Maria Carlos,” said Alminaza Benedict’s resignation such teachings would pledged attendance. Cebu’s hosting of the prayer life, beliefs and ” is not in a circular issued on ahead. lead on to confusion While 11,692 pilgrims event also coincides with teachings are based on something to believe April 15. She also claims he and eventually being formally registered, the figure the Church’s observance “The Book of Truth”. in. He said the book will be the last pope led astray to what our could reach to as many as of the Year of the Youth, Bishop Gerardo “The message of contains some on earth, that the upholds,” 18,000 with the participation which is part of the CBCP’s Alminaza of San Maria Divine Mercy teachings which are next pontiff is a false Alminaza said. (CBCP of priests, , volunteers, preparation for the fifth Carlos said that he is not to be taken “very contrary” to the prophet, and that the News) and unregistered locals centenary of the arrival especially at the concluding of Christianity in the Collection Box / A5 Mass to be presided over by Philippines. (CBCP News)

anybody. “Man is free, man is predefined meanings imposed completely detached from called to a life of service. You Whatever / A4 freedom.” He himself is the on him and in the case of young others. are God’s servants now. You seeking solutions that may standard for his own actions. people, by their elders or by For Viktor Frankl, the are no longer just bystanders personal freedom, there make him more insecure and The odd thing about this any institution of authority, ‘’meaning of life’’ and ‘’being and mere recipients of grace, are also countless abuses, broken. is that man doesn’t have any including the church. But then human’’ is “to serve a cause you are now sharers of Christ. violence, bullies, trolls, and Ralph’s personal issue is basis outside of himself that man is left in a world without or to love a person.” This Serve with all your heart trash polluting the virtual solved when he and Vanellope will determine the rightness any signs or roadmaps. What ‘’love a person’’ is connected and with your absolute seas of the Internet. These personally decide to face or wrongness of his acts? are we to do then? Sartre said, with a human being´s commitment. do not make the Internet each other and admit their Sartre explains: “You are free, ‘’Create your own roadmaps.’’ ability to self-transcend Ultimately, it is service bad in itself, but they can be own insufficiencies in their therefore choose—that is to But how? which means ‘’to point to that will define who you are. psychological, emotional, friendship. Thus, the movie say, invent. No rule of general There arises the difficulty something or someone As you said in your letter, and social viruses that affect underlines that if we are going morality can show you what when man lives a life all to his other than oneself.” The ‘’we are gifts, life-given many defenseless surfers the to solve the host of problems you ought to do.” For Sartre, own. Man cannot be his own way to self-transcendence to the Church and to the world over. stemming from insecurity values do not exist a priori to absolute standard in much is through others and the Philippines, and we want to Ralph’s insecurity can and depression among the human actions. the same way that young Gospel can certainly provide be truly life-giving.’’ become a real problem young, the medicine will In effect, Sartre’s philosophy people cannot simply live young people with a roadmap You have now found your for many who may expose never be a digital one. can free man from the burden in a world they themselves pointing to it. purpose. Go, and be gifts, themselves to social viruses Rebuilding relationships of any predetermined or created and one that is Young people, you are now indeed, to others! in the net. Although their personal issues stem from real will always be done face Duc in Altum / A5 family and social problems, to face, with firm guiding the net can aggravate their hands, a compassionate but Parish Priest Fr. Elpidio Erlano, Jr. old people and children who could not uncovered in October 1978 following condition as one clams up demanding voice that will and NHCP Deputy Executive Director prepare the same. The staff visited the the detection of an underground before warm helping hands help one realize he is not for Administration Ms. Carminda famous DMZ or Demilitarized Zone. The explosion in October 1978. “It is 1,635 and escapes into the net, alone and is always loved. Arevalo. The String Quartet from the Korean Tour Guide, Ms. Ashley Ahn, a meters long, 1.95 meters high and 2.1 University of the Philippines provided former History High School Teacher meters wide. It runs through a bedrock Candidly Speaking / A4 entertainment with classical music. in Seoul, provided the staff with the at a depth of 73 meters below ground. Consultants for the Diocese of history and description of the tourist Upon discovery of the 3rd tunnel, the his initial refusal, while the among them was the greatest. Kalookan are Atty. Ramon Lucas and spots visited. UN Command accused North Korea of second was just good in Christ told them, “Unless Architect Richard Bautista. In Charge The most important part of the tour threatening the 1953 Korean Armistice words and intentions but you change and become like of the Diocesan Achives and Museum that I appreciated is about the Korean Agreement signed at the end of Korean not in action, and therefore little children, you will never is Rev. Paul Woo. The children of Jesus War, a war between North Korea and War.” did not truly love his father. enter the kingdom of heaven. and Monina Lucas (Jerry, Pilar, Ramon South Korea. It began on June 25, 1950 I had the opportunity to go down The parable concluded Therefore, whoever takes the and Jackie) donated the artefact, the when North Korea (with the support and up this 3rd tunnel, a really stiff with Christ saying: “Truly I lowly position of this child is ancient baptismal font. of China and Soviet Union) invaded and difficult way to go, especially going tell you, the tax collectors and the greatest in the kingdom South Korea (with the support of the up. At the end of the tunnel is the the prostitutes are entering of heaven.” (Mt 18,3-4) *** United Nations and the United States). blockade which leads to North Korea. the kingdom of God ahead Compared to the powers The academic and non-academic The Philippines sent civilian action We also went up the Dora Observatory of you (referring to the self- and accomplishments of the staff of San Jose Academy went on group. Finally, the fighting ended where we can see at a short distance righteous leading Jews at mature apostles, the child is Personnel Development Tour in Seoul, on July 27, 1953, when an armistice part of North Korea. We also went to that time). For John came to nothing. But it is the child’s South Korea. The 3 degrees to 7 degrees was signed. It created the Korean Dorasan Train Station which links the you to show you the way of purity of heart that God centigrade cool and windy weather Dimilitarized Zone or DMZ to separate Gyeongui railway from South Korea righteousness, and you did values more. It is that heart with the cherry blossoms in full bloom North and South Korea. In April 2018, to Pyeongyang of North Korea. It is not believe him, but the tax that shows pure belief and was a bonus to the staff. Led by the the leaders of North and South Korea 56km from Gaesong and 205km from collectors and the prostitutes love for God. School Director Fr. Jerome Cruz and established the DMZ and agreed to Pyeongyang Station. It is the 1st station did. And even after you saw St. Paul somehow School Principal Rafael Patrick Pecjo, work towards a treaty to formally end towards the North but not the last this, you did not repent and corroborated all this when he the staff had a share of the history the Korean War. station from the South. It was really an believe him.” (Mt 21,31-32) said: “God chose the foolish of Korea, location shooting places of Despite the presence of DMZ, the enlightening tour especially with the Again, this point is things of the world to shame Korean drama, Korean foods especially North Koreans had numerous acts of history of our neighbor South Korea underscored in that correction the wise…the weak things kimchi making. The kimchi prepared aggression. Since 1974, four incursion where the Philippines had a share in its Christ made on his apostles of the world to shame the and cooked by the staff will be given to tunnels leading to Seoul have been fight for freedom. who were arguing about who strong…” (1 Cor 1,27) A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 CBCP Monitor RVA at 60: Pope urges Laguna’s San Antonio de Padua church radio to be ‘voice of the poor’ Church now a ‘national shrine’

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over the Mass to mark the 60th anniversary of Radio Veritas Asia at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila April 10. ROY LAGARDE

POPE Francis felicitated the The dream for a radio Radio Veritas Asia on its facility in Manila for Asian 50th anniversary on April 10, Catholics was brought before encouraging the radio station an assembly of 100 bishops to be a channel of love by from Asia and Australia at the being the voice of the poor. UST in 1958, five years before The pope said he hopes the the . milestone will “revitalize” The idea was eventually the station’s commitment to approved by the Vatican echo Christ’s teachings and amidst the challenges of contribute to “a more just and communism to the Church united society”. in Asia. Sending his apostolic In 1961, the PREIC was blessing to people behind created and provided the

RVA and Radio Veritas 846, legal status for RVA. In the The San Antonio de Padua Church becomes the San Pablo diocese’s first national shrine and the 25th in the country.ROY LAGARDE the pontiff prayed that they same year, the UST franchise continue “to raise the hearts to operate a radio station was A CENTURIES-OLD and and laypeople attended the available the sacraments As locals wanted to rebuild of the listeners to the God of transferred to PREIC. Asia’s first Antonine church event. of the Eucharist and the church to its original love and truth”. The PREIC in 1963 agreed has been elevated to a Also in attendance were Reconciliation, they said design and structure, they He also urged them to knit that the radio station will have “national shrine” status on Papal Nuncio Archbishop that “the poor and the needy decided to come together and “the bonds of evangelical medium wave transmission April 23. Gabrielle Caccia, Archbishop must always receive the unite to carry and transfer love” for their listeners to be for the Philippines, which is Located in Pila, Laguna, of and best pastoral care from the every brick and stone from conscious not just of the joys the Radio Veritas 846, and the San Antonio de Padua Bishops Mylo Hubert Vergara Catholic community who the church in Pagalangan to and hopes, but also the griefs short wave transmission for Church— longtime a tourist of Pasig and Mel Rey Uy of come to this national shrine”. Pila in 1804. and anxieties of other people, the overseas. attraction and pilgrimage Lucena. Originally made of The transfer of the church especially the poor. On April 11, 1969, the RVA site, becomes the San Pablo The bishops during their hardwood and bamboo, the was completed on 1816. The pontiff’s message facility was inaugurated in diocese’s first national plenary assembly last January church was inaugurated Although the design is the was read by Papal Nuncio by Cardinal shrine and the 25th in the “unanimously” approved the in 1581 in its first site in same, the old church was said Archbishop Gabriele Antonio Samore, a Vatican Philippines. petition to elevate the church Pagalangan. to be three times bigger than Caccia during a Mass at the official, and Cardinal Rufino The solemn declaration to the rank of a national In 1599, the construction the present structure in Pila. University of Santo Tomas Santos, the then Manila was held during a Mass shrine. of the stone church started. In May 2000, the in Manila. archbishop. presided over by Archbishop In a decree, the bishops It took 18 years to finish until National Historical Institute Present were several In 1970, the meeting of Romulo Valles of Davao, expressed hope that the people its completion in 1617. proclaimed the San Antonio bishops led by Myanmar’s Asian bishops in Manila gave president of the Philippine who visit the shrine “may Due to consistent flooding de Padua Church and the Cardinal birth to the FABC. bishops’ conference, with grow steadily in Christian in Pagalangan, the governor town of Pila as a “national of Yangon, president of the “So FABC somehow was Bishop Buenaventura piety, reach maturity in the general in November 1794 historical landmark”. Federation of Asian Bishops’ midwifed into birth by Radio Famadico of San Pablo as Catholic faith and constantly ordered the transfer of the The church was elevated as Conferences and Bishop Veritas. What a wonderful the homilist. live the mandate of Christian church to the Hacienda Santa the Diocesan Shrine of San Roberto Mallari of San Jose, history,” said Cardinal Tagle. More than 2,000 priests, charity.” Clara, now known as Pila Antonio de Padua in 2002. head of the FABC Office on Archbishop Caccia said the nuns, government officials Aside from making always town. (CBCP News) Social Communications. idea for Radio Veritas Asia Also in attendance were was successful because it was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle “well grounded”. New bishop installed in Antique of Manila and Archbishop “The goal was to spread the Jose Palma of Cebu and Vice Good News, the truth. The A CHOIR burst into a Karay-a seminary. Chairman of the Philippine Church is missionary… this liturgical song as Bishop Marvyn In Kenya’s Lodwar Radio Educational and initiative was under the sign Maceda emerged from San Joseph diocese, San Jose Information Center (PREIC). of the mission, to spread the Cathedral on April 9. de Antique has a Archbishop Stephan Gospel,” he said. In a solemn ceremony, the Diocese missionary parish Burger of Freiburg also The nuncio also attributed of San Jose de Antique celebrated the administered by its two graced the occasion for the RVA’s success to “unity and installation of Maceda as its new bishop. priests. German Bishops’ Conference communion”. “I come to you here not as an important Antique has been who have been supporting “There will be no good person, as the world sees it, but the least without a bishop since RVA since its birth. results if we are not going to of all,” he said. early 2018 after its In his homily, Cardinal work together and we cannot “I come as your servant, and not former local ordinary, Tagle recounted the history celebrate the Eucharist if even as a servant, but as your slave,” Jose Romeo Lazo, was of RVA, which according to we are not united,” Caccia said Maceda, whose episcopal motto is appointed archbishop him, had existed before FABC said. (Roy Lagarde/CBCP “Servant of Jesus Christ”. of Jaro. was established. News) The installation comes a week after The ceremony was he was ordained to the episcopate at the attended by around Bishop Marvyn Maceda (center) enters the Cathedral during his Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral 20 bishops including installation as the new head of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique April 9. New ‘One Praise’ album coming SCREENSHOT/DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE DE ANTIQUE FACEBOOK PAGE in Naval, Biliran on April 2. Kenyan Bishop out on Easter Sunday At 50, Maceda will guide the 53-year- Dominic Kimengich of “If one day you see and you realize old diocese with around 63 priests, 83 Lodwar. that I am not anymore your servant, DEDICATED for the Year and YouTube. men and women religious in 25 parishes. In his message, Bishop Maceda also your slave, please see me, please of the Youth, the Jesuit One Praise is a movement The diocese also runs a radio station, asked the faithful for prayers in his new correct me, please pray for me,” he said. Communications Foundation of Catholic Charismatic some schools, a hospital, and a college mission. (CBCP News) through the Jesuit Music Communities initiated by Ministry (JMM) has released the JesCom, the media arm mark 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ meeting with Muslim sultan a new album entitled “One of the . Praise 3” on Easter Sunday. “JesCom has been involved THE Custody of St. Anthony held in Tairan due to the paradigm of mission as commemorative mural of The album is composed of in the work of evangelization of Padua – Philippines is symbolic relationship dialogue. the encounter by Fr. Arturo original songs from different through music and one of one with the Church and between Muslims and Daquilanea, OFM and Ustad International Catholic the ways we found effective the Franciscan Order in this Christians in the local ‘Dulah’ and ‘agape’ Garson Hamja. Renewal Communities is to tap our youth through year’s celebration of the 8th community. Meanwhile, Ustad Hamha Br. Christopher Villanueva, namely, Ang Ligaya ng praise and worship music centenary of the meeting Parish priest Fr. Elton retold a brief biography of a Franciscan brother and Panginoon, Christ’s Youth that appeals to them. Hence, of St. Francis of Assisi and Viagedor, OFM said: Sultan Al-Malik Al-Kamil, artist, created the artwork in Action, The Feast, Elim One Praise is born,” it said. Sultan Al-Malik Al-Kamil. “Tairan is a community describing the traits that at the entrance of the parish Communities, Simply4Him “For four years now, One The anniversary has that tolerates differences made him beloved not only by church. The Muslim ritual and The Lord’s Flock Catholic Praise gathers different special significance in the and diversity in culture his subjects but by Christians “dulah” and the Christian Charismatic Community. Charismatic communities United Arab Emirates, which and religiosity; hence a as well. Both speakers meal “agape” culminated the The tracks in the album are to come up with all-original is served by the Apostolic perfect place for dialogue reinforced the relevance of day’s activities. a combination of mellow and praise and worship songs Vicariate of Southern to flourish and bear fruits.” that momentous event to Local Christians, the friars upbeat worship and praise which JesCom produce as Arabia, a church jurisdiction The event’s highlights the contemporary challenges of the Custody, members songs plus a bonus track an album in CD and digital entrusted to the Capuchin were the talks of two of peace, harmony, and of the Order of Secular of a new version of “One in platforms,” it added. Franciscans. respected scholars in diversity in the world. Franciscans, the local clergy Mission” theme song for the The next big event of One One of the highlights of the field of dialogue: Fr. Muslim and Christian of the Prelature of Isabela Year of the Youth. Praise to celebrate the Year the year-long event is the Antonio Ma. Rosales, reactors shared their insights (Basilan), and some students “This is our contribution of the Youth will take place interfaith forum held on OFM and Ustad Garson and experiences. from the schools in the in observance of the Year in October 2019. April 2 at Tairan, Lantawan, Hamja. Rosales reflectively The event also featured community participated in of the Youth in preparation For more information, Basilan. The Franciscans recounted the fateful interpretative dances from the said forum. Members for the Philippine Church’s please contact Mr. Lester run the San Roque Parish in encounter between Sultan Muslim and Christian of the Muslim community 500th Year Anniversary Mendiola, Director of the this vibrant multi-ethnic and Al-Malik Al-Kamil and St. youth and kids, a photo as well as invited Muslim of Christianity in the Jesuit Music Ministry at multi-religious community. Francis from the perspective exhibit about the history leaders, and local politicians Philippines,” the JMM said. 09184211823, 4265971 loc 114 of the Christians and of Franciscan presence in were also present. (Mark The album was on Spotify, or email: lestermendiola@ Fruits of dialogue how the event influenced Mindanao, and the symbolic Joy Basallajes and Errol Apple Music, Deezer, iTunes gmail.com. (CBCP News) The forum was strategically the understanding of the ribbon-cutting of the Ortiz/CBCP News) CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Urbi et Orbi message of His Holiness Pope Francis

