CBCP

MARCH 16 - 29, 2020, VOL 24, NO. 6 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Several suspend Masses due to coronavirus

By Roy Lagarde

A RISING number of dioceses in the Philippines are making changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak, including a decision by to suspend Masses. The first to make the move were the bishops of Metro Manila, where majority of the confirmed cases of the COVID1-19 are recorded. In a statement, the bishops of Manila, Cubao, Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Parañaque, Antipolo, Malolos and the military ordinariate have released a unified response to the pandemic. “We will abide by the government’s directive to suspend all large gatherings from March 15 to April 14,” part of the letter, issued on March 16, read. This means, according to them, that there will be no public Masses and other religious activities within the said period, including the Holy Week. The Department of Health confirmed March 18 that COVID-19 cases in the country have jumped to 202, while A worker sprays disinfectant as a precaution against the coronavirus at the Divino Amor Church in Lipa City on March 17, 2020. JUN SANTIAGO III, CSSR fatalities increased to 17. The country has also Several other dioceses suspended in the Bishops Roberto Mallari for private prayer. They also and the internet. recorded seven recoveries including San Pablo, Legazpi, of Urdaneta from March 16 of San Jose and Dennis decided that their daily “We should encourage the so far. Bacolod, Dumaguete, to 23 “unless the situation Villarojo of Malolos also will be broadcast live on faithful to avail themselves Public Masses have also Boac and Balanga. Imus, dictates otherwise”, said ordered the cancellation of social media. of these and pray together been cancelled indefinitely Kidapawan, Mati and Jacinto Jose. public worship services in The Catholic Bishops’ in their homes as a family in the archdioceses of Tagbilaran have also shut Bishop Jose also said that their dioceses until April 14. Conference of the Philippines or in their small Christian Cebu, Davao, Jaro, Caceres, down public Masses to avert parishioners are dispensed Churches in the said (CBCP) has encouraged the communities,” said San Fernando, Lipa and the spread of the virus. from their Sunday obligation dioceses, however, will dioceses to make Masses Romulo Valles Tuguegarao. Public Masses are also on March 29. remain open to the public available on radio, television of Davao, CBCP President. Bishops to Duterte: Stick to real issues Archbishop Soc: ‘Don’t forget IT’S not as if the Philippines is lacking real issues. the poor’ amid Covid-19 spread Catholic bishops said President Rodrigo Duterte must stick to real and urgent issues instead of wasting time on “unfounded” accusations. They said that the rising cases of coronavirus and the controversies hounding the offshore gambling activities in the country alone ought to be able to keep Duterte busy. “I suggest that we go back to the real issues of the day,” said Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan and the Vice President of the Philippine bishops’ conference and March 11. He particularly urged Duterte Issues / A6 Cardinal . CBCPNEWS Catholics wear protective masks as they pray at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Parañaque City on March 11, 2020. ELMARC LIM

Trampling on women’s dignity is a sin, says bishop AS cases of coronavirus continue to Lingayen-Dagupan said the poor rise in the Philippines, a Catholic deserve protection for they barely EXPLOITING women various forms of archbishop said the poor must not have access to basic services, they or treating them like discrimination as be forgotten in the rush to address are the “most vulnerable”. objects is “a direct among those that the health concerns. “They who have less in life must offense against violate the “intrinsic Archbishop of Spread / A6 God,” an official of being” of women. the Catholic Bishops’ “Every woman is Conference of the entitled to the respect Kalookan diocese offers churches Philippines said. of every man and other Saying that God women; no woman as ‘field hospitals’ made man and woman should ever be treated according to his own as a mere object for A CATHOLIC diocese in Metro “If we need to open our Churches, image and likeness, another person’s Manila has offered its churches chapels, and schools and turn them Bishop Crispin satisfaction,” Bishop and schools as temporary ‘field into temporary field hospitals for Varquez said that Varquez said. hospitals’ for coronavirus patients the sick, we should do so in the every offense against The , who if the need arises. name of Christian compassion and the dignity of women heads the CBCP Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of charity,” David said in a statement is a sin. Office on Women, Kalookan said the diocese is willing released March 14. He cited made the statement to open its facilities in the event “Let us make ourselves ready prostitution, sexual in his message for the Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, Chairman of the CBCP Commission on Women. that public health facilities become to volunteer and mobilize other abuse, violence and Dignity / A6 ALREN BERONIO/ESTE NEWS insufficient. Hospitals / A6 A2 WORLD NEWS March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Washington DC homeless shelter serves the poor despite coronavirus fears At Mass, offers special prayers for prisoners dedicated his third livestreamed morning WASHINGTON D.C.— As Mass to prisoners suffering because Italian government the Coronavirus (COVID-19) measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus have spreads in the U.S., one included the suspension of visits by family and friends. Catholic organization is “We continue to pray for the sick of this epidemic,” the trying to protect a population pope said before reciting the opening antiphon of Mass that is particularly vulnerable March 11. “Today, in a special way,” he said, “I want to to the spread of contagious pray for prisoners, for our brothers and sisters locked illnesses—the city’s homeless. up in prison. They suffer, and we must be close to them “One of the repercussions with our prayer that the Lord would help them, console of being homeless is that them in this difficult moment.” (Cindy Wooden/CNS) those sorts of hygiene habits kind of go by the wayside,” Peruvian cardinal says Sodalitium should be ‘dissolved’ said Kim Cox, president of Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto Jimeno of Huancayo the Father McKenna Center said he believes Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and any in Washington, D.C. which other religious movement mired in sexual abuse should ministers to homeless men be dissolved. In an interview with Peruvian radio station in the area. Radio Santa Rosa March 9, Cardinal Barreto said She noted that the center, which emphasizes that while “there are good people in Sodalitium,” the Clients and volunteers at the Fr. McKenna Center in Washington, D.C. THE FATHER MCKENNA CENTER cases of sexual and physical abuse, as well as financial community among the irregularities, cannot be ignored. “Personally, I think that men who visit, also stresses take control of their lives. spread of the virus. Lacking centered mission. when a religious organization has committed a crime, personal hygiene - including “Our real devotion is to shelter and exposed to the “One of the things that, because it has to be said that way—from the point of view good hand-washing practices help these guys get convinced elements, many have poor I think, sets a faith-based of sexual abuse and the economic side where there are - as part of a lifestyle as that they deserve a better life, hygiene because of lack of organization apart from a also problems—it has to be dissolved,” he said. (Junno conducive as possible to good and that there’s a way to get access to soap and facilities secular organization that Arocho Esteves/CNS) health. to it,” Cox told CNA. like showers. serves the same population “They need to stay healthy,” Making matters more The Father McKenna is that we genuinely believe Pandemic a time of understanding value of brotherhood, Cox said, emphasizing the complex for the center is the center has already taken these guys are redeemable,” cardinal says need for the homeless to threat of the Coronavirus precautions to prevent the Cox said. While the coronavirus pandemic gripping the world avoid habits like drinking (COVID-19). The global spread of the virus, Cox told “That is, we believe that highlights the frailty of human life, it is also an opportunity and drug use that could outbreak has resulted in CNA, mandating the use they can change. We believe for people to unite in solidarity, a Vatican official said. compromise their immune more than 113,000 confirmed of hand sanitizer for staff that they can make decisions “For each person, believer or nonbeliever, this is a good systems. “We can only just cases and more than 4,000 and homeless clients. Staff to change their lives to be time to understand the value of brotherhood, of being remind them of appropriate deaths, according to the have been trained to look better.” linked to one another in an indissoluble way,” Cardinal behavior and encourage them World Health Organization. for signs of Coronavirus in The organization’s mission, , prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting to take it on,” she said. According to the U.S. the homeless patrons, and Cox said, flows from the Integral Human Development, said in a statement The Father McKenna Centers for Disease Control, to send them to a nearby belief that man is made “in March 11. It is “a time in which, in the horizon of faith, Center is a day shelter for the contagious virus has health clinic for testing if the image and likeness of the value of solidarity which springs from the love that is homeless men just north of reached the U.S., with 647 they appear to have been God.” sacrificed for others, helps us to see the ‘other’—person, the U.S. Capitol grounds in confirmed or presumptive infected. “I think that’s very, very people, or nation—not as just as an instrument, but as Washington, D.C. positive cases and 25 deaths Despite the extra Catholic, that whole sense of our ‘counterpart,’ a ‘helper,’ made to share with us in the The center is named for in 36 jurisdictions—including precautions, the men still redemption and possibility banquet of life to which all people are equally invited by Father Horace B. McKenna, Washington, D.C. Most of eventually leave for the of growing closer to who God God,” he wrote. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS) SJ, who served for years in the confirmed cases are in streets, running added risks made us to be,” Cox said. “We Washington, D.C., and was the states of Washington, of exposure to the virus. recognize that these guys Pope entrusts world threatened by coronavirus pandemic recognized as the “priest to California, and New York. The center tries to equip are broken in mind, body, to Mary the poor” in the city. It offers The Washington homeless them as well as possible with and spirit. And while we do Pope Francis entrusted to Jesus’ mother the suffering meals, case management, population, already knowledge of hygiene and a not proselytize, God is very and anguish of millions of people affected by the and programs to help those vulnerable to illnesses like healthy lifestyle, and to serve present in our presentation.” coronavirus pandemic. In a video message broadcast who are homeless begin to the flu, are at risk from the the homeless through a God- (Matt Hadro / CNA) March 11, the pope prayed before a portrait of Our Lady of Divine Love, beseeching her to “not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial” but to “deliver Chinese campaigns to control Christianity worsened us from every danger.” “We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ in 2019, watchdog says pain, keeping your faith firm,” the pope prayed. “You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, BEIJING, China— The have a ratings and review $28,600 was offered to It was the starting point for and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Chinese government’s system which deducts priests who joined. the campaign to demolish Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this campaign to develop points for non-compliant The Church in mainland crosses. time of trial.” (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS) “religion with Chinese churches. If churches refuse China has been divided for An appendix to the report characteristics” has to address violations or some 60 years between the summarizes instances Christ’s Gospel can satisfy hunger, thirst for justice, pope says increased persecution of score under 50 points for underground Church, which of persecution in which Amid a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus the country’s Christians, two consecutive years, they is persecuted and whose individuals are harassed, epidemic, Pope Francis soldiered on with his weekly the human rights watchdog can lose their registration episcopal appointments detained, or prosecuted. Some general audience and called on people to not forget ChinaAid has said. as official religious sites. are frequently not congregations are declared those who suffer from war and violence. During a live A 53-page report released Christian churches that acknowledged by Chinese illegal and forced to shut broadcast from the library of the Apostolic Palace Feb. 28 by the Texas-based bear religious logos or bear authorities, and the down, and forced demolition March 11, the pope said he did not want “this sorrow, NGO accuses Chinese officials crosses can lose five points, Chinese Patriotic Catholic of crosses or churches. this epidemic, to make us forget the poor Syrians who of destroying churches, as can churches that do not Association, a government- ChinaAid was founded in are suffering on the border of Greece and Turkey.” The imposing strict regulations fly the national flag. sanctioned organization. 2002 as a human rights and Syrian refugees are “people who have suffered for years, on religion, and encouraging By contrast, active In September 2018 religious freedom advocacy fleeing war, hunger and sickness,” the pope said. “Let both non-religious people reporting of illegal religious the Vatican and China group in response to the us not forget our brothers and sisters, so many children and officially recognized activity to authorities will reached an agreement on announcement of a death suffering there.” (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS) churches to inform on illegal earn a church five points. the ordination of bishops sentence for five Chinese house churches. Automatic vetoes drop intended to normalize house church leaders. Pope Francis: Humanity needs Christ’s justice Government policies a church to zero points, the situation of China’s A focus of the ChinaAid Pope Francis said March 11 Catholics must spread “encourage reports of illegal for instance if it disobeys Catholics and unify the report is the Chinese the Gospel to a world which hungers and thirsts for religious activities, mainly the government, organizes underground Church and government’s new campaign the justice of Jesus Christ. Speaking via livestream, targeting house churches,” protests, contacts overseas the CPCA. to “Sinicize” Christianity. the pope said 11 that in the heart of every person, “even it said. members, contacts religious According to some “Throughout the year, the most corrupt and far from good person,” there is “Encouraging snitching is group members whom the reports, the government’s ChinaAid observed escalated “always the thirst for truth and good, which is the thirst a common method applied government considers a persecution of the instances of religious for God.” “This is why the Church is sent to announce by the Chinese Communist “cult,” or running Sunday underground Church oppression, driven by the to everyone the Word of God, steeped with the Holy Party to reinforce its rule,” schools or summer camps. A has intensified after the government’s campaign Spirit,” he stated. “Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ said ChinaAid. “Authorities computerized management agreement was signed. to develop ‘religion with is the greatest justice which can be offered to the heart used money incentives to and compliance model is Critics of the agreement Chinese characteristics’,” of humanity, which has a vital need for it, even if it does motivate non-believers active at some religious include Cardinal the NGO said. not realize it.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) to report house churches’ sites. Ze-kiun, Bishop Emeritus of Crosses and church so-called ‘illegal religious In March 2019, all the Hong Kong. buildings have been Pope accepts resignation of Cardinal Barbarin activities’, attempting to Catholic priests who had not The treatment of Chinese destroyed, and resisters as Archbishop of Lyon produce conflicts and tension joined the Chinese Patriotic Christians can vary by are arrested. Christians are The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has between non-Christians and Catholic Association in the province and locality. forced to sing nationalistic accepted the resignation of Cardinal Christians and increase the Diocese of Mindong were According to ChinaAid, songs as part of their worship as archbishop of Lyon after his recent acquittal at the mistrust between the two ordered to join or leave Zhejiang province has been services and face social conclusion of his appeal of a 2019 conviction of failing people groups.” their churches. A monetary “the most aggressive” in disabilities, harassment, to report abuse. Jan. 30 the French cardinal was Some regions of China reward equal to about suppressing Christianity. and imprisonment. (CNA) acquitted of last March’s conviction of failing to report the sexual abuse of a minor by a diocesan priest. He Polish archbishop: Not praying in churches during coronavirus outbreak ‘unthinkable’ had received a six-month suspended prison sentence. Barbarin, 69, had submitted his letter of resignation to POZNAN, Poland— The president of unthinkable that we do not pray in our personnel and all services that work to Pope Francis after his initial conviction in March 2019, the Polish bishops’ conference has churches,” he reflected. stop the spread of the virus,” and “for but it was not accepted, pending his appeal. The Vatican asked for an increase in the number of According to the World Health the epidemic to end.” stated at the time that Pope Francis preferred to leave Sunday Masses said in the country so Organization, there are 11 confirmed Archbishop Gądecki especially “Cardinal Barbarin free to make the best decision for that more people can attend safely amid cases of coronavirus in Poland, and zero encouraged, “in accordance with the the diocese.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) the coronavirus outbreak. deaths. The country has imported cases tradition of the Church”, praying “In connection with the only; that is, all cases have been acquired the Trisagion, from the Adoration Pope’s message to youth: Don’t let your cell phone distract recommendations of the Chief outside its territory. of the Cross during the Mass of the you from reality Sanitary Inspector that there should Worldwide, there are 109,577 Presanctified on Good Friday. Pope Francis is asking youth to wake up from the be no large gatherings of people, I ask confirmed cases, and 3,809 deaths. Many Churches around the world deadening static of staring at a cell phone to encounter to increase—as far as possible—the Archbishop Gądecki recalled that in have issued precautionary guidelines Christ in their neighbor. “Today, we are often ‘connected’ number of Sunday Masses in churches these circumstances, the elderly and sick for Masses, or cancelled public Masses but not communicating. The indiscriminate use of so that a number of believers can have no obligation to attend Mass, and entirely, because of the coronavirus electronic devices can keep us constantly glued to the attend the liturgy … according to the added that “there is no requirement to outbreak which originated in China late screen,” Pope Francis said in his message to young guidelines of the sanitary services,” exchange the sign of peace by shaking last year. people published March 5. “When I look at things, do Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki of hands during Holy Mass.” The new strain of coronavirus causes a I look carefully, or is it more like when I quickly scroll Poznań wrote in a statement sent He asked for prayers for those who respiratory disease, COVID-19, and has through the thousands of photos or social profiles on my March 10 to CNA. have died as a result of coronavirus, a fatality rate of roughly 3%. The vast cell phone?” Francis asked. (Courtney Mares/CNA) Because among a church’s function adding: “Let us pray for the health of majority of cases and deaths have been is to cure spiritual disease, “it is the sick and for the physicians, medical in China. (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 NEWS FEATURES A3 ‘Kindness stations’ Pope Francis makes walking prayer proposed for poor Filipino communities pilgrimage for coronavirus pandemic affected by coronavirus

Homeless people get free meals at the St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation in Manila’s Tayuman district on March 14, 2020. Kalinga stands for “kain, ligo ng ayos” (eat, bathe properly), an outreach program of the Society of the Divine Word for the homeless. ROY LAGARDE

