Formation for MissionMAGIS 111 It’s your feast day last 31 July , St. Ignatius! Thank you so much for the Spiritual Exercises!

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MAGIS DEO COMMUNITY VOL. XVIII • ISSUE NO. 08 MagisMagisMagis AUGUST 2006 Am I taking my Catholic faith seriously? by Tony Arevalo

Amidst the backdrop of the audience, thereafter, concluded that ongoing controversy about the in terms of moral matters, there is CBCP (Catholic Bishops no separation between these two Conference of the Philippines) entities. The separation of powers recent pastoral letters, Fr. Mike between Church and State means Lambino, S.J., presented his talk that the State cannot favor nor bearing this news title and cited prohibit any particular religion. As a three test cases. people, Filipinos have accepted the 1987 Constitution and have agreed The first test case focused on to respect all religions. However, the separation of Church and there is no separation of powers State: its technical meaning. Fr. Mike between the Church and the State solicited reactions from the Fr. Mike Lambino, S.J. when it comes to moral issues affecting the people. The Church has a responsibility and a right to speak out on the moral dimensions of existing situations. The Bishops have Praxis report the responsibility and right to (January – June 2006) comment on current events in light by Tony & Aida del Rosario of Gospel values and the Christian Praxis Ministry Head faith because any situation has a There were 3 Magis Deo thrusts set Community. Praxis Ministry moral dimension. Corollary to this for 2006 that are reported in our accordingly revisited the “advisory was the poser raised: Was Bishop February 2006 Magis Newsletter: (1) reporting system” Magis had earlier Yniguez’s filing of an impeachment Deepen spirituality through praxis tried, made some adjustments, and case against President Gloria (inclusive of advocacy and outreach), explained the necessity to make it work during a meeting of the Ministry, Sector Macapagal-Arroyo to be viewed as formation, and mission, (2) partisan politics, or very much in involvement of all members for Heads and Shepherds. Following below marginalized families, and (3) increase are some highlights drawn from the consonance with the January 30, membership (inclusive of membership 1st Quarter reports as submitted 2006 CBCP statement? retention). (including those from 4 out of 24 BCGG’s who submitted Jan-May data). The attitude that should be During the January 8, 2006 Magis adopted by our community that is planning session from which the Using average attendance as one espousing the Ignatian Spirituality is foregoing emerged, we were measure of commitment: BCGG that since the CBCP represents the challenged by our Pastoral Council meetings rate (88%), Interface meetings (62%), Community Celebrations (51%), Church leadership, we should Chaircouple, Monchito and Tina respect and honor its views. The Mossesgeld, to adopt praxis Outreach (37%), and Harana (24%). milestones in various aspects of our Church being the spouse of Jesus spiritual journey: as individuals, as Based on self-assessments by Christ, and our Mother Church at members of our small groups, and as individual members (confidential) and that. As members of the Christian members of the larger Magis Deo con’t on page 8 con’t on page 7 AUGUST 2006 222 MAGISMagis the courage to explore possibilities amidst Familiarity breeds What if? uncertainties and setbacks. what? from page 4 So here are some questions we may from page 3 for Jerusalem would end up founding and want to ask ourselves today: First: This will be ruthlessly resisted heading what would later be one of the When was the last time you wondered largest and most influential and about the what if’s of your life? Perhaps it by the followers of the Antichrist. Insults, controversial religious orders in the has been a while. After all, many of us contempt, and opposition strategies will Church? His “What if?” questions gave are busy enough with family and work come from the leaders of economic, him the vision to see new possibilities in without having to worry about all this. It’s capitalistic empires without a his life even amidst failures and the tough enough to get through our days conscience. But through all this, the courage to explore them. His daring without discarding old dreams and prophetic disciples of Christ will carry on imagination, his great and holy desires, pursuing new ones. with their humble service, armed only expressed in those initial “What if?” with love, justice, the truth, and active questions, made all the difference in his Second question: When was the last non-violence. life. time that we as a people wondered about Christ yesterday, today, and the what if’s of our country? It has tomorrow. Amen. When we think about it, Ignatian probably been some time too. It gets spirituality is a spirituality of what if’s—a pretty tough to keep asking “What if?”— The Jesuit Vocation Promotions Team spirituality about desiring more, about to keep dreaming and to keep hoping— daring to dream to do and to be more. when all our collective efforts and invites male college students and young It’s all about an almost stubborn optimism schemes seem to be going nowhere. professionals to a Vocation Seminar. It is that seeks opportunities amidst failures For instance, how many more Cha-Cha intended for those who are considering the and stretches the possibilities it finds, initiatives are we supposed to oppose? priesthood or brotherhood in the religious all for the greater glory of God. After all, Aren’t we sick of this dance yet? life. The seminar will be held on July 23, for Ignatius, God labors in the world Meanwhile, millions of Filipinos remain 2006, Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the through all its evolutionary detours and poor and hungry. It can get pretty tiring dead ends, and He works no less in to ask “What if?” questions given the Garage, Sonolux Bldg., Ateneo de Manila human history even through all our unending series of setbacks we’ve been University Campus, Loyola Heights, weaknesses and wickedness. This facing in our national history. Quezon City. For more details, please daring, optimistic, holy daydreaming contact the Jesuit Vocation Promotions characterized the First Companions, just But could it be that on this Feast of Office at tel. no. 426-6101ore-mail at as it has always characterized the best St. Ignatius, on this Jubilee Year of the [email protected]. of the generations of Jesuits and lay First Companions, we are being reminded collaborators that followed them. to ask our “What if?” questions again? Could it be that we are being invited to Worth ethic What the “What if?” questions did for dare to dream again, to seek opportunities Ignatius and the Society of Jesus, they and stretch possibilities, to believe that from page 3 can also do for us today. ”What if?” there is still something more, something It is in the context of all this that questions can also give us the creative better waiting to be discovered and to be today’s brief Gospel reading can be very vision to see hidden opportunities in the done? Could it be that the one grace that meaningful. After Jesus and his disciples worst of situations and hidden potentials God wants to give us today—precisely had been working in spreading God’s in what seem like the worst of people. because it is what we as a people need word and deed, Jesus in his compassion They can alert us and open us up to most today—is the grace of great and for them said, “Come away be yourselves God’s surprises. And they can give us holy desires for our country again? to a deserted place and rest awhile.” (Mk. 6: 30 – 34). Jesus felt their human need Christ’s compassion in our hearts must But how are we supposed to do that? and immediately responded to it. This bear fruit and be shared with others. What is the secret to Ignatius’s was the Jesus sent by the Father to help To single out just one tragic consistent and persistent holy us grow in our humanity and in our loving happening: The many thousands of our daydreaming? That hole in Ignatius’s compassion for one another. This is what innocent brothers and sisters in the Lord heart is the secret to his holy it means to be his disciples. To be as he whose lives are in great danger at this daydreaming, and to his continuing was, and do as he did. point in time there in Lebanon. Let us capacity to seek opportunities where But soon after they had eaten and allow that Christlike compassion in our others found only failures, to discover new rested, another huge crowd was waiting hearts to come alive and reach out to paths where others saw only dead ends, where they disembarked. And the very them, through our constant prayers, and and to find new hopes and desires where same compassion that Christ felt for his whatever else some of us may be able to others saw only the ruins of old shattered disciples was triggered off again – this do. dreams. The secret to holy daydreaming time toward the vast crowd. “When he The many, many poor and and the continuing capacity to hope and disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his underprivileged Filipinos all over our to ask “What if?” questions, is nothing heart was moved with pity for them, for country. In so many ways, they are sheep other than the love of God. Great and holy they were like sheep without a shepherd; without shepherds. In our own little ways, desires can emerge and grow only out of and he began to teach them many let us continue to reach out to them that hole in our heart. things.” (v. 34) through our time, talents, and treasures. Sheep without a shepherd. And so the They are part of us, and we are part of On this Jesuit Jubilee of the First mission of compassion continues to them. As God’s children, “we are many, Companions, let us turn to them who are unfold. As it was in the life of Christ, so it though one, we are one though many!” our fathers in the mission—Ignatius is to be in our lives as his disciples. Like the Holy Trinity: one though three, Loyola, Francis Xavier, and Peter Faber. All around us are people who, like us, three though one. And all of us are made As one Ignatian community, let us ask are hungry for God’s presence, God’s in their image and likeness. them to intercede for us: that the Lord words and deeds. We are His delegated Let us keep balancing our work with may give us His love and His grace of shepherds – not because we are superior our human vulnerabilities and needs, with great and holy desires—both as to others – but because we have heard Christ’s love in our hearts. Our worth ethic. individuals and as a people. his wake-up call. The growing seeds of The mission and spirituality of COMPASSION. ISSUE NO. 08 MAGISMagis 333