Pope Francis greets the crowd during his Easter message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 21, 2019. VATICAN MEDIA Easter 2019 Central loggia of the Vatican Basilica 21 April 2019

DEAR Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter! slavery of sin and death: the world open at last been forced to abandon their homes. I urge and economic situations. I think in particular to the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of love, the parties involved to choose dialogue over of the Venezuelan people, of all those who lack Today the Church renews the proclamation peace and fraternity. force and to avoid reopening wounds left by the minimal conditions for leading a dignified made by the first disciples: “Jesus is risen!” Christ is alive and he remains with us. Risen, a decade of conflicts and political instability. and secure life due to a crisis that endures and And from mouth to mouth, from heart he shows us the light of his face, and he does May the Living Christ grant his peace to worsens. May the Lord grant that all those to heart, there resounds a call to praise: not abandon all those experiencing hardship, the entire beloved African continent, still with political responsibilities may work to end “Alleluia, Alleluia!” On this morning of Easter, pain and sorrow. May he, the Living One, be rife with social tensions, conflicts and at social injustices, abuses and acts of violence, the perennial youth of the Church and of hope for the beloved Syrian people, victims of times violent forms of extremism that leave and take the concrete steps needed to heal humanity as a whole, I would like to address an ongoing conflict to which we risk becoming in their wake insecurity, destruction and divisions and offer the population the help each of you in the opening words of my recent ever more resigned and even indifferent. Now death, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, they need. Apostolic Exhortation devoted especially to is instead the time for a renewed commitment Nigeria and Cameroon. I think too of Sudan, May the Risen Lord shed his light on the young people: for a political solution able to respond to presently experiencing a moment of political efforts made in Nicaragua to find as rapidly “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a people’s legitimate hopes for freedom, peace uncertainty; it is my hope that all voices will be as possible a peaceful negotiated solution for wonderful way he brings youth to our world. and justice, confront the humanitarian crisis heard, and that everyone will work to enable the benefit of the entire Nicaraguan people. Everything he touches becomes young, new, and favour the secure re-entry of the homeless, the country to find the freedom, development Before the many sufferings of our time, may full of life. The very first words, then, that I along with all those who have taken refuge in and well-being to which it has long aspired. the Lord of life not find us cold and indifferent. would like to say to every young Christian are neighboring countries, especially Lebanon May the Risen Lord accompany the efforts May he make us builders of bridges, not walls. these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be and . of the civil and religious authorities of South May the One who gives us his peace end the alive! He is in you, he is with you and he never Easter makes us keep our eyes fixed on the Sudan, sustained by the fruits of the spiritual roar of arms, both in areas of conflict and in abandons you. However far you may wander, Middle East, torn by continuing divisions and retreat held several days ago here in the our cities, and inspire the leaders of nations he is always there, the Risen One. He calls you tensions. May the Christians of the region Vatican. May a new page open in the history to work for an end to the arms race and the and he waits for you to return to him and start patiently persevere in their witness to the of that country, in which all political, social troubling spread of weaponry, especially in the over again. When you feel you are growing old Risen Lord and to the victory of life over death. and religious components actively commit economically more advanced countries. May out of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or I think in particular of the people of Yemen, themselves to the pursuit of the common good the Risen Christ, who flung open the doors of failure, he will always be there to restore your especially the children, exhausted by hunger and the reconciliation of the nation. the tomb, open our hearts to the needs of the strength and your hope” (Christus Vivit, 1-2). and war. May the light of Easter illumine all May this Easter bring comfort to the people disadvantaged, the vulnerable, the poor, the Dear brothers and sisters, this message is government leaders and peoples in the Middle of the eastern regions of Ukraine, who suffer unemployed, the marginalized, and all those also addressed to every person in the world. East, beginning with Israelis and Palestinians, from the continuing conflict. May the Lord who knock at our door in search of bread, The resurrection of Christ is the principle of and spur them to alleviate such great suffering encourage initiatives of humanitarian aid and refuge, and the recognition of their dignity. new life for every man and every woman, for and to pursue a future of peace and stability. those aimed at pursuing a lasting peace. Dear brothers and sisters, Christ is alive! He true renewal always begins from the heart, May conflict and bloodshed cease in Libya, May the joy of the resurrection fill the hearts is hope and youth for each of us and for the from the conscience. Yet Easter is also the where defenceless people are once more of those who on the American continent are entire world. May we let ourselves be renewed beginning of the new world, set free from the dying in recent weeks and many families have experiencing the effects of difficult political by him! Happy Easter! B2 FEATURE April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Canonical validation of civil marriages A case of sanatio in radice of invalid marriage for lack of form

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

A RECENT discussion in the Canon case either the Holy See or the Law Society of the Philippines Local Ordinary). In effect, what the resulted in one of its eminent competent ecclesiastical authority members sending a consultation to does is to retroactively grant a the Pontifical Council for Legislative dispensation from the canonical Texts, the reply to which (Rescript form—i.e., the exchange of marriage of 20.III.2019) could open the doors vows of the contracting parties in for the regularization of many the presence of a the Local Ordinary civil marriages in the Philippines. or Parish priest (or another cleric The discussion dealt with the delegated by either of them) and competence of the Local Ordinary two other witnesses, following to grant in individual cases the the liturgical rites prescribed by validation of a marriage of two the Church—such that the civil Catholics, not in danger of death, marriage is retroactively validated suffering invalidity for lack of as a canonical and therefore a canonical form. The reply, which sacramental one. was in the affirmative, opens the What actually happens is that door for the veritable canonization since the ministers of the sacrament of quite a number of civil marriages, of marriage are the spouses provided the essential requirements themselves, and the presence of the for the validity of consent are qualified and common witnesses, present. This could pave the way together with the observance of Pope Francis meets Jan. 29, 2019, with members of the Roman Rota, a Vatican tribunal handling mostly marriage cases. VATICAN MEDIA for the regularization of many the Catholic liturgical rite, are matrimonial situations in the just matters of ecclesiastical law because of a defect of canonical of canon law for such a consent— belongs to the essence of a true Philippines. (albeit for instituted for very good form. not the least of which are the due marriage between the baptized. To reasons of the common good), the In the current norm of the discretion of judgment regarding my mind, this constitutes a criterion Retroactive validation or the competent ecclesiastical authority CIC, the diocesan Bishop has the the essential rights and obligations of selection for determining the so-called sanatio in radice can—in individual cases and for faculty in individual cases to grant of marriage (as regards the essential granting of such a validation of a Can. 1161 states: just cause—dispense from such the sanatio in radice of invalid properties of marriage: monogamy, hitherto simply civil marriage. §1. The retroactive validation of formal requirements. In such marriages, and even for cases indissolubility, openness to life and In effect, if two Catholics got an invalid marriage is its validation cases, provided that the other with several causes of nullity (see sacramentality), the capacity to married civilly, not because of the without the renewal of consent, requirements for a canonical can.1165, §2). This means that the assume such essential obligations, rejection of the sacramentality of granted by the competent authority. marriage are present—i.e., capacity Diocesan Bishop can sanate the and the freedom of will in such marriage, but simply out of ignorance It involves a dispensation from an of the contractants and a valid marriage of two Catholics contracted giving of consent. of the need for the canonical form impediment if there is one and from matrimonial consent—an erstwhile without observing canonical form 2. Presence of a grave cause (including the Catholic liturgical the canonical form if it had not been simply civil marriage (canonically and without dispensation from in the case of the grant of rite) or—as commonly happens observed, as well as a referral back invalid for lack of canonical form) the required impediment(s) (see such validation without the in the Philippines—for lack of the to the past of the canonical effects. is validated retroactively to be a can.1161, §1). knowledge of one or both of financial means to go through §2. The validation takes place canonical and sacramental one. “Therefore, the right to remedy the parties. If the validation what they perceived would be an from the moment the favor is Another way of looking at it is that marriages is limited to individual is sought with the knowledge of expensive Church wedding, then granted; the referral back, however, the ecclesiastical authority grants cases and to the impediments that both parties, such grave cause it can safely be assumed that such is understood to have been made the civil registrar or judge the the Bishop can dispense. This means is not needed—i.e., it is enough Catholic contractants really wanted to the moment the marriage was right to solemnize the canonical that the Diocesan Bishop cannot that both parties request such to get married properly in the sight celebrated, unless it is otherwise marriage in question: this can be sanate a marriage between two retroactive validation. This position of God. In such cases, the retroactive expressly provided. done for an upcoming marriage Catholics if there is an impediment finds resonance in the magisterium dispensation from canonical form §3. A retroactive validation is not (dispensation from canonical form) reserved to the Apostolic See (see and pastoral orientation of Pope and the radical sanction of such a to be granted unless it is probable or retroactively, which is the case can. 1078) or an impediment of Francis, as regards reaching out to civil marriage would be called for. that the parties intend to persevere under consideration. natural or divine positive law which irregular marital unions, with a view On the other hand, if the Catholic in conjugal life. has now ceased (see can. 1165, §2). of restoring full sacramental life of parties—largely due to the slippage Retroactive validation can be What are the requirements? However, he can sanate an invalid such faithful. in faith in an increasingly secularized understood as the recognition of Can. 1165, §2 states: In individual marriage because of the lack of The aforementioned rescript environment—have no appreciation the canonical validity of a hitherto cases radical sanation can be form, since he also has the faculty even goes further: such retroactive at all of the sacramentality of simply civil marriage, when a true granted by the diocesan bishop, to dispense from canonical form in validation can be granted even marriage, effectively reducing it to matrimonial consent exists, and even if several reasons for nullity individual cases (see can.1127, §2). without the knowledge of either a simple contract; or even worse, the legal obstacles that impeded exist in the same marriage, provide “Finally, in granting the sanatio or both spouses, if serious reasons have a defective idea of the essential its efficacy have ceased. Thus, the conditions mentioned in c.1125 the Bishop must also observe exist. A serious reason, for example, qualities of marriage (regarding retroactive validation does not really concerning the sanation of a these additional requirements: the can easily be the desire of concerned monogamy, indissolubility create the marriage bond, but rather mixed marriage are fulfilled. The existence and perseverance of the relatives—e.g., children of an elderly and openness to live), then a makes that bond effective on the diocesan bishop cannot grant consent of both parties (see cann. couple who may not be willing to convalidation would not be called basis of an existing consent at the radical sanation, however, if 1162 and 1163, §1) and the presence go through the trouble of seeking a for, since aside from the lack of root of an apparent marriage. there is present an impediment of a grave cause to grant it without validation of their civil marriage, but canonical form, the marriage would Applying these general norms to whose dispensation is reserved to the knowledge of one or both of the who are frequenting the Eucharist be suffering of a defective consent. the case in point, a civil marriage the Apostolic See in accord with parties (see can.1164).” out of ignorance of their irregular As to who should initiate such between two Catholics—which c.1078, §2, or if it is a question of 1. Existence and perseverance state. processes, in addition to concerned happens quite commonly among an impediment of the natural law of a valid consent. As we have children of elderly couples, the Filipinos, especially in the lower or of the divine positive law which repeatedly affirmed in this column, Criterion of selection for the pastoral concern of the Parish classes, usually for lack of formation has ceased to exist. consensus facit matrimonium: canonization of a civil marriage in priest should bring him to actively or lack of the financial means to Here we reprint excerpts of the consent brings about marriage. individual cases advocate for such sanations. go through a Church wedding—is above-mentioned rescript from the What has to be determined in A possible question could Of course, it is incumbent on invalid from the canonical standpoint Pontifical Council for Legislative these cases is the presence of a be when to grant such radical the parish priest—as pastor—to for lack of canonical form. Simply Texts, dated 20.III.2019: valid matrimonial consent (at the sanation of a hitherto simply civil know his flock and determine put: it is just a civil marriage, not a “From the study concerning moment of contracting the civil marriage of two Catholic parties. the advisability of a radical Church wedding. However, if there the sources and the process of marriage) and its perseverance (i.e., Of special importance is the aspect convalidation in each case. Salus is a valid consent that persists, codification of can.1165, §2 CIC, it is that such consent remains and has of sacramentality: for a valid animarum est suprema lex. c.1161 states that such a marriage agreed that, for pastoral reasons, the not been retracted). matrimonial consent to exist, the Finally, the radical convalidation can be retroactively validated—i.e., diocesan Bishop has the faculty to At this point it is necessary to recall contracting baptized parties must at will have to be recorded in the converted to a canonical one—by grant in individual cases the sanatio that a valid marriage consent must least not reject the sacramentality of Baptismal Registry of the parish of the competent authority (in this in radice of invalid marriages enjoy all the juridic requirements marriage, since such sacramentality origin of each of the spouses. Alternate cantors during the Exsultet An Option Not Foreseen in Rubrics

(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query: )