THE social action arm of the services “will worsen the Philippines’ Catholic bishops’ plight of millions of Filipinos conference has urged already suffering from dioceses across the country poverty and hunger.” to set up “kindness stations” in poor communities affected Church leaders divided on by the coronavirus outbreak. lockdown Pope Francis makes a pilgrimage along the empty streets of , visiting Our Lady and a miraculous Crucifix to pray for an end to the Covid-19 coronavirus on Sunday The government has Bishop Broderick Pabillo, afternoon, March 15, 2020. VATICAN MEDIA placed the entire island of apostolic administrator of Luzon, home to over 57 the Archdiocese of Manila, ROME— Pope Francis on Sunday took pray before a statue of St. Joseph. another, unspecified time. million people, on “enhanced said the public should give a brief walking pilgrimage in the city Pope Francis “implored healing for Rome, like all of , is currently community quarantine” authorities “the benefit of the of Rome, and prayed for an end to the the many sick, remembered the many under lockdown, with people required starting March 16 in a bid doubt” and let them work on coronavirus pandemic during a surprise victims of these days, and asked that to stay home except for strict cases of to contain the spread of the addressing the threat of the visit to both the Basilica of St. Mary their family and friends find consolation necessity. All non-essential businesses coronavirus. pandemic. Major and a cross that traversed Rome and comfort,” a Vatican statement said. are also closed. Under the order, The prelate, however, during a 16th century plague. The pope also prayed for healthcare The action by the pope was not in strict quarantine for all called on the Philippine According to the Vatican, the pope workers, doctors, nurses, and those any way intended to be against the households is implemented, government to “give subsidy went to the basilica to visit the icon of working to keep society functioning decrees of the Italian government, Lops transportation is suspended, to the poor and the people Salus Populi Romani, Mary Protection of while many are under forced or voluntary explained, but was meant as a sign of and provision for food and who depend on their daily the Roman People, to invoke her prayers quarantine. encouragement to Romans. It was “also “essential health services” are work.” against the coronavirus pandemic The Byzantine icon of Salus Populi risky in a certain sense for his health, regulated. Bishop Roberto Mallari affecting Italy and the world. Romani was also processed through because he is old,” Lops added. Father Edwin Gariguez, of San Jose said his diocese A priest of the vicariate of Rome, Rome by Pope Gregory I in 593 for an Lops has been assigned to serve at the executive secretary of the in the northern Philippines Fr. Elio Lops, told CNA Pope Francis end to the plague known as the Black Basilica of St. Mary Major during the social action secretariat of “will comply” with the was accompanied during his visit by Death. coronavirus lockdown in Italy. the bishops’ conference, said government decision to the Archpriest of the basilica, Cardinal The icon has been revered by the Though public Masses have been community-based efforts limit the movement of the Stanislaw Rylko. people of Rome for centuries and is suspended throughout the diocese, have to be done because the population “for the good of Lops, who was present, said the pope considered a symbol of the city and its the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major operations of humanitarian our people.” prayed silently before the icon for about people. remains open for prayer, confessions, organizations are paralyzed Father Warren Puno of 20 minutes and also stopped briefly at According to Lops, Pope Francis and communion for any Catholics who due to the lockdown. the Diocese of Lucena has the chapel of the crucifix. wanted to make the visit to encourage may request it, Fr. Lops said. “We need to de-centralize expressed worry on how local From the papal basilica, the pope Italians during the quarantine conditions He said the vicariate does not the giving of assistance,” governments will be able walked about half a mile on foot to the across Italy. encourage people to break the Father Gariguez said. “We to feed the people if a strict Church of San Marcello al Corso to pray “It was all a surprise,” Lops said, government’s decree to stay at home, need to mobilize communities lockdown will be imposed. before a miraculous crucifix, which was adding that Francis had wanted to go but if people pass by while out for a to help the most needy and “Is there really a once carried in procession through the to the Basilica of St. Mary Major on permitted reason, such as going to the vulnerable members,” he comprehensive plan before streets of Rome during the plague of 1522. March 13, the seventh anniversary of pharmacy, they may stop by for personal said. they decided to impose this?” According to the church’s rector, Fr. his pontificate, but being unable to, had prayer or to receive the sacraments. “Kindness through asked the priest. Enrico Casini, Francis also stopped to told Cardinal Rylko he would come at (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) community solidarity must “There are many poor be promoted, more than Filipinos who rely on the usual centralized aid their daily wages. Can the assistance,” he added. government provide for all In Italy, at least 10 priests are dead of coronavirus, Father Gariguez said fund- of them?” he said. raising can be done at the Father Puno said he is and 1 bishop is recovering community level so that not against any move to village leaders can have the combat the spread of the ROME— At least ten priests he remains in quarantine, capacity to respond to the disease “but we need to have died in Italy after and he will be tested again for need of the people. prove to the public that contracting COVID-19. More the coronavirus in 14 days, The National Council of we can provide their basic than half of them were from according to a statement Churches in the Philippines needs and that they will not the Diocese of Bergamo, a from his diocese. warned of a “humanitarian die of hunger.” town outside of Milan in Napolioni is the second crisis” in the wake of the Redemptorist priest Oliver Lombardy. bishop to recover after “enhanced community Castor said the lockdown “was The bishop of Bergamo, the contracting COVID-19. The quarantine.” too late.” He said the country Italian diocese hardest hit 98-year-old bishop emeritus Bishop Reuel Norman O. should have implemented by the coronavirus outbreak, of Nanyang China, Bishop Marigza, general secretary a strict ban on all incoming said Monday that the 20 Joseph Zhu Baoyu, recovered of the Protestant council, flights to Manila as soon as priests in his diocese who on February 14 after being expressed grave concern for the outbreak started. have been hospitalized after treated at a local hospital, workers and for the poor. He said the Filipino people contracting coronavirus according to Asia News. “Unless the poor are is now suffering because have shown considerable The Diocese of Angers, considered and provided of the “inability” of the improvement and six others France reported March with economic relief and government to handle the have died. 16 that Bishop Emmanuel unless medical services situation one step ahead. “The number of priests Delmas of Angers tested are enhanced and made “A strategic approach who have died this week positive for COVID-19 after accessible for them, the to address COVID-19 is and that of those who are visiting the Vatican last St. Peter’s Square guarded by the Italian national police force. MASSIMILIANO VALENTÍ/ community quarantine will needed,” said Father Amado still in a particularly serious CNA week. The diocese said that defeat itself,” he said. Picardal. situation is very high,” the bishop’s symptoms are “This will just lead us to He said the recent Bishop Francesco Beschi of had run out of space, so A priest from the Diocese mild and “his condition is further humanitarian crisis,” deployment of security forces Bergamo said in an Italian the town had opened the of Cremona died March 14 currently not of concern.” said the bishop. to close every border and to radio interview March 16. cemetery and church for the of COVID-19. Monsignor The Bishop of Bergamo said President Rodrigo limit the movement of the “We are living this pain bodies awaiting burial. Vincenzo Rini ran Cremona’s that he has been encouraged Duterte announced the people is “inadequate and by sharing it with that of “We are experiencing diocesan newspaper for 30 that some priests infected implementation of the only contributes to the spread our communities together something that goes well years, and was at one time with COVID-19 in his diocese enhanced community of the virus.” with the number of infected beyond the normal ups and the president of the Italian have been released from the quarantine on March 16, “A community quarantine people, the sick and a high downs of life,” Bishop Breschi bishops’ news agency. He was hospital. He said that he has a day after a community or lockdown must be number of deaths. We are said in his homily March 15. also a novelist, and a noted been touched by the amount quarantine took effect in the accompanied by massive not separated from our More than 27,000 people literary expert, who served of generosity he has seen in capital. test and detection, immediate community even in the in Italy have been infected as the Church’s liaison to the his diocese. The enhanced community response to cases, adequate passage of death,” Breschi with coronavirus, and 2,470 Cristina di Savoia Cultural Including, he said, “the quarantine expanded the protective equipment, and told InBlu Radio. people have died in just over Congresses, which aim to generosity of the priests” who coverage to the entirety of the food supply,” said Father Among the dead in Bergamo three weeks. promote Christian culture have “suffered from not being main island of Luzon. Picardal. were Fr. Silano Sirtoli, 59, Three priests from the in Italy. able to celebrate Mass with “We are doomed to suffer He said the long- and Fr. Giancarlo Nava, 70. Diocese of , west of The Bishop of Cremona, the faithful anymore.” a more serious humanitarian term lockdown “without Nava who previously served Verona, have been reported Antonio Napolioni, who had “Even today, with all due crisis altogether if the social addressing the basic needs of as a missionary in Paraguay. dead: Fr. Angelo Cretti, Fr. been hospitalized for the precautions, we are close to and economic concerns of the the poor run the risk of chaos Bergamo was the Diego Gabusi, and 74-year- past 10 days with severe the people in the awareness poor remain unaddressed,” when the choice becomes hometown of Pope John old Fr. Giovanni Girelli, respiratory symptoms after that on one side we carry said Bishop Marigza. either catch COVID-19 or XXIII. The local government who made daily visits to contracting COVID-19 has Jesus and on the other we He said massive job die of hunger.” (Joe Torres of Bergamo posted an update the hospice to tend to the recovered and returned home could become carriers of and income losses and Jr. and Mark Saludes/ online on March 13 stating terminally ill, according to on March 16. His health will the virus,” Breschi said. inaccessible basic social LicasNews) that the hospital mortuary ACI Stampa. continue to be monitored as (Courtney Mares/CNA) A4 OPINION March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Corona virus silver lining BLACK clouds signify dark and even stormy times are coming. But at the edge of the dark clouds one can see a silver lining which show that not everything is black and behind the darkness there is the sun shining. The darkness will pass away and the brightness of light will come back again. The COVID 19 brings a lot of darkness and uncertainties. It has really put our lives topsy-turvy. It has affected our work, our income, our leisure, our travels, our routine and even our religious activities. And we do not know up to when and up to what extent! But we have to see that no reality is totally bad. No matter how dark, some brightness is also brought out. Looking at the silver lining can give us hope and it can help us live through the darkness until the light comes out. And light will come out! As the Good Book says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:5) Let us see the light that shines in the darkness of the global pandemic. The COVID 19 phenomenon has brought about lockdowns and quarantines. Many people are immobilized physically. It has reduced the pace of our lives. So now we do not have to run from one place to another or be lost in traffic. We can take time easily—and in our homes together with our loved ones. We can do things in the house which we had long wanted but had no time or energy for them. Some can cook once more; others can do some cleaning and washing. We can put our BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION homes and our rooms in order. One can do gardening. We Fasting: can play and pray together again as a family or as neighbors. Panaghoy We can take time to tell stories to one another and watch TV A discipline of Lent or movies together. We can pick up the book that we had long Bp. Broderick Pabillo wanted to read, or play a musical instrument. There are a lot of things that we can do without much cost. Lent has originally been a 40-day retreat for the whole Christian people. COVID 19 is forcing us, as a people, to slow down a bit and take our retreat in our homes. Let us heed the FASTING now is a growing trend, but bridegroom is taken away from them, not only to suffer the pangs of hunger call of St. Anselm who lived more than a thousand years ago: for different reasons. People fast to and then they will fast,” (Mt. 9:15) Jesus but to be open to others. We fast, which “Insignificant man, escape from your everyday business for a keep their physical beauty. They want enjoined. Hence we fast especially on means we deny ourselves, so that we short while, hide for a moment from your restless thoughts. to become slim or to remain slim. Some Fridays when we commemorate the can be more sensitive to the situation Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned fast for health reasons. Others fast as Lord’s passion and death. of others. Hence fasting is related to about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and their commitment to take care of our There is another reason for Christian works of justice and works of charity. rest a while in him.” Let us take time to think, to pray, to planet – to avoid waste of food and fasting. At the time of the prophet Isaiah We redress wrongs and go out of our way read the Bible. Let us consider how really insignificant our to reduce fossil use. Consuming meat the people voiced out their complaint to to help those in need. The discipline of human existence is. With all our technological achievements, consumes more fossil fuel. Still others God: “Why do we fast, but you do not fasting means that we control ourselves a virus can bring the whole world to a halt and erase billions use fasting as a way of protest, as in see it? afflict ourselves, but you take no so that our attention is no longer fixed of financial wealth and together with it our human hubris. hunger strikes. note?” (Is 58:3) The answer of God is on ourselves and our wants, but we see And it affects all—rich and poor alike! Long before these reasons for fasting very instructive: “Is this the manner of more the others in their difficulties. Perhaps this virus outbreak can be telling us: look, go came, religions have already been using fasting I would choose, a day to afflict Thus, what we are able to save by back to the basics – to your basic human relationships with and advocating fasting for spiritual oneself? To bow one’s head like a reed, denying ourselves we give to assuage the your families and neighbors, to your basic needs, to your reasons. They are ways to promote and lie upon sackcloth and ashes? Is this needs of others. We voluntarily suffer connection with God, the Power that you thought you can better self-mastery and to help a person what you call a fast, a day acceptable to hunger so that we know what it is to ignore but ultimately is the one you can hang on too. His love to connect more with one’s own spirit the LORD? Is this not, rather, the fast be hungry, and thus understand better is everlasting. He is the Rock of our Salvation. and with God. Thus, fasting and prayer that I choose: releasing those bound and are moved to help the many others This contagion can also be pointing us to another direction are connected together. unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; whose circumstances force them to go – to one another. We need one another. We need the Christianity too promotes fasting. It setting free the oppressed, breaking off without food. cooperation of all so that the infection will not spread. Let us is one of the disciplines of lent, together every yoke? Is it not sharing your bread Fasting for us Christians then means not only be afraid that we get infected. Let us be careful that with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus with the hungry, bringing the afflicted solidarity with Jesus who suffered for we do not cause the virus to spread to others, especially to did not do away with fasting. But he and the homeless into your house; us and solidarity with the poor who are our loved ones. While we are concerned about our own safety has given a different reason for it. We clothing the naked when you see them, unjustly deprived. Thus it opens us to and our needs, let us also open our eyes to the needs of others, fast not only because others do it, but and not turning your back on your own Jesus and to our brothers and sisters. especially the most vulnerable ones—the elderly, the sick and because of our solidarity with Jesus’ flesh?” (Is 58:5-7) Penance then is very much connected the poor. The daily wage earners who will not have work for suffering. “The days will come when the The essence of Christian fasting in to prayer and almsgiving. a whole month is also a great concern. Let us be generous to them. It would be ridiculous to pray that we be cared for by God when we do not care for others. Corona virus May these important messages of COVID 19 be paid Active Faith attention to by all. Nothing is totally useless—not even this Joe Tale pandemic! There is always a silver lining! (Guest editorial by Bishop Broderick Pabillo) AS I write this, I am not yet in Rome at that time, the infected areas. Some of left helpless. We should Fear, panic, paranoia grateful to all of those who we thought of advancing the virus it seems may have ensure that we observe have expressed concerns the trip earlier, before more developed locally in certain proper hygiene all the time, FEAR, of course, is one of our emotions. It is our natural and offered prayers for our stringent regulations might areas, independent of what such as frequent washing reaction when we perceive something to be a danger to us or safety. Many have assumed prevent our travel plans from transpired in Wuhan. of hands, and do what is is so incomprehensible that we feel helpless. Fear is one of we continue to be in Rome, pushing through. After some What this means is that necessary to strengthen our our natural and instantaneous defense mechanisms. Italy, which has become the fits and starts in our decision there is really no place that immune system, such as Since we are exposed to all kinds of things in this world, highest corona virus-infected making, we thank the Lord is absolutely safe, that is sufficient sleep and taking we should not be surprised that fear comes to the surface country outside of China. for setting the conditions absolutely free of the virus. of appropriate vitamins and from time to time. We can even fall into panic. But we should Please continue to pray for that finally allowed us to Some have more of it, and other important nutrients, relieve ourselves of it as soon as we can. We just have to see Italy, for Pope Francis, for come here before any of the some less of it. Some may and avoid big crowds that can to it that like the other emotions, we do not let it stay simply Cardinal Tagle and the other stringent regulations could not have the virus now, but result in an easier spread of in the level of raw, unprocessed instincts or that of a reflex leaders of the Church, and take effect. there is no guarantee that it this virus. reaction. It has to be processed and has to be dominated and also for our CFC community We are not here to escape will never have it. But more than all of these, directed by reason, and ultimately by our faith in God. Fear which is concentrated in from the corona virus in Scientists, the we should intensify our that is unguided by reason and faith would not be a healthy Rome and in northern Italy. Rome, because the virus is medical profession, and prayers and ask for God’s one. It would destroy us rather than defend us. Me and my wife, Babylou, also here in the US, as it has pharmaceutical companies protection and solution. We Amid the spreading scare of the Corona virus that we are are here for a long planned surfaced in an increasing around the world are no pray that our human fears having these days, we need to distinguish between a healthy trip to be with our daughter number of countries doubt doing their best to find be overcome by a stronger fear and an unhealthy one, a normal fear and what may be and her family. We had around the world. The more the cure for this outbreak as faith, with the confidence that described as a paranoia that is already a mental disorder. originally scheduled to be concerning development, is early as possible. Let us pray despite what is happening, A healthy fear does not freeze us into inaction for long. It here later in March, but with that some of the cases are for them, and that a solution God is in control. would immediately lead us to study things well so that we the increasing spread of the reported to be not related can be found soonest. In a way, what this corona can act with prudence, and as a consequence we can manage epidemic in Italy, although to travel to China or any of We are of course not Active Faith / A7 to have peace of mind and continue with our duties and responsibilities in spite of the ongoing danger or scare. When our fear is of the unhealthy type or, worse, has degenerated Time for intense penance into panic and paranoia, we continue to feel helpless and Candidly Speaking unable to function well as we should. It is kind of obsessive that leaves us feeling insecure and always in the state of fright. Fr. Roy Cimagala It’s a fear that finds no relief. It is actually an over-reaction that does not seek support from reason, and much less from Editorial / A6 PENANCE is actually what we have to We need to develop and live this spirit spirit of penance. do all the time. It’s quite clear that we of penance because it is clear that sin Lent is indeed a time to give special CBCP need it, given our weakened, wounded continues to dominate us in this life. In attention to our conscience, if only to and sinful condition in the entirety fact, it quite clear that things are getting clean, polish and fine tune it, so it can of our earthly sojourn. But it has its worse. There are now powerful and well- more correctly and punctually hear more intense moments, one of which is established structures of sin in our midst the voice of God who is the only one to Monitor precisely the period of Lent. before which we are simply an easy prey. tell us what is truly right and wrong, PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE The spirit of penance is not actually The networks of corruption, moral and immoral, etc., in these very Pedro Quitorio something that is dark, negative, painful, pornography, godless and worldly confusing times. Editor-in-Chief etc. It’s not something we should run ideologies, etc. are proliferating, taking We need time and effort for this. We away from. In fact, it’s not something advantage of the powerful technologies have to pause from our usual routine of Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite that we should just bear and tolerate and the relative vulnerability of many work and daily concerns, and immerse Associate Editor Circulation Manager since we cannot avoid it. people, especially the young ones, who ourselves in prayer and meditation, Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas Marcelita Dominguez We need to embrace it, to love it, and are not yet prepared to properly handle as well as studying more deeply and Design Artists Comptroller thus, we have to develop that spirit as these networks. extensively the doctrine of our faith, best that we can. It is actually something The sense itself of sin is disappearing. especially that part concerning morals. The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd beautiful, purifying and liberating. It Pope Francis and the previous ones Lent is the time to practice and live Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna Street, Intramuros, recovers us from our wounded condition have pointed that out and are warning piety in a more special way, knowing that Manila. Email Address: [email protected], Business: (632) 8404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. and reinforces our dignity as persons us of this condition. They are strongly piety provides us the proper footing in and children of God. encouraging us to truly develop the Candidly Speaking / A5 OPINION CBCP Monitor March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 OPINION A5

Covid-19 during Lent: By the Roadside The challenge of joining Commentary Fr. Eutiquio Belizar, Jr. SThD Jesus in the desert Bishop Pablo Virgilio David

“If you want to flee from God, flee to Like any other human act, it is really maintain times of prayer and silence at How do we apply concepts him instead”—St. Augustine the purpose in the light of which we home. The key is the family coming to do social distancing that makes it its senses and agreeing to serve their like “lockdown” and “And Jesus, filled with the Holy morally right, and hence a valid option need to seek spiritual, and not simply “Community Quarantine” in Spirit, returned from the Jordan. And to embrace, or morally wrong, and physical-psychological health and he was led by the Spirit into the desert hence an action that must be avoided. sanity. the non-first world setting? for forty days, and he was tested by the Certainly Jesus withdrew himself from It is interesting that, in the context devil” (Lk 4:1) the crowds when he went to the desert, of our calamitous times (not to say AS usual, it is the poor who suffer the most when a first world not out of some existential Sartre-like calamity-prone country), prayer may concept is applied in a third world setting. FOR his disciples yesterday and conviction that “hell is other people”. have brought to Filipinos some of Yesterday was Sunday. I thought of the thousands of drivers today, Jesus spending forty days of On the contrary, Jesus, by socially its important facets. For instance, of jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs who earned no income fasting in the desert could be offered distancing himself, was—to borrow although the “Oratio Imperata” because there were no passengers going to Mass in Churches as an anticipation and model of social St. Augustine’s language—“fleeing to tradition, in recent years encouraged on account of the state prohibition of mass gatherings. I distancing. Though he did not have to God”, thus giving witness in our eyes by the CBCP, has been criticized for also thought of the peddlers in the streets, those who sell contend with a disease there, like we to the love of God above all things and at times inordinately dictating on sampaguitas, candles, and all sorts of items to the Sunday do with COVID-19, he did confront a with one’s whole being (Df 6:5). On the God—as though we know better than worshippers. I thought of the casuals and contractuals who much more formidable enemy—the other hand, his social distancing in the he on how to go about responding had to be sent home—no work, no pay. Evil One himself. No doubt, COVID-19 desert was not a sociopathic act but, to human emergencies—it has also The “unchurched poor” who think of Sunday, not as a day of is an evil; additionally, it is also testing in the tradition of Moses and Elijah created a mindset: That we cannot worship, but as a day for earning a more substantial income by you and me, as well as the whole of who also fasted for forty days (Exodus truly pray as Christians and be self- providing services or peddling things to Sunday worshippers humanity today, as Jesus was tested 34:27-28; 1Kg 19:8), was a preparation absorbed at the same time. COVID-19, did not earn their keep yesterday. Alas, for many of the urban in the desert. When Jesus was tested, for his public ministry. In a word, Jesus like previous plagues and pandemics, poor in the slums areas in our diocese, rest on a Sunday is ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH BORROMEO BY ZACH ILLUSTRATION we were tested with him, having the distanced himself from society so he is a common threat not only to our something they cannot afford. same human nature that Jesus took could better serve society by becoming individual families and communities “Isang kahig, isang tuka” (one scratch, one peck) is the through his incarnation. Intentionally a more effective proclaimer of God’s but also to all nations on earth. We common Filipino idiom describing the situation of the poorest his triumph is also ours. But how is this Kingdom. Social distancing was also are all potential victims of the dreaded of the poor. They are usually classified by the government not possible if we do not also embark, with his act of loving his neighbor as himself disease or potential beneficiaries of its as “unemployed” but as “underemployed”. You cannot even him, on a journey into the desert? That (Lev 19:18). possible cure and eventual subjugation. call them contractuals because their means of livelihood do is the whole point of the Quadgesima Jesus in the desert is, as previously Filipinos have now, by habit, learned not involve any kind of contract at all. They have no social or Quaresma, the forty-day spiritual said, Jesus who socially distanced to pray for their deliverance while benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, & Pag-ibig. They have no day- retreat of Lent. himself in oder to be intimate with his also begging the same grace for other offs, no maternity/paternity leaves, no vacation, no paid To my mind, social distancing could Father, being already filled with the Holy families, communities and even other leaves. It’s always “no work, no income” for them. And no also be seen as an invitation for us to Spirit (Lk 1:1). In like manner, social nations on earth. Solidarity in prayer income means no food on the table. Period. more deeply join Jesus who socially distancing affords us an opportunity to has, for Filipinos, also made prayer When people in government come up with measures and distanced himself in the desert. Social spend more time for prayer and silence, an instrument of solidarity with non- directives that impact the whole citizenry, who will speak out distancing itself does not mean hating or to cultivate our relationship with the Filipinos. for the sectors that are practically regarded as non-entities disliking the company of fellow humans. God of our salvation. We might not Jesus fasting in the desert has also in our huge metropolis? Do they even realize that not all our In today’s context social distancing actually be able to make deserts of our something to say about COVID-19. For people are included in the government statistics? Are they could be another form or act of prudence homes or enclaves but we can certainly one, it challenges us to also fast from even aware that among the slums in urban poor communities, and charity. If I were infected with make them approximate the desert unhealthy ways of eating and drinking, anywhere between 10-20% of the people are undocumented, COVID-19 or any transmissible virus, experience by agreeing to maintain of entertaining ourselves. Considering meaning “unregistered” because their parents failed to file my social distancing/self-isolation/self- hours of family prayer and quiet, that the way the virus might have started, for a certificate of live birth on their behalf? Do they know quarantine clearly is a tool to save other is, free from the ever-present television, Jesus refraining from food and drink that we still have scores of unclaimed cadavers of EJK members of my family or community cellphone and the muted chatter of tells us not to be slaves to our body’s victims in funeral parlors because they remain unclaimed from the illness I suffer. If I am not social media. I know this could be needs or to our worldly sources of and unidentified? infected, my social distancing helps extremely difficult, given the unhealthy entertainment. Some experts of the The Sabbath Day was invented, not just as a religious me avoid putting my own health and habits we have acquired in this day and Scriptures say that Jesus’ fasting does obligation but as a matter of social justice. The idea is that the health of my family and community age. But this is not impossible. I know not necessarily mean that he completely people, especially the poor, are also afforded the luxury of at risk. of families that, by mutual consent, By the Roadside / A7 having a day of rest and worship without going hungry. Take note of the commandment as it is stated in Deuteronomy Celebration of Catholic 5:13-15: “Six days you may labor and do all your work, Duc in Altum Deuteronomy but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD Masses continue your God. You shall not do any work, either you, your son or Atty. Aurora A. Santiago your daughter, your male or female slave, your ox or donkey or any work animal, or the resident alien (meaning, the migrant workers) within your gates, so that your male and female slave may rest as you do. Remember that you too were once slaves WE cannot help but go on Distancing Measures in the those from places outside shall continue in operation. in the land of Egypt, and the LORD, your God, brought you writing about Corona Virus National Capital Region or Metro Manila will not be (7) Land, domestic air and out from there with a strong hand and outstretched arm. That Disease 2019 (COVID-19) NCR are to be implemented allowed to enter Metro domestic sea travel to and is why the LORD, your God, has commanded you to observe not only because of its impact for 30 days from March 15, Manila. The implementing from NCR shall be restricted. the sabbath day.” to every living persons on 2020 to April 14, 2020. (1) rules and regulations are Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio First world countries can easily declare “lockdowns” and earth but also because of its Classes and school activities to be released yet. Possible “Ambo” David, Bishop of “community quarantines” because they presuppose that widespread infestation all over in all levels are suspended up exceptions are delivery the Diocese of Kalookan and their citizens have decent, relatively spacious homes with the world. The Department to April 12, 2020. (2) Mass of food items and basic CBCP Vice President, issued bedrooms where they can self-quarantine themselves and of Health declared a state gatherings are prohibited. necessities. Also exempted Circular Letter No. 2020-015 maintain “social distancing.” As Fr. Danny Pilario, CM asked of public health emergency (3) A community quarantine are residents of Metro Manila giving instructions in view a few days ago in his post, “Who will explain that animal they due to the increase in cases is implemented in the entire who are working outside the of CBCP Circular No. 20-14. call ‘social distancing’ to the poor who live in our slums?” If of COVID-19 infection. The NCR. Movement of people metropolis, and residents Bishop Ambo explicitly stated they are ordered to “stay home” than loiter in the streets, are World Health Organization is limited to accessing of places outside Metro (1) the Church “will cooperate those who come up with such directives even aware that most (WHO) declared it pandemic. basic necessities and work. Manila who are working in with directives from civil of the urban poor live like sardines in their little shanties? There is pandemic when new Enhanced community Metro Manila. It purports and Health authorities to As a matter of fact, they would rather stay outside precisely virus emerges and spreads quarantine may also be to contain the spread of suspend all mass gatherings” because there is a little more space out there in their street worldwide and the people do imposed where there is COVID-19 by implementing to keep our communities safe alleys, their covered courts, their “talipapas”. not have immunity. strict home quarantine in all stringent measures on social and healthy. (2) All liturgical In first world countries, their governments can declare As other countries put households; transportation distancing, at least a meter celebrations from March paid no-work days because they presuppose that most of themselves on lockdown, shall be suspended; provision away from another person, 15 to April 14 will not be their citizens are employed. The unemployed and people with President Rodrigo Duterte for food and essential health and no touch policy. open to public – this covers disabilities receive welfare subsidies. The retired ones receive raised the Code Alert System services shall be regulated (4) Alternative working the 3 Sundays of Lent, the their pensions. In short, even if they stop working they are for COVID-19 to Code Red and heightened presence of arrangement or work from Holy Week, Palm Sunday assured that they will not go hungry. Sublevel 2 following the uniformed personnel. This home, compressed work and Easter Sunday. (3) No Here’s the big nightmare: just one or two infected ones in sharp increase in the number means residents of Metro week. (5) Flexible work public blessing of palms, an overly congested slum community would multiply into a of COVID-19 cases in the Manila will not be allowed arrangement. (6) Mass no Visita Iglesias, Siete thousand within a few days. Just one or two infected visitors country. Stringent Social to leave Metro Manila while public transport facilities Duc in Altum / A7 in a city jail that has a maximum capacity of 200 but is actually holding 2,600 (as in Caloocan city jail and most other jails in Commentary / A7 Whatever LockDOWN GraceUP Candidly Speaking / A4 Fr. Francis Ongkingco our relation with God, and hidden, they can easily go to through it, in our relation forbidden territories and stay with others as well. there for quite a while. We “FATHER! There’s going to be a “There are quite a lot of people who other gatherings. Now, we will have to And this piety, if it has should try to stop that. Also, lockdown!!!” Sam exclaimed. are getting anxious and upset about content ourselves with watching mass to have a more prominent our mouth can just say things “Yes, Sam. I read about it too in my this situation. They are asking how via the Internet or T.V. and receiving aspect of penance, should without processing them Viber group.” they can go to their daily mass and communion spiritually. I believe that all include a significant amount properly. We should keep “This is going to be a first for all of not attend the usual services before this will help us to really thirst for these of sacrifices and forms of close watch over our mouth. us! And I’m afraid it’s going to be quite Easter,” I shared. essential ingredients of our faith more.” self-denial and mortification, It is in the lust of the flesh tough,” Sam lamented. “I was quite worried too about that, “How true, we are going to live our like fasting and abstinence that we should be most “People are now panic-buying for but after praying about it, I thought that faith in survival mode like the first not only from food, meat intense of disciplining. And food, medications and other supplies. I Jesus might want all this to turn out into Christians or those martyrs who had to and drinks, but also from in this regard, it would not don’t think this was how the authorities something good,” Sam reflected. go into hiding. Imagine, even with the the many other worldly be unwise to resort to some wanted things to turn out,” I commented. “What good points do you see, Sam?” absence of the mass and the priests, commodities that while extraordinary corporal “Moreover, they can’t seem to “For example, it makes me feel –for their faith endured for hundreds of offering us some good can mortifications if only to keep systematically get their act together. one month– how I can live my Christian years!” also easily spoil us. our body’s wild tendencies This pandemic is totally beyond their faith down to its bare essentials. It’s as “In some way, people will live these We have to intensify our under control. capacity, just imagine how they can’t if I were living during the times of the things in a deeper and more personal practice of disciplining Aside from fasting and even provide enough testing kits!” early persecutions of Christianity in the way. That’s why, I believe that this our thoughts, desires, our abstinence, perhaps we can “We are really doooom!!! It seems like Roman Empire, the martyrs of Korea, lockdown will actually be an upgrade of words and activities, to consider sleeping on the we’re going to live through the Night of Japan and Africa.” grace for my faith and others.” better conform them to the floor from time to time, away the Living Dead!” I said. “I never saw it that way, Sam. But you Sam noticed that I became suddenly requirements of truth and from our comfortable beds. “Now, stringent measures to stem the do have an interesting point there.” silent. charity and to prevent them And why not? We can use spread of the virus has led to cancelling “This lockdown will help us, in some “So, Father, are you still thinking from straying into ways of some instruments of corporal the celebration of Masses and other way, to put our faith and practices about buying that bat?” He quipped. self-, if not into mortification used by the religious gatherings.” in a new perspective. Perhaps, we “On second thought, maybe I should the wiles and tricks of the of previous eras like “That is very sad, Father. In fact, I read will now appreciate something we buy a chainsaw!” devil. the whip or the cilice. If you that the lockdown will hit Holy Week had been taking for granted since we He laughed out loud and almost fell We cannot deny that since do not know what they are, and Easter Sunday itself!” could casually go to daily Mass or off his seat. our thoughts and desires are just Google them.