Sunday Homily The Philippine Star Ruben M. Tanseco, S. J. their glitter: worldly riches – an inordinate love for money and what money can buy; worldly honors – an inordinate Anchit Chua Chiaco attachment to some form of power over others; and worldly pride – an inordinate

Photo: love for one’s own self, down to the final depths of disdainful self-centeredness. When one succumbs to these three traps, he will blindly follow the Antichrist all the way. Counterpoised against all this Familiarity breeds what? are the spiritual strategies of Christ: a lifestyle of Christian stewardship; 9 July 2006 acceptance of inevitable insults and contempt; and humility in servant- leadership. As the saying goes: Familiarity meaning of our prophetic message. But What is stewardship? All that breeds contempt. Is this what Jesus if we want to experience God’s miracle we are and all that we have are not really experienced from his townmates in to be done in his own way and time, we ours but God’s. Our lives, talents, and today’s Gospel reading (Mk. 6: 1-6)? must have total faith in him – unlike the resources have been entrusted to us, not After teaching hugh crowds and townmates of Jesus. He did not perform to be used mainly for our own vested performing miracles in various places any mighty deed among them, precisely interests, but according to God’s one over a period of time, the ever – due to their lack of faith. and only law: to love God by loving our compassionate Jesus went back to his Once again, at this point in our neighbor as we love ourself. And by hometown with his disciples. You would lives, we are challenged to choose what neighbor is meant anyone and everyone. think that his own townmates would life-plan to follow: The life-plan of Christ, You can be a millionare and still be welcome him with praises and pride. or that of the Antichrist. Otherwise, we Christ’s faithful steward. We are to Instead of honoring a God-sent prophet, will be perpetually “namamangka sa develop the full potentials of our country they looked down on him and ridiculed dalawang ilog” until it is too late. for the benefit of all. A more equitable him when he started teaching them in The Antichrist uses three distribution of God’s resources. the synagogue. “Hindi ba ito si Hesus enticing traps that tend to blind us with na karpintero? Sino na ba siya? Ano na con’t on page 2 ba ang akala niya sa kaniyang sarili?” Jesus said to them: “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place…” (v. 4). Thus, he did not perform any miracle there, due to their lack of faith. Worth ethic Throughout the centuries, all the 26 July 2006 way to the present, the common, unsung disciples of Jesus continue to suffer the In this postmodern culture of We see this pattern of affective same fate as he did – in the eyes of a stuckness among both lay workaholics money-and-power-driven world. Many McWorld, as someone so rightly put it, our worth ethic is defined as our work and religious workaholics. We see this simple carpenters and ordinary farmers, especially among lay professionals, fishermen, and employees are totally ethic. We are what we do. The more we do, the more we are. Go-go-go. Even executives, and employers who live this dedicated to their families and their work lifestyle not only in their own persons, – living lives of honesty and integrity. As when we take a vacation, it is do-do-do. disciples of Christ, they are no less than Otherwise, it is not enjoyable. This but demand it from their employees and living prophets in the midst of moral culture of workaholism that comes from dependents, all the way to their corruption and social injustice. How the West is fast spreading among our household help. many of their countrymen honor them and people, particularly the educated class. Take this typical professional who listen to the silent teachings of their This is what is described as being leaves home early in the morning and eloquent lives? stuck in the affective polarity of strength. comes home late at night everyday Solidarity with the poor and a We are conditioned to admire the except Sunday. Reason? Work, work, conversion of the rich, so that the latter Christian who is constantly on the go. work. You tell me if this does not harm may also be in solidarity with the poor – We consider it a great virtue to burn his marital-and-family life, his human this was the teaching of Jesus the oneself out for the kingdom of God. We relationships with other people, and his Prophet, in word and deed. He lived by learn from research findings that such a very own humanity and spirituality. what he preached. And this is his person is preoccupied with the following Or take the clerics or religious who mission for each and every one who thought patterns: God helps those who insist on holding on to a so-called would claim to be his disciple. help themselves. Keep busy. Don’t take spirituality of perfectionism. Religious a vacation. Be a winner. That’s not good workaholics. They are doing more harm Jesus is challenging us to be his than good in their apostolic ministry. prophets in our very own communities, enough. Try harder. Don’t show your feelings. Be strong. Work hard. Quite a number of them end up being in our own Nazareths. And like Jesus, burnt-out. Is this God’s design? we, too, will be looked down upon by many Achievement is everything. of our townmates, who will resist the very con’t on page 2 AUGUST 2006 444 MAGISMagis

