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MARCH 4 - 17, 2019, VOL 23, NO.Monitor 05 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Bishops vow accountability, end to abuse cover-up By Roy Lagarde Bishop THE country’s’ Catholic leaders have vowed to prays for end cover-up of sex abuses, pledging Pinay in accountability and concrete actions to calls Saudi for reforms. The crimes won’t be covered up, promised Romulo death row Valles, president of the Philippine bishops’ conference, who just A CATHOLIC bishop who arrived back from the Vatican heads the Church’s migrants summit on the protection of minors. ministry has asked for prayers “We will do whatever we can to for the Filipina on death row in protect minors in the Church. You the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. heard me, no hesitation and cover- This after the Saudi Court of ups!” he said during a Mass at the Appeals affirmed the Filipina’s San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City 2017 death sentence for killing on Friday, March 1. her female employer three Valles was among the nearly 200 years ago. She had claimed global church leaders who attended self-defense in the murder the landmark Vatican meeting case. amid new claims if clergy abuses “We turn to God in prayers and cover-up by ranking . that He may move the KSA Convened by Francis, government to be merciful delegates heard the story of the and grant clemency to our victims and how church negligence Filipina,” said Bishop Ruperto had made the situation worse. Santos of Balanga. The pope has repeatedly The Department of Foreign apologized to the faithful over Affairs (DFA) said it will the global scourge, but vowed exhaust all diplomatic and to confront abusers and restore legal remedies to save the justice. Filipina. The Davao archbishop admitted “She has to be helped and their “shame” over the abuses, and assisted. Let us try everything asked forgiveness for the pain it to save her,” said Santos. caused to the victims, their families, The prelate also urged the and society. government to investigate “And with forgiveness the grace those behind the woman’s to stand up, repair and see to it that employment abroad as she was such things will not happen again recruited when she was still a in the Church,” Valles said. minor. “Placement agencies should ‘Moto proprio’ be made accountable for Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi, whatever will happen to those who served as moderator of the OFWs they have sent to other four-day summit, said that the pope countries,” he said. will soon publish a new set of laws In January, Saudi Arabia and guidelines concerning child executed a 39-year-old Filipina protection. household service worker He said that the measures will found guilty of murder. More than 2.3 million Filipino be issued “moto proprio,” on the celebrates Mass on the final day of the meeting on the protection of minors in the church at the Vatican Feb. 24, 2019. Convened by the pope, pope’s own accord, and will be the summit brought together 190 church leaders -- presidents of bishops’ conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic churches, superiors of men’s and work abroad to provide a better Abuse / A6 women’s religious orders and officials.CNS/VATICAN MEDIA life for their families. Of this number, around half a million work in Saudi Arabia, making it Bishop David defies death threats : See Christ in those who the leading country of destination among OFWs. (CBCPNews) are suffering Reach out to the needy, Cardinal Tagle says in Lent message CARDINAL of Manila called for charitable giving in a Lenten message where he urged people to help the poor. In his message for Lent, he said that charity is central to the Church’s mission. “The Lenten season, which Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David listen to a woman lamenting the spate of extrajudicial killings in begins today, Ash Wednesday, Navotas City, July 2, 2017. CBCP NEWS is a time of mercy,” Tagle said in a pastoral letter. A CATHOLIC bishop insisted he will Conference of the . “To practice charity is never let his death threats impede In a turnaround from previous Archbishop Gabriele Caccia delivers the homily as he celebrates Mass at the Shrine of the Holy Face concrete proof that we are his campaign against killings. remarks, President Rodrigo Duterte of Jesus in Quiapo Manila, March 5. striving to follow Jesus, and Bishop Pablo Virgilio David on Feb. 24 warned people against that we are making the gift of knows he could pay the ultimate harming bishops and clergymen. THE papal nuncio to the Philippines Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus in ourselves to active participation price in his unwavering fight to end At a campaign rally in Cebu City, said on the eve of Lent that the face Manila’s Quiapo district. of Christian life,” he said. human rights abuses. he quoted part of Cardinal Luis of Jesus pushes people towards Pointing to shroud image of Jesus In Manila, he said that one “But no threat or intimidation Antonio Tagle’s message to him that those who suffer. at the altar, he asked the devotees way to engage in charitable can stop me from carrying on with David and some priests received Speaking during Mass for the why they are seeing somebody activities is by supporting my spiritual and pastoral duties as death threats from “someone local feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, who has suffered and disfigured the Pondo ng Pinoy’s Hapag- a bishop,” he said. claiming to be working for the Archbishop Gabriele Caccia said by violence, mockery and injustice. Asa Integrated Nutrition, or On Feb. 25, David, a vocal critic of president’s family”. that Lent is the commemoration “How can it be the face of God? FAST2FEED campaign. the government’s bloody drug war, “Do not touch priests, they had of Christ’s passion and death as an God is beauty, God is justice. Why For several years now, confirmed receiving death threats nothing to do with politics,” Duterte expression of His love for mankind. the face of God shows something especially during Lent, the from unknown people. said. “So anytime we look at the face of different?” he said. church has been promoting “But I don’t know who they “Either Muslims or Christians, Jesus we should be able to recognize According to him, the Way of the the program to help reduce are coming from,” said the Vice they had nothing to do with us. him in all people who are suffering,” Cross shows Christ’s embrace of malnutrition prevalent among President of the Catholic Bishops’ Threats / A6 Caccia told the mass-goers at the Suffering / A6 Lent / A6 A2 WORLD NEWS March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 CBCP Monitor

French nuncio accused of sexual Vatican Briefing misconduct during time in Vatican announces theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees OTTAWA, Canada— Archbishop After moving the Vatican celebration of the World Day of Luigi Ventura, apostolic nuncio to Migrants and Refugees from January to September, Pope , has been accused of sexual Francis wants Catholics to understand how concern for misconduct against an adult male migrants and refugees is part of a much broader Christian while he was nuncio in Canada. The concern for people in need. The Vatican celebration of the Vatican diplomat is already under World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2019 will be celebrated investigation for alleged sexual assault Sept. 29, the Vatican said, and the pope’s choice for a theme in Paris. is: “It is not just about migrants.” “With this theme, Pope Christian Vachon emailed the Francis wants to highlight that his frequent appeals for nunciature to France Feb. 22 to file migrants, refugees, displaced and trafficked people should a complaint against Ventura. Vachon be understood as integral to his deep concern for all the says that during a banquet held July inhabitants of today’s ‘existential peripheries,’” said a note 26, 2008 at the Basilica of Sainte- from the Migrants and Refugees Section of the for Anne-de-Beaupré, about 20 miles Promoting Integral Human Development. (CNS) northest of Quebec, Ventura touched his buttocks at least twice. At the time, Caring for the ill should include spiritual assistance, Vachon was 32. pope says “I believe that the ‘modus operandi’ Taking care of those who are sick or struggling with illness of Archbishop Ventura has left a doubt requires taking care of the whole person -- including their in the conscience of the victim as to Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the Vatican nuncio to France, meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican in this file photo from Oct. 18, 2018. VATICAN MEDIA spiritual needs, Pope Francis said. Offering care and healing whether he was truly a victim of touch,” is focused not just on “the disease of an organ or of cells but Vachon’s email to the nunciature read, of the person in his or her entirety,” he said. “The fact that according to Présence, a French clergy sex abuse scandal, he shared his French daily Le Monde reported the spirit transcends the body means that this is included in Canadian religious news service. experience, again without identifying Feb. 15 that Ventura is being a greater vitality and dignity, which is not that of biology, but Ventura, 74, was apostolic nuncio to Ventura, on an online forum in investigated by Parisian authorities that of the person and the spirit,” the pope said told members Canada from 2001 to 2009. December 2018. after he was accused late last month of ’s national Association Against Leukemia, Lymphoma In 2008, Vachon part of the “Has a crime been commited? I am of having inappropriately touched a and Myeloma, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary pastoral team at the basilica, and not able to say yes. It is immoral, out young male staffer of Paris City Hall. on March 2. Those in the audience included health care was discerning religious life. He told of place, undignified for his function,” The alleged assault is said to have professionals, volunteers, researchers, patients and relatives. Présence he was asked to be a server at Vachon told Présence. taken place in Paris’ City Hall Jan. (Carol Glatz/CNS) the head table: “The people could not Vachon informed both the Canadian 17, during a reception for the annual see, because it was in the back of the nunciature and Bishop Serge Poitras of New Year address of Paris mayor Death penalty a ‘grave’ violation of human right to room. We were thus facing the guests. Timmins, a former secretary to Ventura, Anne Hidalgo. life, pope says No one could witness it.” of his claims about the nuncio. Archbishop Ventura was ordained a priest of the The death penalty is a cruel violation of the basic right to He said Ventura touched his buttocks , the present apostolic Diocese of Brescia in 1969. He entered life and robs people of the chance to repent and make amends while he was serving him, and he thought nuncio to Canada, phoned Vachon the the diplomatic service of the for the crimes they have committed, Pope Francis said. The at first it might have been inadvertent, same day to discuss his claims. in 1978 and was stationed in , right to life is “the source of all gifts and of all other rights” but a second time he felt the nuncio’s Vachon said he did not inform the , and the UK. From 1984 to that must be protected, the pope said in a video message to hands “grazing my buttocks.” nunciature earlier because “it was the 1995 he was appointed to serve at the participants at the World Congress Against the Death Penalty Vachon said Ventura tried to speak equivalent of complaining directly to Secretariat of State in the Section for Feb. 27. “The death penalty is therefore a serious violation with him during the meal, but he was [his] aggressor,” and he didn’t inform Relations with States. of the right to life of every person,” he said. (Junno Arocho too shocked and scandalized to engage the police because it is a “he said-he After his episcopal consecration in Esteves/CNS) with him. He says he told a colleague said” situation. 1995, Ventura served as nuncio to Ivory what had happened, without identifying Bonazzi told Présence that Vachon’s Coast, , , , and Lent is time to let go of ‘destructive’ selfishness, pope the nuncio. He has also, in recent years, allegations are the only ones the Canada. He was appointed apostolic says told his wife. Canadian nunciature has received nuncio to France in September 2009. The Lenten season is a reminder for Catholics that In the wake of the new wave of against Ventura. (CNA) overindulgence ruptures communion with God, with others and with creation, Pope Francis said. A failure to live as children of God can give way to sin, which “takes the shape South Korean bishop weighs in on Trump-Kim summit of greed and unbridled pursuit of comfort, lack of concern expressed hope for the Feb. Vietnam, however, went on Korea’s persecuted for the good of others and even of oneself,” the pope said in 27-28 meeting between to normalize relations with Christians. his message for Lent, which begins March 6 for Latin-rite Kim and Trump, which United States in 1995 after North Korea has Catholics. “Unless we tend constantly toward Easter, toward kicked off Wednesday night suffering under economic consistently been ranked the horizon of the Resurrection, the mentality expressed in with a dinner in Hanoi and sanctions and a U.S. trade the worst country for the slogans ‘I want it all and I want it now!’ and ‘Too much is will continue Thursday to embargo, and in turn persecution of Christians never enough,’ gains the upper hand,” he said. (Junno Arocho negotatiate the potential experienced tremendous by Open Doors. Christians Esteves/CNS) denuclearization of the economic growth. within the atheist state have Korean peninsula. “Kim Jong-un will faced arrest, re-education Pope: Humanity can be dangerously spellbound by “The Vietnam- be able to refer to the in labor camps, or, in some hi-tech progress reform and open model of Vietnamese model not cases, execution for their Technology holds the potential to benefit all of humankind, ‘doi moi’ in North Korea, only as a model of reform faith. but it also poses risky and unforeseen results, Pope Francis which itself has declared and opening up, but also “I do not know how many said. The rapid evolution of increased technological capacities, economic development to be in terms of diplomatic of them are, but there are a lot for example with artificial intelligence and robotics, creates a top priority, is the optimal relations with the papacy,” of believers in North Korea,” a “dangerous enchantment; instead of handing human life way to pursue economic Archbishop Kim said. Archbishop Kim said. the tools that will improve care, there is the risk of handing Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-jung of growth,” Archbishop Kim The Holy See appointed “I think the pope could life over to the logic of instruments,” he said Feb. 25. “This Gwangju. PHOTO FROM UCAN has said. a diplomatic envoy to go to North Korea in order inversion is destined to create ill-fated results -- the machine “Doi moi” refers to Vietnam in 2011 in the to encourage even a few is not limited to running by itself, but ends up running GWANGJU, South Korea— Vietnam’s process of form of a “non-resident believers and save the fires mankind,” the pope said. The pope made his remarks during As U.S. President Donald economic liberalization representative” after a series of faith, just as Jesus has an audience with members of the for Life Trump and North Korean that began in 1986. of bilateral talks during left 99 lambs to find a lost and those taking part in its Feb. 25-27 plenary assembly, leader Kim Jong-un meet When Trump first greeted Benedict XVI’s papacy. sheep,” he added. which included a two-day workshop on “Robo-ethics: in Vietnam this week, a Kim Feb. 27, he said: “I Archbishop Kim has Pope Francis has said that Humans, Machines and Health.” (Carol Glatz/CNS) South Korean archbishop think your country has been an advocate for he will travel to Japan in sees the host country as a tremendous economic increasing the Holy See’s November. Point out church’s errors with love, pope tells model for the development potential.” diplomatic involvement “This year is likely to pilgrims of economic and religious Vietnam and North Korea in the Korean peninsula, be an important year Catholics should speak up when things go wrong in the freedoms in the isolated share a common history in remarking that he thinks in Catholicism in East church, but theirs must be constructive criticism delivered country. that both fought bloody wars a papal trip to Pyongyang Asia,” Archbishop Kim with love, Pope Francis said, otherwise the devil is at work. Archbishop Hyginus with the United States to would be a tremendous said. (CNA / Courtney “One must point out the defects in order to correct them, but Kim Hee-jung of Gwangju defend their communist rule. encouragement to North Grogan) when one reports the defects, denounces them, one must love the church. Without love, it’s the devil at work,” the pope said Feb. 20 during a meeting in St. Peter’s Basilica with pilgrims India sees rise in public lynching of Christians from the Archdiocese of Benevento, Italy. Pope Francis visited the archdiocese last year to highlight St. Padre Pio, who was BHOPAL, India— Violent attacks have assaulted men they accused of news, Scroll reports. born and ministered in the southern Italy region. The pope including public lynchings against either killings cows or transporting “Crowds allure each other and... told the pilgrims the saintly Capuchin was an exemplary Christians in India are reportedly cattle to be slaughtered. A large do violence in illogical ways. Such model of faith in God, hope in eternal life, dedication to people becoming increasingly common, number of Indian states have made acts are a violation of natural justice, and fidelity to the church. (Cindy Wooden/CNS) with international NGOs and the slaughtering cattle illegal, the article without proper process of law. Fake country’s Catholic bishops raising says. news surfacing in social media adds Pope Francis: Evil’s days are numbered their voices in protest against mob “Moreover, these would then not fuels to such incidents,” Cornelio Pope Francis said that evil is limited compared to the violence. be treated as ordinary crimes. The said. expanding force of God’s holiness in the world. “Evil’s days “The common man of the country vigilantes would often be supported, Prime Minister Narendra Modi are numbered. Evil is not eternal,” Pope Francis said in a is feeling insecurity in his own sometimes explicitly, by political condemned the lynchings this year departure from his prepared remarks in St. Peter’s Square country due to the increasing cases parties and governments,” according and asked state governments to Feb. 27. “God’s holiness is an expanding force, and we beg of mob lynching,” Archbishop Leo to Scroll. take action, according to the Times that it quickly shatters barriers of our world,” he said, adding Cornelio of Bhopal wrote Feb. 27. Cornelio condemned what he of India. that this holiness “spreads in concentric circles, like when “In the past, the Supreme Court called “mob psychology” as contrary Violence against Christians in throwing a stone into a pond.” (Courtney Grogan/CNA) has taken cognizance of this to Indian law and to the rule of law India does not end with lynchings, problem. It is felt that...all the in general. however. The United Christian Rosica apologizes for plagiarism political parties and religious “Any civilized person will never Forum and the Alliance Defending A long-time Vatican spokesman has admitted to passing leaders should [be] united by hesitate to say that killing or violence Freedom (ADF) India documented off the writing of others as his own, and apologized for making their opinions and by the mob is unfair and [a criminal 29 “violent mob attacks” across plagiarizing. “What I’ve done is wrong, and I am sorry about spreading awareness about the ill act], because the crowd never India in Jan. 2019 alone, the group that. I don’t know how else to say it,” Fr. Thomas Rosica, practice surfacing in our society, in gives an opportunity to examine, announced this week. CSB, told the National Post Feb. 22. Rosica, a long-serving order to create a decent society and understand or tell the accused their According to ADF, the attacks English language press aide at the Vatican Press Office, and to [attain] a peace-loving society.” side,” he said. will often involve a mob arriving the CEO of Canada’s Salt+Light Television network, was Cornelio said numerous mob He also mentioned the spread at a prayer meeting or Christian reported by Life Site News Feb. 15 to have plagiarized sections lynchings have occured in which the of rumors and fake news as a gathering and beating up those in of text in several lectures and op-eds from a variety of writers, victims are accused of eating beef serious driver of mob violence. The attendance, including women and among them priests, theologians, journalists, and at least two or otherwise harming cattle, which messaging service WhatsApp, which children, while shouting abusive cardinals. Subsequent reports found widespread plagiarism are considered sacred in the Hindu is a main communication channel in and harassing things. The group in essays, speeches, and op-eds by Rosica, dating back more religion. India, has reportedly placed limits says or priests are usually than a decade. Plagiarized sections in some texts ran beyond An article on the Indian website on the number of chats to which a arrested by the police under false even one paragraph. (JD Flynn/CNA) Scroll has documented incidents in user can forward messages in an allegations of forced conversions. which “cow protection vigilantes” effort to combat rumors and fake (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 NEWS FEATURES A3 Vatican to open WWII secret archives of Pope Pius XII VATICAN— Pope Francis Pope,” by British journalist Pius XII “found himself behavior, giving particular announced Monday that the John Cornwell. The book was leading the Barque of Peter attention to the events of Vatican will open its archives highly critical of Pius XII, at one of the saddest and World War II. on the pontificate of Pope charging that he was culpably darkest moments of the Their work led to the Pius XII. Confidential files of silent—if not an accomplice— twentieth century,” Pope publication of “Actes the pope who led the Church in the rise of Nazism. Francis said. et Documents du during World War II will be A book published in 2015 He faced “moments Siège relatifs à la Seconde made available next year. documented how Pope Pius of serious difficulties, Guerre Mondiale” (Acts “Serious and objective XII chose to resist Adolf Hitler of tormented decisions, and Documents of the Holy historical research” will with covert action in lieu of of human and Christian See related to the Second be able to evaluate Pius overt protest. Historian Mark prudence, which some might World War), an 11-volume XII’s “hidden but active Riebling, author of Church have seemed reticent,” he collection of documents from diplomacy” “in its proper of Spies: The Pope’s Secret explained. For this, some have the Vatican’s Secret Archive light,” Pope Francis said War Against Hitler, drew criticized Pius with “some about Pius XII’s papacy March 4. The pope said that on wartime documents and prejudice or exaggeration,” during that tumultuous the full confidential files, interviews with American Francis added. time. The remainder of called a “secret archive,” will intelligence agents to tell Pope Francis has the documents from Pius be released March 2, 2020. how Pope Pius XII secretly previously considered Pope XII’s papacy have remained The pontificate of provided support for three Pius XII’ cause for sainthood, unpublished. Pius XII has been often attempts to overthrow Hitler. according to a source in the “Knowing what I do misunderstood. Critics have “The Church is not afraid Vatican’s Congregation for about Pius XII, and having accused him of indifference of history, rather, loves it and Causes of . researched him for many to the plight of the Jewish would like to love it more and Benedict XVI declared Pius years, I believe he wanted to people during the Second better, as God loves it!” Pope XII Venerable on Dec. 19, 2009, be a saint. He wanted people World War, despite several Francis said in a meeting based on the recommendation in Germany to be saints,” already public documents with Vatican secret archives of the committee investigating Riebling previously told CNA. which show the pope’s personnel in which he made his cause. “When he heard that systematic efforts to assist the announcement. When Pope Paul VI a priest was arrested for Jews in Italy. The Vatican archives for the started the praying for the Jews and sent In the late 1990s, debate entirety of Pius XII’s pontificate and canonization process in off to a concentration camp, over whether Pius XII did March 1939 - Oct. 1958 will 1967, nine years after Pius he said: ‘I wish everyone enough to counter the Nazis open on March 2, 2020. The XII’s death, he formed a would do that’ … But he didn’t Pope Pius XII, who led the from 1939 to 1958, is pictured in this reached a high point with complete catalog is expected committee of historians to say it publicly,” the writer undated photo at the Vatican. Pope Francis announced March 4 that all the documents the publication of the deeply to include approximately 16 conduct an in-depth study acknowledged. (Courtney on Pope Pius in the Vatican Secret Archives will be made available to researchers controversial book, “Hitler’s million documents. of his predecessor’s life and Grogan/CNA) starting March 2, 2020. VATICAN MEDIA Pope to issue post-synod document on Vatican-China deal must be young people in March implemented, Parolin says VATICAN—Speaking at a conference sentiments.” VATICAN— Pope Francis will issue on Vatican diplomacy, the Holy He added that the Holy See does a document on “young people, faith See’s Secretary of State stressed not have a fixed model for diplomatic and vocational discernment” five that it is now important “to make agreements, and briefly explained months after the world Synod of the China deal for the appointment the procedure for reaching them: Bishops gathered to discuss the of bishops work in practice.” once the Holy See knows that a state topic. Cardinal ’s remarks is willing to negotiate an agreement, The Vatican announced Feb. 24 were given during the opening it authorizes a delegation chaired that the pope will present his post- lecture of a 2-day conference on the by the local nuncio and composed synodal March Holy See’s diplomatic agreements, of some local bishops and 25, the feast of the Annunciation, held Feb. 28 – March 1 at the law experts. during a visit to the Shrine of Our Pontifical Gregorian University and Then, the delegation identifies Lady of Loreto near Italy’s central the “Ecole Français in .” the main topics of interest for the Adriatic coast. In his lecture, Parolin provided a agreement, and drafts a text, which The synod, which was held in general overview of the Holy See’s is overseen and approved by the October, brought together more agreements with states, before Secretariat of State. Legal issues than 300 bishops, religious men discussing a 2018 provisional are the first to be discussed, as they and women, lay leaders and young agreement reached between the include the Church’s freedom and people from around the world. Vatican and the People’s Republic the practice of the worship. At the end of the meeting, the of China, concerning especially the Once everything is settled, the voting members—mostly bishops— appointment of bishops in China. agreement is signed and ratified. Pope Francis prepares to address young people who participated in a pilgrimage hike from the Monte Signed Sept. 22, 2018, the terms of Parolin also noted that bishops’ issued a long document summarizing Mario nature reserve in Rome to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 25. Participants in the Synod of their discussions and urging all Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment, and young people from Rome parishes the agreement are confidential. But conferences, with the Holy See’s Catholics, at all levels of the church’s took part in the hike. PAUL HARING/CNS as an effect of the agreement, the authorization, can also make life, to improve the way they listen to Holy See recognized seven illicitly agreements with states, though young people, taking their questions The church’s response, the synod life: young or old, single or married consecrated Chinese bishops and these are mostly private agreements seriously, recognizing them as full said, must be a commitment of time or in the priesthood or religious life. entrusted them with the leadership and not internationally members of the church, patiently and patience as it helps young people God calls each person into a of Chinese dioceses. recognized legal agreements. walking with them and offering “grasp the relationship between their relationship with him, respects the At the moment all of China’s The Vatican Secretary of State guidance as they discern the best way adherence to faith in Jesus Christ and person’s freedom and yet has a plan bishops have the twofold recognition added that agreements can also to live their faith. the way they live their affectivity and for each person’s life, the document of the government and the Holy See. be questioned, and recalled that The synod itself and the final interpersonal relationships.” said; discovering that plan requires Since the deal, no new bishops have Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, a long- document looked at how, in many Synod speakers and the document prayer and self-examination— yet been appointed to China. term diplomat who was Vatican parts of the world, young people itself emphasized the one “vocation” discernment, in other words—which Parolin described the China deal Secretary of State from 1979 to are abandoning the church or of all Christians is the call to holiness usually involves the assistance of as “a sui generis case, since it was 1990, used to say that agreements question its teachings, especially and how that vocation can and a wise and trusted guide. (Cindy stipulated between two parties that are not “a modus vivendi” but rather on sexuality. should be lived out in every state of Wooden/CNS) still do not reciprocally recognize a “modus non moriendi” (not a way each other.” of living, but a way of not dying). He said that it is now important Parolin said that diplomatic Give up gossiping for Lent, pope suggests to “put into effect the agreement.” agreements are part of the Holy The cardinal also said that the See’s efforts to establish better ROME— Lent is a good If someone were to Catholics should ask true,” the pope told China deal came “at the end of a relations with countries and to time to concentrate on say, “but, Father, I don’t themselves, “Am I a them. “And he is our long path. In the end, we succeeded, regulate the life of the Church, fighting the urge to gossip have any,” the pope said hypocrite who smiles worst enemy. He’s the and we hope that the deal will bear trying to avoid that civil society about others and instead he would explain that “I and then turns around one who tries to make us fruits for the good of the Church and jumped into Church’s issues. trying to correct one’s assure you if you don’t to criticize and destroy slide. He’s the one who of the country.” The Vatican Secretary of State own faults and defects, notice you have any with my tongue?” He puts evil desires and evil Parolin said that Catholic Church also made mention of so-called Pope Francis said. here, you’ll find them in said. “If, by the end of thoughts in our hearts “does not ask states to act as “gentlemen’s agreements,” that Reciting the Angelus purgatory! It’s better to Lent, we are able to and leads us to do so defenders of faith, but rather to is ‘“informal agreements between prayer at noon March notice them here.” correct this a bit and many bad things.” ensure the freedom to be able to two parties grounded in honour, 3 with pilgrims in St. Unfortunately, he said, not go around always The way to resist the accomplish the mission.” good faith and respect for one’s Peter’s Square and people seldom stop at criticizing others behind devil, he said, is to pray to Vatican diplomatic agreements word.” visiting the parish of just noticing others’ their backs, I assure Jesus and to his mother have two goals: that of safeguarding He mentioned the “gentlemen’s St. Crispin in Labaro, a defects, something “we you (the celebration of) and to talk to one’s religious freedom, and that of agreement” between the Holy See suburb on the northern are experts at.” Jesus’ resurrection will parents, catechists or preserving the Church’s freedom and Vietnam, where “appointment edge of Rome, later that What almost always be more beautiful.” priests when temptation and at the same time helping of bishops take place according to afternoon, Pope Francis happens next, he said, The pope began is lurking. the Catholic Church to “give her a procedure orally agreed with the focused on the line from is that “we talk about his parish visit by Prayer and talking to contribution to the spiritual and government.” the day’s Gospel: “Why them,” not telling the meeting children who someone good and wise material development of the The details of that oral agreement do you notice the splinter person to his or her face had recently received also is important when country, and foster peace peace.” have never been disclosed. in your ’s eye, in a way that could help their first Communion trying to make a decision, Religious freedom, Parolin said, CNA sources say that the Holy but do not perceive the the person improve but or were preparing for he told them in response is a key principle in agreements See – Vietnam agreement for the wooden beam in your indulging freely and first Communion and to another question. with States where Catholic are a appointment of bishops works this own?” happily in gossip. those who recently “We can all make minority, or in countries that have way: there is a round of consultation “We all know it “It’s something that received confirmation mistakes,” Pope Francis not a Christian tradition. The Vatican with bishops and clergy, the nuncio usually is easier or more because of original sin or were preparing to be said. “Even I can make a Secretary of State made the examples then presents a set of three possible comfortable to notice we all have, and it leads confirmed. mistake?” of the agreements with Tunisia candidates to the pope; the pope and condemn the defects us to condemn others,” The young people asked “Yes,” the children (1964), Morocco (1983-1984), Israel makes his decision, and after that and sins of others rather the pope said. “We are him questions, including replied. (1993), Kazakhstan (1998), Palestine the decision is communicated to than seeing our own with experts in finding the bad about how to be good and “The pope can make Liberation Organization (2000), the Vietnamese government, which that kind of clarity,” the things in others and not resist temptation. a mistake?” he asked Azerbaijan (2011), Chad (2013) and must give its approval. pope said at the Angelus. seeing our own.” Beginning his just to make sure he Palestine (2015). Sometimes, Vietnam has been The pope returned Speaking the Sunday response, Pope Francis understood them. Parolin also noted that described as a possible model for to the passage during before Lent was to begin, asked the youngsters if When they responded “negotiation for agreements with the appointment of bishops with his parish visit, telling Pope Francis said it would they knew who the “boss in the affirmative, he told countries of Orthodox tradition China. However, it seems that this parishioners that Jesus be great if everyone tried of wickedness” is. “The them they were right, and did not go through until now,” will not be the model, because the “wants to teach us to during Lent to reflect devil,” they replied. that when someone has a and that there are no agreements Chinese government wants to keep not go around criticizing on Jesus’ words to see “But the devil’s a decision to make, prayer with Anglo-Saxon countries (like more control over the appointment others, not go looking for the faults only of others fantasy; he doesn’t exist, and seeking advice can UK and US), mostly “because of a of bishops than that model allows others’ defects, but look and on the temptation does he?” the pope asked. help. (Cindy Wooden/ different cultural understanding, for. (Andrea Gagliarducci/ first at your own.” of gossip. “Yes, he exists. It’s CNS) rather than because of anti-Church CNA) A4 OPINION March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Season of grace