Whisper from the Desert / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 CBCP Monitor CBCP urges prayer, fasting for coronavirus emergency THE Catholic hierarchy has called measures recommended by the for a day of prayer and fasting to end government for the people’s safety. of the coronavirus epidemic. While several dioceses have In a statement issued on March suspended public Masses, he said 13, the bishops’ collegial body that churches should be “kept open” exhorted the faithful to keep their for people who need to pray. faith firm during this “time of “We also encourage the bishops, crisis”. religious and the clergy to spend Archbishop Romulo Valles, the time in silent adoration of the president of the bishops’ conference, Blessed Sacrament for the safety particularly called for prayers for of our flock and the healing of the those who are infected with the sick,” Valles said. COVID-19 and those who have died. “We continue to minister to the “This is a time of difficulty but sick by offering them the Sacrament also a time for growing in true of the Anointing of the Sick but discipleship as we strive to follow following the necessary precautions the Lord in selfless love and service proposed by the DOH,” he added. of others,” Valles said. The CBCP head also asked the “May He open our hearts to country’s parishes for the daily help those in need and move us ringing of church bells at 12 noon to genuine compassion for our and 8:00 p.m. and pray the Oratio brothers and sisters who suffer,” Imperata. he said. The archbishop also called on The CBCP also recommended the faithful to face the crisis in the cancellation or postponement the spirit of charity, especially for of recollection, pilgrimages, those affected by the coronavirus conferences, processions and other outbreak. mass gatherings. “Let us encourage our faithful to Valles said that church authorities be open to the vulnerable, especially are morally obliged to cooperate the poor, and share our resources and support all the precautionary with them,” he said. (CBCP News) Bishops attend Mass during their 120th plenary assembly in Manila in January 2020. ROY LAGARDE Cardinal Tagle continues TV program from Rome Bishop urges Masses for

CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle has continued his COVID-19 frontliners weekly catechetical television program, “The Word Exposed”, despite his new assignment at the Vatican. Produced by the Jesuit Communications (JesCom), TWE will be taped in Rome and will continue to air every Sunday on ABS-CBN S+A and ANC channels. The cardinal left the Philippines on Feb. 10 to assume as Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. “TWE continues its crystal-clear and inspiring Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga. FILE PHOTO reflections on the Gospel straight from Rome,” the A CATHOLIC bishop to 17. The country has also JesCom said. has urged Masses for the recorded seven recoveries. TWE is an hour-long A screenshot of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s “The Word Exposed” March 1 episode, which was pretaped in Manila before he left frontliners working to Like other dioceses across the Philippines for Rome last Feb. 9. SCREENSHOT/JESCOM program wherein the help curb the spread of the country, the bishop on cardinal reflects on the coronavirus, particularly the March 15 has suspended Sunday Mass readings, Scripture closer to the lives international Catholic “TWE is a testament of health workers. indefinitely the holding of showcasing his true form as of audiences. networks such as Telecare Cardinal Tagle’s steadfast Bishop Ruperto Santos public Masses in churches preacher and homilist. TWE episodes can also TV, Catholic TV, Shalom commitment to media of Balanga encouraged his to prevent the spread of the Launched in 2008, the be watched on JesCom’s World, and Salt and Light evangelization,” the JesCom priests to remember the virus. program aims to bring the Youtube account and some TV. also said. (CBCP News) frontliners battling the The diocese also cancelled pandemic in their private other church services such Editorial / A4 Masses. as baptisms, confirmations “Let us implore our and confessions until further faith. It makes things worse. “Fear not, it is I,” Christ said to the expect this possibility to take place and Lord through the guiding notice. What we have to do is to immediately disciples when they saw him walking on we should just abandon ourselves in intercession of our patron, “Other celebrations during go to God. He has the answer to all the the water. (Jn 6,20) From the Book of the wise and omnipotent providence of Joseph, to protect them Lent and Holy Week such questions that we may even be unable Isaiah, we have these reassuring words God. We are told that God is always in and keep them away from any as Palm Sunday, the rest of to ask. He has all the solutions to all from God: “Fear not, for I am with you. control of things and that there is always harm,” Santos said. the Holy Week and Eastern the problems that we may not know Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I time for everything to happen, “a time “May they stay strong, Sunday will not be open to we have. He will enlighten us as to will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. to be born and a time to die…a time to healthy, and safe. Reward the public,” Santos said. what concrete steps we can do. He will I will uphold you with my righteous right kill and a time to heal…a time to weep their services and sacrifices a The Catholic Bishops’ reassure us and will infuse courage to hand.” (41,10) We really have no reason and a time to laugh…” (Ecclesiastes 3) hundredfold,” he said. Conference of the Philippines our weakening or wavering heart. to be afraid of anything for long. To repeat we should not allow The Department of Health has earlier asked prayers, Let’s remember what Christ said once: We just have to be strong in our faith our fears to stay long on the level confirmed March 18 that especially for those suffering “In this world you will have trouble. that in turn will guide our reasoning of raw, unprocessed instincts and COVID-19 cases in the from the coronavirus and to But take heart! I have overcome the and strengthen our emotions, especially reflex reactions. With God, we will country have jumped to 202, all those who are caring for world.” (Jn 16,33) These reassuring and when we encounter situations and find a reason for everything, and that while fatalities increased them. (CBCP News) comforting words of Christ had always problems that humanly speaking seem everything will somehow work out for been repeated many times in the gospel. to have no more solutions. We have to the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28) Dignity / A1

Issues / A1 Women’s Month Celebration. change and transform society He said that there are for the better. to deal with the increasing assembly of the League his post as Prefect of the Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran specific tasks in life that He added that this is the cases of Covid-19 “and how to of Municipalities of the Congregation for the also defended Tagle, saying only a woman can do just as task to which women are get our act together in order Philippines in Pasay City, Evangelization of Peoples. that the cardinal “enjoys there are specific tasks that called always. “To them, I say to prevent it from further he said that Tagle was Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Pope Francis’ trust and are meant only for a man. then, nurture what is good in spreading in our country”. investigated for allegedly the Apostolic Administrator confidence”. “But man and woman are your families,” he added. Duterte on March 10 using church funds to of Manila, refused to “He is a model of humility, equal in dignity,” he stressed. “Raise God-loving, claimed that Pope Francis support the opposition. comment on Duterte’s attack kindness, integrity and “Their true relationship is to responsible and happy “removed” Cardinal Luis “Nothing could more against Tagle. holiness. I am a personal complement and complete children, remembering Antonio Tagle from his post ridiculous, or even “No need to dignify witness to his exemplary each other.” that it is in your homes, no as Manila archbishop for ludicrous,” said David. unfounded accusations,” intelligence and Christian Bishop Varquez also matter how humble, that we “meddling” in politics. The cardinal left Manila he said. virtues,” he said. (CBCP emphasized that women, begin to form citizens of the Speaking before an last February to assume For his part, Bishop News) as the bearer of human life, world,” he also said. (CBCP are in a unique position to News) Hospitals / A1 Spread / A1 volunteers to assist the public suspended public Masses and other sector in attending to the victims,” church activities as preventive have more of our concrete love. “Let us not leave God out of Sacraments of healing he said. actions to help avert the spread of Do not forget the poor,” Villegas the threat of COVID 19. Our first The archbishop also urged priests The bishop made the statement the deadly virus. said in a pastoral message for his combat gear against all sickness is to bring the sacraments of healing in a circular released on March 14, In Metro Manila, all public Masses archdiocese issued March 10. prayer. There is no cure without to the sick and to accompany health as the government placed Metro have been cancelled until April 14, He said that more attention must God willing it. We cannot win over workers. Manila under lockdown due to the as the government implemented be provided to poor families who sickness without God,” he said. “The anointing of the sick is spread of coronavirus. a “community quarantine” and are living in cramped spaces and The archbishop also stressed from Christ, the healer Himself,” Bishop David also enjoined the prohibited public assemblies. deprived of health benefits and that the Covid-19 crisis is an he said. faithful to be particularly mindful This also means the liturgical hygiene facilities. invitation for greater prayer and He stressed that the times demand of the poor, “especially those among celebrations during Holy Week will “More help must be given to them more penance. caution but not to the extent that it them who are bound to be severely not be open to the public. in our parishes; more care must be Be informed through media about will “numb and leave us motionless affected by this current crisis”. “There will be no public blessing available to them,” he said. the disease but do not forget to pray. in anxiety” and “and neither can “Let us, as members of the Body of palms, no Visita Iglesia, Siete If you choose to stay at home, pray we be reckless as to ignore the of Christ, take this crisis as an Palabras, Good Friday procession Prayer, penance the rosary at home with the family. mysterious disease”. opportunity to express genuine care and Easter Salubong,” David said. Villegas said that as the virus “Do not let a day pass without “Do not forget faith with prudence, and compassion to the least of our “However, we encourage the spreads, so is the “epidemic of family rosary. Our Blessed Mother hope with mercy and love with brothers and sisters,” he said. faithful to stay home and follow godless fear of the unknown”, in many of her apparitions has discipline—our time tested Catholic Kalookan is among the dioceses the said activities on TV, Radio, or asking the faithful to return to the taught us that prayers can stop wars virtues,” Villegas said. (CBCP across the Philippines that online,” he added. (CBCP News) “basics of our Catholic faith”. and natural catastrophes. News) LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 A7 Church in Palawan to plant Tribal village gets housing 20k rattans project from Bulacan parish

The Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Parish inaugurates the “Tatlumpu’t Tatlong Tahanan sa Gitna ng Kabundukan para sa mga Kadumagatan” project for the Dumagat community in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan on March 5.

MALOLOS City—A remote tribal “If we succeed, around 800 community in Bulacan province indigenous families will benefit gathered early this month for the from both the tribal village and inauguration of a church-based the soon-to-be put up tribal farm,” housing project for the Dumagat said Fr. Baltazar, who also heads people. the Malolos diocese’s indigenous About 33 families benefited from peoples apostolate. the low-cost housing project of the With the help of several volunteers, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Parish the parish also provided packs of in Sitio Basyo, Brgy. Kabayunan in rice, blankets, clothes, medicines Doña Remedios Trinidad town. and other basic necessities to the Fr. Nap Baltazar, the parish beneficiaries. priest, said the project was a work The event was also part of the A part of the forests in Palawan. PHOTO FROM AVPP of collaboration “as we aim to create parish’s activities for this Year of a more unified and harmonious the Ecumenism, Interreligious PUERTO PRINCESA City— After The project aims to plant 20,000 In response to Pope Francis’ community for the Dumagats”. Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples. hitting its target of planting 10,000 rattans, in partnership with the Laudato Si, the vicariate has “We want to give them a more “We thank you for coming to endemic trees in a protected area Augustinian Missionaries of the also planted 10,000 trees at the stable shelter and reliable livelihood Basyo. These are all of great help to last year, the in Philippines-Indigenous Peoples Mt. Mantalingahan Protected so they can nurture their ancestral us, especially to the children,” Dante Palawan wants the province to Mission. Landscape in Brooke’s Point in domain, culture, and way of life Dela Rosa, Basyo, the village’s become greener. Rattan is a naturally renewable 2019. without the need to go to the cities chieftain, said. The Apostolic Vicariate of palm that grows in tropical Last year, the bishop appealed to to survive and make a living,” he He also said that the primary Palawan has recently initiated a regions and is used for furniture, save the country’s “last ecological said. concerns of their tribe are rattan planting project with tribal handicrafts, and building material, frontier” amid plans to build a coal- The housing is among the projects healthcare, livelihood, and communities in Brooke’s Point town. among others. fired power plant in Palawan. that the humble parish wants to education. (Myraine Carluen Bishop Socrates Mesiona Mesiona said the revival of He urged the government to build for the tribal community. Policarpio/CBCPNews) of Puerto Princesa said rattan rattan plantation is not just a reassess the project because of its seedlings are now being prepared greening project but also aims to possible negative impact on the Active Faith / A4 and will be planted at the Mt. provide a livelihood to the Pala’wan environment. (Katya A. Santos/ Panwan on the rainy season. tribespeople. CBCPNews) virus outbreak has done, is for the concerns of the refugees and the a larger group of humanity to poor and those whose freedoms, experience what refugees are including the freedom to worship, experiencing, to face what people have been restricted one way or Church official: Suspend pilgrimages in war and violence-torn countries the other. face everyday. From being free to There are some who speculate do whatever one wants to do, and about this phenomenon to be part abroad amid COVID-19 woes move around to and from any place of some conspiracy theory, of being freely, from eating food anytime part of some group and country’s BALANGA, Bataan—A “First, personal safety is hygiene and always follow The Israeli government when one is hungry, now to be germ warfare strategy. We don’t Church official advised the utmost priority and, the medical directives of also restricted all travels subjected to lockdowns, restrictions really know. What we know is that Filipino Catholics to for the common good, the our government officials,” to Bethlehem from Israel. on travel, and undergo quarantine we have a powerful God, bigger and reconsider pilgrimages gathering of huge groups he said. According to Israel’s and isolation. more powerful than whoever will overseas as cases of the should be avoided,” The Department of Health Ministry, Hopefully, this whole epidemic hatch any strategy to harm others, or coronavirus continue to Santos said. Foreign Affairs also urged four more Israelis will make more of humanity to otherwise plan to control the world. spread across the world. After all, the bishop Filipinos planning to visit were diagnosed with be more humane, to be more Let us all keep the faith, pray Bishop Ruperto said that some sacred the Holy Land to postpone coronavirus on March concerned about others’ welfare consistently to deepen it, and act to Santos of Balanga said places like Bethlehem their trips until further 7, taking the number of and well being, to respond more give life to it, by doing good works as that pilgrimages abroad are closed to pilgrims notice. cases in the country to 25. meaningfully to efforts that address we are asked to do by a loving God. should be postponed as and a limited number of The Palestinian In Palestine, 16 cases of nations around the world visitors are allowed in authority earlier decided the coronavirus disease Duc in Altum / A5 scramble to contain the other places. to temporarily ban the had been detected in the virus that has so far “What we have to do entry of all tourists into West Bank, including nine Palabras, Good Friday procession (10) Bishop Ambo encourages killed more than 3,000 is pray more, be more the West Bank, including new cases in Bethlehem. and Easter Salubong; the faithful days of penance, prayer and fasting people. cautious with our personal Bethlehem and Jericho. (CBCPNews) may stay home and follow the during all Fridays of Lent and Good activities on TV, radio or online. Friday. Church bells will be rung 4 Commentary / A5 (4)The priests shall continue to times a day – 6am, 12noon, 6pm for celebrate Masses and liturgical the Angelus (or Regina Coeli during the country), will multiply procedures are made poor have no choice but citizens. Let this season services for Lent and Easter even Easter) and the Oratio Imperata, into hundreds and even available in the health wait in corridors because of Lent be the perfect without the congregation. The Social and at 8pm for the praying of the thousands within a few centers in the slum areas they cannot afford private opportunity to come up Communications Ministry in all Rosary. Use the parish has external days! and are able to isolate the hospitals, which, by the with creative and out- parishes are encouraged to make loudspeakers so that the faithful And which barangay “Confirmed” virus carriers way, are not enough either. of-the box responses them the activities available through may hear the prayers. health center has the from the PUIs and PUMs, I wonder if these motivated by Christian social media. Bishop Ambo also enjoins the capacity to do laboratory where will the infected questions even figure in compassion and charity (5) While public assemblies are faithful to be mindful of the poor. testings to determine ones be treated? Our the imagination of the and aimed at mitigating prohibited, Bishop Ambo gave “Take this crisis as an opportunity whether the so-called public hospitals are always people in government the serious impact dispensation to the faithful from to express genuine care and PUMs (persons under full already, COVID-19 or who set the directives? of “lockdowns” and their duties to attend Sunday compassion to the least of our monitoring) or the no COVID-19! It is not Just asking. “community quarantines” Masses and holy days of obligation. brothers and sisters. In the event PUIs (persons under unusual to see the poor Obviously, because on the poorest of the poor They can follow the liturgical that the public health facilities investigation) are positive waiting in the corridors we cannot leave it all to in our vicinities. Let us celebrations through television, and services become insufficient of infection? And, of public health care government agencies, we call it “Love in the Time radio broadcasting, or through or unable to adequately respond,” presuming such testing facilities. Obviously, the have to do our part as of COVID-19.” livestream in social media. Even in Bishop Ambo asked the faithful instances where digital technology to “volunteer and mobilize other By the Roadside / A5 are not available, “a mere desire volunteers to assist the public sector to partake of the Eucharist within in attending to the victims.” If there avoided food and drink, for even obsessed with what occupies the with no known human companion, the given circumstances already is a need to open the churches, Elijah also ate sparse amounts of flesh and become more attuned to tells us that only God’s approval unites us spiritually with the Body of chapels and schools as field hospitals food and drink (1 Kg 19:18) but the things of the spirit. Make that counts in the desert. Christ.” (6) Except Sundays and holy for the sick, do so in the name of that he ate and drank sparingly, Spirit, too and especially. And lest we be discouraged by days of obligation, the parish church Christian compassion and charity. simply relying on sparse food and Jesus’ fasting in the desert, away our inability to see, much less visit, will be open so the faithful can *** drink available to him where he from the “madding crowd” (with a physical desert, let us take heart. pray privately. (7) Defer weddings, Let me take this space to thank was. The gospels of Mark, Matthew apologies to Thomas Hardy and The desert is also any environment baptisms and confirmations until our Lord for the gift of life. Thank and Luke are, however, silent on Thomas Gray) that would have of life where in resounding silence further notice. If cannot be postponed you Lord for all the blessings you how Jesus practiced fasting. Still, either lauded or scorned him makes we hear, with St. Teresa of Jesus, due to the enormity of preparation, had given me. Thank you for the it should be clear to us that even it plain to us that the Master was the words: “‘Nothing disturbs you, there will be severe restrictions as gift of family and the gift of friends. the Master trained his body to be himself the first to practice his own nothing frightens you, everything to the number of participants and Please continue to give me good subject to the Spirit. While Jesus’ teaching: “Be careful therefore not passes. God does not move, patience attendees—to comply with social health to keep me strong so that I fasting clearly is a push for us to to do your acts of righteousness reaches everything, he who has God distancing policy. can continue to serve you and others avoid too much preoccupation before men in order to be seen lacks nothing, only God suffices.” (8) The priests shall continue to and be a blessing to them. Thank with the needs of our bodies and by them. Otherwise, expect no COVID-19 is theorized, by some, attend to the anointing of the sick you for making me an instrument to the lures of our material world, recompense from your Father in to have started in a food market. it and funeral blessings but must inform and be formed through print, COVID-19 makes us even more heaven” (Mt 6:1). Social distancing should not be a surprise if its end comply with the DOH directives broadcast and social media. Please aware of how certain facets of this occasioned by the corona virus is could be ushered in by someone, on the number of participants. always guide me and be with me all material world present danger therefore an opportunity to not not necessarily in a lab or hospital, (9) Priest may hear individual the days of my life. rather than hope, death rather be ruled by how many “likes” or but previously in a place of prayer confession by appointment. The *** than life. COVID-19, in a word, “dislikes”, by how much we are or worship. penitents may pray inside the church Happy Birthday to my niece Raiza could be seen as an oblique call approved or disapproved of by Or by many “someones” joining but must keep a safe distance from Elmira Imperial and my nephew- from Mother Nature—where God, people as we journey through life. the Master, a little more deeply, in other penitents. Both the priest and in-law Charlie Castro. Please bless too, speaks—that mankind be less The Master praying and fasting, the desert. the penitent must wear masks. them always. A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 CBCP Monitor Pope Francis announces a 2022 synod on synodality

THE next ordinary Synod “Synodality is a , it of Bishops will be a synod is a walk together, and it on synodality, the Vatican is what the Lord expects announced March 7. from the Church of the third In October 2022, bishops millennium,” Pope Francis from around the world will said Nov. 29. meet in Rome to discuss A synod is a meeting of the theme: “For a synodal bishops gathered to discuss Church: communion, a topic of theological or participation and mission.” pastoral significance, in order The concept of “synodality” to prepare a document of has been a topic of frequent advice or counsel to the pope. discussion by Pope Francis, The Synod of Bishops was particularly during the created in 1965 by Pope Saint previous ordinary Synod of Paul VI, who charted the Bishops on young people, synod to encourage close the faith, and vocational union between the pope and discernment in October the world’s bishops and to 2018. “insure that direct and real Synodality, as defined by information is provided on the International Theological questions and situations Commission in 2018, is “the touching upon the internal action of the Spirit in the action of the Church and communion of the Body of its necessary activity in the Christ and in the missionary world of today.” journey of the People of God.” Ordinary synods happen The term is generally every three years on issues understood to represent a voted upon by synod delegates process of discernment, with elected or appointed from The Synod Hall inside the Vatican. VATICAN MEDIA the aid of the Holy Spirit, each continent, and from involving bishops, priests, certain Vatican offices. is an ecclesial journey that communion,” he said. that in the history of the neologism of “synodality.” religious, and lay Catholics, There have been 15 ordinary has a soul that is the Holy In March 2018, the Church, synods and councils Speaking of the Church each according to the gifts and synods to date. There are also Spirit.” Congregation for the Doctrine were nearly interchangeable as “synodal” by its nature charisms of their vocation. extraordinary synods and “The practice of of Faith’s International terms for formal ecclesiastical is something novel, the Pope Francis told the special synods. synodality, traditional but Theological Commission assemblies. It said that the commission said, and Vatican Congregation for The synod that took place always to be renewed, is produced a document on the more modern view of a synod requires “careful theological the Doctrine of the Faith’s in October 2019 was a special the implementation in the theological roots of synodality as something distinct from clarification.” theological commission in Synod of Bishops for the Pan- history of the People of God in the Church: “Synodality in a council does not go back “Without the Holy Spirit, November that synodality Amazonian region. on the way, of the Church as the Life and Mission of the even as far as Vatican Council there is no synodality,” Pope will be key for the Church in Following that synod, the a mystery of communion, in Church.” II, and that its development Francis said. (Courtney the future. pope stressed that “synodality the image of the Trinitarian The CDF document noted was accompanied by the Mares/CNA) Borongan diocese starts countdown COVID-19: Filipinos in Rome to 2021 Jubilee invoke intercession of ‘La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc’

Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag presents replicas of “La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc” to Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 20, 2019. VATICAN MEDIA

Bishop Crispin Varquez and Msgr. Lope Robredillo unveil the official logo of the Borongan diocese’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of IT has been days since the start of visiting Filipino houses until it was Christianity in the Philippines March 17. ALREN BERONIO the national lockdown for the whole brought back to the basilica before of Italy that Filipinos in Rome have the lockdown. A CATHOLIC diocese in central Varquez said in his homily at pray for an end to the coronavirus been pleading the intercession of History recalls that when the Philippines commemorated online the Nativity of Our Lady College pandemic,” Varquez said. “La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc” to Ilocos region in the Philippines the landing of the Christian faith on Seminary chapel in Borongan City. The bishop stressed that the faith stop the pandemic caused by the was struck by epidemics the help their island amid the coronavirus “Let us continue with passion, brought by Christian missionaries Covid-19 Virus. of the miraculous image was outbreak. enthusiasm and courage in to the lives of the people of Eastern Filipino migrants are praying the sought. It was recorded that in Bishop Crispin Varquez of proclaiming our Catholic faith,” Samar “is not only an accessory to to the Miraculous Virgin 1656 and 1660, the image was Borongan led the simple celebration he said. life but an identity”. since Sunday, March 15, sixth day brought to Vigan that her presence on March 17, while abiding by The gathering was supposed to be “Is is the source of our strength and of the lockdown. would quell the crisis in that the precautions imposed by held on Homonhon Island, where is giving us hope and endurance in Cynthia de la Cruz, former epidemic-stricken town. health authorities such as “social Christianity first arrived in the times of crisis like what is happening Coordinator of Sacro Cuore di The chronicle states: “The distancing”. predominantly Catholic Philippines in the world today,” he said. Gesù Filipino Community has believers, though drained by Highlighted with an online Mass, 499 years ago. “This, if this faith is what we truly spearheaded the online novena. anguish, offered prayers and simple the event also marked the diocese’s Portuguese explorer Ferdinand need in this time of pandemic, we Filipinos in Rome follow her daily gifts which the compassionate one-year countdown to the 500th Magellan and his men first landed must share to others, especially to Facebook posts and do their prayer Celestial Patroness repaid with anniversary celebration of the on the island when they reached people living in fear and are losing privately or as a family in home bountiful showers of temporal and arrival of Christianity in the country. the archipelago on March 17, hope,” Varquez added. confinement. spiritual favors.” “In our preparation for the 500 1521, which prefigured the birth of The event also launched the “I have been receiving favors As of this posting, Italy remains to years of Christianity, let us celebrate Christianity in the country. official logo and theme song of the through her intercession. With that, be the most affected country outside and give thanks. Let us celebrate “Our faith pushed us to continue diocesan celebration of the 2021 I thought of turning to her and ask of China, with 1,809 deaths out of with full of faith, hope and love,” this celebration as we continue to Jubilee. (CBCPNews) that this present crisis be stopped. 24,747 cases. I believe her coming to Europe With the daily increase of Vatican announces theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees carries a great mission and that is infected individuals, Prime Minister to bring Europe back to Faith,” De Giuseppe Conte said that Italian FOR the next World The theme “provides the Vatican said. and prepare for the la Cruz explained. health facilities may not be enough Day of Migrants and a Christological In the lead-up to the World Day of Migrants “May the end of the pandemic, to accommodate more cases. For Refugees, Pope Francis grounding for the event, the dicastery and Refugees, the through her intercession, become a this, it is necessary to apply criteria wants Catholics to focus Christian action of said the theme will be dicastery also said it concrete sign for Italians to realize for access to intensive treatment. on the pastoral care of welcome or hospitality,” divided into “six sub- would develop resources that faith in God alone can contain Some doctors have also figured people displaced within said a March 6 themes expressed by six and a communication insurmountable human odds. This out about making life-or-death the borders of their own statement from the pairs of verbs: to know campaign to support the became my motive to stir fellow decisions on who can be treated and country and the church’s Migrants and Refugees in order to understand; event. Filipino migrants to prayer by who may effectively be left to die. mission to serve them. Section of the Dicastery to draw near so as to “Each month, posting everyday the novena’s daily An Italian physician has described: The Vatican celebration for Promoting Integral serve; to listen in order information, reflections, intentions,” she said. “A patient’s fate is decided by age of the World Day of Human Development. to reconcile; to share and multimedia aids will A small replica of La Virgen and health conditions.” Migrants and Refugees Special attention will be and thus to grow; to be offered as means of Milagrosa de Badoc was brought He added, “This is how it is in 2020 will be celebrated given to “the pastoral care involve in order to exploring and expressing by Bishop Renato Mayugba of a war.” With this, if the situation Sept. 27, the Vatican said, of internally displaced promote; and finally, the theme chosen this year Laoag at the Basilica di Santa worsens, those patients above and the pope’s choice for persons (IDPs), who to collaborate and by the Holy Father,” the Pudenziana, the National Church 80 years would not be accorded a theme is: “Forced like currently number over therefore to build.” statement said. (Junno of Filipinos in Rome, last year. with intensive care. (Buena Luz/ Jesus Christ to flee.” 41 million worldwide,” To encourage support Arocho Esteves/CNS) Since then, the image had been CBCPNews) CBCP Monitor March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

(Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ message for the XXXV World Youth Day 2020, which will be celebrated at the diocesan level all over the world on April 5, 2020, Palm Sunday.)

Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass for World Youth Day pilgrims at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 27, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk 7:14) Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 35th World Youth Day 2020 (that will be celebrated at the diocesan level all over the world on April 5, 2020, Palm Sunday)

Dear Young People, two documents and to let them I think too of all those negative they can also end up being a grace! to weep with those who are weeping, guide the mission of those engaged situations that people of your age are Not infrequently, something that we you will find true happiness. So In October 2018, with the Synod in the pastoral care of young people. experiencing. Some stake everything thought would bring us happiness many of your contemporaries of Bishops on Young People, the Let us now turn to this year’s on the present moment and risk their proves to be an illusion, an idol. are disadvantaged and victims of Faith and Vocational Discernment, theme: “Young man, I say to you, own lives in extreme experiences. Idols demand everything from us; violence and persecution. Let their the Church undertook a process of arise!” (cf. Lk 7:14). I mentioned Others are “dead” because they feel they enslave us yet they give us wounds become your own, and reflection on your place in today’s this verse of the Gospel in Christus hopeless. One young woman told nothing in return. And in the end you will be bearers of hope in this world, your search for meaning and Vivit: “If you have lost your vitality, me: “Among my friends I see less they collapse, leaving only a cloud world. You will be able to say to your purpose in life, and your relationship your dreams, your enthusiasm, desire to get involved, less courage of dust. Failure, if it makes our idols brother or sister: “Arise, you are with God. In January 2019, I met your optimism and your generosity, to get up”. Sadly, depression is collapse, is a good thing, however not alone”, and you will help them with hundreds of thousands of your Jesus stands before you as once he spreading among young people much suffering it involves. realize that God the Father loves us, contemporaries from throughout stood before the dead son of the too, and in some cases even leads There are many other situations that Jesus is the hand he stretches the world assembled in Panama for widow, and with all the power of his to the temptation to take one’s own of physical or moral death that a out to us in order to raise us up. World Youth Day. Events of this type resurrection he urges you: ‘Young life. How many situations are there young person may encounter. I – the Synod and World Youth Day— man, I say to you, arise!’” (No. 20). where apathy reigns, where people think of addiction, crime, poverty To come forward and “touch” are an expression of a fundamental That passage from the Bible plunge into an abyss of anguish and or grave illness. I leave it to you Jesus stops the funeral procession. dimension of the Church: the fact tells us how Jesus, upon entering remorse! How many young people to think about these things and to He draws near, he demonstrates his that we “journey together”. the town of Nain in Galilee, came cry out with no one to hear their realize what has proved “deadly” for closeness. Closeness thus turns into In this journey, every time we upon the funeral procession of a plea! Instead, they meet with looks yourselves or for someone close to a courageous act of restoring life reach an important milestone, we young person, the only son of a of distraction and indifference on you, now or in the past. At the same to another. A prophetic gesture. are challenged by God and by life widowed mother. Jesus, struck by the part of people who want to enjoy time, I ask you to remember that The touch of Jesus, the living One, to make a new beginning. As young the woman’s heartrending grief, their own “happy hour”, without the young man in the Gospel was communicates life. It is a touch that people, you are experts in this! You miraculously restored her son to being bothered about anyone or truly dead, but he was able to come pours the Holy Spirit into the dead like to take trips, to discover new life. The miracle took place after a anything else. back to life because he was seen by body of that young man and brings places and people, and to have new sequence of words and gestures: Others waste their lives with Someone who wanted him to live. him back to life. experiences. That is why I have “When the Lord saw her, he had superficial things, thinking they The same thing can also happen to That touch penetrates all hurt chosen the city of Lisbon, the capital compassion for her and said to are alive while in fact they are us, today and every day. and despair. It is the touch of of Portugal, as the goal of our next her, ‘Do not weep’. Then he came dead within (cf. Rev 3:1). At the God himself, a touch also felt in intercontinental pilgrimage, to take forward and touched the bier, and age of twenty, they can already be To have compassion authentic human love; it is a touch place in 2022. From Lisbon, in the the bearers stood still” (Lk 7:13-14). dragging their lives down, instead The Scriptures often speak of opening up unimaginable vistas of fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Let us take a moment to meditate of raising them up to the level the feelings experienced by those freedom and fullness of new life. The great numbers of young people, on these words and gestures of the of their true dignity. Everything who let themselves be touched effectiveness of this gesture of Jesus including many missionaries, set Lord. is reduced to “living it up” and “viscerally” by the pain of others. is incalculable. It reminds us that out for unknown lands, to share seeking a morsel of gratification: a Jesus’ own feelings make him share even one sign of closeness, simple their experience of Jesus with other The ability to see pain and minute of entertainment, a fleeting in other people’s lives. He makes yet concrete, can awaken forces of peoples and nations. The theme of death moment of attention and affection their pain his own. That mother’s resurrection. the Lisbon World Youth Day will be: Jesus looks carefully at this from others… And what about grief became his own. The death of You too, as young people, are “Mary arose and went with haste” funeral procession. In the midst of the widespread growing digital that young son became his own. able to draw near to the realities of (Lk 1:39). In these two intervening the crowd, he makes out the face of narcissism that affects young people As young people, you have pain and death that you encounter. years, I want to reflect with you on a woman in great pain. His ability to and adults alike. All too many shown over and over again that You too can touch them and, like two other biblical texts: for 2020, see generates encounter, the source people are living this way! Some you are capable of com-passion. I Jesus, bring new life, thanks to “Young man, I say to you, arise!” of new life. Few words are needed. of them have perhaps bought into think of all those of you who have the Holy Spirit. But only if you are (Lk 7:14) and for 2021, “Stand up. I What about my own ability to the materialism of those all around generously offered help whenever first touched by his love, if your appoint you as a witness of what you see? When I look at things, do I look them who are concerned only with situations demanded it. No disaster, heart is melted by the experience have seen” (cf. Acts 26:16). carefully, or is it more like when I making money and taking it easy, as earthquake or flood takes place of his goodness towards you. If you As you can see, the quickly scroll through the thousands if these were the sole purpose of life. without young volunteers stepping can feel God’s immense love for verb “arise” or “stand up” appears of photos or social profiles on my In the long run, this will inevitably up to offer a helping hand. The every living creature—especially our in all three themes. These words cell phone? How often do we end up lead to unhappiness, apathy and great mobilization of young people brothers and sisters who experience also speak of resurrection, of being eyewitnesses of events without boredom with life, a growing sense concerned about defending the hunger and thirst, or are sick or awakening to new life. They are ever experiencing them in real time! of emptiness and frustration. environment is also a witness to naked or imprisoned—then you words that constantly appear in the Sometimes our first reaction is to Negative situations can also be the your ability to hear the cry of the will be able to draw near to them as Exhortation Christus Vivit (Christ take a picture with our cell phone, result of personal failure, whenever earth. he does. You will be able to touch is Alive!) that I addressed to you without even bothering to look into something we care about, something Dear young people, do not them as he does, and to bring his following the 2018 Synod and that, the eyes of the persons involved. we were committed to, no longer let yourselves be robbed of this life to those of your friends who are together with the Final Document, All around us, but at times also seems to be working or giving the sensitivity! May you always be inwardly dead, who suffer or have the Church offers you as a lamp within us, we can see realities of desired results. This can happen attentive to the plea of those who lost faith and hope. to shed light on your path in life. death: physical, spiritual, emotional, with school or with our ambitions are suffering, and be moved by I sincerely hope that the journey social. Do we really notice them, or in sports and in the arts… The end those who weep and die in today’s “Young man, I say to you, bringing us to Lisbon will coincide simply let them happen to us? Is of the “dream” can make us feel world. “Some realities of life are only arise!” with a great effort on the part of the there anything we can do in order dead. But failures are part of the life seen with eyes cleansed by tears” The Gospel does not tell us the entire Church to implement these to restore life? of every human being; sometimes (Christus Vivit, 76). If you can learn Young / B7 B2 UPDATES March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Simulation invalidates marriage The juridic structure of simulation and its proof series of acts and attitudes) with the By Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD infidelities which occurred in the subsequent marriage in facto esse. “When there is no antecedent In more than one occasion, I have and concomitant indicators to heard of persons—men more often explain the subsequent infidelity by than women—who get married proving a posteriori the existence with the idea of a union that of a positive a priori exclusion of does not have one or other of the the very right to fidelity (ipsum qualities that I have always thought ius radicale exclusivum), then the were essential to the marital presumption iuris tantum prevails, covenant: fidelity to one spouse, that the deeds of infidelity through totality of the mutual self-giving the course of the marriage in facto and acceptance of the spouses esse were simply failures to fulfill and openness to the procreation the right/duty and that marriage, and upbringing of children, aside therefore, is valid.” from the sacramentality of the Finally, it is not specious to point marriage itself. Hence, I have met out that for a long time, the resolve relatively young couples already to continue, after the celebration of with problems of infidelity, or the marriage, a sexual relationship with lack of children. Does Church Law a person other than one’s spouse say anything about this? that had been initiated before the marriage, had not been considered The notion of simulation in as proof of the will to exclude fidelity. Church law However, as Villadrich points out, We have repeatedly seen that “the course of those presumptions consent is what brings about has radically changed and it is marriage, and Canon Law maintains now presumed that the person the presumption that the words who married with the intention of expressed in the marriage rite agree A mass wedding at the Manila Cathedral on March 4, 2020. PHOTO FROM THE MANILA CATHEDRAL maintaining sexual relations with a with the internal act of the will of stable concubine or lover excludes the contracting party in a marriage. fidelity.” However, the Codex established in always keep in mind the definition of a) Substitution/displacement oneself the right to intimate c.1101, §2 that: “If either or both of marriage and the enumeration of its of marriage as the object of the sentimental, affective, and love The juridic structure of the parties should by a positive act essential properties enunciated by marital consent. In this situation, relations specifically proper of the simulation against fidelity of the will exclude marriage itself or the Codex, which must be the object the simulator wills something which sexual inclination between man A Rotal judge summarized the any essential element of marriage or of the marital consent that brings is not the same as the marriage and woman (by their being a man requisites for the proof of simulation any essential property, such party about marriage (matrimonium in covenant that is the rightful object of and a woman) with persons other that invalidates marriage in fieri as contracts invalidly.” This is the fieri): marital consent, as expressed in the than one’s own spouse, which, not follows: juridic figure of simulation. (1) Marriage itself marriage rite (and enunciated above implying the complete sexual union a) The simulator’s confession Doctrine and jurisprudence have (matrimonium in facto esse) is by cc.1055-1056). That “something in a formal sense, are nevertheless (i.e., admission), not so much a made a distinction between total and “a partnership of the whole life, else” is precisely a type of union within the contents and the scope judicial one as an extra-judicial one partial simulation as follows: between a man and a woman, which excludes (in its extreme) of that intimate familiarity and or a confession made to credible a) Total simulation, which is which is by its nature ordered marriage itself, or at least one or co-ownership of the love, affection witnesses at a non-suspicious time; the rejection of marriage itself, toward the good of the spouses and more of its essential properties. and sentiments proper of the b) The existence of a serious has appeared in a variety of Rotal the procreation and education of On willing this “something else” in matrimonial relationship.” and proportionate cause (causa Sentences—e.g., somebody who offspring” (c.1055, §1). the act of consenting, the rightful As to the proof of simulation simulandi) for such limitation of gives no consent to the marriage, (2) Essential poperties object for a valid marital consent is against fidelity, Villadrich points out the consent, given that no one acts somebody who excludes the marriage of marriage: “The essential thus displaced, thus rendering that that “it is necessary to prove not just without adequate motive; itself or the other party, somebody properties of marriage are unity marital consent invalid. the fact of infidelity, but also that c) Precedent, concomitant and who celebrates the marriage pro and indissolubility” (c.1056). In b) Irrelevance of malice such conduct originated in the will subsequent circumstances, which forma (merely formally) for reasons common usage, unity has become (dolus). In this situation, the or consent of the contracting act, to must be such as to render the other than the real marriage covenant synonymous with fildelity—hence moral disposition of the subject is positively intend a union devoid of simulation possible or to make it (e.g., to acquire the citizenship the Augustinian expression of irrelevant, aside from this aspect the right/duty to conjugal fidelity more credible. of the spouse), or by inclusion of bonum fidei. being of difficult proof. What is (i.e., by excluding the ius radicale This same judge also quotes an element that totally replaces The crux of the doctrine and relevant is the presence of that exclusivum). another Rotal decision to pointe out marriage as an intimate community jurisprudence regarding the positive act of the will towards an “Given that the invalidating that: “Nor does the jurisprudence of conjugal life and love, established invalidating effect of simulation is object—some kind of partnership of exclusion occurs in the act of often omit to observe that facts by the Creator and built upon His succinctly explained by the Spanish life—which is other than marriage contracting, through an unrevoked speak louder than words, namely laws. canonist Villadrich in the following itself with all its essential properties. actual or virtual will, one understands 1 that facts bring with them into the b) Partial simulation, on the other terms: the decisive importance, in the case greater probative force, as long hand, occurs when the contracting The exclusion of monogamy first place, of the antecedent and as the facts are many and speak with party does intend some kind of (fidelity) concomitant proof of the in fieri and, one voice, not subject to different marriage, but at the same rejects one 1 P.J.Villadrich, Commentary to c.1101, in VV.AA., Fidelity in its strict sense— in second place, that this antecedent Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, interpretations, but leading to the or more of the essential properties or Vol III.2, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago according to canonical doctrine— and concomitant proof forms a same conclusion.” elements thereof. It is imperative to (2004). ”is excluded by reserving to consistent lifestyle (a congruent Simulation / B7 Flowers at the tabernacle Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:

Q: I am a retired missionary may be worn on this Sunday. Discerning use of flowers can diocesan priest. In our residence “26. The practice of covering the indicate the relative importance of we have a room turned into a chapel. crosses and images in the church particular occasions, and signify the There is a small tabernacle fixed on may be observed if the episcopal keeping of particular seasons. to the wall on a small, 3-by-2-feet conference should so decide. The “• During Advent the floral slab plate. In the Lenten season, crosses are to be covered until decoration of the church should can we decorate the tabernacle with the end of the celebration of the be in keeping with the season, a flower vase? — S.K., Gunadala, Lord’s passion on Good Friday. not anticipating the full joy of the Krishna, Andhra Pradesh, India Images are to remain covered until Nativity of the Lord. the beginning of the Easter Vigil. “• During Lent, the church is A: The Roman Missal does not go Although it has no legal standing in not to be decorated with flowers. into great detail regarding flowers India, the U.S. bishops’ conference Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of during Lent. To wit: document “Built of Living Stones” Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are “305. Moderation should be has some useful pointers: exceptions to this rule. Flowers used observed in the decoration of the “124. Plans for seasonal on these days should be removed altar. During Advent, the floral decorations should include other after Evening Prayer II. decoration of the altar should be areas besides the sanctuary. “Artificial flowers and plants marked by a moderation suited Decorations are intended to draw should not be used. Dried flowers, to the character of this season, people to the true nature of the ferns, and sprays may be used, without expressing prematurely mystery being celebrated rather particularly in winter months. the full joy of the Nativity of the than being ends in themselves. “Care should be taken to use Lord. During Lent, it is forbidden Natural flowers, plants, wreaths, flowers to guide the eye to the for the altar to be decorated with and fabric hangings, and other various centers of liturgical action— flowers. Laetare Sunday (Fourth seasonal objects can be arranged for example, the entrance to the Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, to enhance the primary liturgical Church, the ambo, the altar, the and Feasts are exceptions. Floral points of focus. The altar should presider’s chair; on other occasions decorations should always be remain clear and free-standing, not the font, the place for reserving the done with moderation and placed walled in by massive floral displays sacred oils etc. around the altar rather than on its or the Christmas crib, and pathways “Moderation should be observed mensa.” in the narthex, nave, and sanctuary when decorating altars. Floral The circular letter Paschalis should remain clear. decorations should always be Sollemnitatis of the Congregation “129. The use of living flowers and modest and placed around the altar for Divine Worship regarding the plants, rather than artificial greens, rather than on top of it.” celebration of Lent and Easter says serves as a reminder of the gift of It is noteworthy that almost the following: life God has given to the human none of these documents mention “17. ‘In Lent, the altar should community. Planning for plants and decorating the tabernacle with not be decorated with flowers, and flowers should include not only the flowers. This is perhaps because musical instruments may be played procurement and placement but tabernacles by themselves are only to give necessary support to also the continuing care needed to designed to center the attention of CNS/JEFF WITHEROW, CATHOLIC COURIER the singing.’ This is in order that the sustain living things.” the faithful and so have a prominent tabernacles is not mentioned, it is would extend this prohibition to all penitential character of the season Also useful are the indications place whether they are in a separate quite common during the year to other places in the church building, be preserved. of the liturgy office of the bishops’ chapel or in the sanctuary. have some flowers in Eucharistic including before the tabernacle. “25. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, conference of England and Wales: Likewise, tabernacles require ease chapels or in the vicinity of the A possible exception might be Laetare, and in solemnities and “Flowers of access and so it would not be tabernacle. during solemn prolonged exposition feasts, musical instruments may be “The use of fresh flowers is correct to place decorative elements Since the prohibition of flowers of the Blessed Sacrament as this is played and the altar decorated with encouraged as a way of engaging in that might impede this. However, before the altar during Lent is quite done to honor Christ in a special and flowers. Rose-colored vestments the beauty and dignity of celebration. even though the decoration of clear, I think that liturgical logic public way. UPDATES CBCP Monitor March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 FEATURE B3

Filipino Catholics sing during Mass at St. Joseph Church in Beirut, Lebanon, Dec. 7, 2014. The Philippine government said there are about 30, 000 Filipinos working in Lebanon. DALIA KHAMISSY/CNS An Ecclesiastical Institute for the Overseas Filipino Workers By Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic, JCD