EDITORIAL What if? On Ignatian Holy Daydreaming (excerpts from the homily of Fr. Johnny Go, Director, Xavier School, during Province Celebration ofthe Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on 30 July 2006)

When was the last time you engaged took a lot more imagination on his part in a little daydreaming? When was the to see something in his other roommate, last time you asked yourself, “What if I the intelligent but worldly and ambitious were…, or what if I did…?” St. Ignatius Francis Xavier. He must have taken one himself asked a couple of “What if?” look at Xavier and wondered, “What if…?” questions when he was recovering from And in true Ignatian fashion, he must his broken leg. Bored and bedridden in have proceeded to explore those the Castle of Loyola, he read–of all possibilities. Ignatius’s what if’s also things—two religious books because they helped him to discover the promise that were the only books he could get his lay hidden in other people. hands on. When he got tired of reading, he daydreamed. He daydreamed about In 1534, six companions, including worldly things—about a lady, for Faber and Xavier, joined him in taking instance, that he was infatuated with, and vows of poverty and chastity in the chapel he wondered, “What if I did this or that about his own limitations and headed at Montmartre at a Mass presided by for her?” back to Loyola to resume his old life. Peter Faber. Together they resurrected Instead he asked himself: “What if I Ignatius’s old dream of going to But he also daydreamed about study first?” Maybe, he thought, he would Jerusalem to devote their lives “for the hermits and saints, of becoming like St. be taken more seriously, and maybe he good of souls.” But because of the war Francis and St. Dominic, of imitating their would be able to help more people. with the Turks, they stepped back to take heroic deeds for God. He asked himself, one good look at their Jerusalem dream “What if I too did this or did that for God..?” And so he returned to Spain: In and asked, “What if we go to Rome You see, when that cannonball shattered Barcelona, at age 33, he found himself instead and put ourselves at the disposal his leg at Pamplona, it had also actually in a classroom full of preadolescent boys of the Holy Father?” Ten years later, shattered his dreams—his dreams of learning how to conjugate Latin verbs. Ignatius and his companions formed a worldly honor and fame, of serving kings In Alcala and Salamanca, where he new religious order called the Society of and pursuing women. Lying in bed continued his studies, he would, on the Jesus. crippled at the age of 26, he could have side, give his Spiritual Exercises and indulged in self-pity, and brooded converse with others about God. For Who would have thought that this endlessly on what could have been. But engaging in these spiritual activities, limping pilgrim who left Loyola to set off thanks to God’s grace and thanks to what however, Iñigo fell under suspicion from we may call his “holy daydreaming,” he the Inquisition and was imprisoned not con’t on page 2 discovered new dreams in the very places once, but twice. He must have been where his old dreams lay in ruins. bewildered, if not discouraged, by the Those first “What if?” questions gave harassment he was getting. He could him the audacity to leave Loyola and his have complained about the kind of Church old life behind, and to—both literally and he had to deal with, and he could have MagisMagis given up. But instead he asked: “What if figuratively—learn to walk again. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MAGIS DEO COMMUNITY Whenever he met a roadblock on his I just move to Paris to study at the journey—and he encountered numerous university there?” At least there, he Editorial Board roadblocks—he would ask his “What if?” thought, he would be beyond the reach questions and look for new possibilities. of the Spanish Inquisition. And so, once Tina A. Mossesgeld Malu Panlilio And eventually he would discover in those again in the face of yet another setback, Aida del Rosario Joy S. Uy-Tioco very dead ends new and unexpected he sought new possibilities. Once again, God used his what if’s to lead him in his Managing Editor paths. It was also this capacity to Philip JB Panlilio daydream that gave him the courage to journey. take those apparent detours to continue Assistant Editors his journey. In Paris, it was also through his imagination that he eventually discovered Tony Arevalo Ferdie Cruz When Iñigo left Loyola, his big dream what God wanted him to do. It was there Photography was to go to Jerusalem, “to help souls.” that he met his roommates, Peter Faber Anchit Chua Chiaco But as it turned out, the Franciscan friars and Francis Xavier, his First Companions. in Jerusalem would have none of it He immediately recognized the obvious Business Manager because they were concerned about the holiness of his roommate, the gentle Tony Narciso danger that he might cause himself and Peter Faber, who helped him with his others. He could have questioned himself lessons in philosophy. But it probably Please send articles/reactions/feedback to [email protected] ISSUE NO. 08 MAGISMagis 555

COUNCIL CORNER It all starts with the M.E. by Benz and Vina Dimanalata Council Overseer for M.E. Ministry and Secretariat Couple

