SUPPLEMENT ISSUE

VOLUME 20, NUMBER 5, JANUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 7, 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: Filipinos’ ‘Eucharistic joy’ converts Belgian Protestant

IEC speaker lauds poor’s hunger for Eucharist, A2

IEC in Cebu ‘fully secure’, A2

Bishop Barron: Eucharistic faith is counter-culture, A3

Catholic convert Maria Servaas gestures during her ‘Be Mary’s face’, presentation at the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City. DOMINIC BARRIOS faithful told, A3 CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – A recent convert to the Catholicism lauded the Filipinos’ deep faith and spirituality, encouraging them to shun “artificial happiness” and instead continue to radiate the joy and hopefulness Filipinos show even in the midst of trials and suffering which she described as “Eucharistic”. Belgian national Marianne Servaas expressed admiration for the Filipinos’ Pope may deliver live thankfulness and humility, which st Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar and Papal Legate to the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, visits Cebu’s she said were attributed to being message to 51 IEC, A6 renowned historical landmark, the Magellan’s Cross, Jan. 27, 2016. The cross, the pilgrim symbol of the IEC, recalled the birth of the Christian “sacramental”, during her testimony faith in the archipelago and in Asia.’ ROY LAGARDE at the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).

No campaigning in Heart opened to joy IEC, politicians She said the way Filipinos represent Living the Eucharist Christ is “very sacramental” and told, A6 “almost touchable.” “You opened my heart to receive joy in life itself. And more so, your joy is Cardinal Bo to Cebu related to thankfulness and to humility. means loving the poor Please do not lose it.” dancing inmates: Servaas left Belgium for France, married an Englishman and lived in ‘Pray for me. I love England. It was there that they joined you all!”, A7 - Cardinal Quevedo an Anglican community. They then decided to come to the Philippines as By Felipe Francisco Blood of Christ is also a Eucharistic action. We remain. “There is missionaries. For seven years, she and sharing in his mission,” cannot be indifferent massive poverty, her husband worked with an evangelical CEBU City, Jan. said the prelate. “[I] to them.” homelessness, street Filipino student organization. 27, 2016 – How n the Eucharist we are children, human She said it is in the Philippines exactly does one sent by the spirit of Where are the men? trafficking, the drug and in Filipinos that their lives “were “live the Eucha- Jesus on mission – a In the Philippines, problem, and other profoundly changed in such a way mission to the poor, noted the prelate, the forms of criminality. that it prepared - even cleared - our rist,” the man- the oppressed and men seem to be missing And media reports hearts to begin to see the beauty of the tra of Eucharistic marginalized – to all in Sunday Masses. And speak of horrendous Eucharist and Eucharistic living.” congresses? For who are needy and even if the churches are corruption from top “Filipinos were and are genuinely Orlando Cardi- in need of love and full every week, only to bottom,” Quevedo sacramental. They opened my heart nal Quevedo, it’s service.” a fifth of parishioners told 51st International to receive joy and trust in life itself, simple: practice “To be Eucharistic are able to attend. Eucharistic Congress something that we have lost in my country. what you preach, is to live the life of Thousands receive Holy delegates at the More so, the joy that is almost palpably Jesus, a life of love and Communion, even if Waterfront Hotel. present is related to thankfulness and to and have genuine service. It is by living only a handful go to “Our faith is focused humility. My country, sadly, appears to love for the poor Eucharistically that confession. on externals and thrive but actually dies due to an absence and oppressed. we act Eucharistically So, even if on Sundays rituals, processions of thankfulness.” “Our sharing in the … We see a host of “we seem to be a nation and private devotions. Eucharist the Body and burning issues that need of Saints,” social ills Eucharist / A2 Two ‘gifts’ She explained that joy, freedom, and hunger made the question “Where do Fight food scarcity with sharing – papal legate I belong as a Christian?” burn more in her heart. Servaas shared two events that she CEBU City, Jan. 27, 2016 World War” against poverty calls “gifts” changed her life. – Papal legate Myanmar during the IEC Opening Mass First, when she witnessed the Litany Archbishop Charles Maung at the Plaza Independencia on of Saints. Second, the lifting of the Host Cardinal Bo reiterated the Jan. 24. at consecration. need for sharing of the world’s Servaas describes that upon her resources in a bid to fight off Poverty in rural areas conversion, “I was freed from the poverty. “All the [Burmese] generals western thought that faith begins with During the fourth day and Yangones get 90 percent a concept or idea. It does not.” press conference of the 51st of the resources of the country She also expressed that the joy of International Eucharistic while 80 or 85 percent of the Eucharistic life is in the paradoxes of Congress (IEC), the Holy [Burmese] people are poor,” man’s deepest source of happiness: Father’s official representative Bo told the media. “lose to find, receive by giving, and live to the IEC called for the equal Poverty in Myanmar is by dying.” distribution of food in all largely concentrated in She urged Filipinos never to result to countries, particularly in his rural regions of the country, quick fix solutions in order to pursue homeland, Myanmar. The where the people rely only on one’s personal happiness, calling it prelate previously urged the agricultural work. Young Cebuanos greet papal legate Myanmar Archbishop Charles Maung Cardinal Bo upon his arrival in Cebu, “artificial happiness”. “In your joy, you Jan. 24, 2016. ROY LAGARDE people to “declare a third Scarcity / A2 Converts / A2 A2 NEWS January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 CBCP Monitor IEC speaker lauds poor’s hunger for Eucharist

CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 According to him, being Father recognizes them – A foreign missionary to with the poor enables them to in all simpilicity, Felloni the Philippines on Tuesday become Church with oneself, stated the poor don’t just lauded the poor and their and vice-versa. have devotions but a deep hunger for the Eucharist, “When you are there you spirituality. saying often, those who have make them the Church with “They want the Lord to be little in life are the ones more you. And they make you the there for them. They want excited to receive Christ. Church with them. That’s the Lord in their happy “This is where I learned that beautiful. They need that moments and their not-so- the poor feel a very special presence in the peripheries. happy moments. They want connection with Jesus in the We [also] need that presence,” the Lord all the time and Eucharist. They really love he exclaimed. everywhere, and that hunger and treasure Jesus so much. Felloni also confessed to for the Eucharist is one of Jesus is alive in those places in patronizing before Filipinos the biggest lessons I have the peripheries where no one who seem “addicted” to Mass learned from my people,” he wants to go,” said Fr. Luciano and insist on having one explained. Ariel Felloni, parish priest of celebrated even for seemingly Felloni, moreover, pointed Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, trivial reasons, rejecting out the poor is the “privileged in a session he was facilitating this practice as resulting in place of Jesus outside the at the 51st International “Eucharistic overdose.” Eucharist.” Eucharistic Congress (IEC) “Many times the poor, not in Cebu on Jan. 26. ‘Spirituality of the people’ us the priests, are the ones Fr. Luciano Ariel Felloni, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. DOMINIC BARRIOS Addressing pilgrims from “I used to look down on who make the presence of the various parts of the world, the nothing. [That’s why] I don’t point-of-view of his 21-year the person he is now. that, saying this is ‘superficial Church felt in those places. Argentine priest introduced now what I’m doing here,” experience living among the “Once I told a lady [in sacramentalism.’ And in 21 Many times even we have no his talk by admitting he lacks he said in a combination of Filipino poor. Payatas], ‘Poor you.’ [She years the poor have taught courage to live among them. advanced degrees unlike the English and Filipino. Felloni went on to share his said,] ‘No, Father, it’s okay. me to eat my words one by But they keep the presence other speakers who first encounter with residents When you were not here we one. I realize this is what Pope of Jesus alive. So let us learn “I don’t have [a] doctorate Becoming Church of Payatas, a huge dumpsite were just poor. Now that you Francis calls ‘spirituality of among them,” he added. in anything. I don’t teach However, he expressed north of Manila, thanking are, here we are Church,’” the people’,” he said. (Raymond A. Sebastián anything. I’m a professor of pride he can speak from the them for helping him become he said. Noting that the Holy / CBCP News) IEC in Cebu ‘fully secure’ More than just cool: New Evangelization at the IEC CEBU City, Jan. 27, 2016 – Walking Mary as well as Pope Francis, are billboards of the Eucharist all over mainly targeted at the younger set, Cebu, nay, the whole world. the attraction of Ablaze seems to cut This is the New evangelization across demographics. vision of Ablaze Communications, the social communications arm Official IEC shirt of Couples for Christ, not just for The official IEC shirt, which According to 51st IEC organizers, more than 15,000 people are at the event in Cebu City, Jan. 25, the 51st International Eucharist comes in tangerine, was presented 2016. DOMINIC BARRIOS Congress (IEC) but especially in the to Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis CEBU City, Jan. 27,2016 - Interior City, Sarmiento said they have days after. Villarojo and then formally, at an and Local Government Secretary considered every possible aspect “One of the most effective media IEC press conference on Dec. 14, Mel Senen Sarmiento said he is which led them to deploy some in promoting something is through 2015 at the Arzobispado de Manila satisfied with the security measures 8,000 police personnel. billboards and we know that we, in Intramuros, provided by the Philippine National Sarmiento said he was sent humans, are walking billboards. We According to Ablaze publications Police (PNP) for the ongoing 51st by President Benigno Simeon C. are basically spreading the Good News head Dana Superable, they were International Eucharistic Congress, Aquino to oversee the security by just wearing the IEC shirt,” said surprised to serve matronly ladies ably supported by the Armed blanket. Ablaze marketing head Keith Janohan toting their Prada bags who sweetly Manila Archbishop emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Forces of the Philippines and other “We’ve also augmented our in an interview with CBCP News. Rosales visits the Ablaze booth at the San Carlos asked for the official IEC shirts the law enforcement agencies. elements with those from other Major Seminary Hall, right beside IEC Pavilion, Jan. group designed specially for the event. In an interview, Sarmiento said nearby provinces,” Sarmiento added. 15,000 walking billboards 27, 2016. MARY LEBRIA One of their visitors include Manila the partnership and cooperation According to the former lay Archbishop emeritus Gaudencio between the private and public Remaining vigilant missionary to Singapore and is being sold, at the San Carlos Major Cardinal Rosales who wandered in sectors made the IEC a success. He said the PNP cannot do the Indonesia, one of the roles of every Seminary, a stone’s throw away from and said he liked the designs. During an interview at the IEC job alone as he sought the general Christian is to communicate Christ, the IEC Pavilion. According to Janohan, the location Pavillon where he was conducting public’s support to remain vigilant a task the group even includes in its He added: “That’s what Ablaze of the booth, which is not exactly an on-the-spot inspection, he against possible lawless elements. official mission-vision statement. uses to propel the the message of the at the IEC Pavilion, did not hinder added they also have operatives “The PNP chief (Director General “One of our roles in the Church is Eucharist...Imagine 15,000 delegates delegates from flocking in droves. who conduct incognito random Ricardo Marquez) will also check to communicate Christ and the very wearing the shirts. Imagine the impact For those interested, the official inspection at various venues. on the security situation within a best medium in communicating they will create when they go outside conference shirt as well as limited day or two,” Sarmiento added. Christ is through the shirts we are and roam around Cebu city, when they edition Ablaze statement shirt 8,000 police The 51st IEC organizers said wearing, through our fashion,” go home to their respective areas.” designs are available at the San Carlos Asked about potential threat they’ve exceeded their expectations explained Janohan, who heads a While Janohan admits the Ablaze Major Seminary Hall, right beside groups to the international of 15,000 participants. (Melo M. 15-man team to run the Ablaze booth statement shirts, some of which the IEC Pavilion. (Nirva’ana Ella religious activities at IEC in Cebu Acuña / CBCP News) where the official IEC congress shirt feature doodled shirts of Jesus, Delacruz / CBCP News)

Scarcity / A1

The papal legate also stressed Filipinos’ hospitality, good cuisine, the need for “assistants” in and the people’s smiles. the churches of all regions in “This reception is the warmest Myanmar as well as in Christian welcome I have received,” stressed communities. He said the Church, the prelate. government, and communities in Bo, however, said the most the world need to have a “system important thing he will report to where resources and the riches the Holy Father is the faith of the are shared.” people. The cardinal said the Burmese “Despite all the natural people are expecting a smooth disasters, the only thing that transition of government, from its mainly remained with the current junta administration to a Filipinos is faith. Faith in the democratic one, led by the famous Church, faith in the Eucharist Aung San Suu Kyi. and faith in God,” he explained. He praised the zeal of Filipinos, Filipino faith and particularly those working overseas, French nuns of the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina enjoy a moment with Jesus at the IEC Pavilion adoration chapel in Cebu City, Jan. 25, 2016. ROY LAGARDE hospitality in spreading the Catholic faith all Converts / A1 Bo said he has a lot of things to over the world. (John Gabriel M. report to Pope Francis, including Agcaoili / CBCP News) are more human and it is a indescribably beautiful with corruption, and and it makes us decrease gift to the world,” she said. his desire is for us to yet when there is a in humanity. Only Eucharist/ A1 receive hope and grow in deep sense of joy and of Christ Himself can save Falling in love with the His glory.” thankfulness.” us and He is needed in Eucharist She admitted however, She admitted that the most joyful and real Deep down, they manifest the Church makes the Eucharist.” “I fell in love with the that being a Catholic is Filipinos “know much way possible, free from Filipino’s authentic awareness of According to him, the Eucharist Eucharist, and therefore “weird” especially whenever more what it is to live from our interpretations and God’s presence in everything that makes the Church because the with the Church. It’s the she was asked about her the Eucharist”, adding ideologies.” is blessed or holy,” he added. Church was borne out of the Paschal Eucharist that drew me, conversion. She simply this Filipinos can share She asked for prayers “But the question remains: What Mystery – the suffering, death, that holds me.” says, “I became a Catholic, this as “a gift you can give that Europe will return does the Holy Eucharist really and resurrection of Christ. The She said one of her sons as an adult by choice.” to the world.”” to God in the Eucharist, mean? How should we participate? Church makes the Eucharist, he noticed and asked her why In a separate interview “where Christ is What does it tell us about how we explained, because in the Mass, she was so happy. with Eternal Word Prayers for Europe unconditionally present, should live?” the New Sacrifice, the Church “I can say only one thing: Television Network- Asia She appealed to the so that we can be like Him commemorates Christ’s sacrifice on Christ and Christ alone. I Pacific, Servaas further IEC delegates to “not present as peacemakers ‘A being for others’ the Cross for the salvation of men. became a Roman Catholic admitted her admiration follow Europe on the pure in heart and poor in Quevedo, 76, the archbishop But it can also mean more, Quevedo due to the Eucharist and it of Filipinos, adding road to secularization spirit, empty of ourselves of Cotabato, recalled how as a said, because the Church is “living and is here that I have found despite the dilemma of and unbelief.” and so full of Him that it young theology student in the operating in our space and time.” my true home. How I long poverty and corruption, Servass said that Europe spills out in deeds of pure 1960s he learned a classic Latin He reminded IEC delegates for every single person as Filipinos remain positive has “lost the ability to goodness.” (Rommel theological formula, “Eucharistia that the Eucharist is communion, well as for whole nations and happy. kneel and it makes us Lopez / CBCP News facit Ecclesiam, Ecclesia facit the deepest kind of union, and to taste and see how “You’re dealing with unfree.” with Paul de Guzman Eucharistitam,” which means “The communion with Jesus is “with his great our God is and how poverty. You’re dealing “We have lost humility and Krisha Socito) Eucharist makes the Church; the very being, a being for others.” NEWS CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 NEWS A3 Bishop Barron: Eucharistic faith is counter-culture CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 that in 2016 that 70 percent, ‘Right attitude’ are, if we are worshipping – In a secular culture that more in western Europe, stay He said “to stretch out like the wrong way, we need to has become relativist, the away from the Eucharist on someone dying of hunger is be brought back and that Eucharist is the only refuge. a regular basis, they would the right attitude toward the process is painful. We need One of the most-awaited feel their work had been a Eucharist.” to go through into a painful speakers at the 51st failure,” he said. Barron recalled the realignment,” he explained. International Eucharistic first time he gave Holy Congress (IEC) was Los ‘We are sinners’ Communion at St. Peter’s Vibrant church Angeles Auxiliary Bishop The indifference toward Square about 10 years ago, on Like many other foreign Robert Barron, a gifted the Eucharist is borne Easter Sunday. He thought it speakers at the 51st IEC, preacher of the New out of a popular culture would be an orderly affair. But Barron paid tribute to the Evangelization. Barron, 56, that does not want to the people surged, begging growing influence of Filipino gained famed for his Youtube acknowledge, or be told for the Body of Christ. Catholicism, which has kept preaching as a Chicago priest. of, its brokenness. Yet “it “It’s the Bread of Life, the faith alive in the post- At the catechesis for Day 2 of is indispensable to our it’s what keeps us alive Christian West. the congress, Barron was in Eucharistic faith that we spiritually,” he pointed out. “I don’t know of any his element. acknowledge that we are “We should all stretch out church right now in the “What’s sad today is so sinners, that we are lost, our hands as though we were world that’s more vibrant many in the Catholic world walking in the wrong way.” starving for the Bread of than the Filipino Church,” have become blasé about the Barron cited the words of Life.” he said. “[In Chicago and Eucharist. In my country, a Christina Aguilera song: “I Barron reminded IEC Los Angeles], it’s the Filipino 70 percent of Catholics stay am beautiful in every single delegates of the three community which is keeping away from the Eucharist,” way, and words can’t bring aspects of the Eucharist: the Church alive … so to come he said. me down.” the Eucharist as a meal; the here and be with you is a Nothing, however, is “We’ll never get a salvation Eucharist as a sacrifice; and great thrill for me.” more important than the religion off the ground if we Christ’s Real Presence in the “I do think, in God’s often Eucharist. Barron quoted believe that. So many voices Eucharist. strange providence, He’ll the most famous one- in the culture insist upon it. Too often the sacrificial take a particular church, a liner in the text of Vatican ‘Don’t put me down, don’t tell nature of the Eucharist is particular people, and use II: the Eucharist is the me I’m wrong. In fact, I’ve got ignored. Sacrifice straightens them as a means to invigorate “source and summit of the infinite right to define my out man from his sinfulness, and to evangelize the rest Christian life.” own life, to define who I am,’” he said. of the Catholic world. I do “The Great Fathers of he said. “The logic of sacrifice is believe, in God’s always Vatican II, what they wanted “That is repugnant to pretty straightforward, we beguiling providence, was to revive the Eucharist, the salvation religion. It’s take some aspect of creation you are playing that role to draw people toward it repugnant to a Eucharistic and we return it to God … If now,” Barron said. (Felipe Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron. DOMINIC BARRIOS more and more. To tell them faith.” we are off-kilter, which we Francisco / CBCP News) IEC speaker: Daily adoration ‘Be Mary’s face’, faithful told CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – important for priests Speaking with a poster of Our Lady of Guadalupe covering his podium, CEBU City, Jan. 27, 2016 – A do with the problem of the parish, the chaplain of the National Shrine speaker at the 51st International it’s a sign maybe that you’re not of St. Juan Diego in Mexico called Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in giving the Lord that one hour at on thousands of 51st International Cebu City on Tuesday encouraged least of adoration everyday,” he Eucharistic Congress (IEC) fellow priests to spend at least explained. delegates on Jan. 26 to be the face an hour daily with the Blessed According to Felloni, a missionary of “our dear Lady of Guadalupe” in Sacrament for the sake of their to the Philippines for 21 years now, the world. ministry which, he said, needs the most important and difficult Monsignor Diego Monroy Ponce, continuous nourishment. duty of a priest is to be faithful and Episcopal and General Vicar of “When I don’t pray meaningfully to stay thus. Guadalupe and rector of the Basilica then my ministry becomes de Guadalupe, was one of the IEC ‘routinary.’ I’m not telling you Duty to stay faithful concurrent sessions on Jan. 26, because I studied about that. I’m “It helps so much for us priests 2016. telling you because I experienced to be sent there. To do the most “We want to be the sweet face that. The moment I neglect my important duty that we have to do, of the little virgin. How do we do prayer life, my ministry becomes that is, to be faithful, [is] the most this?,” said Msgr. Diego Monroy An image of the Blessed Virgin holding the Child Jesus, at the IEC Pavilion, Jan. 27, 2016.DOMINIC BARRIOS burdensome,” shared Fr. Luciano difficult of them all. It’s easier to Ponce, one of the speakers of the Ariel Felloni, chief pastor of Our say the Mass. It’s easier to work for IEC’s Jan. 26 concurrent sessions. who are pilgrims here, you also 20 million people yearly, excluding Lady of Lourdes in Camarin, the poor. The most difficult is to According to the Episcopal and are Guadalupans. In you flows the tourists, while only 6 million people Caloocan City. be faithful. Without that one hour, General Vicar of Guadalupe, “task blood of this precious Lady,” he said visit the Vatican annually is already fidelity is impossible,” the Argentine of being the sweet and gentle face of during his talk on “Evangelization a testament to the power of popular Ministry becomes torture priest stressed. our dear Lady of Guadalupe” means and Popular Religiosity” at the IEC religion, specifically of the Marian In his talk, “Washing the Feet It is in this way, he added, that to “let all people know about Jesus Pavilion. devotion. of the Poor: The Eucharist and the Presence—Christ’s Presence— Christ.” “It is the most visited [place] the Priesthood,” he went on to tell in the Eucharist, gives meaning 20 million visitors in the Christian world, as I have congress delegates from around the to the presence of a priest in his ‘Revolutionary tenderness’ “[Our Lady of Guadalupe is] pointed out,” said Ponce. world, many of whom are priests parish. It is because of the Virgin Mary, our Mother, Mother of all men, of For 24 years, I’ve been coming to like himself, at the city’s Waterfront “I give Him away to my people. the priest explained, that the faithful all those who are here together as the sanctuary of Guadalupe as the Hotel, that delivering homilies If that circle is cut it’s a disaster. “believe again in the revolutionary one, as has already been for many one responsible for the preaching becomes a challenge and “a torture” And we priests know that it is a aspect of tenderness.” centuries. We were born in her lap there and I am witness of the many for a minister with little or no prayer disaster because we experience Ponce, who heads the Pastoral and we bear the blood of this sweet religious expressions that aim to life at all since one cannot give what times of ‘brownout,’ times when Liturgy at the Basilica of Our Lady Lady,” stressed Ponce. be simple and straight forward, one lacks. we are not connected as we should. of Guadalupe, also assured all According to him, the fact that not overly intellectual … not “When you don’t have what to And we know how much it affects present about their intimate ties the site of the apparition of Our with great discursive methods.” say, when you don’t know what to us,” Felloni noted. (Raymond A. with the Blessed Virgin. Lady of Guadalulpe to Juan Diego (Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz / say, when you don’t know what to Sebastián / CBCP News) “To my brothers and sisters in 1531 on Tepeyac hill draws some CBCP News) More women empowerment in Orthodox church sought