MIGRATION is one of the most important submit a report on the matter for their next How will the objectives and purposes of their necessary assistance in case of sickness concerns that confront the Catholic Church plenary assembly in July. The following is a the Personal Prelature be expressed? or old age, etc. This obligation runs parallel in the whole world and particularly in the summary of the nature, purpose, composition The statutes would enunciate completely to the duties of the bishop in relation to his Catholic Church in the Philippines. Filipinos and juridical competence of the “personal enunciate both the nature and the purposes clergy in the diocese (cf. canon 384). are found in almost all corners of the world. prelature” according to the provisions of the of the Personal Prelature for Migrants. They leave their homeland either to settle in 1983 Code of Canon Law in question and What is the relationship of the laity another country permanently or to work on answer form to facilitate a brief presentation What would characterize the “Statutes” with the Prelate Personal Prelature a temporary basis as contract workers. The of the ecclesiastical institute. of the Personal Prelature? for Migrants? whole reality is vast and very complicated, The following are the features of the statutes Canon 296 defines the juridical relationship but the urgency of an effective pastoral What is the nature of Personal of the Personal Prelature: a) the internal of the laity with the prelate and the care of these faithful represents an urgent Prelatures? organization and government of the prelature, prelature. Although personal prelatures are responsibility of the Church in the Philippines Personal Prelatures are pastoral namely the limitation of its coverage and the hierarchically constituted by deacons and and requires concrete initiatives. This is an institutions, provided by the Code of Canon seat of its central government -- within the priests of the secular clergy (canon 294), urgent need because in the current process Law, with jurisdictional characteristics framework of the four canons, viz., 294-297 the lay faithful can belong to it. In fact, the of secularization any delay means it might that are incorporated into the hierarchical of the present Code and other precedent activities done for the attainment of the be too late to respond to their pastoral needs organization of the Church. It has been directives; b) the relationships of the prelate pastoral objectives of the prelatures are sufficiently and keep them faithful to the envisioned even prior to the Second Vatican with the clergy incardinated or not to the not exclusive to the clergy. Hence through teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Council and conceived during the Council prelature; c) his relationship with the laity a contract, whose nature and duration are Church while preserving their culture, itself for the purpose of providing pastoral who may be incorporated into the prelature in subject to the regulations of the statutes customs and traditions. care of the faithful who have special needs, view of its specific purpose; d) his relationship of personal prelature for migrants, laymen The Philippine Church has also responded including migrants and itinerant people. with the local Ordinaries, and e) its activities and women may also organically cooperate very well in ministering to the migrants’ This was finally provided in canons 294-298 in order to attain its particular objectives. f) in the pastoral activities of the prelature. pastoral needs, by creating the Episcopal in CIC 1983. Finally, the statutes shall also provide for the This does not necessarily make them fully Commission of the for the Pastoral Care development of particular laws in order to incorporated into the prelature, as they Migrants and Itinerant Peoples. CBCP- What are the essential elements that meet specific pastoral needs of the migrants. remain the faithful of the particular churches ECMI has published a booklet “DIRECTORY constitute Personal Prelatures? where they belong by domicile or quasi Chaplains and Pastoral Workers for Filipino There are four essential elements: a) the What is the Juridical Status and the domicile, but simultaneously places them Migrants 2015”. It offers a list of priests, competent authority that could establish the Competence of the Prelate of the under the jurisdictional power of the Prelate religious sisters and lay leaders assigned prelature; b) the need for consultation with Personal Prelature for Migrants? of the personal prelature in the specific to serve the Filipinos migrants worldwide. the concerned Episcopal conferences prior At head of the prelature for the pastoral issues relative to his competence, which are They are the unsung witnesses of present day to their establishment; c) their composition care migrants is a Prelate who is nominated also stipulated in the statutes. Finally, the missionary work of the Philippine Church. The and d) the general purpose stipulated for their by the Roman Pontiff himself, in accordance Apostolic letter of erection of the personal direct pastoral care of the faithful migrants establishment. with the statutes of the institution (cf. canon prelature for migrants may also state the rests in the Church with the Bishop of each 295). The prelate as the proper Ordinary of membership of the laity in the prelature itself. place. However, especially in some areas of Who is the competent authority that the personal prelature (cf. canon 134 § 1), immigration of Filipinos – as the Middle East, could establish the prelature? even if he may not necessarily be ordained a What is the relationship of the Personal Asia, especially – the scarcity of the clergy is The Apostolic See is the only the competent bishop, enjoys a power of governance that is Prelature with the other particular particularly pressing and, as a consequence, ecclesiastical authority with regards to the both ordinary and proper ( cf. canon 131 §§ churches? the pastoral care offered to our faith by the canonical erection of a prelature for the 1-2), but is substantially different from the Another important issue that the statutes diocese of the place is entirely precarious, with pastoral care of migrants, like the other jurisdiction of the diocesan bishops in matters of the Personal Prelatures should address serious danger of abandoning the Christian hierarchical juridical structures. It is done that concern the ordinary pastoral care of the to is the relationship of the prelate with faith. Elsewhere, however, it is necessary to through the Sacred Congregation for Bishops faithful. This, in effect, signifies that his power the local Ordinaries of the particular strengthen the pastoral care provided by the under whose responsibility, according to the is one of hierarchical autonomous jurisdiction churches concerned with the pastoral care local clergy, so that the pastoral care of our co apostolic constitution Regimini Ecclesiae that has the Apostolic See as its immediate of migrants. The rationale behind the nationals takes into account the traditions and universae and reaffirmed by the apostolic ecclesiastical superior. formulation of canon 297 is in order to culture that has accompanied them all their constitution Pastor Bonus, art. 80, the study safeguard the rights of the local ordinaries lives. One or other types of pastoral assistance and erection of personal prelatures have been What are the other faculties that the of the particular churches, according to the becomes necessary, whether in cases of “stable laid. Prelate would be competent in? provisions of Ecclesiae Sanctae I, 4e, since migration,” where it is a priority to adapt to The prelate of the personal prelature for personal prelatures are not established in the culture of the country that welcomes them, Is consultation of the Episcopal migrants is competent on the matters that order to supplant the particular churches, and in cases of “transitional migration,” when Conferences concerned necessary in follow. On the one hand, he has the right to but assist them through the services of its they plan to return to the Philippines in a space establishing a Personal Prelature? establish either a national or international clergy and lay cooperators in its specific of time relative brief. Canon 294 also stipulates the need to seminary, in view of the scope of the prelature pastoral needs. As regards the pastoral Nevertheless, concrete problems occur consult the concerned Episcopal conferences, itself, i.e., the pastoral care of migrants and work of migrants itself, the consent of the in ministering to the Filipinos working although their advice is not binding, prior to consequently, to incardinate the students, Ordinary of the particular church where the outside the country. These problems may the erection itself. when they are ordained deacons, into the special ministry would be performed is really be summarized as lack of coordination of prelature as well as promote them into necessary so that even local ordinaries, such pastoral activities in the chaplaincies and Who compose the Personal Prelature the sacred Orders in view of the pastoral as the Vicar general and episcopal Vicar, are pastoral centers, problems of stability, for Migrants? services of the prelature. Both the acts of not empowered to grant permission for any continuity and maintenance of pastoral The following would compose the Prelature incardination of the students as well as their pastoral activity to the personal prelature ministry besides other issues of personal and for Migrants: Priests, deacons and lay men promotion into the sacred orders are to be (cf. canon 134 §1), unless a special mandate personnel relationships. The main reason and women who would commit themselves to done according to the norms found in canons from the Bishop himself is received. The considered is the fact that there is no real render pastoral care for migrants and itinerant 265-266 and 1026-1033 that regulate both kind of relationship with the Ordinaries of ecclesiastical organization that can properly people and their families. juridical actions respectively. On the other the particular churches of origin (a quo) guide coordination of pastoral activities, hand, he has the responsibility to provide for should also be specified in the statutes mediate and supervise the chaplaincies, Are the migrants members of this both the spiritual formation and the proper since their assistance to the migrants in assign/appoint chaplains, communicate prelature? sustenance of those whom he incardinated the extraordinary conditions, during their and negotiate with receiving churches, Only those migrants who would commit and promoted into the sacred orders, and sojourn in foreign lands, is really called with power of ecclesiastical jurisdiction. A themselves to render pastoral care to their other priests and members of religious for according to the mind of De Pastorali proposal for the establishment of a “Personal fellow migrants would belong to the Personal institutes who may devote their ministry to Migratorum Cura, especially in seeking Prelature” has been submitted for serious Prelature for Migrants. The migrants would be the specific ends of the prelature, namely, the out for priests fitted for the apostolate and study and consideration to the Catholic objects of the pastoral care are not necessarily pastoral care of migrants. Furthermore, this loaning them to the Episcopal Conferences Bishops’ Conference in their last meeting members of this pastoral institution until responsibility would include their specific and particular churches or the personal of the Permanent Council. Four Episcopal they themselves would commit to be regular formation in view of the special ministry as prelature for migrants which may be in need Commissions have been given the task to members themselves. well as permanent priestly formation, and of them. B4 FEATURE March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Christ, COVID-19 and our faith Pastoral Message for the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B Villegas, March 10, 2020

not brethren. Look. In choosing to close our church proclaim to this cynical, skeptical, The name of God is Emmanuel, doors, stop liturgical assemblies or pessimistic and at times agnostic God-with-us. He touched lepers and stay away from prayer gatherings, society that God has the answer to allowed sinners to touch Him. He are we really achieving a greater all our needs. Nasa tao ang gawa… showed love by His presence. He good? pero huwag kalimutang nasa Diyos is not distant. God has become our The times demand caution but not ang awa. neighbor. Ang Diyos ay nagkatawang to the extent that the caution numbs Do not leave the God of mysteries kapwa. And now we are now being us and leaves us motionless in out in the puzzle that is COVID 19. asked to avoid contact for fear of anxiety. Neither can we be reckless This is the best time for every priest contagion; stay away and keep far. as to ignore the mysterious disease; to be close to God’s people who are It is a subtle attack on the message in fact, the oratio imperata begs the anxious and suffering. Remember of the Gospel. The very sacrament of Lord to deliver us from this disease. how the plagues made San Roque Christ’s Eucharistic Real Presence We must heed the advice of a saint. Remember how San Carlos is being seen as an avenue for scientists and medical experts. Borromeo served Lombardy during contagion instead of healing. Do God uses the Department of Health the plague. Remember Saint Damien not allow the emergency situation authorities too to guide us. We pray who became leper with lepers for to determine our behavior under for them. Resist panic and fear. love of the Lord. Shine forth in normal situations. Heed the recommendations about pastoral charity. Saint John Paul Catholic means universal. hand hygiene and hand contacts. II said at the opening of his papal Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan. FILE PHOTO Universal is the opposite of racist Priests and EMHCs must insure they ministry “Do not be afraid. Open, I and separatist. The different one is do not contaminate others by their say open wide, the doors for Christ.” THE epidemic of godless fear of the the disease but do not forget to pray. my brother and sister. At the center careless disregard for basic hygiene. unknown is spreading and we must If you choose to stay at home, pray of the universe is God not myself. Do not forget faith with prudence, Hope in the Lord return to the basics of our Catholic the rosary at home with the family. We are being led to close borders hope with mercy and love with I cannot but recall Charles faith. Do not let a day pass without family and lock out; but as we lock out, discipline—our time tested Catholic Dickens’ lines… It was the best of Let us not leave God out of the rosary. Our Blessed Mother in many we really lock ourselves in. The face virtues. times, it was the worst of times, threat of COVID 19. Our first combat of her apparitions have taught us mask is the security of some but Between being recklessly it was the age of wisdom, it was gear against all sickness is prayer. that prayers can stop wars and we insist to proclaim “Even though imprudent and being a paralyzed the age of foolishness, it was the There is no cure without God willing natural catastrophes. I walk through the valley of the alarmist, there is virtue. epoch of belief, it was the epoch it. We cannot win over sickness Do not forget La Naval de Manila shadow of death, I will fear no evil, of incredulity, it was the season without God. and EDSA 1986. If we stopped tanks for you are with me.” (Ps.23:4). We Have the Means of Light, it was the season of Remember always—God has by the rosary and our forefathers Faith and social We priests need to renew our darkness, it was the spring of powers beyond the human sciences. defended the Catholic faith at the responsibility are twins. Our apostolic faith that God has hope, it was the winter of despair, The puzzle of COVID 19 must not Battle of Manila Bay in 1646 praying faith dictates that we work for the entrusted to us the sacraments we had everything before us, we be faced without faith in God the rosary, why do we still ignore or reign of God’s kingdom. It is part of of healing through baptism and had nothing before us, we were all and without trust in the power of doubt the power of the rosary to stop social responsibility not to spread penance for sins. The anointing of going direct to heaven, we were all prayers; even as we trust in the all sickness and disease? misinformation and stop alarming the sick is from Christ the healer going direct the other way…” power of human intelligence for gossips. Now we are dealing with Himself. Let God shine forth in this. medical inventions. More than any Watch Out sickness and disease as if God has With the threat of COVID 19, the What will separate us from the other time, we need God the most. The mystery of COVID 19 is nothing to do with it or cannot poor are the most vulnerable–living love of Christ? Will anguish, or People need the Lord. The world attacking not just our medical health do anything about it. We insist to in cramped spaces, surviving on distress, or persecution, or famine, rests in God’s loving hands. but our spiritual lives and Catholic say “Our help is in the name of the meager income, deprived of health or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? Let the words of the Lord to Jairus values as well. Be wary and be wise. Lord who made heaven and earth”. benefits and facilities of hygiene. Nothing will be able to separate us about his daughter echo for each of The core of our faith (Ps 124:8). More help must be given to them from the love of God in Christ Jesus us “Do not be afraid; just have faith is communion in love and mercy. in our parishes; more care must be our Lord. (cfr Rom 8:35,39). and she will be saved.” (Lk. 8:50). We are now being advised to live Prudence available to them. They who have When sickness and anxieties, in isolation and suspicion of one In the moral principle of less in life must have more of our pain and hurt, loss and isolation Prayer and Penance another. From looking for the face proportionality, we recognize that concrete love. Do not forget the overwhelm us Lord, may your Holy The COVID 19 is an invitation for of God in one another, we are now all actions have both harmful and poor. Spirit guide us in peace into your greater prayer and more penance. advised to look at our neighbors as helpful, positive and negative, In the public forum how to face comforting love! Be informed through media about infected carriers. They are threats destructive and constructive aspects. this mysterious disease, let us Amen. PASTORAL LETTER: A call of charity for the common good On the celebration

MY dear people of God, of Women’s Month

The alert level for the COVID 19 has IN the history of our salvation, one woman played a very now been raised to Code Red sub- important role: the Blessed Virgin Mary. By her fiat, she became level two (2). We are enjoined to the Mother of Jesus, our Saviour, and, in the order of grace, our avoid large gatherings of people to own Mother too. In the plan of God, the most ordinary woman avert the further spread of the virus. has an irreplaceable role to play at procreation. In her womb, life We heed this call not with panic but comes as a gift from God. Through her, God forms and nurtures with care for charity to others and a new human person. Indispensable and unique is her service the common good. Hence in the and contribution to the family, the Church, and the social order. Archdiocese of Manila I dispense all the faithful from the obligation There are specific tasks in life that only a woman can do just as of going to Mass this Sunday. There there are specific tasks that are meant only for a man. But man will be no public celebration of the and woman are equal in dignity. Their true relationship is to Holy Mass and no public activities in complement and complete each other. Every woman is entitled all the churches in the Archdiocese to the respect of every man and other women; no woman should for seven days, starting Saturday, ever be treated as a mere object for another person’s satisfaction. March14, till Friday, March 20. I recognize that this may impact many God made man and woman according to his own image and faithful and priests but let us do this likeness. Every offense against the dignity of women is a direct with the spirit of sacrifice for the offense against God himself. Prostitution, sexual abuse, violence good of all. Within the week we will and various forms of discrimination violate their intrinsic being. monitor more fully the situation in But women, as the bearer of human life, are in a unique position coordination with health agencies to change and transform society for the better. This is the task and government bodies. Further Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the Apostolic Administrator of Manila. RCAM AOC to which they are called always, but particularly at this time. To instructions will then be issued in them I say then, nurture what is good in your families. Raise the coming days. Please keep in not consider only our needs but We can use the social media and God-loving, responsible and happy children, remembering that touch with the official website of the also the needs of others. Driven by other means of communication to it is in your homes, no matter how humble, that we begin to form Archdiocese of Manila* in order to self-preservation, we can easily fall help us in our faith. Please tune in citizens of the world. be updated and to avoid fake news. into selfishness in moments of fear, to Radio Veritas 846 and TV Maria Although we will not be able to thus we think only of ourselves. Let for their regular broadcasts of come to Holy Mass, this does not us also think of the needs of others, Masses and other religious activities. mean that we no longer can come especially of the poor who are the Quiapo and other churches also have to the Lord. We should all the more most vulnerable. Therefore let our live streaming of their Masses. We strive to be in touch with Him by parishes go out of our way to help will coordinate with other media fervent prayer. Thus from March and serve them. Scripture warns us: outlets participate in our noon and 14 onwards let all the bells of our “those who shut their ears to the cry evening prayers. You can also follow churches be rung every twelve of the poor will themselves call out the daily readings of the Mass by o’clock noon and eight o’clock in and not be answered” (Prov. 21:13). reading your Bibles. The Word of the evening to call all people to pray Whereas, by opening our hands to God in the Scriptures gives us hope, the ORATIO IMPERATA prayer to give, we also open them to receive strength and guidance. Being in fight this virus. Let us join in this God’s help and blessing. community quarantine can be an prayer. Let families gather together I enjoin the parishes and places opportunity to be more present to at 8 pm to pray as a family for of prayer to be open all day so that our loved ones and to the Lord. divine protection. After the Oratio people may come and find solace in Let us be assured that this crisis Imperata the families can pray the silent prayer. However, let sanitizers too will pass. This has come upon rosary and read the Scriptures. The be available at the entrances and let us so quickly and unexpectedly, but fervent prayers of all the people the churches be regularly cleaned. let us take this as a call to be more of God will draw us closer to him For the moment let us not organize faithful to God and more loving to and away from the scourge of this Kumpisalang Bayan to avoid large others. “So then, while we have the disease. gatherings of people but let all opportunity, let us do good to all” In the spirit of Lent let us priests give definite time to hear (Gal. 6:10). accompany our prayer with acts of individual confessions during the penance and charity. Penance, which day to be of service to the penitents Once again let us trustingly calls for self-abnegation, keeps us who come. Although there are risks, invoke the intercession of Mary, ESTE NEWS from being selfish and thinking priests must be available to visit the our Mother, the Health of the Sick. only of ourselves. Charity opens our sick and minister to them. In time of attention and our hearts to others. crisis people need the Lord, and the +BRODERICK PABILLO +CRISPIN B. VARQUEZ, D.D. Let not fear run our lives. Hence priests show God’s nearness by their Apostolic Administrator of Manila Bishop of Borongan we avoid panic buying. We should presence among the people. March 13, 2020 Chairman, CBCP Office on Women FEATURE CBCP Monitor March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 FEATURE B5 Pastoral Statement of the Bishops of Metro Manila There is an appointed time for everything. (Eccl. 3:1)

TO the People of God in Metro of participants and attendees, and Manila: proper social distancing should be observed. All other celebrations of “There is an appointed time for these aforementioned sacraments everything,” (Eccl. 3:1) the Holy are to be temporarily deferred. Bible says. Let us heed the signs 3. Since the dates for the Metro of our time and respond to them Manila Community Quarantine will appropriately. The government has coincide with the last three Sundays declared a community quarantine of Lent, and Holy Week, it would in Metro Manila from March 15 mean that the liturgical celebrations to April 14 to stem the spread of during those days, including Palm COVID 19. We bishops of this Sunday, the rest of the Holy Week region met to discuss common and Easter Sunday will not be open pastoral actions in the light of this to the public. development. We have been guided 4. There will be no public blessing by fidelity to the faith, service to the of palms, Visita Iglesia, Siete people, and the common good of the Palabras, Good Friday procession community. After much discussion and Easter Salubong. We encourage and discernment, we have decided the faithful to stay home and follow on the following points which we the said activities on TV, Radio, will implement in our ecclesiastical or online. The faithful are called jurisdictions in the Archdiocese of upon to pray the Rosary as it is Manila, in the dioceses of Cubao, a good prayer to meditate on the Novaliches, Pasig, Kalookan, mysteries of the life of the Lord Parañaque, parts of both the diocese that we intensely celebrate in the of Antipolo and Malolos that belong universal Church during the Holy to Metro Manila and some parts Week. of the Military Vicariate of the 5. We call for days of penance, Philippines. prayer, and fasting during all the 1. We will abide by the Fridays of Lent (March 20, 27, and government’s directive to suspend April 3), including Good Friday all large gatherings from March (April 10). This is our response to 15 to April 14. So there will be no the CBCP appeal: “We are enjoining Churchgoers wear protective masks during a Mass at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew in Parañaque City on March 14. PATRICK DOMINICK ROMERO celebration of the Holy Mass with all the Local Ordinaries and the a large congregation within this Diocesan Administrators to call prayer. Together with the psalmist, because the love of God has been Most Rev. ROBERTO O. GAA period, plus other religious activities for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for let us pray: “I love you, LORD, poured out into our hearts” (Rom. Bishop of Novaliches during the Holy Week which usually all those who are infected with the my strength, LORD, my rock, my 5:3-5). attract huge crowds of the faithful. COVID-19 and those who have died, fortress, my deliverer, My God, my Most Rev. JESSE E. MERCADO We heed the instruction of the and for our deliverance from this rock of refuge, my shield, my saving Let us entrust ourselves to the Bishop of Parañaque CBCP which reads: “We should pandemic” (CBCP circular 20-14). horn, my stronghold!” (Ps. 18:2-3) maternal care of Mary, Mother of continue to celebrate the Holy 6. The month-long community Our present situation is very the Afflicted. Most Rev. BRODERICK S. PABILLO Eucharist and Holy Week liturgical quarantine will affect the poor and fluid. For the moment these are our Apostolic Administrator Archdiocese celebrations even in the absence the daily wage earners heavily. Let common actions in our dioceses. Yours truly in Christ: of Manila of a congregation. In spite of the our parishes and church institutions, Other developments and subsequent fact that our faithful cannot be in close coordination with their instructions may come in the future. Most Rev. NOLLY C. BUCO Most Rev. HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO physically present in the Eucharistic local government units (LGUs), be Let us all be vigilant. We offer Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo Bishop of Cubao celebration, the crisis gives us the creative in going out of their way to to the Lord the difficulties and opportunity to unite ourselves with help the people in their basic needs. uncertainties that confront us in Most Rev. PABLO VIRGILIO S. Most Rev. MYLO HUBERT C. one another in the bond of spiritual We appeal for donations to help the the spirit of Lent, which is the spirit DAVID VERGARA communion through the digital poor and the sick. of fervent prayer, penance and Bishop of Kalookan Bishop of Pasig technology” (CBCP circular 20-14). 7. Let the bells of our Churches generosity. We are assured of Easter. 2. The Baptisms, Confirmations, be heard at 12 o’clock noon and Life will overcome death. This virus Most Rev. FRANCISCO M. DE and Weddings scheduled within 8 o’clock in the evening to call will pass us by. We say with St. Paul: LEON Most Rev. DENNIS C. VILLAROJO these dates, which can no longer all the faithful to pray the Oratio “We even boast of our afflictions, Bishop of Antipolo Bishop of Malolos be postponed due to the enormity Imperata together with the praying knowing that affliction produces of the preparations involved, may of the Angelus at noon and the endurance, and endurance, proven Most Rev. OSCAR L. FLORENCIO push through, but will be subject to family rosary in the evening. Let character, and proven character, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate severe restrictions as to the number us all earnestly turn to the Lord in hope, and hope does not disappoint, of the Philippines 16 March 2020