LENT is known as a Season of Penance but it is also a Season of Grace. Special grace is poured out by Jesus Christ to people to be converted and be closer to the Him. It is 40 days of Penance, Prayer and Almsgiving. This is why we aptly call it Kuwaresma. In the Bible, 40 days or 40 years is a period of preparation. Hence the people journeyed for 40 years in the desert before they entered the Promised Land. Jesus too spent 40 days in the desert before he started his public ministry. 40 days and nights of rain cleansed the world of violence in the time of Noah to bring about a new creation. The prophet Elijah journeyed for 40 days to meet God on Mt Horeb as Moses fasted for 40 days before the Law was given to him on Sinai. Thus every year the Christian people pass through the 40 days of of lent to be renewed in preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter. In olden times the period of lent was a time of intense preparation for baptism which was administered on Easter. The catechumens participate in the suffering and death of Jesus in order to participate in his New Life in baptism. We die with Christ so that we may rise with him. This is the Christian life. Now for us who are already baptized, lent has become a season of intense purification so that we may fully share in the new life of the Resurrection. The discipline of lent is spelled out by Penance, Prayer and Almsgiving. Penance means self-denial. We deny ourselves

to gain more self-control and to free ourselves from the pull BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION of sin. We heed the call of Jesus: “If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” (Mk 8:34) This is done through fasting and abstinence. First, we abstain Faith requires being a from sinful words, works and habits. Then we can fast from Living Mission what we naturally crave, hence from food. Those who are 14 true neighbor Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM years old and above abstain from all meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of lent. Those who are 21 years old till 59 years old are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means, to take only one full meal during those IN his homily concluding the 2018 communicating the heart of the faith.” and sisters.” days. We can also include other forms of penance such as no Synod on the Youth, Pope Francis Such intimate encounters are necessary “Let us ask ourselves whether, as chocolate or no coffee during the 40 days, or no television noted that a key step on the journey of to attract youth to the Church today. Christians, we are capable of becoming or no facebook, or even doing physical exercises during this faith is “to be a neighbor.” We observe Go out! Bring Jesus! Pope Francis neighbors, stepping out of our circles period. The purpose is to say “no” to self so that we can say that when Jesus engages people in the also emphasized that genuine faith is and embracing those who are not ‘one “yes” to God and to others. We say “yes” to God by praying Gospel, he goes to meet them personally. always a “missionary faith,” a faith that of us,’ those who God ardently seeks.” more and intently during these days. It can mean reading He directly asks them to express their actively goes out to others. “It is not When we are tempted to remain inward the Bible, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, making the Way needs: “What do you want me to do for Christian to expect that our brothers looking, to wash our hands, to avoid of the Cross, or praying the Rosary. We say “yes” to others you?” (Mk 10:51). and sisters [the youth in particular] who involvement, we should follow Jesus’ by various works of charity, like the corporal and spiritual For Pope Francis, in particular are seekers should have to knock on example; “we want to imitate Jesus and, works of mercy. Hence in lent we have Alay Kapwa, Fast to situations, “this is how God operates. our doors; we ought to go out to them, like him, to dirty our hands.” Feed, and more intense participation in Pondo ng Pinoy. Let He gets personally involved with bringing, not ourselves, but Jesus.” “Let us realize that the Lord has us listen to what the Bible says: “The kind of fasting I want preferential love for every person. By As Christians, we realize that Jesus dirtied his hands for each of one of is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of his actions, he already communicates “sends us, like his disciples, to encourage us…. He became my neighbor…. And injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with his message. Faith flowers in life. Faith others and to raise them up in his name. He when, out of love of him, we too become the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give passes through life…. Faith is life: it sends us forth to say to each person: ‘God is neighbors, we become bringers of new clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse is living in the love of God who has asking you to let yourself be loved by him’.” life…, witnesses of the love that saves.” to help your own relatives.” (Isaiah 58:6-7) changed our lives.” We need to go out and bring Jesus! We Conclusion. The Church needs The reception of the ash on Ash Wednesday means that we Francis believes that engaging the must act as “the community of the saved good theology, clear and helpful are ready to enter this special season of repentance. Hence youth of today demands this same who dwell in the joy of the Lord”! teaching on the truths of our faith. one formula that is said as the ashes are being imposed is: pastoral approach. “We are called to Faith demands “good Concomitantly, our Church also needs “Repent and believe in the Good News.” Since Biblical times carry out God’s work in God’s own neighborology”! Continuing his final good neighborology, serving the the ash on the head is a symbol of humility and penance. We way: in closeness, by cleaving to him, in homily closing the Synod on the Youth, needy, lonely, poor, sick, and elderly are reminded of this by the other formula that is said over us: communion with one another, alongside Pope Francis asserted that “Being a in our midst. Good neighborology in “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” our brothers and sisters [today’s neighbor means bringing the newness practice will attract the youth of today Let us then enter into this season of grace with humility youth]. Closeness: that is the secret to of God into the lives of our brothers to Jesus and the Church. and a repentant heart. The one choice Media and information literacy And That’s The Truth we must make WE need to have due concern for this matter. We are now in a Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS fast-moving-and-evolving digital world and we cannot afford to be ignorant and illiterate in its ways. We have to level up. As described by Wikipedia, the purpose of being information and media literate is to engage in a digital society. Thus, “one EVEN for the “most religious” productive from nine to in choosing what to wear, the will of God or only mine? needs to be able to understand, inquire, create, among us, it is not that easy five, to shower with brand-Y say, and do; where to eat; Choosing to follow communicate and think critically. It is important to to latch on to God’s every soap so that we’re germ- what projects to do; whom God’s will over ours means effectively access, organize, analyze, evaluate and create word as we go through the free all day, to use brand-Z to hang around with; which recognizing our Creator, messages in a variety of forms.” Wikipedia continues: hurly-burly of our daily life. deodorant in order not to stocks to invest in; etc. In the gratefully giving Him “Information and media literacy enables people to interpret Almost everything in our offend the noses of fellow way of the world, achieving Number One position in our and make informed judgments as users of environment—especially train passengers, to wear this “a happy and successful life” life, and embracing the truth information and media, as well as to become skillful creators in the metropolis—tells us or that style to project power, does not necessarily mean that He has sent His Only Son and producers of information and media messages in their that earning a living ought to drive this or that car, etc. choosing to be ethical, moral, to us in order to show us the own right.” to be our most important etc. Media reinforce the or even legal sometimes—we way to life eternal. Earning From the UNESCO, we have the following description: concern, and that all our dream that advertisers sell, just have to be smart. But is a living may be important, “Empowerment of people through Media and Information waking moments must lionizing “successful” people this the way we should go as but it is only so if that living Literacy (MIL) is an important prerequisite for fostering revolve around it. And to be and their lifestyles, making citizens of the “only Christian points to another life. This equitable access to information and knowledge and promoting effective at earning a living, the illusion so widespread nation in Asia”? world is beautiful, marvelous, free, independent and pluralistic media and information we must be and acceptable that people thoughtlessly In reality—come to think and enjoyable, but it is only systems.” to the world, because our believe it is true. of it—there is only one choice a stepping stone to the next. It continues: “A particular focus will be on training teachers face, our appearance, is our The world offers us so we as baptized Christians Debunk the advertisers’ to sensitize them to the importance of MIL in the education calling card. many choices, but sets only have to make in order for us promises, puncture the process, enable them to integrate MIL into their teaching Advertisements reinforce one worldly goal—success— to live a happy, productive, illusions media propagate and provide them with appropriate pedagogical methods, this idea in telling us how and so it teaches us that and fulfilling life of dignity. about having a “happy and curricula and resources.” to start our day: they nudge to be successful we must There is only one forked road successful life” as a human Even Moscow has issued a declaration defining MIL as “a us to drink brand-X coffee be smart. We have to be we have to face, and there we being’s worthiest goal. If we call combination of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices if we want to be alert and “cool” in everything we do, ask ourselves: shall I follow And That’s the Truth / A6 required to access, analyze, use, produce, and communicate information and knowledge in creative, legal and ethical Holiness in our ways that respect human rights.” This is, of course, an Candidly Speaking Editorial / A6 helplessness Fr. Roy Cimagala CBCP WE know that holiness is for everyone. qualities favorable to these aspects. would not know everything that affects That’s what God wants us to be, since It can only become the domain of him, much less, how to with the Monitor we are his image and likeness, children the well-endowed, the strong-willed, many mysteries in life. PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE of his. He wants us to be like him. and even the superheroes, if not the Let us always remember that cry of “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is superhumans. St. Paul when he noticed two conflicting Pedro Quitorio perfect,” Christ told us very clearly. (Mt Holiness has another side. It can and laws raging within himself, the law of the Editor-in-Chief 5,48) should be achieved in the middle of our mind and the law of the flesh. (cfr. Rom But we many times think that to weaknesses, our stupidities and follies, 7,22-24) Many times, we find ourselves Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas be holy and perfect, one should be our mistakes and sins, our helplessness, in this situation, and we do not know Associate Editor Design Artists spotlessly clean of any sin, defect and as long as we know how to relate them exactly what to do. error. To be sure, to be holy has aspects to God. I would say that on these occasions, Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite of these qualities. We have to try our best We cannot deny that in spite of our we just have to suffer our weaknesses, News Editor Circulation Manager that we be good all the time, productive best efforts, which actually can be a and everything else that are allied to Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez and fruitful in our endeavors, active very relative thing since what is best to them—our stupidities and follies, our Managing Editor Comptroller in the service of God, the Church and one is only good to another, we many helplessness, etc.—in the way Christ society. times find ourselves helpless in the face suffered in his passion and death. On The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the But holiness should not be seen only of our own weaknesses and the strong that occasion too, Christ made himself CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna in that light. Such understanding of temptations around. helpless against all the malice of man, so Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ holiness would make it an achievable We cannot deny that in this world, he could teach us how to deal with our areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. goal only for a few. It becomes a concern no matter how brilliant and gifted we own helplessness. only to the elite who happen to have are, we act like little children who really Candidly Speaking / A6 OPINION CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 OPINION A5

Sackcloth and ashes, By the Roadside Whisper from the Desert not curses Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD

“The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on followed the casket” (2 Sam 3:31). Now, thou art and to dust and ashes shalt the ground; they are silent. They have don’t we need to do the same in our thou return” (Gen 3:19) are God’s words EDSA: An unfinished thrown dust on their heads. They have islands drenched with the blood of EJK to Adam that the Church, as prophet, girded themselves with sackcloth. The victims and of assassinations of political repeats to us during Ash Wednesday. revolution virgins of Jerusalem have bowed their and all other kinds? Are we listening? Or are those words heads to the ground” (Lamentations Two, we need the prophets to call us lost somewhere in our daily cultivated THIRTY-THREE years ago, a corrupt dictator—Ferdinand 2:10). to repentance. We need to hear them pretensions that we are not led each Marcos—was deposed in a matter of four days without do a Jonah, that is, declare that our minute closer to our last breath? bloodshed. It was an event that was totally unexpected. LENT is upon us. But, pray tell, when sins as individuals and as a nation only Four, we need the prophets to tell us It happened three years after the assassination of Ninoy has it ever ended in the land of Jose have one destination: self-destruction. by sackcloth and ashes that only prayer Aquino, which consequently heightened the resistance Rizal? “Forty days more and Nineveh will from hearts filled with humble, if often against the dictatorial regime. It happened two weeks Herod is still slaying perceived be destroyed” (Jon 3:4). We need our desperate, faith can we move mountains. after a snap election which was denounced by the CBCP as enemies. Pilate is still washing his prophets to witness like Jonah the The book of Esther, particularly chapters fraudulent. It was triggered by a bungled coup attempt and hands. People with power are still power of God’s (not their) Word on 4 and 5, tells of how Esther, her adoptive the call of Cardinal Sin for the people to come to EDSA to conspiring against Jesus. The crowds people. “And the people of Nineveh father Mordecai and all Jews, by praying, prevent loyalist troops from going after the coup plotters are still shouting, “Crucify him!” Judas believed in God. They proclaimed a fasting and interceding “with sackcloth holed up in Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo. It came to is still in hot pursuit of his thirty pieces fast, and they put on sackcloth, from and ashes” (4:1; 16) engineered the be known as the People Power revolution which installed of silver. Herod still keeps regaling his the greatest to least. And word reached liberation of their people from a well- Cory Aquino, the widow of Ninoy Aquino, as president. audiences with tales of harlotry and the king of Nineveh. And he rose from planned genocide. Will we not in our For many, it was indeed a miraculous event. It was our murders tinted as chivalry; and these his throne, and he threw off his robe own time not learn from them? Exodus. It was a manifestation of God’s intervention in our are met with laughter and applause. and was clothed in sackcloth, and he Finally, we need our prophets to country’s history. God was revealed as liberator, on side Peter continues to deny Jesus; and, sat in ashes” (Jon 3:5-6). But will the tell us to not reject being ordinary of the poor, who “cast the mighty from their thrones and oh, nobody should have missed how present king and population of our and commonplace like “sackcloth lifted up the lowly.” It was time when we were proud to be the so-called “apostles” literally run for Nineveh also put on the sackcloth and and ashes”. Why? Because, precisely

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION Filipinos. EDSA was touted as our gift to the world, proof their lives at the mere sight of Herod’s ashes of repentance? That is what we in embracing our littleness, we that it was possible to peacefully end despotic regimes. men. Meanwhile, Herod utters without must pray for, as we strive for our own. likewise constantly open ourselves to Thus, it became an inspiration for non-violent resistance let-up well-calculated words despising Jesus himself warns us not go the way the “mysterium tremendum” that is all over the world. Several years later, we witnessed the God Almighty and his people as revealed of unrepentant Chorazin and Bethsaida, God’s presence in ordinary people and collapse of the Iron Curtain, the emergence of democratic by the Scriptures and even presents an “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, ordinary things we deal with daily. As regimes in Eastern Europe, in Latin America, and in South alternative to what Zion offers for an Bethsaida! If the miracles that had been we encounter the hungry, the thirsty, Africa. encounter and worship of the deity of performed in you happened in Tyre and the ragged, the prisoners, the sick, Yet, over three decades later, we look at our country their dreams or nightmares—himself. Sidon, they would have repented long the marginalized only by our intimate and ask, was it really a revolution? Did EDSA change and And the prophets? They have been ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Mt 11:21). spiritual familiarity with our sackcloth transform our country? mostly silent or, worse, silenced. But The ruins of Chorazin and Bethsaida and ashes will we realize the truth of The Marcoses are still around. Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. why do we need them? are there to warn us so we could avoid the Master’s words: “Whatever you did has received a hero’s burial. Imelda Marcos is still scot- One, we need them to, as David did, adding upon ours. For are we not ruined to the least of my brethren you did to free in spite of being convicted by the Sandigan Bayan. bring God’s people to mourn the death enough by the ongoing carnage of our me” (Mt 25:40). It is believed that the Marcos billions financed the vice- of countless Abners in our midst. Piqued own people by our people in the anti- Lent is upon us. And it challenges presidential candidacy of Bongbong Marcos and the by sorrow at the killing, David tells the drug war, rebellion and assassinations us to take up our sackcloth and ashes senatorial candidacy of Imee Marcos who is being endorsed killers, the brothers Joab and Abishai, largely done under the skirt of impunity? of prayer, fasting, penance and true by Rodrigo Duterte out of gratitude for the family’s support as well as the people with them, “‘Tear Three, we need the prophets to remind conversion. By the same sackcloth and of his presidential candidacy. your garments and gird yourselves with us of our mortality and thus of the ashes we will surely, like Thomas, touch We have a president who idolizes the former dictator sackcloth, and lament before the funeral urgency of humble self-assessment the wounds the crucified Lord who will and has followed his example by exercising hegemony procession of Abner.’ David himself leading to conversion. “Dust and ashes always lead us to Easter. and total control, not just over the executive branch but also the legislative and judiciary branches of government. Let us pray for life He has imposed perpetual martial law in Mindanao. Duc in Altum He acts as if he is above the law and can say anything he likes. The extrajudicial killings already claimed the and safety Atty. Aurora A. Santiago lives of more than 30,000 people in less than three years – casualties on the so-called “war on drugs” and the counter-insurgency war. This has surpassed the EJKs that took place in the 14 years of the Marcos dictatorial WHEN many priests had We must do something to be misunderstood. He is very youth is “not the future but rule. Peace remains an elusive dream in spite of the been gunned down, how protect his life; we must keep vocal when he asserts that the now of God…”. I do not peace agreement with the MILF and the BOL. Peace would you feel when you him safe; we must secure the Church is not against have the contact number negotiations with the NDF/CPP/NPA which started suddenly learn that your everything for him. the government’s war on of Kriz Payumo, Chairman 32 years ago have not prospered and have once again Bishop also received death We never asked “why illegal drugs. The Church of the Youth Ministry of collapsed, leading to the escalation of armed hostilities. threats, one after another? Bishop Ambo, of all people.” fully supports the campaign Kalookan; I googled his FB We continue to be led by corrupt and incompetent Did you ever think what We know physical injuries against illegal drugs because account, sent message and politicians whose only concern is to enrich themselves would happen to your might be inflicted on him they are menace to society: he replied. He said the youth and their families and perpetuate themselves in power. Diocese without him? Did so as to intimidate him, but they destroy the person, they are as concerned as the adults The opposition has been intimidated and emasculated. you ask yourself what would to take his life is something destroy the family, in the end, about the life and safety of Those who dared stand up to the president—like Leila De happen to your bishop’s many beyond our imagination. they destroy the country. Bishop Ambo. I told Kriz Lima and Antonio Trillanes III have been harassed and projects for the poor and the Bishop Ambo has been The Church objection is that the CLK and the Youth arrested by false charges. The media is constantly under children? for those living in fearless and relentless in his the manner how the war is Ministry should join forces, attack while false news proliferate in the cyberspace. The the peripheries of society? advocacy for the rights of the conducted. Every person work together and plan clergy—including bishops—continue to receive death for the lost, the least and the poor and the children. He has the right to due process; what should be done. We threats and three priests have already been assassinated. last? for those who depend always points out that every when apprehended, he both agreed to mobilize the Meanwhile, majority of the people remain poor. The on him morally, spiritually human life is sacred and should be given his day in Diocese. I suggested Prayer prices of goods continue to rise. The poor are victims of and financially? What would with dignity; that it should court, not to be summarily Power; he suggested Prayer violence, injustice, violation of human rights. They are you do to prevent and stop never be abused; that it must executed “kapag nanlaban” Vigil. the most vulnerable to calamities due to the destruction the worst that could happen be protected while in the (if he fought back). Together with Mark Joseph of the environment and climate change. to your Bishop? womb; that detained persons As President of the Council Rollon and Marion Sanchez Looking back over the years after EDSA, we realize that It recently happened to our and prisoners should not be of the Laity of Kalookan II of the Diocese Social there was no genuine revolution. There was a restoration very own dear Bishop Pablo given inhumane treatment, (CLK), how should I call Communications (SOCCOM), of democracy—but only in form but not in substance. What Virgilio “Ambo” David of the even if they were involved on the parishioners of our Kriz and I planned the was restored was elitist democracy—with a self-serving Diocese of Kalookan. Our in illegal drugs because Dioceses to protect Bishop Prayer Vigil at San Roque political class motivated by wealth, power, and privilege— initial reaction was anger. they are sick and need care Ambo? We need to keep him Cathedral in less than 48 perpetuated by an electorate most of whom lack conscience How can a person want to and compassion. He always safe and secured. In deep hours, on First Friday, and and intelligence, easily fooled by empty promises, that kill a servant of the Lord who states that every person must prayers, I asked the Lord on the eve of the birthday can easily be bought and captivated by candidates who has nothing in his heart and fight every forces of death to teach me the way. Then, of Bishop Ambo. Mark and are popular (boxers, entertainers, actors) even if they are mind but to give good life for and violence. He is against Pope Francis’s message Marion will document the incompetent. Fifteen years after EDSA, there was EDSA all and bring them closer to violence, he is against the during the World Youth event; the Prayer Vigil will II which ousted a corrupt and incompetent president. But God. Our anger turned into culture of death. Day in Panama immediately not be focused on Bishop things remain the same. Why is this? fear for our Bishop’s life. Bishop Ambo should never flashed in my mind. The Duc in Altum / A7 We lack genuine selfless leaders who have integrity, principles, and competence. We lack compassionate and Human love and divine courageous servant-leaders, with vision and wisdom, Faith and Culture capable of inspiring everyone to work for the common good and with a program of transforming our political Cristina Montes love in fantasy and economic system and structures to bring about genuine justice, peace, and progress. But we cannot blame everything on the kind of leaders we have. We deserve the leaders we have elected. They reflect who FOR this year’s season of Lent, I would reading of spiritual books is not the same Too much explain we are – the worst version of ourselves. Change and like to suggest a way to add variety to as what is strictly speaking spiritual Because I do not hope to turn again revolution begins in each one of us. What is required the observance of this yearly liturgical reading or lectio divina, and spiritual Let these words answer is a moral revolution. To be able to recognize good season devoted to prayer, penance, and reading must be done under the guidance For what is done, not to be done again and evil within and outside ourselves, to overcome almsgiving. Many people substitute their of one’s spiritual director. Certain works May the judgment not be too heavy our selfishness and greed, to undergo a process of recreational reading with something may be good in themselves but may not upon us conversion, to reject all forms and manifestation of evil, spiritual during Lent. (Of course, there be the best work for the reader at his or Because these wings are no longer to become more honest and compassionate. We need to are also people who are in the practice her stage of the spiritual life. wings to fly undergo a process of purification. of doing regular spiritual reading all That having been said, there are many But merely vans to beat the air I believe that EDSA was our Exodus—it was a moment year round.) Around Lent, I usually read poems that can edify spiritually. The air which is now thoroughly small in our history that we as a people experienced God’s blogs or Facebook posts about people T.S. Elliot’s long poem, Ash Wednesday is and dry liberating intervention. But as the biblical story reminds deciding on or announcing their “Lenten a challenging one. Nevertheless, one does Smaller and dryer than the will us, the people of God had to journey across the desert for reading”. not need to fully understand Ash Wednesday Teach us to care and not to care forty years before reaching the promised land. Why did it One way to facilitate Lenten to appreciate the mood it powerfully evokes Teach us to sit still. have to take that long? Because liberation from Pharaoh’s recollection is to read poetry suited and captures: that of recollection, and the Pray for us sinners now and at the oppressive rule was the easy part. The inner liberation—the for the season. Good poetry can have tension arising from the interior struggle hour of our death spiritual-moral liberation takes time. Structural revolution a powerful impact on the soul. It can that conversion involves. It also has Pray for us now and at the hour of or transformation has to be accompanied by moral, inner engage the whole person – intellect, references to the Blessed Virgin. Here is an our death.” revolution and transformation. The present authoritarian imagination, memory, senses. The excerpt from the poem: regime that came to power with the promise of change— works of talented poets who have sought For the next column, I will introduce pagbabago—will not last, it will surely come to an end. But inspiration in spiritual things, especially “And pray to God to have mercy upon the reader to poems that have been unless we undergo inner change as a people, we will have the Passion and Death of Christ, can us inspired by the events of Holy Week. more of the same. inspire their readers to move just a bit And pray that I may forget There are many of them; I will present There was a time when we were proud to be Filipinos. closer to Him. These matters that with myself I too only my favorites. Now many of us are ashamed to be Filipinos. I hope that A clarification, though: recreational much discuss (To be continued) someday, we will be proud once again of who we are.