A: I am presupposing that our that I may sing this candle’s perfect slight variation as to the traditional reader desires to change the praise.” Gregorian melody. proclaiming the Exsultet out of The above paragraph introduces It is true that there are many choral necessity and not from some desire and explains the liturgical greeting settings available, even some with for novelty. “The Lord be with you” which is instrumental accompaniment. Singing the Exsultet is a proper reserved to the ordained minister. However, while the rubrics do allow function of a deacon, and if there is a It would make little sense for the for the organ to support singing, deacon available, the rubrics clearly priest to sing just this part and not from a liturgical standpoint, the indicate a preference for him over sing the rest of the Exsultet. After best option during this part of the any other minister. A priest or lay all, why ask the faithful to invoke Easter Vigil remains the single cantor should only be called upon God’s mercy to sing the praises of unaccompanied deacon, priest or if no deacon is available or capable the candle if he does not do so? cantor. In this way, the organ is of singing the Easter Proclamation. Even if the shorter version of the reserved to accompany the ringing When a lay cantor is used, the Exsultet is used, thus omitting the of bells at the intonation of the rubrics only provide for the omission above paragraph, It would also Gloria. of texts reserved to the ordained seem appropriate that the priest As to the history of the Exsultet, minister. To wit: avoids making an interjection at there is clear evidence that this “If, however, because of necessity, this point just to sing, “The Lord solemn rite began no later than the a lay cantor sings the Proclamation, be with you.” second half of the fourth century. the words ‘Therefore dearest friends’ Since the Exsultet is musically For example, the use of singing a up to the end of the invitation are challenging and as far as possible hymn in praise of the candle and the omitted, along with the greeting ‘The is sung without the support of Easter mystery is mentioned as an Q: Our parish has had a deacon I know that a cantor can chant the Lord be with you.’ any musical instrument, such an established custom in a letter of St. chanting the Exsultet for the past proclamation without the parts The full text to be omitted is: interruption could lead an insecure Jerome, written in 384 to Presidio, decade or so, but it is time to specific to a cleric. Is it acceptable “Therefore, dearest friends, standing cantor to lose the tone. a deacon from Piacenza, . come up with a different option. to split the proclamation so that in the awesome glory of this holy Therefore a lay cantor would omit Saints Ambrose and Augustine are None of the other are the cantor chants the bulk of the light, invoke with me, I ask you, the the “Lord be with you” but would also known to have composed such capable of such a chant, nor are proclamation, and one of the mercy of God almighty, that he, who sing: “Lift up your hearts” with Easter proclamations. The poetic the priests trained in voice enough priests chants the parts specific to has pleased to number me, though the people responding in “We and solemn text of the Exsultet now to accomplish the entire work. We the clergy?—G.K., Holmdel, New unworthy, among the Levites, may lift them to the Lord” as with the in use originated in the fifth century, have a perfectly capable cantor, and Jersey pour into me his light unshadowed, preface at Mass, although with a but its author is unknown. FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 FEATURE B3 Radio Veritas: Asia’s dynamic missionary By James H. Kroeger, MM

VARIOUS titles can capture the identity and mission of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), now celebrating its golden anniversary of service to Asia’s peoples (1969-2019). It is appropriately described as “the missionary of Asia,” “the Asian voice of Christianity” or “the Catholic voice of Asia.” RVA’s own vision statement describes this apostolic initiative as the “voice of the Church that is realizing the mission of crossing borders and sharing Christ through Gospel values to the people of Asia.” Voice of Popes. Two “saint- popes” (Paul VI and John Paul II) have spoken of the pivotal mission of RVA and also have personally visited its center in Manila. Paul VI sent the following message on April 11, 1969 when RVA was inaugurated; he spoke of Radio Veritas as “giving to the truth a new and powerful voice in a continental area of increasing significance in world affairs.” On November 29, 1970, during his Manila stop on his ten-day Asian journey, Pope Paul VI visited the RVA premises. He personally offered his “encouragement for an ever more enlightened, generous and fruitful activity…. It is our Cardinal Chales Maung Bo of Yangon, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, presides over a Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of Radio Veritas Asia in Quezon City April 11. CBCP NEWS fervent wish that through it [RVA] there may reach you the echo of the teachings of Christ, to raise your important means of sustaining the four-day bloodless revolution and their role in dialogue with fostered this “Asian” vision of being hearts to the God of love and truth. and nurturing a sense of Catholic now known as the “People Power religions and cultures. It also airs Church in today’s contemporary We hope that it will knit among you, identity and of spreading knowledge Revolution.” In the same year, RVA news and programs on health, societies. its listeners, bonds of evangelical of Catholic moral principles” (EA received the prestigious Ramon community development, science Conclusion. As RVA observes its love … [so that] you may together 48). Magsaysay Award (popularly called and technology, women and youth golden jubilee of service to the vast undertake the construction of a Milestones of RVA History. “Asia’s Nobel Peace Prize”) for empowerment, family issues, and Asian continent, our hearts overflow more just and more united society.” Pope Pius XII first had the idea of “its role in using truth to depose historical perspectives. Readings with gratitude for what has been Twenty-five years later, on January a Church radio station for Asians an oppressive and corrupt regime from the sacred texts of Buddhism, accomplished. Yet, all realize that 14, 1995, during special ceremonies to address the needs of Catholics in and restore Filipino faith in the Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam missionary evangelization is never marking its silver jubilee, Pope John the region. On December 10, 1958 electoral process.” In 1991, Radio are broadcast. In addition, there a static reality. Change, renewal, Paul II praised RVA for its quarter- (still in the pre-Vatican II era) at a Veritas separated into two entities: are programs on Christian liturgy transformation, and discernment are century service and challenged it to meeting in Manila, the Conference the “Asia-wide” branch and the and catechesis, as well as features constants in the Church’s evangelizing find an “ever more effective way of of Southeast Asian Bishops decided “domestic” segment that serves the about significant Asian personalities mission; one never finishes reading sustaining and informing the faith to establish, operate, and maintain Philippine public; both continue who have contributed to integral the “signs of the times” and of those who already believe in a Catholic radio station to serve as their effective operations today. human development and liberation interpreting them in the light of the Christ, and of proclaiming him and an instrument of evangelization Vision of Missionary in the Asian context. Truly, RVA Gospel (cf. GS 4). Certainly, with the his Kingdom to those who do not yet and information. Radio Veritas Evangelization. An official seeks to bring Gospel values into all Lord’s abundant graciousness, RVA’s know him.” For RVA, “the future studios were formally inaugurated statement of RVA for its silver dimensions of life of Asia’s diverse mission in the coming fifty years will can only mean greater commitment on April 11, 1969. RVA relied on anniversary captures well its peoples. prove most fruitful—as has the past to evangelization as the Third shortwave radio technology to reach vision of evangelization: “Radio RVA also seeks to integrate half century. Following Pope Francis’ Millennium of the Redemption audiences in the Asia-Pacific, the Veritas Asia seeks to reaffirm and the paradigm of evangelization insights, one can add one new title approaches.” Indian subcontinent, and mainland strengthen its commitment in promoted by the Federation to describe RVA: “Asia’s Dynamic, Furthermore, John Paul II said China; it also reached many Filipino proclaiming to peoples and cultures of Asian Bishops’ Conferences Joyful Missionary-Disciple”! that this “voice of Asian Christianity” overseas workers in the Middle the message of the Gospel.” It (FABC). The FABC vision of the ______is a “powerful expression of the co- East. Financial support from strives to be “a stimulus of authentic Asian Church’s mission is captured responsibility of the bishops of Asia” the German Church aid agencies human values and an instrument in its “triple dialogue” formula, James H. Kroeger, MM is professor of in fulfilling the “Church’s missionary Missio and Misereor as well as of salvation in Jesus Christ.” One initially enunciated in the First Systematic Theology, Mission Studies, mandate.” Through its diversity of the Vatican’s Congregation for the may validly assert that RVA fulfills FABC Plenary Assembly in 1974. and “Asian” Theology at Loyola School of Theology, East Asian Pastoral Institute, programs, RVA “contributes to the Evangelization of Peoples has been Pope Paul VI’s succinct description It envisions genuinely Asian local and Mother of Life Catechetical Center human development of countless substantial; this is complemented of evangelization: “evangelizing Churches “in continuous, humble in , Philippines. He served individuals and families.” It also with assistance from various local means bringing the Good News and loving dialogue with the as founding-president of the Philippine provides consolation and strength Churches throughout Asia. into all strata of humanity, and living traditions, the cultures, the Association of Catholic Missiologists “to the Church of Silence and to all In addition to the encouragement through its influence transforming religions—in brief, with all the life- (PACM); he is an advisor to the FABC those Christians who have suffered given by Popes Paul VI and John humanity from within and making realities of the people.” In FABC V Office of Evangelization and the Philippine Paul II (already noted), other it new” (Evangelii Nuntiandi 18). (1990) the vision was reaffirmed: Bishops’ (CBCP) Commission on Mission. and continue to suffer for their Father Kroeger’s recent books include: fidelity” to their faith and to the significant milestones in the history Another expression of this same “Mission will mean a dialogue with Exploring the Priesthood with Pope Church. of RVA include its brave coverage vision is to see mission as “integral Asia’s poor, with its local cultures, Francis (ST PAULS: 2017), Asia’s In his apostolic exhortation, of the assassination of former evangelization,” addressing all and with other religious traditions.” Dynamic Local Churches (Claretian and Ecclesia in Asia (1999), John Paul senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino dimensions of the human person FABC X (2012) noted: “We thank Jesuit Communications: 2014); Becoming II said: “I echo the Synod Fathers’ on August 21, 1983; RVA was the and society, including the political, the Lord for a challenging vision Missionary Disciples (PMS – Manila: commendation of Radio Veritas only radio station to broadcast the economic, cultural, educational, of Church in Asia.” In a word, this 2014); Walking in the Light of Faith (ST PAULS: 2014); The Gift of Mission (Orbis Asia, the only continent-wide radio slain senator’s funeral procession social, and religious aspects of a operative paradigm of holistic Books: 2013); A Vatican II Journey: station for the Church in Asia, for its in Manila. Then, on February truly human life. evangelization [the “triple dialogue” Fifty Milestones (ST PAULS: 2012); and, almost thirty years of evangelization 22, 1986, through Radio Veritas Thus, as RVA broadcasts in about approach] is the interpretive key Once Upon a Time in Asia: Stories of through broadcasting. Efforts must Cardinal Sin called the Filipino twenty languages, it provides a wide to understanding and appreciating Harmony and Peace [ten translations, be made to strengthen this excellent populace to show support and diversity of programs, fostering the the dynamic local Churches in Asia various publishers and dates]. He may instrument of mission ... [as] an converge on EDSA; this resulted in growth of Asia’s local Churches today. And, RVA has consistently be contacted at: [email protected] History of Radio Veritas Asia

continental Catholic radio station “excellent instrument of mission.” the responsibility for the station in Asia. After his death, the idea was entrusted to this collegial body was carried out by His Holiness Divine Providence of Bishops in Asia. This would be Pope John XXIII, who sent Papal God’s generosity was experienced realized through the FABC Office of delegate Gregory Peter XV and in realizing this project because the Social Communication. Its Board of Cardinal Agagianian to discuss the German Church came forward to help five Bishops and Executive Secretary challenges of Communism to the the Asian Bishops to great dream. had been at the helm of planning Church in Asia. On October 11, 1960, Conference, and helping secure finances for The Philippines, the only Catholic the Chancellor of Germany, Konrad running the station. country in Asia nearest to China, was Adenauer committed in realizing to be the host of this radio facility. this dream project of Radio Veritas RVA and Technological Cardinal , who was Asia. On the part of the Church, Revolution then the Archbishop of Manila, the following promised financial In today’s technology-driven agreed to the task. In 1961, a legal support: the Propagation of the world, the Radio apostolate cannot body for Radio Veritas was created Faith; the Bishops’ Conference afford to lag behind. Streaming RADIO Veritas Asia (RVA), curtailed all practices of freedom in Manila. This was the Philippine of Germany; the Archdiocese of programs was introduced at the commenced as a dream, a response and crushed all attempts to live the Radio Educational and Information Cologne; the mission aid societies turn of the millennium, making to Scripture mandate to share Christ Christian faith. With governments Center (PREIC) which provided the Missio, Misereor, Aid to the Church programs accessible to the migrants to all peoples in all corners of the opposed to basic human dignity, legal status for RVA. in Need, and the Holy Childhood in Diaspora countries anytime and world. The focus was in the Asian Christ was the people’s only hope In 1970 Pope Paul VI inaugurated Association. anywhere, through the marvel continent: to proclaim His truth from and His voice was to reach them RVA in Manila with these words: Some of Asian Bishops’ of internet and other digital the housetops through the airwaves. through the marvel and power of “This great enterprise and such an Conferences also expressed their modalities. In 2007, RVA digitalized The dream was doused with urgency radio. important work should echo the solidarity for this great missionary its production facilities paving the in the horror that engulfed the teachings of Christ and lift hearts venture. Thus Bishops Conferences way to shift some of the languages, continent after the Second World Response of the Church in Asia to God’s truth and love.” Pope of Japan, Korea and Thailand land where it is politically stable, to War. Throughout the vastness of In 1958, the dream was brought John Paul II’s visit to the station in forward to support this venture. To their language areas. Furthermore, China and its southern neighbors before an assembly of 100 bishops 1981 yet again sealed the relevance house the production studios, the this development ushered the Vietnam, Korea and Burma, the from Asia and Australia at the of the shortwave station for the Archdiocese of Manila allocated a possibility for most programs to evil of Communism shook the central seminary of the University Church’s task of evangelization property in Fairview, Quezon City. be produced in the native areas foundations of human dignity. This of Santo Tomas in Manila. This by his description of RVA as the The Federation of Asian Bishops’ and sent to RVA studios through colossal threat, was known in history idea was eventually approved and “voice of Asian Christianity.” And Conferences (FABC) was established Internet. (Sourced from: http:// to have have methodically, but accepted with the concurrence of in “Ecclesia in Asia,” the Pope in on the historic visit of Pope Paul VI www.rveritas-asia.org/index.php/ brutally destroyed millions of lives, The Holy See. Pope Pius XII has a 1999 referred to Radio Veritas as an in Manila in 1970. From then on, about-us/history ) B4 FEATURE April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Is death a threat? By Archbishop Socrates Villegas