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Circular No. 20-14 March 13, 2020 may exercise their prerogative 8. We encourage the bishops, to dispense the faithful from the religious and the clergy to spend Sunday and the Holy Days of time in silent adoration of the Obligation. Blessed Sacrament for the safety of 3. Such a dispensation, however, our flock and the healing of the sick. does not excuse us from our duty to 9. We continue to minister to the provide the faithful with spiritual sick by offering them the Sacrament nourishment especially in time of of the Anointing of the Sick but crisis. Every diocese must therefore following the necessary precautions provide for the celebration of the proposed by the DOH, in particular Eucharist, other liturgical services the wearing of face mask. and spiritual activities, transmitted 10. We are enjoining all the live through the Internet, Television, Local Ordinaries and the Diocesan or Radio. We should encourage the Administrators to call for a Day of faithful to avail themselves of these Prayer and Fasting for all those who and pray together in their homes as are infected with the COVID-19 and a family or in their small Christian those who have died, and for our communities (BECs). deliverance from this pandemic. 4. We should continue to celebrate 11. We continue to remind the Holy Eucharist and Holy Week everybody to keep the hygiene liturgical celebrations even in the protocol and the cleanliness of our absence of a congregation. In spite churches and church facilities. of the fact that our faithful cannot be In this time of crisis let us put our physically present in the Eucharistic trust in the Lord who accompanies celebration, the crisis gives us the and strengthens our faith. May He opportunity to unite ourselves with open our hearts to help those in need one another in the bond of spiritual and move us to genuine compassion communion through the digital for our brothers and sisters who technology. In the absence of digital suffer. technology, we remind our faithful Let us encourage our faithful to Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, CBCP President, celebrates online Mass on March 18. SCREENSHOT FROM LIVESTREAM that a mere desire to be part of the be open to the vulnerable, especially Eucharistic celebration, with the the poor, and share our resources TO ALL THE BISHOPS AND THE transmission of this virus can cause taken as complementary guidelines given circumstances, already unites with them. DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATORS on our people. With our communal to this new one. us spiritually to the Body of Christ. We pray for the immediate efforts we can help the government 1. Each Local Ordinary must 5. We recommend the cancellation resolution of this temporary crisis. Your Eminences, Your Excellencies control the further spread of this discern the seriousness of the or postponement of recollections, This is a time of difficulty but also a and Reverend Administrators, disease. situation in his Local Church in the pilgrimages, conferences, time for growing in true discipleship We are morally obliged to face of the spread of the COVID-19. processions and other activities as we strive to follow the Lord in RE: PUBLIC HEALTH cooperate and support all the He does this in consultation with the that gather people together in big selfless love and service of others. EMERGENCY, CODE RED SUB- precautionary measures that our local medical and civil authorities. numbers. May God through the loving LEVEL TWO – COVID-19 health officials and government We cannot take lightly the DOH 6. Our churches should be kept intercession of Our Lady, Health of leaders offer us to keep our people recommendation on “Social open so that those who need to pray the Sick, deliver us! The Department of Health has safe and healthy. Distancing” and, whenever possible, and seek prayerful moments may raised the alert system for the We hereby offer to all the local avoid large gatherings. This is still find solace and strength in these Sincerely yours in Christ, COVID 19 to Code Red Sub-level ordinaries and the diocesan the proven and effective measure to trying moments. Two (2). It is now the time to administrators of our country prevent and lessen the transmission 7. We ask all our parishes to sound respond together as a Church with updated recommendations in the of the virus. together the church bells at 12:00 + ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. greater seriousness to the potential light of this recent development. Our 2. Depending on the given noon and 8:00 pm and pray the Archbishop of Davao havoc that a more widespread two previous instructions are to be circumstances, the Local Ordinaries Oratio Imperata. President, CBCP B6 REFLECTIONS March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS The Christian community as a people that Christ, the light of our life 4th Sunday of Lent, Year A, John 9:1-41 walks in the light March 22, 2020 4th Sunday of Lent, Year A, John 9:1-41 March 22, 2020 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD BLINDNESS is always a serious they persist in their attitude, they physical handicap and an immense will never be able to penetrate the TODAY’S Gospel is a story about tragedy. A blind person is unable depth of meaning that God places in a man born blind whose physical to enjoy the splendor of light, the all that happens in us and around us. impairment Jesus cured (John endless gradation of colors, the As for us, who have enjoyed the 9:1-41). If this narrative occurred beauty of the scenery around him. supernatural vision of faith since our in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, He lives enveloped in a deep, endless childhood, we should be endlessly Mark and Luke), this would have night! Blindness makes a person grateful to God for such a gift. been treated as a miracle story, and totally dependent, insecure, exposed “Christ, our light!” proclaims the the wondrous cure by Jesus would to insult or any sort of danger. deacon during the Easter Vigil. And have been considered an evidence of Jesus was aware of all this and, in we reply, “Thanks be to God!” – the coming of the Kingdom of God. his mercy and power, he restored the a proclamation of the faith of the But far from taking it as a miracle, sight to several people. (See Mt 9:27- Church and a firm manifestation John simply calls this particular 30; 12:22; 20:30). To the man born of our gratitude for such a gift. We act of power as sign, and in the blind featured in today’s Gospel, he should treasure it as one of the most entire Gospel, this is the sixth of the gave two gifts: the gift of sight, and precious assets in life. We should seven signs. As a sign, it points to a the much more precious gift of faith, treasure it even more jealously than greater and deeper reality. It gives the spiritual enlightenment which we treasure our physical eyesight. the recipient, and those who witness enables a person to “see” far beyond But this is not all. In today’s the wondrous deed an anticipation what human eyes can see. passage from his Letter to the and foretaste of what Jesus can give “Men love darkness rather than light saves him. Restoring sight to the blind was faithful of Ephesus, the apostle Paul when his hour, that is, the hour of because their deeds were wicked. The reception of true light, however, an aspect of the Messiah’s saving uses two “explosive” sentences: his passion, death and resurrection, Everyone who practices evil hates implies a moral imperative—once mission itself. (See Is 42:7 and “You were once darkness” and comes to pass. From a material sign, the light; he does not come near it one receives light, he no longer walks Lk 4:18.) As he himself solemnly “Now you are light in the world.” one is led to a spiritual reality. In for fear his deeds will be exposed” in darkness. Despite the attempt of declared, Jesus is “the light of The two expressions stand for last Sunday’s Gospel, for example, (John 3:19b-20). Hence, if one lives the Pharisees to persuade the cured the world,” that “real light which two contrasting ways of being and the water from the well of Jacob is outside the Christian environment, man to renounce his belief in Jesus, enlightens every man” and which behaving. Paul has in mind the a sign of the supernatural water, he is like the physically blind who he stood his ground. Though he no darkness will ever overcome. (See darkness of sin—the sins of rejecting God’s wisdom that Jesus, after his lives in darkness; he lives a life of experienced excommunication and Jn 9:5.9.) God, of immorality, dishonesty, and resurrection, gives to those who sin and wickedness. Just like Manila suffered rejection in the hands of Yet, even Jesus’ brightness pride . . . The darkness of that form believe in him. In today’s Gospel, when it experienced the Luzon-wide authorities, he demonstrated his remains impotent in front of of godless behavior is so deep as to the physical blindness of the man is power outage, people like him are courage in defending his gradual the “blindness of the heart,” the make the whole person “darkness” meant to teach us about our spiritual blind, scared, unable to move for understanding of Jesus—he is a man blindness of those who—like his itself. blindness, and the sign of the healing lack of a guiding light. They are called Jesus, a prophet, one from enemies—refuse to see God’s God’s gift of faith changed all of the man born blind is intended to removed from the joys of living with God and finally the Son of Man. It is presence and action in him. Their that drastically. In place of those lead us to spiritual light that shines electricity; that is to say, they do not in this sense that we can understand pride and prejudice blind them to attitudes and actions that it is in darkness. live authentic life. They simply exist, when Jesus says: “I have come to the truth and, as long as they persist even shameful to mention them, In the Old Testament, the light that but they do not have real life. the world as its light to keep anyone in their negative attitude, they will there came “every kind of goodness shines on in darkness is none other This raises the question: how who believes in me from remaining never be able to see the light. and righteousness and truth”—a than the word of God inscribed in the does one acquire real or authentic in the dark” (John 12:46), or when At all times and in all places, life lived as “children of light.” Law. The Law regulates a form of life life? In the present narrative, the he declares: “He who acts in truth there have been people who are And so penetrating and bright that a Jew must live if he is to attain blind man was given sight because comes into the light to make clear “spiritually blind.” They lack the is the splendor of such a faith- salvation. Hence, the Psalmist sings: Jesus smeared mud on his eyes and that his deeds are done in God” (Jon sight of faith, and therefore, are inspired behavior, that the whole “A lamp to my feet is your word, a commanded him to wash at the pool 3:21). This teaching recurs in other unable to recognize God’s presence person becomes “light”! Such is light to my path” (Ps 119:105). In the of Siloam (John 9:6-7). In John’s New Testament writings. In a letter and action within and around the wonderful truth to be reflected New Testament, however, the light symbolism, this curing of the blind attributed to Paul, for example, we themselves. They stop at the surface upon: a transforming truth to be that shines on in darkness is none man by washing and the use of are told: “Now you are in the light of events and things. For as long as lived out.* other than the Word made flesh. spittle is a symbol of baptism. In of the Lord. Then, live as children That is why, if John tells us about other words, for John, true light, of light. Light produces every kind the story of the healing of the man which is the real or authentic life, of goodness and justice and truth” born blind, it is his way of asserting is communicated to the believer (Eph 5:8-9). Matthew expresses it A preview of Easter and our that the true light is not the law but through Christian baptism. Notice differently: “Your light must shine Jesus himself. Says Jesus: “I am the that we say “believer”—for the story before men so that they may see resurrection light of the world” (John 9:5b); and assumes that the blind man has goodness in your acts and give praise John claims that Jesus is the light an initial faith in Jesus. Strictly to your heavenly Father” (Matt 5:16). that gives light (John 1:4). But if he speaking, John asserts that one This simply means that a Christian 5th Sunday of Lent, Year A, John 11:1-45 is the light of the world, this implies who lives in sin wickedness receives is to identify himself with the blind March 29, 2020 that people who live apart from him the light of life through faith and man who, having been cured, gives dwell in darkness. And in John’s baptism. In Christian theology, one witness to Christ against the hostility By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB theology, darkness represents the who is baptized belongs to Christ; and bullying of powerful authorities, kingdom of wickedness and evil; it is he no longer lives in sin that makes even if this implies abandonment of DEEPLY rooted in the heart of every the petitions of Martha and Mary, the realm of sin, and one who lives in it impossible for him to be saved, one’s friends, family and the society human being lie the aspirations but the yearning of all men who darkness lives in sin and wickedness. but receives the light of grace that to which he belongs.* to be happy and live for ever. But could now look forward to a final these aspirations are continuously victory over death. (See Jn 11:1-44.) frustrated by suffering, and A day will come, in fact, when all To be a Christian is to be a man for others especially by death. It is death, tombs will be left empty, thanks to more than any other unpleasant the life-giving power of the Holy 5th Sunday of Lent, Year A, John 11:1-45 event in our existence, which Spirit (see today’s First Reading) March 29, 2020 shatters our deepest yearning for and to Christ, “the firstborn of the life and happiness. All men, even dead.” By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD the richest and most powerful, have All the three readings of today to surrender. All are made equal in speak of resurrection and new TODAY’S Gospel is about Jesus who life is what God himself and Jesus love him and reveal himself to him” the squalid kingdom of those struck life. The First Reading promises is the exact opposite of “Jun”—Jesus possess: “Indeed, just as the Father (John 14:21). John categorically by death’s merciless blow. new life for the people of Israel, died so that others may live. But possesses life in himself, so has he states that Jesus loves Lazarus Nowadays, the progress of after the desolation of the Exile, that is going ahead of the point of granted it to his Son to have life in (John 11:3), and therefore one can technology and medicine have through the power of God’s Spirit. the narrative. At first blush, it would himself” (John 5:26). Jesus has assume that Lazarus, while he was pushed back the boundaries of The calling back to life of Lazarus seem that the story is about Lazarus. it from the Father: “Just as the living, obeyed the commandments death. Some even dare to think that, four days after his death exalts But as one reads the story, he Father who has life sent me, and I of love. For this reason, Jesus gives one day, death will be postponed the life-giving power of Jesus, gradually notices that it leaves much have life because of the Father…” him life. Because life has not been almost indefinitely by “replacing” even as it foreshadows also his to be desired. For example, after (John 6:57). Life is therefore the taken away from him, though he the defective or worn out parts of our own resurrection. Both episodes Jesus raised him from the dead, did fellowship of the Father and the died, Lazarus’ death is only a form bodies. While this is a poor illusion, are also a preview of the rising Lazarus live a normal life? Did he Son, and this fellowship cannot of sleeping (John 11:43-44). In this it does show man’s innate desire to to life of the whole of mankind die again? Why is it that we do not be destroyed: “Whoever believes narrative, therefore, the physical live for ever. at the end of time, which means hear about him in the subsequent in me, though he should die, will death of Lazarus is simply meant Such desire, however, can be the participation of every human events in the Gospel? Truth is, these come to life, and whoever is alive to signify a spiritual reality. It is a satisfied not by man’s “grabbing” being in the resurrection of Christ. questions are irrelevant, because the and believes in me will never die” sign of who Jesus is—he is a giver life at all costs, but only by God’s This is what St. Paul proclaims, story is not about Lazarus, but about (John 11:26). If we may attempt at of life. At the same time, it is a granting the fullness of life that has as the object of sure hope, in Jesus. In the previous Sundays, a short description, we say that life sign of what he can do to those who its ultimate source in Him. This gift today’s excerpt from the Letter we noticed that Jesus performed is the experience of God in our lives, believe in him—one does not die if of “life beyond death” and “despite to the Romans. (See Rom 8:11.) signs—he performed acts of power and this life is one of wholeness that he possesses the life of Jesus. death” is offered to all in Jesus The overall message is: God has that brings the reader who has faith is shared with others. In this life The story of Lazarus is narrated Christ, the “buster of death.” created us for an endless life – to spiritual realities. The water of there is integrity of body and soul, to challenge the hearer to believe in With the coming of Christ, body and soul – and this He will Jacob’s well was a sign of the water and there is fullness of joy. In the Jesus (John 11:26), and to believe however, the power of death was bring about, despite the apparent of life, and the cure of the blind letters of Paul, this seems to be akin in him is to love, for it is in love that challenged and defeated. Thrice, triumph of death, as foreshadowed man was a sign of Jesus as giver of to the indwelling of the Spirit: “You faith is shown: “His commandment during his apostolic ministry, did in the resurgence of the people light. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus are not in the flesh, you are in the is this: that we are to believe in the Jesus challenge the power of death of Israel and the resuscitation of once again performs a sign—the spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and by calling back to life two young Lazarus, but especially in Christ’s seventh—to bring the mind and faith in you” (Rom 8:9). we are to love one another as he people who had died (see Mk resurrection. of the believer to another spiritual In today’s Gospel, Jesus says commanded us” (1 John 3:23). By 5:38-42 and Lk 7:11-15), and his There is also another type of reality: Jesus is the giver of life. that anyone who believes in him believing in him and loving him own friend Lazarus. (See today’s death continuously threatening But what is life, in the first place? will live (John 11:26). This means in the community of believers, the Gospel text.) us: the spiritual death caused Does it simply mean a power that that a person, even here on earth, believer receives life from him. But The first two instances of by sin. Unlike physical death, animates something or someone? It can already share or possess this if he rejects Jesus and even hates resuscitation left people astonished our dying to God’s grace is not may be noticed that the word “life” life of fellowship with God if he him, one dies. But if one receives and overjoyed. The most spectacular inescapable. Yet, many of us do, occurs 36 times in the Gospel of puts his faith in Jesus (1 John 1:3). life because he believes and loves, of all, however, was the resuscitation on occasion, die spiritually. But John, 13 in the Johannine Letters, And the seventh sign—the story of he is no longer in the realm of death, of his friend Lazarus, who had been there is also, thanks to Jesus, and 17 in Revelation. Since it is found Lazarus—is meant to illustrate this but even here on earth, he receives in the tomb for four days. No one Lord of Life and Forgiveness—a 107 times in the Johannine writings teaching. If Lazarus is Jesus’ close divine life: “That we have passed could speak of “apparent” death spiritual resurrection which takes and 135 times in the entire New friend, he represents the Christian from death to life we know, because in that case. And while everybody place in us whenever we allow the Testament, the concept is therefore who believes in Jesus and, like we love the brothers” (1 John 3:14b). thought that Jesus had arrived life-giving strength of the risen relatively important. But what Lazarus and his sisters, is loved For John, this is the only kind of “too late” and that his visit to the Jesus to flow into us and do away does the term signify? Of course, by him. But who does Jesus love? life that endures—others perish gravesite was only a belated homage with the corruption of sin. It is there are various meanings of the According to John, he who keeps with death. Life of wealth will go to a friend now gone for ever, he “resurrection day” for us, too. word. Metaphorically speaking, the commandments of love: “He bankrupt, life of beauty will fade, proved that he had absolute power Then, we experience personally all for example, one might say that who obeys the commandments he life of popularity and fame wanes. If over death. the power of his Resurrection, and Jennifer is his life, or money in has from me is the man who loves there is anything that persists even When Lazarus came out of the the truth of his promise: “Whoever his life, or teaching is his life. In me; and he who loves me will be after death has occurred, this is our tomb at the command of Jesus, a lives and believes in me will never the Johannine usage, however, loved by my Father. I, too, will fellowship with God.* great desire was granted. Not just die” (Jn 11:26). REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 The revenge of nature- coronavirus? By Fr. Shay Cullen

THE coronavirus threatens the health of millions of people around the world if it spreads uncontrollably. Every precaution must be taken to prevent its spread and that means practicing greater personal and public hygiene and avoiding contact with people travelling from an infected area. We must show concern and never discriminate against anyone. Besides strict containment, strict personal hygiene, washing of hands, and clean surroundings can hold its spread. Public health officials must be prepared for an outbreak. The flu-like disease does not have a high fatality rate: only two people in every hundred die from it. People can get very sick with severe respiratory problems and yet recover. Others can have the virus but have no symptoms. Everywhere, including the Philippines, doctors and medical personnel have been briefed and advised on the potential health problem and we are reminded that prevention is better than cure. So there is no need to panic or raise alarm but intelligent planning, preparation and prevention is what is needed. Besides, most people are recovering from it with good medical care. The big hope is that the virus cannot survive in high temperatures so bring on a hot summer everywhere, and A screengrab from a video shows the novel coronavirus in microscopic view. DOHERTY INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE with global warming, we can expect that. The highest temperatures ever said to have originated from bats, were only 43,000 left in 2014, Southeast Asia, India and Africa. in Brazil allow traders and loggers recorded in Australia and parts of and today the 2019 coronavirus a 60 percent loss according to They are now practically extinct to attack the last of the rain forests Europe in 2019 are stunning. That that possibly came from bats, too, government reports. There is even in China since they killed them and destroy their natural beauty is because of man-made climate although it is not yet proven. less today. In 1970, the number of for food and their scales are used by cutting trees, driving out and change. That might kill off this You might say these diseases rhino had decreased to 70,000 and in traditional Chinese medicine. killing their indigenous people and deadly virus and tropical countries are the revenge of nature. The as of today there are only 29,000 left They have been found in the wild trafficking their wildlife. We can like the Philippines might be spared. natural world is striking back at on the planet. food market of Wuhan where the expect more health problems in The good news is the World Health the disastrous human exploitation They are on the way to extinction coronavirus first made the cross- the future. Nature will rebel just Organization (WHO) has announced of the rain forests, the oceans and like the white rhino by bandits over leap from animal to humans. like the mighty storms and heat that the virus may have reached all wildlife by driving them to killing them for their valuable horn According to an investigative waves caused by man-made climate its peak in China as fewer daily extinction. There is destruction for Chinese traditional medicine. report by The Guardian, one change are coming back to hit us. infections have been recorded. The in almost every habitat in the Scientific research has shown the shop was found to have for sale Why can’t we respect nature, coronavirus is also the result of ill- developing world and in some horn to have no more medicinal live animals such as “live wolf preserve the forest, protect the advised and illegal human behavior. parts of the developed world, too. value than horses’ hooves. pups, golden cicadas, scorpions, environment and its wildlife? The We have seen the outbreak of Illegal trade and trafficking in Hundreds of creatures are killed bamboo rats, squirrels, foxes, civets, answer is easy. It is because of many deadly diseases and viruses many endangered animal species and collected to supply the demand hedgehogs (probably porcupines), human greed. It is an insatiable, in recent decades. More viruses that for huge profit could be the cause for Chinese traditional medicine, salamanders, turtles and crocodiles.” unquenchable drive beyond control. are affecting humans are crossing of coronavirus. most of which are ineffective, All destined for the cooking pot, it To stop the greed and trafficking over from from other mammals and China is a big market for have no medical benefit and are seems. Bats are known carriers of of wildlife and the cross-over of birds. Remember the avian flu? The endangered animals and thousands unnecessary considering the huge many viruses and the forest dwelling animal borne viruses to humans, human immuno-deficiency virus of animals are butchered each year, advances in Chinese health care. pangolin could have picked up the the authorities world-wide have to (HIV) is said to have crossed over mostly in Africa, to provide elephant The small ant-eating creature virus from the bats droppings on the go after the traffickers and traders from monkeys when people ate them ivory for the China ornament trade, called pangolin could be responsible forest floor, some speculate. This is of wild-life. They must identify their as bush meat. Likewise, ebola likely now banned but still thriving. In for the jump of the 2019 coronavirus a likely cross over for the virus. Or bank accounts and confiscate their came from eating monkeys, they 2009, there was as many as 109,000 from animal to human. They are the some human ate the bats. They are property, assets and money and jail say. Then, we had the Severe Acute elephants in Tanzania but due most widely traded and trafficked on sale in wildlife markets. the big-time traders. It is essential to Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), to poaching and slaughter, there creature stolen from the wild in Corrupt governments like that ban all sale and trading in wildlife.

Young / B1 name of the young man whom Jesus your inner resources”, “You have to us to life, he “gives” us to others come alive and be more beautiful raised”. restored to life in Nain. This invites become conscious of your positive (cf. v 15). than any virtual reality. The resurrection of that young each reader to identify with him. To energy”… But these are mere words; Today, we are often “connected” If you give life, someone will man restored him to his mother. In you, to me, to each one of us, Jesus they do not work for someone who is but not communicating. The be there to receive it. As a young that woman, we can see an image says: “Arise”. We are very aware truly “dead inside”. Jesus’ word has indiscriminate use of electronic woman once said: “Get off your of Mary, our Mother, to whom we that, as Christians, we constantly a deeper resonance; it goes infinitely devices can keep us constantly couch when you see something entrust all the young people of our fall and have to get up again. People deeper. It is a divine and creative glued to the screen. With this beautiful, and try and do something world. In her, we can also recognize who are not on a journey never fall; word, which alone can bring the Message, I would like to join you, similar”. Beauty awakes passion. the Church, who wants to welcome then again, neither do they move dead to life. young people, in calling for a And if a young person is passionate with tender love each young person, forward. That is why we need to cultural change, based on Jesus’ about something, or even better, without exception. So let us implore accept the help that Jesus gives us Living the new life as “risen command to “arise”. In a culture about someone, he or she will arise Mary’s intercession for the Church, and put our faith in God. The first ones” that makes young people isolated and start to do great things. Young that she may always be a mother step is to let ourselves get up and The Gospel tells us that the young and withdrawn into virtual worlds, people will rise from the dead, for her dead children, weeping to realize that the new life Jesus man “began to speak” (Lk 7:15). let us spread Jesus’ invitation: become witnesses to Jesus and for them and asking that they be offers us is good and worth living. Those touched and restored to life “Arise!” He calls us to embrace a devote their lives to him. restored to life. In every one of It is sustained by one who is ever by Jesus immediately speak up and reality that is so much more than Dear young people, what are her children who dies, the Church at our side along our journey to the express without hesitation or fear virtual. This does not involve your passions and dreams? Give also dies, and in every one of her future. Jesus helps us to live this life what has happened deep within rejecting technology, but rather them free rein and, through them, children who arises, the Church in a dignified and meaningful way. them: their personality, desires, using it as a means and not as an offer the world, the Church and also arises. This life is really a new creation, needs and dreams. Perhaps they end. “Arise!” is also an invitation other young people something I bless your journey. And I ask a new birth, not just a form of were never able to do this before, for to “dream”, to “take a risk”, to beautiful, whether in the realm you, please, not to forget to pray psychological conditioning. they thought no one would be able be “committed to changing the of the spirit, the arts or society. I for me. Perhaps, in times of difficulty, to understand. world”, to rekindle your hopes and repeat what I once told you in my many of you have heard people To speak also means to enter into aspirations, and to contemplate the mother tongue: Hagan lío! Make Rome, from Saint John Lateran, 11 repeat those “magic” formulas so a relationship with others. When we heavens, the stars and the world your voices heard! I remember February 2020, Memorial of Our fashionable nowadays, formulas are “dead”, we remain closed in on around you. “Arise and become another young person who said: “If Lady of Lourdes that are supposed to take care of ourselves. Our relationships break what you are!” If this is our message, Jesus was someone who was only everything: “You have to believe up, or become superficial, false and many young people will stop looking concerned about himself, the son in yourself”, “You have to discover hypocritical. When Jesus restores bored and weary, and let their faces of the widow would not have been FRANCISCUS

Simulation / B2

Villadrich, on the hand, makes it reasonable to assume the induce a person to shun a true without the willfulness to simulate, many unions that can qualify for masterfully presents the juridic possibility of an excluding positive conjugal union as, for instance, there is no simulation understood a declaration of nullity based on structure of simulation as a caput act of the will. Those motivations aversion to the person or to the fact as caput nullitatis. To say it in the kind of marriage that either nullitatis that rests on three pillars: can de facto influence the person of marrying, fear of having children practical terms, the aspirations, party had in mind at the moment a) The causa celebrandi vel in two ways: in one direction, they and of the responsibilities thereof, desires, motives, concerns, ends, of expressing their marital consent. contrahendi—understood as the can induce the person to seek the the continuing relationship with or interests which the person may With the doctrinal deformation motivations for the positive act benefits and the effects of the nuptial a lover, etc. Doctrine usually calls enjoy or endure are not acts of the prevalent in the present age, of the will that leads a person celebration such ads obtaining these causae simulandi.” will and are not, therefore, positive coupled with the lack of genuine to express marital consent. “In the spouse’s citizenship, profiting c) The positive act of exclusion— acts of simulation. Those states models of what marriage really is cases of simulation—this author from the other party’s finances, that must be a voluntary act in the of mind can explain the person’s in many dysfunctional families, it maintains—the positive act of procuring free domestic care and proper sense. “The positive act inducement to simulate but they would not be all that surprising the will tends to be preceded and services, and s forth: these types of of the will, prescribed in c.1101, are not, in and by themselves, acts that many prospective spouses accompanied by certain subjective motive are commonly called causa §2—the same author points out— of the will and are not able to prove may be consenting to a marital motives, interests and ends. contrahendi or, ess equivocally, is an elementary legal requisite that the person has simulated.” arrangement that is not the true Although those subjective factors causae celebrandi.” congruent with the positive act institution of marriage. Knowingly are not the positive act of excluding, b) The causa simulandi. “In of the will that is required for Conclusion or unknowingly, for the most part they are indeed very important the other direction—the same a true consent (c.1057, §2) of A fter the foregoing even without malice, they are in for the purpose of proof, for they author continues—some particular which the simulating will is the considerations, it is not difficult to fact getting into a potentially invalid describe a biographic scenario that motives, interests or ends may film negative, in such a way that surmise that there may indeed be marriage.* B8 ENTERTAINMENT March 16-29, 2020 Vol. 24 No 6 CBCP Monitor

ORATIO IMPERATA PRAYER FOR PROTECTION against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

God our Father, We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), That has claimed lives And has affected many.