Do you still recall your own marriage The beauty of the marriage encounter encounter weekend? Who was your shouldn’t stop with us. Like all other gifts spiritual director who reconnected you to from God, it should be spread and God? Who were your couple sharers who proclaimed. Do not be shy! Do not be bravely bared their lives to you? Did you afraid! Do not remain passive! Let us go to the M.E. because you needed to become instruments in bringing God to or you wanted to? more couples, in bringing more couples to God. To some, the M.E. was a sweet second honeymoon. To others, it was bitter-sweet. To others still, it was just bitter. But for whatever it was, I’m sure Helpful tips in your M.E. weekend was sort of a turning point in your life. recruiting couples Along the way, the cycle of romance, disillusionment, and joy repeats itself. for M.E. The decision to love is always a challenge and an invitation. It helps if Pray first before talking to your meaningful. We need couples like them to we keep remembering the essence of the potential candidate. inspire other couples. M.E. weekend – our love triangle with the Know deep in your heart your Other ways to promote the ME Lord, putting Him on top of our lives, motivations for inviting your potential weekend: surrendering to Him and giving Him candidate. Your Second Honeymoon control. Then, it would be lighter to go Meet with your potential candidate, at Bring back the romance in your through our own passion and least once, as a couple. Share with them marriage resurrection. your personal experience about the MEW. Your Most Memorable Weekend Be humble witnesses to God’s graces Your Weekend Get-away I believe we are fortunate that in our which you received during and after your Reconnecting again community our entry point is the marriage own ME. Your gift to God for His many encounter. Immediately, two hearts beat Conducting your meeting over food, blessings in consonance with God’s plan. Two lunch or dinner, makes it casual and light Making a Good Marriage Great minds and hands work for God. As we yet meaningful and enriching. Invite the Better ways to communicate to each mature in our individual and couple couple or get invited by them. other spirituality, we are able to touch more If the couple’s schedule does not allow Just give it a try couples, consciously or inconspicuously. them to attend the MEW, show them the If problematic family, as an entry schedule of MEWs for the whole calendar point to Family Encounter When we breathe our community’s year and make them choose their most If the candidate husband is unwilling name, Magis Deo, we are called to do convenient time. or hesitant, the recruiting husband should “more for God”. We are constantly Note their preferred schedule and take a more active role in the persuasion. requested to serve Him more. A major forward to the ME Ministry.Call them The recruiting husband may invite other part of this request is to bring more back 2 months before their preferred encountered husbands over a cup of couples closer to Him. And it all starts schedule. coffee/merienda or sports game (not over with the M.E. If you feel the couple has financial alcoholic drinks, pls.) and in the process limitation or is willing to attend but has of conversation, witness how the MEW has It is difficult, “nakakahiya”, or simply financial difficulties, inform them that you touched his life. (Men have their own kind unaware on how to do it. Yes to all of will get someone to subsidize PART, not of talk, as women have theirs.) these and more. But take heart. The all, of the fee. Or you can tell the husband to offer Lord is merely asking us to be ourselves, We want the couple to have even just the MEW as a gift to his wife. to be humble witnesses to others, yet a little investment to inspire and motivate Be thorough in your explanation proudly proclaiming His name. We invite them to attend. about the MEW and how it is conducted. couples to experience marriage If the couple does not see any need to Remember to highlight that there will be encounter and its graces. We invite them attend the MEW because they do not have no forced sharing or airing of grievances to enrich their family with God’s love. It’s any marital problems/ issues, tell them that will be required of them. like having a parenting seminar with the that the MEW is NOT a problem solving Make persistent, personal, and caring greatest parent of all, our Lord. weekend. It is a weekend to enhance our follow-ups. marriages and make them more AUGUST 2006 666 MAGISMagis