only be a fitting crown of our daily where is your victory? No weapon dying for the Lord. We are seeds and formed against us will prosper. The when we are buried we give life (cfr gates of hell won’t stand.” Jn 12:24) We must exorcise the creeping We must be priests for all seasons, culture of vulgarity, obscenity, priests for sunny middays and dark lewd jokes and lack of good midnights. “Into each life some rain breeding, with the humble power must fall, some days must be dark of the Crucified Lord. We must and dreary” said Henry Longfellow. not fear suffering rebukes, being We may have to go through these calumniated, forgotten, ridiculed, dreary times of darkness but behind wronged or suspected. “Don’t be the clouds the sun is still shining. afraid of those who want to kill your Death is our mission and in our body; they cannot touch your soul. death the world receives life. We Fear only God, who can destroy have been through better times both soul and body in hell. (Mt when priests were revered, trusted 10:28). and esteemed. Those days seem to We must reject the father of be behind us but we are still here lies and prince of darkness by serving as priests in season and out the courage to stand up for the of season. Sometimes it is not death. truth, the bravery to shield it from Sometimes the threat is spreading deception and fake news. Bring the calumny. If they cannot kill us by fight not just in the pulpit but on the bullet, they kill our reputation social media and in the plaza. Flood instead. We are called many names— social media with the power of love. sex addicts, child predators, priest Make good manners fragrant and playboys, priest gamblers, priest attractive. Make them see the mercy husbands—the litany is endless. It is of God on Facebook. “They will pick tiring and annoying. It is wearisome up serpents with their hands, and if Archbishop Socrates Villegas breaths over chrism oil as he celebrates the Chrism Mass at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City on Holy and fatiguing. they drink any deadly thing, it will Thursday, April 18. SCREENSHOT/SABINS STUDIO We face the next two years, leading not harm them”. (Mk 16:18). to the half millennium of the first “A church that does not provoke HAVE you ever received a death Wait… before governors and kings because Mass and first baptism within our any crises, a gospel that does not threat as priests? Were you ever a Have you forgotten Queen Jezebel you are my followers. But this will be shores, and who confronts us? We unsettle, a word of God that does recipient of an anonymous letter threatening Elijah “Now I am going your opportunity to tell the rulers are sent to an angry disbelieving not get under anyone’s skin, a word or a text message threatening you to kill you! I pray that the gods will and other unbelievers about me.” society. We are priests sent to a of God that does not touch the real with a bullet shot for doing the work punish me even more severely if I (Mt 10:18) nation whose leader mocks God sin of the society in which it is of God? Were you ever threatened don’t do it by this time tomorrow.” The Lord’s words to Peter are and calls Him stupid. The bishop’s being proclaimed–What gospel is with a false media expose against (1 Kings 19:2) addressed to us also “Very truly I mother is derided as a prostitute that? You can tell the people that your good name because you stood Did they not threaten the prophet tell you, when you were younger you and there is a marching order to kill if they succeed in killing me, that for the truth and you stood for the Jeremiah “This man should be dressed yourself and went where any bishop you see. All priests are I forgive and bless those who do it. Lord? Did you ever receive a threat sentenced to death because he has you wanted; but when you are old sex maniacs and piety is ridiculed. Hopefully, they will realize they are that a religious procession will be prophesied against this city. You you will stretch out your hands, and Honesty is optional and delicadeza wasting their time. A bishop will bombed or a prayer rally will be have heard it with your own ears!” someone else will dress you and lead is outdated. To top it all, our die, but the Church of God, which is disrupted to scare the people whom (Jer 26:11) you where you do not want to go.” Catholic faithful are clapping and the people, will never perish,” said you invited from attending? Were There is nothing surprising (Jn 21:18-19). campaigning for his enablers to win Saint Oscar Romero. you ever cursed for simply ringing with priests being threatened with Death is not a threat. It is our the elections. “Silence in the face of Brother priests, make friends church bells to pray for the killed? death. We should not have accepted destiny. To be killed is not a defeat evil is itself evil. God will not hold us with death. Let death not threaten Were you surprised? Were you ordination if we were afraid to die or of our mission. Martyrdom is the guiltless” said Bonhoeffer. you. The call to the priesthood is scared? Did you consider hiding and be killed for the Lord. It is destiny. It crowning glory of our mission. We must face this angry and a call to die. It is clear. There is no stopping your work as priests? Did is fate. Guhit ng palad ng kaparian. Daily we celebrate the memory of disbelieving society with the witness priesthood without victimhood. We you cry alone? Did you pray? Did To be threatened with violence is the death and rising of the Lord. of our faith and say with Peter “We would be fake priests if we separated you ask the Lord “What have I done an opportunity of grace as the Lord Daily we must share in that mystery must obey God rather than men”. the Upper Room from Calvary. to deserve this?” admonished us “You will stand trial so that when we die, our death will (Acts 29:5) “Woe to me if I do not Priests of God, make friends with preach the Gospel”. (1Cor 9:16) We death, do not fear it. These times are afflicted in every way, but not demand courage, much courage. constrained; perplexed, but not When future generations write this An open letter of Fr. D’Ambra to the “Balik Islam” driven to despair, persecuted, but episode of our history, may they see not abandoned; struck down, but us on the right side of the story, that EVERY Good Friday Christians not destroyed; always carrying about when we were given a chance to die, around the world remember the in the body the dying of Jesus (2Cor we stepped forward and embraced death on the cross of Jesus Christ 4:8-10). our martyrdom! and after few days the resurrection. We must confront with holy anger Many times I have reflected on this the more than thirty thousand (Note: This is the full text of the mystery of the love of God up to senseless murders of the poor Homily delivered by Archbishop death “and the death on the cross.” in the name of a false drug-free Socrates Villegas during the Holy Last April 19, during the Good society, with our courage to face Mass of the Chrism at the St. John Friday, I prayed also for you, the death eyeball to eyeball and declare the Evangelist Cathedral, Dagupan Christians who in the Philippines, “Death where is your sting? Grave City, April 18, 2019) are called “ Balik Islam”, those who were Christians and have decided to embrace Islam. Yes, I remember you because often I Aria, for the second time hear Christian and Muslim friends who are alarmed by the fact that a By Bishop Pablo Virgilio David good number of so called “Balik Filipino Muslims pray at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila. CBCPNews Islam” are becoming very radical of Islam. for world peace and living together” IT was interesting to see at the the remotest Visitas of the province, and are inclined to violence. There This back ground of my life It starts saying: “In the name of special screening of ARIA some of in order to get the landlords and the are so many alarming news about brought me to start, in 1984, the God who has created all human the direct descendants of the landed tenants to face each other and to you that today I ask in my prayer Silsilah Dialogue Movement in beings equal in rights, duties and elite of Pampanga. When the late facilitate a dialogue among them. in front of the cross: “ Why?” The Zamboanga City, a Movement that dignity, and who called them Cesar Maria Guerrero of Malate was These dialogues eventually reached first answer that comes to my today, after thirty-five (35) years, is to live together as brothers and installed as the first bishop of a new the halls of Congress and Senate and mind is that we in the Philippines, alive and continues to inspire many sisters, to fill the earth and make Diocese of San Fernando, carved out led to the drafting of a series of land a country with a Catholic back from different faiths to promote the known the value of goodness, love of Manila in the 1950’s, Pampanga reform laws. ground and many expressions of culture of dialogue, path to peace. and peace …” was torn apart by an agrarian unrest. The new diocese itself set a good “popular religiosity,” need to teach Unfortunately, there are also those My dear brothers and sisters, The hacenderos were putting up example by surrendering to the more to our Christians the central who promote violence justified by at the foot of the cross in prayer I their own private armies against the comprehensive agrarian reform part of the message of Jesus’ death a wrong understanding of their recognize also the many mistakes Huks, who fought for social justice program its own agricultural and resurrection as a great message religion. committed by Christians in history and defended the rights of tenant landholdings. Most of these lands of love for all following the teaching My dear friends who are called up to now, at the same time I am farmers. The killings became daily were donated to the Church by of the Gospel and to be closer to “Balik Islam”, you are in my prayer inspired by the message of love of occurrences, perpetrated by both landlords for the support of the Jesus message of love and not to asking the Lord: “Why does this Jesus that gives me the courage and sides of the deep economic and parishes. But since the parishes had be tempted to follow a model of reality of the Balik Islam alarms determination to live my mission political divide. The victims from no legal personality to own property, society that tends to forget the also many good Muslims?” The as Christian and Catholic priest either side were blessed in the same all of these lands which were in the centrality of God in history and in Christian community suffers from living in this beautiful country parish Churches and buried in the name of the corporation sole of our life. Jesus reminds us to “be this situation and I too suffer, but of the Philippines, in spite of the same Catholic cemeteries. the Church were covered by land in the world but not of the world” I do not write this letter to judge many contradictions and sufferings It was in such circumstances that reform. referring to the many temptations you but to remind you that we are of our people. I hear the voice Bishop Guerrero preached his most This agrarian conflict in the that we may encounter in the brothers and sisters in the same of the poor, the innocent, those famous homily at the newly restored country is obviously not quite world. humanity and we are called to who suffer and those who work Cathedral of San Fernando, calling resolved yet. Proof of this is what is In my experience in Mindanao promote dialogue and peace. All for dialogue and peace together. for an end to violence, but obviously happening in the island of Negros. since 1977, most of the time in of us are people of different faiths I invite you to “dream” with me a siding with the poor peasants’ In fact, the bishop of Bacolod, contact with Muslim communities, and beliefs. In choosing the key better society in the spirit of love clamor for agrarian reform. He said, Bishop Gerry Alminaza, expressed I learned many things. I have word “Silsilah” (that means CHAIN for all. addressing the hacenderos, “Aqui to me his intention of sponsoring also been in two years of my life or LINK) for the movement of My dear brothers and sisters en Pampanga hay mucha piedad a special screening of ARIA in his in Mindanao closer to the Moro dialogue that I started long ago I who are today identified as “Balik pero muy poca caridad.” (Here in diocese, when he learned that this National Liberation front (MNLF) was dreaming, and I still dream, to Islam” please reflect and pray Pampanga there is so much piety Kapampangan film had English as negotiator in my desire to share remind all that we are “LINKED” about your life and faith and be but so little charity.) subtitles. Apparently, he had read the message of peace. Because of to the same human family and consistent in living the faith your Guerrero, being a devotee of my review of the film and said, “That this mission I was threatened by “genealogic tree” to the same conscience dictates to you, but the Virgen de los Remedios of film should be viewed by the faithful those who did not appreciate my Creator that we identify in many do it in the spirit of love and Malate, introduced the devotion of Bacolod.” closeness to the Muslims and to the ways and names in our own faith. compassion. This is the real spirit in Pampanga, with the Virgin Bishop Alminaza, like the late MNLF and I was forced to leave the Yes, I believe that we are brothers that we, as Christians and Muslims accompanying the image of the Bishop Guerrero, has boldly called Philippines for a few years. That and sisters. In a recent document have to promote to build together a Crucified Christ called Santo Cristo for an end to violence in his diocese, was the time when I decided to of Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi real “Human Fraternity,” walking del Perdon. He organized pilgrim especially in the aftermath of the study Islam and Arabic undergoing (February 4, 2019) signed together together in dialogue as brothers processions to remote barrios where recent killings that resulted in formal studies that helped me to with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and sisters. most of the ambushes were taking the death of 14 farmers. Bishop understand Islam more and to University, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb it is place. He himself accompanied the Alminaza has called for an impartial appreciate especially the spiritual clearly stated the importance of Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME images, which he asked the landed investigation of this recent tragedy, dimension that we can find in living together. This document is Founder of the Silsilah Dialogue Doñas and Dons, duly appointed to which is alleged by the families and Islam and in the Sufi movements entitled “HUMAN FRATERNTY Movement act as Damas y Caballeros, to visit witnesses to have been a massacre. FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 FEATURE B5 Where is love? Easter Message 2019

“WHERE is Love?” This was the stereotype of the delinquent and question asked by the orphan boy asked to be remembered when Jesus Oliver Twist in the 1960’s Oliver came into his kingdom; Joseph of when he felt alone and abandoned. Arimathea, who overcame his fear of This song touched me deeply when being an open follower of Christ to I was a boy. It is a question many of ask Pilate for his body; Nicodemus us ask ourselves when life is hard or who generously gave vast quantities when we see injustices destroying of myrrh and aloes to anoint Christ’s lives. body; the women who went to the Christ must have asked the same tomb on the third day to tend to the question on the cross when he cried body, even though they had no idea out, “My God, my God, why have you how to move the boulder blocking forsaken me?” Where was love when its entrance; and even Pilate, who Jesus was betrayed, abandoned saw the injustice of the situation and by his friends and crucified like a wanted to release Jesus. criminal? What these actions have in common Sometimes we find ourselves in a is that they seem insignificant, dark place, like Jesus on the cross, especially if you compare them to and our lives can seem loveless. the violence of the crucifixion and When hunger, unemployment, all that had gone before it. What addictions, indignities, abuse, hate difference can one act of kindness speech, false accusations, killing, make in the face of unrelenting evil? corruption, human trafficking run It can make all the difference in ways wild and seem to reign, our world we can’t even imagine how because appears dark. But if we look more these small acts of care and love are Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle baptizes one of two new members of the church during the Easter Vigil at the Manila Cathedral, April 20, 2019. ROY LAGARDE carefully, more intently at people crowned by the total self-giving of and situations, it is then that we see Christ crucified on the cross. walk with them humbly, without despair into bearers of hope. and living for others in the belief that love revealing itself. Since the time of Christ, who judgment or pretensions of having We invite you to seize the power light will always overcome darkness. On Jesus’ way to the cross tended to the poor and healed the the answer to all their problems. if love unleashed by the risen In the name of the Archdiocese of and beyond, in the sea of hate sick and welcomed the outcasts, It is through these encounters Christ this Easter, and with the Manila, I wish you a blessed and surrounding him, there were also our faith has been built on personal that our hearts are opened and love you have received, spread safe Easter! intense moments of love: the encounters and on people who presented with new a horizon and seeds of hope across our country. women, the Blessed Virgin Mary empty themselves, enabling them to a renewed energy to move forward. Love is not just a word, it’s a and John, who brave the sorrow see people and their situations with It is through these encounters of lifestyle of seeing, encountering, +LUIS ANTONIO G. CARDINAL if standing at the foot of the cross deep understanding, compassion love and caring that persons, and understanding other people. TAGLE when everyone else had abandoned and solidarity. We are called as families and communities are It is the lifestyle of Jesus, crucified Archbishop of Manila him; the good thief, who broke the Christians to encounter others and transformed from prisoners of and risen. It is the style of being with April 21, 2019 Population and development (Statement of H.E. Archbishop , Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, on the 52nd Session of the Commission on Population and Development Agenda, April 3, 2019, New York City.)

Since then, development has been elderly, to strengthen relations natural environment. Research and remains the proper context between generations and avoid across several decades shows, for the international community’s distancing the elderly from the with insignificant variations, consideration of population issues. family unit. that inequalities in consumption Within such discussions there Another landmark of the ICPD are stark. Globally, the 20% of naturally arise questions relating was the link between migration and the world’s highest-income to the transmission and nurturing development. Ever since, there has people account for 86% of total of human life. To formulate and been increased sensitivity, research, consumption, while the poorest 20% position population issues, however, cooperation and effective policies a mere 1.3%. Confronted with these in terms of individual “sexual and in this field, leading to the adoption and other data that demonstrate reproductive rights” is to change the of the Global Compact for Safe, drastic inequalities, Pope Francis focus from that which should be the Orderly and Regular Migration. exhorts us to an “ecological proper concern of governments and Migration is a global phenomenon; conversion,”[2] which calls for a international agencies. Suggesting one which is linked to development change to a more modest lifestyle that reproductive health includes a and poverty, as well as to financial and responsible consumption, right to abortion explicitly violates and health security. In particular, and for a greater awareness of the the language of the ICPD, defies migrants are now seen as proactive universal destination of the world’s moral and legal standards within agents of development. Nonetheless, resources. domestic legislations and divides negative stereotypes of migrants The Holy See is fully aware of the Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Vatican nuncio to the United Nations. GREGORY A. SHEMITZ/CNS efforts to address the real needs of are, at times, exploited to promote complexity of the issues involved mothers and children, especially policies detrimental to their rights in the review and appraisal of the AS we call to mind the 25th considering the linkage between those yet unborn. and dignity, and migrants, especially ICPD Programme of Action. This anniversary of the International these two for the first time. All forms Moreover, questions involving children and women, are often very complexity requires that we Conference on Population and of coercion in the implementation of the transmission of life and its victims of trafficking. These are carefully weigh the consequences Development (ICPD) in Cairo population policies were rejected. subsequent nurturing cannot be issues that demand our attention for present and future generations of and consider the follow-up to its The family, based on marriage, adequately dealt with except in when tackling problems concerning the strategies and recommendations Program of Action in the context was recognized as the fundamental relation to the good of the family, population and development. to be proposed. Fundamental of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable unit of society, and as entitled which the Universal Declaration This topic also has strong questions like the transmission of Development, my Delegation is to comprehensive support and of Human Rights defines as “the environmental implications. While life, the family, and the material aware of the many challenges that protection. Strong impetus was natural and fundamental group unit population growth is often blamed and moral development of society, the international community still given to the improvement of the of society.”[1] for environmental problems, we need very serious consideration. The faces to achieve the goal of greater, status of women throughout the Governments and society ought know that the matter is much more Holy See stands ready to make its integral human development. world, particularly with regard to promote social policies that complex. Wasteful patterns of contribution toward finding ways to The ICPD was an important to their health, and their full and have the family as their principal consumption, growing inequalities, building a world of genuine equality, milestone in the world’s equal participation in development. object, assisting it by providing the unsustainable exploitation fraternity and peace. understanding of the The expanding phenomenon of adequate resources and efficient of natural resources, the absence Thank you, Mr. Chair. interrelationship between migration was considered along with means of support, both for bringing of restrictions or safeguards ______1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 16.3. population and development, indeed its impact on development. up children and looking after the in industries, all endanger the 2. Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, 216. AMRSP Solidarity Statement for the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines

PEACE BE TO THIS COUNTRY! peoples, is by itself a testimony pray for social equity and just We, the Association of Major of the fervent commitment of the peace in our country. Let the Religious Superiors in the religious and the Catholic Church members of the Rural Missionaries Philippines, an association of 327 to be living witnesses to the good of the Philippines do their jobs religious congregations in the news of just peace and equity to where we in the government and Philippines, strongly condemn the all Filipinos. church agencies have failed to go to continued barrage of malicious Red tagging, accusing individuals address issues of peace, education, allegations made on the Rural and organizations as communist respect for life, freedom, dignity Missionaries of the Philippines terrorists, is inimical to democracy of persons, good governance and and other human rights and and respect for human rights. In good politics in the far-flung rural sectoral organizations, by some its most extreme, red tagging, areas. Lord, spare our mission leaders of the government and can lead to warrantless arrest, partners from deadly malice and the military as communist fronts detention without charges, torture, give them peace. of the Communist Party of the enforced disappearances and “Often, too, the fair speech Philippines. extra-judicial killings. of friends entrusted with the The Rural Missionaries of the We are already disturbed to the administration of affairs has Philippines, a mission partner of core of our souls by the growing induced many placed in authority the AMRSP, was established in mistrust, division and animosity to become accomplices in the 1969 as a Church response to the among our peoples, unending shedding of innocent blood, and plight and unjust conditions of the violence in our midst, the more has involved them in irreparable rural poor. than 20,000 nameless victims of calamities by deceiving with Fifty years of missionary work summary executions and extra malicious slander the sincere good speaks for the integrity of the Rural judicial killings. We are also will of rulers” (Esther 45:5-6). Missionaries of the Philippines. disturbed to the core of our beings Moreover, fifty years of continued by the surrender of our patrimony REV. FR. CIELITO ALMAZAN, presence in the most forgotten and our natural resources to the OFM places in the Philippines, to Peoples’ Republic of China, who SR. REGINA KUIZON, RGS accompany the marginalized and are in fact communists. AMRSP Co-Chairpersons poorest farmers and indigenous We long, thirst, hunger and April 8, 2019 B6 REFLECTIONS April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS What really matters in the Church ‘Signs’ of the reality of is life in the Spirit of Jesus the resurrection 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 20:19-31 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 20:19-31 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28, 2019 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28, 2019 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD WHO could blame Thomas for It is through our lives, more than his refusal to believe what his our words, that we can show that co-disciples were saying about Jesus is really risen from death and the apparition of the risen Jesus? is now alive. He was a concrete, “positive” An existence characterized man. To believe what his friends by charity and service to were saying about Jesus was like the needy is undoubtedly a believing that the sun had risen at strong “sign” that, after the midnight! death of Christ, a new powerful He was ready to grant that, stream of life has entered the during the three years he had marshes of human history been with Jesus, he had witnessed and human nature. Such life- quite a number of happenings giving reality has quickened to which seemed as incredible as a a superior level of existence the midnight sunrise: lepers cured whole of mankind, thanks to the instantly; paralytics who walked resurrection of Christ. No human home carrying the mats on which being could constantly overcome they had been lying for years; the temptation and natural thousands fed with just a few inclination to be self-centered if loaves and fish; and even dead Christ did not rise from death. A people coming back to life! . . . life totally spent in the service He believed in the reality of their of others is a “sign” of the Life occurrence because he had seen that has conquered death in them happen with his own eyes. Christ’s resurrection. But Jesus, the reportedly “risen Another decisive “sign” of the Jesus,” where was he? If he could reality of the Resurrection is the just see and touch his body, then forgiveness that we grant Thomas also would say, “Amen!” to those who have wronged Since he was not around when us. Every offense that we suffer Jesus had appeared to the whole opens painful wounds in our group, what Thomas was asking sensitivity. They are the marks of was no less than a “personal the emotional agony, and even of apparition” of the Risen Christ our death, which human cruelty, to him. unfairness, dishonesty, treachery, . SOME MIGHT WONDER if we on the gathered believers. It is not a vital spirit” (Wisd 15:11). And Thomas got it all, . . have inflicted on us. But if and have to talk about a “Johannine surprising, therefore, that when At the same time, he alludes to thanks to Jesus’ loving when we are able to be good Pentecost.” Is this something Jesus appeared to his disciples, he Ezek 39:9-10 where, in the vision condescension. He saw Jesus to the persons who have hurt different from what we used to breathed on them and said, “Receive of the prophet, the dry bones came and was able to put his fingers us so deeply, to speak well of know—namely, the 50th day after the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). to life after the wind “breathed into into the holes bored by the nails them, to smile at them – in other Easter, which we celebrate in But how does John describe them.” Since this text has reference and the spear. And he exploded in words, to forgive them from the liturgy after the feast of the the Pentecost? In depicting the to the gathering of Israel from the that confession of faith for which the heart,--then even the Ascension? If by Pentecost we event, John does not use words and land of exile, it is clear therefore that he will be remembered till the end hardest unbeliever is faced mean the bestowal of the Spirit upon images that evoke the giving of the John has in mind the reconstitution of time. (See Jn 20:28.) with a very strong proof (the all believers, then we have much Law at Sinai, as Luke does in Acts. of God’s people as a new creation. Thomas is a contemporary strongest one, perhaps) of the ground for saying that the Gospel It is instructive that in describing John seems to be saying that with of every generation. Even reality and life-giving effects today is John’s version of Pentecost. the giving of the Holy Spirit, John the death and resurrection of Christ today, many refuse to believe in of the Resurrection. Perfect We have to understand that for uses the words “breathed on them” and the giving of the Holy Spirit, the reality of the Resurrection until forgiveness which overcomes theological reasons, Luke, who (John 20:22). Since the term God recreates his people by letting they see some “proof” of it. all inclination to hate back is wrote the Pentecost account in Acts “to breathe on” or “to blow in” them share in the life of the Risen Especially in our days, the a first-class miracle indeed. 2:1-13, separated the Christological popularly lined with Gen 2:7, there One. Jesus possesses this new life, only valid “proof” of the And the Holy Spirit, whom the moments of redemption. In his is no doubt that he harked back to but at Pentecost he shared it with Resurrection people are Risen Christ gave to his disciples account, there is a day for the the creation narrative when God the community of believers. In other prepared to consider is our on Easter Sunday, has a lot to do , another for breathed into the nostril of Adam words, with the coming of the Holy life—our Christian witness. with it. his ascension, and still another who became a living being. That Spirit, those who are given this new for Pentecost. John, however, is to say, just as God gave life to life become members of a newly has a different way of looking at Adam by blowing into his nostrils, created people. these moments. For him, Jesus’ so Jesus was giving a new life to the When the Holy Spirit Peter, the head steward resurrection is bound up with his community of believers by giving descends on a people to re-create exaltation and the giving of the them life. A similar view is held in them, what happens to them? As Holy Spirit. When he rose from the wisdom literature; “the one who the attribute “holy” indicates, the dead, Jesus at the same time was fashioned him, and breathed into people are cleansed from their sins. of Christ’s flock exalted and bestowed the Spirit him a quickening soul, and infused Spirit / B7 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 21:1-19 May 5, 2019 How will Church leaders accomplish By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB AFTER the Resurrection, Jesus’ doing! (See Mt 16:17.) He had the mission to preserve unity? external appearance must have actually done quite a bit to lose been quite altered if no one could any claim to its fulfillment, for he 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 21:1-19 recognize him at first sight . . . had deserted and disowned But what had not undergone any his Master, in spite of all his May 5, 2019 change in him was his love for his boastful assurances. (See Mk disciples, in spite of their many 14:29-31.) By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD shortcomings. In that painful process, Peter He made it a point to prove this had lost almost all his dignity, but THE RESURRECTION OF Jesus is being honed at Harvard Divinity voice, and there will be one flock, even in his apparition in Galilee. not his faith in Jesus and his love yearly celebrated at Easter, which School, the ability to attract huge one shepherd” (10:16). His plan His interest in their fruitless toil, for him. He had also learned to be is the oldest and most solemn crowd—all this does not guarantee to gather all into one is reflected his suggesting what to do in order humble. And that, for Jesus, was Christian feast and considered the automatic success. Rather, it rests in the prophecy of Caiaphas, the to make a big catch, the fish freshly enough. The question, “Do you center of the Liturgical Year. But entirely on their obedience to the high priest, “that Jesus was going broiled, the bread just baked . . . love me?” asked three times what is the meaning of the raising of word of the listen Lord. By their to die for the nation, and not only (see Jn 21:4-14) were all signs of was not meant to embarrass Jesus from the dead? Admittedly, own effort the disciples could not for the nation, but also to gather his loving care for them. the repentant disciple, every New Testament writer has catch fish (21:6). Which reminds into one the dispersed children But that early spring morning, but to bring him to realize his own distinctive understanding us of Jesus’ saying that “without of God” (11:32). (It goes without Jesus had more than fish and bread that love and humility are of what the Resurrection of Jesus me you can do nothing” (15:5). One saying that to say that salvation is to offer them. “Feed my lambs . indispensable virtues for one is all about, but in John, one of its may work in the mission with much only for those who know the Bible, . . Tend my sheep,” he said to who is called to represent the meanings is mission. In John’s effort, but without the presence of or who are born again or who accept Simon Peter in the presence humble and loving Master. story of the Lord’s appearance on the Lord, that mission would be Jesus as their Lord and Savior is to of the other apostles, his gaze Once again, as he had already the shore of Tiberias (John 21:1- fruitless. No wonder then that the misread John.) It is interesting piercing gently the misty eyes of done at Caesarea Philippi, Peter 19), that significance derives, as in disciples were able to experience a to note that although the fish were the fisherman from Bethsaida. gave the right answer, “Lord, Luke 5:10, from the symbolism of miraculous catch—the Lord called numerous, the net was not broken (See Jn 21:15-17.) The meaning you know that I love you!” The the fishing scene. It may be recalled them to throw their nets and they (21:11). For John, this symbolizes of Jesus’ words was clear, in spite whole Church rejoices in it, for a that before he was raised, Jesus obediently did so: “they cast it, and the unity of diverse believers that of the figurative language used: strong and humble love for Jesus is promised that he would draw all were not able to pull it in because of is to be preserved by the leaders of the Risen Christ had made the basic condition for Peter to be women and men to himself (John the number of fish” (21:6). the Church. Peter the head-shepherd of the visible leader of the new People 12:32). Since he has been lifted up, But what is the purpose of And how will the Church leaders the Church! The first “Habemus of God—a leader according to the he could now fulfill his promise. If throwing the nets? If Jesus promised accomplish the mission? If a shift Papam” in history—a proclamation heart of Christ. the Matthean Christ commanded to draw all to himself, if he asked his in image may be permitted, it may done by Jesus himself on the quiet The role of Peter in the the Eleven to make disciples of disciples to cast the nets, the object be said that they will fulfill their lakeshore near Capernaum, close Church, intended to be all the nations (Matt 28:19), that was the form one community, one mission by shepherding (Ps 80:2; to the place where everything had handed on to his successors, account has an equivalent in people coming from all nations. In Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10) in love begun three years earlier. Quite a is one of the most precious John in the instruction to throw this narrative, the net images the of Jesus. This is precisely the gift for Peter and for all believers, gifts of the Risen Christ to the net. And the meaning of the Church, and the fishermen stand reason why Jesus asked Peter too! . . . the other apostles and to all symbolism of throwing the net is for its leaders. The 350 kinds of thrice: “Simon, son of John, do That appointment was the his followers throughout made clearer in another metaphor: fish represent all the races of men you love me?” For without such fulfillment of the promise the centuries. In Peter and the commissioning of Peter to feed and therefore universalism. (In his love, the pastoral efforts of the which Jesus himself had his successors, in fact, we find the lambs/sheep (John 21:15-17). commentary on Ezek 47:9-12, St shepherds or ministers of the made to Peter at Caesarea the indispensable visible point Of course, the mission remains Jerome says that according to the Church (1 Pet 5:2-4; Act 20:28). Philippi many months earlier of reference and unity, and the the risen Lord’s. The disciples are ancient naturalists there were 153 will be in vain. As Paul puts it, in response to the disciple’s leadership that “presides in simply his instruments. Christ species of fish.) Thus, the mission “If I have the gift of prophecy and profession of faith in Jesus as “the charity” and guides all the believers takes the initiative and sustains it. of the Church is universal salvation. comprehend all mysteries and all Messiah, the Son of the living God.” in being faithful to the common For this reason, the success of the Which reminds us of Jesus’ words: knowledge; if I have faith so as to (See Mt 16:18-19.) The disciple had Lord. In this frail head-shepherd, mission does not depend on the “I have other sheep that do not move mountains but do not have done nothing to deserve such a we see a proof of Christ’s love quality and effort of the disciples. belong to this fold. These also love, I am nothing. If I give away promise. Jesus said that Peter’s for the Church and a sign of his A doctorate degree, a high IQ, one’s must I lead, and they will hear my Unity / B7 answer had been the Father’s unfailing presence in it. REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 The evil web of human trafficking By Fr. Shay Cullen

Rome’s Colosseum is illuminated during the Way of the Cross March 30, 2018. Pope Francis has asked Missionary Sister Eugenia Bonetti, a long-time activist in the fight against human trafficking, to write the meditations for his celebration of the Good Friday Way of the Cross prayer service at Rome’s Colosseum April 19, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS

THE most recent case of human Asia, Africa and the Middle East child is generally unloved too. They of complicity, aiding and abetting Child sexual abuse is all around trafficking that I have been involved and the United States, anywhere are easy prey for human traffickers. child abuse and human trafficking us, we just don’t know it as they in, and they are many, is that of where laws are lax and not enforced. Human trafficking and abuse and even obstruction of justice if are ordered with threats to remain Angelica- a 15-year-old girl sold by In some countries, child abuse of women and minors as under one person stopped another from silent. They fear they will not be her mother to her employer. He is is tolerated under some guise of paid labor is so widespread that reporting it and especially if the believed, that they will be severely a rough, crude man, the owner of cultural practice like child marriage, millions of people are trafficked child asked for help and was refused. punished if they reveal it. Most live several mini-buses and from which which is rampant in Afghanistan, everywhere. From Eastern Europe, In the case of Angelica, it was the with the pain and secret all their he earns a lot of money and could India and Pakistan. many thousands are trafficked and child who suffered greatly. She hated lives. afford to buy children for sexual An estimated 24.5 million brought to wealthy Europeans in the what her mother and the man did to It’s a fact that one–in-four girls are abuse. adults, children and youth have mega-brothels, which are legal. But her and one day just after another sexually abused at least once in their Angelica was brought to this been victims and are trafficked the women are not free to leave and session in the hotel where the lifetime. The demand is persistent, middle aged Filipino man in a worldwide in the past decade are trapped in a web of insidious abuse happened, she went to a local abusive men even consider it an distant town to be sexually exploited by organized crime syndicates. debt. government official in the barangay entitlement to do it and disregard and abused and that is the crime Human traffickers are criminals In some countries like the hall and reported that she was being and circumvent laws forbidding it of human trafficking, child rape who operate in many ways. Most of Philippines, the age of sexual abused. She did not report that her with the help of human traffickers, and sexual abuse. He brought her the 24.5 million victims are women consent for a child under the Penal mother sold her to the accused. corrupt police and sex tourist to a hotel and the hotel manager and 33 percent are children under Code is very low, 12 years of age, The suspect was arrested and hotels and resort owners. Local and staff either ignored it or were the age of 18. and abusers take advantage of that jailed right away since the report government units give operating complicit in the trafficking and he The victims of human to justify a relationship. The Penal was received within 24 hours of the permits to these sex bars, hotels and raped her there. Her mother was trafficking are almost always poor, Code must be changed. However, in crime being committed and he was resorts. They see them as a sexual guilty also of human trafficking of unemployed, not well educated the Philippines the child protection charged with human trafficking and Disneyland. Some officials are child her own child. and vulnerable. Many minors law otherwise known as Republic child rape. He paid the grandmother abusers themselves. It is an urgent He is a child rapist and he sexually come from broken families, are Act 7610 supersedes the old Penal to file a case of habeas corpus case demand fueled by the internet and abused Angelica several times abandoned and left with a distant Code. Anyone who abuses a child to get the child out of the Preda online cyber-sex business catering and gave money to her and to her relative who neglects them and sexually below the age of 18 is home but the child told the judge to the wealthy elite who want such mother. The child could not resist, treats them as a servant or sells criminally liable. If the child is below that she wanted to stay. The case of evil sexual satisfaction, dominance she being only 13 and she was under them to traffickers for a promised 12 years of age, it is statutory rape. human trafficking and child rape is and control of other human beings. the power and influence of the job in a hotel or as a domestic If you know of a child being ongoing and Angelica, after a year in This terrible exploitation of adults in ascendency over her and helper. They are frequently abused, abused physically, psychologically recovery, was able to testify clearly human beings like what happened to controlled by her own mother. underpaid and sexually exploited. or sexually you are morally and and coherently. He will surely be Angelica is indeed slavery, banned There are many hundreds of The root of the problem is in the legally obliged to report the abuse to convicted. but never conquered, condemned thousands of similar cases of human broken home. Without a secure, the parents or relatives, to a trained It is very important that we all but never eliminated, opposed trafficking and abuse happening stable loving and caring family, social worker, a police officer or understand and are aware what but still lives on. We must never everyday around the world and not children don’t have a chance to government official or to anyone is going on in the world. Human give up the fight to overcome this only in the Philippines. It is all too succeed in life. When the parents who can help. Failure to do so trafficking of children for sexual pernicious evil and save the millions common especially in Southeast have no love for each other, the makes a person liable to complaints exploitation is an everyday crime. of exploited victims.