CEBU City, Jan. 25, 2016 on either side when our – Discussions on the role Churches sadly broke apart, of women in the Roman but the core of the Trinitarian Catholic Church are more and the Christological open as compared to their theology of both Churches Orthodox counterpart, says is similar,” Tamara said. an Orthodox diplomat, The early Church shows a who seeks more women different picture on the role empowerment in the the of women in Church life and second largest Christian the ambassador stressed that Church in the world. the women of today deserve Ambassador Tamara to be believed in and are as Grdzelidze of Georgia made capable as before. this observation during her talk on the role of Women Women’s role in the in the Church in one of Church the concurrent sessions Grdzelidze, who possesses of the 51st International a Ph. D. in Theology, says Eucharistic Congress here in Christ “both male and in this city. female become children “Catholic women of God and both are given theologians participate the redemptive potency Ambassador Tamara Grdzelidze of Georgia. DOMINIC BARRIOS in Church life more through the Eucharistic formally than women in Church, as the Catholic she professes her faith. communion.” the Orthodox Church, women are at present,” she Though faced with She added that women [they] represent the expressed. theological differences cannot be reduced to the role Church at various levels, brought about by the 1054 of an “honorable company.” are members of theological Differences and similarities schism, Grdzelidze says “Nothing is revolutionary commissions, take part in The Georgian ambassador both Orthodox and Roman than in making women in dialogues and [some] also to the Holy See and the Catholics basically believe in the Orthodox Church an attended the recent Synod Sovereign Military Order of the Trinity and in the marks indissoluble part of the of the Catholic Church Malta pointed out that the of the Church: One, Holy, human response to God’s on the Family. From role of women has been more Catholic, and Apostolic. call for unity and spiritual my point of view, I wish openly recognized in the “No one denies the advancement.” (Chrixy Orthodox women, could be Catholic Church than in the importance of the later, post Paguirigan / CBCP as seriously taken by their Orthodox Church in which 1054 doctrinal development News) A4 OPINION January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Seeking solace in the Eucharist

A BURNING topic in this week’s Congress is the tricky issue of how to make the Eucharist more appealing, especially in the age of social media. It’s tricky because it’s not easy to introduce changes to centuries, if not millennia of tradition. But it has to be done. St. Paul, the apostle par excellence, preached a difficult message in a difficult setting. He went to the Areopagus, the middle of the city, reached out to the unbelieving Greeks and introduced them to Christ. This was how the Church began. In one of the daily IEC press conferences, a journalist asked how come people are going to Mass in the shopping malls. If one goes back to the example of St. Paul’s encounter with the Gentiles, the mall—the modern marketplace in the middle of the bustling city—is a natural place for preaching Christ. It’s a new way of looking at ecclesiology, or being Church, and a new way of evangelization, said IEC communications department chairman Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara in the same press conference. “People may be in the marketplace and this is where we have to reach out. They may find the mall, because it’s air-conditioned, very comfortable. But there you have a chapel in the midst of the marketplace reminding us of God,” he said. In this sense, the Eucharist becomes a refuge from life’s difficulties, from the distractions brought by gadgets and electronic media, and from the emptiness and false promises offered by a society that is increasingly materialistic. BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION That’s what Patlyn Antonette Pañares, a young church volunteer in one of the parishes in Cebu, told us when we asked why the youth are joining the activities for the 51st Eucharistic Faith: IEC, an event sometimes described as the “World Youth Living Mission Day” for old people. Meeting Christ in the Eucharist is Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM Christ’s True Presence also what’s prompting Ninnelynn Taburnal of Barangay Guadalupe, a bakery worker and a mother of four, to go to Eucharistic Congress Reflection Mass every Sunday. At the Opening Mass of the IEC at Plaza Independencia, Ninnelynn even brought her mother Elena CATHOLICS believe that Jesus Christ Mass and would always reverently the chalice after the consecration, he for what she told us was a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” is truly present in the Eucharist in his go to communion. One day, after I was shot and killed by a hired assassin. At the IEC, Church leaders and experts talked about innovative proposals like “inculturation” or cultural body and blood, humanity and divinity, was in the parish for some months (to In the superb filmRomero released in adaptation. This is commendable, especially if developed under the form of bread and wine. satisfy my doubts), I decided to ask: 1989, one sees a particularly powerful organically, and does not distract from the true meaning of This real presence flows from Christ’s “Catalino, when you are in Church scene which manifests Romero’s the Mass. Amid restlessness and hardships, people like Patlyn total self-gift on the cross; his presence and go to get something to eat, what is Eucharistic faith. The government and Ninnelyn simply want to meet Christ. effects communion with His Church that? Is it a special cookie or cracker?” soldiers had taken over the parish through His body and blood. Immediately, he responded to my church in a rural village, because this Personal Experience. Some years question: “Oh no, Father. That’s Jesus!” community was very active in seeking The Eucharist in the Church’s ago while I served in Saint James Parish There and then, all my doubts were social justice. The church had been dialogue with the youth in Cateel, Davao Oriental (located in resolved; I had no more reservations turned into a military barracks. Romero Mindanao, southern Philippines), I about giving communion to Catalino! goes to retrieve the Blessed Sacrament; THE Church’s mission today includes directing young people had a powerful experience from an In fact, I was humbled at his genuine he is taunted and intimidated by the toward the Eucharist for sustenance in the face of their many unexpected source that reminded expression of faith! vicious soldiers. When he tells them he uncertainties and questions. For it is in the Eucharistic gathering me of Christ’s Eucharistic presence. Archbishop Oscar Romero. has come to get the Blessed Sacrament, that the Church can best engage the youth in a dialogue in which It involves Catalino, a man of about Recently, on May 23, 2015, Oscar the tabernacle is machine-gunned. she proclaims to them the Gospel of Christ from which they get thirty years who only had the mind of a Romero, the martyred Archbishop of Romero retreats to his car, but then the unique and satisfying response to their most deep-seated child. He liked to be around the parish San Salvador in Central America, was returns to lovingly pick up the scattered aspirations. From their Eucharistic encounter with Christ in rectory (convento); no one objected to beatified, setting him on the path to hosts, despite more intimidation and word and sacrament are offered enlightenment and guidance his presence. He was friendly, liked to sainthood. Earlier on February 3, 2015 physical abuse. Romero then drives in their quest for meaning and purpose in life. In the Eucharist, talk to everyone, and never caused any Pope Francis had officially declared off, only to return a second time. He Jesus looks upon the youth with that special love that he showed disturbance. Romero a martyr of the Catholic faith. puts on his vestments and leads the upon the young man in the Gospel and invites them to follow Catalino would often ask me for some Romero had been murdered on May people into the church to say Mass, him (cf. Mk 10:21) in his loving relationship with the Father and bread, cookies, or crackers, especially if 24, 1980 as he celebrated Mass in the facing down the soldiers. Romero’s in his saving mission to humanity and to the world. he saw me come home from the nearby chapel of the Carmelite Sisters’ cancer Eucharistic faith shines out clearly in By engaging them in active participation in the Eucharist— bakery. He normally was present at hospital where he lived. As he raised Living Mission / A6 in attentive listening, in generous and appropriate bodily expressions, in the observance of silence at the appropriate moments, or in undertaking specific ministries in the Gifts for priests celebration—the youth can best be formed both for their And That’s The Truth future and present roles in the Church and in the society. Conclusion In the Eucharistic dialogue, the Church has so much to talk Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS about with the youth and the youth, with their energies and enthusiasm, have so much to share with the Church. Around the table both of God’s Word and of Christ’ Body, the Church offers instruction and nourishment by which young people YOU can’t stop people sitting on the shelves behind office the next day to validate Resty. I continued to inspect/ can be prepared to be the “good soil “ where the seed of God’s from giving gifts to priests him, in front of him, on his the sisters’ report. I feigned appreciate the figurines: “So, Word can spring up, take root, grow, and bear abundant fruit. The but you can’t stop priests desk, in the toilet; a huge surprise (“Wow, such pretty Fr. which one may I have? Eucharist is the perfect school for the young where they can learn either from giving them cross-stitched angel was angels!”) and in a spirit of Hmmm, this one is just the values of presence that builds relationships and communities, away. Sometimes, though, even mounted on the wall, “lambing” said, “Won’t you plaster of Paris, but it’s well- of a sense of gratitude and responsibility for God’s creation, and of service and sacrifice that gives life, healing, and wholeness to others. the situation gets sticky—as upstaging a reproduction give your Ate one? Or… is made… This one, too pa-cute Considering the young people’s attraction to various means when the priest himself does painting of the Immaculate this a collection?” naman… I kinda like that one of social communication and their adeptness in their use of not have the heart to hurt Conception on the opposite Fr. Resty knows me well holding a candle, at least it’s the same, the Church will do well to present the Eucharist to the eager giver. I was once wall. enough to know I’m not not that ordinary.” Fr. Resty them as the highest embodiment and ideal of communication placed in that situation, and A couple of sisters interested in angel figurines was busy at the computer; where friendships are established and nurtured, where hopes, I admit I had to pray hard unintentionally called my and that by the tone of my or maybe he was pretending dreams, joys, and anxieties are shared, and where noble for a solution. (Let me use attention to it when they question he was being boxed to be, in order to evade my causes and advocacies are worked out together. fictitious names to protect said, “Uy, ang gaganda ng with velvet gloves into a chatter. Then I went for the In the school of the Eucharist, young people will learn that the innocent). angels sa office ni Father, ang corner. I also now him kill, so to speak: “What will communication is more than the exchange of ideas and of Guests were beginning to dami-dami! Humingi kami, well enough to say he’s not you do with all these angels? emotion but, at its most profound level, the giving of self in notice something odd in Fr. ayaw kaming bigyan!” (Hey, the collecting type; in fact, Are you getting attached?” love. The Church should never get tired of telling the young Resty’s office. There were there are so many nice angels he easily gives unneeded It was a silent bomb that that Christ instituted the Eucharist as “the most perfect and angels everywhere. Ceramic in Father’s office! We asked gifts away. After a pregnant was also met with silence. intimate form of communication between God and man” which angels, resin angels, wooden for some but he wouldn’t silence, while I scrutinized Finally, Fr. Resty said, “Can leads to “the deepest possible unity among men and women”. angels, papier mache angels, give us any!) the angels, he sheepishly I help it if she wants to give The Eucharist is where the deepest and transforming clay angels—mostly “cute” Because I’m Ate-Nanay- said, “They’re from Belle…” and give? But of course, I communication takes place—in response to the prayer of ones holding musical Ninang to Fr. Resty, I had Oooh, I see… Belle is a can give them away. Would invocation, the Father through his Son sends the Holy Spirit so instruments, flowers, no second thoughts about rather frequent visitor from you like to help?” that the bread and the wine, as also the assembly, will become candles, etc. They were nosing around (subtly) in his another parish, a “fan” of Fr. And That’s the Truth / A5 the Body of Christ. - Excerpts from the theological and pastoral reflection in preparation for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Candidly Speaking The mystery of Fr. Roy Cimagala the Eucharist CBCP

Monitor WE have to learn how to live with There we are told that Christ is present, attract each other. PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE mysteries in life. They are unavoidable. not in a merely symbolic way but in a We should never forget what Christ Even in the natural sphere, there are real way. We believe this because of the himself said: “They that are whole have Pedro Quitorio Ronalyn Regino things that we can already regard as gift of faith that God Himself gives us no need of the physician, but they that Editor-in-Chief Design Artist mysteries. Much more so when we in abundance. are sick: I came not to call the righteous, consider the spiritual and supernatural If we are at least receptive to this gift but sinners to repentance.” (Mk 2, 17) Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Gloria Fernando spheres of our life. of faith, we can readily acknowledge the Thus, we have to most careful when Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor A mystery is, first of all, a truth, a real truth of the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. we think we are already good or saintly thing, and not a fiction, a figment of our But our appreciation of this mystery grows enough. If we are truly pursuing sanctity, Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite imagination. But it’s a truth that is so rich to the extent that we exercise our faith that we should feel all the more humble and News Editor Circulation Manager that the human mind finds it hard if not in turn also relies on the exercise of trust in need of God the more progress we impossible to fully understand. Just the in God’s Word which is the gift of hope, achieve in our sanctification. Kris Bayos Marcelita Dominguez same, it has elements that would make it and the fervor of our charity, another God- In the Eucharist, we have Christ both Features Editor Comptroller recognizable and believable by us. given gift and the most important. hidden and revealed in his fullness, a This special issue of the CBCP Monitor is published daily It’s like the sun whose light is so bright The mystery of the Eucharist should most paradoxical phenomenon that is for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress by Areopagus that we cannot look directly at it without elicit in us sentiments of awe and typical of God and of all mysteries. It’s Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at destroying our eyes. But we never doubt amazement, not indifference and over- up to us which aspect of the mystery we Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 about its existence. In fact, we are most familiarity. Our sins and unworthiness prefer to give more attention to—his F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404- 2182. Business: (632) 404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940 thankful for the many benefits it gives us. should be no problem, since the law of hiddenness or his revelatory aspect. The Eucharist is one such mystery. magnetism applies here—unlike poles Candidly Speaking / A5 OPINION CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 OPINION A5

By the Roadside The Eucharist as the Along the Way Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD embrace of God’s love Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, SThD

I DON’T know of any other personal way must take. John Paul II the Son, “Jesus Christ,” he of explaining the Filipino experience of What comes to mind is the Gospel of declares, “is mercy itself”. The message The Eucharist: Source and the Eucharist in the IEC than that calling Luke 15:20 telling us how the wayward and the medium is the same. it the embrace of God’s love. God’s love son finally coming to his senses and The Father’s love is especially revealed Celebration of Hope is so much like the rain on the second returning to his father. Instead of by the Son because as Word he became day. It has poured. Despite our national meeting offense with a just chastisement “flesh” (John 1:14). The Eucharist is OVER forty years ago, when our country was ruled by obsession with our weaknesses (need of sorts (maybe a harsh word or two, a therefore the peak of the loving God’s a dictator, I attended a Mass celebrated inside a political we mention the culture of corruption, slap in the face or a closed door), the self-revelation in Jesus Christ. Hence, detention camp in Cebu. I was still a seminarian and a criminality with impunity, lack of father runs to the wayward son, ignores the words: “He who eats my flesh and political prisoner and we were on hunger strike a week before discipline?), would we ever doubt the the son’s prepared “I’m sorry” speech, drinks my blood remains in me and I in Christmas. Ten years later, I was already a missionary priest, sincerity of the papal legate’s words falls on his neck in a fatherly embrace him” (Jn 6:57). The Son offers his flesh celebrating the Eucharist in a chapel in a remote barrio in characterizing us as “a great nation”, and even kisses him. Would a Filipino and blood. In his flesh and blood that we Hinatuan, Surigao with the members of a Basic Ecclesial “the light of the faith in Asia”, bringing father or any father do the same or receive, Christ is in us. In a larger and Community (BEC). They had stopped gathering for their the “Catholic presence” in many parts generally the opposite? Thank God, God truer sense, in his flesh and blood, we weekly Bible-service out of fear. Their parish priest had of the world (he even specified them is God and not man. For that is how I (who receive him) are in Christ. earlier been arrested and imprisoned by the military. Three to be wherever there is land, air, sea see the great embrace of God’s love for But the Father is in the Son. In the years later, I celebrated the funeral Mass of my elderly etc.), especially “loved by the Holy the Filipino at the IEC despite the many Son, therefore, the Father comes to mother who was robbed and killed by a gang composed of Father”? Years ago when I was trying ways we have stormed our way out of the us, embraces us, abides in us. Christ in off-duty military men. Two years, later, after the dictator to learn Italian, I would sometimes Father’s house. God still embraces us us is also the Father in us. Nay, in the was ousted, I was concelebrating the Eucharist in San fumble and stumble. Then I would hear through the Catholic world coming into Eucharist we are all in the Father and the Fernando, Bukidnon, during the height of the barricade put Italians encouraging me, “Coraggio! our shores and expressing how we are Son by the power of the Spirit. up by the members of the BECs and people’s organizations (Have courage)!” It occurred to me that still looked up to for our vibrant faith, That is to say, the Eucharist is God against logging to defend their forest. The judge had ruled Cardinal Bo, many thanks to him, was for our resilience during calamities, for embracing humanity in the Son. And that what the people were doing was illegal and a Philippine giving us a tremendous “Coraggio”. But bringing the Catholic presence wherever because we are never worthy of that Constabulary unit would be sent to disperse them. During this is not to say it was simply that. It we go in the world, no matter how strong embrace, we always need to confess the these moments of suffering and grief, when we felt helpless is more. or feeble, pure or stained. ‘Confiteor’ by our lips during the liturgy and hopeless, the Eucharist became the source and Or how about a Bishop Barron For the Eucharist is the embrace and by our reformed lives outside of it. celebration of hope. proclaiming us to be “chosen by of God’s love for us. It is the Father’s I once saw a group of people offering How can the Eucharist be the source and celebration of God to reinvigorate the Catholic love that is revealed in the Son. This free hugs to passersby. It hit me how hope? The answer to this question lies in the consideration of world” by our “faith” which he compares revelation is behind the love of the it symbolizes the Eucharist. It is the the eschatological dimension of the Eucharist: the Eucharist to that of his ancestors’ Ireland seventy Son’s self-gift. “As the Father has loved embrace of God’s love that we need is the celebration of the Kingdom. years ago? We applaud these words, me, so I have loved you” (John 15:9). to also give to others by our doing the At the core of Jesus’ ministry is the proclamation and the thinking they are a compliment which In the Eucharist the Father embraces mission of the Church. inauguration of the kingdom of God. The table-fellowship they are. But we forget that they also us, our sinfulness notwithstanding, Happily, unlike ordinary food that is the sign and symbol of the kingdom. What is signified spell responsibility. It is a responsibility but he embraces us in and through the always runs the risk of us having “an is the communion between God and humanity and among we can’t take lightly. Yet it is one we Son. In the most profound insight of St. overload” (so the problem with obesity, humans - unity, reconciliation, peace, abundance, sharing. The kingdom is already present but yet to be fully realized in the future. The full realization of the kingdom in the parousia- A Transforming -the object of our hope. On the night before he died, Jesus Biblically Speaking had a meal with his disciples which is now popularly known Eucharist as the Last Supper. That supper was grounded on hope--that Leander V. Barrot, OAR it would not really be the last time that Jesus would break bread with his disciples, hope--that what would happen would not lead to defeat but to victory--a passing over from death to life, from slavery to freedom. Jesus’ offering of bread and ON the second day of the of Christ’s love manifest in Christ’s sacrifice leading to spurs us on to be passionate wine - his body and blood - is grounded on hope that it will IEC, the persona of St. Paul His taking of the cross for everybody’s justification to care for the poor, to value inaugurate the kingdom. The Last Supper was not really Jesus’ looms large. His conversion humanity’s justification. remains to be the constant every person, to respect the last table fellowship with his disciples. It continued after his is commemorated and Christ’s passion, death, and challenge of Eucharist. The dignity of others’ name and Resurrection - in the post-Resurrection appearances. For celebrated and how the saint resurrection has occasioned increasing gap separating honor, to promote equality instance, at the end of his journey with the disciples walking preserved and promoted the greatest equality before the rich and the poor is a irrespective of color, religion on the road to Emmaus, Jesus broke bread with them. Christ’s the memory of Christ’s love the eyes of God, “There is no constant reminder of how or nationality, to breakdown table-fellowship with his followers continues today whenever from possible demise is longer Jew or Greek, there is we have become simple walls of defiance, and to they gather as a community to celebrate the Eucharist. highlighted. no longer slave or free, there devotees of the Eucharist but promote the dignity of The Eucharist is not simply the re-enactment or memorial Paul’s devotion to the is no longer male and female; not committed to the moral children and elderly. The of Christ’s death on the cross, it is the celebration of Christ’s Eucharist began with his for all of you are one in Christ consequences of our faith. same Eucharist sustains us paschal mystery--the mystery of his suffering, death, and meeting with the Resurrected Jesus” (Gal 3:28). The disregard for the dignity in our quest for humaneness. resurrection. It is a victory celebration--a remembering of Christ (cf. 1Cor 15:8). Christ The leveling of the playing of women, the stealing from Perhaps the moral question the new exodus. It is the celebration of liberation. When transformed him from field, so to say, for all humanity children of their innocence by one can ask is how has our the community of believers come together to celebrate the within and he, recognizing is very much evident in the subjecting them to labor, the reception of the Eucharist Eucharist they celebrate the presence of the glorified Christ the “surpassing value of Eucharist. Before the Lamb indifference to the plight of transformed us from within. who is victorious over the power of death, of sin, and evil. knowing Christ” (Phil 3:8), of God, who takes away the the elderly are all affronts to St. Paul has identified the The Eucharist becomes a source and celebration of hope considered everything that he sins of the world, all prostrate our very own faith and remain beginning and summit of his for those who struggle, those who suffer - the victims of once boasted of--his sense of reverently irrespective of one’s to be constant challenges to conversion as “the surpassing injustice, of violence, of the culture of death. The Eucharist ethnic supremacy, his hard- status in society and socio- our faith in the Eucharist. value of knowing Christ.” is an assurance that the future that is to come will be brighter earned zeal for the faith of economic prestige. Before our The constant celebration This has transformed him than the present - that in the end, good will prevail, that his forebears, his fanaticism Lord, all are servants, in front and reception of the risen from being a persecutor God’s kingdom of justice, peace, freedom, and abundance to defend the same even to of the Father all are children, Lord in the Eucharist of believers to become a will be fully realized. In the darkest moments of our life - death—as rubbish. Everything and before God all are equally strengthen our pledge to defender of the faith and a when we suffer and grieve, when feel helpless and hopeless, he earned through diligence, loved. leave behind what St. Paul missionary of Jesus Christ we celebrate the Eucharist. It is, indeed, the source and hard-work, and industry This equality that is an calls the “desires of the flesh” to the gentiles. The value of celebration of our hope of the future glory of the resurrection, cannot compare to the splendor immediate consequence of (Gal 5:16). The Eucharist Christ for Paul is everything. of the salvation, of the fullness of the kingdom.