RANDOM THOUGHTS priority in one’s life, even forget to do a simple quickie of a reading- A.R. AREVALO, Jr. reflection and are hence, visibly cramming during the prayer meetings. That much committed are we, or kumitid? -o0o- Periodic evaluation of one’s BCGG (or ministry / committee) could be threatening Realizations and at the same time very rewarding. This forces both the shepherds and the members to The shepherds training given ‘Twas truly heartening to see pause and take serious stock of last weekend by Ms. Eva Galvey, how the hardly young ones among where exactly they are in their to my mind and to those I have had us became very childlike even for common journey towards the Lord. some casual talks with, is definitely a fleeting moment as they gamely one spiritual formation module that participated in certain parlor It is possible that the shepherds made an impact on most of, if not games that were conducted. have overlooked certain things that all, the participants. Nothing mind- Perhaps something like this on a members have been aching to boggling nor brain –wracking about very condensed but regular basis experience but have not been able, it. In fact, much of the training could also be injected into our first for one reason or another, to material seems basic and simple. Friday community celebration. verbalize the same. It is possible It’s just that we either forgot about, Such activity could be the icing to that some of the members plainly shied away from these the cake which is of course, the themselves will finally come to grips fundamentals, or just got distracted Mass-teaching portions. with reality and make a major with and diverted by mundane choice of which really is their top concerns (remember McWorld?). -o0o- priority in life: spiritual growth and .We indeed give so much time development, or something else This is one spiritual formation and energy on many important that may very well run counter to the module that every shepherd in our mundane matters — almost two- former. group must go through, whether thirds of our day, with about a third you like it (or else!). And may I dare to rest and recreation. But it has add, even a most important module always been a known fact that we that a BCGG member should are ever enjoined to give real time likewise attend. Our formator role, and attention to the most important definitely, is the most crucial of our facets of our life or existence. three roles as shepherd (the two being administrator and facilitator). Take for instance, attendance in weekly prayer meetings, monthly INDUSTRIES -o0o- community celebrations and the Lighting Fixtures, Ballast, The Central sector’s recent like. A shepherd, I was told, has to Emergency Light, Exit Light, fellowship at the Corinthian text his/her members more than Pinlight, Floodlight, Highbay, Gardens was definitely a once just to remind them of the successful one, and were it not for meeting / gathering, and on certain Emergency Power Pack, the rather inclement weather, more occasions they don’t bother to would have graced it. Kudos to the reply on time or worse, not all. That organizers (including the Sisons much we have of initiative, or for the sumptuous food and the inisyatib? • DESIGN • ESTIMATE ideal venue) and of course, to the • INSTALLATION two new groups and their Another is praying unhurriedly respective shepherds (ME 84 and one’s Sacred Space on a daily SALES OFFICE post SDR group of ME 74) which basis. This act requires no more L3/F Unit A, One Burgundy Plaza, combined, showed almost, if not than 10 - 15 minutes of our hectic 307 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, perfect, attendance in the affair. schedule, and yet many members Quezon City Tel. Nos.: 435-9049 • 929-3570 I know who will readily say that our Fax: (632) 434-4441 Lord is at the center of their being E-mail : [email protected] and therefore most important ISSUE NO. 08 MAGISMagis 777 Am I taking my Catholic faith seriously? from page 1 community, we should dispose institutions of democracy (credible f) Integral renewal of the clergy ourselves to have an attitude of elections) and institutions for social and religious respect for and obedience to the reform. g) Journeying with the youth thinking of the Church. We, the Laity, And finally, the third test case should adopt a mindset which is not zeroes in on the January 30, 2006 2. Form a deeper spirituality of only to honor the Church but also CBCP Pastoral heroic Christian citizenship even to rationalize or justify, if not Message where we are asked to 3. Promote a spirituality of public altogether, protect its teachings. We renew our public life thru moral service (social spirituality) should never antagonize the Church values, or renewal of the social 4. Collaborate better among because of what it stands for, it being order and public life thru the teaching concerned citizens’ groups working our Mother, too. and inculcation of the values of the for good governance Nevertheless, there is a role for Gospel. 5. Discuss, internalize, act upon dissent in the Church but in a manner Five courses of action are hereby the social teachings of the Church that will not create scandals or recommended: 6. Pray and do acts of penance gossip or politicking but as an 1. Relentlessly pursue the search to accompany efforts expression to authorities who can for truth thru structures and provide remedies or solutions. What processes mandated by law and our At the end of his talk, Fr. Mike then is the role of dissent in the Constitution asked the audience how they Church? To criticize then whatever 2. Restore confidence and trust resonated with all these things teachings / instructions given, though in our political processes (electoral presented to them in terms of some of them may not be that reforms) Emotional tone, Attitude, and honorable or reasonable, will only 3. Hold elections in 2007 Perception produce speculations and even 4. Not support hasty efforts to scandals rather than something that change the Constitution without the Meantime, Fr. Mike in his earlier is beneficial. Nevertheless, Fr. Mike widespread discussion and homily, cited three examples in his feels it will be advantageous if the participation that such change attempt to relate the Gospel just read misbehaviour or wrongdoings of requires and dwelling on the question: “Why certain leaders if these misdeeds are 5. Not to condone any resort to did the Lord tend to be and dine with referred to qualified personages that violence or counter-constitutional sinners and others in society who could really address and resolve means in resolving our present were normally treated differently by these issues. crisis. the supposedly religious elite?” The second test case pertains to the June 22, 2006 pastoral Renewal of Philippine public life Fr. Mike believes that we are statement on the proposed charter requires the transformation of asked to imitate Jesus who has change. Two opposite statements cultural values and structures, Fr. shown love and mercy to many served as options to the Laity: Mike added. To which then, he people who during His time, were The negative statements have advocated the adoption of these six treated shabbily by others. We are been: 1) oppose the charter change courses of action: supposed to make room for others, proposed in the People’s Initiative, 1. Adopt a more systematic give time to them, and even share especially its planned transitory program of promoting the moral our blessings with them. “Our lives provisions; and 2) criticize the values that are indicated in 7 (of the should be a sharing of ourselves seriously flawed process for charter 9) priorities drawn up at the 2001 to others who would normally be change that is involved in the present National Pastoral Consultation on treated differently,” he said. People’s Initiative (only few Filipinos Church Renewal know the details of the proposed A checklist containing seven The three examples cited were: changes anyway). items for this first course of action is first, a newcomer-student in Ateneo The positive statement, shown below: was made fun of and even bullied meantime, is to call for renewed a) Integral faith formation by his classmates, just because the emphasis on social reform on behalf b) Empowerment of the laity newcomer hailed from the province; of the poor, especially in crucial towards social transformation second, the gesture shown in areas of education, food security, c) Active presence and restaurants by his relative in regular health and housing. participation of the poor in the Church thanking waiters; and third, the bad The question, though is, “How do and society impression by Fr. Mike’s friends who I/we take this?” Fr. Mike offers these d) Family as focal point of saw him during a party where he was two measures: first, call for electoral evangelization just asked to attend, danced with a reforms; work towards clean and e) Building and strengthening of woman who was in fact the one who honest elections in 2007; and second participatory communities that make approached and invited Fr. Mike to which is a primary concern: build up the parish dance with her. 888 MAGISMagis AUGUST 2006 Praxis report from page 1 Pathways Suyuan Shepherds assessments for BCGG’s as Magis Deo conducted three 30 at the Cervini Hall again with Ferdie & a whole, which were reported through consecutive Suyuan for the parents of of Sheila Joson as Facilitators and the Sector Heads, following are some Pathways scholars for the month of July auxiliaries were from KKK BCGG observations: in the Ateneo campus. The 1st one was consisting of Bong & Laney Ricohermoso, MDC Thrust # 1: Deepening held last July 16, 2006 at the Cervini Hall Mannix Lopez and Fred & Cora Spirituality through Formation and where the Facilitators were Ferdie & Buenaventura. The Outreach Ministry Praxis Sheila Joson while the auxiliaries were composed of Tita Cathy Rafael, Djarn Objective #1: Deepening Rey & Lucy Mea of Thessalonians Pestano and Ferdie Cruz were present in relationship with GOD and BCGG. The 2nd one was held July 16 at all three Suyuan sessions and were very increasing consciousness of GOD’s the LST on which Pocholo & Merly Cea grateful and happy for the help extended presence in members’ life: were the Facilitators while the auxiliaries by the BCGG members mentioned above. · Most BCGG members pray regularly were Jay Ng-Sy, Gene & Eve Banez and The expenses for the Suyuan sessions (18/21 BCGGs or 86%) Tita Cathy, of course, of the Agnus Dei were all shouldered by Pathways · Most BCGG’S observe format and BCGG. The last one was done last July faith sharing guidelines (18/21 BCGGs or 90% · Most BCGG members attend weekly meetings regularly (ave. 88%) Objective #2: Living out Gospel Values, 4 S’s, Love of Country, Regard for each other in the Community: · Many BCGG’s practice community values and practices (14/21 BCGGs or 67%) · BCGG members’ attendance in Community Celebrations (51% on ave.) · Praxis commitment, a part of the regular meeting format, is NOT regularly observed. MDC Thrust # 2: Involve all · The Council Visitation Program is members in holistic programs for being followed. marginalized families, thru Suyuans · Community Celebrations used as and Gawad Kalinga, etc. venue for Praxis and Formation themes: · Many BCGG’s participate in remains to be seen if this improves community/sector/BCGG outreach but BCGG participation. attendance only 37% on average. · Sectoral assignments to ME · Many BCGG’s have individual Haranas implemented, but only 24% of personal outreach (12/21 BCGGs or members on average attend. 57%) MDC Thrust # 3: Increase FORWARD PLANS FOR JULY – membership and strengthen member DECEMBER 2006 retention MDC THRUST #1: Objective # 1: Strengthen spiritual 1. Focus attention on Praxis companionship and friendship thru: Commitment during BCGG meeting Spiritual direction for Shepherds BCGG assessment of their growth in Shepherds assessment of BCGG faith, practice of the 4S’s, love of country, growth and formation and treatment of each other in the Sector meetings as venue for community. growth in faith and sharing of best 2. Discuss with BCGG heads (one practices and problems among on one): areas for growth and areas for Shepherds BCGG improvement, understand needs The following is observed as evident of members better and how community for 1Q 2006: can help. · Internal BCGG relationship stronger 3. Conduct Orientation on Ignatian than BCGG relationship to the larger Spirituality community. MDC Thrust #2: · All BCGG’s, except one, have effective member relationships within the Focus on BCGG assessment of their BCGG. (This is the strength of the OUTREACH participation and HOW this BCGG. An area needing improvement has affected their relationship with GOD. is BCGG participation (14/21 BCGGs or MDC Thrust #3: 67%) in Community Activities.) Focus on BCGG assessment of their · Interface program well received participation in the BCGG Interface, (average attendance: 62%) Community Celebration, ME Recruitment, and the Harana. ISSUE NO. 08 MAGISMagis 999 Shepherds undergo 2-day seminar