Spirit / B4 Unity / B4 The idea of outpouring of the Holy and they become one people living at it in terms of secular standards. everything I own, and if I hand my shepherd them with love because Spirit is linked with the cleansing in one divine life. As the Father is We tend to forget this inner life, and body over so that I may boast but he was a disciple who loved (John from sins: “I will sprinkle clean in Jesus, and Jesus in the Father, so we regard the parish as good if, for do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 13:37). water upon you to cleanse you from the community is in Jesus and the example, the parish church is well Cor 13:2-3). Out of his love for Jesus, Peter all your impurities, and from all your Father (John 17:21). The members constructed, the celebrations well This implies that the exercise of would have to deny his very self. idols I will cleanse you. I will give are bound into a corporate unity, but attended, the church organizations power proper to secular society In contrast to the shepherds you a new heart and place a new each one is known by their shepherd are in place, the parish councils have or to the military has no place in who, following their wicked spirit within you, taking from your (10:3-4) who lays down his life for plenty of projects, and the parish has the Christian community. That inclination, did not pasture the bodies your stony hearts and giving them (10:17). They imitate him much money in the bank. In the light Jesus repeatedly asked Peter sheep with integrity (Ezek 34; Jer you natural hearts. I will put my by serving one another in humility of Johannine Pentecost, however, the question about love—this 3:15), he would not demand that spirit within you and make you live (13:15). What holds the community all these are secondary. Money, was meant to show that he had a they serve him. On the contrary, by my statutes, careful to observe is its spiritual relationship with projects and infrastructures are never devoted love for Jesus (see Matt he would have to lay down his life my decrees” (Ezek 36:25-27). No Christ. As disciples to whom divine an indication that the community 26:33). Here, of course, Peter, for them: “A good shepherd lays wonder that the early Church linked life is communicated, the members flourishes. The proper questions to far from declaring it, merely down his life for the sheep” (John the sacrament of baptism, in which are sustained by Christ himself, who ask are: do the members of the parish appealed to Jesus’ intimate 10:11). As Jesus was concerned the Christian receives the Holy is united with them and remain in know each other? Do they love one knowledge: “Lord, you know with the good of the flock (John Spirit and becomes part of the new them (15:1-5). another? Is their love expressed in everything; you know that I love 10:3-4.14.27-30), so would Peter creation, with forgiveness of sins: What does this mean to us? It helping those in need? Do they form you” (John 21:17). With this, who must feed and shepherd “Now you have had yourselves means many things, but we can one community? Does their love John would have understood Jesus’ sheep. That is why Peter washed, you were sanctified, you point out one. To be a Church, the grow? Are they more forgiving than that freeing love for the sheep is could go where the unexpected were justified in the name of the life its members live is of paramount before? The parish may have the best the essence of shepherding. A awaited him (John 21:18). In the Lord Jesus and in the Spirit of our importance. That life must be one infrastructures, but if it is lacking in priest who does not freely love his end, he proved his love by dying God” (1 Cor 6:11). that our Lord communicates to love, forgiveness, unity, and mutual parishioners is scarcely worthy of a martyr’s death under Nero. Such But if we strictly follow John’s us at baptism and shared in the concern, it is no different from a his pastoral office. Peter’s love is the call of every ministers of the theology, we notice that into this community of believers. It is just secular body that has no soul. In the for the Lord was to be manifested Lord: To testify to the mission of re-created people, the unity of the dismaying to know that when we talk end, what really matters is life in the in the taking care of the latter’s salvation by dying for it and for the Father and the Son is communicated, about the Church, most of us look Spirit of Jesus. flock. Moreover, he also would sheep in love. B8 ENTERTAINMENT April 15 - 28, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 8 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Dumbo Director: Tim Burton Lead Cast: Colin Farrel, Bladimer Usi Maichael Keaton, Danny Devito, TERIBOL OG Eva Green Screenwriter: Helen Aberson, Ehren Kruger, Harold Pearl Producer: Tim Burton, Katterli Frauenfelder, Derek Frey Editor: Chris Lebenzon Musical Director: Danny Elfman Genre: Fantasy, Family, Adventure Cinematographer: Ben Davis Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Location: United States Running Time: 1hr 53min Technical assessment: 3.5 Moral assessment: 4.0 CINEMA rating: PG 13 MTRCB rating: G alike. On the day CINEMA A recently purchased elephant watched the movie, the at the Medici Bros. circus, audience cheered, obviously Mrs. Jumbo, gives birth to carried away (pardon the pun) FIND 3 MISSING THINGS: a calf with unusually huge by the flying baby elephant, 1. JESUS CHRIST floppy ears. Returning to and shrieked when a trick 2. ST. JOSEPH the circus from World War misfired and endangered Buhay Parokya 3. HOLY ROSARY I, former equestrian star its safety. The script, based Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), on that of husband-and- who has lost his wife to the wife team Harold Pearl and flu epidemic and his arm to Helen Aberson, could stand the war, is assigned to take improvement to add color and charge of the baby elephant, depth to the circus characters, a job enthusiastically shared but perhaps this is intentional, by his two children Millie as the elephants are the stars (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley and the circus performers are Hobbins) who name the but supporting actors. calf “Dumbo”. The children CINEMA ventures a discover that when goaded guess that the appeal of with a feather, Dumbo can Dumbo lies in its focus on actually fly — using his ears the natural ties between as wings. Dumbo is made mother and child — albeit of into the circus star, and his the genus loxodonta. Here uniqueness reaches the ear cow and calf exhibit an of impressario VA Vandevere overpowering longing to be (Michael Keaton) who buys with each other, a veritable the whole Medici circus reminder of the natural and incorporates it into bonding instinct between his amusement park, the human mother and child Dreamland. Dumbo’s initial now threatened by today’s performance in Dreamland relativism. The Farrier leads to the discovery of Mrs. family members’ closeness Jumbo who happens to be is also underscored, caged at the far end of the showing that while Millie park. From then on Dumbo and Joe sorely miss their is unstoppable, flying out of deceased mother, in time the circus tent in search of his that very emotion is what estranged mother. strengthens the children to Drawing inspiration empower Dumbo in his filial from the 1941 Walt Disney predicament. The movie’s children’s fable “Dumbo”, depiction of the dark side of director Tim Burton creates business transactions in the a delightful fantasy wedding entertainment world may be real actors and CGI animals. appreciated by adults and Production sets effectively older teens, but children, create a different world for the while thrilled by the fantasy audience. With the flawlessly aspects of the story and the rendered elephants — Dumbo, satisfying conclusion, need particularly, with his to be guided through the sparkling, expressive eyes stressful footage showing easily endears himself to accidents, the fire, and viewers children and adults human cruelty to animals. Us Lead Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex Director: Jordan Peele Screenwriter: Jordan Peele Producers: Jason Blum, Ian Cooper, Sean McKittrick, Jordan Peels Editor: Nicholas Monsour Musical Director: Michael Abels Genre: Suspense, Psychological Thriller Cinematographer: Mike Gioulakis Distributor: Columbia Pictures Location: California, USA Running Time: 1 hr 56 min Technical assessment: 3.0 that carnival by the beach. elements that just do not the sewers are the have- and discrimination. Social Moral assessment: 3.0 CINEMA rating: V18 As expected of its director, blend well. Perhaps the film nots and marginalized in classes are nothing but MTRCB rating: R16 Jordan Peele, Us is not in its entirety is devoid of any the society. The title even illusions that people regard your usual run-of-the-mill logic bordering on nonsense. suggests that Us also stands as reality. In the end, as the The film starts off with a happen in the said place horror movie — but as in If there is one decision in the for the country US or film says, what matters still creepy prologue from so she insists on calling-off all horror movie, the film film that must be recognized, United States of America. in life are the relationships 1986 at a carnival beside a their vacation. But before to a large extent remains it is putting Nyong’o as Aside from the great divide one has — especially that of beach. Then fast forward they can even finalize the to be preposterous. The the lead. She carried the between the “haves and a family that sticks together to present time, Adelaide decision, her worst fears creepiness factor from film from beginning to have-nots” or the rich and no matter what happens. Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o), soon manifest when four the beginning keeps the end with the showcase of the poor, there is an ongoing Goodness triumphs over accompanied by her husband strangers appear in front audience really involved in her acting prowess that go divide between citizens of evil or is that really so (Winston Duke), son (Evan of their house in the dark the scenes until the story beyond physicalization and color or immigrants and in the film when it ends Alex) and daughter (Shahadi as the power shuts down, moves into another plot dramatization — there is white native Americans. up suggesting something Wright Joseph), returns forcing the Wilsons into a development and direction even dance and movement The human barricade in more horrifying — who to her hometown for a fight for survival. What’s where it becomes more of an and a play of voice and the film, although a little really is the shadow and family vacation — they will more terrifying is that when opinionated psychological eyes and double-meaning bit off-tangent, symbolizes who is the real person? But be staying in the house by they come close to these thriller than a horror flick. smiles. Nyong’o’s thespian the racial divide and the then, does it really matter? the bay where she grew up. strangers, they learn these But Peele is really known range is just mesmerizing literal borders being built Given the film’s theme and However, deeply haunted attackers look exactly like for breaking rules of genre and amazing that one could by the US government to genre — and the horrifying by a traumatic experience them. Adelaide tries to and that makes the film easily overlook whatever prevent other nationalities scenes of gore and violence, from the past, Adelaide’s figure out what’s going on really controversial and loophole there is in Us. from crossing the borders. CINEMA deems that film as instincts are telling her that as these might be related to interesting. However, there Us is rich in symbolism — the The film shows how lives appropriate only for viewers something bad is going to what happened in 1986 in are certain points and shadows that grew up in are broken by inequality aged 18 and above. THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of the Order of the and KCFAPI

CBCP Monitor Vol. 23, No. 08 April 15 - 28, 2019 The Knights of Columbus in the Philippines gather for the Annual “Walk for Life” The Knights of Columbus continue to publicly share a message of pro- life and pro-family values. On March 23, thousands of its members from Luzon North and South Jurisdictions marched through the streets of the cities of Malolos and Marikina for its annual “Walk for Life”. In Marikina, the walk winded up from River Park, where a liturgical service was held, passing through streets of the city to the Marikina Sports Complex. In his speech, Luzon South State Deputy Ramoncito Ocampo urged participants to continue promoting the dignity of human life. He also said that among the jurisdiction’s many charitable activities is its “ultrasound initiatives” that it brings to different parishes in the region. The program aims to stop abortion because many women opt to keep their babies when they see the fetus in the ultrasound. In , activities also started with a Mass at the Malolos Cathedral and was followed with a march to the Bulacan State University. Led by Supreme Director and Luzon North State Deputy Jose C. Reyes, Jr., he encouraged the marchers to continue rebuilding a culture of life. Brother Knights from the Visayas Jurisdiction led by Visayas State Deputy Anthony Nazario gathered last March The Knights of Columbus in Action during the Walk for Life activities in March 2019 across the Philippines headed by their respective State Deputies, Bro. Jose C. Reyes, Jr. – Luzon North, Bro. Ramoncito A. Ocampo – Luzon 16 at the Archdiocese of Jaro South, Bro. Anthony P. Nazario – Visayas and Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission - Mindanao joined by multi-sectoral groups and on March 23 at promote and value life. Deputy Gerry Mission led the streets and to profess their and family last March 23. Columbus nationwide to raise the Archdiocese of Tagbilaran The Mindanao jurisdiction his brother knights from the commitment to protect and The Walk for Life is a yearly popular awareness of the with their battle cry to headed by Mindanao State Archdiocese of Davao to walk safeguard the sanctity of life activity of the Knights of value of life. K of C Philippines Update:

Mindanao State Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission together with the Mindanao Jurisdiction State Officers during their courtesy call to the newly installed Archbishop Angelito Rendon Lampon of Cotabato last March 26, 2019. KC Foundations: PAUL ALEXANDER ESTRADA, In photo are 24 priests with Bishop Danilo B. Ulep, DD and KC Supreme Director Jose C. Reyes, Jr. with five other officers of KC Luzon North in Basco, Batanes. a scholar of KCPFI and a native of Samal, , has passed ONCE again, we congratulate the Diony Francia (Ceremonial Director) some neighboring churches with the February 2019 Mechanical Order of the Knights of Columbus and Arthur Balmas (Family Director). Bishop Danilo B. Ulep, DD presiding. Engineering Licensure Examination. for exemplifying First Degree Knights The First Grand Knight of Batanes Bishop Ulep’s older brother was a He became a KC scholar and has and this time it was done in the Council is Rev. Fr. Ronaldo “Zenki” former District Deputy of Tuguegarao obtained his bachelor’s degree at northernmost part of the archipelago B. Manabat, a 4th degree Knights and Bishop Ulep was inspired by the Bataan Peninsula State University specifically Basco, Batanes. Last of Columbus member, Rector and work done by his older brother which (BPSU), month of May 2018. March 28, 2019, 41 First Degree Parish Priest of the Immaculate led him to be very supportive of the During his collegiate life, he members were exemplified by Conception Cathedral/Sto. Domingo activities of the Knights of Columbus. actively participated in various Supreme Director and KC Luzon- de Guzman Parish. Of the 41 newly Truly, Knights of Columbus reaches university activities, became the North State Deputy Jose C. Reyes, Jr. exemplified members, there were 3 out to all Roman Catholic men auditor of the Philippine Society with his team. The other members of priests namely: Fr. John Capindo, Fr. whether near or far. We enjoin the of Mechanical Engineers-Student the exemplifying team were: Pascual Rolly Olango and Fr. Johnmar Marfe. other Brother Knights to continue Unit, and been the Vice President Carbero (State Secretary), Armand Before the exemplification, there was their apostolic duties to encourage of the BPSU Graduating Batch of of Columbus and the Inside Guard of Gonzales (Reactivation Chairman), a chrism mass and renewal of priestly more Roman Catholic men to join the 2018. Currently, he is a third degree the Father Agustin Consunji Council Jose Valdez (Culture of Life Director), vows of 24 priests from Batanes and Order of the Knights of Columbus. member of the Order of the Knights 4233. C2 April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 THE CROSS THE CROSS