Whisper from the Desert / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 CBCP Monitor PPCRV seeks 300k Bishop: Influx of illegal Chinese volunteers for May 13 polls workers ‘unfair’ to Filipinos A CATHOLIC bishop raised concern over the the seeming special treatment given to illegal Chinese workers in the country. Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga said the immigration laws must apply to all, regardless of nationalities or status. “Their entry, stay and work must be legal, and if not, so apply the law. No exception, no special treatment,” Santos said. The bishop was reacting to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement discouraging the deportation of undocumented Chinese workers in the Philippines. Duterte’s remarks come amid an THE Parish Pastoral Council precinct centers to provide ongoing Senate investigation on the for Responsible Voting with poll watchers. influx of Chinese into the country. (PPCRV) needs at least “We should have at Nearly 2,000 Chinese nationals have 300,000 volunteers to be least 300,000 volunteers been arrested for working without proper deployed nationwide on nationwide. That’s the visas or permits in the past two years. Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People. NICO BALBEDINA Election Day. ideal minimum but we are The biggest arrest was in 2016 when PPCRV board member targeting 500,000,” he said. authorities rounded up more than 1,200 Malacañang’s claim that the surge of added. Dr. Arwin Serrano said it’s To be a PPCRV volunteer, Chinese working in illegal online casinos Chinese workers was due to the lack The prelate urged the government to just their ideal minimum one must be at least 18-years in Pampanga. of skilled Filipinos particularly in ensure that Filipinos are not robbed of number of volunteers who old; a registered voter; On Feb. 7, immigration operatives construction works. job opportunities in their own country. will be assigned in their not related to any serving arrested 30 Chinese nationals working “It could be that we are not giving “Prioritize them, Filipinos first and command center and polling Board of Election Inspectors illegally in several establishments in them work and chose to give work to give them work here so that there will be precincts. up to the fourth degree of Parañaque City. other nationalities. And thus it is unfair no need of going abroad,” Santos said. He said they are actually consanguinity; and not Bishop Santos also rejected treatment to our fellow Filipinos,” he (Roy Lagarde / CBCPNews) targeting up to half a million related to any candidate in a volunteers, but which is particular district. still lower compared to the In the past few months, Church opposes Manila Bay reclamation projects 800,000 volunteers they had the poll watchdog has been in the 2016 elections. conducting voters’ education Serrano said they required trainers’ training in different a lower number of volunteers dioceses across the country. because there are less (CBCPNews)

Suffering / A1

everyone who suffers or are Tagle of Manila urged unjustly persecuted. the faithful to “prepare “It was a gesture of love to journey with Jesus to and it transforms everything. Jerusalem where He will Even injustice, even evil could show His love for God the be transformed by love,” said Father and for us until the Caccia. end”. Catholics across the Like Christ, he said that it country are expected to is important to “travel light” attend Masses and receive and without heavy bags and ashes on their foreheads on baggages. Ash Wednesday, March 6, “Almsgiving, fasting and which marks the beginning prayer will help us leave of Lent, the 40-day period of behind unnecessary bags penance for Catholics before and baggages on our Lenten the Holy Week and Easter. journey with Jesus,” Tagle The Archdiocese of Manila reiterates its stance to protect Manila Bay from reclamation projects. ROY LAGARDE Cardinal Luis Antonio said. (CBCPNews) THE Archdiocese of Manila Manila Bay reclamation due “It is against the poor since percent of the bay’s 1,994 Threats / A1 has maintained its opposition to ecological grounds. It is it will concentrate projects in square-kilometer area. to the government plan to against ecology,” Pabillo said. Manila rather than spreading In 2013, Cardinal Luis Do not do it. Do not try to intensified his attacks on the develop artificial islands in Aside from hurting the it out in the provinces,” he Antonio Tagle and 20 other do it. The religious [leaders] Church, even urging people Manila Bay, saying it could ecology, the prelate said the added. bishops of the Ecclesiastical has nothing to do with the to kill bishops. harm the environment. projects would affect the A total of 22 reclamation Province of Manila appealed vagaries of life. Lay off! Stop Asked if the death threats Manila poor that depends on the bay projects are planned along to the government to stop the threatening them or you will are tied to his campaign Broderick Pabillo said the waters for their livelihood. Manila Bay, three of which reclamation projects. have to face me,” he added. against drug killings, David reclamation projects are “It is a project for the rich have already been approved They asserted that the Duterte has repeatedly said, “your guess is as good wasteful and potentially and foreigners while the poor by the government. projects will only benefit the slammed the Church in as mine”. harmful to the environment. will suffer due to congestions The Philippine Reclamation wealthy and big businesses response to its criticism Human rights advocates “We, in the Archdiocese and floodings in Manila,” Authority (PRA) said that to the detriment of the poor. against his drug war and alleged that the death toll of Manila, are against the Pabillo said. all projects cover about 11 (CBCPNews) David has become the main in Duterte’s drug war has target of the president’s surpassed 20,000 since Abuse / A1 tirade. he assumed office in 2016. Recently, the president (CBCP News) “presented and published in the near organism or rules. In the summit’s opening keynote future”. “They are all important but the root speech on Feb. 21, Tagle said the Editorial / A4 Another initiative that will be available is we are being called to the church of world needs “authentic and credible in “a few weeks or a month or two” is a Jesus Christ,” Tagle told Vatican News witnesses” to Christ, stressing the overwhelming challenge. The think they know something handbook or vademecum for bishops, at the end of the summit on Feb. 24. needs for the church to face the crisis technical aspects involved in do not yet know as they ought prepared by the Congregation for the “I think there is also the call for the without fear. this matter alone can already to know. But whoever loves Doctrine of the Faith. church to be faithful to Jesus’ calling for The cardinal choked up as he told pose a formidable challenge. God is known by God.” (1 us to be disciples,” he said. the assembly that the wounds they had In this area, things are Cor 8,1-3) Discipleship Tagle said the clerical abuse has inflicted on the victims through their developing at warp-speed. Maybe what should be But More than enforcing stricter rules caused “pain and shame” to the church, indifference mirrored the wounds of But it is more in the moral done is to come out with a against clergy sex abuses, Cardinal Luis and assuring that the institution will Christ on the cross. and ethical aspects where the network of agencies and other Antonio Tagle said the crisis urgently confront the crisis in line with its call to He demanded that the church real challenge lies. And sadly, relevant institutions that asks clergymen ‘to be true to our calling’. be authentic witnesses to Jesus. hierarchy will address the roots that this latter concern is lagging will continually monitor the The Manila archbishop said the “The pain, the cries of the victims and fueled the abuses and cover up for so behind miserably. developments in this world of church will “definitely” respond to the of the poor, they are the voice telling us long. (With reports from Catholic That in this matter the media and information. problem but not just to provide some ‘be true to your calling,’” he added. News Service) everything has to start and This network should cover end with God is hardly felt and be represented by all Lent / A1 by people in general. It levels, classes, sectors of would even seem that God is society. It definitely would Filipino children. regarded as a persona-non- involve technical people, Mainly because of poverty, the grata here. But what is worse but more than them, it cardinal said that more than three is when we start talking about should involve our spiritual out of ten children are now stunting the concrete guidelines and leaders, parents, teachers, in physical and mental development limits so that we can indulge government, etc. There due to hunger. in this task with prudence should be representatives “The development of their full and temperance that would from the legal field as well as potential will not be achieved unless not compromise boldness from that sphere that studies they are cared for and fed with and creativity! social developments. There nutritious food,” Tagle said. Unfortunately, many should be interdisciplinary Since it started in 2005, Hapag- people nowadays hardly approach to all this. Asa has helped in feeding more than make any reference to God From there, we need to two million malnourished children in their growing ventures have an army of mentors throughout the country. into the world of knowledge, who can personally attend To sustain its gains, it has also sciences, technology. They to every individual person, capacitated the children’s parents seem competent to tackle especially the young ones. through values education, and skills the challenge simply by using Of course, everyone should and livelihood training. their increasingly growing strive to be a mentor too, For the coming months, the technical knowledge and even if he himself needs program hopes to provide one meal skills. This is a big challenge also to be continually per day to at least 30,000 children to face. mentored. We have to for 120 days. They have forgotten what remember that all of us “It takes only P1,200 for six St. Paul said in this regard: are meant to be both sheep months or P10 per day to nourish a “Knowledge puffs up while and shepherd, mentee and hungry and undernourished child,” love builds up. Those who mentor. said Tagle. (CBCPNews) A man receives ashes on Ash Wednesday at the Baclaran Church, March 6, 2019. ELMARC LIM LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

‘Church-State collaboration’ discussed at church Negros priest accused of sexual lawyers’ confab abuse, placed on leave

SAN CARLOS City— A Catholic priest On the other hand, the bishop said stemmed from a complaint filed by the has been placed on leave after being the diocese will take its own canonical alleged victim’s mother who works as a accused of sexually abusing a minor in process which involves providing secretary of the parish. Negros Occidental province. pastoral care to the alleged victim and The alleged victim, a four-year-old Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San her family. girl, was negative of laceration or Carlos said they were “saddened and “While we acknowledge the right abnormal discharges, based on her shocked” by the allegation but vowed of the accused to be presumed medical results. cooperation in any investigation. innocent until proven otherwise, we The case erupted amid increased He said the accused, whom the are steadfast to assist the victim and scrutiny of the Church’s handling of diocese did not identify, was temporarily cooperate in the process so the truth abuse allegations. replaced as parish priest to give way for will come out and justice is served,” On Feb. 21 to 24, nearly 200 Catholic an impartial probe. Alminaza said. leaders from across the world gathered “We are committed to search for “We are proceeding with our own in Vatican for a landmark summit on truth and to make sure that the process canonical process as dictated by Church combatting sexual abuse within the The 27th Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP) Conference gathered 120 canon will be fair and just to both parties and laws by providing pastoral care to the church. lawyers from all over the Philippines to share ideas on the theme: “Collaboration whoever is responsible will have to face accused while allowing the legal process Pope Francis told the church leaders Between the Philippine Church and the State.” the consequences,” Alminaza said in a to take its course,” he added. that they must find “concrete” solutions statement issued on Feb. 28. The charges against the priest to end the crisis. (CBCP News) CEBU City— Around 120 Center in this city. canon lawyers gathered on Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Feb. 19 for the 27th Canon Aquino, JD, of San Church in addresses depression Law Society of the Philippines Beda University’s College (CLSP) Conference to of Law and priest of the share ideas on the theme: Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, “Collaboration Between the gave his insights in the Philippine Church and the talks “Declaration of State.” Marriage nullity vs. Divorce: With the current Streamlining Procedures studies on the final draft for Declaration of Marriage of the Proposed Federal Nullity in Civil Courts” Constitution, the CLSP and the “Church-State finds that the times call Cooperation in the Philippine for collective prayer and Constitution.” reflection on what can be Former Chief Justice done to streamline not only Hilario Davide, Jr., a member canonical procedures on of the 1986 Constitutional annulment cases but also Commission, also shared his with regard to civil laws thoughts through the talk “A concerning these same cases, Critical Analysis on the Final and what the separation of Draft of the Proposed Federal the Church and State means Constitution”. for the Church, for the State The Archdiocese of Cebu, A representative from Ospital ng Palawan discusses basic facts about depression and how to help someone experiencing it, during the launching of the advocacy apostolate and for the faithful. led by Cebu Archbishop Jose of the Catholic Church for PLHIV and people experiencing depression, Feb. 13, 2019. KATYA SANTOS Bishops, priests, religious, Palma and Cebu Judicial Depression is a serious them feel your presence…Just and lay lawyers of the Vicar Fr. Raul Go and his THE Church is “offering its suicide in Palawan, and on the illness, but most people get your presence is enough,” she Catholic Church prayed and team, organized the said hands and ears to people part of the Church we want to better with help, said Vicente explained. studied together for 4 days at event. (Fr. Philippe A. B. experiencing depression.” help on awareness, education during an overview about The program—in the Quest Hotel & Conference Gallanosa/CBCP News) This was one of the and counseling,” he said. declarations of Bishop depression. partnership with the local Socrates Mesiona following the Facts about depression She discussed some facts government through the City Vatican grants indulgence for launching of the local church’s Bishop Socrates Mesiona, about depression to help Health Office (CHO), Ospital advocacy apostolate program City Vice Mayor Nancy persons experiencing this ng Palawan (ONP), and indigenous church in Ilocos Sur for persons living with the Socrates, Councilor Roy kind of psychological struggle. with the support of different human immunodeficiency Gregorio Ventura, City Health How to help volunteer-workers from virus (PLHIV) and depression Officer Ricardo Panganiban, “If you know people who civil society organization— on Feb. 13 at the Immaculate Regine Villapa (HIV Program are experiencing depression, concluded with a candle- Conception Cathedral in this Coordinator), Hayalee Vicente don’t try to cheer them up. lighting ceremony from the city. (Ospital Ng Palawan) led the They are looking at things Cathedral to the Jubilee “I am aware that there are signing of commitment to from other perspective; just Cross. (Katya A. Santos / that there are some cases of support the program. ask them if they need help, let CBCPNews)

Candidly Speaking / A4

We know that Christ made himself have of identifying ourselves more fair picture of how holiness can be helpless to obey the will of his Father intimately with Christ, who achieved achieved both in good and bad times. for our own salvation. He bore all our our redemption through his own We should not focus on one without the sins. This should be the mentality to suffering and death. other, because in that way we would be have when we are reduced to our own Let us always remember that when distorting the true nature of holiness state of helplessness. we suffer and die with Christ, we will and debasing the power of God. We need We should not just suffer our own also resurrect with him. (cfr. Rom 6,8) to be more open-minded about this issue St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO weaknesses, etc., alone. We should Suffering and death do not have the last and avoid stereotyping holiness in some suffer them with Christ, and in that word in our life. It is redemption, eternal concrete form. LAOAG City— The Vatican its boundary with La Union. way we convert them into a real path life of bliss with God and with everybody Holiness can be achieved in many has granted an indigenous With a population of to sanctity. In fact, we can say that the else, that has the last word. and even infinite ways. The only thing church in the Archdiocese around 4,500, it is among more we suffer, the more chances we We need to give a full and more necessary is to relate everything to God. of Nueva Segovia with one- the towns inhabited by year plenary indulgence as indigenous communities And That’s the Truth / A4 it celebrates its 25th year as who speak Kankanaey and ourselves followers of Christ of God”—we are renewed, “re- vibes and tempt us to forget of this world. We do have a parish. Ilocano. we should let Him cleanse programmed” to receive and about God’s eternal love for a choice. There is such a The year-long indulgence The town was originally our system of false ideals and be moved by the Divine. us. These next 40 days, we thing as transcendence, and at the St. Anthony of Padua under the care of missionaries worthless models. Jesus came This season of Lent, we take pray even for a whiff of that because we are God’s children Church in Sugpon, Ilocos from the “Congregatio to live with us to show us lonely a break as we turn our back strength that sustained our the desire for it is in our DNA, Sur started last Feb. 11 and Immaculatis Cordis Mariae” goal worth pursuing. Believing to the monsters that we have Lord in the desert against the so to speak. This holy season will end on the same date (CICM) and was handed in the cause that Jesus died created by our inordinate devil’s temptations. It is not of Christ’s passion, we pray next year. over to the pastoral care of for, we are given the grace belief in their worth—events, true that we are “only human” to be able to make that one Citing the decree from the diocesan clergy in 1995 to live “on every word that persons, things, news that and therefore too weak to choice to transcendence. And , following its erection as a comes forth from the mouth give us nothing but bad rise above the allurements that’s the truth. Nueva Segovia chancellor parish. Fr. Ian Paul Filart said that Sugpon parish was Duc in Altum / A5 the normal conditions must also among the parishes be met to attain indulgence. established during the Ambo alone, but for peace and security of , youth and lay faithful took *** This means, he said, incumbency of the then of all bishops, priests, lay faithful turn. Fr. Jeronimo “Jerome” Cruz, Vicar On Bishop Ambo’s 60th Birthday, an that Catholics are to make Archbishop Orlando and the nation. I met separately with General of the Diocese and of San early morning Thanksgiving Mass at pilgrimages to the church Quevedo, now a retired Mico Pacheco of San Roque Cathedral Roque Cathedral, presided the closing of San Roque Cathedral was presided by in Sugpon, sacramentally cardinal, who regarded the Liturgical Commission; he committed the Holy Hour and the incensing of the Fr. Jerome and concelebrated by the confess their sins, receive indigenous peoples as among to take care of the Liturgy together with image of Virgen de Nieva to the hymn Cathedral Clergy. The Diocese’s MASID communion, and pray for the his pastoral priorities. the Cathedral youth, who will handle Salve Regina, the second patroness of Center (Mga Anak Sila ng Diyos) and Pope’s intentions. St. Anthony of Padua parish the audio visuals during the Prayer the Cathedral. the Association of Religious Men and The decree also exhorts the priest Fr. Rosmel Cairel said Vigil. I requested Fr. James Anthony The invitation in social media caught Women in the Diocese sponsored the faithful to pray for poor souls the decree manifests the Del Rosario to prepare for us a Special the attention not only of the parishioners feeding program for children under the in purgatory, for vocations to love and special place of the Tagalog Prayer to be recited at the end of of the Diocese but also the lay faithful, care of MASID and mission stations of the priesthood and religious people from the peripheries the Holy Hour (and now being prayed in religious congregations, seminarians the Diocese. The Curia Office served life, and for the defense of in the heart of Pope Francis. all Masses in the Diocese). Kriz said the from the other Dioceses. They came over lugaw and tokwa to those who attended the institutions of human life, Cairel added that he is youth would prepare “lugaw” (congee) to show their solidarity and support for the Thanksgiving Mass. concluding it with the Lord’s disposed to celebrate the and could CLK supply cups and spoons? Bishop Ambo. The print, broadcast and Days before the birthday of Bishop Prayer. Sacrament of Penance, to Meanwhile, Ryan Rezo of SOCCOM social media also cover the Prayer Vigil. Ambo, the Vicariate of San Jose de The Profession of Faith prepare the people in the flashed in social media a call for prayer The turn-out of people and media was Navotas, headed by its Vicar Forane and the invocations of the reception of the indulgence. for the life and safety of Bishop Ambo; beyond our expectation. From all of us and parish priest of San Ildefonso, Blessed Virgin Mary and On the jubilee day on June within 24 hours, it reached 300k people in the Diocese of Kalookan, we thank all Fr. Bong Gino, sponsored the feeding Saint Anthony of Padua 13, the Feast of St. Anthony and 4.1k shares. He also released in less of you who planned, prepared, joined program for abandoned, special and are also to be prayed, Filart of Padua, another plenary than 24 hours the invitation to attend and cover our Prayer Vigil. Let us all with disability children and children added. indulgence is to be granted the Prayer Vigil: which begun with the wish Bishop Ambo our God’s blessing in conflict with the law, who stay in Hundreds of pilgrims from through the blessing of the 6:00pm Holy Mass presided by Fr. Jay and protection on his 60th Birthday Sandigan Center and Bahay Pag-asa of the entire archdiocese are Mass which will be imparted Arvin De Leon; the Holy Hour presided and onwards! Let us continue praying Malabon City, respectively. Likewise, expected to flock to Sugpon by Archbishop Marlo Peralta by Fr. Phillippe Angelo Garcia; praying for him, and for peace and security of the Vicariate of San Roque headed for the Jubilee Year. of Nueva Segovia, by mandate of the four (4) mysteries of the Holy our bishops, priests, lay faithful and by its Vicar Forane and parish priest The fifth class municipality of the faculty extended by the Rosary, each decade ended with a prayer the nation. We know Bishop Ambo of Sacred Heart Tugatog, Fr. Jun is among the interior towns Apostolic Penitentiary to for the family and the country and a appreciated your solidarity and show Bartolome, also had feeding program of Ilocos Sur, situated along him. (CBCP News) Marian Song; the religious congregation of support. for children. A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES March 4 - 17, 2019, Vol 23, No. 05 CBCP Monitor Pope appoints new military bishop POPE Francis has named a Cebu ordinariate is another peculiar prelate as the new military ordinary apostolate,” he said. of the Philippines. Born in Capoocan town in Leyte Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar province, Florencio was ordained Jaime Florencio will be the seventh priest for the Archdiocese of Palo bishop of the on April 3, 1990. which has been “sede vacante” for The bishop holds a doctorate in nearly two years now. sacred theology from the Pontifical Florencio, 53, will succeed Bishop University of the Holy Cross in Leopoldo Tumulak who passed Rome. away in June 2017. In 2015, he was named Cebu The appointment was made auxiliary bishop, making him the public in Rome at 12 noon (7pm first priest from the Palo archdiocese local time) on Saturday, March 2. to be elevated to the episcopacy in The bishop admitted having 28 years. mixed emotions, following his In June 2017, the Cebu prelate appointment by the pope. was appointed as the concurrent “I am thankful to God for this apostolic administrator of the challenging task. But honestly, it’s military diocese. also with mixed emotions because I As military ordinary, Florencio is will leave the Archdiocese of Cebu,” responsible for the pastoral care of Florencio said. Catholics serving in the country’s This August 14, 2018 file photo shows the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcoming Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon “But I am also enthusiastically military, police, coast guard units City. PHOTO FROM PAO/AFP challenged because the military and prison service. (CBCP News) Pope names second Pinoy bishop in the U.S. Church takes focus on POPE Francis on Tuesday, March 5 has appointed Filipino immigrant priest stateless persons on as auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles in United States. Alejandro Aclan, a priest Nat’l Migrants Sunday of the same archdiocese, becomes the second Filipino-American priest to be named bishop in the U.S. A native of Pasay City, the bishop- elect was born on February 9, 1951. Aclan graduated medical technology from the University of Santo Tomas before he left for Southern California to seek a better future in 1982. In 1988, he left his career to pursue the vocation to the priesthood at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. Five years later, he was ordained a priest for Los Angeles. After ordination, he served as deputy priest of the Saint Finbar parish in Msgr. Alejandro Aclan (center) addresses local media after his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles at Burbank and of the Saint John of God the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, March 5. PHOTO FROM THE LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESE Parish in Norwalk from 1993 to 2001. He also became parish priest of the last summer. Solis served as auxiliary bishop in Los Saint Madeleine Parish in Pomona from In 2017, he was named monsignor as Angeles until 2017 when he was named 2001 to 2012 and headed the promotion “Chaplain of ”. bishop of Salt Lake City. of vocations of the “San Gabriel Valley” Aside from English and Tagalog, The Los Angeles area is home to Pastoral Region from 2010 to 2012. Aclan also speaks Spanish. the largest Filipino immigrants in the US-based Catholic News Service said The first Filipino priest appointed to United States and the biggest Asian that Aclan served most recently as vicar the episcopacy in the U.S. was Bishop American community in California. for the clergy before taking a sabbatical Oscar Solis in 2003. (CBCP News) PPCRV is Comelec’s citizens’ arm in May polls THE Commission group is tasked to conduct on Elections granted voters’ education program accreditation to the Parish nationwide. Pastoral Council for Its duties also include Responsible Voting as its providing assistance to voters citizens’ arm for the May 13 and reporting campaign midterm polls. violations, among others. In accrediting the PPCRV, “The Commission would the Comelec en banc cited accordingly need all the the group’s reliability in poll help of all advocates watching activities in the past of orderly and honest THE Catholic Church’s estimates that at least 10 elections. elections to assist it in the body for migrants urged million people globally could “We have taken into account upcoming elections,” the help for stateless persons, be stateless. the petitioner’s track record poll body added. a “disturbing” global In Malaysia’s Sabah state, particularly its participation The poll watchdog group phenomenon affecting it is believed that more than in the past electoral exercises is currently headed by Myla thousands of Filipino 10,000 children are born and in subsequent similar Villanueva, a PPCRV trustee children. to Filipino migrant parents election-related activities since 2010. Fr. Restituto Ogsimer, who entered and worked in both local and national,” the Villanueva is considered executive secretary of the the country without proper Comelec said. a pioneer for women in the bishops’ Commission on documents. As an accredited poll local and global technology Migrants and Itinerant Malaysian immigration law watchdog, the Catholic industry. (CBCP News) People, said that church does not grant legal status to people must advocate for children of immigrants. the rights of stateless people. “In effect, the children Just like the way it responds are not registered and to the asylum seekers and became victims of conflict in refugees in the Philippines, nationality laws and are in he said the church is looking statelessness status; putting and must continue find ways them in a more vulnerable to assist these children. situation,” Ogsimer said. “We are the church, let us “They cannot even be act now, seek them out and enrolled in formal school for extend our hands the farthest proper education; and have it can reach to care for them, no access to basic health to embrace them and to make care,” he added. them feel loved and recognize As of 2015, reported their existence in our midst,” statistics showed that some Ogsimer wrote in his message 40 percent of the world’s for the National Migrants’ stateless people—more than Sunday to be observed on 1.4 million—were living in March 10. Southeast Asia, including According to him, about 7,138 in the Philippines. statelessness challenges both It was in 1987 when the church of origin and the the bishops initiated the receiving churches, stressing celebration of the National the need for vigorous Migrants’ Sunday to promote campaign to mainstream the awareness in the church and discourse on the issue. society on the issues and He also emphasized the concerns linked to overseas need for policies and laws to Filipino migration. recognize and promote “just The annual event not only treatment” and to provide paid tribute to millions of basic material needs for them overseas Filipino workers especially the young. and their families left behind Current statistics cover 3.7 but also highlighted the million stateless people in church’s effort to help them 78 countries, while the office cope with the effects of labor of the United Nations High migration on their lives. Commissioner for Refugees (CBCP News) CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God”(Rm 8: 19)

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2019

Pope Francis arrives in procession to celebrate Mass at the Parish of St. Crispin in a suburb on the outskirts of Rome March 3, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS

DEAR Brothers and Sisters they give praise to God. Through prayer, Once God’s law, the law of love, is attitude towards others and all of creation, contemplation and art, they also include forsaken, then the law of the strong over turning away from the temptation to Each year, through Mother Church, God other creatures in that praise, as we see the weak takes over. The sin that lurks in “devour” everything to satisfy our voracity “gives us this joyful season when we prepare admirably expressed in the “Canticle of the human heart (cf. Mk 7:20-23) takes and being ready to suffer for love, which to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind the Creatures” by Saint Francis of Assisi the shape of greed and unbridled pursuit can fill the emptiness of our hearts. Prayer, and heart renewed… as we recall the great (cf. Laudato Si’, 87). Yet in this world, of comfort, lack of concern for the good of which teaches us to abandon idolatry events that gave us new life in Christ” the harmony generated by redemption is others and even of oneself. It leads to the and the self-sufficiency of our ego, and to (Preface of Lent I). We can thus journey constantly threatened by the negative power exploitation of creation, both persons and acknowledge our need of the Lord and his from Easter to Easter towards the fulfillment of sin and death. the environment, due to that insatiable mercy. Almsgiving, whereby we escape of the salvation we have already received as covetousness which sees every desire as a from the insanity of hoarding everything a result of Christ’s paschal mystery— “for 2. The destructive power of sin right and sooner or later destroys all those for ourselves in the illusory belief that we in hope we were saved” (Rom 8:24). This Indeed, when we fail to live as children of in its grip. can secure a future that does not belong to mystery of salvation, already at work in God, we often behave in a destructive way us. And thus to rediscover the joy of God’s us during our earthly lives, is a dynamic towards our neighbours and other creatures 3. The healing power of repentance plan for creation and for each of us, which process that also embraces history and all – and ourselves as well – since we begin to and forgiveness is to love him, our brothers and sisters, and of creation. As Saint Paul says, “the creation think more or less consciously that we can Creation urgently needs the revelation the entire world, and to find in this love our waits with eager longing for the revealing use them as we will. Intemperance then of the children of God, who have been true happiness. of the children of God” (Rom 8:19). In takes the upper hand: we start to live a life made “a new creation”. For “if anyone is Dear brothers and sisters, the “lenten” this perspective, I would like to offer a few that exceeds those limits imposed by our in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has period of forty days spent by the Son of reflections to accompany our journey of human condition and nature itself. We yield passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 God in the desert of creation had the goal conversion this coming Lent. to those untrammelled desires that the Book Cor 5:17). Indeed, by virtue of their being of making it once more that garden of of Wisdom sees as typical of the ungodly, revealed, creation itself can celebrate a communion with God that it was before 1. The redemption of creation those who act without thought for God or Pasch, opening itself to a new heaven and a original sin (cf. Mk 1:12-13; Is 51:3). May The celebration of the Paschal Triduum of hope for the future (cf. 2:1-11). Unless we new earth (cf. Rev 21:1). The path to Easter our Lent this year be a journey along that Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, tend constantly towards Easter, towards the demands that we renew our faces and same path, bringing the hope of Christ also the culmination of the liturgical year, horizon of the Resurrection, the mentality hearts as Christians through repentance, to creation, so that it may be “set free from calls us yearly to undertake a journey of expressed in the slogans “I want it all and conversion and forgiveness, so as to live its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious preparation, in the knowledge that our I want it now!” and “Too much is never fully the abundant grace of the paschal liberty of the children of God” (Rom 8:21). being conformed to Christ (cf. Rom 8:29) enough”, gains the upper hand. mystery. Let us not allow this season of grace to pass is a priceless gift of God’s mercy. The root of all evil, as we know, is sin, which This “eager longing”, this expectation of in vain! Let us ask God to help us set out When we live as children of God, redeemed, from its first appearance has disrupted our all creation, will be fulfilled in the revelation on a path of true conversion. Let us leave led by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 8:14) and communion with God, with others and with of the children of God, that is, when behind our selfishness and self-absorption, capable of acknowledging and obeying creation itself, to which we are linked in a Christians and all people enter decisively and turn to Jesus’ Pasch. Let us stand beside God’s law, beginning with the law written particular way by our body. This rupture of into the “travail” that conversion entails. our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our on our hearts and in nature, we also benefit communion with God likewise undermines All creation is called, with us, to go forth spiritual and material goods with them. In creation by cooperating in its redemption. our harmonious relationship with the “from its bondage to decay and obtain the this way, by concretely welcoming Christ’s That is why Saint Paul says that creation environment in which we are called to live, glorious liberty of the children of God” victory over sin and death into our lives, we eagerly longs for the revelation of the so that the garden has become a wilderness (Rom 8:21). Lent is a sacramental sign of will also radiate its transforming power to children of God; in other words, that all (cf. Gen 3:17-18). Sin leads man to consider this conversion. It invites Christians to all of creation. those who enjoy the grace of Jesus’ paschal himself the god of creation, to see himself embody the paschal mystery more deeply mystery may experience its fulfillment in as its absolute master and to use it, not for and concretely in their personal, family and From the Vatican, 4 October 2018 the redemption of the human body itself. the purpose willed by the Creator but for social lives, above all by fasting, prayer and Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi When the love of Christ transfigures the his own interests, to the detriment of other almsgiving. lives of the saints in spirit, body and soul, creatures. Fasting, that is, learning to change our FRANCIS B2 FEATURE March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Confronting the specter of a Philippine Divorce Law (III) Grave Lack of Discretion of Judgment as a Ground for Marriage Invalidity

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D. not contain a legal formulation separately they absolutely are not of those rights and obligations, signs indicative of the absence of leaving it to canonical doctrine valid consent”; certainly “there can As most people know, a house bill for and jurisprudence to progressively be circumstances such as compulsion divorce had already been passed. declare and explain their content on the spouses to contract marriage What may have escaped most and limits. In this regard, a well- and the psychological effect of Catholics is that a similar bill has known canonist provides a useful pregnancy, which make it possible to been filed in the Senate. If that bill enumeration as follows: the right/ override the presumption of validity is passed, we will be just a step short duty to sexual acts; the right/duty to of the marriage.” of divorce finally being instituted not impede procreation; the right/ in our country, the last remaining duty of establishing, preserving Incidence of psycho-affective state (aside from the Vatican) that and ordering the intimate conjugal immaturity on discretion of has no divorce law. Rather than partnership toward its objective judgment fight that bill—which has a valid ends; the right/duty of fidelity; The development of the notion of pretension (to find a solution for the right/duty of mutual help in the formal object of marital consent, the situation of people trapped in ordering towards the pursuit of the as the community of the whole of an irreparably broken marriage)— essential ends of marriage those life, has affected the development we might instead convince the acts and types of behavior that are of the jurisprudence on lack of due Senate to introduce reforms in the apt and needed for that purpose; discretion. The conjugal relationship present Family Code in order to the right/duty to welcome and care is not lived in the abstract, the facilitate the declaration of nullity for the common children within various sociocultural factors which of most of those irreparably broken the married community; and the either weaken or support the marriages. In other words, since right/duty of educating the common Christian concept of marriage must the urgent problem motivating our children. also be considered. legislators—and all the pro-divorce In order for a person contracting forces—to craft a divorce law seems Incidence of lack of internal to be able to understand the nature to be the extreme case of irreparably ZITA BALLINGER FLETCHER/CNS freedom on discretion of and import of the conjugal contract, broken marriages, if a way can be judgment he or she must have the maturity of found to declare the invalidity from The ability to form an adequate the case of marriage, it must be Poor judgment at the time of knowledge and freedom to establish the start of most of those marriages, act of the will at the time of marriage proportionate to the requirements consent often results from an the contract, and the degree of this perhaps there would be no need must be preceded by sufficient of the interpersonal relationship impairment or lack of internal is indirectly determined by taking to legislate divorce. As a Spanish deliberation or critical judgment needed to create and sustain the freedom. This may be rooted in into consideration the formal object saying goes: “Muerto el perro, se about the implications of the act community of the whole of life. psychological or emotional problems of matrimonial consent, which—as acabó la rabia” (With the dog dead, of consent for the person at that The responsibilities of being a which do not impede the intellect stated above—consists essentially that’s the end of its rabies). particular time. The person does marriage partner and a parent but have a significant influence in the setting up of a community of In this penultimate part of this not only consent to a wedding but must be evaluated in the context of on the will, or it may result from love and life. “One who contracts long article, we shall tackle a cause makes a decision about his or her life one’s emotional and psychological existential factors such as grave must be capable of understanding, of marriage nullity in Canon Law and the life of the marriage partner. state as well as that of the other fear prompted by external pressure estimating, weighing and freely that is totally absent in Civil Law, If there was a serious inability to party. A person may be capable of which a person cannot withstand. determining self to establish a but which in fact is at the core critically evaluate the decision to right judgment in areas of life such Thus, marriage is chosen in a true perpetual and exclusive conjugal of many failed marriages. It is marry, in light of the consequent as business, personal health, etc., state of mental confusion. It is one partnership ordered toward the the grave lack of discretion of obligations and responsibilities, but generally incapable of good thing to understand sufficiently procreation and education of judgment concerning the essential then consent may well be invalid. A judgment in regard to interpersonal what marital consent means in the offspring, by a will immune or free matrimonial rights and duties, person must be able to evaluate his relationships and specifically in practical order and quite another not only from external pressure but which are to be mutually given and or her motivation for the wedding, regard to the special relationship to make this consent with sufficient also from internal psychological accepted (according to c.1095,2°). personal strengths and weaknesses, demanded for Christian marriage. freedom. coercion, that is, with full ability to as well as those of the other party, This is the sense of a Rotal sentence choose.” Notion of lack of due discretion and his or her ability to live up to Measure of the grave lack of which stated: “One must however Canon 1095 of the Code of Canon the demands of the marriage. This discretion of judgment take into consideration even of a An area for civil legislation Law states: They are incapable of is the object of c.1095, 2°. Can.1095, 2° explicitly mentions disturbance of the mind that is of Here we have an area for contracting marriage: This critical faculty depends “the essential matrimonial rights a temporary nature, sometimes improvement of the Philippine 1° who lack the sufficient use of first on the mature ability to grasp and obligations to be mutually deriving from overpowering external Family Code, in order to provide reason; what the marital relationship entails. given and accepted” as the object of circumstances, for example, from this ground for the declaration of 2° who suffer from grave lack of The person must then be able to the act of consenting to marriage. an unexpected pregnancy in a girl nullity of many failed marriages— discretion of judgment concerning relate marriage as an abstract reality, This constitutes the measure of the unprepared for marriage, who is i.e., the serious lack of discretion of essential matrimonial rights and i.e., what it theoretically involves, gravity of the lack of discretion of vehemently forced by relatives to judgment regarding the essential duties which are to be mutually to his or her concrete situation. judgment: the term “grave” does remedy the stigma brought on the rights and duties of marriage on the given and accepted; This requires insight and the not refer to the seriousness of a family’s honor. In such cases, if part of either or both of the spouses. 3° who are not capable of application of one’s actual situation psychic dysfunction or disorder of there are in the one marrying serious In fact, with the present sorry assuming the essential obligations and abilities to the theoretical personality and behavior, but is indications of some sickly nature, state of value formation in Filipino of matrimony due to causes of a demands of marriage. Finally, this rather the juridical qualification that is, lack of proper evolution of families due to the prevalence of the psychic nature. critical faculty involves existential of the inability to discern with the personality, one may sometimes OFW phenomenon on the one hand The three numbers of the canon judgments. It depends on a person’s intellect and to implement with legitimately conclude from the and the faulty models of conjugal correspond actually to the three emotional and psychological state the will the act of setting up or combination of such elements for love presented by the mass media, capacities comprising consensual and an appreciation of the lessons establishing the conjugal bond from the defect of due discretion, more many Filipinos—especially among capacity: (a) to make a responsible learned from life experiences. It also which originate, in a second logical correctly for the defect of sufficient the young—are entering marriage human act; (b) to sufficiently presupposes freedom from mental moment, the conjugal rights and internal freedom.” with lack of due discretion, giving evaluate the nature of marriage and, confusion, undue pressure, or fear duties. This is also the sense noted in rise later on to failed marriages. consequently, choose it freely; and, in contemplating marriage. It is fundamental, then, to a sentence coram Lopez-Illana: Having this ground included in finally, (c) to assume its essential Jurisprudence refers to due define those essential rights and “the circumstances of young age the Family Code could effectively obligations. The lack of any of these discretion, which is discretion obligations of marriage that, and pregnancy can be said to be a provide the right alternative to the three capacities results in incapacity proportionate to the consequences according to c.1095, 2°, must be possible sign of defect of discretion serious error of legislating divorce. for a valid marital consent. of the decision to be made. In given and accepted. The CIC does of judgement; however taken [To be concluded.] When a corporal should be used (Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query: )

Q: Sacred vessels and gifts are to should always be used so as to gather Then he places the chalice on the be placed on the corporal[s] any fragment that might happen to corporal and, if appropriate, covers to consecration and after, as well as fall and as a sign of veneration and it with a pall. for the time and place of purifica- respect toward the Lord. “151. After the Consecration when tion – the Eucharistic Trinity and The principal texts from the Gen- the Priest has said, The mystery of Lamb is never simply placed on the eral Instruction of the Roman Missal faith, the people pronounce the accla- altar or anywhere, but always upon are the following: mation, using one of the prescribed the sacred corporal – correct? Also, “73. At the beginning of the Liturgy formulas. during “private” public exposition/ of the Eucharist, the gifts which will “At the end of the Eucharistic adoration when the Lord is in the sa- become Christ’s Body and Blood are Prayer, the Priest takes the paten with cred monstrance and upon the sacred brought to the altar. the host and the chalice and elevates corporal, are there to be lighted either “First of all, the altar or them both while pronouncing alone four or six candles – or none at all? Lord’s table, which is the center of the doxology, Through him. At the — J.A., Jamestown, North Dakota the whole Liturgy of the Eucharist, end, the people acclaim, Amen. After is made ready when on it are placed this, the Priest places the paten and A: Our reader is correct with respect the corporal, purificator, Missal, and the chalice on the corporal. to the use of the corporal whenever chalice (unless this last is prepared at “163. When the distribution of the Sacred Species under any form the credence table). Communion is over, the Priest is to be placed on an altar or table. “139. When the Universal Prayer is himself immediately and completely The corporal is a sacred cloth of over, all sit, and the Offertory Chant consumes at the altar any consecrated white linen. It is usually around 20 begins (cf. no. 74). An or other wine that happens to remain; as for inches square. When not in use it is lay minister places the corporal, the any consecrated hosts that are left, he PIXABAY usually folded three times in such a purificator, the chalice, the pall, and either consumes them at the altar or way as to form nine equal squares. It the Missal on the altar. carries them to the place designated either on the altar or on the credence After the principal celebrant’s may be placed on top of the chalice “141. The Priest accepts the paten for the reservation of the Eucharist. table, and to purify them immediately Communion, the chalice is placed pall or in a special cloth case or en- with the bread at the altar, holds Upon returning to the altar, the after Mass, after the Dismissal of the at the side of the altar on another velope called a burse. The corporal is it slightly raised above the altar Priest collects the fragments, should people. corporal. The concelebrants approach frequently stiffened so as to be firm. with both hands and says quietly, any remain, and he stands at the “248. The Communion of the the middle of the altar one by one, In recent times, due to the advent Benedictus es, Domine (Blessed are altar or at the credence table and concelebrants may also be arranged genuflect, and communicate from the of concelebrations and the increase in you, Lord God). Then he places the purifies the paten or ciborium over in such a way that each communicates Body of the Lord; then they move to the distribution of Communion un- paten with the bread on the corporal. the chalice, and after this purifies the from the Body of the Lord at the altar the side of the altar and partake of der both kinds, larger corporals have “142. After this, as the minister chalice, saying quietly the formula and, immediately afterward, from the the Blood of the Lord, following the been developed so that more sacred presents the cruets, the Priest stands Quod ore sumpsimus, Domine (What Blood of the Lord. rite chosen for Communion from vessels may be placed upon them. at the side of the altar and pours wine has passed our lips), and dries the “In this case, the principal the chalice, as has been remarked In the extraordinary form of the and a little water into the chalice, chalice with a purificator. If the ves- celebrant receives Communion under above …. Roman rite, the consecrated host saying quietly, Per huius aquae (By sels are purified at the altar, they both kinds in the usual way (cf. no. “249. If the concelebrants’ (corpus) is placed directly upon the mystery of this water). He returns are carried to the credence table by 158), observing, however, the rite Communion is by intinction, the the corporal, which is the probable to the middle of the altar and with a minister. Nevertheless, it is also chosen in each particular instance principal celebrant partakes of the origin of its name from this practice. both hands raises the chalice a little, permitted to leave vessels needing to for Communion from the chalice; Body and Blood of the Lord in the In the ordinary form, the host is and says quietly, Benedictus es, Do- be purified, especially if there are sev- and the other concelebrants should usual way, but making sure that rarely placed upon the corporal, but it mine (Blessed are you, Lord God). eral, on a corporal, suitably covered, do the same. Corporal / B7 FEATURE CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 FEATURE B3 To shelter, keep them save and successful in life

By Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos

OUR God is a faithful God. When He and in divine and human favors” Not only to stand by them and to makes promises, He never forgets. He (Luke 2,52). support them but it behooves us to fulfills. Saint John at the beginning Have been a child Jesus cares and give them praiseworthy examples of his Gospel affirms that “the Word so concern with children, urging which they can imitate from us. Do became flesh and made his dwelling us too to “let the children come to you still remember that in front of among us” (1,14). Our God is good, me and don’t stop them, for the children we are always reminded “o so gracious. He gives that “when the kingdom of God belongs to such as dahan dahan sa inyong pananalita, set time had fully come, God sent his these” (Mark 10,14). at kilos may nakikinig na mga bata” Son, born of a woman, learn under Yes, let us bring children to Jesus. and so we are very much careful and the law...” (Galatians 4,4). But it is not to only to lead them to courteous with our words lest we And we know that God sent Jesus. We must still do something offend and scandalize them. With Archangel Gabriel to that woman more for them, to make them more our words and works let us keep and told her “do not be afraid, Mary, pleasing and more presentable to children always safe, secured and you have found favor with God. You Jesus. What we must do? For me it stable in life. will conceive and give birth to a Son, is easy to remember, they begin with Our CBCP ECMI is the primary and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke letter S. These are: S e c u r e l y and lead among the Philippine 1,30-31). SHELTER them, keep them SAFE, Interfaith Movement against Thus in fulfillment of God’s and make them SUCCESSFUL Human Trafficking and On Line promise as foretold by Prophet First. Jesus experienced that Child Sexual Abuse. Thus we fulfill Isaiah “for unto us a child is born to “there was no room for them in the and follow the words of our beloved us, to us a son is given” (9,6). inn” (Luke 2,7). He admitted to us Pope Francis “we need to see each Jesus came to us, become a “I was a stranger and you welcomed child as a gift to be welcomed, child like us. He experienced what me” (Matthew 25,36). Jesus accepts cherished and protected.” and how we have lived. Belonging and accommodates all. No one is Lastly, Jesus assures us that to a migrant family, his father outside. And no one is set aside “whoever becomes lowly like this was always commanded “Joseph, or side step. He wants all of us, child is the greatest in the kingdom descendant of David, do not be especially children, to feel wanted, of heaven, and whoever receives afraid to take Mary as your wife...” most welcome, and important. such a child in my name receives (Matthew 1,20ff). When the life of So give them shelter. To shelter is me” (Matthew 18,4). Here, Jesus the newborn Jesus was threatened, to stay, to be protected. To shelter acknowledges the importance, the Joseph was prompted “rise, take is to attend to their needs. It is to value and specialty of children. the child and his mother, flee to be home and at home. Shelter is Though small and fragile there are Egypt” (Matthew 2,13). And the home. This is what children need, still much we can learn from them. death of king Herod, Joseph again look and longed for. When a child Even little and very vulnerable there commanded “rise, take the child cried, a mother would pacify her are in them which we can imitate and his mother and go to the land child with her reassuming words and emulate. And in spite of their of lsrael” (Matthew 2,20). “tahan na anak, nan dito si Mommy, needs and being dependent on us Jesus grew like us. We sometimes uuwi na tayo so bahay.” Hearing that is the more reason we have in life. malalim, “ganyan ba ang itinuro go on our way, do something on our uuwi na sa bahay, the child stops to support and work harder for An OFW in Salmiya, Kuwait affirms ng iyong mga magulang sa inyong own. His parents, Joseph and Mary, crying. Tahan na because they will them. “ang lahat ng aking paghihirap at bahay?” were anxious and suffered when be in tahanan. At home. Even a sick His Holiness, Pope Francis, pangungulila, ang buo kong pagtitiis Children are God’s gifts. They they found out that Jesus was not person confined in a hospital longed urges us that “may we always care at pagpapakasakit ay para lamang sa are entrusted to us. We are “among their relatives and friends. for his house and will surely beg his for our children, not counting magandang kinabukasan ng aking accountable to God for them. And they did not find him, they family “let us go home. Bring the cost, so that they may never mga anak. Handa pa ako sa lahat We are responsible to them and went back to Jerusalem searching me home.” believe themselves to be mistakes, ng mga pasanin at kaya ko pang we must response to the crying for him” (Luke 2,44-45). It is Second. Jesus reminds us but always know their infinite magpapawis matiyak ko lamang ang needs with love and compassion. the very nature, very inherent to “if any of you should cause one of worth.” tagumpay ng aking mga anak.” Children look up to us. We must parents to look after children, to be these little ones who believe in me to My brothers and sisters in Christ, Let us end our pastoral reflection not fail them. extra caring and so solicitous to the stumble and fall, it would be better so it is our calling not only to shelter with this known experience. Jesus invites us to bring children needs of their children, especially for you to be thrown into the depths them and not only to keep them safe Naalala po ba ninyo na kapag ang to Him. We heed His call. We their whereabouts. of the sea with a great millstone but much more it is to prepare them isang bata ay nakagawa ng hindi present to present our children to Jesus exemplified how we must around your neck” (Matthew 18,6). for the future. And this is for us to tama, ng hindi maganda mayroon Jesus and our children are sound deal with parents “went down with Not only Jesus desires the safety and make them successful in life, to pong tatlong tanong sa kanya , di po and safe, smiling and successful. them, returning to Jerusalem, and security of children, but much no make them succeed. So we do our ba? Ano po ang mga tanong na ito? Jesus “then took the children in continued to be subject to them” one should lead them to scandal, to best as to give them the best. We do Una, “ano ang pangalan mo?” his arms and laying his hands (Luke2,51). And growing up Jesus sin. We should never bring them to what is right, what is right and legal lkalawa, “sino ang mga magulang on them, bless them” (Mark is to “increase in wisdom and age, disillusionment, to disgrace. for their benefits, for their success mo?” At itong ikatlo ay higit na 10,16). Stateless Children, a concern for the Church By Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People

are not registered and became victims of conflict programs for the migrants and their families. (CCAHT). The Memorandum Circular also in nationality laws and are in statelessness With the respective Bishop’s approval at the recommended forming a special committee status; putting them in a more vulnerable diocese, it is encourage that he appoints either to combat human trafficking in the diocese situation. Not recognized by the host country a Priest, a religious , or a Lay Person to involving different ministries and commissions and without proper documents, these children take charge of the ministry as it develops. One with similar programs and pastoral services. are deprived of their fundamental rights. They effective strategy is organizing, and forming From 2017 up to 2018, with the respective cannot even be enrolled in formal school for a small community of migrant families at the Bishop’s approval, there have been six sub proper education; and have no access to basic parish level of whose Coordinator will form regional consultations conducted namely, NCR, health care. There are some cases where young part of the core group at the diocesan level North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, and children are into forced labor to augment daily for the eventual well- coordinated action and Bicol dioceses; and a combined consultation survival of the family. How miserable life is programming. Once a migrant structure is between Central and Eastern Visayas. The experienced by these people especially the organized; conducted thorough orientation to subregional consultation aims to scan the migrant children living in a place as if they are the leaders; concrete programs and activities is situations of human trafficking in each diocese; nonexistent? facilitated through a diocesan planning where to train the participants in identifying victims/ The Catholic Church has an eye and inputs on needs for assistance are elicited form cases of human trafficking; familiarize them heart to their sufferings and always the organized migrant families themselves. with the salient provisions of the RA 9208 responsive to their needs. Just like the The promotion and celebration of the the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as FOR many Filipinos, migrating abroad way it responds and provides pastoral National Migrant Sunday (NMS) every first amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti is tantamount to better employment care to the asylum seekers and refugees in Sunday of Lent as declared by the Philippine –Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012; and to opportunities, professional advancement, the Philippines, the Church is looking for Catholic Church is utilized as venue for come up with strategic plans or targets towards and economic development for the family. different possibilities and ways to assist raising awareness on migrants issues; and a collaborative and sustained programs and However, to others, migration is a nightmare these children. The issue on statelessness highlighting the importance of migrants’ activities to fight human trafficking within their that can put them in a variety of complex challenges both the Church of origin and role and sacrifices for the betterment of respective Diocese. situations especially those who are pushed due the receiving Churches. The need for a their families in particular, and for the There were also several diocesan consultations to civil restlessness and war; natural calamities, vigorous campaign to mainstream the development of the society in general. It is organized namely , diocese of Antipolo, Imus, illegal recruitment or restrictive migration discourses on the issue; strong advocacies also a venue to invite every faithful to become San Fernando, Pampanga, and Gumaca Quezon policies. and campaigns for policies and laws to part in organizing and developing programs with the aim at forming their own Diocesan Moreover, migration is not only about recognize and promote just treatment; and for migrant ministry through their generous Committee Against Human Trafficking for overseas employment. It is also about human to provide basic material needs for them donation to the second collection during a more direct and concrete response at the trafficking of women, men, young girls and especially the young. Masses at the NMS. Moreover, the involvement community level. For 2019, the CCAHT will boys, asylum seekers and refugees fleeing Our faith poses a challenge for each of us to and participation of migrant families of both continue to organize consultations in Visayan persecution and war from their own country respond to the Scripture verse in Mt. 25:35 “for those who are in better situations, and those and Mindanao region, and will actively support e.g. the Rohingyas and the Syrians. In I was hungry and you gave me food, I was who are experiencing complex situations is some dioceses to establish programs and addition, one disturbing concern nowadays thirsty and you gave me something to drink, highly expected for effective programming and responses where cases of human trafficking is the growing number of Stateless persons in I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” We response at the parish level. are rampant. different parts of the globe. are the church, let us act now, seek them out The 1954 UN Convention relating to the and extend our hands the farthest it can reach Updates on Church Response to Human Some pastoral ways to help celebrate Status of Stateless Persons defines a stateless to care for them, to embrace them and to make Trafficking NMS? person as someone “who is not considered as a them feel loved and recognize their existence To further intensify the Philippine Catholic Either in parish or school, there are national by any State under operation of its law. in our midst. Church continued involvement in the advocacy several possible activities that you and The Convention identifies minimum standards and campaign against human trafficking, your community could celebrate National of treatment to be observed by contracting How the Church can be of service to the the CBCP issued a Memorandum (Circular Migrants’ Sunday. The following are just some states. migrant Filipino and their Families? No. 16-08) on “Our Pastoral Commitment to of the general suggestions: Many other races are in statelessness status ECMI is the service arm of the Catholic Combat Human Trafficking” in November including thousands of Filipino children in Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) 2016. The ECMI under the leadership of Phase 1: Raise the consciousness of your some parts of Asia, Middle East, and Europe. to provide pastoral care for migrants and Bishop Ruperto Santos is tasked to be the parish, community or school on the significance In Sabah Malaysia for example, it is believed their families left behind. With the known lead convener to coordinate with the CBCP’s of the NMS. that more than 10,000 children (no exact complexities arising from the vicious cycle of Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice • Announce at Masses the celebration of number available) are born to Filipino migrant Filipinos’ exodus for overseas employment, and Peace, the Episcopal Commission on the NMS and encourage the OFWs their parents who entered and worked in Malaysia ECMI-CBCP provides programs and services Youth, and the Office on Women on the issue families to participate in the celebration. without the proper documents; not allowed to that respond to their needs on spiritual of human trafficking. Representatives of each • Prepare and disseminate information marry; and not to have children. Malaysian nourishment, and welfare towards successful commission met regularly since the beginning materials such as flyers, posters and immigration law does not grant legal status to family reunification and reintegration. One of 2017, and later named the collaboration as photo exhibits depicting issues and children of immigrants. In effect, the children of its mandate is to assist dioceses establish the “CBCP Cluster against Human Trafficking” Stateless / B7 B4 STATEMENTS March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor STATEMENTS The smell of the sheep: Knowing their pain and healing their wounds is at the core of the shepherd’s task. Meeting of the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences on Safeguarding of Minors February 21, 2019 By Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle

The abuse of minors by ordained But he said to them, ´Unless I see the ministers has inflicted wounds not mark of the nails in his hands and only on the victims but also on their put my finger into the nail marks families, the clergy, the Church, and put my hand into his side, I the wider society, the perpetrators will not believe´. Now a week later themselves and the Bishops. But, his disciples were again inside the it is also true, we humbly and room and Thomas was with them. sorrowfully admit, that wounds have Jesus came, although the doors were been inflicted by us bishops on the locked, and stood in their midst and victims and in fact the entire body said, ´Peace be with you.´ Then he of Christ. Our lack of response to the said to Thomas, ´Put your finger here suffering of victims, even to the point and see my hands, and bring your of rejecting them and covering up hand and put it into my side, and the scandal to protect perpetrators do not be unbelieving, but believe.´ and the institution has injured our Thomas answered and said to him, people, leaving a deep wound in our ´My Lord and my God!´” relationship with those we are sent to serve. People are rightly asking: Those Sent Must Be In Touch “Have you, who are called to have With Wounded Humanity the smell of the sheep upon you, not Notice how Jesus invites them instead run away when you found again to look at his wounds. He even Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila and Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago attend the opening session of the meeting on the protection of minors in the the stench of the filth inflicted on insists that Thomas put his finger church, at the Vatican Feb. 21, 2019. CNS/VATICAN MEDIA children and vulnerable people into the wounds of his hands and to you were supposed to protect, too bring his hand into the wound of his children and our poor handling of him.” So the wounds of the Risen death. There is great fear today in the strong to endure?” Wounds call side. Try to imagine how Thomas these crimes. Our people need us Lord remind the disciples of the hearts of people and indeed in our for healing. But what does healing must have felt. But from seeing the to draw close to their wounds and love that is ready to be wounded own hearts, that cause humanity in consist in? How do we as Bishops, wounds of the Risen Lord, he makes acknowledge our faults if we are to out of compassion for humankind. our time to shun touching the wounds who have been part of the wounding, the supreme profession of faith in give authentic and credible witness His wounds are the wounds of in our world simply because we are now promote healing in this specific Jesus as Lord and God. Seeing and to our faith in the Resurrection. others that he freely bore. He did afraid of facing our own wounds, our context? The theme of healing of touching the wounds of Jesus are This means that each of us and not inflict wounds on others, but he own mortality, weakness, sinfulness, wounds has been the subject of fundamental to the act and confession our brothers and sisters at home was ready to be wounded by his love and vulnerability. Ernest Becker many inter-disciplinary studies. of faith. What can we learn from this must take personal responsibility for and communion with them. As observes that we avoid pain and And I cannot pretend to know all intimate encounter? By repeating for bringing healing to this wound Frederick Gaiser said, “The healing suffering as unwanted reminders the findings of the human and social this action twice, the evangelist in the Body of Christ and make the shepherd is never far from dangers, that we are vulnerable. We are fooled sciences on the subject, but I believe makes clear that those who are sent commitment to do everything in never impervious to the evils and into believing that having much we need to recover and maintain to proclaim the core of our Christian our power and capacity to see that infirmities from which he seeks to money, the right insurance policy, the a faith and ecclesial perspective to faith, the dying and rising of Christ, children are safe, are cared for in our protect the flock.” Only the wounds of strictest security, Cctv cameras, the guide us. I repeat: a faith and ecclesial can only do so with authenticity if communities. love and compassion can heal. latest model of cars and gadgets and perspective to guide us, as stressed they are constantly in touch with the The presence of the wounds of the Do Not Be Afraid membership in rejuvenating health many times by Pope Francis. For wounds of humanity. That is one crucifixion on the Risen Lord, for My dear brothers and sisters, we clubs could make us immortal. Sadly my presentation, especially the first of the marks of our ministry. This me, defies human logic. If the world need to put aside any hesitation we do also eliminate the wounded in part, I invite everyone to look to the is true of Thomas, and it is true of were in-charge of choreographing to draw close to the wounds of our midst by getting them out of the Risen Lord and learn from Him, the Church of all time, especially in the resurrection, Jesus would have our people out of fear of being streets when dignitaries visit or by His disciples, and their encounter. our time. Msgr. Tomas Halik writes, shown up at Herod’s house or Pilate’s wounded ourselves. Yes, much of covering their shanties with painted I want to acknowledge at this point “Christ comes to him, to Thomas, porch and made it the biggest “I the wounds we will suffer are part of walls. Goizueta poignantly says, “If the studies published by Roberto and shows him His wounds. This told you so,” in history. Jesus would the restoration of memory we must we deny death, we inflict it. If we deny Goizueta, Richard Horsley, Barbara means that the resurrection is not have manifested his final triumph undergo, as did those disciples of death, we will inflict death. But we Reid, Tomas Halik, Robert Enright, the ´effacement´ or devaluation of by eliminating all signs of pain, Jesus. The wounds of the Risen Lord also inflict it on ourselves. The fear and Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, to the cross. Wounds remain wounds.” injustice, and defeat. Let all of them reminded the disciples of betrayal, of pain and vulnerability that causes name a few authors, who have helped The wounds of Christ remain in the be buried in the dark past and never their own betrayal and abandonment us to shun real human relationships, me in my reflection. wounds of our world. And Msgr. be resurrected. But that is not the way of Jesus when they saved their own to shun that true love that always Halik adds, “Our world is full of of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is lives out of fear. They fled at the first involves surrender and vulnerability So, the first part: The Apparition wounds. It is my conviction that not an illusionary victory. By showing moment of danger, afraid of the cost in the face of another, ultimately kills of the Risen Lord to the Disciples those who close their eyes to the his wounds to the disciples, Jesus of discipleship, and in Peter’s case, our – our! – Interior life, our ability and to Thomas (John 20:19-28) wounds in our world have no right restores their memory. Roberto even denying that he even knew the to feel anything – neither pain nor St. John´s Gospel narrates an to say, ´My Lord and my God´.” For Goizueta justly comments that “the Lord. Jesus’ wounds also remind joy nor love.” Our capacity to love apparition of the Risen Lord to the him, seeing and touching the wounds wounds on Christ´s glorified body them and us that wounds are often might die. The fear of wounds isolates disciples on the evening of the first of Christ in the wounds of humanity are the incarnated memory of the inflicted by blindness of ambition us and makes us indifferent to the day of the week. The doors were is a condition for authentic faith. He relationships that defined his life and legalism and misuse of power needs of others. Fear drives people locked as the disciples cowered in further says, “I cannot believe until I and death.” The wounds of Jesus are that condemned an innocent person to violent and irrational behavior. fear, wondering if they would be the touch the wounds, the suffering of the the consequence of his loving and to die as a criminal. The wounds of Fear motivates people to defend next to be arrested and crucified. It is world – for all the painful wounds, compassionate relationship with the the Risen Christ carry the memory themselves even when no threats in this moment of utter helplessness all the misery of the world and of poor, the sick, tax collectors, women of innocent suffering, but they also exist. Those who sow fear in others that the risen and yet still wounded humankind are Christ´s wounds! I of ill repute, persons afflicted with carry the memory of our weakness and society are actually afraid of Jesus stands in their midst. After do not have the right to confess God leprosy, noisy children, outsiders, and sinfulness. themselves. In the Risen Jesus, we greeting them with the message of unless I take seriously my neighbor´s and foreigners. The wounds of If we want to be agents of healing know that by seeing and touching the the resurrection, “Peace be with you,” pain. Faith that would like to close its Jesus are the consequence of his let us reject any tendency that is part wounds of those who suffer, we touch He showed them His hands and His eyes to people´s suffering is just an allowing himself to be wounded as of worldly thinking that refuses to our own wounds and we touch Jesus. side, marked by gaping wounds. illusion.” Faith is born and reborn he touched the wounds of others. see and touch the wounds of others, We become brothers and sisters to Only by drawing close to His wounds only from the wounds of the Crucified He was crucified because he loved which are Christ´s wounds in the one another. We acknowledge our could they be sent on a mission of and Risen Christ seen and touched these concrete persons who were wounded people. Those wounded by common guilt in inflicting wounds reconciliation and forgiveness by in the wounds of humankind. Only themselves wounded by society abuse and the scandal need us to be on humankind and creation. We hear the power of the Holy Spirit. Thomas a wounded faith is credible (Halik). and religion. By sharing in their strong in faith in this moment. The the call to reconciliation. We see the was not with them at that time. How can we profess faith in Christ weakness and wounds, he became a world needs authentic witnesses to patient presence of the Risen Lord in Let us now hear the account of the when we close our eyes to all the compassionate brother rather than the resurrection of Jesus, who draw our broken world. encounter between the Risen Lord wounds inflicted by abuse? a harsh judge. So the letter to the close to His wounds as the first act and Thomas. Hebrews 5:8-9 affirms, “Son though of faith. I will be stressing: this is an Continual Accompaniment In “Thomas, called Didymus, one of What Is At Stake he was, he learned obedience from act of faith. Solidarity the Twelve, was not with them when Brothers and sisters, this is what what he suffered, and when he was Roberto Goizueta claims that the About the second and last part of Jesus came. So, the other disciples is at stake at this moment of crisis made perfect, he became the source denial of wounds and death leads to my sharing: a psychologist proposal said to him, ´We have seen the Lord´. brought about by the abuse of of eternal salvation for all who obey the death of others and to our own Sheep / B7 Statement of the Diocese of San Carlos reached out to the family of the and whoever is responsible will have minor. We assure the family that to face the consequences. While our we are concerned that their child is Holy Father is calling for an “all-out given proper care and intervention battle” against the sexual abuse of and we have asked our parish minors, and to turn this evil into leaders to reach out to them on our an “opportunity for purification”, behalf. We have offered help and we in the Diocese of San Carlos is support as well both to the accused challenged to “walk the talk”. and his family of origin and his I ask our faithful to pray for pastoral council and eventually to everyone involved in this case, our presbyterium and the affected journeying together as people parish community. of God, sharing the pain of the We are making it clear that we are alleged victim and her family, the not hiding the accused to protect him accused and his family and the from the charges. We are proceeding faith community that’s directly with our own canonical process as affected by it, including our priestly dictated by church law by providing fraternity, guided by this Word of pastoral care to the accused while Life: “Do to others as you would have allowing the legal process to them do to you.” take its course. I have assigned a We draw consolation from Pope priest to take over temporarily the Francis that “if our hearts are open shepherding of the parish concerned to mercy … we proclaim before the WE are greatly saddened and entire clergy of the Diocese of San Following the recent guidelines in order to give the accused time to world that it is possible to overcome shocked that a young child is alleged Carlos. While we acknowledge the of our Holy Father to focus on spiritually prepare himself to face evil with good.” to have been molested by one of our right of the accused to be presumed protecting children rather than the allegations and to give way for clergy. This painful incident creates innocent until proven otherwise, we “protecting the institution”, and an impartial investigation. +MOST REV. GERARDO A. a deep wound and hurt not only to are steadfast to assist the victim and to provide the accompaniment of We are committed to search for ALMINAZA, D.D. the victim and the victim’s family but cooperate in the process so the truth those who have been abused with truth and to make sure the process Bishop of San Carlos also to the communities and to the will come out and justice is served. an emphasis on listening—we have will be fair and just to both parties February 28, 2019 STATEMENTS CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 STATEMENTS B5 Concluding address of His Holiness Pope Francis at the meeting on “The Protection of Minors in the Church” , 21-24 February, 2019 DEAR Brothers and Sisters, Alliance for Safer Communities held As I thank the Lord who has accom- on the same theme in Abu Dhabi last panied us during these days, I would November. like to thank all of you for the ecclesial Another scourge is sexual tourism. spirit and concrete commitment that According to 2017 data provided by you have so generously demonstrated. the World Tourism Organization, each Our work has made us realize once year 3 million people throughout the again that the gravity of the scourge world travel in order to have sexual re- of the sexual abuse of minors is, and lations with a minor. Significantly, the historically has been, a widespread perpetrators of these crimes in most phenomenon in all cultures and soci- cases do not even realize that they are eties. Only in relatively recent times committing a criminal offence. has it become the subject of systematic We are thus facing a universal research, thanks to changes in public problem, tragically present almost ev- opinion regarding a problem that was erywhere and affecting everyone. Yet previously considered taboo; everyone we need to be clear, that while gravely knew of its presence yet no one spoke affecting our societies as a whole,10 of it. I am reminded too of the cruel this evil is in no way less monstrous religious practice, once widespread when it takes place within the Church. in certain cultures, of sacrificing hu- The brutality of this worldwide phe- man beings—frequently children—in nomenon becomes all the more grave pagan rites. Yet even today, the sta- and scandalous in the Church, for it is tistics available on the sexual abuse of utterly incompatible with her moral minors drawn up by various national authority and ethical credibility. Con- and international organizations and secrated persons, chosen by God to agencies (the WHO, UNICEF, IN- guide souls to salvation, let themselves Pope Francis speaks at the conclusion of a Mass on the final day of a meeting on the protection of minors in the church at the Vatican Feb. 24, 2019. CNS/ TERPOL, EUROPOL and others) be dominated by their human frailty VATICAN MEDIA do not represent the real extent of or sickness and thus become tools of the phenomenon, which is often un- Satan. In abuse, we see the hand of the Church that presides in charity: crimes of consecrated persons are fur- new forms of sexual abuse and abuse derestimated, mainly because many the evil that does not spare even the in these painful cases, I see the hand ther tainted by infidelity and shame; of all kinds that threaten minors in cases of the sexual abuse of minors innocence of children. No explana- of evil that does not spare even the they disfigure the countenance of the the settings in which they live and go unreported, particularly the great tions suffice for these abuses involving innocence of the little ones. And this Church and undermine her cred- through the new devices that they number committed within families. children. We need to recognize with leads me to think of the example of ibility. The Church herself, with her use. Seminarians, priests, men and Rarely, in fact, do victims speak out humility and courage that we stand Herod who, driven by fear of losing faithful children, is also a victim of women religious, pastoral agents, and seek help. Behind this reluctance face to face with the mystery of evil, his power, ordered the slaughter of these acts of infidelity and these real indeed everyone, must be aware that there can be shame, confusion, fear which strikes most violently against all the children of Bethlehem. Behind sins of “peculation” (ibid.). the digital world and the use of its of reprisal, various forms of guilt, the most vulnerable, for they are an this there is satan. 3. Genuine purification. Notwith- devices often has a deeper effect than distrust of institutions, forms of cul- image of Jesus. For this reason, the Just as we must take every practi- standing the measures already taken we may think. Here there is a need to tural and social conditioning, but also Church has now become increasingly cal measure that common sense, the and the progress made in the area of encourage countries and authorities lack of information about services aware of the need not only to curb the sciences and society offer us, neither preventing abuse, there is need for a to apply every measure needed to and facilities that can help. Anguish gravest cases of abuse by disciplinary must we lose sight of this reality; we constantly renewed commitment to contain those websites that threaten tragically leads to bitterness, even measures and civil and canonical pro- need to take up the spiritual means the holiness of pastors, whose confor- human dignity, the dignity of women suicide, or at times to seek revenge by cesses, but also to decisively confront that the Lord himself teaches us: mity to Christ the Good Shepherd is a and particularly that of children. doing the same thing. The one thing the phenomenon both inside and humiliation, self-accusation, prayer right of the People of God. The Church Brothers and Sisters: crime does not certain is that millions of children in outside the Church. She feels called and penance. This is the only way to thus restates “her firm resolve to enjoy the right to freedom. There is an the world are victims of exploitation to combat this evil that strikes at the overcome the spirit of evil. It is how pursue unstintingly a path of purifica- absolute need to combat these abomi- and of sexual abuse. very heart of her mission, which is to Jesus himself overcame it. tion, questioning how best to protect nations with utter determination, to It would be important here to cite preach the Gospel to the little ones and The Church’s aim will thus be to children, to avoid these tragedies, to be vigilant and to make every effort to the overall data—in my opinion still to protect them from ravenous wolves. hear, watch over, protect and care for bring healing and restoration to the keep the development of young people partial—on the global level,3 then Here again I would state clearly: if in abused, exploited and forgotten chil- victims, and to improve the training from being troubled or disrupted by from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Af- the Church there should emerge even dren, wherever they are. To achieve imparted in seminaries… An effort an uncontrolled access to pornog- rica and Oceania, in order to give an a single case of abuse – which already that goal, the Church must rise above will be made to make past mistakes raphy, which will leave deep scars idea of the gravity and the extent of in itself represents an atrocity – that the ideological disputes and journal- opportunities for eliminating this on their minds and hearts. We must this plague in our societies. To avoid case will be faced with the utmost istic practices that often exploit, for scourge, not only from the body of the ensure that young men and women, needless quibbling, I would point out seriousness. Brothers and Sisters: in various interests, the very tragedy Church but also from that of society” particularly seminarians and clergy, from the start that the mention of spe- people’s justified anger, the Church experienced by the little ones. (ibid.). The holy fear of God leads us are not enslaved to addictions based cific countries is purely for the sake of sees the reflection of the wrath of The time has come, then, to work to accuse ourselves – as individuals on the exploitation and criminal abuse citing the statistical data provided by God, betrayed and insulted by these together to eradicate this evil from and as an institution – and to make of the innocent and their pictures, and the aforementioned reports. deceitful consecrated persons. The the body of our humanity by adopt- up for our failures. Self-accusation is contempt for the dignity of women The first truth that emerges from echo of the silent cry of the little ones ing every necessary measure already the beginning of wisdom and bound and of the human person. Here the data at hand is that those who who, instead of finding in them fathers in force on the international level and to the holy fear of God: learning how mention should be made of the new perpetrate abuse, that is acts of physi- and spiritual guides encountered ecclesial levels. The time has come to accuse ourselves, as individuals, as norms on graviora delicta approved cal, sexual or emotional violence, are tormentors, will shake hearts dulled to find a correct equilibrium of all institutions, as a society. For we must by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, which primarily parents, relatives, husbands by hypocrisy and by power. It is our values in play and to provide uniform not fall into the trap of blaming others, included as a new species of crime “the of child brides, coaches and teach- duty to pay close heed to this silent, directives for the Church, avoiding which is a step towards the “alibi” that acquisition, possession or distribution ers. Furthermore, according to the choked cry. the two extremes of a “justicialism” separates us from reality. by a cleric of pornographic images of UNICEF data of 2017 regarding 28 It is difficult to grasp the phenom- provoked by guilt for past errors and 4. Formation. In other words, re- minors… by whatever means or using countries throughout the world, 9 out enon of the sexual abuse of minors media pressure, and a defensiveness quiring criteria for the selection and whatever technology”. The text speaks of every 10 girls who have had forced without considering power, since it is that fails to confront the causes and training of candidates to the priest- of minors “under the age of fourteen”. sexual relations reveal that they were always the result of an abuse of power, effects of these grave crimes. hood that are not simply negative, We now consider that this age limit victims of someone they knew or who an exploitation of the inferiority and In this context, I would mention the concerned above all with excluding should be raised in order to expand was close to their family. vulnerability of the abused, which “best practices” formulated under the problematic personalities, but also the protection of minors and to bring According to official data of the makes possible the manipulation of guidance of the World Health Organi- positive, providing a balanced process out the gravity of these deeds. American government, in the United their conscience and of their psycho- zation by a group of ten international of formation for suitable candidates, 8. Sexual tourism. The conduct, States over 700,000 children each logical and physical weakness. The bodies that developed and approved fostering holiness and the virtue of the way of looking at others, the very year are victims of acts of violence abuse of power is likewise present a packet of measures called INSPIRE: chastity. Saint Paul VI, in his encyc- heart of Jesus’ disciples and servants and mistreatment. According to the in the other forms of abuse affecting Seven Strategies for Ending Violence lical Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, wrote must always acknowledge the im- International Centre for Missing and almost 85,000,000 children, forgot- against Children. that “the life of the celibate priest, age of God in each human creature, Exploited Children (ICMEC), 1 out of ten by everyone: child soldiers, child With the help of these guidelines, which engages the whole man so beginning with the most innocent. every 10 children experiences sexual prostitutes, starving children, children the work carried out in recent years totally and so sensitively, excludes It is only by drawing from this radi- abuse. In Europe, 18 million children kidnapped and often victimized by the by the for those of insufficient physical, psychic cal respect for the dignity of others are victims of sexual abuse. horrid commerce of human organs or the Protection of Minors and the and moral qualifications. Nor should that we will be able to defend them If we take Italy as an example, the enslaved, child victims of war, refugee contributions made by this Meeting, anyone pretend that grace supplies for from the pervasive power of violence, 2016 Telefono Azzurro Report states children, aborted children and so the Church, in developing her legisla- the defects of nature in such a man” exploitation, abuse and corruption, that 68.9% of abuses take place within many others. tion, will concentrate on the following (No. 64). and serve them in a credible way in the home of the minor. Before all this cruelty, all this idola- aspects: 5. Strengthening and reviewing their integral human and spiritual Acts of violence take place not only trous sacrifice of children to the god of 1. The protection of children. The guidelines by Episcopal Conferences. growth, in the encounter with others in the home, but also in neighbour- power, money, pride and arrogance, primary goal of every measure must In other words, reaffirming the need and with God. Combating sexual tour- hoods, schools, athletic facilities and, empirical explanations alone are not be to protect the little ones and prevent for bishops to be united in the applica- ism demands that it be outlawed, but sadly, also in church settings. sufficient. They fail to make us grasp them from falling victim to any form tion of parameters that serve as rules also that the victims of this criminal Research conducted in recent years the breadth and depth of this tragedy. of psychological and physical abuse. and not simply indications. Rules, not phenomenon be given support and on the phenomenon of the sexual Here once again we see the limitations Consequently, a change of mentality simply indications. No abuse should helped to be reinserted in society. abuse of minors also shows that the of a purely positivistic approach. It is needed to combat a defensive and ever be covered up (as was often the The ecclesial communities are called development of the web and of the can provide us with a true explanation reactive approach to protecting the case in the past) or not taken suffi- to strengthen their pastoral care of communications media have con- helpful for taking necessary measures, institution and to pursue, wholeheart- ciently seriously, since the covering up persons exploited by sexual tourism. tributed to a significant increase in but it is incapable of giving us a mean- edly and decisively, the good of the of abuses favors the spread of evil and Among these, those who are most cases of abuse and acts of violence ing. Today we need both explanation community by giving priority to the adds a further level of scandal. Also vulnerable and in need of particular perpetrated online. Pornography is and meaning. Explanation will help victims of abuse in every sense. We and in particular, developing new and help are certainly women, minors rapidly spreading worldwide through us greatly in the operative sphere, but must keep ever before us the innocent effective approaches for prevention in and children; these last however need the net. The scourge of pornography will take us only halfway. faces of the little ones, remembering all institutions and in every sphere of special forms of protection and atten- has expanded to an alarming degree, So what would be the existential the words of the Master: “Whoever ecclesial activity. tion. Government authorities should causing psychological harm and “meaning” of this criminal phenome- causes one of these little ones who 6. Accompaniment of those who make this a priority and act with ur- damaging relations between men and non? In the light of its human breadth believe in me to sin, it would be bet- have been abused. The evil that they gency to combat the trafficking and women, and between adults and chil- and depth, it is none other than the ter for him to have a great millstone have experienced leaves them with economic exploitation of children. To dren. It is a phenomenon in constant present-day manifestation of the spirit fastened around his neck and to be indelible wounds that also manifest this end it is important to coordinate growth. Tragically, a considerable part of evil. If we fail to take account of this drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe themselves in resentment and a ten- the efforts being made at every level of of pornographic production has to do dimension, we will remain far from to the world because of scandals! For dency to self-destruction. The Church society and to cooperate closely with with minors, who are thus gravely the truth and lack real solutions. it is necessary that scandals come, but thus has the duty to provide them with international organizations so as to violated in their dignity. The studies Brothers and sisters, today we find woe to the man by whom the scandal all the support they need, by availing achieve a juridical framework capable in this field—it is sad—document that ourselves before a manifestation of comes! (Mt 18:6-7). herself of experts in this field. Listen- of protecting children from sexual ex- it is happening in ever more horrible brazen, aggressive and destructive 2. Impeccable seriousness. Here I ing, let me even put it this way: “wast- ploitation in tourism and of ensuring and violent ways, even to the point evil. Behind and within, there is the would reaffirm that “the Church will ing time” in listening. Listening heals the legal prosecution of offenders.16 of acts of abuse against minors being spirit of evil, which in its pride and spare no effort to do all that is neces- the hurting person, and likewise heals Allow me now to offer a heartfelt commissioned and viewed live over in its arrogance considers itself the sary to bring to justice whosoever has us of our egoism, aloofness and lack of word of thanks to all those priests the net. Lord of the world and thinks that it committed such crimes. The Church concern, of the attitude shown by the and consecrated persons who serve Here I would mention the World has triumphed. I would like to say this will never seek to hush up or not take priest and the Levite in the parable of the Lord faithfully and totally, and Congress held in Rome on the theme to you with the authority of a brother seriously any case” (Address to the the Good Samaritan. who feel themselves dishonoured and of child dignity in the digital era, as and a father, certainly a small one Roman Curia, 21 December 2018). 7. The digital world. The protection discredited by the shameful conduct well as the first Forum of the Interfaith and a sinner, but who is the of She is convinced that “the sins and of minors must take into account the Address / B6 B6 REFLECTIONS March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS

The Passage Jesus had to fulfill Fighting the greatest ‘Liberation War’ 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C, (Lk 9:28-36) 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C, (Luke 4:1-13) March 17, 2019 Migrants’ Sunday, March 10, 2019 By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB TODAY’S Gospel focuses on Luke’s follow in my steps” (Luke 9:24). We narrative on the transfiguration of do not know how, according to Luke, Jesus. Readers of the synoptic gos- the disciples reacted to Jesus’ teach- pels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) will ing, for Luke records none of it, unlike easily recall that the transfiguration in Mark where we find Peter remon- story tells of an event that took place strating with the Lord (Mark 8:33). near the end of Jesus’ public minis- But one could make the educated try in which his external appearance guess that his declaration would have changed. In the presence of Peter, proved a disappointment to them, as- James and John atop a mountain, suming they understood it. After all, Jesus’ clothing became dazzlingly even after Jesus’ death, the disciples, white, and with him appeared Moses according to Luke, thought that Jesus and Elijah who spoke with him. Peter would free Israel from the Romans was so overwhelmed by what took and restore its political and economic place that he suggested that three glory (Luke 24:21). tents be made: one for Jesus, one for The story of transfiguration, there- Moses and another for Elijah. Then fore, functions as a corrective of after a cloud overshadowed them, Peter’s faith in Jesus’ messiahship a voice was heard identifying Jesus and confirms what Jesus said in the as his Son, who must be listened to. prediction of his passion. The pres- Then Jesus and his three disciples ence of Moses and Elijah, who would went down the mountain to be with have fulfilled the requirement for wit- the people. Noting that the event nessing in Luke’s theology (cf Simeon offered the disciples an experience and Anna in the Infancy Narrative of of the true identity of Jesus, many Luke), serves to indicate that the Law preachers follow a line of interpreta- (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) ONE of the first objectives of the the slippery slope of ever-greater form of WAR OF LIBERATION: the tion that stresses the need to follow up testify to the identity of Jesus as the devil is to convince us that he does concessions and humiliating de- liberation from the rule of Satan. our “experience of the divine” with the suffering Messiah. Understandably not exist. If he does not succeed in feats. By that time, they also realize In our “uprising” we should re- practical aspect of spirituality, which enough, Luke—and no other synoptic that, he tries to make us believe that, that the devil has already gained a member that: a) the devil is not is service to the people we meet every evangelist—says that the two heavenly after all, he is not so dangerous or steady foothold in their lives, and invincible, and that; day. They say that we cannot just con- figures “spoke of his passage, which ugly . . . He may even reach the point their aspirations. The final result is b) in this struggle we are not template on the divine; for that would he was to accomplish in Jerusalem of disguising himself as “an angel of an ever-greater “un-freedom” and alone. The extraordinary power of be empty if divorced from action on ” (Luke 9:31 ). In the Greek Bible, light” . . . . And those who fall into weakness. As a consequence, they God’s word and grace is available behalf of the poor. the term translated in English as that trap, very soon find themselves habitually get carried away by their to us to enlighten, strengthen and While such line of preaching has “passage” is exodos, which could also suffering the consequences of the worst passions. The devil easily comfort us. Christ, the most power- something to commend it, yet it fails mean departure, the Exodus. Since worst form of slavery. It is the old turns self-esteem into pride; ap- ful of all allies and the conqueror of to take into account that each evan- the use of the word no doubt echoes story of the Trojan horse, coming preciation for material things into Satan, is with us. Though tempted gelist has a different way of under- the Exodus of Israel from Egypt to the true in our existence. It’s the sad greed; admiration for a person in many ways like us, Jesus never standing the event. If we look at the land of milk and honey, what Jesus tale of so many who underestimate of the other sex into lust; hurt for gave in for a single second. Now, he version of Luke, we find that he has would accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke the devil’s ruses and overestimate an injury suffered into hatred and is just all too eager to make us share some theological insights that are not 9:31) was a new redeeming action for their ability to “neutralize” him at vengefulness . . . . He makes people in his victory. shared by other evangelists, and one his people. That is to say, just as the any moment. believe that they should follow such For those of us who really wish to of them relates to the content of the Exodus of old freed the people from The truth of the matter is that the inclinations to assert their freedom. free themselves from any subjec- conversation between Jesus, Moses slavery to Egypt , the new Exodus devil does exist and is terrible. He Soon they realize, however, that they tion to the devil, Christ—the man and Elijah: “They appeared in glory, in Jerusalem would free the people knows how to plan his attack and have become the devil’s slaves and supremely free—is our great hope. and spoke of his passage which he was from slavery to sin. The Exodus then when to strike. His “point of entry” that their freedom has been reduced All that we have to do is ask his help about to fulfill in Jerusalem” (Luke refers not only to Jesus’ passion and is usually a deceivingly “harmless to ashes . . . . and follow his example. Rooted in 9:21). To understand what Luke death, as some writers tend to think, suggestion,” such as the one we read But no situation is without a rem- the power of God’s word and trust- means by this, it may be recalled that but also to his resurrection and ascen- about in the first temptation endured edy, for as long as there is life, there ing in His grace, we will fight bravely earlier on, Jesus asked his disciples sion, as all these events took place in by Jesus. (See Lk 4:3.) Eventually, can be hope, there can be victory. The side by side with Jesus, ready to who did crowds say he was. It appears Jerusalem . Since the passage that looking back, his victims realize that Lenten season is an opportunity and pay any price, in order to gain the that they had come to uncover the re- Moses and Elijah spoke of includes their yielding to such an “innocent” challenge to take up arms and fight wonderful prize of a real, life-giving ality of what he was through the public the resurrection and ascension of proposal was just the first step in the most urgent and fundamental freedom. confession of Peter who addressed Jesus, the transfiguration serves also him as the “Messiah of God.” But to correct the impression that Jesus when Peter used this to describe was only a suffering Messiah. For him, there is scarcely any doubt that Luke, he is also the Messiah of glory. Faithful for lack of opportunity he understood this title in the Jewish Which is why unlike other synoptic sense of an expected Messiah, the writers, Luke says that the disciples anointed one, sent by God in the Da- had a glimpse of the glory of Jesus to be unfaithful? vidic, kingly or political tradition. He (Luke 9:32 ). Of course, the term would be a political figure identified “glory” in Luke is to be connected to 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C, (Luke 4:1-13) with the “Messiah of Israel” (1QS 9:11) the risen status of Jesus, his being the March 10, 2019 in the Qumran community. In effect, Son of God. His identity as Son of God having seen how Jesus healed and that the disciples had a glimpse of was By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD performed miracles, Peter thought made explicit by the voice from the that Jesus was really God’s anointed clouds, declaring him as God’s Son, IN Christian teaching, we become and Aaron, they wanted to return Jesus, far from succumbing to the to restore the kingdom of Israel to its his Chosen One (Luke 9:35). children of God through faith and to their slavery in Egypt (Num 14:1- three temptations, remained faithful former glory. Luke’s understanding of the trans- baptism (John 1:12; 3:5). Because 3). Some of them even staged a to God (Deut 6:8) and emerged It is for this reason that Jesus tried figuration should be obvious. If the we are God’s children, we have to rebellion (Num 16). Because of their victorious over them. That way, he, to explain to them the meaning of his disciples saw Jesus in his glory as behave as such. In biblical studies, rebellion and disobedience, God the true Israel and the true Son of messiahship by means of the predic- God’s Son, it is to affirm that Jesus, far we call this indicative-imperative did not allow them to enter into the God, showed himself faithful to God tion of his passion: “The Son of Man,” from being a Messiah in the political contrast. Thus, because Christians Promised Land. Israel was a people the Father. he said, “must first endure many suf- tradition of his day, is one who enters have been made holy, they must of erring heart; they did not know The temptation story, then, poses ferings, be rejected by the elders, the into glory through suffering, death therefore act like holy people: “Since the ways of God (Ps 95:10-11). this question to us: have we been high priests and the scribes, and be and resurrection in the holy city (see we have these promises, beloved, In today’s narrative on the faithful to the vows we made at put to death, and then be raised up Luke 24:26). (In that sense, Luke let us purify ourselves from every testing of the Son of God, Luke baptism, when through the faith of on the third day” (Luke 9:22). And shares John’s view that death and defilement of flesh and spirit, and in presents Jesus—being God’s Son the Church, we became adopted sons to make sure that his disciples, who glorification is a single event, though, the fear of God, strive to fulfill our and representative of God’s renewed of God? Of course, many of us are frequently misunderstood him and his as Schweizer notes, Luke stresses the consecration perfectly” (2 Cor 7:1). people—as reliving the life of Israel faithful sons for lack of opportunity teaching, fully realized the implication death aspect of the event, while John But what should be the basic attitude in the New Covenant. Just as the to be otherwise. Some officials of his words for those who wished to emphasizes the glorification.) The of a Christian, how should he act, in people of Israel , in their exodus have been honest, because there follow him, he continued his instruc- disciples of Jesus, who must listen to a social context in which there is so from Egypt , sojourned in the desert had been no occasion to be corrupt, tion on discipleship: “Whoever wishes him and him alone, are to share and much wealth, power, privileges and for forty years and were tested but when a chance is given, we find to be my follower must deny his very follow the same passage—death and honor, and opportunity to abuse (Deut 8:2), so Jesus, in the new them doing what their predecessors self, take up his cross each day and glorification. them? As God’s children, our guide exodus, was in the desert for forty have done, which they were not to is none other than Jesus himself. days and underwent temptations vilify. Would we be surprised if an Address / B5 And in the first chapters of his (Luke 4:1-2). The order of the three oppositionist who used to denounce of some of their confreres. All of us – its daily silence, in many forms and Gospel, Luke shows us that Jesus temptations in Luke is different political dynasties winds up making the Church, consecrated persons, the ways continues to demonstrate and is God’s Son (Luke 1:35; 2:11). As from that in Matthew. In Luke, the his own, or if a politician who before People of God, and even God himself attest with “stubborn” hope that the such, he is the representative of all temptations conclude on the parapet the elections frequently lambasted – bear the effects of their infidelity. In Lord never abandons but sustains the sons/daughters or children of of the temple in Jerusalem, where others for receiving the 10% SOP the name of the whole Church, I thank the constant and, in so many cases, God—the people of God in the New Jesus will ultimately face his destiny ends up asking contractors 40% the vast majority of priests who are painful devotion of his children. The Covenant. In today’s Gospel, Luke (Luke 13:33). Nonetheless, the or even more of the budget for a not only faithful to their celibacy, but holy and patient, faithful People of gives as a summary of his whole life. content is the same: the temptation project? They fight temptation by spend themselves in a ministry today God, borne up and enlivened by the That life relives the life of the people to turn the stones into loaves of easily giving in to it. made even more difficult by the scan- Holy Spirit, is the best face of the of God in the Old Covenant. bread (Luke 4:3), the temptation Yet, even those who do not have dals of few (but always too many) of prophetic Church which puts her Lord In the Old Testament, Israel is to worship Satan in exchange of the opportunity to be otherwise may their confreres. I also thank the faith- at the centre in daily giving of herself. called God’s son (Exod 4:22; Hosea domination over the kingdoms of forget their promises at baptism ful who are well aware of the goodness It will be precisely this holy People of 11:1). But to know the heart of the the world (v 7), and the temptation if only because being faithful does of their pastors and who continue to God to liberate us from the plague of people of Israel , his first-born son, to throw himself from the parapet of not offer much rewards in this life. pray for them and to support them. clericalism, which is the fertile ground God tested them (Deut 8:2). So, the temple (9). That a teenager could auction off her Finally, I would like to stress the for all these disgraces. they wandered in the desert for forty In the first temptation, Satan virginity in order to go to college says important need to turn this evil The best results and the most effec- years, afflicting them with hunger wanted Jesus to use his powers for much of our values today. How many into an opportunity for purification. tive resolution that we can offer to the (Deut 8:3). Despite the seeming his own purposes, rather than fulfill could resist the temptation to receive Let us look to the example of Edith victims, to the People of Holy Mother failure of natural means, he showed his messianic role as planned by the the filthy lucre in exchange for voting Stein—Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Church and to the entire world, are the his care for them because he loved Father. In the second, he attempted a candidate who by any standard does Cross—with the certainty that “in the commitment to personal and collec- them. “It was he who led them forth, to persuaded Jesus to give him not even qualify for the position he is darkest night, the greatest prophets tive conversion, the humility of learn- all the while performing wonders allegiance, rather than God. And in running for? Ultimately, of course, and saints rise up. Still, the life-giving ing, listening, assisting and protecting and signs in the land of Egypt, in the third, he asked the Lord to test being faithful to sonship in God is a stream of the mystical life remains the most vulnerable. the Red Sea, and for forty years in the word of the Father, rather than question of values, and commitment invisible. Surely, the decisive events I make a heartfelt appeal for an the desert” (Acts 7:36). Despite his fulfill his mission on the basis of faith to them. For a person who regards of history of the world have been es- all-out battle against the abuse of paternal care for them, however, the in that word. In all these, Satan tried God’s concerns as the ultimate sentially influenced by souls about minors both sexually and in other people became ungrateful. Instead to make Jesus, the Son of God, break values, and who is committed to whom the history books remain silent. areas, on the part of all authorities of worshipping the true God, they his filial obedience to the Father. He them, temporary enjoyment and And those souls that we must thank and individuals, for we are dealing even made for themselves a molten even misused the Scriptures (v 6), gratifications are not difficult to set for the decisive events in our personal with abominable crimes that must be calf and offered sacrifices to it but Jesus used the same Scriptures aside. Despite poverty, suffering and lives is something that we will know erased from the face of the earth: this (Exod 32:1-9). They complained to show his fidelity (vv 4,7,10). deprivation, he remains faithful in only on that day when all that which is demanded by all the many victims in the hearing of the Lord (Num Thus, unlike people of Israel of Old the face opportunities to privileges, is hidden will be brought to light”. hidden in families and in the various 11:1-3); grumbling against Moses who manifested their disobedience, power and wealth. Just as Christ did. The holy, faithful People of God, in settings of our societies.” REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 Therapy and justice for victims of clerical abuse By Fr. Shay Cullen

THIS week, Pope Francis has taken a sure, the same is going on in other likely to be behind the practice of stand on the sexual abuse of minors countries but has not yet come cover up. by priests and bishops. He has called to the surface. While much has Concern, compassion, and just a historical first global meeting in changed to prevent child abuse by anger that little children are abused Rome where more than 190 bishops clergy, much remains to be done. by their fellow priests seems to be and clerics will discuss a clear plan All must realize that clerical abuse of far from their hearts and minds. of action on how to protect and minors is not just a church scandal It’s a spiritual and theological crisis help the victims of clerical sexual or priests committing “sins” and also. The gospel words of Jesus of abuse and bring priests to justice when discovered are transferred to Nazareth are forgotten. He said that and hold bishops accountable. another parish or diocese to stop the the most important in the Kingdom They will hopefully learn what complaints from continuing. That is of God is the child, not the learned direct action must be taken to end how it was dealt with for decades. and people in authority. They who denial, cover-up and bring justice Families are persuaded to agree to accept and protects a child accepts for victims by holding priests and out-of-court settlements and forced Him. Abusers have to be dealt with bishops accountable for criminal to sign non-disclosure agreements. strictly and “better a millstone be acts against minors. Some have been threatened with tied around their neck and they be Pope Francis is facing this church sanctions if they pursued a thrown into the deepest ocean.” extremely important and criminal case. (Matthew18:1-8) sensitive issue. The meeting is In the Philippines, Archbishop The deep suffering, hurt and acknowledgement that the problem Cardinal Tagle admitted in a anguish that abused children feel is a culture of criminality within the television interview that the is ignored and unacknowledged. church where thousands of priests Philippine hierarchy dealt with Some even say they like it. A video around the world have abused the issues of child sex abuse by of children releasing their pent A girl receives ashes on Ash Wednesday at the Baclaran Church, March 6, 2019. ELMARC LIM and are abusing children. They are priests internally. As if that is the up anger, hurt and pain can be getting away with it to the anger solution. He said at the opening viewed on www.preda.org. Seeing a notorious pedophile priest who is the first and most important and fury of the public at large and of the Vatican meeting that it is and hearing this release of pent abused children. action that needs to be taken by especially among Catholics. an abuse of power echoing the up pain that is in many victims in Catholics who for centuries were the Pope’s meeting. Every diocese The normally arrogant higher position of Pope Francis, who has Emotional Release Therapy gives imbued with guilt by clergy and were must have an independent trained prelates who consider themselves said it is a culture of “clericalism” us a determination to see that the threatened with the “fires of hell” are professional child support therapy important enough to be above in the church. However stating the children are healed and justice is still told to repent and confess their team, a therapeutic home with a the law have to be challenged and problem is not solving it. done by and for the little kids. “sins,” and do penance, no matter para-legal to pursue justice and confronted with these real crimes, The abuse of power has been the Many clerics have been found how little and petty as their so-called to help, support and protect every which they have ignored and covered practice of the bishop and senior guilty and are serving jail sentences. “sins” may have been. They are child victim. up for decades. They must answer clergy to deny ignore and cover This cover up by church leaders is awakening to the truth that they have The team should provide for them before the civil law, which up such crimes and to protect the a systematic obstruction of justice been duped and misled by an archaic therapy to empower the victims is there to protect children and bring institutional church. They tried to and is a crime in itself. Cardinal and false theology that has little to give testimony against their culprits to justice. No one is above prevent the priest being arrested of Lyon, France or no compassion, understanding, abusers. The abusers, including the law. and put on trial for crimes that can is on trial with other clerics for forgiveness and Gospel love. Many clergy, must be brought to trial The evil practice of clerical child carry a life sentence. The fear of such an alleged crime. A court of these pedophile priests, criminals before a civil court of law and held abuse has been exposed in many public disgrace, failure in office, loss decision may be released in March. themselves, judge and condemn the accountable for child abuse. The Western countries by government of prestige and authority, criticism Cardinal , who held a innocent. accused, if guilty, ought to confess, tribunals and commissions in the of the institutional church by the senior Vatican position, is on trial The genuine care, healing and repent and accept penance in United States, Australia, Ireland, Catholic communities and the media for “historic child sexual offenses.” support for every victim of child jail behind bars. Nothing less is Chile, France and Germany. For and the huge loss of donations are The Cardinal allegedly protected sexual abuse especially by clergy acceptable.

Corporal / B2

enough of the precious Blood re- necessary, and, finally, the corporal, The “other places” mentioned “The ciborium or monstrance emonial of Bishops says that there mains in the chalice for the Commu- the purificator, the pall, and the would generally refer to communion should be placed upon the table of the should be a corporal upon the altar nion of the concelebrants. Then the Missal.” of the sick. In this case, the person altar which is covered with a cloth. If “as circumstances require.” , or one of the concelebrants, Thus, several corporals may be or his family prepare the candles exposition with the monstrance is to This conditional expression takes arranges the chalice together with used at Mass. At least one is placed and a table covered with a cloth. extend over a long period, a throne in into account particular situations the paten containing particles of the at the center of the altar at the It would be the priest, deacon or an elevated position may be used, but such as exposition at the end of host, if appropriate, either in the presentation of gifts. Others may extraordinary minister of Holy this should not be too lofty or distant. Mass and, perhaps, expositions that center of the altar or at the side on be placed at other areas of the Communion who would bring the After exposition, if the monstrance are not upon an altar. For example, another corporal. altar if numerous sacred vessels are corporal. In some cases, such as in a is used, the minister incenses the some forms of exposition may retain “297. The celebration of the required. There should also be at hospital when several sufferers are sacrament. If the adoration is to be historical practices such as a taber- Eucharist in a sacred place is to take least one corporal on the credence given Communion, the rite foresees lengthy, he may then withdraw. nacle with a turntable. In that case, place on an altar; however, outside table for the purification. the possibility of initiating the rite “In the case of more solemn and the corporal is already below the a sacred place, it may take place on The Rite of Holy Communion in the first room and concluding lengthy exposition, the host should monstrance in the rotary tabernacle. a suitable table, always with the use and Eucharistic Worship Outside of at the last. In such a situation the be consecrated in the Mass which The principle of the use of a corporal of a cloth, a corporal, a cross, and Mass also has important indications corporal would be required only at immediately precedes the exposition below the monstrance or pyx remains candles. regarding the corporal: the beginning. and after communion should be in place. “306. For only what is required “19. When communion is given in a For exposition the ritual says: placed in the monstrance upon Finally, with respect to candles for for the celebration of the Mass may church or oratory, a corporal is to be “No. 93. If the Holy Eucharist the altar. The Mass ends with the exposition the ritual says: be placed on the altar table: namely, placed on the altar, which is already is not reserved at the altar where prayer after communion, and the “54. For exposition of the blessed from the beginning of the celebration covered with a cloth. A communion the exposition is to take place, the concluding rites are omitted. Before sacrament in the monstrance, four until the proclamation of the Gospel, plate is to be used. When communion minister puts on a humeral veil and the priest leaves, he may place the to six candles are lighted, as at Mass, the Book of the Gospels; then from is given in other places, a suitable brings the sacrament from the place Blessed Sacrament on the throne and and incense is used. For exposition the Presentation of the Gifts until table is to be prepared and covered of reservation; he is accompanied by incense it.” of the blessed sacrament in the cibo- the purification of the vessels, the with a cloth; candles are also to be servers or by the faithful with lighted While this expression “cloth” is rium, at least two candles should be chalice with the paten, a ciborium, if provided.” candles. somewhat vague, No. 1104 of the Cer- lighted, and incense may be used.”

Stateless / B3 concerns of the migrants resource speakers Phase 2: Actual NMS celebration • During the fellowship, cultural a barometer on the efficiency • Hold discussion forums and • Conduct creative activities • Set specific time for a special presentations may be provided of your preparation and dialogues or similar meeting. such as contest, concerts or mass for overseas Filipinos and sharing of food or salu-salo. celebration of NMS. Moreover, Issues on migration can cultural events and their families in your this will be the basis on how be best integrated during • Popularize and advocate issues diocese or parish. Phase 3: Evaluation far your diocese-parish or the meeting of BEC, parish and concerns of migrants • Prepare special liturgy and ECMI’s programs address the school will undertake pastoral mandated organizations or involving tri-media (Radio, involve the participation of preservation of families programs for migrants. parish pastoral council. television and newspapers) overseas Filipinos and their • After NMS, the migrant • In bigger meetings, and other venues like schools, families diocesan ministers and leaders ECMI programs address the representatives from various religious congregations, • Invite the OFWs and their may set and agree on the preservation of families as this is government agencies with private institutions and families for a fellowship date to hold an assessment in fact the main reason why most programs and services to within the barangay and local activity after the Eucharistic or evaluation of the NMS Filipinos decide to leave the country OFWs may also be invited as government units. celebration celebration. This will serve as and work overseas.

Sheep / B4 in the light of faith; in the light of images, and interpersonal conflicts some cases bishops and religious who have done wrong, while at the peggio ancora, ripetere quegli stessi faith, and a psychologist proposal. that arise from the inner brokenness. superiors are tempted—perhaps same time, we strive for justice? meccanismi che vogliono eliminare”. For this portion, I will rely heavily Yet, before we even raise the issue even at times pressured—-to choose How can we renew the Church by a Learning from the Risen Lord and his on dr. Robert Enright, professor of asking the victims to forgive between victim and perpetrator. Who firm correction of a definite wrong disciples, we look at and touch the at the University of Wisconsin- as part of their healing, we must should we be helping? Who should be and walk with the abused, patiently wounds of victims, families, guilty Madison in the United States, and the clarify that we are not suggesting helped? Now, a focus on justice and and repeatedly begging forgiveness, and innocent clergy, the Church and pioneer in the social scientific study that they should just let it all go, forgiveness show us the answer: We knowing that giving such a gift can society. Beholding Jesus wounded by of forgiveness. We are collaborating excuse the abuse, just move on. No. focus on both. Regarding victims, we heal them even more? betrayal and abuse of power, we see with him on the programme of Far from it. Without question, we need to help them to express their the wounds of those hurt by those forgiveness in the Philippines. In know that when victims come to deep hurts and to heal from them. Conclusion. who should have protected them. fact, in this very moment, there is a moment of forgiving others who Regarding the perpetrators, we need Before reading my concluding In Jesus, we experience the mercy a session among Catholic School have harmed them, a deeper healing to serve justice, help them to face the paragraph, I would like to read that preserves justice and celebrates Educators in Manila on “Pain, takes place and the understandable truth without rationalization, and at a portion from the “Lettera al the gift of forgiveness. The Church wound, and forgiveness”. According resentments that build up in their the same time not neglect their inner popolo di Dio pellegrino in Cile”, hopefully would be a community of to him, one concern that we must hearts are reconciled. We know that world, their own wounds. 31 maggio 2018, di Papa Francesco, justice coming from communion and address is: Once justice is served, forgiveness is one powerful and even At times, we are tempted to think in n. 2: “Senza questa visione di fede, compassion, a Church eager to go how do we help the victims to heal scientifically supported pathway “either/or” terms: We strive either for qualsiasi cosa potremmo dire o forth on a mission of reconciliation from the effects of the abuse? Justice for eliminating pain, resentment justice or we try to offer forgiveness. fare andrebbe a vuoto. Questa to the wounded world in the Holy is necessary but by itself does not and the human heart. We as the We need a shift to a “both/and” certezza è imprescindibile per Spirit. Once again, the Crucified and heal the broken human heart. If Church should continue to walk stance as we deliberately ask these guardare al presente senza evasività Risen Lord stands in our midst at we are to serve the victims and all with those profoundly wounded questions: How can we serve justice ma con audacia, con coraggio this moment, shows us his wounds those wounded by the crisis, we by abuse building trust, providing and foster forgiveness in the face of ma saggiamente, con tenacia ma and proclaims: “Peace be with you!” need to take seriously their wound unconditional love, and repeatedly this wound of sexual abuse? How senza violenza, con passione ma May we ever grow in our faith in this of resentment and pain and the need asking for forgiveness in the full can we prevent distorting forgiveness senza fanatismo, con costanza great mystery. Thank you. for healing. Resentment can be like recognition that we do not deserve so that we do not equate it with just ma senza ansietà, e così cambiare a disease, that slowly and steadily that forgiveness in the order of letting the injustice slide away or tutto quello che oggi può mettere a ______infects people, until their enthusiasm justice but can only receive it when move on and dismiss the wrong? rischio l’integrità e la dignità di ogni and energy are gone. With increasing it is bestowed as gift and grace in the How can we keep an accurate view persona. Infatti, le soluzioni di cui c’è 1Studies published by Roberto Goizueta, Richard Horsley, Barbara Reid, Tomas Halik, Robert Enright, stress, they are prone to heightened process of healing. of forgiveness as offering startling bisogno richiedono che si affrontino and Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, to name a few authors, anxiety and depression, lowered-self- Finally, we are concerned that in mercy of unconditional love to those i problemi senza farsene irretire o, have helped me in my own reflection. B8 ENTERTAINMENT March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Cold Pursuit TERIBOL OG Bladimer Usi