We pray for your grace 1917 For the people tasked with studying the nature DIRECTOR: Sam Mendes LEAD CAST: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark and cause Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Of this virus and its disease Benedict Cumberbatch PRODUCER: Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, And of stemming the tide of its transmission. Callum McDougall, Brian Oliver CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins EDITOR: Lee Smith MUSIC: Thomas Newman Guide the hands and minds of SCREENPLAY: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns medical experts DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures (United States), Entertainment One Films (United Kingdom) That they may minister to the sick GENRE: Epic War Film With competence and compassion. COUNTRY: USA, UK LANGUAGE: English RUNNING TIME: 119 minutes And of those governments and

Technical assessment: 4 Moral assessment: 3.5 private agencies CINEMA rating: V16 MTRCB rating: R13 That must find cure and solution to this epidemic.

​Set in the First World War, to detail is impeccable. The is its camerawork. Most of soldier is willing to die and We pray for those afflicted 1917 is a story of two young director did an excellent job the film appears to have been survive for his brother and May they be restored to health soon. British soldiers, Lance in translating to film a war taken with a single sweep, family, while another is Corporal William Schofield story where the real enemy is sustaining the audience’s almost hesitant to come (George MacKay) and Lance time. It was never meant to interest throughout the film. home. The contrast between Grant us the grace Corporal Thomas Blake be about how who defeated This technique is further these two marks the different To work for the good of all whom. Based on real-life enhanced by flawless realities of people who go to (Dean-Charles Chapman) And to help those in need. who are given the task to events and people, the movie editing, color grading, and war — that there are those deliver an important message is able to humanize the visual effects. Indeed, 1917 looking forward to peace, to Colonel Mackenzie soldiers who gave their lives deserves all the nominations home and family, and others Grant this through our Lord, it has received from different who turn cynical about the (Benedict Cumberbatch) of to defend their home country. The premise is simple: bring award-giving bodies. world and their future. 1917 Jesus Christ, your Son, the second battalion to call off the message to call off the With the movie’s simple likewise explores the beauty Who lives and reigns with You, the scheduled attack lest they impending attack against premise, one might think of unexpected friendships in the unity of the Holy Spirit, fall into a trap set up by the the Germans to the other that there is little to fortified by circumstance, Germans. With the dangers battalion. The filmmakers deconstruct when it comes telling viewers that genuine God, forever and ever. Amen. of war against their odds in are able to tell of this story to the values 1917 conveys. friendship is not only bonded delivering the message on with dynamics, with each However, it is through its by time, but also by the depth Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. time, the two embark on an element reinforcing the profoundness that viewers of the human experience of St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. exhausting yet meaningful others. Music enhances the can easily empathize with being cared for and loved. mission that hits close to screenplay, while the overall the characters who are Watched in earnest, this war St. Rock, pray for us. home. direction is complemented changed as they experience film could definitely teach St. , pray for us. 1917 is such a cinematic by cinematography. Another the hostility of war in all much to viewers who have St. , pray for us. masterpiece. Its attention amazing feature in this movie aspects of their being. One never experienced war.

wealthy Aunt March (Meryl Little Women Streep), the girls go through love, life and discovering what Buhay San Miguel women should be and could be in this world. The 2019 version is the 6th adaptation of Louise May Alcott’s book. While all versions have never digressed from the spirit of the source material, Gerwig’s version does bring a certain freshness and uniqueness to the recognizable narrative without losing its timeless quality. The screenplay effortlessly makes Alcott’s language relatable. Her non- linear storytelling which Bad Boys for Life Isabel Aretas (Kate del effects, are exhilarating, introduces audiences to adult Castillo), widow of Mexico’s making the audience DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig; March girls rather than their biggest drug cartel kingpin, engaged all throughout the LEAD CAST: Saoirse Ronan, adolescent version provides escapes from prison, ready film. The movie also adds a Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, depth to the characters Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, to get revenge with the help well-timed and surprisingly and validates the issues Meryl Streep; of her son, Armando (Jacob nice twist to its storyline. and concerns as grownups PRODUCER:Amy Pascal, Scipio). Back together, they Putting all these elements Denise Di Novi; STORY; in the real world. The Adapted from Little Women performances — individually are in pursuit of recovering together, Bad Boys for Life by Louise May Alcott; or as an ensemble — surpass her husband’s money deserves all the hype it SCREENWRITER: Greta expectations, especially and murder key persons generated before its release. Gerwig; those of Ronan, Pugh, Dern involved in his death, Themes of genuine MUSIC: Alexandre Desplat; including Mike Lowrey (Will friendship and love for CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yorick Le and Streep. These women Saux. breathed authentic warmth Smith). Meanwhile, Mike’s family are very evident GENRE: Drama; and likeable complexity partner Marcus Burnett in the whole movie which COUNTRY:USA; to their characters. The (Martin Lawrence), starts works on the premise that LANGUAGE: English; production design team also considering retirement after the partnership between RUNNING TIME: 135 minute deserves a commendation the birth of his grandson. Mike and Marcus would Technical assessment: 4 for texturizing the narrative When Mike becomes aware not work without their Moral assessment: 4 through little details like of this, he is disappointed trust and love of each other CINEMA rating: V13 ruffled clothing of Jo to stress because he wants to to the point of sacrifice. MTRCB rating: PG13 her restlessness. continue his job as Miami’s This friendship, paralleled Little Women may be seen top detective. After a party, to the dysfunctionality of JoMarch (Saoirse Ronan) merely as a coming of age Mike is fatally shot, leaving Isabel’s relationship with is hoping to have her book girlie movie set in a time him in a coma. Wanting her son (and his father), published while working as when everything comes with justice for his closest creates a surprising point for a part-time governenss. She petticoats and ribbons on friend, Marcus decides to reflection: how far would you needs to come home to tend curled hair. But we cannot give things another try with go for your family? While the to her sick sister Beth (Eliza ignore that this is also a him for the last time. With film presents Mike as an Scanlen). Then, we are taken movie about women finding their firm resolve to find ideal friend and Marcus as back in time to see meet the themselves and fighting for younger March sisters. Jo, the being their own persons other the culprit, they embark on a great family man, it also eldest, dreams of becoming a than getting married and an action-filled journey to shows in Isabel how a hurt writer and needs to support bearing children. That Jo DIRECTOR: Adil & Billal Mexico, where a surprise of caused by a family member her family as she works in March felt freedom rather LEAD CAST: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, fate awaits. could bring out the worst New York. Meg (Emma than regret when she turned Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Paola Nuñez, Kate del Castillo, Bad Boys for Life is an evil in a person. One thing Nicky Jam, Joe, Pantoliano exciting action sequel to the that needs to be taken with Watson), wants to become an down Laurie’s marriage CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robrecht Heyvaert actress while trying to find a proposal signals how woman SCREENPLAY: Chris Brenner Bad Boys franchise. Will caution by Filipino viewers, way to get out of poverty. Shy in the movie are firmly bent DISTRIBUTOR: Sony Pictures Releasing Smith and Martin Lawrence though, is Aretas’ devotion and timid Beth decides to stay on claiming their place. The GENRE: Action Comedy did not fail to deliver as to Santa Muerte whom at home and discovers her movie also is about exploring COUNTRY: USA expected of them. Audiences she invokes to destroy her talent for music. Bratty Amy one’s limits — either set by LANGUAGE: English who are into action movies enemies. Unsuspecting and RUNNING TIME: 124 minutes (Florence Pugh) wants to be a society or by one’ self. We also will find entertaining these uncritical Catholics might painter and clings to Jo even if see how values planted and Technical assessment:3.5 three things in the movie: get the impression that she is her complete opposite. practiced as children blossom Moral assessment: 3 stunts, effects, and storyline. Santa Muerte is a Catholic Together, with their mother into character when they grow CINEMA rating: V16 The heart-racing stunts, saint and not the folk saint Marmee (Laura Dern) and older. MTRCB rating: PG13 enhanced by the visual in Mexico that she really is. THE CROSS A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI

CBCP Monitor Vol. 24, No. 6 March 16 - 29, 2020 Four Philippine Jurisdictions Receive Pinnacle Award

The delegation of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines as they receive various awards for the Philippine Jurisdictions – Luzon North, Luzon South, Visayas and Mindanao held at J.W. Marriott, Grand Lakes, Orlando, Florida from February 23 to 29, 2020. (APNAZARIO)

THE Four Knights of Councils; and Star Council at Grande Lakes sitting on a State Membership Director, As one of the activities, the first time, the awardees Columbus Jurisdictions in Awards. 500-acre property ideal for Brother Jose F. Cuaresma; Mark McMullen, Senior Vice had the glimpse of the movie the Philippines were awarded Of the 75 Jurisdictions exploring the Orlando area. Immediate Past Luzon-South President on Membership clips. While attending the for the fourth consecutive Order-wide, five The awards night was Deputy, Brother Ramoncito and Marketing hosted the activity, the Ladies had their year of the Supreme Jurisdictions got the held last February 24, 2020. A. Ocampo; Former Luzon Membership Meeting. The Winter Park Tour. Knight’s Pinnacle Award, Pinnacle. Four of the five Deputy Supreme Knight North State Membership awardees were consulted On the lighter side, the the highest award conferred came from the Philippines. Patrick E. Kelly was present Director, Brother Conrado of their strategies for their awardees and their ladies had to the Jurisdictions. The The four State Deputies to personally extend the S. Dator, Jr.; Immediate achievements. He also the chance to visit and enjoy Pinnacle Award is given to for the CY 2018-2019 greetings of Supreme Knight Past Visayas Deputy, Brother presented several updates on the world famous amusement a Jurisdiction that met the and their respective State Carl Anderson to all the Anthony P. Nazario; Former the changes that his office is parks in Orlando including following requirements set Membership Directors Circle of Honor and Pinnacle Visayas State Membership working to make Knights of the Walt Disney World by the Supreme Council: together with their wives Awardees. The following Director, Brother Danilo L. Columbus appealing to the Resort and the Universal Attainment of a minimum were invited by the Supreme were the awardees from the Martinez; Mindanao Deputy, tastes of the young fathers. Orlando Resort. The whole of 110% on Membership Knight to an Award Vacation Philippines: Immediate Brother Gerry Eutemio Deputy Supreme Knight experience gave everyone Recruitment; 100% on New from February 23 to 29, Past Luzon- North Deputy, T. Mission and Former Patrick Kelly grabbed the the chance to have fun as Council Development; 100% 2020 at J.W. Marriott, Associate Justice of the Mindanao State Membership opportunity to present the one family in the Order of on Council Round Table; Grande Lakes, Orlando, Supreme Court, Brother Jose Director, Brother Adrian B. movie productions of the the Knights of Columbus. Reactivation of Suspended Florida. It is a luxury resort C. Reyes, Jr.; Luzon North Boston. Order, Into the Breach. For (APNazario)

The Luzon South Jurisdiction Officers headed by Worthy Luzon State Deputy Bro. Bonifacio B. Martinez during their Lenten Recollection The Knights of Columbus Mindanao Jurisdiction with Worthy Mindanao State Deputy Bro. Gerry Eutemio T. Mission during the Walk at the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, Tagaytay City with Rev. Fr. Michael Reuben Cron as Retreat Master last February 28 to 29, 2020. for Life in the Archdiocese of Davao held last February 15, 2020.

Knights of Columbus Scholars: In photo: (L-R): Bro. Salvador Aspuria - Area Manager, Cherry Gabino - KC Scholar, Mariane Ambohnon Worthy Luzon North State Deputy Bro. Rene V. Sarmiento while receiving the cash donations from Brother Knights from the Diocese - KC Scholar Alumni (BS Forensic Science,2019), Sherilyn Linggayo - KC Scholar and Bro. Kaloy Serviento - KC Foundation Supervisor, of Iba led by Worthy State Warden Victor Pulangco for Taal eruption victims last February 23, 2020. taken during the scholarship application examination held at Baguio City last March 7, 2020. C2 March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 THE CROSS THE CROSS

Bonifacio B. Martinez Jose C. Reyes, Jr. President’s Chairman’s Update Message The Beauty of Lent

Your financial security AS a young boy, I remember Lent avoid the heat in Manila, go on vacation On February 12, Ash Wednesday, as a season for silence and sacrifice. abroad (an option for some) and eat this year’s start of the Lenten season, is our topmost priority No playing on the streets, even if it good food in all these happy moments. the priest presider did the imposition was vacation from school. We did The emphasis of homilies in the Catholic of ashes. He also gave a very clear THE future may be uncertain but with KCFAPI’s Financial not eat meat on certain days and Church was no longer on Lent but on the message in his homily that made me Security that is being offered to the members of the Knights of ate only a little amount of food as a Easter Sunday celebration – that is, the appreciate the beauty of Lent. He said Columbus and their families somehow alleviates our worries. form of fasting. We looked forward Resurrection, when Christ rose from the that this year’s Lent should not be just Despite it being a part of one’s life, since we have this feeling to seeing people make self-inflicted dead - an occasion for much rejoicing, a repetition of last year’s event. Rather, of security in terms of finances, we can now readily face other sacrifices such as flagellation and even more than Christmas. it should serve as a new beginning life challenges. even crucifixion on Good Friday Last February 7-13, 2020, my wife and towards a better relationship with God, We are one of the leading mutual benefit associations here in as part of the re-enactment of the I, together with other couples who are with greater resolve to be good, to come the country. In 2019, we provided insurance coverage to 6,956 Passion of Christ. In general, Lent members and officers of the Supreme closer to God in order to obtain the K of C members and families or P1.5Billion total coverage. A was about sadness, repentance, pain Council of the Knights of Columbus graces we need to change for the better. great manifestation of each KCFAPI’s sales force steadfast and suffering. (KofC), had a pilgrimage in Rome to It is when we die to sin that we can support to the organization’s overall goals and objectives. Over the years, my recollection of Lent celebrate the 100 years anniversary join in Christ’s resurrection on Easter Thus, it is only time to gives thanks and praises to our changed. Since it was often during the of the KofC presence in the Vatican. Sunday. ever dedicated Fraternal Counselors and Fraternal Benefits summer vacation that Lent happened, The Sunday of Feb. 9 was very special Let us also bring the Good News to Managers who made these achievements possible. Without a it became a season for families to be because it was the day we met Pope others through zealous evangelization doubt, your constant effort in ensuring our members and their together to have some bonding time Francis, who gave us his Apostolic to all peoples. families’ financial security is a clear indication of dedicated to enjoy the beach, go up to Baguio to blessing. Vivat Jesus! service and hard work through time. During the Annual Family Service Awards we have honored Karlo Serviento and recognized our awardees. This “Annual Awards” is part of the early celebration of commemorating and honoring the founder of KCFAPI, Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ. “Rev Up! Pondering the Words Make a Mark” is what we will do, to further what our founder has started. Cheers! As we conquer 2020 and the years to come in Fear not, Pray a lot building and strengthening the financial security of all our stakeholders. Vivat Jesus! LAST month, we all reflected But this occurrence can We profess our selflessness to the Father, not only as His Arsenio Isidro G. Yap on the value of fasting as we give us a deeper sense of as we submit to the will of creations but also as His own, enter the Lenten season. If reflecting on what really God who knows everything. as the heirs of His kingdom. we look at the synopsis of the lent is all about. As many of our shepherds In one of the psalms, we A Brother’s Insight gospels these times, fasting We may be saddened with always remind us, these can see these words: Out does not stop on itself, rather, the cancellation of masses, things shall pass, but our of the depths, I cry to You, we look on another virtue liturgical activities, and public relationship with God never Lord, hear my voice. He has that each one of us must also worship. With this great loss, changes. It is during these heard us even before we have nurture, PRAYER. a new hope was born. There is days when we see how prayer spoken and will respond to The recent global beauty amidst the catastrophe. helps each one us as it gives our call until the end. He is catastrophe has made a great What beauty will this bring? us hope renewed and faith faithful to His promise and Our Aging Priests impact on each one of us. All Our public practices of faith strengthened. More than our will never abandon us. the news that circulated were cancelled, but our precautionary measures, we As we continue to ponder WHERE do our aging priests go? Where could he possibly focused on the pandemic, faith remains firm. We are have learned to value prayer on the glory of these forty retire, where his needs are met, is taken care of and would the coronavirus disease. Catholics and we will remain as our great necessity. days, in the middle of this have no worries over anything? Rumors spread, news create Catholics even if we are tested Prayer is a necessity. crisis, we must not forget First, we must understand that there are two types of priests, fears, people seem nowhere by our times. Every word we utter from the words of Christ Himself, the seculars and the religious. The seculars are mostly those to go. There is a great panic In these hard times, we the deepest recesses of our FEAR NOT. serving our parishes while the religious are those living in in every individual and even have no other weapon than hearts is another hope and Lord, as we renew our convents, are in mission areas, running schools or in pursuit families. We have nothing to prayer. Last week, we have a sweet sound in the ears of baptism promises, teach us of a major advocacy of their order e.g. orphanages, home for do but to hoard everything. heard of the gospel when our Lord. These are the days how to pray that we may all the aged, hospice care among so many others. Some religious It is common being human Christ taught his disciples a when we can really say the learn to rise up after these are also managing a parish on the permission or request of a in nature. Even the apostles very immense prayer to the word “Our Father”. We claim trying times as we cast all our bishop due to lack of secular priests in his diocese. in the gospel times feared. Father. “Your will be done.” once more our belongingness cares on You. Amen. The seculars are very individualistic. They do not have vows of poverty and are often times criticized for it. Some of Erwin John Mallari them, especially those in major cities like in Metro Manila live luxuriously with expensive cars and even owns a townhouse or a condo unit. The religious lives communally. They have vows EJ’s Corner of poverty and all their belongings are owned and provided by their congregation. Upon retirement, the seculars must fend for themselves The Patroness of Benedictine Nuns including food and medicines. They go home to their parental homes or a relative’s home, stay in a home for retired priest if there’s one provided and managed by the diocese to which LIVING in the age of social media, she will conceive and give birth to a to a different date if March 25 happens to he had served or lived in the townhouse or condo unit he had we have easy access to information son, whom she will name Jesus. Gabriel fall on the Holy week or on a Sunday. The acquired long before his retirement. The religious on the other and we often see announcements in further adds that Jesus will be great and Annunciation is an inspiration to many hand would simply retire in any of the convent owned by their our walls or news feeds. But the most will be given the throne of his father works of art and is very prominent during congregation. He has nothing to worry about as everything important announcement in the history David, and his Kingdom shall have no the and renaissance. One of would be taken care of by his congregation until his death. of humankind happened before all of end. Mary then hesitates, and asks how the paintings of the Annunciation is done It would seem that being in the religious order is far better that. It was also done in the grandest of could this be since she is a virgin. Gabriel by Leonardo Da Vinci, one of his earliest than being a secular. Being a religious is indeed far better ways, through a message of an archangel. explains that the Holy Spirit will come completed works. The Annunciation is the as he has nothing to worry about until his death. But for the This event has come to be known as the over her, and the child to be born will be beginning of the incarnation of Christ and religious order itself, it’s a growing concern to care for their Annunciation. It happened during the holy, the Son of God. He further adds that is a very important part of Christianity aging priests. Their funds are being depleted excessively due 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy of Mary’s relative Elizabeth has conceived and is a major Marian feast. It also shows to rising medical costs. They are having difficulty in raising St. John the Baptist. in her old age even though she is barren the strong faith of Mary, trusting the will funds for the medical needs of their sick. The Gospel of Luke chapter 1 verses for nothing is impossible with God. With of God even though she had initial doubts The seculars are in a worst lot. They practically have no 26-38 narrates how the Angel Gabriel that Mary replied: “Behold, I am the and was afraid. Along with the celebration place to go. Their relatives would hardly know them as they appeared before the Virgin Mary, servant of the Lord; let it be done to me of the feast of the Annunciation during have been away for a long time. Their grandchildren from greeting her “Hail, thou that art highly according to your word”. March 25, Pope John Paul II established their siblings couldn’t care less of what would happen to them favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed The feast of the Annunciation is this date as the International day of as family relationship had been cooled off if not cut off. They art thou among women.” At first, Mary celebrated on March 25, nine months the unborn Children, because of the are practically strangers from their very own relatives. Even felt troubled as to what this could mean before the celebration of the birth of commemoration of the conception of our if seculars were able to acquire a townhouse or a condo unit, and the Angel Gabriel informs her that Christ. The feast day is sometimes moved savior Jesus Christ. they would still need someone to care for them. A probable option is to live in a retirement home for priest Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza provided by, operated by and funded by the diocese which they had served for most of their life. Unfortunately, most retired priests do not want to spend the rest of their life in a retirement By the Reading Lamp home. It’s lonely there, boring them to death, nothing to do except to wait for their time to come up. It’s like a solitary confinement, although they are not alone in such a home. The To all the Girls(Women) we Loved only retired priests who would opt to stay in a retirement home Brother’s Insight / C3 HAVING worked for the give a shout-out to these passed us by. Moving forward, Christian church, celebrated Knights of Columbus WOMEN (you know who the normalization of variances on March 25 (Lady Day), THE CROSS Fraternal Association of the you are) this March which is in gender roles between nine months before A Supplement Publication of the Philippines, Inc.(KCFAPI) dubbed as Women’s Month. men and women is more Christmas. The Annunciation Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI for more than a year now Thank you to our sisters in progressive as ever before. commemorates the story reaffirmed to me the saying the Association. The same This is apparent in changes of how an angel (Gabriel) Editorial Board that behind (or more aptly- goes to all our mothers, wives in norms, etiquette and even announced to Mary that she beside) every successful and better (best) halves. in legislation. Any ceiling that is to bear the child of God Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Bonifacio B. Martinez Chairman President man is a woman. And quite Indeed, the true measure of had once existed for women to redeem us all. Hence, if frankly, despite being a being a gentleman is not how back then, are slowly showing there is one foremost women Ronulfo Antero G. Infante Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III fraternal organization of he regards himself, but how cracks and a lot of them have in history that I could say OIC - Executive Vice President Spiritual Director Catholic gentlemen, most he gives due regard to others already been shattered. To took one for the team in members of the Order and first, before the self. Thus, this I say, well done. forwarding importance of Mary Magdalene G. Flores the Association alike, cannot chivalry might not necessarily March is also a time to giving and serving is none Editor-in-Chief deny the significant role be a quality limited to men. It celebrate the significant other than Mary- our Mother. Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox, Juan Karlo S. Serviento that women play both in the is a quality which women can contribution of a very And so as we sail by this Associate Editors home, workplace and the also possess. important woman. It is a month nearing the peak of society. KCFAPI would not Indeed, while there is still great coincidence that it is the season of Lent, let March Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, be the strong institution that much to be achieved vis- during this month, which be a reminder of how these Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco, Atty. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza it is today without women à-vis the wave of feminist is significantly allotted for women in our lives matter. Contributors who made milestones happen movement is concerned, women, that Catholics Not only because we admire The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana in its more than six (6) the bygone era of lesser also celebrate the Feast of them, but because we love Sts., Intramuros, Manila with tel. no. (02) 8527-22-23 to 27 (trunk line) local 200, 201. Email decades of existence. Thus, participation, opportunities the Annunciation- one of them just as we love ourselves Address: [email protected]. Website: http://www.kofc.org.ph it is just befitting that we and rights have definitely the principal feasts of the next to God and no other. THE CROSS March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 C3 Passing on Our Faith The Knights of Columbus is answering the call to evangelize, beginning in the Catholic family