Ramoncito A. Ocampo Jose C. Reyes, Jr. President’s Chairman’s Message Message Accepting God’s Love

The Season of Lent WHAT better time of the year were born. He died for us on Accepting God’s love is not In my case, my religiosity is there to reflect on God’s love the cross to save us from our for getting a reward. Many and deepening of faith as an “IT reminds us that during the season of spring, the sun takes for us than the Lenten Season? sins. And not just for us but for Catholics leave the Catholic adult were strengthened when a little longer each evening to settle beyond the horizon. With Do you know of anybody who the whole of mankind. Jesus Church because they cannot I started joining religious this, the weather grows warmer, and life emerges once more. will love you unconditionally descended to hell because of do what suits them like getting organizations such as the Lent is our connecting point to the season of life.” – Michael and die for you in order to the heavy burden of all our a divorce, not getting answers Knights of Columbus and Hidalgo save you from punishment? sins. But He also rose again to what they pray for, and/or in serving the Church in Our country is known to be the only predominantly Christian Maybe you will say these things on the third day and ascended lacking in role models on how various capacities such as country in the whole of Asia, most of the citizens living within happen only in the movies or into heaven. This is the kind of to be obedient to God. We Eucharistic Ministers of Holy are Catholics, that is why we widely observe the Lenten Season. heard of in fairy tales. Imagine love that God is giving us. Yet, used to have a housemaid who Communion, as Liturgist and It became a time for everyone to celebrate their faith and more yourself committing a crime as we easily reject God’s love and gave up being Catholic because as a couple, my wife and I often treat this as a day to look forward for spiritual growth and serious as killing somebody or say ”Yes” to the worldly allures a non-Catholic religious group joined the , renewal. Some may be focusing on whatever thing they must as common as cheating in an that are temporary, misleading, offered her a job in exchange and in our Chapel Community give up during this time or some may think how long should examination. Then, here comes and oftentimes costly to our for her conversion to another in Villa San Miguel, we served they draw up those things they sacrifice from the very start of your best friend offering to physical bodies and even more religion. Later on, a Catholic as Coordinators of Family and the liturgical week. We may be different in some ways but the take the penalty in your behalf costly to our souls. school in our subdivision Life Ministry. Since then, life essence of Lent still reflects the same for all Filipinos. without asking for anything in If we cannot see yet God’s offered her daughter free was never the same again in From Ash Wednesday to Easter, we abstain ourselves return. Have you experienced love as the better choice now schooling because she was terms of prosperity in material from certain foods or physical pleasures. We sacrifice even that kind of sacrifice and love? and always, let us reflect now. poor. So, she declared she was and spiritual blessings. the bad habit that gives us enjoyment, we wanted to heal Or, can you imagine yourself Let us not delay because God Catholic. Faith is not about Temptations to sin still remain the environment by promoting good deeds without being doing that to any of your loved is just too eager to give us following who is the highest but we always try to reflect on recognized. Truly, we have a very rich culture and tradition, ones? His blessings of happiness, bidder. Let us not be short- our blessings so that we can which is very distinct during this season. Jesus has given that kind peace, prosperity, among sighted and be dazzled by what remain humble and grateful Over the next few days, we, Brother Knights, should be the of love to us long before we many others. glitters. to our awesome God. advocates of the real purpose of Lent, not only for ourselves but also for others, the power of the season should strengthen our Ma. Theresa G. Curia deeper commitment towards our belief and our communion of love with God. Such a keen understanding can lead us to live these promises more faithfully. Curia Settings To redeem and renew our salvation is the best way to describe how our day starts for this season. The right time to rediscover the power of our call with God, the beauty of life and holiness to Reflections on and Lessons from the Visitation all humanity and all creation. By this season, we must commit ourselves in restoring the good of human community, the road towards the real meaning of life, justice, peace and solidarity. May this season give us reason to bring our faith closer to the Creator as we are reminded of His passion and resurrection. AFTER reading the article of Ron went to visit her and assisted her in the They both knew they were chosen to Vivat Jesus! Rohlheiser on the Visitation, I sort of last months of her pregnancy. I guess play important parts in salvation history, entered into the world of these two great she stayed on until Elizabeth gave birth. as the prophets foretold and with faith Arsenio Isidro G. Yap women and peeped into what must have If Mary was confused about her cousin, and humility, accepted the mission. gone on in their minds during the visit. she must have been equally confused “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it As I enter into the heart of Mary as she about her own pregnancy. We are told done unto me according to your Word”, A Brother’s Insight visited Elizabeth, I wonder if she was that an angel talked to her at prayer and appropriately captures the attitude of ever confused or disturbed. Did she tell assured her that it was the Holy Spirit that the two. her about her pregnancy? Did she tell her overshadowed her. She was a virgin, and I guess I am not a very strong woman of of the angel’s message? But Elizabeth here she was, pregnant. How did she and faith. If I were present there, I could not must have been more surprised to see her. Joseph talk about it? I suspect that she have understood those things. So either There were no fax machines nor facebook did not tell Elizabeth anymore about the I will be stressed, depressed, confused, 2019 Philippine Election at that time to send messages. She must heavenly intervention. After all there was if not angry at the complications and have wondered how Mary knew about her Joseph to be responsible. the shame that the pregnancies caused. MAY 13 is fast approaching and we Filipinos would once again pregnancy. I wonder if Elizabeth felt a bit But we, who are watching the two of Perhaps I could have said No to the “elect” our so called leaders. From senators down to councilors of embarrassment to face Mary because at them from a distance, we see two women angel’s message. But the reverse is what to include the so-called party list whose so-called main her age she was pregnant. Did she worry who are both in special situations. A we are presented here in the story of the advocacy is to champion their so-called “causes”. What a farce. about what the people would say? Did she young virgin and an elderly woman, both Visitation. This is what we are invited to Election in the Philippines is like a play wherein the perpetual even get scared of how she could bear the pregnant. I wonder, did they open up contemplate. When people are faithful to winners are the politicians and the perpetual losers are the labor pains when her time comes? How their doubts, anxieties, fears, and faith God, when people listen to him in silence electorate. Yet elections after elections, majority goes out and will she nurse the child, bathe or run after and hopes to each other? Or perhaps, and in prayer, these things are revealed cast their useless ballots, hoping against hope that somehow the toddler? We really cannot know what they did not have those doubts at all? to their hearts, first. And the mind gets a change would be in the offing. We always fall prey to those sort of questions could have flooded her For all we know, they must have both silenced and at peace eventually. After all, empty promises, repeated over and over every election by mind. However, these petty thoughts come to contemplate together in silence they must have studied the prophecies in the same politicians or family of politicians. After getting were overshadowed by her joy in seeing and in peace, the mysteries unfolding the synagogue and they must have been, themselves elected, they all suffer from the same disease – Mary by her side and pregnant too. We before their eyes, despite the cloud of together with the rest, been awaiting for amnesia. They have forgotten all their promises and would know that Mary learned from the angel unknowing. their fulfilment. They, however, accepted blame the previous administration for their ineptness. All those that Elizabeth was pregnant. The latter What we see here are two women, with humility and faith that they were who loss would claim they have been cheated on and would was more than 80 years old. She must strong in faith, steeped in tradition, now invited to be part of that fulfilment. even file a case to “prove” their point and spend hundreds of have wondered: How can an old woman prayerful women, who knew how to listen Wow, what a huge thing to happen to millions again. get pregnant? But she did not doubt the to God’s voice. Women of faith see the human beings!! But I guess again that We Filipinos never learn, could never learn and are not angel. Nor did she harbour questions bigger picture. They do not get bogged the angel had a part in making their minds willing to learn, the same old drama, the same old scenario. about her cousin’s condition. So Mary down by petty human respect issues. Curia Settings / C3 Politicians will emerge victorious and the people, the losers. But what ails our society? Why can we not get away from the Karlo Serviento Erwin John Mallari doldrums of this recurring event? Why has our society allowed a few thousand to rule over all of us, a hundred million? A politician’s hearts belongs to the people, so they say. Pondering EJ’s Corner They’re here to serve and not to be served, according to them. And yet in reality, they want to be served like kings and queens the Words and their hearts belong to their desires, whatever it may be. Stations of During the 2016 election, a presidential candidate spent The Journey to Easter the Cross more than five hundred million and still lost. A president’s annual income is only 5.2 million pesos per annum. For the six year term, he/she would only earn a paltry 31 million pesos. AFTER the glorious forty of kings! But suddenly to THE Lenten season brings to guard and promote the To serve the country is a sacrifice on their part, so they say. To days of Lent, we have notice and realize that we about many practices of the devotion to holy places. Those earn 31 million pesos in six years in a thankless job, one must entered into the Holy Week are the ones who crucify the Catholic faith, including the who would visit the Holy Land “Sacrifice” I mean spend 500 million in about three months to or the week of weeks in Lord once more out of our act of fasting and abstinence, would traditionally follow the get elected, hopefully not be cheated in the process. which we commemorated sinfulness and worldliness. performing Visita Iglesia, footsteps of Christ to the Cross. I am not an accountant nor am I a mathematician, but it’s the triumphant entry of Our This brings us to the point some even go to the extreme, It was during the 15th and 16th easy to conclude that the foregoing figure doesn’t add up. Are Lord Jesus to Jerusalem, that the Calvary is still and are yearly devotees who centuries that Franciscans these politicians so rich or so insane that they cannot equate His passion, death and present. We are the modern- undergo “penitensya” even began building a series of the two figures? There must be something else. You and I know now, we are celebrating in day Calvary of Jesus. Every having themselves nailed to outdoor throughout there is something else. There is something else. Otherwise, jubilation His resurrection drop of blood from Him, is the cross! Included among this Europe to replicate their why would anyone spend 500 million to gain a measly 31 in which the fruits we reap redemption for us. tradition of Catholic activities counterparts at the Holy Land. million? Somehow, somewhere, by hook or by crook this must and as Roman Catholics, we Have you used the performed during the season The number of shrines vary be recovered and much more, much, much more. are proud to say that we are Holy Week to look upon of lent is the visitation of the from place to place, the most Politicians are like monarchs. They have their own fiefdom. the Easter People! Happy ourselves and ask: Who is “”. common were 7, while other Brother’s Insight / C3 Easter everyone! Jesus Christ? What is Jesus The Stations of the Cross is places had up to 30 shrines In reflection, let us recall Christ in my life? What has a series of 14 images depicting In 1686, a petition was the days that have passed happened to my Saviour? Is Jesus Christ on the day of His granted by Pope Innocent XI because there is no sense in He still wounded? Is He still crucifixion. Devotees offer to Franciscans to erect the THE CROSS just claiming our being men crucified? Will we just let our a series of prayers as they 14 Stations of the Cross in A Supplement Publication of the of Easter without having hearts be a tomb of a dead visit each station. The main their churches. By 1731, Pope Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI time to feel the real presence Saviour? Or are we ready to objective of this activity is Clement XII extended the right of Jesus in his passion, death welcome His resurrection? “to help the faithful make to have Stations of the Cross Editorial Board and resurrection. Take note, The resurrection of Jesus a spiritual pilgrimmage among all churches as long as Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Ramoncito A. Ocampo this is not a vacation week. transforms our being that by contemplating on the it was a Franciscan priest that Chairman President This is a vocation week. A from His wounds we are suffering endured by Jesus erected them with the consent response to the call of the healed and transformed to during the passion of Christ.” of the local bishop. Eventually Ma. Theresa G. Curia Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III Holy Mother Church to be instruments of healing The 14 Stations of the Cross as time progressed, bishops Executive Vice President Spiritual Director bring all souls back into and transformation to our are commonly represented were allowed to erect stations Mary Magdalene G. Flores the house of the Father, brethren. as small images, mostly by themselves, without the Editor-in-Chief through our Holy Fasting On the foot of the cross, carvings or paintings, spread intervention of Franciscan and prayer. the people shouted, “Long around a church nave. These priests. Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox, Juan Karlo S. Serviento As Jesus entered live the King of the Jews!” images are also marked with Today, visiting the Stations of Associate Editors Jerusalem, the people As Easter people, we will a number and are visited the Cross has been embedded shouted with joy. They all together shout, “Long live chronologically. The origin of into our culture. It is such a Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco Contributors long for a king. At these the King of our lives!” the practice comes from the beautiful practice of faith. Let present days, we are like And as the centurion has Holy Land of Jerusalem. St. us all follow the footsteps and the Jews. We also long spoken, we will also say, Francis of Asisi venerated the the example of Christ not only The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila with tel. no. (02) 527-22-23 to 27 (trunk line) local for a king. We too shout “Indeed, He is the Son of Passion of Christ and founded during the Lenten season but 200, 201. Email Address: [email protected]. Website: http://www.kofc.org.ph “Hossana!” for the King God!” (Mt. 27:54) the Custody of the Holy Land throughout our lives. THE CROSS April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 C3 Sustaining Hope in Violence at the hands of Islamic state militants may have subsided, but our support of suffering Christians remains crucial

well as U.S. and Kurdish I was encouraged to communities would no understanding with USAID These initiatives in housing, government officials. hear from the prime longer be overlooked by U.S. to build a new government- education and medical care I came to Iraq at the minister of the Kurdistan government aid. private sector partnership are building an infrastructure invitation of the Chaldean Regional Government of his As part of these efforts, to help these suffering to sustain Christian life. Catholic archbishop of Erbil, administration‛s commitment I testified numerous times minorities. On a more personal level, Bashar Warda — a member of to protect Christians. Without at congressional hearings, The violent genocide of I will cherish the painting I the Order and a good friend. that commitment and and my testimony became Christians by ISIS has been received from a young Yazidi The day before leaving for effective security, Christians the basis for the Iraq and stopped, but we must not boy helped at the medical Iraq, I had the privilege of a face an uncertain future. Genocide Relief and allow their despicable goal to clinic we support. It depicts a private audience with Pope Since 2014, we have spent Accountability Act. Congress be achieved by indifference. large sun shining down on a Francis. He and I discussed more than $20 million to help unanimously passed the I will remember many church, a mosque and a Yazidi the Knights‛ efforts to help the persecuted Christians and bill due in large part to the things about my trip to Iraq, temple, with a large Knights persecuted Christians in that others targeted for genocide efforts of Rep. Chris Smith such as praying with still of Columbus emblem in the region — an issue that is close in the Middle East. Our (R-N.J.) and Rep. Anna suffering Christians displaced foreground. Another memory to his heart. He encouraged us support has helped provide Eshoo (D-Calif.). The act, from Mosul, one of the oldest that will not soon fade is to continue, saying, “A Middle food, housing, education which was signed into law by Christian cities in the world, praying with young school East without Christians is not and medical care for tens of the president in December, and listening to senior children at Sts. Peter and Paul the Middle East.” thousands of displaced people. provides for direct funding of churchmen speak about the the Apostles Parish with the by Supreme Knight My trip to Iraq provided It has also funded rebuilding groups targeted for genocide. deteriorating situation of I presented to them Carl A. Anderson a concrete opportunity to the town of Karamles after its Having discussed this issue Christians entrusted to their as a gift from Pope Francis. express our solidarity with liberation from ISIS. with Vice President Pence and care. There are many reasons “WITHOUT THE KNIGHTS these Christians who have We were the driving force Mark Green, administrator There are hopeful images the Knights of Columbus is so of Columbus, our Christian suffered so much, to assess the behind the 2016 declaration by of the U.S. Agency for as well: the opening of committed to our persecuted community would not have effectiveness of our past support then-Secretary of State John International Development, McGivney House to provide brothers and sisters. Yet survived.” This is what I and to understand future needs. Kerry that ISIS had committed I know their commitment. apartments for young families perhaps it is as simple as this: heard time and again as I It was equally important to genocide against religious But much remains to be done and care for the elderly; the We want a world where children visited Iraq in March, meeting convey to Kurdish government minorities. We then worked that government cannot construction of a new Catholic can paint their pictures with with survivors of genocide, officials that the Christians closely with Vice President do. That is why we entered hospital; and the activity of bright colors and can recite refugees, medical personnel, there are not alone; they have Mike Pence to update policy into a groundbreaking the newly established Catholic their prayers together in peace. educators and bishops, as important allies. so that persecuted minority memorandum of University of Erbil. Vivat Jesus!