What is your image of God? How do we communicate with God? These were some of the basic yet thought-provoking questions that some shepherds grappled with in the two-day seminar-workshop on Prayer Deepening and Intro to Spiritual Direction conducted at the Layforce, San Carlos Seminary in Guadalupe last July 8-9 by Ms. Eva Galvey of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality (CIS). The major topics covered at the two- Top photo: Ms. Eva Galvey of day workshop were: Images of God, the Center for Ignatian Recognizing God in Prayer; Recognizing Spirituality (CIS). God in One’s Life Experiences, and Recognizing God in Spiritual Direction. Among the major inputs of Ms. Galvey worth remembering were: Our capacity to love comes from God’s love and our capacity to accept His love.” “Our experience of God as shepherds influences how we guide our members. If there is hardly any familiarity or relationship with God, of which are shepherds will likewise have better difficulty in helping their respective addressed by members (lambs) to grow and relevant skills experience a personal relationship development with God.” training In a BCGG prayer meeting, programs. shepherds are advised strongly to focus The activity always on God, and not on the member was co- or any of his/her concerns. Faith sponsored by sharing is the principal concern in prayer the meetings and not mere story-telling Membership where unnecessary probing, advice- Formation giving, counseling and the like may Ministry prevail. headed by Joy Uy-Tioco According to Ms. Galvey, there are and the Shepherds- four types of prayer and these are: 1) Sharers Formation prayerful reading (Lectio), where prayer Ministry headed by Ed is said slowly and with attention; 2) and Claire Palma. Key Meditation (meditation), where we focus shepherd couples on whatever catches our attention or involved in the whatever disturbs or consoles us; 3) administrative and prayer of the heart (oratio), where we logistics aspects were engage God and have a personal and Gene and Eve Banez, meaningful dialogue with Him; and 4) together with the Pareja couple serving contemplation (contemplatio), which is as lead auxiliaries, Jeremiah BCGG regarded as the deepest moment of members who served as auxiliaries. prayer wherein the silent presence of Included among the participants were God is experienced. the seven-couple members of the This particular seminar-workshop Pastoral Council headed by Monchito and addressed the third and chief of three key Tina Mossesgeld. roles of any shepherd in the community, Seven lady-facilitators from the CIS which is that of formator or pastoral care assisted Ms. Galvey in the various small giver. The other two roles are that of group discussions held on the first day, administrator and that of facilitator, both while Monsignor Nico Bautista said the Mass on the afternoon of the second day. 10 MAGIS AUGUST 2006

Micah & Beatitudes BCGG interface (May-July 06)