Miracle of the And That’s the Truth / A4 P.O.G.I. (Presence Of God Inside) Holy Eucharist Now the ball was in my Belle might get hurt seeing Fr. Alan Gozo Bondoc, SVD court. I let out a quick “Give all her angels gone. Then them away? Sure! To whom?” one day, I wasn’t particularly He was just as quick: “It’s up thinking of the angels at all, I MET and came to know a very devoted praying, I feel Him dearly and nearer Jesus live in us. He makes Himself using to you. Just get as many as the idea hit me. I would wrap lady who shared with me her thoughts on whenever I raise the Body and Blood our very own eyes. He allows Himself to you want.” each figurine individually the Holy Eucharist. She said that every of Jesus. be held in our own hands. I didn’t want any of them in a brown paper bag, and time she attends the Holy Eucharist she Indeed, it is in the Consecration that The Holy Eucharist is a celebration but I smelled he needed help leave them one by one in a always witness a miracle. the greatest miracle unfolds, nowhere of the Incarnation wherein the Word from his “Ate”. I thought church—with a note inside For her, the miracle always unfolds else but in the celebration of the Holy became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus he was being courteous to (also written after much before her eyes during Consecration, Eucharist. as the Word of God becomes alive in the the giver Belle but it was praying) that would assure every time the priest makes the sign of It is right there at that very moment hearts of all. also unusual for him to be the finders that God hears the cross to consecrate the bread and that the bread becomes the Body of The Holy Eucharist is also the so courteous to anyone. He their prayers. A few at a time wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Jesus and the wine becomes the Blood celebration of the Resurrection wherein didn’t need to say more; I left them randomly on the Christ. of Jesus. Jesus rose victoriously from the dead to I understood. So, that pews of Sta. Cruz church. I do agree with her realization. Jesus A miracle is revealed before us because bring us life to its fullest. We are given afternoon I went home with Of course, I never found becomes real as the bread and wine the very Person of Jesus is alive in the life anew in the Eucharist. a boxful of angels. out who got the message- become His Body and Blood. They are Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist is the celebration I had those angels in bearing angels. When I not symbols or signs of His presence A miracle is given to us whenever of the continuous love of Jesus for us. my storage for about two left them there, I wasn’t but they are, in fact, His true presence. the priest gives to us the Holy Body He is blessed, broken, and shared so that weeks, clueless as to who’d just abandoning them on As a priest, I celebrate the Holy Mass of Jesus during communion. During we could be sanctified, made whole, and want to “adopt” them. Shall the pews; I was entrusting with my heart because I firmly believe communion, Jesus unites Himself with experience His love in us. I give them to the sisters them all to the Holy Spirit— Jesus uses me to make His presence us, He is giving Himself to us. As we take The Holy Eucharist is not just an or friends who likes such the “lost” angels and their seen, held, felt, and received. I take the Holy Body of Jesus, He feels joy as encounter of Jesus but a transformation stuff? To an orphanage? finders-keepers. I really it to heart that every time I celebrate we accept Him and He shares His joy of becoming Him. Every time we receive Raffle them off at the next hoped that that “crazy” act, the Holy Eucharist, it is as if it will be with us. It is in the Holy Eucharist and Jesus in the Communion, we become Christmas party? I prayed by the endless mercy of God, my first, my last, and only Eucharistic through the Holy Eucharist, that Jesus Him (Alter Christus). for guidance, for Fr. Resty, somehow helped people feel celebration. I pray every prayer of the becomes part of us. We should value and be grateful and for Belle especially. Fr. loved and blessed by God. Eucharist by heart as if Jesus is the One The Holy Eucharist literally makes always for the gift of the Holy Eucharist Resty is a strong guy, but And that’s the truth.

Candidly Speaking / A4 Or we can try to consider both not all too eager to be known by all the Holy Eucharist. Before this took The Eucharist is the sum and man to save us, and who wants to aspects more or less at the same in just any manner, especially when place, he knew how to be discreet in summary of our faith. As the Catechism be with us in our earthly pilgrimage. time in some dynamics where these he would be viewed as some kind of his utterances and behavior even as he tells us, “Our way of thinking is Our marvel should know no end two aspects are mutually interacting earthly king, hero or celebrity. presented himself as the Son of God, attuned to the Eucharist, and the as we consider God who appears and perpetually developing. He escaped from that possibility the Son of Man. Eucharist in turn confirms our way of to us like a simple bread, God who His hiddenness will arouse more with all his might. He did not like to The revelatory aspect of the thinking.” (1327) We ought to have a is willing to take on all our human faith and trust in God and will help be known merely as a miracle-worker. Eucharist should fill us with joy, Eucharistic mind and heart. weaknesses and sins just to save us. us to purify our intentions and He wanted to be known as God our praises, and thanksgiving. We Yes, the Eucharist is the greatest This is the divine madness of love attitude toward Christ. Remember savior, and that could only be achieved cannot have anything better than treasure we can have since with it that should take our breath away. We that Christ, though aware of his through his passion, death, and the Eucharist in this life. In the we have no one less than Christ should be moved most deeply by this mission for the whole world, was resurrection, made into sacrament of Eucharist, we have all that we need. himself, God Himself who became realization. A6 FEATURES January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 CBCP Monitor Pope may deliver live message to 51st IEC Jan. 24, 2016--Pope Francis Bishop Vergara said. There will is expected to give a message also be 5,000 first communicants. to the participants of the 51st The 51st IEC is a Catholic gathering International Eucharistic Congress but people from other faiths will not (IEC), which is set to open this be excluded. Bishop Vergara said IEC afternoon in Cebu City. speakers would tackle the Church’s It was not sure, however, whether dialogue with other religions. the papal message will be recorded This is only the second time for the or streamed live over the Internet, Philippines to host an International IEC organizers told reporters. Eucharistic Congress, after the “Let us allow the pope to surprise 31st IEC held in Manila in 1937, us. He’s known to be like that,” said which makes the Cebu event an Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, “experience of a lifetime.” chairman of the communications Bishop Vergara said the IEC department of the 51st IEC, in a was an occasion for Catholics to press conference at the IEC Pavilion reaffirm the Second Vatican Council’s at the compound of Cebu’s Pope St. proclamation of the Eucharist as the John XXIII Major Seminary. “source and summit of Christian life.” Happening a year after Pope He said people could expect Francis’ tumultuous apostolic “HOPE” from the IEC: H for a “happy journey to Manila and Leyte, the congress,” O for an “overwhelming 51st IEC, the quadrennial Catholic experience of God’s love,” P for a gathering aimed at promoting the “personal encounter with the Lord,” centrality of the Holy Eucharist and E for a eucharistic renewal. in Christian life, is a “spillover of Msgr. Joseph Tan, media relations grace” from the 2015 papal visit, head of the IEC Secretariat, said Bishop Vergara said. Cebu’s hosting of the 51st IEC is Some 12,000 pilgrims are part of the nine-year preparation expected to flock to various IEC for the fifth centenary of the events, while 300,000 people are Christianization of the Philippines, expected to attend today’s opening which began in Cebu. Mass at the Plaza Independencia “Cebu is the cradle of Christianity at 4 p.m. Around 800 media in the Philippines,” the Cebu cleric personnel have been accredited noted. (Felipe Francisco/CBCP to cover the international event, News) Pope Francis. ROY LAGARDE No campaigning in IEC, politicians told Rome-based seminarians volunteer to translate for IEC

Br. Manuel Cervantes. NIRVA DELACRUZ

CEBU City, Jan. 24, 2016--“We’re I was very struck as well by the like bridges, we facilitate interest from so many people here, interaction.” especially from the Philippines. I Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, chairman of the Department of Communications of the International Eucharistic Congress, leads the press conference This is what Br. Luis Lorenzo, was also able to see also even people at the IEC Pavilion. SKY ORTIGAS a Filipino seminarian of the from Mexico, from my country,” CEBU City, Jan 24, including politicians, we presence but rest assured IEC — the opening Mass at Legionaries of Christ based in Rome, said Br. Manuel Cervantes, a 31- 2016--Politicians are want to make sure that we that this will not become the Plaza Independencia said to describe the role of volunteer year old Mexican seminarian who welcome to attend the 51st will not change the IEC a platform for their signalling the start of the interpreters for the 51st International will continue to serve as a Spanish International Eucharistic to become some kind of electioneering,” he added. quadrennial congress Eucharistic Congress (IEC). interpreter. Congress here, but only a political event for one The IEC, a major religious today, Jan. 24, and the Lorenzo, along with five other According to Cervantes, the IEC as “pilgrims. party or the other, or one event that promotes the Statio Orbis (“The World seminarians from different delegates’ interest in the Eucharist The week-long IEC, candidate or the other,” centrality of the Eucharist in Stops”) or Misa ng nationalities, had been translating inspired in him a desire to celebrate which is expected to draw the priest said in a press Christian life, features daily Mundo at the South Road the English talks of the pre-IEC the Mass “with fervor”. 12,000 participants, is briefing this morning at celebrations of the Holy Properties on Jan. 31. symposium talks to the delegates “It was a kind of spiritual open to all but is not an the IEC Pavilion. Mass as well as catechetical Both Masses will be led into Portuguese, Spanish, French, experience. Because in order to occasion for electioneering, “Of course we expect … talks. The theme of the 51st by Yangon Archbishop and Italian. translate well, I have to go deeper, said Msgr. Joseph Tan, some of the people running IEC is “Christ in You, Our Charles Maung Cardinal While their role as talk translators understand, meditate well, on executive secretary of the for office to be present, but Hope of Glory,” taken from Bo, the papal legate or ended with the symposium, the the talks that we translate” said IEC Communications they will be treated like any Colossians 1:27. Pope Francis’ personal interpreters will continue to assist Br. Stefano Panizzolo, an Italian Department. other person, as pilgrims,” Two celebrations of the representative to the 51st groups of non-English speaking seminarian who shared he had to “Although the IEC explained Tan. Eucharist will serve as IEC. (Felipe Francisco/ delegates by answering their questions study the pre-IEC symposium talks is open to everybody, “We are open to their the high points of the 51st CBCP News) about general information on the IEC beforehand to be able to be a good schedules, venues, and the like. translator. “It was a very profound experience, The IEC is ongoing until Jan. especially of the theological insights 31. (Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz / IEC pilgrims be feted with religious, that the speakers were giving. CBCP News)

Living Mission / A4

cultural festivals these powerful scenes. language we use the word “symbol” CEBU CITY Jan. 24, 2016--Pilgrims Catholic Faith in the Real to describe something that points from around the world are Presence. The two narratives beyond itself to something else. For experiencing the Cebuano brand just presented clearly manifest Catholics, the transformed bread of hospitality during the entire the consistent faith of the Church: and wine are the true Body and duration of the International we believe that in the celebration Blood of Christ, not mere symbols. Eucharistic Congress in the form of the Eucharist, bread and wine The true presence of Christ remains, of religious and cultural festivals. become the true Body and Blood even after the celebration of the For the week-long celebration of of Jesus Christ through the Eucharist is completed; Christ’s the IEC, numerous events are being power of the Holy Spirit and the presence is not somehow lost after continually held simultaneously in instrumentality of an ordained the Mass. Thus, the Church carefully different venues around the city, priest. The whole Christ is truly guards the “sacred species” of the giving pilgrims and simple tourists present, body, blood, soul, and Eucharist in its tabernacles. She also alike a taste of Cebuano cultural and The Teen Saint Pedro Musical is just one of several cultural and religious festivals being offered during divinity, under the appearances of promotes personal visits to Christ- religious heritage. the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC). DOMINIC BARRIOS bread and wine. This is what the in-the-Blessed-Sacrament as well as The “IEC 2016 Heritage Night” Church affirms when she speaks Benediction, Eucharistic processions, NIGHT was held beginning on Jan. Jacinto, which will also be singing Free admission of the “Real Presence” of Christ in and Viaticum for the sick and infirm. 25, 7:00 p.m. Delegates can also during the (Opening Mass); the All interested IEC delegates the Eucharist. All these devotions are based on the have a walking tour starting at the Cebu Normal University Chorale; should always wear their IEC IDs This consistent faith of the Church fact that Christ is truly present in old district of Cebu called Parian up the Basilica del Sto. Niño; and to avail of the free admission to all reflects Jesus’ words in the Gospels: the Blessed Sacrament. Such is the to the Minor Basilica of the Santo Metropolitan Cathedral Grand the cultural events. “This is my body, which will be consistent faith of the Church. Niño. Participating museums along Choir. Many cultural events like concerts, given for you” (Lk 22:19). “I am the A Child’s Faith. The true story the route will open their doors to Meanwhile, a local mall, will theater plays and religious-cultural living bread that has come down is told of a five-year-old boy who delegates for these. Live cultural host the staging of a “religious- presentation have also been held as from heaven; anyone who eats this consistently attended Sunday Mass entertainment such as traditional cultural presentation” titled, “Mga pre-congress activities. Other cultural bread will live forever. The bread with his family. At such a tender folk dances, songs, and plays will Dagway sa Pangaliyupo (Faces of events have been also announced by that I will give is my flesh for the age he already understood the be held as well. Supplication). the IEC Central Committee through life of the world” (Jn 6:51). The core teaching of the Church. One Various Cebuano stage artists will their website www.iec2016.ph words Jesus spoke were very clear Sunday, when the congregation ‘Faces of Supplication’ demonstrate via songs, dances, and Papal Legate, Cardinal Charles Maung to the Jews, because they “quarreled began approaching and receiving For music enthusiasts, chorale drama “the different forms of prayers Cardinal Bo of Myanmar presided over among themselves, saying, ‘How the Eucharist at communion time, groups will be performing at the brought about by experiences of the Opening Mass of the IEC at the can this man give us his flesh to the boy loudly said to his parents: IEC 2016 Choral Festival at the conflicts, trials and tribulations”. Plaza Independencia in the afternoon of eat’?” (Jn 6:52). “Hurry, Mom and Dad, let’s go get Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Ayala Center Cebu will host a series Jan. 24. Later in the evening, delegates One may ask: “Are the consecrated some Jesus!” Indeed, out of the from 7:00 till 9:00 p.m. Singing of evening presentations for the IEC enjoyed cultural events. (Chrixy bread and wine merely symbols mouth of babes, profound wisdom in the festival are the Coro de San 2016. Paguirigan / CBCPNews) of Jesus’ presence? In everyday is spoken! FEATURES CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 FEATURES A7 Cardinal Bo to Cebu dancing inmates: ‘Pray for me. I love you all!’

CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 - Closer to God Papal legate Charles Maung One of the inmates who Cardinal Bo, SDB, DD asked danced, Lito Granada from the famous Cebu dancing Camotes island, said he was inmates to remember him in touched by the visit of the prayer, saying the prayers of papal legate, impressed by the prisoners are “powerful” how a busy VIP like him could since God is near to them and consider visiting them. always wishes to see them “We thank him for visiting soon at the table of fellowship, us. We hope he always prays the Mass. for us,” he said. The pope’s personal Granada, who has been representative to the 51st incarcerated for 14 years International Eucharistic serving a life sentence, said Congress currently being held prison life changed him by in this city was entertained making him closer to the by the inmates their world Lord, describing himself as famous dance routines. “not believing in the Lord “We pray for each and one before [he] was jailed”. another. We will be waiting He said life in prison for you for the table fellowship changed him and made him like the Eucharist,” he said. realize that there is a Lord who loves everyone. ‘I love you all’ “I know that problems Bo then said in Cebuano “I are big and heavy, but More than 300 inmates perform in honor of Myanmar Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, papal legate to the IEC, during his visit to the Cebu Provincial love you all. I’ll pray for you Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. ROY LAGARDE recognizing that the Lord all”, which elicited smiles is with us, the load becomes and applause from among Philippines,” he added. dance number, addressed rain. Your dance is a beautiful drive out darkness, hatred lighter,” he said. the inmates. That day, inmates them, saying, they are always love directed straight to the by love. The 44-year old family man The prelate said that he presented a Michael in his thoughts and prayers. heart of all of us. Thank “Darkness can never said he first of all offered will also include those who Jackson dance routine, you for your love. Daghang drive darkness. Only light his dance to the Lord and are in the prison ministry, which had previously gone Dancing in the rain salamat.” can drive out darkness. secondly to “our visitors, calling them “those who viral after it was uploaded “Life is not about waiting The Archbishop of Yangon, Hatred can never drive especially the cardinal.” have brotherly or sisterly to YouTube. After which, for the storms to pass but it is Myanmar told the inmates to hatred. Only love can drive “We are part of the care over you.” they danced the IEC official about learning to dance in the “never, never, never, give up’” out hatred.” Eucharistic Congress. And “Your prayers are very hymn “Christ in us, our rain,” said Bo noting that the Quoting Martin Luther After his address, the for that we are happy,” he powerful because God is very hope of glory.” inmates danced heartily while King, Jr. who was himself cardinal mingled with the said. (Rommel Lopez near to you. So pray for all of The cardinal, visibly a light drizzle fell. jailed many times, the papal inmates, smiling, and blessing with reports from Roy us. Pray for a more peaceful touched by the prisoners’ “Yes, you have danced in the legate said that only light can them. Lagarde / CBCP News) Cardinal Rosales: ‘Eucharist not just Delegate praying for a task, but a mission’ Ireland’s youth at IEC CEBU City, Jan. 24, 2016--One to express excitement over the of 30 Irish nationals attending week-long congress, especially the 51st Eucharistic Congress since it is his first time in the (IEC) in Cebu has promised Philippines. to pray for young people back “We expect it is a pilgrimage home whom he laments are of faith. And we hope to learn, to slowly losing the faith. listen … and we hope we would “Yes, Ireland is still very much be able to contribute a little as Catholic, but unfortunately quite well, to meet the international a few of the young people are not delegates, people from all over practicing,” Thomas Michael the world, and to make sure Burns of Dublin told CBCP News they’ll come back to their own in an interview. country with new ideas, new While baptism in the thoughts, and new enthusiasm predominantly Catholic country as well,” he said, speaking for remains high, with most of his co-delegates. their children receiving First Communion at age eight, he Pilgrims from across the bewailed that many begin to lose planet interest in the Church as soon as According to Burns, when he they reach early adulthood. and fellow pilgrims attended the last IEC which Ireland hosted Ireland’s future in 2012, they vowed to also take “Unfortunately, when they part in the next one even if it come to teenage years or the early means traveling halfway around twenties they are inclined to fall the world. away. We hope and we pray that “The Congress was held in they will come back,” he said. Dublin four years ago, so we said Burns stressed, however, we have to come to the next one. Prelates prepare for procession before Mass at the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC), Jan. 26, 2016. MARIA TAN that although they are not as But the last time we didn’t know CEBU City, Jan. 26, 2016 – Do we the Jews from slavery under the World-changing passionate and involved in the life where we would be traveling. So keep the Eucharist to ourselves? pharaohs of Egypt. But Christ’s “It could change the world.” of the Church as their ancestors we’ve come a long way. We’re This was the question, and mandate to “Do this in memory of Sinfulness, however, should had been, this new generation of delighted to be here and we’re challenge, posed by Gaudencio me” goes beyond repeating Christ’s not hinder the faithful from Irish Catholics still believe in God. excited about this congress,” he Cardinal Rosales to pilgrims at last meal on earth, he said. approaching the Eucharist. “It “They do have faith. They do shared. the 51st International Eucharistic “‘Do this in memory of me’ means is our sinfulness that brought us believe in God. They pray in Burns, moreover, praised the Congress (IEC). that as often as one eats the Body the Jesus that we know today. It times of trouble. But as far as friendliness of their Filipino Delivering the homily for the Mass of Christ, he or she announces to is because we are sinful that we going to Church on Sundays hosts and the warm climate. on the third day of the congress, others the power of the faith of our came to know Jesus,” Rosales and worshiping the Lord in Holy “Yes, lovely [the Philippines]. Rosales, Archbishop emeritus of Lord Jesus,” explained the prelate. said. Mass, they neglected that. So we People are very friendly. And Manila, reminded IEC participants “Do the Eucharist, live the “Above all the passion and pray for them,” he explained. we’re delighted to be here. that the Eucharist is “not just a task, Eucharist, release the Eucharist the death of Jesus redeemed Ireland, a bastion of It’s warm. But we’re happy but a mission.” from sheer celebration! And allow humankind from sin. If the Catholicism in Europe, recently with that because it’s cold and the Body and Blood of Jesus in you triumph of Jesus over death, the saw the legalization of same-sex wet in Ireland at this time so The power of faith to roam the streets and byways, in harshest face of evil, were not marriage. we’re happy to be in this warm, Yes, the Eucharist is the memorial jeepneys, tricycles and buses, stores true, then all our confidence, all hot, dry country,” he added. of Christ’s saving sacrifice, just and cafés, offices and schools, in our faith in Christ is completely Pilgrimage of faith (Raymond A. Sebastián / like the Passover meal that every dining table, in homes where empty,” he added. (Felipe Burns, an IEC veteran, went on CBCP News) commemorated the escape of families engage in dialogue,” he said. Francisco / CBCP News) Non-Catholic admires IEC pilgrims’ faith

CEBU City, Jan. 24, 2016 – If about their faith, especially Santo Niño, the birthplace of The church Hijapon would rather focus on what “It is important that we find only because of the Rosary the delegates of the 51st Catholic Christianity in the had lately been picking up is common between the two time to spend with the Lord. hanging on his rear-view International Eucharistic Philippines. passengers from is near Christian groups like the We always think of how to earn window, one would assume Congress (IEC). In fact, the 26-year old Plaza Independencia, where Holy Trinity than on what money, or waste our energy on taxi driver Richard Hijapon soon-to-be-married counts pilgrims from all over the separates them trivial matters, but many of us is a Catholic. Catholic friends among his many good friends world flocked Sunday to take “If Catholics believe that unfortunately forget about the He is not. “No. I’m not the kind no less than a priest, Fr. Ben part in the opening Mass God is three Persons, we also most important, which is the While he has been member who passes judgement Alforque of the Missionaries of the week-long religious do,” he shared. state of our souls,” he said. of the Seventh-Day Adventist on people who happen of the Sacred Heart (MSC). gathering. Hijapon went on to express “We should always look (SDA) Church since birth— to believe differently “I’m happy that I’m able to admiration for Catholics after our spiritual health so and an active one at that—he from me,” he stressed in meet Catholics who are kind More similar than and those of other religions that we will attain salvation,” has enormous respect for Filipino, as he drove past and who practice what they different who take time off their busy he added. (Raymond A. Catholics who are sincere the Minor Basilica of the preach,” he added. According to him, he routine to worship God. Sebastián / CBCP News) A8 January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 5 CBCP Monitor Priest cheers group’s 20th ‘pain-healing mission’

MANILA, Jan. 26, 2016 – A priest Victoria Baterina-Solis. during HOPE’s outreaches in lauded a group’s 20th pain-healing According to her, recipients Rizal, Bohol, Sorsogon, Camarines outreach that recently benefited of the free magnesium therapy Norte, Sagada, Tagum and other over a hundred less fortunate were patients with various painful parts of the Philippines. villagers in a mountainous section conditions, like headaches, HOPE’s 20th pain-healing of Quezon Province. arthritis, muscle cramps, back mission was sponsored by Fr. Dari Dioquino, former pain, and also skin itchiness. Magiteque Pain Therapy Centre, Kanlungan ni Maria priest-in- HOPE also gave away 150 the first magnesium clinic charge, likened Helping One bottles of 100 ml. magnesium worldwide. Person Everyday’s (HOPE) pain- oil, Baterina-Solis said. They Mary Jean Netario Cruz, owner healing team to the four men who, were also able to train seven of Magiteque Pain Therapy despite great difficulty, brought a magnesium therapy volunteers. Centre, expressed gratitude paralyzed man to Jesus. HOPE rolled out its pain- for magnesium therapists Lyn “They were undaunted by healing outreach in 2015. The Iglesias Domingo and Shirley the difficulties,” he said. “They effectiveness of magnesium Umali Griba, Rudy Encela, and carried the man to the roof, therapy in addressing painful everyone who supported the 20th opened a hole in the tiles. conditions related to magnesium mission in Mt. Banahaw. Through it they lowered him deficiency inspired the team to Dioquino, who is assistant priest down before Jesus.” venture across the country to at the Immaculate Concepcion reach more people. parish in Marikina, noted that Painful conditions treated “human concern for others, HOPE conducted magnesium Magnesium healing sessions combined with faith in God, can therapy sessions for at least Hundreds who complained work miracle.” 125 indigent people during the of migraine, frozen shoulders, He accompanied HOPE in Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma blesses one of the statues of Jesus inside the “Eukaristia Garden,” located three-day outreach at barangay stiff fingers, and other painful a number of its pain-healing inside the Archbishop’s Residence in Cebu City, Jan. 25, 2016. With its iconic features, including a 14-meter Kinabuhayan in Dolores town, conditions as well as insomnia missions in 2015. (Oliver monolithic structure called the “The Cross Tower,” the Eukaristia Garden is the city’s newest landmark and said HOPE executive director experienced relief and treatment Samson / CBCP News) a memorable feature of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. ROY LAGARDE CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Refugees in the Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria, Sept. 9, 2014.