FIND 3 MISSING THINGS: 1. HOLY ROSARY 2. ST. LORENZO RUIZ Buhay Parokya 3. SAINT TERESA

DIRECTOR: Hans Petter Moland entertaining breather to the LEAD CAST: Liam Neeson, Tom body count and blood coated Bateman, Tom Jackson, Emmy snow. There is a subtle wit Rossum, Julia Jones PRODUCER: Finn Gjerdrum, Stein in the cinematography and B. Kvae, Michael Shamberg design which emphasize the SCREENWRITER: Frank Baldwin stark yet imposing landscape. BASED ON: “In Order of Cold Pursuit offers humor, Disappearance” by Kim Fupz a quality never seen in Aakeson Neeson’s Taken franchise. MUSIC: George Fenton GENRE: Dark Comedy-Action This immediately endears DISTRIBUTOR: Summit the audience and makes them Entertainment overlook shortcomings. The COUNTRY: United States plot is still the same father- LANGUAGE: English seeking-justice, Neeson RUNNING TIME: 118 minutes does the same angry tough calculating dad routine, some Technical assessment: 3.0 Moral assessment: 2.0 characters are underwritten CINEMA rating: V16 and serve no purpose to the MTRCB rating: R16 film. But the biggest issue we have with the movie is that it Nels Coxman (Neeson) is is several minutes longer than a gentle family man who it needs to be. receives the Citizen of the Justice taken into one’s Year award. But when he own hands creates an learns that Viking Calcote’s endless cycle of violence. (Bateman) drug cartel While we understand that murdered his son, he becomes criminals need to face an ice-cold vigilante wanting the consequences of their to exact revenge on them. He actions, we emphasize that kills three of Viking’s men these should be done within and dumps their bodies in the boundaries of the law. the river. Viking, believing When revenge, brutal death, the deaths are caused by and violence are funny and White Bull (Jackson), a audiences laugh at these Native American drug lord, scenes, danger signs should abducts and kills the latter’s be flashing. The movie has son. This begins the endless all the ingredients for it violence and killings from the not to be suitable for young opposing gangs while Nels viewers — drugs, revenge, plots to dismantle the cartel. language, gore, and violence. Cold Pursuit is the But these are not what makes remake of Moland’s own the film strictly for mature Norwegian film In Order of audiences. It is the comedic Disappearance. While you tone used in presenting can praise its ambition deliver them. Cold Pursuit plays high powered action and with the audiences’ reaction dark humor. The exchanges to death and violence. This are amusing –although treatment is appropriate for not always clever — and older and mature viewers. Second Act DIRECTOR: Peter Segal LEAD CAST: Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini, Vanessa Hudgens, Treat Williams, Milo Ventimiglia her online identity landing the Cinderella plot device. the film talks to those who her free. More often than PRODUCER: Jennifer Lopez, her a job as consultant at a Lopez and Hudgens look have unfulfilled dreams or not, people would choose Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Justin Zackham, Benny Medina high-end consumer products good together and the twist those who are thinking that comfort over truth but Maya SCREENWRITER: Justin company. Being street-smart, in their connection in the they were not given equal chooses otherwise. She is an Zackham, Elaine Goldsmith- she quickly earned respect and film is both surprising and opportunities in life for some example of woman’s strength Thomas MUSIC: Michael Andrews confidence of the CEO and he sweet — making the film veer reason — lack of education, of character that looks beyond CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ueli pits her against his daughter away from usual predictable poverty, unexpected selfish desires — willing to Steiger Zoe (Vanessa Hudgens) to endings. The supporting pregnancy, etc. Second Act risk everything for the sake of EDITOR: Jason Gourson see who can better design an actors give enough comedic simply says it is never too truth. However, there is clear PRODUCTION COMPANY: STX Films, H. Brothers organic skin care line. But Zoe flavor as well. The female late to chase after what one indication of co-habitation in DISTRIBUTOR: STX Films turns out to be more than just bonding is smoothly executed really wants, or to work for the film and sexual relations COUNTRY: United States a corporate rival. How long in the film and the female a dream. Living in society outside marriage — so the LANGUAGE: English RUNNING TIME: 104 minutes can Maya keep up with her second leads deliver the film’s that puts so much prime on young audience must be made-up identity? sentiments. The film in its the young — the film is a mild guided on this. The deception Technical assessment: 3.0 in life. As an experienced, Second Act is neither a entirety is a delight to watch eye-opener. Maya’s character is taken lightly as well although Moral assessment: 3.0 quick-witted, perceptive romcom nor a drama — it and the audience are sure to may be flawed with wrong taken into context, it is said CINEMA rating: V13 MTRCB rating: PG13 employee of a megastore, she is a comedy with a heart. have good laughs in between choices or wrong decisions in the film that there is no is passed over for a promotion Lopez brings out her plenty of sobs and inspiration. but she is not imprisoned by substitute for truth-telling. Maya (Jennifer Lopez) for not having a college romcom background best Second Act serves as regret. Instead, she stands up CINEMA deems the film as just turns 40-year-old and degree. Maya is devastated. in this movie with a lot of inspiration to the aging sector and dusts-off her mistakes appropriate only for audiences struggles with frustrations Overhearing this, her godson maturity. Her commanding in general and to women in and corrects them in the ages 13 years old and above for not having achieved more secretly creates and revamps screen presence perfectly fits particular. Most especially process. The truth has set with parental guidance. Ugnayan THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST

CBCP Monitor Vol. 23 No. 5 March 4 - 17, 2019 C1 PASTORAL CARE FOR FAMILIES By Bernie Cuevas marriages that reflect the sacrament of the love of Christ, meaning, only for those CENTRAL to the life of Couples who have been joined together by God. for Christ is its vision of being The prayer for every marriage should be Families in the Holy Spirit Renew- that the couple be truly joined together by ing the Face of the Earth. But how God because marriage becomes a sacra- does CFC do that in a world beset ment only when it is between the couple by many threats and challenges to and God – meaning that they make an act of faith that it is God who brings them families? together. He proceeded to say that based The “Pastoral Care for Families Confer- on this, it is also equally true to say that ence,” a special gathering of the Mission what God has not joined together, we Core of Metro Manila held at the SMX must not force to be together. MOA last March 3, aimed to answer this He referred to Chapter 8 of AL, the question through a deeper understand- focus of his talk: “Accompanying, Dis- ing of the call of Amoris Laetitia (The cerning and Integrating Weakness”. Joy of Love), the post synodal apostolic This chapter is a response to the question exhortation written by Pope Francis in “What is the proper pastoral care for 2016 to address the need of families for marriages and families that are humanly pastoral care. weak and fragile?” Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, He posed the question: If CFC is only the main speaker of the conference, spoke for married couples, specifically for those on the "Pastoral Approach of Amoris Lae- married in church, isn’t that discrimina- titia" (AL) . He explained that AL provides tory? Does the CFC have a ministry for a guide for a pastoral approach rather couples in irregular unions? He men- than a doctrinal approach to problems tioned Jacob’s Well, the ministry for ir- besetting marriage and family, especially regular unions that CFC established in the that of irregular unions. He shared the late 1990’s that somehow got sidetracked. story of the wedding of Kris, his niece, as He encouraged CFC to discern whether an introduction to the importance of un- it should move in that direction again. derstanding what a couple gets into when The bishop explained the difference they get married in the Catholic Church. between Salvation and Redemption. Both He stressed that what makes marriage imply that someone is saved but with an indissoluble sacrament is its being redemption, there is the notion that a much more than just a contract (a legal price was paid so that that someone may memorandum of agreement) between be saved. He said the cross of Jesus is not a husband and wide. Rather, when the about suffering and death. Rather, it is couple exchanges rings in the name of the about unconditional love, a love that is Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, they unwilling to give up, even at the price of create a kind of a “love triangle.” one’s own blood. It means never to agree Marriage then, is not just about a couple that anyone at all is beyond redemption. loving one another with human love, Bishop David referred to the writings of but loving one another with the love of St. John Paul II who proposed the so-called Christ in them. This is why the Bible “law of gradualness” in the knowledge states that what God has joined together that the human being “knows, loves and can never be separated by any human accomplishes moral good by different being. He explained that this is the basis stages of growth”. (AL 295). AL 310 cites for our belief in the indissolubility of a that “...mercy is not only the working sacramental marriage. of the Father; it becomes a criterion for To further explain, he said every knowing who his true children are.” He marriage founded on human laws is dis- also cited John 14: “ “In my Father’s house soluble by those laws. He proposed that there are many the indissolubility of marriage is only for PASTORAL CARE, C2 Bishop Pabillo Holds Lecture on Catholic Social Teachings for STMA

ST. THOMAS More and Associates (STMA) invited Bishop interdependent web of life. The Church provides a vision Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and CFC spiri- toward an integral human and societal development of tual adviser, to give the members of the group a lecture on the the world which is the prophetic Catholic Social Teach- Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. ings (CST).” The four-part lecture series was held on January 16 and 30; and February 20 and 27 at the LAIKO Conference Room in What is CST? Intramuros, Manila. CST is a clearly discernible body of official Catholic social The basis for these particular teachings, which the prelate teachings on the world order, in its economic, cultural and describes as the Church’s best-kept secrets that should be political dimensions. The sources of these teachings are brought out into the open, was what Jesus proclaimed in the Scripture; the Magisterium of the Church, papal Gospel: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has and pronouncements, teachings of authorized Church bod- anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me ies, Vatican Council II, experiences of the Church; the lives to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to and teachings of the saints, engagements of the Church the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of in present issues, and dialogue with other branches of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) This is the same verse CFC knowledge. speakers quote at the beginning of the Christian Life Program. According to Bishop Pabillo, the CST is not a “by the way” In biblical times, Jesus taught that there are two great- or an add on, but a constitutive part of Jesus’ message of est commandments—“Love God and love your neighbor love—to love God and to love one’s neighbor. “One cannot as yourself.” He illustrated this with the story of the stand without the other,” the prelate emphasized. good Samaritan. Bishop Pabillo described “neighbor” in three contexts. “Today, society and environment influence the person,” The first was during the Old Testament times when one’s Bishop Pabillo said. He added, “Persons have social respon- neighbor meant his fellow Jews. The second was during sibilities. All actions have social consequences. There is an most of the Christian era when PABILLO, C3 WALK FOR LIFE 2019: CREATING “WOMBS” THAT GIVE LIFE shared their testimonies, and degrade human dignity, the showed video presentations Cardinal encouraged every- of these aspects. one to also make our society Holy Mass was celebrated a “womb that gives life.” He by His Eminence Cardinal expressed his hope of having Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbish- a society with a heart that op of Manila. He was assisted beats with empathy. by Archbishop Pablo Virgilio “Start walking that our so- “Ambo” David of the Diocese ciety will start to be a womb of Kalookan and Most Rev. of tenderness, love and care,” Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Cardinal Tagle encouraged Bishop of Manila. In his hom- the thousands of people who ily, Cardinal Tagle enjoined showed up for the Walk. everyone to be a “womb of life” Bishop Pabillo also that creates a space for Christ’s thanked the attendees of tenderness and compassion. the walk, particularly for TO SHOW the solidarity This year, the walk high- He said, “Sa sinapupu- showing that everyone can of the Catholic Church in lighted the different “threats nan ng ina nagsisimula ang be united for the cause of upholding human life and to life” in the present times, pagmamahal at kalinga sa upholding human life. He human dignity, the Sang- such as extrajudicial killings buhay,” (It is in the mother’s reminded them to partici- guniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, and the lowering of the age of womb that the love and care pate in the upcoming elec- the Catholic Bishop’s Con- criminal liability. To counter of life starts). He emphasized tion, as it is an essential part ference of the Philippines these, the walk emphasized that the “womb” does not just of evangelization. Episcopal Commission on the importance of differ- refer to the mother’s womb, Simultaneous Walks for the Laity and different Cath- ent ways of upholding life, but also refers to our fami- Life were held in different olic organizations including such as purity and chastity, lies, neighbors, school, par- parts of the country such Couples for Christ, held the family, environment and ishes and communities be- as Dagupan, Tarlac, Ormoc, 3rd Walk for Life last Febru- responsible citizenship. A cause all these can be wombs Cagayan de Oro and Leyte. ary 16, 2019 at the Quezon number of people from dif- that bring life to people. (PMB, CFC ANCOP Com- City Memorial Circle. ferent Catholic organizations With the threats to life that munications) C2 March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor

FROM A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

Rouquel Ponte TOWARDS REAL PASTORAL CONVERSION POPE FRANCIS warns against the The exhortation to love is best de- risk of “slowly slipping toward an temptations of the devil. It is day life as Christians. “culture of indifference” that is so scribed in 1 John 4:7-11. This epistle evil heart.” the evil heart that allows us to be Finally, the Holy Father issues a pervasive in today’s modern world. by Jesus’ beloved Apostle says in part, Three things will help us better seduced by the enemy leading to call – “No to the culture of indiffer- For most people of today, this heavily “let us love one another; for love is understand the deeper meaning of stubbornness and closure. ence.” Using the parable of the multi- secular culture blocks the pathway of God”. The mystery of this love “hardness of heart” so we can exam- With this in mind, Pope Francis plication of the fish and the loaves as towards a real conversion of the was fully initiated by God and gives ine if indeed we are slipping toward counsels us to be faithful to grow an example, we see that Jesus did not heart. This also turns our hearts cold us the example that we may love as an evil heart: through God’s Word and an openness accept the indifference of the apostles to the needs of others, especially the God loves us. 1. Jesus, when he encountered to the “action of the Holy Spirit.” It is toward the hungry multitude and poor. Thus we are not able to practice But even as God has shown us the some people who were closed good to be reminded that praying and rejected their suggestion to send the charity at its very core. way to love, our heart continues to to his message, said that he was reading the Scriptures regularly and hungry crowd away to find their own This culture has also desensitized be dominated by an attitude of indif- “saddened by their hardened receiving both the Sacrament of the food. The apostles were not mean but people to the point that they are just ference. Pope Francis, in his homily or closed hearts”. This can hap- Eucharist and Confession regularly rather, they were indifferent. They focused on themselves. Their ego at Santa Marta on January 17, 2019, pen to us when we are faced will enable us to remain in God’s had not learned what real love is, or becomes dominant and their focus warned against slipping toward an with great suffering and are grace. This will certainly guard our knew as yet what compassion was. is directed more to self than being “evil heart”, and advised us to seek not able to let the flow of God’s hearts from slipping toward an evil Pope Francis ended his homily concerned with the needs of others. “to grow” through God’s Word and grace into our life. heart. with an invitation to meditate on This sense of indifference allows the openness to the action of the Holy 2. Spiritual stubbornness can With this knowledge and with this compassionate God “who takes spirit of arrogance and vanity to ruin Spirit. He cited the passage from also occur when we are closed the grace from God, we are on the the first step” despite our attitude the fundamental virtue of humility. Hebrews 3:12: “Take care, brethren, within our own ideology to the way to winning our battle against of indifference. The pastoral conversion we desire lest there be in any of you an evil and point to being very defensive. the culture of indifference. From For our reflection: At the end of needs to flow from God’s example of unbelieving heart, leading you to fall We become so obstinate that here, we will be able to orient our the day, we all need to set aside two, love. It is a love that does not turn away from the living God”. It is good we are not open to the Holy thoughts, words and actions toward three or five minutes of quiet time away from the tending to people’s for us to take note of what the Holy Spirit. real pastoral conversion by sowing and ponder the question: “What hap- needs, especially those of the poor. Father is saying since we all run the 3. Our daily battle against the love and compassion in our day-to- pened in my heart today?”

DAWNINGS AQUILA AND PRISCILLA

Arnel Santos OUR COUPLE JOURNEY Awake, O sleeper RECENTLY, while prayer-walking on the sea- or sexually,” the term “couples” as used in the shores of Roxas, Mindoro Oriental, I turned name “Couples for Christ” actually refers to Eph 5:14 my gaze to the sky. Minute by minute, there “married” couples. To be more precise (and as DURING his entire ministry, Paul was constantly own resources and make do with spartan accom- were gradual shifts and changes in the light- per the CFC Statutes), “couples” in Couples for exhorting the churches to “wake up!” In his let- modations? Do we ignore prayer until we start ing, colors, and hues in the sky. Christ refer to “any validly married Catholic ter to the Romans, he said: It is the hour now experiencing fear or encountering difficulties First was an almost pitch black horizon. couple”. Mag-asawa para kay Kristo there- for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is or problems too big for us to handle? If so, then Moments later, gray. A few minutes later, the fore is a fairly good translation of Couples nearer now than when you first believed (Rom we may be guilty of “sleeping” like Jonah, self- east started to show colors -- yellow, gold, or- for Christ. 15:11). Then he urged the Thessalonians: Let us assured in our preferences and confident in our ange and white. Then the sun peeped through The other translation I had considered was not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and own righteousness. and showed itself, gleaming and beaming its “Mga Magkabiyak para Kay Kristo”. sober (1 Thes 5:6). He sent the Church in Ephesus Samson is another Biblical example of a light, resulting in what photography enthusi- Magkabiyak captures the notion of “couple” a similar message. man of God who “sleeps”, overly confident in asts refer to as the “golden hour”. Thereafter, as marital partners. From the root word, “bi- In the final verse of our community’s theme his God-given strength. Samson was chosen luster and brightness and brilliance! yak” (literally, “half” or “split”), “magkabiyak” this year, we find Paul reminding the Ephe- and anointed by God to deliver the Israelites We refer to this moment of the day as means a “couple”, where one is the “better sians: Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, from the Philistines by giving him great “daybreak” or “sunrise”. It is a very brief half” of the other. The halves are joined to- and arise from the dead, and Christ will give physical strength. But he fell for Delilah who moment. But though it happens quickly, one gether to create one whole where one will be you light” (Eph 5:14). Here Paul seems to be was paid by the Philistines to find out the can actually notice that there are various incomplete without the other. quoting a passage from Scripture. But from source of his strength. After several failed at- stages of “morning”. Not only can one mark With these, it seems that “asawa” is the what passage in the Hebrew Bible is Paul quot- tempts, Delilah finally succeeded and so: She the differences between dawn, daybreak and proper and more formal way to refer to spouse ing? What is the “it” in the phrase “therefore, had him sleep on her lap, and called for a man sunrise, one can even distinguish the various but “kabiyak” is more endearing; it is used to it says”? A search of the Old Testament shows who shaved off his seven locks of hair. Then phases of “dawn”. refer to one’s spouse with much fondness and no verse written exactly as quoted by Paul. she began to mistreat him, for his strength The best way to explain this is by using tenderness. Perhaps Paul may have paraphrased and has left him (Jdg 16:19). Filipino words. I had already settled on “Magkabiyak para compressed into a single verse Isaiah 60:1-2: There are not a few members of the community Dawn is “liwayway” which is preceded by kay Kristo”, until February 10, 2019, when I Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the who, during their younger days, were on fire to that “break of dawn,” termed as “bukang- gave a talk in Lipa, Batangas. glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, dark- serve and evangelize. No assignment was too liwayway”. After liwayway comes sunrise, or I was discussing “marriage” and its Filipino ness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover difficult, no teaching too boring, no mission too “pagsikat ng araw”. All these occur in that translation. I was moved to say that while the the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and far or dangerous, and no day or week or month particular part of the “morning” (umaga)-- the usual and popular translation for marriage over you appears his glory (Is 60:1-2). too crowded not to make time for service. They hours between 12:01 AM till sunrise --- which is “kasal”, there is actually a better Filipino The passage in Isaiah refers to believers who thus progressed rapidly from being a member is more aptly called as “madaling-araw.” The word for it --- “pag-iisang dibdib”. This latter still live in righteousness but living a lifestyle to becoming a household head, then unit head, climax is marked by that fleeting instant when term is more suitable because “kasal” refers to that is no different than unbelievers. Their faith chapter head, cluster head, then sector head or the eyes can still comfortably look directly at an event – like the wedding celebration--- or in God and their righteousness are not visibly provincial area head or country coordinator. But the round orange sun, before it breaks and even a status (“kasal na”). “Pag-iisang-dibdib” evident. They are not spiritually “dead” but only soon they were replaced by younger leaders and shines and brightens everything with its is very different. spiritually “asleep.” found themselves without any assigned service. brilliance. This Filipino word indicates not just a one- In a similar manner, in his letter to the Ephe- And slowly they drifted away, the fire gradually In that instant, it dawned on me: “enlighten- time event, but puts emphasis on the beautiful sians, Paul refers to “sleeping” Christians who diminishing into a small flickering flame, the ment” is a process. Historical and progressive. process of “pag-iisa” -- of being one: the unit- are still actually alive to God and adhering to light slowly dimming. Their hearts are still in It may appear to come in an instant, but in ing, the combining of the “dibdib” -- the very Christian rituals but whose lives do not reflect the right place, they are not “dead” but are in reality, it is a result of a series of building up core of each other as symbolized by the hearts. the light of Christ. They appear lethargic and spiritual slumber. They were once great leaders and only after undergoing one step, one phase While discussing all these, it dawned on do not radiate the fire of the Spirit in their daily but now are lying asleep. after another. Like renewal, rekindling and me right there and then. There is still an- lives. They are content at merely belonging to Then there are those who are still young in rejuvenation. It is experienced, but it should other translation for Couples for Christ : “Mga a Christian community that has grown and is years but have started to drift away or fall into continue and should progress. Pinag-isang dibdib para kay Kristo.” growing rapidly but do not vigorously partici- slumber because of unresolved problems of rela- Like “grace” – “Grace acts in history; ordi- -000- pate in proclaiming the Good News to others or tionships with other members of the community. narily it takes hold of us and transforms us Marriage is a journey. To be a couple is a actively put into practice the Beatitudes. And there are those who fall asleep because they progressively. If we reject this historical and journey. So too, to be “Couples for Christ” is Jonah is an example of a believer who refused feel they have been unfairly denied certain posi- progressive reality, we can actually refuse and a journey. to proclaim God because of personal preference tions of leadership in the community. block grace, even as we extol it by our words.” One time, I was inviting a non-CFC member to and intolerant mentality. He refused to call upon Like Samson, we too could be lulled into sleep, (Gaudete et Exultate, 50) deliver a talk at the Family is a Gift conference in God until he experienced fear, difficulty and overly confident that we, as a community, have --000-- 2017. Upon seeing me she said: “Oh Bro. Arnel, suffering. Called by God to preach in Nineveh, grown with enough strength in numbers that we Take for example this little journey of mine you know my husband and I are not yet couples he instead chose to flee and boarded a ship for can now relax, feel comfortable and lie asleep in translating into Filipino the name “Couples for Christ. Our marriage is okay. All is in order. Tarshish. When the ship encountered a violent on Delilah’s lap. But here is peril of the deadli- for Christ.” But we are not yet couples for Christ.” storm, everyone prayed, except Jonah. Jonah had est kind. Delilah is cunning, always looking for What is the Filipino translation for “Cou- At that instant it dawned on me: she was gone down into the hold of the ship and lay there the means to sap the community’s strength by ples for Christ”? not referring to Couples for Christ as an as- fast asleep. The captain came to him and said, leading us to the comfort of her lap and then I asked myself this more than a decade ago. sociation. She was referring to their journey “What are you doing asleep? Rise up, call upon gradually extinguishing the fire of the Spirit and And at that time, what immediately came to to Christ. A historical and progressive journey your God! Perhaps God will be mindful of us so our zeal to evangelize. mind was-- “Mga Mag-asawa para kay Kristo”. or pilgrimage to Christ. that we may not perish” (Jon 1:5-6). But this does not mean that our community “Mag-asawa” means spouses. It thus sets Indeed, one does not become “Couples for Still Jonah refused to pray. He was thrown has two types of members, a sleeping member itself apart from any other form of romantic Christ” by sheer membership in this lay as- out of the ship and was swallowed by a big fish. and an awakened member, but rather there are or sexual association or partnership. While sociation that is called “Couples for Christ”. Only when he started to fear for his life and times when we can fall asleep and that sleep lasts the dictionary says that a “couple” refers to The couple must truly be “for Christ” and such suffer inside the fish’s belly did Jonah say his far too long. What are these times? any “two people who are married, engaged, must be expressed and witnessed, by grace, in prayer: Out of my distress I called to the Lord, We are likely to sleep when the outward cir- or otherwise closely associated romantically their everyday life. and he answered me; from the midst of the cumstance of the community is most pleasant. nether world I cried out for help, and you heard Like Jonah, we do not call on the Lord until we my voice (Jon 2:3). encounter difficulties. We are likely to sleep PASTORAL CARE, C1 We should ask ourselves if we are like Jonah. when all goes well in spiritual matters. There is rooms.” He said there is room for social development programs are cially mothers Do we choose our service and go on mission only no defeat so great as imagining that we are living all, even those who are sinners, so addressing them. 6. Those who are in irregular cases to places that we like? Do we prefer to serve or lives of constant victory. Like Samson, we become they can experience redemption 1. Couples in Regular Union – (CFC) go on mission, even repeatedly, to developed overconfident of our own strength. and salvation. Couples in general who need countries where host communities are generous And finally, we are likely to sleep when we The CFC leaders present appre- guidance and strengthening in The third session “Companions and accommodations are comfortable? Do we think we are getting near the end of our earthly ciated the bishop’s talk, pointing growing in faith, hope and love in the Journey”, was moderated conveniently avoid missions to poor countries journey. To us are addressed the words of Paul, to the simplicity of his explana- in marriage and family life (to by Rouquel Ponte, head of the where we may have to partially or fully use our “Awake, O sleeper, Christ will give you light.” tion that allowed them to under- be addressed by CFC) Formation Directorate, respon- stand the pastoral approach of 2. Young people – in their search sible for the development of the The members of the International Amoris Laetitia more clearly and for identity and sexuality (YFC) CFC Accompaniment Center. He Council and the Board of Elders, provided the direction for CFC to 3. Engaged couples – in preparing presented the how to’s of the ac- together with their spouses, had move forward with certainty for them for marriage (SFC, Young companiment process. their quarterly recollection on the pastoral care of families. CFC) The CFC Accompaniment Cen- March 2, 2019 at the chapel of the Global Mission Center. Michael Ariola, CFC President, 4. Those who are in frailty or in ter, whose objective is to provide The recollection was given by gave the second session entitled need of Christ’s presence in accompaniment/to journey with Msgr. Allen Aganon who, until “To live the truth in love”. He gave suffering - immigrants (SocDev those who are experiencing per- recently, was the spiritual adviser engaging concrete stories on how Migrants) those in mixed mar- sonal, marital and family dif- of CFC and the IC. CFC members have responded to riage (CFC), disparity of cult ficulties, was launched. The need As a gesture of thanksgiving for the almost ten years that the call of Amoris Laetitia for ac- (CFC) and those who are griev- for volunteer “Companions in Msgr. Aganon journeyed with companiment, discernment and ing the Journey”, those who will be CFC, the IC and the BOE took integration. 5. Those in special cases: broken trained and equipped with pas- turns honoring him, following Ariola enumerated the fol- marriages (CFC), single-parent toral and spiritual accompani- the traditional CFC way of paying tribute. lowing groups of people needing families (HOLD, SOLD), sepa- ment skills was stressed. To make The group prayed over the accompaniment and how CFC, rated persons (HOLD, SOLD), the process of accompaniment monsignor, wishing him well in its Family Ministries and various victims of abortion, most espe- PASTORAL CARE, C4 his new assignments. CBCP Monitor March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 C3