Micah 6:8 and Beatitudes BCGGs had their third and last interface at the residence of Levy & Roxanne Espiritu in Vista Verde, Cainta City. Micah came in full force - Rey & Nitz Eslava, Joy Uy-Tioco, Flor Pison, Gina Eleda and Suni Rodriguez. The rain neither dampened their lively spirits nor kept them from trooping as far away as south and central to the lovely residence of the Espiritus. From Beatitudes BCGG were Rey and Nette Arceo, Francis and Dolly Llamas and Ferdie Cruz. Visiting from the Pastoral Council were Regie and Daisy de Guzman. The first and second interfaces were both held in Makati at the Uy- Tioco residence, the first before the July 8-9 Deepening Prayer and Orientation to Spiritual Direction Seminar-Workshop for Shepherds. Sharing was easy and intimate – Typhoon Glenda, Micah 6:8 and Beatitudes Interface everyone knew one another and had worked and shared prayer and life workshops, and most recently, the facilitators helped us notice and experiences before. Sacred Space. Suni led us in prayer enjoy those God-moments. One After the DP & OSD Seminar- for Claro and Linda, inviting us to couple shared how during a deep Workshop, the Arceos and the imagine Claro lying on his hospital family crisis, God consoled them. Eslavas, shepherds of their bed in St. Luke’s, and to hold our The wife, looking at the rain and respective BCGGs, decided to divert hands over his liver, then look up and storm, suddenly saw 2 rainbows. Joy from the regular Sacred Space imagine a great white light shining filled her and through her tears she material and instead cascade or on us, flowing through us, through immediately recognized God was share the “Deepening Prayer” part of our outstretched hands, into Claro. telling her everything would be all the weekend. On the July 14 interface, You could almost feel the silence right. The husband shared how, in the the group reviewed their images of steadily deepen and grow more middle of all the relatives weeping God and how those images changed intense. We stayed in contemplation with anxiety, he felt like he wanted to from the time we were children to now for close to 25 minutes and opened shout for joy because of all the texts that we have grown and are maturing our eyes only when the facilitator told he was receiving from the spiritually. We realized we used to us to open them. We then shared community. He knew God was have so many distorted images of our prayer. Three of the seven who speaking to him through the God, but now, through Magis, and attended the seminar guided us and community. PRAYER, we know Him better, we helped us notice the moments God In spite of Typhoon Glenda we love and trust Him instead of fearing revealed Himself to us as we prayed were all warmed and humbled by the Him like naughty children. The group for Claro. goodness and grace God gave us was so enthusiastic with the results After that intense prayer, Nitz that evening. We could feel it in the we decided on the spot to complete reviewed 4 kinds of Prayer (lectio openness, the honesty of the pain the recommended 3 interfaces and divina). This is the prayer process and joy, the recognition that the hold one more the following week we use most of the time, also called comfort we were receiving was from since we would be assigned to new meditation, but what was different God. We have had years of praying, interface partners by August. was she gave it to us in Pilipino. After of wanting to pray better, of learning At the third interface, Beatitudes praying, we took 5 minutes to write. to pray better. We are more than two and Micah 6:8 continued our review Then we broke up into three smaller gathered in prayer. Surely God was of the prayer practices we have been groups and shared. Like in the group with us. by Ferdie Cruz & JSU taught in our retreats, prayer contemplation, the member- ISSUE NO. 08 MAGIS 11 Magis Deo members attend God Loves’ LSS

A little over 50 people — young and old, married and single alike — attended the recent two-day, live-out Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) conducted by the God Loves Catholic Prayer Community at its center at 10st., New Manila, Q.C. Of the attendees, 10 were from Magis Deo Community (MDC). Four couples and two singles were part of the 49th batch of the God Loves community’s, which reportedly is already in its 15th year of existence. Dennis and Joy Rago, also from MDC, The participants from MDC were: Jose visited only as their daughter Ma. Katrina and Portia Eustaquio III, Ramon and was one of the 10 MDC attendees. Also Jacquiline Buenaflor, Roland and Ma. brief visitors were Ferdie Cruz and Djarn Victoria Beltran (all four couples with ME Pestano, who together with Cathy Rafael class 80 currently shepherded by Pol and had to also attend a one-day Suyuan at Mel Policarpio as main shepherd-couple, the Ateneo campus. arajr and Frank and Fe Reyes as Assistant shepherd-couple); Leopoldo Moselina Jr. (ME class 79), Gemilo and Evelyn San Pedro (Cana BCGG), and Ma. Katrina st Rago (daughter of Dennis & Joy Rago of 1 Central Sector Agnus Dei BCGG). The LSS happens to be the main but dynamic spiritual program of God Loves whose spiritual director is Fr. Domie De fellowship night Guzman (the priest who normally by Leony and Mia Parada presides over the Masses held during the LSS days of Ogie Reyes). This group was st The 1 CENTRAL SECTOR *Suggests that same be replicated founded by a foursome comprising its FELLOWSHIP NIGHT was a successful not just as a sectoral activity but as a pastoral team, and they are: Robert event amidst the stormy & traffic eve of quarterly fellowship activity of Magis Deo- Castaneda, Servant-Leader, Filaine Tan, July 14, it was held at Greenwich Daisy de Guzman (Corinthian/Sothel Ricky Berenguer, and Jess Santos. Clubhouse. Close to 70 members of diff. BCGG *council ) The informal feedback obtained from BCGG & M.E./Post LSS classes *One big happy family! – Phil most of the MDC participants and attended. The event was hosted by Tumaneng (P.LSS class 74) shepherds in attendance was that the Manette Yap. Everybody enjoyed the *Fun, Nice games, delicious food & God Loves LSS program very well suits games facilitated by Manette & Joy U. nice gifts – Lucy Mella (Thessalonians) the needs of MDC and may therefore be Lots of prizes by Flor P. & Beng P. The *The food was great! – Lito Naldo an idea worth pursuing for forthcoming early birds award was awarded to Tony & (Psalm 46) LSS schedules. This is largely due to Benny Vistan of Post LSS class 74. The *Naiiba! Ngayon pa lang yata nangyari what many acknowledged as very excellent food was worth more than our nag-meet ang mga BCGG heads kundi enlightening and inspiring talks of the 100.00/head contribution, the gourmet pati mga members successful and I’m much applauded resource persons (about sure everybody had good time pati food was courtesy of Jun & Mila Sison. The napakasarap. Sana maulit muli. Outing? eight in all for the two-day seminar), the group was serenaded with special song ideal metropolitan venue, as well as the Why not? – numbers by Felix & Rita Brawner. The Nitz Eslava (Micah 6:8) very congenial and hospitable God Loves fellowship is a get to know activity esp. staff and auxiliaries on hand who extended *For me it’s a good thing to have a for the new members of the community. Fellowship for us to have a strong & utmost service to the participants despite It aims to promote camaraderie among deeper bonding. – Tony Vistan (class 74) the inclement weather: from the all Central Sector members as it needs *It was a revelation! Di na pala registration detail to the food service to more warm bodies in planning & makatuhog ng sinulid ang matatanda! the actual seminar venue / logistics as implementation of sector & community’s Akala ko ako lang. Chaka bagay pala kay well as music ministry. future activities. Daisy discussed to the Daisy ang maraming ponytail at pwede Meantime, the LSS shepherds in sector its on-going Pateros outreach- The pala tayong mag cooperate pagdating sa attendance included: Joy Uy-Tioco, Pateros Mass confirmation will be on Aug. age. Enjoy!-Lynne Arevalo( D.O.C.) Membership Formation Ministry head; 5, 2006. The Central Sector headed by *It was a fun evening, chance to renew Gene and Eve Banez, LSS Committee Ciel & Mannete Yap & Alternate Heads old acquaintance & meet new members- chaircouple; Joey and Maricel Suarez, Leony & Mia Parada is composed of 8 Flor Pison (micah 6:8) SDR Committee chaircouple; Ted and BCGGs , a Post LSS Grp 74(now a *It was fun esp. when couples played Susan Concepcion, Clyde and Pachot BCGG) & M.E. Class 84. Here are some a game where they had to reveal their Abapo, Cathy Rafael, Reyes and comments of the attendees: age. Women had more difficulty revealing Policarpio couples, and Tony Arevalo. theirs. – Janet Reyes (class 74) 12 MAGISMagis AUGUST 2006 Calendar of Activities August to October 2006