‘Migrants and refugees challenge us. The response of the Gospel of Mercy’ Aid to the Church in Need Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2016

DEAR Brothers and Sisters, life is lost. solidarity. They have heard the voice various cultures in one territory. All the flight of refugees and departures In the Bull of indiction of the Ex- Migrants are our brothers and sis- of Jesus Christ: “Behold, I stand at these complement the defence and as a result of poverty, violence and traordinary Jubilee of Mercy I noted ters in search of a better life, far away the door and knock” (Rev 3:20). Yet promotion of the human person, the persecution. that “at times we are called to gaze from poverty, hunger, exploitation there continue to be debates about culture of encounter, and the unity of Public opinion also needs to be even more attentively on mercy so and the unjust distribution of the the conditions and limits to be set peoples, where the Gospel of mercy correctly formed, not least to prevent that we may become a more effec- planet’s resources which are meant for the reception of migrants, not inspires and encourages ways of re- unwarranted fears and speculations tive sign of the Father’s action in our to be equitably shared by all. Don’t only on the level of national policies, newing and transforming the whole detrimental to migrants. lives” (Misericordiae Vultus, 3). God’s we all want a better, more decent but also in some parish communities of humanity. No one can claim to be indifferent love is meant to reach out to each and prosperous life to share with our whose traditional tranquility seems The Church stands at the side of in the face of new forms of slavery and every person. Those who wel- loved ones? to be threatened. all who work to defend each person’s imposed by criminal organizations come the Father’s embrace, for their At this moment in human history, Faced with these issues, how can right to live with dignity, first and which buy and sell men, women part, become so many other open the Church fail to be inspired by the foremost by exercising the right not and children as forced laborers in arms and embraces, enabling every example and words of Jesus Christ? person to feel loved like a child and Those who The answer of the Gospel is mercy. “at home” as part of the one human In the first place, mercy is a gift of family. God’s fatherly care extends to migrate are God the Father who is revealed in the everyone, like the care of a shepherd Son. God’s mercy gives rise to joyful for his flock, but it is particularly forced to change gratitude for the hope which opens concerned for the needs of the sheep up before us in the mystery of our who are wounded, weary or ill. Jesus some of their redemption by Christ’s blood. Mercy told us that the Father stoops to help nourishes and strengthens solidarity those overcome by physical or moral most distinctive towards others as a necessary response poverty; the more serious their condi- to God’s gracious love, “which has tion, the more powerfully is his divine characteristics been poured into our hearts through mercy revealed. the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). Each of In our time, migration is growing and, whether us is responsible for his or her neigh- worldwide. Refugees and people flee- bor: we are our brothers’ and sisters’ ing from their homes challenge indi- they like or not, keepers, wherever they live. Concern viduals and communities, and their for fostering good relationships with traditional ways of life; at times they others and the ability to overcome upset the cultural and social horizons even those who prejudice and fear are essential ingre- which they encounter. Increasingly, dients for promoting the culture of the victims of violence and poverty, welcome them are encounter, in which we are not only leaving their homelands, are exploited prepared to give, but also to receive CNA by human traffickers during their also forced from others. Hospitality, in fact, Erbil, Iraq - April 4, 2015. Yazidi refugees outside of an abandoned building, helped by Christians in Erbil, Iraq. journey towards the dream of a better grows from both giving and receiving. future. If they survive the abuses and to change. From this perspective, it is impor- to emigrate and to contribute to the construction, agriculture, fishing or hardships of the journey, they then tant to view migrants not only on development of one’s country of in other markets. How many minors have to face latent suspicions and fear. marked by great movements of mi- the basis of their status as regular origin. This process should include, are still forced to fight in militias as In the end, they frequently encounter gration, identity is not a secondary or irregular, but above all as people from the outset, the need to assist the child soldiers! How many people are a lack of clear and practical policies issue. Those who migrate are forced whose dignity is to be protected and countries which migrants and refu- victims of organ trafficking, forced regulating the acceptance of migrants to change some of their most distinc- who are capable of contributing to gees leave. This will demonstrate that begging and sexual exploitation! and providing for short or long term tive characteristics and, whether they progress and the general welfare. solidarity, cooperation, international Today’s refugees are fleeing from programmes of integration respectful like or not, even those who welcome This is especially the case when they interdependence and the equitable these aberrant crimes, and they ap- of the rights and duties of all. Today, them are also forced to change. How responsibly assume their obligations distribution of the earth’s goods are peal to the Church and the human more than in the past, the Gospel of can we experience these changes not community to ensure that, in the mercy troubles our consciences, pre- as obstacles to genuine development, outstretched hand of those who re- vents us from taking the suffering of rather as opportunities for genuine ceive them, they can see the face of others for granted, and points out way human, social and spiritual growth, a the Lord, “the Father of mercies and of responding which, grounded in the growth which respects and promotes God of all consolation” (2 Cor 1:3). theological virtues of faith, hope and those values which make us ever more Dear brothers and sisters, migrants charity, find practical expression in humane and help us to live a balanced and refugees! At the heart of the works of spiritual and corporal mercy. relationship with God, others and Gospel of mercy the encounter and In the light of these facts, I have creation? acceptance by others are intertwined chosen as the theme of the 2016 The presence of migrants and refu- with the encounter and acceptance World Day of Migrants and Refugees: gees seriously challenges the various of God himself. Welcoming others Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us. societies which accept them. Those means welcoming God in person! The Response of the Gospel of Mercy. societies are faced with new situations Do not let yourselves be robbed Migration movements are now a which could create serious hardship of the hope and joy of life born of structural reality, and our primary unless they are suitably motivated, your experience of God’s mercy, as issue must be to deal with the present managed and regulated. How can we manifested in the people you meet emergency phase by providing pro- ensure that integration will become on your journey! I entrust you to the grammes which address the causes of mutual enrichment, open up positive Virgin Mary, Mother of migrants and migration and the changes it entails, perspectives to communities, and refugees, and to Saint Joseph, who ex- including its effect on the makeup prevent the danger of discrimina- perienced the bitterness of emigration of societies and peoples. The tragic tion, racism, extreme nationalism or to Egypt. To their intercession I also CNA stories of millions of men and women xenophobia? Vatican City - September, 7, 2013: Pope Francis led a prayer vigil for peace in Syria in St. Peter’s Square commend those who invest so much daily confront the international com- Biblical revelation urges us to wel- on September 7, 2013. energy, time and resources to the munity as a result of the outbreak of come the stranger; it tells us that in pastoral and social care of migrants. unacceptable humanitarian crises in so doing, we open our doors to God, towards those who receive them, essential for more decisive efforts, To all I cordially impart my Apostolic different parts of the world. Indiffer- and that in the faces of others we gratefully respecting the material and especially in areas where migration Blessing. ence and silence lead to complicity see the face of Christ himself. Many spiritual heritage of the host country, movements begin, to eliminate those whenever we stand by as people are institutions, associations, movements obeying its laws and helping with its imbalances which lead people, indi- From the Vatican, dying of suffocation, starvation, vio- and groups, diocesan, national and needs. Migrations cannot be reduced vidually or collectively, to abandon September 12, 2015 lence and shipwreck. Whether large international organizations are ex- merely to their political and legisla- their own natural and cultural envi- Memorial of the Holy Name of Mary or small in scale, these are always periencing the wonder and joy of tive aspects, their economic implica- ronment. In any case, it is necessary to tragedies, even when a single human the feast of encounter, sharing and tions and the concrete coexistence of avert, if possible at the earliest stages, FRANCIS B2 PASTORAL CONCERNS January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 CBCP Monitor FEATURES

Holy Doors in the Year of Mercy

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

Q: Is there a period of time required when to open or launch the Holy Door in the local church or in a diocese? In our diocese the bishop has mentioned about the extraordinary Year of Mercy but has not schedule when to open or launch for the people. — M., Lanao del Norte province, Philippines

A: Our reader’s inquiry arrived on January 9 and, as it turned out, the diocesan bishop did open the Holy Door on January 13 at a noon ceremony with the assistance of many priests and faithful. I am sure this fact had been published previously, but our reader was apparently unawares. However, as the question gives the opportunity to explain the situation of the Holy Door in this jubilee, I will address it now. In the April 2015 papal bull establishing the Jubilee of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis announced the possibility of other Holy Doors besides the traditional ones in Rome: “On … the Third Sunday of Advent, [December 2015] the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Rome—that is, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran—will be opened. In the following weeks, the Holy Doors of the other Papal Basilicas will be opened. CNA On the same Sunday, I will announce that in every local church, at the cathedral—the mother church of the faithful in any particular area—or, alternatively, at the co-cathedral or another church of special significance, a Door of Mercy The Slowness of Marriage will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year. At the dis- cretion of the local ordinary, a similar door may be opened at any shrine frequented by large groups of pilgrims, since Nullity Processes visits to these holy sites are so often grace-filled moments, as people discover a path to conversion. Every Particular Church, therefore, will be directly involved in living out this Holy Year Mitis Iudex in the Philippine as an extraordinary moment of grace and spiritual renewal. Thus the Jubilee will be celebrated both in Rome and in the Particular Churches as a visible sign of the Church’s universal Setting (Part I) communion.” Later, on September 1, 2015, in a letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D. 1st instance process on hand, the appellate 3) Lack of canon lawyers to act as advocates. Promotion of the New Evangelization, which is in charge tribunal in fact does a remarkably quick Imagine civil courts without lawyers: the of organizing the Jubilee, the Pope expanded on the idea work—a few months in most cases, and in people just go there and the judges have to of opening Holy Doors in every diocese so as to offer the FRESH from presenting the new norms cases of urgency even in less than a month. instruct the cases and resolve them. That is opportunity of receiving the indulgence to as many souls as on the process for the declaration of mar- 2nd, because the NAMT is a well-oiled the situation of ecclesiastical tribunals. For possible. The Holy Father wrote: riage nullity to the CBCP Plenary Meeting machinery. Through the years, under the lack of trained personnel, the figure of the in Cebu last week, I am moved to take a tutelage of Abp. Oscar Cruz—undeniably advocate is virtually non-existent. The poor second look at the two important novelties the longest-serving judge in any tribunal in ecclesiastical judge has to do everything: cite introduced by this landmark document: (1) the Philippines—a team of well-qualified the parties and witnesses, depose them, make doing away with the automatic elevation of a judges have been doing their work, the whole the case and adjudicate it. He is like a good favorable sentence for nullity to an appellate process facilitated by a dedicated secretariat. chef: he buys the ingredients, he cooks them court, and (2) the introduction of a briefer 3rd, because the Chief Judge of NAMT is and plates the dishes (at least a great chef process in which the diocesan bishop himself fully dedicated to the task. might even have an assistant chef or at least exercises his judicial power to adjudicate a Unfortunately, this is not the situation helpers to do the food preparation). case under certain conditions. Reserving the in many of the diocesan and inter-diocesan In the few cases I have been involved in as briefer process for a future consideration, I tribunals. Advocate, I notice that if I make the pleadings would like to dwell now on the first innova- well (i.e., I lay out the case for the tribunal, tion, putting it in the Philippine context. The Slowness of the Diocesan and Inter- so that they only have to resolve it and dic- diocesan Tribunals tate sentence) the tribunals get the job done The Fundamental Pretension of Mitis The slowness of the declaration of nullity very quickly. For ecclesiastical tribunals, to Iudex (MI) of marriage occurs in the 1st instance: at the actually receive pleadings from the party con- Before going any further, let us remember diocesan or inter-diocesan tribunals. There cerned—as made by a canon lawyer—might the fundamental problem which moved the are various reasons for this, among which be the closest thing to heaven! Pope to make the present reform: are the following: a) Motive for the Reform: The zeal to 1) Lack of trained personnel. Canon Law re- The Danger of Not Having an CNA reform has been fueled by the enormous number quires that a declaration of marriage nullity be Automatic Appeal Rome, Italy - January 1, 2016. Pope Francis opens the Holy Doors of Mercy at St. Mary Major Basilica after New Year’s Day Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, of faithful who, while wishing to act according tried by a collegiate tribunal of three judges: With all the foregoing discussion, it thus the Mother of God on January 1, 2016. to their consciences, are too often separated from all clerics with at least a licentiate in canon becomes clear—at least for the Philippine the legal structures of the Church due to physical law, or at least a cleric with licentiate in canon setting—that removing the automatic appeal “With the approach of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy or moral distance; charity and mercy therefore law aided by two non-clerics knowledgeable may be a case of the proverbial barking up I would like to focus on several points which I believe require require that same Church, as a mother, to make in matrimonial law. A sole judge may also be the wrong tree, because this will not hasten attention to enable the celebration of the Holy Year to be herself closer to her children who consider them- appointed (a cleric with at least a licentiate in the process where it is really slow: at the di- for all believers a true moment of encounter with the mercy selves separated. [MI, Par.5] canon law) aided by two laypersons, of sound ocesan or inter-diocesan tribunal level. What of God. It is indeed my wish that the Jubilee be a living b) Sense of the Reform: This direction was judgment and upright moral background. is worse, by making the 1st instance affirma- experience of the closeness of the Father, whose tenderness also indicated by the votes of the majority of our Many dioceses do not even have their own tive sentence of nullity executory, given the is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be brothers in the episcopate, gathered in the recent tribunals for lack of canon lawyers (clerics or lack of personnel at that level, we might be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective. extraordinary synod, who implored more flexible otherwise). Those with tribunals, or the inter- opening the floodgates to a lot of defective “My thought first of all goes to all the faithful who, whether and accessible judicial processes. In full harmony diocesan tribunals, are simply swamped with sentences of nullity. In the past, the automatic in individual Dioceses or as pilgrims to Rome, will experience with this desire I have decided to introduce, by too many cases for their meager personnel to appeal assured that justice was served—both the grace of the Jubilee. I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence this motu proprio, provisions that favor not the handle. Thus, the time for the resolution of a as a pressure on the 1st instance tribunals to may reach each one as a genuine experience of God’s mercy, nullity of marriage but rather the speed of the case in the first instance can range from a fast do their work well for fear of having their which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father processes, along with the appropriate simplic- of 2 years to a slow of more than 5 years. Just sentences reversed by the NAMT, and as a who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin ity, so that the heart of the faithful who await before addressing the aforementioned CBCP back-up mechanism for those instances of committed. To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the clarification of their status is not long oppressed Plenary Assembly in Cebu, I was reading an a miscarriage of justice due to the lack of faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, by the darkness of doubt due to the lengthy wait e-mail of a hapless lady whose case had been trained personnel: at least the NAMT could open in every Cathedral or in the churches designated by the for a conclusion. [MI, Par.6] sleeping in a diocesan tribunal for 3 years, detect the failure and apply the opportune Diocesan Bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, In other words, the fundamental preten- despite periodic follow-up. A few years ago, remedy (by sending the case back to the 1st in- as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. Likewise, I sion was to streamline the process—making I helped a lawyer friend—a big shot in his stance tribunal with the proper orientations). dispose that the Indulgence may be obtained in the Shrines it faster and more accessible to the parties profession, but helpless before the Metropoli- Now with the automatic appeal removed, the in which the Door of Mercy is open and in the churches involved. If that is the pretension, the solu- tan Tribunal of Manila—speed up his case, integrity of the process for the declaration of which traditionally are identified as Jubilee Churches. It is tion should focus on those aspects or stages which had been languishing for 5 years. It was nullity would rest entirely on the diocesan important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to of the process which are slowest and present not the Metropolitan Tribunal’s fault either: and inter-diocesan tribunals. the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the most difficulty for the parties to give their at that time, it was still working through the With all the above, there is only one real Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary due participation in. This is a fundamental backlog of cases that had built up before the solution to the problem of the slowness and to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith requirement in problem-solving. To illustrate break-up of the monster-archdiocese that difficulty of the process for the declaration of and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in this, we can consider the problem of the hor- Metro Manila was. Now, thankfully, they marriage nullity: to train more people to man my heart for the good of the Church and of the entire world. rendously slow traffic along EDSA. To look have accomplished the super-human job and the diocesan and inter-diocesan tribunals of “Additionally, I am thinking of those for whom, for vari- for a solution, first of all we need to look for reduced processing time to almost a year (as 1st instance. Specifically: ous reasons, it will be impossible to enter the Holy Door, the bottlenecks along that long route and the CIC stipulates). More priests have to get a licentiate in particularly the sick and people who are elderly and alone, facilitate traffic in those sections. It would 2) Difficult accessibility of the tribunals. Ide- Canon Law, to form the collegiate tribunals, often confined to the home. For them it will be of great help be bordering on the hilarious to try and solve ally, the tribunals should be accessible to the or at least to head them in the case of tribunals to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of close- the slow traffic to the south by improving the faithful because the staff can accommodate with laypersons as judges. ness to the Lord who in the mystery of his Passion, death and exits to the SLEX, or the northbound traffic them (since they know enough matrimonial More laypeople need to get a specific forma- Resurrection indicates the royal road which gives meaning by widening the exits to the NLEX. law to properly orient them) or—much bet- tion in the matrimonial law and procedural to pain and loneliness. Living with faith and joyful hope ter—because the judges themselves, or at law of the Church in order to form part of this moment of trial, receiving communion or attending The National Appellate Matrimonial least the Judicial Vicar, are accessible in the ecclesiastical tribunals. I am thinking of the Holy Mass and community prayer, even through the vari- Tribunal is not the Bottleneck tribunal office. Unfortunately this is not the many retired civil lawyers or even those who ous means of communication, will be for them the means If one asks anybody who has gone through case. Most tribunals are staffed by secretaries studied law but did not pass the BAR exams of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence. My thoughts also turn the painful process of getting a declaration with very little canon law background, and and are therefore not able to practice their to those incarcerated, whose freedom is limited. The Jubilee of nullity of his/marriage, hardly anyone the judicial vicars are involved in many other profession. Rather than just be para-legals, Year has always constituted an opportunity for great amnesty, will complain that the National Appellate pastoral concerns (e.g., taking care of a par- perhaps they can be encouraged to work in which is intended to include the many people who, despite Matrimonial Tribunal (NAMT) at the CBCP ish, which is really a full-time job in itself) ecclesiastical tribunals, with proper remunera- deserving punishment, have become conscious of the injustice Headquarters in Manila took long. In fact, to be available in the tribunal office. Thus, in tion of course. With their juridic preparation, they worked and sincerely wish to re-enter society and make that is the fastest stage of the whole process many cases—like the hapless lady mentioned a short course on canon matrimonial law (e.g., their honest contribution to it. May they all be touched in a and rightly so, for several reasons: earlier—the petitioners are simply given the 3 months) plus a period of apprenticeship as tangible way by the mercy of the Father who wants to be close 1st, because the 2nd instance process nor- impression of having been left in limbo. No instructors or auditors for the instruction of to those who have the greatest need of his forgiveness. They mally consists in simply ascertaining that the wonder there are so many couples in irregular matrimonial cases should suffice. may obtain the Indulgence in the chapels of the prisons. May 1st instance process was done properly and situations: they simply could not wait for All these can be facilitated by the existing the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father considering any observations interposed by the declaration of the nullity of a previous faculties of canon law (both in Manila and Holy Doors, B4 the Defender of the Bond regarding the 1st marriage and have just opted to live together abroad) and the Canon Law Society of the instance sentence. With all the actae of the without a canonical marriage. Philippines. PASTORAL CONCERNS CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 FEATURES B3

By James H. Kroeger, M.M. these very negative attitudes were also cessions, novenas) for the traditional a deepening resentment of the Church decree of 1862 transferring the Min- transmitted to non-Muslim Filipinos. rites and festivals; many pious associa- as landlord. This background must be danao missions from the Augustinian tions of prayer and charity were formed borne in mind for a balanced under- Recollects to the newly returned Jesuits THE Roman Catholic Church in the SYSTEMATIC CHRISTIANIZA- and promoted. standing of the anticlerical reaction (they had been expelled in 1768) and Philippines is a major actor in this TION. An organized program of that developed in the latter nineteenth giving the former an equivalent num- Southeast Asian island nation as well evangelization of the Philippines was EDUCATION AND SOCIAL century among a people deeply and ber of parishes in Manila and Cavite, as within the wider Asian and Univer- begun in 1565 by the Augustinians SERVICES. These tasks were almost sincerely Catholic. which were consequently taken away sal Church. The pastoral visit of Pope who accompanied Legazpi’s expedition. exclusively the concern of the Church from the native clergy. The result was Francis in 2015 can serve as an oppor- They were followed by Franciscans during the entire period of Spanish NATIVE CLERGY. Catholicism mounting disaffection among the native tunity to review the history and current (1578), Jesuits (1581), Dominicans rule. Before the end of the sixteenth had taken permanent root in the Phil- priests thus deprived or threatened with situation of the largest local Church in (1587), and Augustinian Recollects century, Manila had three hospitals, ippines as the religion of the people by removal. Naturally, the Filipino priests Asia. Statistics in 2015 show that the (1606) from both Spain and Mexico. one for Spaniards, another for natives, the eighteenth century, if not earlier. assailed the government policy; among Philippine population has exceeded 100 Manila became a bishopric in 1579 and and a third for the Chinese. The first However, it had one serious weakness: their active leaders and spokesmen were million. The five major religious bodies an archbishopric in 1595. two were conducted by Franciscans, the retarded development of the na- Fathers Gómez, Burgos, and Zamora, and their percentage of the local popula- The Spanish system of the Patronato the third by the Dominicans. Later tive clergy. The unsatisfactory results who were executed by the government tion are: Roman Catholicism (82.9%), Real, or royal patronage of the Church (1611) the Hospitallers of Saint John of early experiments in Latin America for alleged complicity in a mutiny of Protestantism (5.2%), Islam (4.6%), in the Indies, facilitated the implemen- of God came to make hospital work had made the Spanish missionaries native garrison troops in Cavite (1872). Iglesia Filipina Independiente (2.6%), tation of an evangelization program. their special field of activity. In 1595 in the Philippines extremely cautious The deaths of these Filipino priests and Iglesia ni Cristo (2.3%). The Phil- Under this arrangement, the Spanish the Jesuits opened a grammar school for in admitting native candidates to the gave a powerful impetus to the emer- ippines is the world’s third largest local crown gave financial support and pro- Spanish boys that later developed into priesthood. Apparently, only in the gence of Filipino nationalism by sen- Church (after Brazil and Mexico). Of tection to the Church in the Philippines the University of San Ignacio and had late seventeenth century were native sitizing Filipinos to injustices by the Asia’s 120+ million Catholics over 60% while exercising a large measure of attached to it the residential college of Filipinos ordained. A proposal of Gian- Spanish colonial government. The are Filipinos. These brief, yet signifi- control over its activities. Missionaries San José, founded in 1601 and today battista Sidotti, a member of Cardinal movement began as an initiative for cant, facts invite deeper exploration of traveled to the Philippines in the king’s the San José Seminary. Charles de Tournon’s entourage, to erect colonial reforms led by Dr. José Rizal the multi-faceted Philippine Church. ships. While engaged in mission work, The year 1611 saw the beginnings a regional seminary in Manila for the (1862-1896); after Rizal’s arrest and whole of East Asia was sharply rejected execution for treason, it developed into by the crown (1712). a separatist movement. The ensuing Bishops became increasingly eager for revolution (1896-1898), which was a diocesan clergy completely under their markedly anti-friar, though usually not jurisdiction when conflicts over parish anticlerical or anti-Catholic, was cut appointments continued—conflicts short by the intervention of the United between the bishops and the religious States, which demanded cession of the orders on the one hand, and the bish- Philippines at the conclusion of the ops and the government on the other. Spanish-American War. Since very few secular priests came to the Philippines from Spain, this meant SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND ordaining large numbers of native men. STATE. The change of sovereignty Archbishop Sancho de Santa Justa y ended the Patronato system. The United Rufina of Manila (1767-1787) threat- States’ policy of Church-State separa- ened to take away their parishes from tion was extended to the Philippines, the religious who refused to submit to but interpreted in a manner much less episcopal visitation; he also ordained favorable to the Church. Thus, a system natives even when they lacked the of nonsectarian public education was necessary aptitude and training. The established that failed to take into ac- results proved disastrous, confirming count that the overwhelming majority the prevailing opinion that natives, even of Filipinos were Catholics. In addi- if admitted to the priesthood, were in- tion, there was the strong influence of capable of assuming its full responsibili- hundreds of American public-school ties. Some improvement in formation teachers, most of whom were Protes- and an increase in vocations occurred tants. They were popularly known as after the arrival of the Vincentians the Thomasites; a group of 540 arrived (1862), who took charge of diocesan in 1901 aboard the U.S.S. Thomas and seminaries. Even so, the departure of a many others followed. The professed large proportion of Spanish clergy after neutralism in religious matters of the the transfer of sovereignty from Spain to state university, founded in 1911, was