I SUSPECT ALL OF US have religious services at least our children is more than and in culture” (59). the home,” fathers must take heard a friend say something once a month, only 35% of reading a textbook and In other words, we have up their own irreplaceable like, “I sent my kids to millennials do. requiring participation in the the responsibility to show role. Catholic schools; I took them These numbers reveal sacraments. Good catechesis our children what it means This is why on Ash to church; they received all an immense crisis for our and sacramental practice to be a disciple of Christ by Wednesday, we made their sacraments — but now families and our Church, a are absolutely necessary — how we live — and not only available to all our members they do not practice their crisis in the transmission of but they are not sufficient. one hour a week, but 24/7. — and every parish — our faith, and my grandchildren the Christian faith from one There must also be, as Pope This is the purpose of new 12-part video series on are not even baptized. What generation to the next. Francis reminds us, “a vital, our Knights of Columbus men’s spirituality titled Into happened?” It is a crisis of personal, authentic and solid program promoting the the Breach. This series is an Recent polling indicates evangelization — or rather relationship with Christ.” Catholic family as a domestic important part of our Faith in that approximately 4 out of a failure to evangelize . In For our children, this church — what the early Action initiative. I urge every every 10 “born and raised” particular, there has been means that there must be Church fathers called “the council to promote it fully. Catholics in the United an unprecedented failure to a lived Christian life at the church of the home.” Our We have not only the States no longer identify as evangelize the Catholic family center of their family. domestic church program, responsibility to teach our Catholic, and, in the future, and to evangelize within the St. John Paul II wrote in The Family Fully Alive, sees children the truths of our fewer than 1 in 10 Catholics Catholic family. his encyclical Redemptoris in the daily activities of Catholic faith. We have the now under the age of 21 will Pope Francis has said that Missio (Mission of the family life the opportunity responsibility to show our continue to practice the faith the “Christian life is actually Redeemer), “There cannot to follow Jesus Christ more children, by our personal as an adult. a journey, a pilgrimage” in be two parallel lives in (our) closely and in this way witness, what it means to This trend does not affect which we are called to “a existence: on the one hand, transmit a living faith to our live in Christ. by Supreme Knight only Catholics. The Pew vital, personal, authentic the so-called ‘spiritual’ life, children and grandchildren.. This crisis calls for Knights. Carl A. Anderson Research Center found that and solid relationship with with its values and demands; We must have not only a We all have a responsibility while 76% of baby boomers Christ.” and on the other, the so- Church that evangelizes. We — and united as Knights we identify as Christian, Tragically, for too many called ‘secular’ life, that is, must have a “church of the have tremendous resources. only 49% of millennials children, this journey has led life in a family, at work, in home” that evangelizes. What is needed now is do; and that while 49% to a spiritual dead end. social relationships, in the In what Pope Francis our determination to move of baby boomers attend Transmitting the faith to responsibilities of public life might call a “pilgrimage of forward. Vivat Jesus!

An INVITATION to become a The Gentle Warrior FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ By James B. Reuter, SJ FELLOW CHAPTER FIVE THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the Knights of Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. last June 29, 1997 during the Centennial Birth Anniversary FIVE Japanese guards, armed with If sighted outside of their barracks, they celebration of Rev. Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. This fund- rifles, went out with the wood crew each could be shot dead by the guards. So the raising campaign finances the theological research expenses day. They posted themselves around the lectures on Shakespeare were scheduled necessary to possibly raise Fr. Willmann to the honors of the wood-cutting area, rifles alert. for the evenings, after curfew. altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Each morning, when the wood crew The La Salle Brothers were not billeted G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened the Archdiocesan lined up, and the Japanese guards lined in Barracks 19. Their barracks was about Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of up, ready to go out, the guards would two hundred meters away. So, on the Fr. George J. Willmann. load their rifles in the presence of the evenings when Joe Mulry’s lectures were Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights prisoners, to show them that they meant scheduled, they would crawl, on their of Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and business. Each guard would slam a clip bellies, at the risk of their lives, from their even to business institutions. As of December 2019, more than of four large shells into his rifle. own barracks to Barracks 19, where the One of the wood crew, watching the lectures were being held. 1,100 individuals and 36 institutions all over the country have guards, whispered to his neighbor, out of the Joe Mulry sitting on the bamboo floor, already joined this fellowship. Father Willmann Fellows serve side of his mouth: “Five guards. Four shells with a little light in front of him, the as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the good news about each. Twenty bullets. There are twenty-one shadows dancing on his face, lecturing Fr. Willmann’s life, works and holiness. Their donation is a of us. If we all ran, at the same time, in on Hamlet, on Macbeth, on King Lear, lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of Columbus of twenty-one different directions, maybe one on the Merchant of Venice. The light promoting awareness on Father Willmann in order that authentic of us would escape!” This never occurred to came from a shallow coconut shell, filled devotion to him may be encouraged among the faithful, especially George. He was patient to the end. with oil. A lighted wick was floating on those who need his intercession for God’s grace. Old Joe Mulry had difficulty digesting top of the oil. It was the only light in man had almost no medicines, and no We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join the rice, as it was served from the camp the barracks, because the war was on, equipment for diagnosis. The only way the Fr. Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in kitchen. Edgar Martin — whose family American planes sometimes roared he could find out what was wrong, with spreading the sanctity of Father Willmann and the graces that ran the Martin Diner in New York City overhead, and the whole camp was under anybody, was to operate. He was really come with it, each Fellow is entitled to receive the following — would re-cook the rice for Joe, over orders to maintain a strict blackout. a good doctor, and a good surgeon, and items as memorabilia: (1) a Certificate of Membership, (2) a an open fire, outside of the barracks. The Jesuits sat on the floor, or lay on their sacrificial. He never complained about lapel pin and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a Cause Joe’s stay in Fort Santiago had left him bellies, their chins in their hands, listening being dragged out of bed at night, or of of Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge you to working too many hours — though he with constant pain in the abdomen. Joe, to old Joe Mulry. The La Salle Brothers fervently seek Fr. Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions was obviously overworked. He was the obviously, was not well. listened in awe, their mouths open. It was for God’s graces and to report to the Foundation all blessings only doctor in the camp. But the study of philosophy and certainly a tribute to Shakespeare, or to Old you may have received with the intercession of Fr. Willmann. theology had stopped — the professors Joe Mulry, or to both. When the lecture Nance — moving around the little hospital in chinelas and shorts —put his who were in the prison camp were too was over, and the questions, the La Salle KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS weak to teach. Books were relatively Brothers would slip out of Barracks 19, one coffee grounds on to boil. The grounds FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC. rare. When evacuating from Manila, the by one, moving flat on the ground, to their had been used many times before — but Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila Jesuits were told to travel light. Each own barracks. that was the system in the camp. Don’t Tel. Nos. 8527-2223 local 221 & 8527-2244 (Fax) man’s possessions were limited to what Then, late one night, Joe Mulry throw the coffee grounds away! Boil them he could carry in a duffle bag. hemorrhaged. Al Grau, the Scholastic again and again. At least they made the APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW So the Jesuit Superiors decided that it acting as infirmarian, found him in hot water taste a little bit like coffee. would help the morale of the barracks if the wash room, on the floor. The blood Dana Nance took a single cigarette, lit 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution): there could be a few interesting intellectual was all around him, like a little sea. It it, took a deep puff, and handed the ______lectures. They were afraid that the minds had gushed up through his mouth. Al cigarette to his scrub nurse, who was 2. Address: ______of the young men would grow stagnant, bent over Joe and asked: “How are you, from the U.S. Navy. She drew deep ______that — if ever they got out of the camp — Father?” Joe smiled and said: “Oh, I feel on it, and handed it to the nurse’s aide. Tel. Nos. ______3. Office Name & Address: ______they would be little better than animals. much better, now!” The blood had been These three lived in the hospital —Nance, the nurse, and the aide. Tel. Nos. ______So they asked Old Joe Mulry to coagulating inside him. Throwing it up 4. K of C Council Number and Location: ______give lectures on Shakespeare. Joe was gave him some relief. Father Henry Greer, S.J., who was ______willing to do this. At the Ateneo de Six Scholastics took the improvised Socius to the Superior of the Philippine Manila he had been the heart of the A.B. stretcher that was used for carrying the Mission of the , and 5. Enclosure: ______course. He was the inspiring teacher of sick — it was really an old door that had therefore the ranking Jesuit Superior Horacio de la Costa, Jess Paredes, Leon been rescued from someplace — and they in the Los Baños Camp, went to the [ ] Cash P ______[ ] PMO/check No.______Maria Guerrero, Soc Rodrigo, Claudio carried Joe down to the camp hospital. bedside of Father Mulry. He heard his confession, anointed him, and gave him (Note: Please make check payable to Teehankee, Bert Avellana. When Joe was Two Japanese guards went with them, KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.) teaching, his students would not miss so that they would not be shot by other the last blessing. Then he drew out three class, because they enjoyed the class! guards. cigarettes, and put them on the little Date: ______But no suitable time for the lectures In the hospital, Doctor Dana Nance table beside the bed of Father Mulry. Joe could be found, except after curfew, at decided to operate. Some of the internees looked at the cigarettes, smiled, and said: Signature: ______night. When the sun went down, all of said that Dana Nance was knife-happy, “Oh, I won’t need all of those!” the internees were confined to quarters. but George explained that the poor (to be continued on the next issue) Prayer for the Beatification of the Brother’s Insight / C2 Servant of God Father George J. Willmann for priest are those who are have their own retirement he needs in the last years life serving the Lord and already totally cut-off from home which obviously is of his life. He would have a the different communities I Blessed are You, Almighty Father, source of all goodness their family and who were not very difficult to maintain and feeling of belongingness as was assigned to, I deserve a and wisdom. Look down upon us Your children, who are able to invest in a townhouse operate not to mention very he would feel needed in the better place to stay in the last trying to serve You with all our heart. Deign to raise Fr. or a condo unit. expensive to construct. All the parish even though he had remaining years of my life. George J. Willmann to the honors of the altar. Woe is the fate of our aging bishop has to do is to issue a retired. We, the faithful should be He was the prayerful, strong, dauntless model that we priests who in the twilight of directive allowing a retiring The bishop however, should able to care for our priest all need in this new era, he was a pastor in the care and their years is now a burden priest to retire in his last not allow more than one who had served our parish formation of the youth; the relief of victims of war and to his congregation if he’s a parish assignment. He shall retired priest in a parish as and catered to our spiritual violence; the alleviation of the suffering of the poor and religious and alienated to his now be the responsibility not it could pose too much of a needs all these years. Even if the preservation and promotion of the sanctity of life, family if he is a secular and only of the new parish priest burden on the incumbent the said retiring parish priest marriage, and the family. whose diocese couldn’t afford but of the community he had parish priest and on the had served our community for Make him the lamp on the lampstand giving light to to care for him. served until his retirement. community. just a couple of years, it still all in the house. Make him the city set on the mountain The congregation of the He could also assist the new If I’m a retiring priest, incumbent upon us to care which cannot be hidden, so that all of us may learn religious has no choice but parish priest in managing alienated from my family for him as his predecessors from his courage, his integrity, his indomitable spirit in to care for their aging priests the affairs of the parish. The with no place to go and no had cared for us. He should propagating and living the Gospel. whether they like it or not. community could also be money to spend, I would be not be left alone, be forgotten Through his intercession, bestow on us the favor we The seculars could be in a asked to help in the financial very grateful if I could be and with a broken heart. Love ask You in faith (pause here and silently entrust to the better lot if the diocese would and medical needs of their allowed to retire in my last and care for our priests is the Lord your petitions). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. adapt a simple solution to this now retired priest. He would parish assignment. As a priest least we could do to our aging Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. problem. They don’t need to have all the social interactions who had dedicated my whole priests. C4 March 16 - 29, 2020, Vol 24, No. 6 THE CROSS THE CROSS The Beautiful Bohol and the 43rd AFSA THE recently concluded Central Luzon Evangelizers 43rd Fr. George J. Willmann, went victorious as the Servant of God, Annual grand champion and two Family Service Awards was other areas won the Cutest held on March 6 to 8, 2020 Performance and Most at the Bellevue Resort in the Prepared Awards. These island of Panglao, province of are Central Luzon Believers Bohol. It was attended by 105 and VisMin Jurisdictions delegates including the 33 combined, respectively. We awardees, their families, the also prepared a photo booth KCFAPI Board of Trustees, for everyone’s souvenir representatives from KCFAPI from the event. The keynote wholly-owned and majority speaker for the event was owned companies, and the KCFAPI OIC-EVP, Bro. the KCFAPI Management Ronulfo Antero G. Infante. Team and staff. It was a He congratulated all the 3-day/2-night event that awardees and challenged showcased 2 major activities them to become more to commemorate the success productive this year and in of the year 2019: the 43rd the years to come. Before the FGJWSG Annual Family The 43rd Annual Family Service Awards (AFSA) awardees together with the Board of Trustees of KCFAPI and its wholly owned and majority owned companies and its Officers Fellowship Night ended, we Service Awards and the yearly during the awarding ceremony held last March 6 to 8, 2020 at the Bellevue Resort, Panglao, Bohol. (JPDEGUZMAN) awarded the Cabana Male Fellowship Night. and Female Fashionistas of The delegates were Bonifacio B. Martinez, for and Bro. Lorenzo Labrador, Catholic gentlemen in the The church was founded in the Night which was received welcomed at the newly- his message. The message of Jr. from Southern Mindanao Philippines by contributing 1596 and is now considered by Francis Ian Doliente, son opened Panglao Airport the President put emphasis Marlins were awarded the not lower than 25,000 new a National Historical of Bro. Francisco Doliente by some of the Fraternal on the significance of the Fr. George J. Willmann UM members per year. In closing, Landmark by the National of Cordillera Braves, Counselors in Bohol noontime contribution of the awardees Pinnacle Award. And the top he offered a toast to honor Historical Commission of and Ma. Anjelica Tullao, of March 6. Upon arrival at the in providing insurance awardee for the year 2019 is the 2019 awardees for their the Philippines. The group granddaughter of Bro. Danilo resort, they were welcomed coverage to 6,956 Knights the Fraternal Counselor of the splendid success and hoping also went to see the Bohol Tullao of Northeastern with a cultural performance of Columbus members and Year, Sis. Nora Evangelista of for more success for KCFAPI tarsiers that measure Luzon Lions. We also by drum beaters and cultural their families or P1.5 Billion Central Luzon Evangelizers. in the succeeding years. between 4 to 5 inches and awarded the King and Queen dancers of Panglao Island. total coverage, translating The event was concluded The program ended with an are known to be the world’s of the Night to the sweetest Over lunch at the Lamian to P155 Million First Year by a message from and a open dance floor which many smallest primates. The tour couple in the whole trip, Bro. Restaurant of the Bellevue Contribution for the year ceremonial toast proposed of the delegates enjoyed. would never be complete Angelo Concepcion and Sis. Hotel, an orientation was 2019. The President closed his by the KCFAPI Chairman, without experiencing the Marie Vissha Concepcion of conducted by the Fraternal speech challenging the Sales Supreme Director of the Panglao Island Tour Loboc River Cruise where Central Luzon Conquerors. Benefits Group to remind the Team to remain steadfast in Knights of Columbus Visiting the province of the delegates were served delegates of what will happen their commitment to support Philippines and Associate Bohol will never be complete with a delicious lunch buffet On to a stronger 2020! during their stay in Bohol. the Association and its ever Justice of the Supreme Court without a tour. One group while cruising the river. The It was an event truly clear vision for 2020 of of the Philippines, Bro. Jose went on a Panglao Island world famous Chocolate memorable. The KCFAPI The 43rd Annual building the financial security C. Reyes, Jr. His message Tour. This group was Hills was also part of the list. Management Team wanted Awards Night of KofC families. started with an emphasis supposed to enjoy an Island The last place visited was the not only to recognize and They all came in prepared The awarding ceremonies on what we do as Fraternal Hopping Tour but because Butterfly Sanctuary before reward the members of the with their evening gowns and followed after the sumptuous Counselors, that when we of the bad weather condition, they headed back to the sales team who contributed suits and ties! The 43rd Fr. dinner. This year, 33 Fraternal propose insurance, it is an the organizers changed the resort. It was indeed a whole to the success of the George J. Willmann Annual Counselors and Fraternal expression of our love to our plan for everyone’s safety. day of activities. Worth the Association in 2019 but also Family Service Awards was Benefits Managers were brother knights and their Thus, this half-day tour that visit, Bohol! to inspire all of them to do held on the first night of their recognized for their significant families which originated made them explore the beauty better in 2020 and beyond. stay in Bohol. The Sampaguita contribution in 2019. A total from the love of Fr. Michael of Panglao Island. The tour The Fellowship Night To the awardees and all the Hall of the Bellevue Resort of 18 FCs were awarded the J. McGivney and followed brought the delegates to two The second night of the guests, thank you for a time was designed using the theme President’s Circle; 5 Chairman by Fr. George J. Willmann. churches – the San Agustin whole Bohol trip was for an well-spent. We hope that “Barrio Fiesta” with colourful Knights of the Round Table – Associate Justice Reyes also Church which is considered to activity that allowed all the we were able to make you banderitas and native decors FC Category; and 2 Fraternal pointed out that he would be the main church in Panglao delegates to relax and enjoy feel special through our own to make the feel of the venue Counselors – Runners-Up. For like to see more wives and and the Dauis Church. The a program filled with fun and simple ways. To the Board more festive, not to mention the Unit Manager Category, children of brother knights group also visited the Bohol entertainment while in the of Trustees, our Spiritual the food that included lechon 1 Chairman Knights of the helping in the promotion of Bee Farm and enjoyed the sand at the beach front of the Director and representatives which is a staple in every Round Table and 1 Fr. George the insurance program and pristine water of Hinagdanan Bellevue Resort. The event from KCFAPI wholly- fiesta held in our country. J. Willmann UM Circle of the cause of the Knights of Cave before going back to the was opened with a message owned and majority owned The program commenced Honor. For Area Manager Columbus. He also pointed resort where they were able to from the VP for FBG Visayas companies, thank you for all with a Thanksgiving Mass Category, 1 AM was awarded out that KCFAPI offers the take an afternoon rest. The and Mindanao and former the support for the progress facilitated by the KCFAPI the President’s Circle. best insurance program in tour was short but sweet! Board of Trustee member, of our sales team. Lastly, Spiritual Director, Msgr. The top awardees this the world because of fast Bro. Anthony P. Nazario. It to all our brother knights Pedro Quitorio III. It was year are: For Area Manager claims processing which is Countryside Tour was followed by the dinner and their families, our then followed by a welcome Category, Bro. Lauro incomparable with other The other group went on buffet where there was also commitment of bringing parade per Jurisdiction and Evangelista of Central Luzon companies offering life a Countryside Tour. It was a an open bar for cold drinks closer to you the advocacy per area by the awardees, Evangelizers and Bro. Efren insurance. He also mentioned whole day tour that let them that all of us absolutely of getting yourselves and their families and the KCFAPI Casupanan of Central Luzon the Pinnacle Award for enjoy the natural beauty of enjoyed! The event featured your families secured and Management Team. The Believers were awarded the Membership recognition Bohol. The group first went group presentations that protected will never falter. guests were acknowledged Fr. Gorge J. Willlmann AM consistently given for 4 to Baclayon Church to see made them dance to the See you all next year for the by the VP for FBG Luzon, Circle of Honors. For Unit years to all four jurisdictions its newly reconstructed bell beat of famous dance craze 44th Fr. George J. Willmann, Bro. Gari M. San Sebastian, Manager Category, Bro. in the Philippines which tower after a huge damage music that went trending Servant of God, Annual who also introduced the Fernando Salcedo, Jr. from shows that we have been caused by the earthquake that not only in the Philippines Family Service Awards! KCFAPI President, Bro. Central Luzon Evangelizers able to evangelize more struck the province in 2013. but also worldwide. The (JDJavier)

The 43rd AFSA attendees during the Country Side Tour held on March 7, 2020 around Panglao, Bohol. (JPDEGUZMAN) The 43rd AFSA attendees during the fellowship night held on March 7, 2020 at the Bellevue Resort, Panglao, Bohol. (JPDEGUZMAN) Testimonials from awardees: It pays to work hard in KCFAPI. The importance bestowed to field The 43rd AFSA held at the Bellevue representative during such events Resort, Panglao, Bohol on March 6 – inspire the Fraternal Counselors to 8, 2020, where everything was free, aspire and work hard to achieve the “ encouraged me to strive to qualify “ Association’s goal = that of building once again in next year’s awards. financial security of K of C families. The 3-day awards activity likewise served as an inspiration to do better Sis. Melissa Lourdes Z. Reyes, service to protect the future of our Central Luzon Diamonds 2, brother knights and their families. President’s Circle Awardee VP for FBG Luzon Bro. Gari M. San Sebastian, Sales Training Manager Bro. Jerald D. Javier and attendees of the Fraternal Services Bro. Erenio M. Sabulao, Training held last March 10 to 11, 2020 at the KCFAPI Center, Intramuros, Manila. (JPDEGUZMAN) Eastern Visayas Leyte 2, President’s Circle Awardee Like any ordinary Filipino, I’ve been through difficult times. I experienced Notice to All BC Holders: emotional and financial crisis, too. Let’s face it, nowadays, financial crisis is one of the most difficult to bear. But being with KCFAPI made me realize that you can Metro Manila has been placed under enhanced community quarantine from March 15 prepare yourself and the people you love for possible unexpected circumstances. to April 14, 2020. We strongly encourage all BC Holders to practice social distancing “ A person should not only think of himself but also think of the people he will leave behind. Knowing that he will not leave them empty-handed will give you peace of measures and forward all required documents by mail instead of personal submission. mind. I realized that being with KCFAPI is like having a strong support system Insurance contribution or loan payments are accepted at any branch of BDO, PNB, during difficult times. Metrobank, SM and Palawan Pawnshop Express Padala. Let us continue to take Nora L. Evangelista, Central Luzon Evangelizers 3, Fraternal Counselor of the Year precautions to protect ourselves from the COVID-19.