An INVITATION to become a The Gentle Warrior FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ By James B. Reuter, SJ FELLOW CHAPTER FIVE THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the Knights of Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. last June 29, 1997 during the Centennial Birth Anniversary THE WAR YEARS The “pass” probably put into prepared to break this chair celebration of Rev. Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. This fund- Japanese script the limit of over the head of the Japanese raising campaign finances the theological research expenses Across the entrance to the George’s mobility. It was a Lieutenant, if he was able to necessary to possibly raise Fr. Willmann to the honors of the Ateneo de Manila, on Padre help, but it did not protect him come through the door. altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Faura, were sandbags. from humiliation and insult. But Father Hurley felt G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened the Archdiocesan Japanese guards were posted Sister Ruth writes: responsible for every one of Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of at the gates, with rifles, on “He was stopped for his 460 refugees. He went Fr. George J. Willmann. the alert. Everyone inside questioning, taken to a small down to the classroom, where Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights the Ateneo was interned, military post and treated Mrs. Lippe was living with of Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and subject to examination and most rudely. He was her four children and the even to business institutions. As of December 2018, more identification. The Ateneo carrying an attache case. His maid. He stood in front of than 1,100 individuals and 36 institutions all over the country was American, and therefore captors opened it and were the classroom door. At eight have already joined this fellowship. Father Willmann Fellows the compound was enemy infuriated to find only a comb o’clock, when the maid did not serve as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the good news territory. Everyone inside and a banana. I asked if he was appear at the guard house, the of the Japanese. He wrote: about Fr. Willmann’s life, works and holiness. Their donation it was presumed to be the tortured. He admitted that Japanese Lieutenant came to “I saw plenty of Japanese is a lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of enemy, or at least friendly to they were most insulting, and the classroom. Father Hurley ruthlessness and atrocities, Columbus of promoting awareness on Father Willmann in order the enemy. that they usually concentrated said: “I am responsible for these even personally experienced that authentic devotion to him may be encouraged among the Sister Ruth Willmann, on the soft parts of the body. people. You cannot go in.” a little…. But perhaps enough faithful, especially those who need his intercession for God’s F.M.M., speaks of the “pass” But he hastened to add, in The Lieutenant slapped has been written of that side grace. given to her brother, George. their favor, that he was near the him in the face, hard. Father of the picture, and too little of We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join She says: perimeter allowed by his pass.” Hurley was bigger than the the Japanese Good Samaritans the Fr. Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in “The invaders thought The initial days of the Japanese, and in a fair fight who, in one way or another, spreading the sanctity of Father Willmann and the graces that the Knights of Columbus Japanese occupation were would have had no trouble with helped the suffering. come with it, each Fellow is entitled to receive the following represented their enemy, the dangerous, in many ways. him. But this was not a fair “For instance, one day items as memorabilia: (1) a Certificate of Membership, (2) a United States. So when they In the Ateneo de Manila fight. Father Hurley did not the usually busy street in lapel pin and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a Cause of found the American chaplain there were 460 refugees. One raise his hands. The Japanese front of our Santa Rita K of Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge you to fervently there, at Saint Rita’s Hall on American wife and mother, slapped him again, and again, C clubhouse, Taft Avenue, seek Fr. Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions for God’s Taft Avenue, they seized him as Mrs. Lippe, whose husband and again. Frontwards and became ominously quiet. graces and to report to the Foundation all blessings you may their first prisoner for the Santo had been killed by the bombing backwards, hard. Then he The Jap military had stopped have received with the intercession of Fr. Willmann. Tomas concentration camp. in the first days of the war, was drew his Samurai sword, and all traffic, placed guards at “The next morning the interned in the Ateneo with began to beat him with the strategic points. We knew KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS prisoner, Father Willmann, her four little children and a sword. But Father Hurley something would happen, FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC. faced the Camp Commander. maid. The maid had explicit would not move out of the Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila and it did. Along the other Tel. Nos. 527-2223 local 221 & 527-2244 (Fax) He convinced the captor that instructions not to appear doorway. side of the broad avenue he had nothing to do with war before the Japanese guards, Upstairs in the Ateneo, APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP shuffled into view the long of any kind, and was dedicated who were stationed at the gate, Father Sullivan called the to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW line of Corregidor’s survivors. to helping those in need but one afternoon in a hurry religious section of the 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution): Emaciated, limping, in rags, of help. There was a long, to get water, she passed by Japanese. A Captain answered ______they passed directly in front soul-searching look on both the Japanese guard house. A him. Father Sullivan begged of our building. 2. Address: ______sides before Father Willmann Japanese Lieutenant stopped the Captain to come, at once. Tel. Nos. ______“Galvanized into action, was released with a pass for her, and said: “You will come And the Captain came. When our committee rushed out 3. Office Name & Address: ______travel within certain limits here tonight, at eight o’clock.” the Captain saw the situation, Tel. Nos. ______with cooling drinks. It was within the city, for religious The maid told this to Mrs. he spoke to the Lieutenant, a courageous thing to do. 4. K of C Council Number and Location: ______and humanitarian work.” Lippe, in fear and trembling. quietly, alone. The Lieutenant Would the Jap guards, so cruel George certainly had a “red She knew exactly what this came back to Father Hurley 5. Enclosure: ______and ruthless in other places, arm band”. This allowed an meant. Mrs. Lippe told Father and bowed, in apology. He [ ] Cash P ______allow them to help? Or enemy alien to move around Hurley. At 7:30 that evening said: “Sorry…. I am sorry! [ ] PMO/check No.______would they be slapped down? (Note: Please make check payable to KC Fr. George J. Willmann the City of Manila. It identified she piled all her furniture Sorry!” Surprisingly, no objections Charities, Inc.) the wearer as an enemy, against the classroom door, It was this kind of thing that were made, and they were Date: ______to be watched, but granted of the classroom where they George remembered. He was allowed to allay the thirst of permission to be outside of were living. She chose a chair always positive. He tried to see Signature: ______the half dying soldiers. his place of concentration. that she could handle. She was the best side of everybody, even Brother’s Insight / C2 Curia Settings / C2 They own everything (at are we so cheap that for five and hearts at peace. Mixed emotions happened and are still happening. I must feeling why a mother feels like this least they believe they do) hundred pesos any politicians and dispositions must have filled their be like Mary and Elizabeth, overwhelmed towards grown up kids. Perhaps the sight in their domain. Everything could have our votes? For hearts: amazement at the fulfilment of by the good news, and accepting it in of Mary and Elizabeth is inviting me to and everyone is at their beck five hundred pesos we lose the prophecies, humility to understand peace. I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough pause, reflect, and surrender to what God and call. They are even above our dignity and our future their role, courage to accept it. to God for all the opportunities I had, wants for me. the law. imperiled. That visit must have been a power- visit, all the professional fulfilment which I Mary did the right thing in visiting her The politicians are even Our laws are weak and do emotionally, physically and most of all have been blessed with because of those cousin. For the things, they could not making a mockery of this not consider “propriety” in spiritually. We do not have evidence of opportunities. The travels, the meetings understand totally, they had each other process called the election. the process of making a law. how they lived that time of the visit, in with international groups, interaction and to share, and support one another. She A presidential hopeful in No one would inhibit himself/ their luminal situations. What remains even friendships with important people, had to make sure, that the mission which the past who lost, ran and herself if a Bill would affect with us, is a wonderment of how the the experiences of discussing complex she thought she said ‘Yes’ to, is verified won as a barangay captain their future in politics or their power of faith, and prayer must have elements and being able to contribute, by her cousin. After all her cousin is a in a subsequent election. personal lives. No one would helped them. How important it is for us give me feelings of amazement. The great woman of faith herself. It is good to have This is mockery to the hilt. resign from their position if to pray, be in awe at God, be available trust I receive from the Board of Trustees somebody whom you can trust, who is Anyone who runs for a higher their names are dragged into to what the Spirit will tell us, and very and the great amount of work I am able present to support you in what you are position, win or lose should a controversy, no matter how importantly, to learn the traditions of to do for the good of the Association and going through, and physically, to help in no longer be allowed to deeply involved they are in our faith, to study our teachings. We can its stakeholders sometimes overwhelm the chores. We need others not only to do run for any lower position. the mess. Their number one safely imagine that Mary and Elizabeth me. Could they be under the same line the physical things, but to share thoughts, Two convicted presidents defense is, “Innocent until were faithful listeners of the Word of God. of amazement of Mary and Elizabeth who fears, joys, and to pray with. I realize that who were “pardoned” were proven Guilty”. If proven What do I get from this reflection? I received the news of directly participating I must be sensitive to the people who come also allowed to run in an guilty with finality, they could am just like any other human person, in the salvation of the world? my way. Perhaps, like Elizabeth, they are election. One is a mayor and always apply for a full pardon. who goes through events, or situations My children are now grown-ups. the Marys who are being sent to visit me. the other a congresswoman. Clean slate again, tuloy ang in my life. So I want to learn from Mary A mother has to say goodbye to the And like Mary, perhaps God is whispering Several pardoned mutineers ligaya. and Elizabeth how to face my situations. experiences that the childhood of their to me that I must visit, assist, accompany are also in politics and are Walang “Delikadeza”, When I go over the opportunities which grown-ups brought. Children grow up, somebody in her or his hour of need. getting elected. Why? Are Walang “Amor Propio”. Dead have opened up for me in the past and mature, and choose their own paths. It Mary and Elizabeth, may your visit to we so lame (mentally) that ma lang sa lahat ng akusasyon. even now, sometimes I cannot believe they is a painful thing, many times a confusing each enrich our lives.*.* we cannot choose wisely or Yan ang Pulitiko. C4 April 15 - 28, 2019, Vol 23, No. 08 THE CROSS THE CROSS KCFAPI Keeps Lenten Tradition Alive

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. during their 2019 Lenten Season Activities (KAYngco).

AS a partner in the apostolic and attributed to St. Philip of Neri as a the country. During these glorious together with the Manila Cathedral and staff of the KCFAPI group, evangelical mission of the Church and response to the frolicking tradition years, pilgrims would visit the and the San Agustin Church- the joined in by their brother Knights, in observance of this year’s Lenten of carnival. As the practice is solemn original seven (7) baroque churches only two remaining churches of participated in said activity. It season, the Knights of Columbus and peaceful, many picked up this located in Intramuros. Although the original pilgrim sites of old was a solemn affair which was Association of the Philippines Inc., habit and was passed on to other such informal title eclipsed after the Intramuros. The major artillery made more meaningful through remained steadfast in practicing the Catholic devotees. Such tradition Liberation of Manila in 1945, the roads connecting these chapels the shared community spirit of old, yet timeless Filipino Catholic reached the shores of the Philippines tradition very well lives to this day. and churches in the walled city the participants. Indeed, the traditions of Visita Iglesia (Seven together with the evangelization of For the second year in a row, the Fr. were closed from Holy Wednesday said activities were a respite Churches), Via Dolorosa (Stations the archipelago after Ferdinand George G. Willmann S.J. Chapel in until Black Saturday to pave way from fast paced life which besot of the Cross) and the . Magellan rediscovered our islands the KCFAPI Center had been listed for pilgrims which in the estimate most if not all Catholics in our The Visita Iglesia is the practice of in 1521. The origins of the Visita by the Intramuros Administration reached over 800,000. changing times- a reference visiting seven (7) or fourteen (14) Iglesia in the Philippines is said to and the Department of Tourism as On the other hand, the Association point to our upbringing as a churches during have been centered in Intramuros one of the pilgrim sites for this year’s conducted its Pabasa last 12 April predominantly Christian nation or Good Friday. It has its roots way which was then considered as the Holy Week, alongside other chapels 2019 and the Via Dolorosa last 16 that values tradition and faith. back in the 16th century, originally religious and spiritual capital of in various institutions in the district April 2019. All officers, employees (LDFormilleza) KCFAPI Top 4 Mutual Benefit Association in KCFAPI VP For MUA 2018 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard graduates from MBA ONCE again, KCFAPI proved its conformance to Good Corporate Governance. For the 3rd year in a row, it has consistently been one of the top Mutual Benefits Associations of the Philippines in terms of the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS). This is from a count of 126 companies who participated including 11 mutual benefit associations. It continues its efforts to create long-term value for all stakeholders by scored high in the areas of evaluate corporate governance Commission prescribed the abiding with good corporate Responsibilities of the Board, practices. With the objective of adoption of the ACGS to the governance. KCFAPI’s scores Disclosure and Transparency increasing the competitiveness insurance industry. have been improving since it and Equitable Treatment of of the Philippine insurance Indeed KCFAPI is complied with the mandate Shareholders. industry and improving the challenged to continue of the Insurance Commission The ASEAN Corporate perception of the public in leveling up to the global regarding the ACGS. It Governance Scorecard is used to the industry, the Insurance standards. Congratulations!

KCFAPI Vice President for MIS, Underwriting and Administrative Services Ronulfo Antero G. Infante together with his wife, Ma. Cristina Infante, during his MBA graduation ceremony last April 14, 2019 at the Sulu Riviera Hotel, Quezon City.

THE KCFAPI family would like to congratulate Ronulfo Antero G. Infante, Vice President for MIS, Underwriting and Administrative Service Department for graduating from his 1st Quarter Luzon North Area and Unit Managers Meeting and Evaluation held on April 11, 2019 at KCFAPI Center, Intramuros, Manila (JPDEGUZMAN) Master’s degree in Business Administration last April 14, 2019 with Academic Excellence for achieving the highest possible grade for all subjects at the Philippine School in Business Administration, Quezon City. Mr. Infante, Sir Ronnie to his colleagues, started his career KEYS REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION at KCFAPI in 1998 as an IT Consultant and was promoted to a Senior Manager role after completing the Y2K project for the Association. He also played a very vital role in developing the Integrated Benefits Systems (IBS) which brought the Founded on August 18, 1992, the KEYS REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (KRDC) has joined the real estate Association to new heights by upgrading the business system from AS400 to PC-based platform. In the year 2007, he took the industry where bright prospects for the country’s economic development abound. KRDC’s specific objective is to engage lead in the KCFAPI Wide Risk Management where he led the in the acquisition and development of real estate and the management or disposal of the same. team in documenting the Association- Wide Risk Management (AWRM), a process designed to identify potential events that may affect the Association and manage risks in order to ensure achievement of the company’s objectives. He was promoted to the Vice President role in 2010. Currently, Sir Ronnie is the JOB OPENINGS! Chairperson of the Working Committee for the Cause of Fr. George J. Willman, SJ. Keys Realty and Development Corporation is in search of the following qualified individuals:

• Accounting Manager • Corporate Audit Supervisor • Real Estate Supervisor • Accounting Assistant • Corporate Audit Assistant • Accounting Staff • Human Resources Staff

Visit us at the KCFAPI Center, Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila 1002 or call us at 0906-297-8303 for Globe, 0949-135-8105 for Smart and (02) 527-2223 local 201. You may also send your resume to [email protected] Fraternal Service Training 1 held at KCFAPI Home office last April 11 to 12, 2019 (JPDeGuzman)