Trizia Marie Castrillo Trizia the United States (1898) left over 700 copied by other privately founded non- sectarian universities, resulting in the THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES: A Brief Historical Overview (First of a Series) BACKGROUND. The Philippine they were entitled to a stipend drawn archipelago is composed of 7,107 from either the colonial government islands and islets, of which the largest directly or from the right to tribute in are Luzon in the north and Mindanao certain territories (encomiendas) into in the south. In central Philippines which the country was initially divided. there are several medium-sized is- The encomienda system was gradu- lands known as the Visayan Islands. ally abandoned during the seventeenth Stretching from the southwestern tip century after widespread criticism of of Mindanao toward Borneo is a chain extortion and other abuses. of small islands collectively known as the Sulu Archipelago. The population On the other hand, the appointment of southwestern Mindanao and Sulu is of missionaries to a parish or mission predominantly Muslim. station was subject to the approval of There is evidence of human settle- the governor as vice-patron. In fact, it ments in the islands as early as 20,000 was Philip II himself who determined BC. The small black people, called that each missionary group should Negritos by the Spaniards, were the first have its own section of the country to arrive. Later they were driven into the for evangelization purposes. Under mountainous interior when immigrants this system the Church in turn exerted belonging to the brown-skinned Malay great influence on government policy. race reached the islands. Today one The early missionaries often sought to finds various hill tribes such as the Aetas protect the natives from the abuses of and Ifugao of Luzon and the Mansakas, the conquistadors and encomenderos; Mandayas, and Bukidnon of Mindanao; they had a vigorous leader in Fray Do- many of these peoples still practice their mingo de Salazar, OP, the first bishop traditional religions. Malay Filipinos of the Philippines. The synod that he occupy the lowlands, constitute the summoned in 1582 clarified many dif- majority of the population, and have ficult problems regarding the conquest, become Christian. They form several settlement, and administration of the

distinct groups; the Visayan, Tagalog, country in accordance with Christian Natalie Quimlat Ilokano, and Bikolano are among the ideals and principles of justice. most numerous. The Philippine Church of the six- of the Dominican University of Santo parishes vacant. undermining of religious belief among teenth century certainly took sides, and Tomás, which continues today as a the educated class. ARRIVAL OF SPANIARDS. In it was not with the rich and powerful vibrant educational center. In 1640 RELIGIOUS CLERGY. The privi- March 1521 Ferdinand Magellan ar- nor with their fellow Spaniards, but the Dominicans also took charge of the leges of the Patronato Real conferred SCHISM. One consequence of the rived in search of spices and converts with those who were oppressed and College of San Juan de Letrán, started by the Holy See on the Spanish crown revolutionary upheaval was the forma- for Charles I (Emperor Charles V); it victims of injustice. Church historian about a decade earlier by a zealous lay- were a mixed blessing; they promoted tion by Gregorio Aglipay, a Filipino was his son Prince Philip, later King Schumacher notes: “Skeptics have often man for the education of orphans. Vari- constructive collaboration between the secular priest, of a schismatic church Philip II, whose name was bestowed questioned the reality of the rapid con- ous religious communities of women Church and the colonial government, along nationalist lines, the Philippine on the islands by Villalobos in 1542. version of sixteenth-century Filipinos. established themselves in Manila in the but it also led to friction. The focus of Independent Church or Iglesia Filipina Lapulapu, a native chieftain of Cebu, If one wishes the answer, it is to be seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; difficulty was the religious parish priest Independiente (1902). Initially it drew a resisted Magellan’s claim of Spanish sov- found right here, that the Church as a frequently, they undertook the educa- and the extent to which he was subject considerable following; however, it soon ereignty, and he was mortally wounded whole took the side of the poor and the tion of girls. Among these sisterhoods, to episcopal visitation and control. The broke up into factions, some of which by Lapulapu’s spear thrust. In 1565 oppressed, whether the oppressors were that begun by Ignacia del Espírito conflict gave rise to series of crises that rapidly deserted Catholicism in doctrine Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established Spaniards or Filipino principales.” Santo, a Chinese mestiza, in 1684 and began as early as the administration of as well as in discipline. The Supreme the first permanent Spanish settlement today known as the Religious of the Bishop Salazar (1581-1594). In 1744 Court (1906-1907) also restored to the in Cebu. In 1571 Legazpi moved his MISSION METHODS. The Span- Virgin Mary (RVM), deserves special the Holy See ruled that religious parish Catholic Church much of the property headquarters to Manila, making it the ish missionaries in the Philippines mention as the first locally founded priests were subject to the jurisdiction of that had been taken over by the Aglipay- capital of the colony. By the end of the employed a variety of approaches to religious institute, specifically for in- the ordinary in all matters pertaining to ans. The largest Trinitarian faction was century, most of the lowlands were un- evangelization. The scattered clan vil- digenous women. their parish duties (in officio officiando) received into full communion by the der Spanish rule, except for some south- lages were gathered together into larger and to their religious superiors in their Protestant Episcopal Church (United ern islands which remained Muslim. communities (pueblos, cabeceras); often FINANCIAL SUPPORT. The personal conduct. States), established in the Philippines Islam had been introduced in the late this implied radical lifestyle changes and considerable funds required for the since the beginning of the century. fourteenth or early fifteenth century. It hence could only be accomplished with support of these schools, hospitals, With the advent of the revolutionary gradually exercised a strong influence difficulty and very gradually. Instruc- and charitable works came from pious era in Europe and the loss of Spain’s PROTESTANT MISSIONS. Prot- and helped develop a type of sophisti- tion was given in native languages, as donations and legacies, called obras pías; American colonies, the terms of the estant denominations sent mission cated political organization, semifeudal few Filipinos outside the Intramuros area they were often invested in the galleon problem in the Philippines changed. It personnel to the Philippines almost and predatory, in Mindanao and Sulu of Manila were ever able to read, write, trade or in large agricultural estates, became widely believed in official circles as soon as the transfer of sovereignty and initially in Manila. When the Span- or speak Spanish with any proficiency. the so-called friar lands. These opera- that the presence of the religious in the was effected. In 1901 Presbyterian, iards encountered Muslims in the Phil- In most missions primary schools tions often tainted the Church as being parishes was a political necessity, not so Baptist, Methodist, and United Breth- ippines their hostile attitudes based on supplied the new Christian communi- involved with commercialism. At the much because they were religious as be- ren groups, along with societies such Muslim-Christian encounters in Europe ties with catechists and local officials. same time, the friar lands were leased to cause they were Spaniards and could be as the Christian Missionary Alliance, (the struggle for independence from Religion was made to permeate society tenant cultivators for development and relied upon to keep the population loy- the YMCA, and the American Bible Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula) by substituting splendid liturgical and administration, an arrangement that al. This seems to have been one factor Society, formed an Evangelical Union colored their outlook and relations; paraliturgical observances (fiestas, pro- led to frequent conflicts of interest and behind the thinking related to the royal History, B4 B4 PASTORAL CONCERNS January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 CBCP Monitor STATEMENTS Eucharistic Miracles and God’s Unrelenting Mercy By Robert Z. Cortes the relics deserved. The blood- composed to honor that very Christ, another – albeit implicit step to genuine faith in the Real giving Our Lord in the Eucharist stained corporal is still in that miracle in Bolsena-Orvieto: St. – way of expressing the motive Presence. the honor and love He deserves Cathedral now, for all to see, Thomas Aquinas’s masterpiece, of our faith in the Eucharist is And to believers, Eucharistic is nowhere in proportion to the IT may be an embarrassing thing enshrined in a breathtakingly “Adoro Te, devote” (I Adore You, this: because the Church has miracles often serve as a wake-up gifts He has endowed us to serve to admit for some of us--espe- beautiful chapel whose walls are devoutly). In the second stanza, told us so. There is no contradic- call from the slumber or stupor that purpose. cially those of us who consider painted from top to bottom with the saint affirms: “Sight, touch, tion; after all, the Church is the in which we find ourselves, ac- The good news is that not ourselves “believers”--that from scenes from the striking events of taste are all deceived in their Body of Christ, and Christ is the customed as we are to seeing even our lack of faith stops God time to time, we ask ourselves, those extraordinary days. judgment of you, but hearing Church’s Head. the Host on the altars day in, from wanting to give it to us. If “Is Jesus really present in the It was with genuine awe that suffices firmly to believe. I be- To say all that is not to trivi- day out. Because of the natural anything, it only makes Him Holy Eucharist?” Perhaps the my friends and I beheld it when lieve all that the Son of God has alize Eucharistic miracles, but weakness of our senses we may more generous: the miracle of thought--not even we had the a serious doubt- To get that good fortune -would pass for of going there just a fleeting mo- close to what in pilgrim- ment; yet it does age last year. come, and not just To get that once. can only be close to what This was per- can only be haps the very same described described as challenge that a God’s con- German priest on as God’s descension his way to Rome to the hard- had, as he was cel- condescension heartedness ebrating Mass in of man makes the church of St. to the hard- one truly Christina in Bol- thankful that, sena, Italy. He was heartedness of despite our pious, we are told, sinfulness, but his faith was man makes one God contin- not irreproach- ues to have able. Joan Carroll truly thankful mercy on us Cruz, author of and reaches a classic book on out to us. But Eucharistic mira- that, despite it was also an cles, tells us that occasion to in what would our sinfulness, realize more seem a result of profoundly, his lack of faith, God continues especially af- the priest “had ter the initial barely spoken the to have mercy thrill and ex- words of Con- citement of secration when on us and the encounter blood started to had left, that seep from the reaches out my faith in consecrated Host the Holy Eu- and trickle over to us. charist cannot Dominic Barrios his hand onto the be based on a spoken; there is nothing truer rather to put them in the proper not realize it that externally we Bolsena-Orvieto is a testament altar and the corporal.” sanguinary spectacle, no matter than this Word of Truth.” perspective: they can and do in- act like non-believers. We forget to that. This is not to encour- We are told that Pope Urban how remarkable. In other words, the real mo- spire faith. In fact, these miracles to greet or visit Our Lord in the age presumption. Rather, it is IV, who was in nearby Orvieto at That statement may sound tive of our faith in the Eucharist are of as much value to those Blessed Sacrament, we fiddle to affirm that regardless of the the time, after having confirmed a wee bit ungrateful for that is simply that Christ Himself who don’t believe as to those who with our gadgets at Mass, and level of our faith, now is a good the veracity of the miracle, wonderful experience--indeed, said it: “This is my Body… This do already believe. For those who we do our genuflections so care- time to ask for an increase in had the Host and the corporal for all Eucharistic miracles in is my Blood.” Since it was the don’t believe, an encounter with lessly – if we even do them at all. this faith as a fitting response brought to the Cathedral with history. But that realization is in Catholic Church that handed a Eucharistic miracle--arresting Or even if we don’t act as badly, to God’s unrelenting goodness the pomp and dignity that keeping with a Eucharistic hymn down to us these very words of as it always is--may be a first perhaps the effort we exert to and mercy.

Holy Doors, B2 History, B3 each time they cross the thresh- of the world may impart the grace to bring its desired fruits, to coordinate their activities. A working in partnership with the continued to be largely engaged old of their cell signify for them Papal Blessing with a plenary the faithful should stop in prayer denomination of local origin societies just mentioned. in relief services and the rehabil- their passage through the Holy indulgence on two additional to fulfill the final actions asked with an evangelical orientation, By the mid-1920s, the situ- itation of Church institutions; it Door, because the mercy of God occasions, namely: at the con- for: the profession of faith, and the Iglesia ni Cristo, was founded ation was taking a turn for the also became the vehicle through is able to transform hearts, and clusion of the Opening Cel- prayer for the Holy Father and in 1914. better; some significant factors which the interests and values of is also able to transform bars ebration of the Holy Year in the his intentions. The latter should in the survival and resurgence the Church were protected and into an experience of freedom. local Churches on December 13 be at least an ‘Our Father’ — the CHURCH RESPONSE. of the Church were: the revital- furthered. “I have asked the Church in and, the second, at the end of prayer in which Jesus himself The normal life of the Catholic ization of Catholic education, this Jubilee Year to rediscover the Closing Celebration of the taught us to turn as children to Church suffered disastrously growth of Filipino diocesan and The 1945-1965 period in the richness encompassed by Jubilee in the local Churches on the Father — but it could pos- during the years following 1898; religious vocations, a more edu- the life of the local Church in the spiritual and corporal works November 13, 2016.” sibly be more. In particular, tak- in several respects it would be cated laity, Church involvement the Philippines is characterized of mercy. The experience of ing into consideration the spirit decades before a condition ap- in social questions and the labor by: quite rapid recovery from mercy, indeed, becomes visible Regarding the concession of of this Holy Year, it is suggested proximating “normalcy” would movement, and the involvement the ravages of war, greatly ex- in the witness of concrete signs indulgences the current norms that pilgrims recite the lovely again be reached. From 1898 of Catholics in national life. The panded school system at upper as Jesus himself taught us. Each state: prayer of Pope Francis for the to 1900 there were almost no celebration of the XXXIII Inter- levels, involvement of Catholics time that one of the faithful “A plenary indulgence can be Jubilee, and that they conclude resident bishops; diocesan priests national Eucharistic Congress (laity, sisters, clergy) in social personally performs one or gained only once a day. In order the time of prayer with an invo- remained in very short supply in Manila (1937) focused the action, and growing Filipiniza- more of these actions, he or she to obtain it, the faithful must, in cation to the merciful Lord Jesus and some had defected to the attention of the Christian world tion of Church structures and shall surely obtain the Jubilee addition to being in the state of (for example, ‘Merciful Jesus, I Aglipayans; seminaries were on the Philippines and deeply administration. The First Plenary Indulgence. Hence the com- grace: have the interior disposi- trust in You’).” closed in 1898 and did not re- inspired thousands of Filipino Council of the Philippines (1953) mitment to live by mercy so as tion of complete detachment The aforementioned prayer of open until 1904. From 1898 to Catholics. focused on the “preservation, to obtain the grace of complete from sin, even venial sin; have Pope Francis is as follows: 1903 the total number of friars enrichment, and propagation of and exhaustive forgiveness by sacramentally confessed their “Lord Jesus Christ, you have decreased over 75% from 1,013 SECOND WORLD WAR. Catholic life” and offered Church the power of the love of the sins; receive the Holy Eucharist taught us to be merciful like the to 246. In a word, the Church Japanese forces invaded in De- resources “to renew the social Father who excludes no one. (it is certainly better to receive heavenly Father, and have told us was in chaos. cember 1941. Allied forces un- order.” The Church became The Jubilee Indulgence is thus it while participating in Holy that whoever sees you sees Him. der General MacArthur returned involved in Catholic Action full, the fruit of the very event Mass, but for the indulgence Show us your face and we will The true beginnings of the in 1944, but severe fighting programs with farmers (FFF) which is to be celebrated and only Holy Communion is re- be saved. reorganization of the Church continued until the Japanese sur- and workers (FFW). Guidance experienced with faith, hope quired); pray for the intentions Your loving gaze freed Zac- began with the persistent efforts render in August 1945. Manuel from the hierarchy continued; and charity. of the Supreme Pontiff. chaeus and Matthew from being of Monsignor Guidi through his Roxas became president of the from 1945-1965 the CWO is- “Furthermore, the Jubilee “It is appropriate, but not enslaved by money; the adulteress negotiations with the American second independent Republic sued 39 joint pastoral letters and Indulgence can also be obtained necessary, that the sacramental and Magdalene from seeking hap- government and the Filipino of the Philippines on July 4, statements on a variety of subjects for the deceased. We are bound Confession and especially Holy piness only in created things; made clergy. Leo XIII, in his apostolic 1946. The war inflicted heavy relevant to Church and civil to them by the witness of faith Communion and the prayer for Peter weep after his betrayal, and letter Quae mari sinico (1902) re- damage; 257 priests and religious society. The Philippine bishops and charity that they have left the Pope’s intentions take place assured Paradise to the repentant organized the hierarchy, created lost their lives, and losses in sponsored a Marian Congress in us. Thus, as we remember them on the same day that the indul- thief. four new dioceses, and strongly ecclesiastical property and equip- Manila (1954) and inaugurated in the Eucharistic celebration, genced work is performed; but Let us hear, as if addressed to recommended to the Philippine ment were estimated at 250 mil- the Pontificio Collegio-Seminario thus we can, in the great mystery it is sufficient that these sacred each one of us, the words that you hierarchy the formation of a lion pesos (U.S.$ 125 million). Filippino in Rome (1961). The of the Communion of Saints, rites and prayers be carried out spoke to the Samaritan woman: native clergy. The first official Priests, brothers, sisters, and period saw renewal programs pray for them, that the merci- within several days (about 20) ‘If you knew the gift of God!’ Provincial Council of Manila dedicated Catholic women and introduced; the Christian Fam- ful Face of the Father free them before or after the indulgenced You are the visible face of the was convened in 1907 with the men exhibited great faith and ily Movement (CFM) came to of every remnant of fault and act. Prayer for the Pope’s inten- invisible Father, of the God who goals of reviving the faith of the heroism during the war; many the Philippines in the 1950s; strongly embrace them in the tions is left to the choice of the manifests his power above all by Filipinos, restoring the local suffered imprisonment. the Cursillos de Cristianidad unending beatitude.” faithful, but an ‘Our Father’ and forgiveness and mercy: Church, and inspiring in the introduced in 1963 (and the The Pope also granted wide- a ‘Hail Mary’ are suggested. One let the Church be your visible clergy a spirit of apostolic zeal. ORGANIZATION OF evangelization seminars for vari- spread faculties to priests to sacramental Confession suffices face in the world, its Lord risen PHILIPPINE BISHOPS. ous Church sectorial groups they remove the excommunication for several plenary indulgences, and glorified. Meanwhile, the severe short- The origins of what is known inspired) ignited a renewed fervor related to abortion, and granted but a separate Holy Commu- You willed that your ministers age of priests and religious was today as the Catholic Bishops’ of lay involvement in the Church. faculties to the priests associated nion and a separate prayer for would also be clothed in weakness met in part by new, non-Spanish Conference of the Philippines with the Society of St. Pius X so the Holy Father’s intentions in order that they may feel com- missionary congregations of (CBCP) can be traced back to 1965: A PIVOTAL YEAR. In that their absolutions would be are required for each plenary passion for those in ignorance and women and men from Europe, February 1945 when Apostolic mid-year, the nation observed a valid and the faithful who con- indulgence.” error: let everyone who approaches Australia, and America. For Delegate William Piani, even six-day renewal-celebration of fess with them can obtain the As well as these, the web them feel sought after, loved, and example, male missionary so- as the war was still raging, ap- the quadricentennial of evangeli- jubilee indulgence. He added page of the Pontifical Council forgiven by God. cieties that responded to the pointed John Hurley, SJ to take zation in the Philippines (1565- another concession: for the Promotion of the New Send your Spirit and consecrate pressing needs in the 1905-1941 charge of relief work and created 1965). The bishops established “The Roman Ritual states Evangelization has some specific every one of us with its anointing, period are: Irish Redemptorists the Catholic Welfare Organiza- the Mission Society of the Phil- that Diocesan Bishops, and indications for this jubilee: so that the Jubilee of Mercy may (1905), Mill Hill Missionaries tion (CWO). As the very name ippines, signifying Filipinos’ others equated to them in law, “Once they have crossed be a year of grace from the Lord, (1906), Scheut-CICM (1907), indicates, the primary purpose commitment to spread the gift of have the faculty to impart, through the Holy Door or and your Church, with renewed Sacred Heart Missionaries and of the CWO was to assist in faith they had received to other according to the prescribed Door of Mercy, or have fulfilled enthusiasm, may bring good news Divine Word Society (1908), La- alleviating the immediate suffer- lands. Two more events would formula, the Papal Blessing one of the other conditions to the poor, proclaim liberty to Salle Brothers (1911), Oblates of ing and destruction brought on prove to shape significantly the with a plenary indulgence three under which Pope Francis has captives and the oppressed, and Saint Joseph (1915), Maryknoll by the war. On July 17, 1945 experience and mission of this times a year on solemn feasts granted the Jubilee Indulgence restore sight to the blind. Missioners (1926), Columban all the bishops met in Manila local Church. The first was the of their own choice, using the (for example, for the sick, for We ask this through the interces- Missioners (1929), Society of for their first meeting after the election of Ferdinand Marcos rite specifically prepared for the imprisoned, or for anyone sion of Mary, Mother of Mercy, Saint Paul (1935), Quebec-PME Japanese Occupation; they re- as president of the Philippines; that occasion. who carries out in person a work you who live and reign with the Society (1937), and Oblates- quested that the CWO become the second was the conclusion “Pope Francis, on the occa- of mercy), in addition to the Father and the Holy Spirit for OMI (1939). Many dedicated the official organization of the of the Second Vatican Council sion of the Jubilee of Mercy, usual conditions which require ever and ever. female religious came as mission- Hierarchy of the Philippines. on December 8, 1965. (To be has granted that all the bishops a heart well-disposed for the Amen.” aries to the Philippines, often In subsequent years, the CWO continued) PASTORAL CONCERNS CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 STATEMENTS B5 ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’ (Mt 9:13) The works of mercy on the road of the Jubilee Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2016