August 01 Sector & Ministry Heads Meeting4 Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191 04 Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center Magis Deo 426-7191 5-6 Shepherding 1(Free) CeFam MEFP 426-4206 14 Council Meeting Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191 20 Recollection for Young Adults San Carlos Lay Formation Center Lucy Mella 800-4975 – P300/person Abby Tumbocon 560-0058 25-27 MEW (ME Class 86) BLD Covenant House Cavite Ike & Josie Llamas 821-0639 – P3,000/couple 29 Sector & Ministry Heads Meeting5 Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191 September 01 Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center Magis Deo 426-7191 2-3 CPPJ Seminar-P250/person CeFam MEFP 426-4206 9-10 Shepherding 2 (Free) CeFam MEFP 426-4206 11 Council Meeting Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191 15-17 SDR – P3,500/couple Canossa Tagaytay MEFP 426-4206 16 Coastal clean up TBA Lucy Mella 800-4975 Abby Tumbocon 560-0058 22-24 AIR-1 Sacred Heart Novitiate Suni Rodriguez 0917-9274750 Theme: God’s Love and our Christian Vocation Magis Deo 426-7191 29-Oct. 1ME 2 Seminar – P3,000/couple St. Scholastica Tagaytay MEFP 426-4206 October 03 Shepherds & Ministry Heads Meeting3 Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish Office Magis Deo 426-7191 06 Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center Magis Deo 426-7191 09 Council Meeting Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191 31 Sector & Ministry Heads Meeting6 Magis Deo Office Magis Deo 426-7191

Birthday Celebrants Wedding Anniversaries AUGUST AUGUST

8 Peachy Ocampo DOC 1 Eckie & Moppet Gonzales ME Class 83 9 Nilo Sta. Maria Magnificat 5 Shane & Tina Pangilinan ME Class 79 John Marie Ledesma DOC 6 Mark & Aileen Fernandez ME Class 84 10 Terry Abella ME Class 79 Arlene Dazo ME Class 82 8 Ramie & Mimi Santos Psalm 46 11 Susan Concepcion Arch. Gabriel 10 Rudy & Lynne Ebardo Philippians Digna Claudio ME Class 80 Francisco & Flora Dalosa ME Class 78 12 Claire Palma Galilee 14 Jose & Portia Eustaquio ME Class 80 13 Lito Gonzales John 25 Jovic & Margie Soliven ME Class 83 14 Alvin Maravilla ME Class 77 15 Maritoni Maravilla ME Class 77 28 Bobby & Beng Nazal ME Class 82 16 Clyde Abapo Jeremiah 30 Noel & Joey Lorenzana ME Class 82 Jun Requidan Isaiah 66 Phil Tumaneng Post-LSS 20 Marcia Balderas Arch. Gabriel 25 Linda Santos Agnus Dei Group 2 Ady Sanchez ME Class 82 Malou Caramat Jeremiah Jose Eustaquio ME Class 80 21 Fred Buenaventura Kapatiran Kay Let Magdaleno DOC Michael Joseph Kristo Marife Torrecampo ME Class 77 Paderon ME Class 78 Cesar Pareja Agnus Dei Bienvenido De Leon ME Class 78 17 Josie Llamas Genesis 23 Jay Ng Sy Agnus Dei Grace Moselina ME Class 79 18 Boy Cordero Cana Fe Reyes Philippians 26 Suni Rodriguez Micah 6:8 Gina Eleda Micah 6:8 Roland Beltran ME Class 80 Renante Laroco ME Class 78 Annie Deacosta DOC Che Vioya ME Class 82 28 Agnes Tumaneng Post-LSS Group 2 Chacho Angeles ME Class 83 Maria Concepcion 29 Jun Ona Arch. Gabriel Jaime Balao ME Class 77 Montenegro ME Class 78 Nette Arceo Beatitudes 19 Harry Chua Sirach Danilo Collado ME Class 79 Vina Arcenal Isaiah 66 30 Sheila Joson Sirach Alex Caramat Jeremiah