1. MARY, the image of a Church too is the heart of God’s covenant with 3. The works of mercy can, like Moses, take off our sandals (cf. ideologies of monopolizing thought and which evangelizes because she is evan- Israel: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God’s mercy transforms human Ex 3:5), especially when the poor are technoscience, which would make God gelized God is one Lord; and you shall love the hearts; it enables us, through the ex- our brothers or sisters in Christ who are irrelevant and reduce man to raw mate- In the Bull of Indiction of the Ex- Lord your God with all your heart, and perience of a faithful love, to become suffering for their faith. rial to be exploited. This illusion can also traordinary Jubilee of Mercy, I asked that with all your soul, and with all your merciful in turn. In an ever new miracle, In the light of this love, which is be seen in the sinful structures linked to “the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year might” (Dt 6:4-5). As the Son of God, divine mercy shines forth in our lives, strong as death (cf. Song 8:6), the real a model of false development based on be lived more intensely as a privileged he is the Bridegroom who does every- inspiring each of us to love our neigh- poor are revealed as those who refuse to the idolatry of money, which leads to moment to celebrate and experience thing to win over the love of his bride, to bor and to devote ourselves to what the see themselves as such. They consider lack of concern for the fate of the poor God’s mercy” (Misericordiae Vultus, whom he is bound by an unconditional Church’s tradition calls the spiritual and themselves rich, but they are actually on the part of wealthier individuals and 17). By calling for an attentive listening love which becomes visible in the eternal corporal works of mercy. These works the poorest of the poor. This is because societies; they close their doors, refusing to the word of God and encouraging wedding feast. remind us that faith finds expression they are slaves to sin, which leads them even to see the poor. the initiative “24 Hours for the Lord”, This is the very heart of the apostolic in concrete everyday actions meant to to use wealth and power not for the For all of us, then, the season of Lent I sought to stress the primacy of prayer- kerygma, in which divine mercy holds help our neighbors in body and spirit: service of God and others, but to stifle in this Jubilee Year is a favorable time ful listening to God’s word, especially a central and fundamental place. It is by feeding, visiting, comforting and in- within their hearts the profound sense to overcome our existential alienation his prophetic word. The mercy of God “the beauty of the saving love of God structing them. On such things will we that they too are only poor beggars. The by listening to God’s word and by is a proclamation made to the world, a practicing the works of mercy. In the proclamation which each Christian is corporal works of mercy we touch the called to experience at first hand. For flesh of Christ in our brothers and sisters this reason, during the season of Lent who need to be fed, clothed, sheltered, I will send out Missionaries of Mercy visited; in the spiritual works of mercy as a concrete sign to everyone of God’s – counsel, instruction, forgiveness, closeness and forgiveness. admonishment and prayer – we touch After receiving the Good News told more directly our own sinfulness. The to her by the Archangel Gabriel, Mary, corporal and spiritual works of mercy in her Magnificat, prophetically sings must never be separated. By touching of the mercy whereby God chose her. the flesh of the crucified Jesus in the suf- The Virgin of Nazareth, betrothed to fering, sinners can receive the gift of real- Joseph, thus becomes the perfect icon izing that they too are poor and in need. of the Church which evangelizes, for she By taking this path, the “proud”, the was, and continues to be, evangelized by “powerful” and the “wealthy” spoken of the Holy Spirit, who made her virginal in the Magnificat can also be embraced womb fruitful. In the prophetic tradi- and undeservedly loved by the crucified tion, mercy is strictly related – even on Lord who died and rose for them. This the etymological level – to the maternal love alone is the answer to that yearning womb (rahamim) and to a generous, for infinite happiness and love that we faithful and compassionate goodness think we can satisfy with the idols of (hesed) shown within marriage and knowledge, power and riches. Yet the family relationships. danger always remains that by a constant refusal to open the doors of their hearts 2. God’s covenant with humanity: a to Christ who knocks on them in the history of mercy poor, the proud, rich and powerful will The mystery of divine mercy is re- end up condemning themselves and vealed in the history of the covenant plunging into the eternal abyss of soli- between God and his people Israel. tude which is Hell. The pointed words God shows himself ever rich in mercy, of Abraham apply to them and to all of ever ready to treat his people with deep us: “They have Moses and the prophets; tenderness and compassion, especially let them hear them” (Lk 16:29). Such

at those tragic moments when infidel- CNA attentive listening will best prepare us to ity ruptures the bond of the covenant, made manifest in Jesus Christ who be judged. For this reason, I expressed greater their power and wealth, the more celebrate the final victory over sin and which then needs to be ratified more died and rose from the dead” (Evangelii my hope that “the Christian people this blindness and deception can grow. It death of the Bridegroom, now risen, firmly in justice and truth. Here is a Gaudium, 36), that first proclamation may reflect on the corporal and spiritual can even reach the point of being blind who desires to purify his Betrothed in true love story, in which God plays the which “we must hear again and again works of mercy; this will be a way to re- to Lazarus begging at their doorstep (cf. expectation of his coming. role of the betrayed father and husband, in different ways, the one which we awaken our conscience, too often grown Lk 16:20-21). Lazarus, the poor man, is Let us not waste this season of Lent, so while Israel plays the unfaithful child must announce one way or another dull in the face of poverty, and to enter a figure of Christ, who through the poor favourable a time for conversion! We ask and bride. These domestic images--as in throughout the process of catechesis, at more deeply into the heart of the Gospel pleads for our conversion. As such, he this through the maternal intercession of the case of Hosea (cf. Hos 1-2)--show to every level and moment” (ibid., 164). where the poor have a special experience represents the possibility of conversion the Virgin Mary, who, encountering the what extent God wishes to bind himself Mercy “expresses God’s way of reaching of God’s mercy” (ibid., 15). For in the which God offers us and which we may greatness of God’s mercy freely bestowed to his people. out to the sinner, offering him a new poor, the flesh of Christ “becomes visible well fail to see. Such blindness is often upon her, was the first to acknowledge This love story culminates in the in- chance to look at himself, convert, and in the flesh of the tortured, the crushed, accompanied by the proud illusion of her lowliness (cf. Lk 1:48) and to call carnation of God’s Son. In Christ, the believe” (Misericordiae Vultus, 21), thus the scourged, the malnourished, and the our own omnipotence, which reflects in herself the Lord’s humble servant (cf. Father pours forth his boundless mercy restoring his relationship with him. In exiled… to be acknowledged, touched, a sinister way the diabolical “you will be Lk 1:38). even to making him “mercy incarnate” Jesus crucified, God shows his desire to and cared for by us” (ibid.). It is the like God” (Gen 3:5) which is the root (Misericordiae Vultus, 8). As a man, Je- draw near to sinners, however far they unprecedented and scandalous mystery of all sin. This illusion can likewise take From the Vatican, 4 October 2015 sus of Nazareth is a true son of Israel; he may have strayed from him. In this way of the extension in time of the suffering social and political forms, as shown by Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi embodies that perfect hearing required he hopes to soften the hardened heart of the Innocent Lamb, the burning bush the totalitarian systems of the twentieth of every Jew by the Shema, which today of his Bride. of gratuitous love. Before this love, we century, and, in our own day, by the FRANCIS Entrusting oneself to the merciful Jesus like Mary: ‘Do whatever he tells you’ (Jn 2:5) Message of his Holiness Pope Francis for the 24th World Day of the Sick 2016

DEAR Brothers and Sisters, always places human existence is not yet the time for him to is in that event for all of us! We Mary is the “comforted” Moth- and see: the blind regain their The twenty-fourth World Day in crisis and brings with it reveal himself (cf. v. 4), she says have a Mother with benevolent er who comforts her children. sight, the lame walk, lepers are of the Sick offers me an oppor- questions that dig deep. Our to the servants: “Do whatever and watchful eyes, like her Son; At Cana the distinctive fea- cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead tunity to draw particularly close first response may at times be he tells you” (v. 5). Jesus then a heart that is maternal and full tures of Jesus and his mission are raised, and the poor have the to you, dear friends who are ill, one of rebellion: Why has this performs the miracle, turning of mercy, like him; hands that are clearly seen: he comes to the good news proclaimed to them” and to those who care for you. happened to me? We can feel water into wine, a wine that im- want to help, like the hands of help of those in difficulty and (Mt 11:4-5). But love animated This year, since the Day of the desperate, thinking that all is mediately appears to be the best Jesus who broke bread for those need. Indeed, in the course of by faith makes us ask for them Sick will be solemnly celebrated lost, that things no longer have of the whole celebration. What who were hungry, touched the his messianic ministry he would something greater than physical in the Holy Land, I wish to meaning… teaching can we draw from this sick and healed them. All this heal many people of illnesses, health: we ask for peace, a seren- propose a meditation on the In these situations, faith in mystery of the wedding feast fills us with trust and opens our infirmities and evil spirits, give ity in life that comes from the Gospel account of the wed- God is on the one hand tested, of Cana for the World Day of hearts to the grace and mercy sight to the blind, make the heart and is God’s gift, the fruit ding feast of Cana (Jn 2: 1-11), yet at the same time can reveal the Sick? of Christ. Mary’s intercession lame walk, restore health and of the Holy Spirit, a gift which where Jesus performed his first all of its positive resources. Not The wedding feast of Cana is makes us experience the con- dignity to lepers, raise the dead, the Father never denies to those miracle through the interven- because faith makes illness, an image of the Church: at the solation for which the apostle and proclaim the good news to who ask him for it with trust. tion of his Mother. The theme pain, or the questions which the poor (cf. Lk7:21-22). Mary’s In the scene of Cana, in ad- chosen - Entrusting Oneself to they raise, disappear, but be- At the wedding feast of Cana, request at the wedding feast, dition to Jesus and his Mother, the Merciful Jesus like Mary: cause it offers a key by which we suggested by the Holy Spirit there are the “servants”, whom “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn can discover the deepest mean- Mary is the thoughtful woman to her maternal heart, clearly she tells: “Do whatever he tells 2:5) is quite fitting in light of ing of what we are experiencing; shows not only Jesus’ messianic you” (Jn2:5). Naturally, the the Extraordinary Jubilee of a key that helps us to see how power but also his mercy. miracle takes place as the work Mercy. The main Eucharistic illness can be the way to draw who sees a serious problem In Mary’s concern we see re- of Christ; however, he wants celebration of the Day will take nearer to Jesus who walks at flected the tenderness of God. to employ human assistance place on 11 February 2016, the our side, weighed down by the for the spouses: the wine, the This same tenderness is present in performing this miracle. liturgical memorial of Our Lady Cross. And this key is given to in the lives of all those per- He could have made the wine of Lourdes, in Nazareth itself, us by Mary, our Mother, who symbol of the joy of the feast, sons who attend the sick and appear directly in the jars. But where “the Word became flesh has known this way at first understand their needs, even he wants to rely upon human and made his dwelling among hand. has run out. the most imperceptible ones, cooperation, and so he asks the us” (Jn 1:14). In Nazareth, At the wedding feast of Cana, because they look upon them servants to fill them with water. Jesus began his salvific mission, Mary is the thoughtful woman centre there is Jesus who in his Paul blesses God: “Blessed be with eyes full of love. How How wonderful and pleasing to applying to himself the words who sees a serious problem for mercy performs a sign; around the God and Father of our many times has a mother at the God it is to be servants of oth- of the Prophet Isaiah, as we are the spouses: the wine, the sym- him are the disciples, the first Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of bedside of her sick child, or a ers! This more than anything told by the Evangelist Luke: bol of the joy of the feast, has fruits of the new community; compassion and God of all en- child caring for an elderly par- else makes us like Jesus, who “The Spirit of the Lord is upon run out. Mary recognizes the and beside Jesus and the dis- couragement, who encourages ent, or a grandchild concerned “did not come to be served but me, because he has anointed me difficulty, in some way makes ciples is Mary, the provident us in our affliction, so that we for a grandparent, placed his to serve” (Mk 10:45). These to bring glad tidings to the poor. it her own, and acts swiftly and and prayerful Mother. Mary may be able to encourage those or her prayer in the hands of unnamed people in the Gospel He has sent me to proclaim lib- discreetly. She does not simply partakes of the joy of ordinary who are in any affliction with Our Lady! For our loved ones teach us a great deal. Not only erty to captives and recovery of look on, much less spend time people and helps it to increase; the encouragement with which who suffer because of illness we do they obey, but they obey sight to the blind, to let the op- in finding fault, but rather, she she intercedes with her Son on we ourselves are encouraged ask first for their health. Jesus generously: they fill the jars pressed go free, and to proclaim turns to Jesus and presents him behalf of the spouses and all by God. For as Christ’s suffer- himself showed the presence of to the brim (cf. Jn 2:7). They a year acceptable to the Lord” with the concrete problem: the invited guests. Nor does ings overflow to us, so through the Kingdom of God specifi- trust the Mother and carry out (Lk4:18-19). “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3). Jesus refuse the request of his Christ does our encouragement cally through his healings: “Go immediately and well what Illness, above all grave illness, And when Jesus tells her that it Mother. How much hope there also overflow” (2 Cor 1:3-5). and tell John what you hear Mary, B7 B6 REFLECTIONS January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS Strong and faithful to the end 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C), Lk 4:21-30 January 31, 2016

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB genuine concern for the salvation saving “strategy” succeed. of those who have gone astray. It is this concern for the salva- They proclaim that God does not tion of sinners that brought the PROPHETS are a strange breed want the death of sinners but their very Son of God to come to earth of people. Often a torment to on mission. Even before his earthly themselves and others, they are birth, God’s Son knew that he the “critical conscience” of God’s When the would be misunderstood, ma- people and of all mankind. En- ligned, slandered, accused falsely, dowed with a unique knowledge harrowing and eventually put to death by of God’s will and plan, they evalu- crucifixion. But in spite of all those ate events and actions against the things that had “deterrents,” he went on imple- background of such knowledge, menting the Father’s plan with a and then speak out. They shout been written in brave heart. He endured the rejec- even when others prefer to keep tion mounted by his own people silent. True prophets are not after the books at Nazareth without retaliating. popularity but after faithfulness to He simply passed through their their mission. of the prophets midst, leaving them unharmed to It is their strong faith in God reflect on the gravity of the crime and in the worth of their mission about the they had committed. that keeps them going, in spite And when the harrowing things of everything. Even when others that had been written in the books give up, they persevere. Even when Messiah came of the prophets about the Messiah many seem not to understand came to pass, Jesus did not balk. their message or question the to pass, Jesus He stood at his post, even when opportuneness of raising thorny his whole body shivered and drops issues or taking a certain stance, did not balk. of perspiration turned to blood. In the authentic prophets continue the midst of that torment, Jesus their mission undeterred. He stood at was also deserted by his disciples Their loyalty makes them peo- and betrayed by the one he trusted ple of courage and hope. They his post, even most. But he did not back off. He continue to hope and dare even did not rebel. Rather, he sought though the situations and misbe- when his whole his refuge in prayer not to try “to havior they denounce appear to twist God’s arm,” but to receive be humanly “hopeless.” Genuine body shivered from Him the strength he needed prophets are always able to see to remain faithful to the end. In beyond present crises and dark and drops of his anguish, he did ask his Father clouds. They perceive and out- that--if possible--he might be line the prospect of better days, spared the coming tortures, as any provided the evildoers repent and perspiration of us who is not a masochist would return to the Lord. They believe have done. But his conclusion was: in God’s justice and proclaim it, turned “Your will, not mine, be done!” but they also exhort all to trust in And so it happened. His mercy. to blood. Jesus paid the hefty price of Although they may have to say his obedience unto death with unpleasant things about certain conversion and salvation. (See Ez unflinching heart. He thereby left individuals or groups or nations, 18:23 and 33:11) A prophet shares us a wonderful example of how we the prophets do so not out of ha- in God’s concern for them and should accomplish our mission tred or bitterness but only out of gives his/her best to make God’s with generous faithfulness.

Lent: Called to be God’s partners an opportunity to set 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C), Lk 5:1-11; February 7, 2016 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB that wandering preacher from Nazareth had experienced the same feeling during the invited Simon to lower the nets at such an theophany he witnessed in the Temple (Is our priorities right unlikely hour. 6:5). Utter terror grips an honest person at IT must have been quite a shocking expe- There was something unusual in that the prospect of what an all-holy Being can rience for seasoned fishermen like Simon young preacher--some extraordinary, or even do to a sinful creature. (Peter) and his associates to haul in that divine power. Simon was the first to sense it. But Jesus doesn’t enjoy terrifying people. He Ash Wednesday (C) immediately reassured the poor Simon who was trembling at his feet. And he did more Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 than that. The miracle he had just performed was only a beginning. It was a symbol of Beginning of the Lenten something far greater that would keep hap- pening until the end of time. That miraculous Season; February 10, 2016 catch of fish was a prophecy: Simon and his partners and their successors would share in Christ’s mission of “catching men” (see By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB Lk 5:10), i.e. rescuing them from the deadly power of the forces of evil symbolized by the sea. THERE is in each of us a potential “actor” who can That miracle, then, was not just Jesus’ way transform our lives into a show of vanity and hypoc- of expressing his gratitude to Simon for allow- risy. Though in different degrees, we all experience the ing him to preach from his boat. (See Lk 5:13.) desire for praise and approval from as many people as It was part of a well thought-out plan: the possible... plan to bring God’s salvation to mankind If this yearning is not checked on time, soon it may through the cooperation of frail and sinful turn into an insatiable craving, which will reduce us to a creatures like Simon Peter and his associates; situation of moral slavery. For a time, we may still like to people like the Pope and the Bishops; people believe that we are “free” and can do all that we like. The like you and me. sad reality, though, is that we have become “compulsive The miraculous “catch,” i.e., the salvation exhibitionists” who act to please the eyes and arouse ap- of men, goes on throughout the world, cen- plauses, but suffer painful frustration if people do not tury after century, in spite of the inadequacy seem to notice our “good deeds,” our “generosity,” our of the fishermen. It goes on because it is the “achievements”... All this shows that we no longer enjoy work of God’s power; the work of God’s love that internal freedom which is the fruit of authenticity, and trust. In spite of His omnipotence and sincerity, consistency... holiness, He does not disdain to avail Himself “Good deeds,” acts of religious piety, and ritual of our cooperation, no matter how feeble and penance are not free from the risk of hypocrisy and os- inadequate it may occasionally be. tentation. Actually, they constitute an even more subtle We are all in the saving boat of the Church. danger, for these actions are good in themselves. As such, extraordinary catch of fish. They had been And at the same time, he experienced what all We all share in the salvation wrought by they are supposed to be done in order to please God and toiling the whole night but in vain. Then, honest souls feel in the presence of the super- Christ. But we also share in the mission of not in order to elicit the applause of the people. God when the sun was already high, at a time when natural: a deep awareness of one’s sinfulness helping Jesus to save others, for, thanks to does not want that we make a show of our good deeds, no fisherman would have hoped to get even and unworthiness. Hence the plea: “Leave me, him, we, too, have become “life-savers,” under Lent, B7 small fry, that big catch had come which left Lord. I am a sinful man!” (Lk 5:8). the guidance of Simon Peter, the master of the everybody astonished! And this just because Almost eight centuries earlier, Isaiah had fleet of God’s rescue team.

Bo Sanchez Bishop Pat Alo SOULFOOD ENCOUNTERS How to climb your mountains No fear of God I’M not the athletic type. of rock climbing: It’s when you climb But actually, I felt no fear because I had One excuse: I’m an only son. It so a rock. I know my definition is a bit this thick rope tied around my torso. I GOD surely wants us to fearlessly trust in Him and face the challenges of a fast happened that my five sisters were—for difficult to understand. (I sometimes knew that whatever happened, that rope secularizing world, challenges meant to strengthen our faith as lived by taught some reason—all women. amaze myself with my brilliance.) would keep me safe. by the Son of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the heroic saints My Dad? He wasn’t also athletic. Oh Seriously, my definition of rock who followed in the divine footsteps. yes, when I was a kid, he used to ask me climbing is being insane enough to Don’t Stay Where You Are I recall the psychologist I had read about many years ago, Dr. Alexander Can- to jog with him. But his entire jogging suspend yourself 100 feet above the air Friend, God wants you to go higher. non, M.C., Ph.D., D.P.M., who wrote in his book ‘Powers That Be’ that “the route was inside his garage. He jogged with your fingernails hanging onto tiny He wants you to keep on growing, to lion takes its fierceness from your fear: walk up to him and he will run from you; around his parked car. cracks and indentions on the rock that be wiser, to be more loving, to be better, run away from him and he will run after you.” I compare this to life’s trials that But one day, I did something abso- ants can’t even crawl on—And you won- and to be even more blessed. give us strength if we turn away from fear and face them bravely, as the same lutely nuts. I went to the mountains of der why you even paid to do this lunacy. Let me ask you: What’s your moun- book suggests: ‘face a situation fearlessly and there is no situation to be faced.’ Sagada and went rock climbing. But when I was up there, I felt no tain? What do you need to conquer in Even prayer beckons the person who turns to God on his knees to surrender For those who haven’t tried it, let fear. None whatsoever. I wish I could your life? What dream does God want Encounters, B7 me give you a very technical definition be religious and say, “Because of Jesus.” Soulfood, B7 REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 5 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 Schedules for Alay Kapwa National Launching 2016 at the 3 Regions

program during the Lenten season directed to the Social Action Direc- among their vicariates and parishes. tors of the 3 hosting dioceses (Lipa, Donation collected/remitted to Maasin, and Malaybalay), while other NASSA (after dioceses have set aside general queries about the Alay Kapwa 20% of the collection for their diocesan program, AK remittances, details of the disaster response, and 48% for its so- NASSA 50 celebration and NASAGA cial action programs) will be pooled in can be directed to Sweet Cruz-Racho, NASSA’s “solidarity fund” for disaster Program Coordinator for Alay Kapwa response in dioceses in need, and for National Program of CBCP-NASSA social action advocacy work at the na- ([email protected]). tional level to prevent disasters or their impact on the communities. 25 January 2016 The Social Action Network is also asked to mark the dates of 19-23 Sept. Advocacy, Research and for the 38th National Social Action Communication Unit General Assembly (NASAGA) to be CBCP-National Secretariat for Social hosted by the Archdiocese of Palo in Action-Justice and Peace Leyte, where the culmination of NAS- SA’s 50th Anniversary will also be held. CBCP-NASSA/ Caritas Philippines This date has been agreed by the repre- 470 General Luna St., Intramuros, sentatives of the 15 Sub-region at the Manila SAN ExeCom meeting last December. Tel: +63 (2) 5274147 Details of the Alay Kapwa Launch- Fax: +63 (2) 527 4144 ing activities at the 3 regions, may be web site: nassa.org.ph Linda Noche AFTER Alay Kapwa’s 40th year celebra- in the 3 regions as follows: on Social Action Work (BOSSAW); tion last year, and its culmination with Alay Kapwa program orientation; a Year of the Poor in October, CBCP- LUZON Eucharistic celebration, and other spe- NASSA is ready again to launch its 24-26 Feb. 2016 (Wed – Fri), hosted cial activities prepared by the hosting Alay Kapwa (AK) National Lenten by the Archdiocese of Lipa, Batangas arch/dioceses. Campaign this year, as Ash Wednesday The Alay Kapwa Lenten Campaign approaches on Feb. 10. VISAYAS will include AK boxes for collection of This year, 2016, is a significant year 17-19 Feb. 2016 (Wed – Fri), hosted Lenten sacrifices, facilitator modules for for NASSA as it marks its golden an- by Diocese of Maasin, Southern Leyte reflection on Catholic social teachings niversary with the theme: “The Gains during Lent, and promotion through and Pains in the Past – our Strength and MINDANAO posters and calendars per diocese. Commitment in Journeying with God’s 23-24 Feb. 2016 (Tues - Wed) hosted These materials will also be distributed Poor.” As AK 2016 adopts this theme, by Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon among Catholic schools in Metro Ma- after launching NASSA 50’s nine- nila. While NASSA as the National month celebration with the bishops in The program at the AK Launching Secretariat will provide materials at the January, it will celebrate with the Social will include the Regional Meeting of national level, each arch/diocese are Action Network (SAN) of the 86 arch/ the Diocesan Social Action Centers independent in how they will promote

dioceses at the AK national launching (DSACs); Basic Orientation Seminar and enhance the evangelization-action Joann Fernandez

Mary, B5 Encounters, B6 they are asked to do, without feast of Cana and was turned God will foster an encounter who were canonized last May: may rediscover the joy of God’s totally to the divine will and entrust complaining, without second into the finest wine. By quietly with [Judaism and Islam] and Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil tenderness” (ibid., 24), allow the events to His loving providence. thoughts. helping those who suffer, as in with other noble religious Ghattas and Saint Mary of it to dwell in our hearts and Power that seemingly was lost is On this World Day of the illness itself, we take our daily traditions; may it open us to Jesus Crucified Baouardy, both express it in our actions! Let us restored by the overwhelming faith Sick let us ask Jesus in his cross upon our shoulders and even more fervent dialogue daughters of the Holy Land. entrust to the Virgin Mary our strategy, so to say. Like a staircase mercy, through the intercession follow the Master (cf. Lk 9:23). so that we might know and The first was a witness to meek- trials and tribulations, together we climb, one step after the other, of Mary, his Mother and ours, Even though the experience of understand one another bet- ness and unity, who bore clear with our joys and consolations. there’s a solution to every problem to grant to all of us this same suffering will always remain a ter; may it eliminate every witness to the importance of be- Let us beg her to turn her eyes prodded by our faith in God. Be- readiness to be serve those in mystery, Jesus helps us to reveal form of closed-mindedness and ing responsible for one another of mercy towards us, especially cause faith is a sign of bravery, while need, and, in particular, our its meaning. disrespect, and drive out every other, living in service to one in times of pain, and make us despair is like falling into the hands infirm brothers and sisters. At If we can learn to obey the form of violence and discrimi- another. The second, a humble worthy of beholding, today and of Satan. “All things are possible to times this service can be tir- words of Mary, who says: “Do nation’ (Misericordiae Vultus, and illiterate woman, was docile always, the merciful face of her one who believes” (Mk. 9:22). ing and burdensome, yet we whatever he tells you”, Jesus 23). Every hospital and nursing to the Holy Spirit and became Son Jesus! May this new year solidify our are certain that the Lord will will always change the water home can be a visible sign and an instrument of encounter maturity, based on trust in God surely turn our human efforts of our lives into precious wine. setting in which to promote with the Muslim world. With this prayer for all of you, which makes a person fearlessly into something divine. We too Thus this World Day of the the culture of encounter and To all those who assist the I send my Apostolic Blessing. face problems in life, while growing can be hands, arms and hearts Sick, solemnly celebrated in peace, where the experience sick and the suffering I express in the selfless love of Jesus. Matu- which help God to perform the Holy Land, will help fulfil of illness and suffering, along my confident hope that they From the Vatican, 15 September rity vis-à-vis our faith and love will his miracles, so often hidden. the hope which I expressed with professional and fraternal will draw inspiration from 2015 earnestly guide us to let go of our We too, whether healthy or in the Bull of Indiction of assistance, helps to overcome Mary, the Mother of Mercy. Memorial of Our Lady of fears and focus on perfecting a love- sick, can offer up our toil and the Extraordinary Jubilee of every limitation and division. “May the sweetness of her Sorrows union with the Creator. “There is sufferings like the water which Mercy: ‘I trust that this Jubilee For this we are set an example countenance watch over us in no fear in love. Perfect love drives filled the jars at the wedding year celebrating the mercy of by the two Religious Sisters this Holy Year, so that all of us FRANCIS away fear” (1 Jn. 4:18).

Soulfood, B6 you to reach? on a rocky ledge, all by himself, I heard quered his fears—which was the biggest leaving, he asked, “Daddy, can you give Second, ask for more than what you If your life isn’t exciting, it may my wife pray to all the saints in Heaven. mountain of all. me Php 20? There are only pay toilets need. because you’ve not been climbing Including those I never knew existed. I now realize that God will not re- there.” Didn’t you notice? My son asked for mountains. She said, “Please pray for my son, St. move your mountains. You need them. When I turned to him to say “Sure”, Php 20 but got P50. Hear this: It will be your fears that Fulgentius, St. Hegesippus, St. Ischy- Because He is using the mountain to I saw him already stuffing a P50 bill in I asked him why. He said, “My cousin will keep you from reaching the summit. rion, St. Paphnutius, St. Radegundes, make you grow. God will give you all his wallet. I left a pile of money on the Nicole is attending the workshop. She But God is your rope. No matter what St. Wenceslas…” the inspiration and wisdom and power kitchen counter—and he helped himself goes to the toilet too.” Isn’t he wise? If happens, He’ll hold you tight. Even if What was so frustrating was that I to overcome your mountains, but he’ll to it! Man, I loved it. you’re wise, you should also ask for more you slip or make mistakes in climbing couldn’t be up there beside my son. He let you do it “seemingly” alone. But I share you this little incident because blessings because you want to be gener- the mountain, He’ll never let go. He’ll had to climb all by himself. I couldn’t He’ll cheer you. He’ll guide you. He’ll of three key insights: ous. Life isn’t about you. Life is about keep you safe in His hands. pull him, push him, hold him, or carry bless you. First, God has left all that you need loving others. So ask Big! But if you think I was excited rock him. In your climb, remember that your on the kitchen counter. Third, be confident when you ask. climbing, it was nothing compared to But even if I could have done all that, God is watching you. With pride. The universe is God’s kitchen counter. Even before my son heard my “sure”, my excitement watching my 9-year old I wouldn’t have done it. Or I would have I got deeper insights when my son He has loaded it to the brim with every he already got my money from the son climb… stolen from my son the opportunity asked me for money two days ago… blessing and miracle that you need in kitchen counter. My son already as- to grow. life to reach your dreams. If you only sumed that I would meet his needs Your Mountains Make You Grow So when he finally rappelled down God Has Piled Up Your Blessings realize what’s available to you, you’d be because he was confident in my love Believe me, it was incredible just see- to the ground wearing a million dollar On The Kitchen Counter totally overwhelmed. If you need love, for him. And I believe God would love ing my son go up! smile on his face, I realized he didn’t One day, my son Bene was going to it’s there. If you need wisdom, it’s there. it too when we’re confident in His love When he was already some 50 feet up only conquer the rocky cliff. He con- an internet marketing workshop. Before If you need money, it’s there. for us.

Lent, B6 and religious observances. seeking. Through his exam- Many of the Pharisees in ple, Jesus himself teaches us Name ______the time of Jesus had become how to achieve the splendid (Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name) victims of such temptations. result of seeking only God’s CBCPMonitor Much of their religious prac- glory in all we do. It is tices were just an empty show. a matter of living in His SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address ______Jesus called those people presence every minute of ______“frauds” and “whitewashed our life and doing our duty tombs.” (See Mt 23:27.) with the clear intention of The CBCP Monitor is published Phone No.: ______Fax No.: ______E-mail: ______At the very beginning of his pleasing Him – a matter fortnightly by the CBCP Media Mode of Payment ministry, he warned his dis- of not just “doing good” Office, with editorial and busi-  Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment ciples not to commit a similar but of “becoming good,” ness offices at 470 Gen. Luna rather than just appearing (Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) error. (See Mt 6:2.5.16.) His St., Intramuros, Manila. PO Box warning is ever-valid and ap- to be such. It is a matter of 3601, 1076 MCPO plies to us, too. Jesus wants setting our priorities right ______all his disciples to be honest and acting accordingly. • Domestic and sincere, single-minded, Then will the Lenten season 1 Year Php 500.00 Signature and eager to please God, begin in the right way and 2 Years Php 900.00 rather than crave for the the Lord will show us his • Foreign: Asia praises of people. merciful countenance. (See 1 Year US$ 55.00 Lent is, for us, a unique the complete text of “Miseri- • All Other US$ 80.00 PLEASE SEND TO: opportunity to mount a cordia Vultus” [The Face of CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines campaign against any form Mercy] on pp. 269-270 of 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Telefax (632) 404-1612 of self-exaltation or praise- this volume.) Or e-mail this at [email protected] B8 ENTERTAINMENT CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Lolo Kiko Bladimer Usi THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

CBCP Monitor Vol. 20, No. 2 January 25 - February 7, 2016 KC, KCFAPI support 51st IEC

THE 51st INTERNATIONAL importance and has served EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS as a gathering of clergy, (IEC) opened last Sunday, religious, and laity all January 24, 2016 at the IEC bearing witness to the Real Pavilion, Pope John Paul Presence of Jesus in the Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City, Eucharist. Philippines with the theme: Through the years, the Christ in You, our Hope Eucharistic Congresses have of Glory and will continue brought together people until Sunday, January 31, from different countries 2016. Cebu Archbishop Jose and have typically involved Palma, in his talk at the Holy large open-air Masses, See Press Office in Rome last adoration of the Eucharist October 2015, encouraged (Blessed Sacrament), and all to pray that the Congress other devotional ceremonies should “bear fruit along held over several days. the lines of the following Congresses may both refer objectives: a) to promote to National (varies by an awareness of the central country) and International place of the Eucharist in Eucharistic Congresses. the life and mission of Representing the KCFAPI the Catholic Church; Group of Companies in the b) to help and improve International Eucharistic our understanding and Congress are the following: celebration of the liturgy; KCFAPI Vice Chairman and c) to draw attention Hilario G. Davide, Jr., to the social dimension Supreme Director Alonso of the Eucharist.” As with L. Tan, KCFAPI President the previous Congresses, Jose C. Reyes, Jr., KCFAPI representatives of the Treasurer Raoul A. different Churches and Villanueva, KCFAPI Trustee myriad of pilgrims from all Reynaldo C. Trinidad, over the world are attending. KCFAPI Trustee Anthony For his part, Luis Antonio P. Nazario, KCFAPI EVP Cardinal Tagle, in one of his Ma. Theresa G. Curia, KRDC previous homilies, focused Members of Knights of Columbus Council (#) pass through the main entrance of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) Pavilion on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. ROY LAGARDE Director Vicente V. Ortega, on one thing that needs to KCFC Vice Chairman be seriously addressed – In strong support for in 2012 with the theme: The theme on the relationship Bishops from other countries Rene V. Sarmiento, MACE “the difficulty of translating the 51st International Eucharist: Communion with between the Eucharist and and 131 Filipino Bishops Director Danilo A. Sanchez, the social dimension of Eucharistic Congress, the Christ and with one another. the missionary activity of who recently attended the KCFAPI VP Rowena M. the Eucharist into praxis”. Order of the Knights of That Congress coincided the Church. Catholic Bishops Conference Diapolit, Atty. Neil Jerome Cardinal Tagle called this Columbus in partnership with the 50th anniversary For the ongoing 51st Plenary Assembly also held J. Rapatan and Executive “practical atheism” which is with the Knights of Columbus of the inauguration of the International Eucharistic in Cebu have now joined the Secretary Annie M. Nicolas. very prevalent among many Fraternal Association of the Second Vatican Council Congress, the Catholic I.E.C. As early as October As advance preparations Filipino churchgoers. Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) and that was where Pope Bishops Conference of the 2015, 8,345 pilgrims for the International To help address this registered a total of 104 Benedict XVI announced Philippines (CBCP) earlier representing 57 nations had Eucharistic Congress, a concern, Archbishop Official Delegates who are via satellite from the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis already registered aside three-day IEC Theological Palma announced the participating in the present that the next congress (51st) will not attend the event from 5,000 volunteers and Symposium was held from creation of a committee Congress. would be held in Cebu, the in order to afford him 600 host families who have January 20 – 22, 2016. on social concerns among The KCFAPI likewise Philippines in 2016. This is more time to visit other welcomed the pilgrims. Each day of the Symposium the many committees of sponsored six of the total actually the second time that countries given that it was At the First International kicked off with two Plenary the 51st IEC to “make the 51 banners representing the International Eucharistic only last year, 2015, when Eucharistic Congress held sessions in the morning and poor believe that we who the 51 countries that have Congress has come to the the Pope was able to visit at Lille, France in June 21, these were followed by seven benefit from the Eucharist hosted the International Philippines. The 30th I.E.C. the Philippines. The Pope 1881, the original idea for (7) concurrent sessions on should manifest this in our Eucharistic Congress since was held in the Archdiocese is being represented here the Congress was merely different selected topics. concerns, especially for 1881 up to this year’s Cebu of Manila in February 1937. by the first Cardinal of local and it was met with few The daily symposium the less privileged” more edition. That was an extraordinary Myanmar Cardinal Charles adherents. However over regularly started and ended appropriately in the context The International event for the entire Far Bo as his appointed Papal the years, each succeeding with the celebration of the of the Extraordinary Jubilee Eucharistic Congress was East then. Pope Pius XI, Legate. Eucharistic Congress has Holy Eucharist. (Robert Year of Mercy. last held in Dublin, Ireland for that Congress, chose the Twenty Cardinals, 50 grown with ever-increasing T. Cruz)

Poster-Making Contest. The Knights of Columbus Pasay City Council 4267 in coordination with the Sta. Clara De Montefalco parish had an on-the-spot poster and slogan-making TURNOVER. THE Knights of Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction has turned over the 200 blankets and tarpaulins to the Membership and Program Provincial Coordinator (MPPC) of contest participated by junior and senior high school students from different schools in Northern Samar and to Bro. Oskar Monje last January 16, 2016 for distribution to the victims of Typhoon Nona – a calamity assistance from the Knights of Columbus Visayas Pasay. The activity themed “Protection of Life, Fight Abortion” was held last January 16, Jurisdiction led by State Deputy, Anthony Nazario. (VizNews) 2016 at the 4th floor of St. Matthew Hall, Sta. Clara, Pasay City.(KC News)

Death Claim Benefits. IN PHOTO are the beneficiaries of the late Bro. Antonio C. Mencias of Las Pinas City. Receiving the check in the amount of more than P1.1 M is Sis. Marcela A. Mencias (lady in white blouse) together with her daughters. The check was handed over by KCFAPI Chairman Arsenio Isidro G. Yap and witnessed by (from left) KCFAPI VP Gari M. San Sebastian, KCFAPI EVP A Christmas Carol. THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Seminarians from Daet had their Annual Christmas Carolling Ma. Theresa G. Curia, daughters of Bro. Mencias, KCFAPI Independent Trustee Atty. Rogelio V. Garcia, KCFAPI Trustee Pascual C. at the home office of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) last December 21, 2015. Carbero and KCFAPI Treasurer Raoul A. Villanueva. C2 January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 2 The Cross

Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Ma. Theresa G. Curia Chairman’s Message Curia Settings

THE INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS will be held in the Philippines The Eucharist: for the second time since its inception in 1881 in France. The first one was A place and event for gathering and transformations the 33rd Congress held in Manila from February 3-7, 1937. It was attended by ON January 16, 2016, the 51st our churches are united in prayer and have the habit of going to church a few more than one and a half million people International Congress will be held in praise, in memory and thanksgiving, in minutes before the mass starts. If we are coming from different parts of the world. Cebu. The first Congress was held in intercessions and promises. Anonymity there early, we have a chance to enter The procession alone was participated in France in 1881 and it was in 1937 during is transformed into Community. slowly and peacefully into the power by more than half a million people. the 33rd Eucharistic Congress that Indifference metamorphose into of the Encounter. We have a chance This Sunday January 24, 2016 up to the end of the month Manila became the host with the helping Intimate Sharing in one Word, and one to come to a point of quiet and rest January 31, the 51st International Congress will be held in hand of our very own Servant of God, Bread. before the Assembly starts singing and the Philippines for the second time and will be hosted by Rev. Fr. George J. Willmann. There Several transformations are promised praying. When we are relaxed, we can the Archdiocese of Cebu. The 50th Congress was last held has been no sequence as to the number to happen in our midst at the Eucharist. focus more on what will happen next more than three years ago in Dublin, Ireland from June of years before another International One transformation happens when and we can absorb more the Energy of 10-17, 2012. Eucharistic Congress is held since 1881. the unleavened bread becomes The the community. This preparation time Just exactly what is a Eucharistic Congress? Briefly, it’s a Some were held a year, 2 years, 3 years, Bread of Life for the world. A greater is also very good to gather our thoughts, gathering of Catholics, primarily members of the clergy and 5 years, 8 years, or even 14 years after transformation happens among the our mind, and heart and whatever we the religious congregations together with the faithful or lay the other. The event is held in different people who come to celebrate. People like to lift up to God. This is a good people. The main focus of the event is to bear witness to our parts of the world and engages the whole who came as strangers are called to be time to collect our week’s experiences, Lord Jesus Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. Church to reflect on the importance brothers and sisters, in the Family of our personal and family highs and It is our belief that during the consecration in the Celebration and relevance of encountering Jesus in God. Indeed, we become more and more lows, and be able to say “I’m sorry” of the Mass, the bread and wine is transformed into the body the Eucharistic celebration. The whole a Church as we gather from different and “Thank you”. So, even before the and blood of Christ. This belief is substantiated with the words Church is also challenged to deepen places and backgrounds, Sunday after Eucharist begins, our personal offering of Jesus Christ Himself when He said in the Last Suffer, “This their devotion and commitment to Sunday. People who come with their to the Lord is ready. In this way we are is my body…this is my blood.” the Greatest Sacrament and all that it own problems and agenda, with their ready to connect our personal lives to The first Eucharistic Congress originated in Lille, France stands for. own hurts and fears are invited to the life of the community and the life of and was approve by Pope Leo XIII. It was first organized by The core of the teaching of the Church partake of the banquet of the Lord’s the Risen Lord. Bishop Louis Gaston Adrien de Segur of France. Sadly, Bishop on the Eucharist is this: The Eucharist Word and Flesh and be gathered as Week after week and depending on de Segur died on June 9, 1881, twelve days before the start of is the font and summit of the Church One Body. Enmity and indifference are the season and feast, the mood of the the first Eucharistic Congress on June 21, 1881. Life. Whenever we gather around the made to reconcile as they are exposed to community changes. Depending on the This year’s International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu will Eucharist, we become the Body of the proclamation and prayer for mercy theme of the mass, or of the year, or of be participated in by tens of thousands members of the clergy Christ for our time. The Risen Lord and forgiveness. The sick, the confused, the season, or of the readings, different and the religious orders and at least a million lay people. becomes alive in the heart of the world. the sinners, the dysfunctional, and the truths about God and our realities are Members of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) coming from No wonder that from the Eucharist, broken hearted are brought to healing. communicated to us. Many times we can all over the Philippines and possibly from the United States we draw all the graces we need to be But they must encounter the Lord who almost experience a particular emotion and Canada as well, will actively participate in the different able to exist gracefully as we encounter heals. or receive a particular promise based on programs of the event. Jesus and the community. Similarly, But for such to happen and for us to the reading. Perhaps, we also feel the The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the all our daily activities, all the collective experience, we need to make ready the grace we are asking for or the grace that Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) sponsored the registration fee of efforts of the world towards justice, materials for transformation. First we is being proclaimed as becoming real in a hundred members of the K of C in the Philippines. It also unity and love are geared towards have to be there to be present physically our hearts and in our guts. sponsored six banners out of fifty one bearing the country’s making us a whole body worthy of being and psychologically, and we must be A case in point is the topic of God’s flag where the congress was held in the past. KCFAPI also able to celebrate the Eucharist. All our emotionally and spiritually hungry. Mercy, which we will surely meet often donated P50,000.00 to the procession committee wherein accomplishments attain meaning and The least we can do is to be conscious during the year, being the Jubilee Year about 300 honor guards in full regalia is expected to fullness only when they are directed that we are present before the Lord, of Mercy. At the Eucharist it is really participate in. towards the Lord at the Eucharist. even if we do not feel anything or even possible to encounter the Mercy of the Individually and collectively, the contribution of the Knights The Eucharist then becomes a place of if we feel bad. Even if we are not able Lord. Right as soon as the mass starts, of Columbus in the Philippines together with KCFAPI and all gathering and transformations. to master ourselves, at least we must we are invited to experience Mercy and its subsidiaries is quite substantial living up to its claim as a At our celebration of the Eucharist, be willing to expose ourselves to the Forgiveness as we proclaim: Lord, strong partner of the Church in all its activities. the crowds which gather around One rays of the Energy of God present in have mercy, Christ have mercy. Before May this worthy undertaking further strengthen the belief of Common Table become a Family, a the Community and in the Collective Communion we pray again: Lamb of the faithful of our Lord’s presence in the Holy the Eucharist. Body. Individuals who did not know memory of what we are celebrating. God who takes away the sins of the And may the participants be an instrument to evangelize to each other and who come together in One way to prepare ourselves is to Curia Settings, C3 those who no longer believe in our faith and Christ presence in the Eucharist. Vivat Jesus! Michael P. Cabra Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. My Brother’s Keeper President’s Message Hope and Glory The Importance of the Holy Eucharist

THE Holy Eucharist, more THE theme of the 51st the Church — People of God or retirement support. afford members of the Order. commonly known as Holy International Eucharistic and Body of Christ. Then ‘Glory’, because It is the mission of every Communion, is both a sacrament Congress is “Christ in you, our “Christ in you” indicates the insurance benefit may KC member. Right after the and a sacrifice. It is one of the hope and glory.” presence of Jesus Christ in the continue to provide not first degree exemplification seven sacraments that we should It is derived from the Letter Church which is also Church only for the basic needs but you are privileged to be part receive as often as we can. Through of St. Paul to the Colossians, for the Gentiles, and of the also for the achievement of of the Fraternal Accidental it, we gain graces from God that Chapter 1 verse 27. Its Gentiles. Thus, the Church dreams especially that of the Death Benefit (FADB) for will make us grow in faith and immediate context is from itself is present as a mission, member’s children. Statistics free. Remember to fill-out the worthy of all His blessings He so generously gives us. The verses 24 to 29. the church is itself missionary- show that most financially FADB form. Once you become Holy Eucharist is also a sacrifice because Jesus himself is The theme was chosen in mandate and event. successful people came from a member of the Order, you the sacrificial lamb offered during the Holy Mass. When order to express the nature of In line with this theme, an families with life insurance and your immediate family the priest lifts up the white host and then the chalice with the Eucharist as mystery and insured KC member is also the protection. members can enrol to the KC wine during Consecration, they are actually transformed mission. For the Philippines hope and glory of his family. This same thought is the Family Protect Series for a into the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ; thus we and in Asia, the Eucharist First is ‘Hope’, because integral part of the program lifetime insurance protection, believe that God is truly present in the altar. is a mystery to be revealed, in case any of the threats of the Knights of Columbus KC Elite Pro for retirement We, Christians, believe that we have a soul, and if we live a lived, and proclaimed. In to the continuity of income Order since the dawn of its support, and One-Time- holy life here on earth we can join God our Creator in heaven the context of the New transpired to a KC member, founding in 1882. Fr. Michael Contribution plans for short when we die. By living a Christ-centered life and by receiving Evangelization and within members of the family will McGivney once HOPED that term goals like a dream house, the sacraments, we are actually feeding our soul. Let us not the nine-year preparation for not suffer financially or at his Knights will bring GLORY a dream car, or a dream forget then to take care of our soul so that we can overcome the 500th anniversary of the least lessen their financial to their family. With this we business. death and gain eternal life. Our soul needs nourishment to coming of the Christian faith loss. Threats to the continuity can say that one is not a full- As we join and celebrate the grow, mature, and become holy. to the Philippines in 1521, the of income include premature pledged member of the Order 51st International Congress Let us recall our first Communion when we were all white theme points to the Eucharist death, disability, and old if he doesn’t have a benefit let us be reminded that like in our dress and even our shoes. We were so prepared to as the mystery or sacrament of age. Insurance benefits may certificate. Christ, let us be the hope and receive Christ then. As we grew up and became adults, we the presence of Christ Jesus be given in form of death Having a benefit certificate glory of our family and the prepared less and less, and for some, even stopped going to and of His saving mystery in claim, disability assistance, is not only for the rich or can- generations after us. Holy Mass. We became more concerned about our physical well-being and appearance, and very little time was spent to take care of our soul. After receiving the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, many became Sunday Catholics An Affair to Remember who attend mass, hardly participating in the celebration. Some receive Holy Communion regularly but without the benefit of the sacrament of penance, more commonly called OLD movies and TV shows showcase Last January 16, 2016, The for the event attended by 79 couples Confession. a woman’s traditional role as a home- Diocesan Councils of Alaminos, consisting of KC members and their Let us then go back to where we started and remember maker. A typical scenario in films is that Lingayen-Dagupan and Urdaneta in loving wives. Among the esteemed the preparations we used to do. Remember that we are the woman cooks dinner as her husband coordination with KCFAPI Central special guests invited were KCFAPI meeting God, and not just anybody, everytime we go to comes home from work with his Luzon Conquerors of Nueva Ecija, Chairman, Bro. Arsenio Isidro G. Yap; mass. Let us not be late, instead let us come before the briefcase in hand then she delightedly Aurora and Pangasinan held the event Knights of Columbus Membership and start of the mass to settle down and focus on God, our King greets him and asks him how his day “An Affair to Remember recognizing Program Consultant for Philippines and Savior. Let us actively participate and be one with the was. In these reels of classic cinema, women’s roles as Knights of Columbus and Guam, Bro. Vince Pacis; North community in offering the mass. Let us come prepared to it specifies gender roles for men and Leaders’ Partners in Generating Luzon Deputy and KCFAPI President, receive Holy Communion. Not wanting to receive Christ in women wherein the men are the strong Membership and Strengthening of the Court of Appeals Justice Jose C. Holy Communion is like going to a banquet and refusing to breadwinners of the family and women Order”. The affair was held at the City Reyes Jr. and KCFAPI Executive Vice partake of the food the host has prepared for us. Before we lovingly take care of the children and De Luxe Restaurant and Bakeshop in President, Sis Ma. Theresa G. Curia. go, receive with a grateful heart, the final blessing from the household duties. Nowadays, women Dagupan City Pangasinan. The program started with an opening priest at the end of the mass. are regularly performing duties that This event is the brainchild of Bro. prayer followed by the National No less than Bishop Soc Villegas, the President of the were traditionally assigned to males. Manuel Naldoza, Area Manager of Anthem, hosted by Bro. Manuel L. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, is enjoining They also have the amazing ability to Central Luzon Conquerors, to honor Naldoza and the Regional Diocesan each one of us “to not limit ourselves to Sunday mass but still be able to perform and constantly the supportive and understanding Coordinator of Nueva Ecija, Aurora, also to go to mass daily, to pray the rosary daily with our maintain her duties at home. I tell you, wives of Knights of Columbus and Pangasinan, Bro. Gil Dindo Berino. family at home, and to go to confession once a month.” In I do not know where and how they members. The first ever “An Affair to Bro. Naldoza then introduced Bro. addition, it would be good to visit the Blessed Sacrament as find the time and energy to juggle and Remember” was held in Harvest Hotel Armando Abalos, the Chairman of the often as we can, and to read the Bible daily. Our soul, just balance their careers and take care of in Cabanatuan City last June 20, 2015. Diocesan Councils of District Deputies like our body, needs daily nourishment to be able to live our the family. Around 200 guests were present An Affair to Remember, C3 Christian faith to the fullest. A grace-filled year to everyone! The Cross January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 2 C3 Our Service to Youth By SK Carl A. Anderson responsibility to transmit the the Order has abandoned Catholic practice of the faith to our children Scouting. Rather, we intend closer STRENGTHENING and grandchildren. alignment of our youth activities COLLABORATION with parishes In November, I said that our with the goals of each parish. will allow K of C councils to better youth need a stronger relationship To the extent that pastors wish serve young people with their parish and that parishes to provide Catholic Scouting in During the November midyear need more effective youth ministry their parish, councils are strongly State Deputies meeting, I announced programs. The Knights of Columbus encouraged to continue volunteer our new Orderwide initiative, is providentially positioned today to and financial support for Scout Building the Domestic Church further both of these goals. troops, under the guidance of their While Strengthening Our Parish. As part of the Building pastors. This change is meant to My remarks were reprinted in last the Domestic Church While strengthen the relationship between month’s Columbia and are available Strengthening Our Parish the parish and the troop. Our goal? on kofc.org. initiative, grand knights should To provide for a more robust and At the heart of this new program meet with pastors to discuss how sustainable Catholic Scouting is a commitment to strengthen the their councils can support parish- experience. Catholic identity of our families by based youth ministry activities. Where a council presently integrating our activities more fully This can incorporate Knights of sponsors a Scout troop, the grand into the sacramental and social life of Columbus youth programs such knight should meet with the pastor our parishes. In this way, we will not as the Free Throw Championship to discern whether Catholic Scouting pastor to discuss how Squires Our new approach to youth only help families, but also further and the Soccer Challenge. Youth fits into the parish’s youth ministry. activities may be better integrated evangelization is one important part the mission of the new evangelization Activity chairmen should act as If so, the grand knight should into the parish’s youth ministry. of our Building the Domestic Church and revitalize parish life. liaisons with the parish youth coordinate with troop leadership Active Squires circles may continue While Strengthening Our Parish The Knights of Columbus has ministry teams to determine how and the local Scouting council to serving boys according to current initiative. Over time, this initiative always been an organization councils can appropriately support designate the parish as the chartered practice, reporting to the council will develop a multifaceted approach dedicated to the family and to parish youth activities. organization for the troop. Once this and recruiting new members. The in support of parish life that will helping our brother Knights be To promote better integration into change has been made, the council Supreme Council will continue make the Knights of Columbus better husbands and fathers. Our parish life, the Board of Directors should continue to provide volunteer to provide support materials to the strong right arm of our parish new initiative is refocusing on this has concluded that the Knights of and financial support. these circles. However, councils church. This will also set a firm core mission. Columbus will no longer be the If a council has an active Squires are encouraged not to form new foundation for the future growth of A major aspect of the family chartered organization for Boy Scout circle, the grand knight and Squires circles, and inactive circles should strong parish-based councils. as “domestic church” is our troops. This does not mean that counselor should meet with the be disbanded. Vivat Jesus!

Curia Settings, C2

world, have mercy on the week, of the family, The Gentle Warrior us and grant us peace. If and work and even from we close our eyes during the fluctuating attacks By James B. Reuter, SJ the singing of these of our psychological songs we can almost clocks. When we kneel Part II of Chapter Two of “The Gentle Warrior” series see the hand of God before the mass, let us stretched out to us and leave behind all the CHAPTER TWO offering us God’s mercy worries and tensions ------.------and forgiveness, God’s which weigh on our The Knights of Columbus healing and compassion. shoulders. Just kneel And if we are attentive, naked before the Lord. IT was with the Alumni Association that men, and reminded him of the good Catholic it is very possible Just kneel and rest in George first met the Knights. Many of the men he had met on Wall Street — most of that God’s Mercy will the Lord and surrender Alumni belonged to Council 1000, of the the active leaders of the Knights were from spring again through ourselves to the Knights of Columbus — the only Council Ateneo families! Many of their sons would a word or phrase from Presence of the Energy in the Philippines. Many of the fathers of later enter the Society of Jesus! The first the readings, from the that moves the world. the boys he taught in class belonged to the Filipino Grand Knight, elected in 1918, was psalm, from the homily, When we are weak, we Knights. And then George remembered a Gabriel la O, a young lawyer, who took office or from the prayers of become strong. When conversation he had, seven years ago, in at the age of thirty-two. the faithful, especially we feel nada, God comes 1915, when he was about to leave his job Thirty-one Irish-American military men if we find ourselves and takes us into his in the Bank, in Brooklyn. He was already established the Knights of Columbus in needful of God’s mercy. loving arms. And the accepted in the Society of Jesus. He was the Philippines in 1905. As the faith came The Eucharist is so Eucharist can begin. saying goodbye to his old friends. to the Philippines with Magellan, in 1521, rich, so vast, and so [The author, Sis. “I went to say goodbye to a few together with conquest, so did the Knights deep that we can never Ma. Theresa G. Curia old friends. One gentleman was a Knight come to the Philippines, with the American exhaust the different is the Executive Vice of Saint Gregory, and a wealthy man. He occupation? George was impressed by their seriousness. facets and areas President of the was like an uncle, rather than a friend. I But by 1918 the Americans were moving They were thoughtful, and deeply interested where we can discover Knights of Columbus went to his business house to say goodbye. out, and the Filipinos were taking over. The in the Knights. They wanted the organization different experiences. Fraternal Association He said: ‘wait a minute, George. When you men whom George met at their meetings to grow, in numbers, and in strength. They That is why we go to of the Philippines, Inc. come back as a priest, try to be a chaplain were all closely associated with the Atone: talked about their trips to the province, to celebrate it Sunday (KCFAPI). With the of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights Angel Ansaldo, Gregorio Araneta, Jose establish new centers: San Pablo, Cebu, after Sunday, without approval of its Board of of Columbus in Brooklyn are doing a lot of Maria Delgado, Antonio Escoda, Felicisimo Cagayan de Oro, Laoag and Vigan. They fail. Added to this is Trustees, KCFAPI has good, but they would do more good if they Feria, Juan Guerrero, Julian la O, Maximo talked about an amazing priest in the north, the fact that we also paid the Registration had a chaplain who was active.’ I said: ‘I will Paterno, Claro Recto, Gregorio Singian, Isaias Edralin, who was organizing the change from day to day, of 80 delegates to this try to do that.’” Jaime de Veyra, Jose P. Bengzon, Emeterio Knights in Vigan, and in Baguio. That was even from hour to hour, Year’s IEC, donated When he met the Knights in Manila, in Barcelon. the first time that George heard the name of from being positive to P50,000.00 cash for 1922, he could not possibly be a chaplain, The Grand Knight during his first year this man — Edralin. He was a secular priest, negative or even in the procession and because he was not yet ordained. He at the Ateneo, 1922 to 1923, was Angel campaigning for the Knights of Columbus, between. We need to sponsored 6 banners was a Jesuit Scholastic in regency, still in Ansaldo. The Grand Knight during his in the North of Luzon. In 1933, Father expose ourselves to the for the procession to training for the priesthood. He would not second year, 1923 to 1924, was Felicisimo Edralin applied for entrance into the Society riches and secrets of the represent the Six be ordained until six years later, in June of Feria. The Grand Knight in his last year of of Jesus, and was accepted. He and George Eucharist. Many times Majority-owned 1928. regency at the Ateneo, 1924 to 1925, was became good friends, when George came we just need to be there; or Wholly-owned George felt very close to this group of Jaime de Veyra. back to the Philippines as a priest. (To be to detach ourselves companies of the men — not only because they were good When he met these men, at their meetings, continued on the next issue.) from the problems of KCFAPI]

An Affair to Remember, C2

Deputies of Alaminos, Lingayen- the second presentation was Bro. and Sis. Puring Naldoza, recounted is a thing of beauty to remind the responsibility to create legacies that Dagupan and Urdaneta who gave Manuel “Wel” L. Naldoza’s ‘2014 how Sis. Puring supported Bro. Wel. couples of how much they love each will take the next generation to a an inspiring message in his opening Area Manager of the Year’ speech. To most families, Sundays are their other. Sis. Tes helps out the Knights level we could only imagine,” and remarks. He thanked the guests for He thanked KC and KCFAPI officers, bonding day. To their family, Sundays of Columbus by doing her utmost asked everyone to make memories attending and proceeded with his staffs, and FCs for their continuous are KC-themed day. Sis Puring was best in her job as the Executive in exchange of gifts. Matthew 6:20- speech where he described a woman, support. Bro. Wel even shared his always present during KC Activities Vice President of the Knights of 21 “But store up for yourselves or wife as someone who is married secrets to success such as: the unified where she was in charge of entertaining Columbus Fraternal Association of treasures in heaven, where moths to a man. She is there to give endless 1st degree exemplification for the area; guests and her fellow sis. wives. Due the Philippines, Inc. She then asked and vermin do not destroy, and support and be always there when he members of his project level up team to her endless support, Bro. Wel the question as to why our Church is where thieves do not break in and and the family needs her. where in each and every member has developed the idea of involving the role called “Mother Church”. The Church steal. For where your treasure is, Bro. Abalos also stated that “A their own contribution; the annual of wives in the Knights of Columbus. is considered to be a mother to its there your heart will be also.” woman uses the example and values formation and the KC officer’s Another audio visual presentation members because it is the Bride of A plaque of recognition was inspiration of Jesus Christ to place orientation; the annual CLC Area was shown displaying pictures Christ” as stated in Ephesians 5:21- awarded by Bro. Arman Abalos to the needs of her husband above her Family Day; the Grand Knights and of the sister wives during their 33. She then gave the audience the Sis. Tes together with her Husband, own, in providing for his physical, District Deputies partnership; and younger years and some wedding assignment of discovering why our Bro. Harry Curia. emotional, and spiritual needs. lastly the support of his loving wife, photos of the brother knights and planet is called “mother earth”. She The final speaker for the event was In doing so, she glorifies God in the late Sis. Purificacion “Puring” S. sister wives which was meticulously also cited that women should be Bro. Jose C. Reyes, Jr. He thanked modeling the relationship between Naldoza. prepared by Bro. Nestor Berber. in full support of men as stated in the wives of the KC members for Christ and the Church.” He addressed Prior to the aforementioned The sudden rush of nostalgia was Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, understanding their husbands’ roles the dear ladies to “prepare themselves presentation, District Deputy of applauded, and cheered by the ‘It is not good for the man to be in the Knights of Columbus and stated to be surprised, excited, and be U03, Bro. Jose Bernabe Romero, audience. To everyone’s surprise, alone. I will make a helper suitable that Bro. Knights honor their wives inspired”, then welcomed everyone acknowledged the Bro. Knights and we were treated to a live serenade for him.’” She presented a table that through our insurance program. to the Bangus City of Dagupan. their respective ladies as well as the by Tessie Lagman-Balboa, Cora showed that women lived longer, KCFAPI was formed to show our A couple of audio-visual presentation guests present at the event. This was Bautista-Garcia and Cynthia Garcia were more religious, and more wives that we love them, by leaving were exhibited then after the speech. then followed with the Membership to top off the presentation. honest than men. She showed the a legacy long after we’re gone. He The first one was about the order report by Bro. Gil Dindo Berino After which, Sis. Ma. Theresa logo of the Knights of Columbus and hoped that the wives would continue of Knights of Columbus wherein wherein Bro. Jose C. Reyes Jr. and “Tes” G. Curia gave her message on the meaning behind each color. She to support the Knights of Columbus. members of the order talked about Bro. Arsenio Isidro G. Yap awarded the role of women in the Knights presented another slide that showed And as finale for his speech, Justice the true essence of the organization by tokens to the representatives of of Columbus. She praised the that 82% of our country’s population Reyes sang a few lines of the classic showcasing activities such as outreach Council 12528, Council 4710, audio-visual presentation about is Catholic but only 37% of them song “An affair to remember. programs, annual family days, and Council 15309, and District U03 the Knights of Columbus for it truly attend the church. And only 0.46% The program ended with the Bro. gift-giving which highlights that the for exceeding their membership captured what Knights of Columbus of Catholic men are members of the Knights giving roses, chocolates, and Knights of Columbus is more than recruitment quota last December. is all about and really enjoyed the Knights of Columbus. Sis Tes closed perfumes to their lovely wives and just a Brotherhood of men, for it is Then, Sis. Charmaine Joy N. audio visual presentation of the her presentation with the quote “All danced with each other. (Erwin for the whole family as well. Then, Humarang, the daughter of Bro. Wel pictures as well and stated that it good men and women must take John B. Mallari) C4 January 25 - February 7, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 2 The Cross New Board of Director of Mace Insurance Agency, Inc.: Bro. Teodulo C. Sandoval, REE, ChBA AS an active servant of Roman Faithful Navigator for CY 2009- of 1978 and passed the Electrical a company dealing with installation Catholic Church activities, a year 2011. Currently, he is the Luzon Engineering Board Examination of cell sites. He was the President of before Bro. Sandoval began his State Spiritual Formator since 2009. in September of 1979. He has MIT Electrical Engineering Alumni service as a KC member in 1999 he On that same year, he was a finalist completed the Chartered Business Association (MITEEAA) 2011– 2012, was a member of the Extraordinary in the Top Outstanding Knights of Administrators in August of 2010 at and was also a Member of IIEE Minister of the Holy Communion Columbus Awards (TOKCA). For CY the AIM Conference Center. Bro. Ted and National Association of Mapua (EMHC) in 1998. As he continues his 2011-2013, Bro. Ted was the State has been in the Telecommunication Alumni (NAMA) Board of Director service, Bro. Ted became the Grand Culture of Life Director of the Luzon Industry for 37 years. His first job last 2011 – 2014 and currently the Knight of Council No. 13548 in 2007 Jurisdiction. After which, he was was as an Engineering Assistant at Treasurer. In 2012, he was the and was bestowed with a Star Council cited as the Outstanding District the Plant Engineering Department Outstanding National Association of Award for CY 2007-2008. At the same Deputy and was bequeathed with of PLDT where he started last August Mapua Alumni Affiliate President and time, he was the Diocesan President Star District Award for CY 2013-2014. of 1978. Then he joined the Saudi was also bestowed with Outstanding of the Lay Minister of the Word, Since 2013, he was a District Deputy Telecom in July of 1982 as Assistant Mapua Organization (as President of Diocese of Antipolo until 2012. In the of the Luzon South Jurisdiction up to Chief in the Transmission Engineering MITEEAA). same diocese, he was also a resource present. And for CY 2015-2016, he is Department. Bro. Sandoval became the Bro. Sandoval was born in their eldest daughter Katherine speaker in Bible Study since 1999. the State Ways & Means Chairman Sales Director of AT&T in 1992 where Alitagtag, Batangas on December who is connected with Smart Bro. Ted was also the President of the for the same jurisdiction. he received an AT&T Outstanding 23, 1955. He is married to Sis. Communications. The third child Parish Pastoral Council of St. Therese Engr. Teodulo C. Sandoval Sales Award, a Country Manager of Zenaida Bautista Sandoval and they is Paul who is with Toyota and the of the Child Jesus Parish from 2008- graduated Bachelor of Science in Raychem in 1996 & Marconi Country are blessed with 4 children. Their youngest is Marigrace, a graduating 2010. In St. Francis Xavier Assembly Electrical Engineering at Mapua Manager in 1999 and presently the eldest is Jerome who is a Manager student of Communication Arts with ACN 3169, he was the Chartered Institute of Technology in March President of EXi Telecom since 2002, at Thompson Company, next is De La Salle University. KC, KCFAPI send 104 official delegates to IEC MORE than one hundred official delegates of The Eucharistic Congress is an international the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines gathering of people aimed at promoting an were attending the International Eucharistic awareness of the central place of the Eucharist Congress (IEC) in Cebu from January 24 to 31 in the life and mission of the Catholic Church. sponsored by its insurance arm, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Daily Bible Reading and Mass Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). SOME officials of KCFAPI urged the other Aside from delegates, KCFAPI has faithful to read the Bible daily and to go to sponsored banners, while selected Fourth church more often. Degree Color Corp Members from Luzon, “It would be good to visit the Blessed Visayas, and Mindanao Jurisdictions will Sacrament as often as we can, and to read be joining the procession on the 6th day. the Bible daily. Our soul, just like our body, The Visayas Jurisdiction is coordinating the needs daily nourishment to be able to live our Christian faith to the fullest. A grace-filled Luzon AMs Meeting. THE first area managers meeting for the year 2016 was held last January 7 at the KCFAPI board room attended participation of around 300 to 500 Honor by KCFAPI officials –Chairman, Arsenio Isidro G. Yap; President, Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr; Executive Vice President, Ma. Theresa G. Guards nationwide to serve during the grand year to everyone,” said Justice Jose Reyes, Curia; and Vice President for FBG, Gari M. San Sebastian. The activity aims to discuss the performance of their area last 2015 and procession on January 29 after the mass. KCFAPI President and Luzon Nort the plans and programs of the Fraternal Benefits Group this year. Meanwhile, Manila Archbishop Luis “One way to prepare ourselves is to have the Antonio Cardinal Tagle described the habit of going to Church a few minutes before upcoming 51st International Eucharistic the mass starts,” said KCFAPI Executive Congress as “Bigger than the World Cup, Vice President, Ma. Theresa G. Curia. She bigger than the Olympics.” added being early may give us the moment Tagle, a former Columbian Squire and to reflect and so our personal offering to the a scholar of the Knights of Columbus will Lord will be ready. “In this way we are ready speak on the 5th day, January 28 with the to connect our personal lives to the life of the topic, “The Eucharist and the Dialogue with community and the life of the Risen Lord.” Cultures.” (Yen Ocampo)

ANNOUNCEMENT There will be two Walk for Life events this 2016. The first one will be held on March 12, 2016 in Manila to be sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Luzon South Jurisdiction. The second one will be held on March 19, 2016 in Malolos, Bulacan to be sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Luzon North Jurisdiction.

Contact No. (02) 527-22-23 loc. 215 and 252 • KOMPASS Credit and Financing Corporation is the latest addition to the family of the KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (KCFAPI) • KOMPASS will GUIDE you in having your own car and a house and lot which you can call your home. • KOMPASS is also open to the general public.