THE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR Philippine Army personnel undergo CEM 2 AS PART of CFC OSM’s (Order of their testimonies during the are Catholics and seven non- Michael “Shok” Ariola St. Michael) working partnership plenary sharing. Catholics. with the Office of Army Chief The Manaoag activity had All the participants agreed Macabuhay Chaplains Service (OACCS), Fr./ 44 Army Engineer participants that the CEM was a big help LTC Rex Armenia requested broken down into 34 men and 10 for them because of the many OSM to conduct CEM2 for the women. Of the 44 , two are officers insights they learned from the I ONCE had a teacher whose last Proverbs 29: 2 tells us that, We stand for our core 51st Engineering Brigade at and two civilian wives; 41 are talks, the testimonies and their name was Macabuhay. He was "when the godly are in au- values and principles Camp Atienza, Libis Quezon City Catholics and 3 are non-Catholics. own sharings. much loved by us boisterous thority, the people rejoice, but and use those values and on Jan 24, 2019 and at Camp Tito The testimonies during the According to SSG George boys. Our term of endearment when the wicked are in power, principles as a yardstick B Abbat in Manaoag, Pangasinan plenary were touching and Podadera, “I realized that this for this soft-spoken teacher they groan". It is certainly our by which each candidate on Feb 6, 2019. inspiring. seminar is so precious because was McLife. Sometimes, to call responsibility as members of is measured. Because OSM had trained SM Maramba said that it teaches us the importance of his attention, we should stand CFC to seek the guidance of the We refuse to be im- quite a number of speakers/ “maganda ang programa na ito family, love of God and service. in the hallway and shout "Ma- Lord, and to choose only those pressed by a candidate’s sharers in 2018, there was no sa gaya ko na sundalo, mas lalo I am so thankful to be one of the cabuhay for Life!" who are godly. This is what the rhetoric, speech, pedi- problem saying Yes to the kami magkaroon ng kaalaman participants because family is Because of his nurturing Lord wishes us to do. gree, ability to enter- request. on how to love our family, my very important to us soldiers.” ways, every time the student By now, you may have heard tain, good looks. But like any other activity, work as a soldier, how to man- PFC Mark Edison Polintan council election came around, much from all those who desire We study each can- there were still some challenges. age our finances and to become shared that “this seminar gives every party wanted Mr. Ma- to serve the Filipino people. Typi- didate’s track record, a successful person”. us a chance to become closer to cabuhay for their adviser. One cal of politicians, they all point to advocacies, stand on CEM in Manaoag Mrs Shirley Saranillo, a civil- God, to become better soldiers, party even named their group the nation’s problems and claim moral issues. What made the Feb 6, 2019 ian wife, enthused that “marami to be a good person and chal- "Alyansang Macabuhay". By his they have the solution. We listen to God’s CEM2 in Manaoag challeng- ako natutunan sa program na lenges us to know God more.” actions and counsel, we were When Moses needed lead- voice and not to the noise ing was the fact that OSM had ito gaya naming naguumpisa PFC Rylvette Prado also always led to vote for the right ers for Israel, his father-in-law of the throngs. Whatever already scheduled their annual pa lamang sa buhay mag asawa. thanked OSM because “I student council leaders. Jethro gave him a foolproof color or banner or party planning session for 2019 on Malaking tulong at gabay ito sa learned from this seminar how I remember him now, as we solution that still applies to all you are rooting for and the weekend of Feb 2-3, 2019. aming buhay. to be God-fearing, to put God approach the May elections, be- of us today - "Select out of all supporting, the banner This meant that the team had SSG Michael Suratos said first, and that we can do noth- cause we are called to vote into the people able men who fear and color of God must to prepare for the talks of the “thank you for reminding us ing if God is not with us. I also office those who will be tasked God, men of truth, those who fly above all these. CEM as well as prepare their about God since most of us have learned about the importance to lead us. I remember his wise hate dishonest gain.." presentations on their plans no time to go to church because of family.” counsel – “Do not just vote Foolproof? Of course! Be- Our CFC core values form our for 2019. of our work.” LTC Eduardo Domingo CE wisely. Vote right!” Tama nga. cause by selecting only those moral compass. This compass Another challenge was the According to CPT Cecilio (GSC) PA, acting Chief of Staff Voting wisely means relying who fear God, who are truthful, will always lead us to the straight request of the Philippine Air Lucas Jr, Phil Army Action congratulated the participants on our human wisdom. Voting who disdain dishonest ways, we and narrow road and will always Force to move their scheduled Transformation Officer, “my for joining this important activity right means voting according to fulfill our sacred obligation to ensure that we do, not always the CEM 1 in Lipa, Batangas to tasks have become easier be- which reinforces “our commit- what is right in the eyes of God. use the ballot for the good of wise thing, but definitely always February 6 instead of on Feb- cause of what you have started ment of building up the inner God has formed us in CFC all, and not for the interests of the right thing. ruary 21. So there were two in this CEM and the challenge strength of the individual soldier." with the following values- Pro the few. This is a tall order. You may scheduled CEMS on the same na isabuhay ang aming natutu- He continued, "With the val- God, Pro Life, Pro Family and Using this foolproof solution well ask, If I do all these, baka weekend! But God is good, for nan in spending quality time ue of temperance as the central Pro Poor. This is what's writ- means going into a serious hindi naman manalo ang we managed all the three major with our family especially our theme of this CEM, the soldier ten in our DNA. This is what period of reflection, of fol- napili ko? Baka wala naman activities. children.” is able to have self control and defines us as CFC - that as lowing our values rather than akong mapili? The Manaoag team started LTC Michael Lemi, Engi- discipline needed to win the formed individuals, we have our personal affiliations and The important thing is, after the CEM at 8:00 AM with Holy neering Support Batallion battle from within, his charac- consciences that lean always to- experiences, of looking at each consulting your conscience, Mass presided by Fr. Rex. The Commander, delivered the ter will be strong, true success wards the greater good, towards candidate with a more discern- values and principles- SINONG day was full with talks by pow- closing message, stating that and freedom will be achieved what is pleasing to God. ing eye. It also means: IBOBOTO MO? erful and energized speakers “we learned a lot from the talks both for the individual and for and sharers as well as the lively and sharing relative to our fam- the organization. He will have and active participation of the ily, work and love of God.” the strength to succeed in all his VP Leni Hosts ‘Thank You’ Lunch for ANCOP USA army personnel during the endeavors in his life and in the giving for the various initiatives of ANCOP USA afternoon workshop. CEM in Quezon City military service.” to support Angat Buhay. The participants expressed The CEM 2 for the 51st He expressed his gratitude Vice President Leni Robredo came to the lun- their appreciation to the team Engineering Brigade of Camp to the organizers and resource cheon to personally thank ANCOP USA for the for helping them understand Atienza, Libis, Quezon City speakers of this seminar headed donation of hospital equipment, nebulizers for the central message of the talks was conducted for 40 army by the Post Acting Chaplain children with cerebral palsy, and medicines for and sharing. They were all chal- engineer participants, 37 of LTC/Fr Rex and the CFC-OSM the Angat Buhay communities in Bicol, Cebu lenged to come up with ideas for them men, two women and headed by Col Arturo C Ala- and Metro Manila. their presentation and to share one civilian wife. Of these 33 banza of PMA Cl’72. “I am really quite amazed at what you are do- ing. The only request that I make to our partners PABILLO, C1 is for them to visit our communities,” the Vice “neighbor” meant anyone who was in need. The true. That is not a good path. A good Catholic President said. She added, “Please know that your third is in our modern times, when it is society meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, help is going a long, long way as you are helping and the environment that influence the person. so that those who govern can govern.” make the lives of other people better. What we The CST paradigm consists of three main 2. A commitment to justice - The Synod of Bish- can offer is our prayers that the Lord would con- activities: see, judge, act. In this model, man ops of 1971 said, “Action in behalf of justice and tinue to bless you so you can help more people.” uses his senses, assesses according to what is the the social transformation of society is a “consti- Before VP Robredo left for another engage- Gospel value and the signs of the times, and then tutive” dimension of the preaching of the Good ON February 12, 2019, the Office of the Vice ment, Tony Ventura, past President for ANCOP takes the appropriate action. A more specific ap- News of Salvation in Jesus Christ.” President hosted an informal luncheon for the USA, led the prayers of blessing for Mrs. Robredo. plication is the Pastoral Spiral of Discernment 3. Imaging the Church as the 'People of God' leaders and volunteers of ANCOP USA, as thanks- (A. Alvarez) - Action developed in the 1980s by two FABC - From a passive role, the faithful must take Offices—Human Development and Laity. an active role in defining and shaping their “In any given situation, there must be a corre- history in the contemporary world, according Tuloy ang Hanapbuhay with ANCOP USA and Angat Buhay sponding theological reflection, followed by deci- to Vatican II. sion planning, action, and evaluation,” the bishop 4. Reading the 'signs of the times.' - God speaks in THE women of Saguiaran, can continue making traditional difficult to use the ordinary explained. and through human history. Signs both reveal Marawi City could not con- Muslim garbs for a living. sewing machines for the pro- Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the God’s presence in the world and manifest God’s tain their joy when they re- Akaba, a social enterprise, duction of the pouches. The designs for the world. ceived four high-speed sewing hearing of the group’s efforts, fabric was too thick, especially Church The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of 5. A greater reliance on the Word of God - The machines from ANCOP USA. sub-contracted the sewing of around the zipper area.)” the Church intends to present in a complete living word of God, personal experience and Why? The machines repre- travel pouches. However, the ANCOP USA President Roger and systematic manner, even if by means of an general societal history must be the new basis sented the assurance of a steady demands of production could Santos, together with his wife overview, the Church’s social teachings which is of revelation. livelihood for them. not be met because of the inad- Josie, Rollie Balanza, and Jill the fruit of careful Magisterial reflection and an 6. The primacy of love - Love is at the heart of ANCOP USA, through a equacy of the women’s ordinary Ocampo-Javiniar, Head of An- expression of the Church’s constant commitment the virtue of justice and brings the actions of partnership with Angat Buhay sewing machines. gat Buhay, assured the group of in fidelity to the grace of salvation wrought in justice to their fullest potential, meaning, and Foundation, donated the sew- One of the women said, “Ma- their continued support. The Christ and in loving concern for humanity’s life. Love is the motivation to act on behalf ing machines for the women of hirap pong gamitin yung ordi- women were truly grateful for destiny. (#8) of justice. Marawi. Displaced because of nary na makina, kasi makapal the donations, as they are now There are seven paradigm shifts that CST wishes 7. An orientation to pastoral planning and ac- the siege, the women were orga- ang tela ng pouch. Kailangan assured that the products they to happen: Praxis, or the action that comes out of nized by Angat Buhay who gave namin tahiin ng kamay, lalo na will make will be of better qual- tion - 1. An assault on political apathy - Politics is reflection, leads back to reflection. Correct ac- them sewing machines so they yung sa may zipper. (It became ity. (A. Alvarez) a vocation aimed at the transformation of tion (“orthopraxis”) completes correct doctrine society. Bishop Pabillo said, “We cannot be (“orthodoxy”). 14th CCFed Annual General Assembly 2019 good citizens without being good Christians. A good citizen now is one who is involved, who Major themes of CST THE CFC Cooperatives Federation (CCFed) of payment gateway facility using Nationlink participates because our form of government is The Catholic Social Teachings, as a challenge gathered for their 14th CCFed Annual General Network Facilities). The three service providers participative—democratic.” He added, “When for living responsibly and building a just society, Assembly last March 3, 2019. The assembly was have already signed memorandums of agreement injustice and untruth are involved, not to be holds 10 major themes. They are: held at the second Floor of the CFC Provincial (MOA) with CCFed. involved is to participate in the injustice and 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person - All Mission Center, Misamis Oriental. CCFed has 44 member-primaries that are lies. This is the sin of omission. It should not people are sacred, made in the image and Prior to the actual General Assembly, on March strategically located nationwide. be a question of whether ‘to be involved or not,’ likeness of God. People do not lose dignity 2, the delegations went on the Lakbay Aral 2019. The assembly was also the occasion for the but ‘how to be involved’.” According to Pope because of disability, poverty, age, lack of suc- The delegations visited the three outstanding election of new members of the CCFed Board Francis, on the statement that ‘A good Catho- cess, or race. cooperatives in Cagayan de Oro -- MASS SPECC of Directors, mandated committees and lic doesn’t meddle in politics.’ – “That’s not 2. Common Good - The PABILLO, C4 Cooperative Development Center, Northern CCFed management. They are as follows: Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives and Chairperson Bing Hizon (Coops Manila), Del Monte Phil. Inc. Employees and Community Vice Chairperson Edwin Chavez (Tekton Credit Cooperative. A fellowship dinner capped Entire Multipurpose Cooperative), and the the Lakbay Aral 2019. following directors: Pito de Castro (Coops The General Assembly (GA) proper started Cebu), Art San Luis (EntreWorkers Coopera- with Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Rico Lap- tive Builders), Zos Tayaban (Coops Laguna), inig, from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After the Joseph Manlapaz (Coops Masbate), Flor Victo- GA proper, three service providers presented riano (Coops Misamis), Bong Bautista (Coops their products and services: Cooperative Health Agusan del Sur), Jorge Asensi (Coops Leyte), Management Federation (HMO provider), For- Lydia Bilangbilin (Coops Antique - Election tune General Insurance (provider of the online Committee), Rene Asuga (Coops Iloilo - Audit registration of Compulsory Third Party Liability Committee) CEO/BOD Secretary Jaycee de la Insurance - CTPL) and Infoserve, Inc. (provider Cruz (Coops Manila). Ugnayan THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla Layout Artist Circulation Staff The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org [email protected] C4 March 4 - 17, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 5 CBCP Monitor “Witness the light” port of community. Ed suffered a with our feet firmly grounded, we say stroke which affected his speech and a resounding Yes to the Lord to take mobility. However, this and other up the challenge. We will continue to health concerns did not hinder the be sensitive to your needs, Titos and couple from attending household Titas, your spiritual needs. We will meetings, assemblies and other CFC continue to honor you all the days activities. Despite being senior citizens of our lives because you have been with Ed as a PWD, they continue to our mentors. You have nurtured and serve as Sector Head in the province. guided us on how to serve with love. Lito Tayag, in his talk, explained that This beautiful and vibrant commu- “passing the torch” is about passing on nity, Couples for Christ, is your legacy the culture of CFC, identify and mission to us and to our future leaders. And so to the “Timothys” or the younger mem- we humbly ask you to continue to jour- bers of the community. He presented to ney with us, to continue to share your the participants the opportunities for wisdom, knowledge and experiences.” growth and service for senior members, Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Auxiliary even after they have passed on the torch Bishop of Cebu, was the main Mass of service to other leaders. presider on Feb. 20. He told the at- In a “Passing the Torch’ ceremony, tendees: “As Seniors you are just not the senior leaders passed on the torch of receivers. You continue to be givers. “ THE 2ND CFC Seniors Program Coor- all the other community programs. As necessary to achieve God’s purpose in service to the new generation of leaders The venue was filled with hearts and dinators Summit held last Feb. 20-21 seasoned missionaries, seniors are very their lives. who will carry this passion to light up balloons as the Seniors celebrated a “Post in Cebu gathered 342 registered par- much needed to make the CFC Vision Tony and Mila Loria of CFC Albay the world with the light of Christ. The Valentine’s Fellowship” in the evening ticipants from Metro Manila, Luzon, Families in the Holy Spirit renewing shared how tragedy struck their family seniors did this willingly, confident of Feb. 20. Five couples from different Visayas, Mindanao and Oceania. the face of the earth a reality. and how, through prayers and faith in that the community’s mission of evan- areas were adjudged as “Sweetest Couple” The Seniors Program, while rela- The participants were treated to God, they learned to forgive, grow deeper gelization is in good hands. Msgr. Rommel Kintanar, CFC Cebu tively new, has filled a gap in the talks from senior leaders Rene Punsa- in faith and closer as a family. With this Arnel Sacris, Visayas Mission Head, Spiritual Director, celebrated the Mass on community. The community is now lan who spoke about being “Forged by faith-life experience, they have commit- representing the “Timothys,“ accepted Feb. 21. He asked the attendees “To take almost 38 years old and many of the Fire” and IC member Lito Tayag who ted to inspire other CFC brethren with the symbolic torch from Lito Tayag. to heart, not just take to mind, whatever leaders have grown in maturity and spoke of “Passing the Torch.” their experience - that anyone who has He responded with these words “We, you hear and see. It is time to give back.” age over these years. The Seniors Punsalan, in explaining what forged faith can rise above the storm, and that the next generation of CFC, are deeply The summit ended with the an- Program seeks to harness the wealth by fire means, spoke of the difficul- for every cloud, there is always a silver honored to be called by the Lord to nouncement that Misamis Oriental of wisdom of these leaders and to ties, misfortunes and struggles that lining that will serve as our hope. continue the tasks that have been en- will be the venue for the 2020 Seniors ensure that their insights, gained many experienced but which, rather Ed and Inday Yorong from CFC trusted to you, the tasks of evangeliza- Couples Coordinators Summit. The through experience and struggles can than defeating them, have made them Zamboanga del Sur shared how they tion, renewing and transformation of CFC leaders from Cagayan de Oro, be shared with the new generation of strong, enduring and fortified because overcame illness and physical chal- lives. And so with all humility in our Misamis Oriental gladly accepted the CFC members and leaders and with all of them accepted the challenges as lenges through the prayers and sup- hearts and with much passion and zeal role as host for the 2020 Summit.

PABILLO, C3 human person is both sacred and social. We justice and love. All of these are to be done in Plenty of Love to Go Around on V-Day realize our dignity and rights in relationship love. Love gives fullness to each value.” HOW do doctors and nurses nurses and doctors were ready Sagonsongan. with others, in community. “We are one body; Spe Salvi (Saved in Hope), an spend Valentine’s Day? Normally to receive patients. Most of ANCOP USA also visited a when one suffers, we all suffer.” We are called written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says, they don’t have the time. As a them complained of respira- women’s group in Saguiaran, to respect all of God’s gifts of creation, to be “Love of God leads to participation in the general rule, medical personnel tory illnesses (cough and colds, Marawi City and donated four good stewards of the earth and each other. justice and generosity of God towards oth- spend the day of love on duty, especially in children), and high high-speed sewing machines 3. Rights and Responsibilities - People have a ers. Loving God requires an interior freedom with patients who need medical blood sugar among the adults. which they will use to sew fundamental right to life, food, shelter, health from all possessions and all material goods: attention. The team also administered women’s traditional Muslim care, education and employment. All people the love of God is revealed in responsibility It was no different for 42 doc- treatment for skin diseases. garments. The machines were have a right to participate in decisions that af- for others.” (#28) tors, nurses and volunteers, who Dental services were also avail- warmly welcomed because the fect their lives. Corresponding to these rights In Caritas in veritate, his last encyclical, Pope spent Valentine’s Day giving able. The Department of Health group had been sub-contracted are duties and responsibilities to respect the Benedict says, “Evangelization would not be com- love to around 1,500 patients also took the opportunity to to sew travel pouches for Akaba, rights of others in the wider society. plete if it did not take account of the unceasing in Marawi City. The medical administer vaccines to infants, a social enterprise which sup- 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable - The interplay of the Gospel and of man’s concrete life, and dental mission was a joint children and senior citizens. ports local craftsmanship. moral test of a society is how it treats its most both personal and social… Testimony to Christ’s effort of ANCOP USA, the local At the end of the day, the vol- In the afternoon, the missionar- vulnerable members. The poor have the most charity, through works of justice, peace and de- government unit, Angat Buhay unteers were given the opportu- ies also went to two evacuation urgent moral claim on the conscience of the velopment, is part and parcel of evangelization, Program of the Office of the Vice nity to enter the war-damaged camps—Sarimanok 1 & 2, and nation. We are called to look at public policy because Jesus Christ, who loves us, is concerned President (OVP), and the Depart- area of Marawi. It was a moving Bahay Pag-asa—to turn over sacks decisions, processes and social systems in terms with the whole person.” (#15) ment of Health - ARMM. experience for the volunteers as of rice, clothes for children, and of how they affect the least, the last and the lost. These emphasize how the faithful must re- The volunteers from ANCOP it gave them a glimpse of the vitamins and medicines to the 5. Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers - spond to the call for all baptized. They are not USA spent February 14 and 15 sufferings of those who had families. People have a right to decent and productive just lofty ideals, but are practical guides. Bishop treating patients at the covered to flee their homes during the For five months, from May work, fair wages, private property and eco- Pabillo laid down six ways towards man’s greater court in Sagonsongan, a baran- conflict. to October of 2017, Marawi nomic initiative. The economy exists to serve social involvement. gay just outside the arch going Day 2 began with an early City was under siege, displac- people, not the other way around. There must into the Islamic City of Marawi. morning blessing from the Prel- ing 77,000 families, as terror- be a primacy of labor over capital. Way 1: Regularly join in social action activities. Sagonsongan is also the site ate of Marawi, Bishop Edwin de la ists blockaded the city, burned 6. Solidarity - This means we are one human Way 2: Exposure to advocates, victims, situation where around 200 families live Peña. The bishop thanked ANCOP and destroyed places of wor- family. Our responsibilities to each other cross is crucial. in transitory shelters. USA for the initiative of doing this ship, and wrecked business and national, racial, economic and ideological dif- Way 3: Join in social concerns that are within The mission, which took about act of love to fellow Filipinos. residential districts. Almost ferences. We are called to work globally for one’s capabilities. a year to prepare, was organized It was another day of giving. two years later, most of the dis- justice and peace. Way 4: Integrate one’s faith with his or her ex- by ANCOP USA. During the year ANCOP USA gave relief goods placed families still live in tent 7. Care for God’s creation - The goods of the earth perience and with one’s analysis of social of preparation, the group was to families in evacuation sites. cities and transitory shelters. are gifts from God. We have a responsibility to situations. able to gather medical volunteers Roger Santos, ANCOP USA The future may look bleak for care for these goods as stewards and trustees, Way 5: Social action involvement means “doing and procure $250,000 worth of President, and Jill Ocampo- these families but groups like AN- not as mere consumers and users. (Principle with” rather than “doing for”. medicines, medical equipment, Javiniar, Head of Angat Buhay, COP USA somehow send the mes- of Stewardship) Way 6: Social action involves works of mercy, and relief goods. turned over sacks of rice and sage that there is plenty of love to go 8. Principle of Subsidiarity - “The principle of works of development and works of justice. As early as 8:00 AM on Febru- hygiene kits to Angat Buhay around. (Alma M. Alvarez) subsidiarity protects the people from abuses ary 14, the ANCOP and DOH partner Xavier University in by higher level social authorities and calls on Bishop Pabillo emphasized, “It is to all Chris- these same authorities to help individuals and tians that we address a fresh and insistent call intermediate groups to fulfill their duties. This to action. Every person must be self-reflective principle is imperative because every person, and honestly examine oneself, to see what he family and intermediate group has something or she has done up to now, and what he or she original to offer to the community…the prin- ought to do.” ciple of subsidiarity is opposed to certain forms Quoting scripture, Bishop Pabillo reminded, of centralization and welfare assistance and to ““Whatever you do to the least of your brothers, the unjustified and excessive presence of the you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:45) State in public mechanism.”(#187) He also underlined the relation between the 9. Call to Family, Community and Participation Eucharist and the faithful’s concern for others. - The family is the central social institution Quoting St. Pope John Paul II’s Letter on the Year that must be supported and strengthened, not of the Eucharist in 2003, he said, “Let us not undermined. While our society often exalts delude ourselves. We will be recognized as true individualism, the Catholic tradition teaches followers of Christ by our mutual love and our that human beings grow and achieve fulfill- concern for those in need. This will be the crite- ment in community. rion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic 10. Universal Destination of the Earth’s Goods celebrations is judged.” - The misuse of the world’s resources or appro- During the last day of the lecture, STMA priation of them by a minority of the world’s head Nolet Ladrido suggested another run of population betrays the gift of creation since the series for those who were not able to at- ‘what belongs to God belongs to all.’ tend, as well as for CFC serving in the Social Development Programs. He also expressed a Truth, freedom, justice and love desire to propose to the International Council Bishop Pabillo said, “There are four fundamen- for the lecture series be given to all CFC lead- PASTORAL CARE, C2 tal virtues in human societies—truth, freedom, ers. (Alma M. Alvarez) real, two demonstra- well judging by their To address this need, that He is a revealing tions were presented to reactions to the situa- the CFC Institute will God and that His word the body. tions presented in the be offering the courses is not just informative The first demonstra- demonstration. to companions in the but transformative. tion was on Pastoral The second demon- journey as well as to CFC God’s Word is powerful CFC 2019 Schedule of Events Accompaniment using stration was a spiritual area leaders who may and things came to be counseling principles. direction handled by Fr. be interested to join the because God spoke. We The session was han- Firmo “JunG” Bergayo, trainings. are tasked to read the CFC Servants of the Lord (SOLD) CFC Kids for Christ Family dled by Lydia Villa- SJ, a former YFC full The day ended with bible, meditate on the MAR CFC International Catholic Men`s Conference (Southern Luzon) crusis, counselor of the time pastoral worker. Holy Mass presided by word of God, talk to the 29-31 Conference 2019 MAY 17-19 CFC Accompaniment He directed Rene Pun- Bp Broderick Pabillo, Lord and take His word Center, and Ed Calig- salan, who shared the Auxiliary Bishop of seriously. CFC Kids for Christ Family ner, another counselor difficulty he faced after Manila and spiritual His parting words Youth for Christ 26th YFC who will also be join- losing his wife, yet re- director of CFC. His connected very well to APR 17-19 Conference (Northern Luzon) ing the center. The first tained his faith despite homily centered on the challenge of Amo- 5-7 International Conference (ICON) part was the individual the many difficulties the importance of the ris Laetitia. He said accompaniment, while and disappointments. WORD. He reminded that by means of our the second part of the Fr JunG explained the everyone to beware ears and lips, our mind CFC Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) demonstration was difference between of how words are be- and our mouths, words 26-28 International Conference the accompaniment spiritual direction and ing used now and how take on flesh. We give JUN CFC 38th Anniversary Celebration of a married couple. counseling after the ses- people are losing trust concreteness to the 22 They showed the right sion. He stressed that in the word because Word of God. CFC Kids for Christ way to facilitate the spiritual direction mir- of fake news, political The day ended with 26-28 Family Conference (Visayas) session with the indi- rors the directee’s state campaigns that have the call to take action, vidual and the couple. of relationship with God no meaning, and use of to respond,not just in The demonstration and is very important in words that are intended word but in deed, to the CFC Kids for Christ was very well received spiritual discernment. to hurt. call to love, the call to 26-28 Family Conference (Mindanao) by the audience who The need for training He reminded CFC Accompany, Discern seemed to relate very was very clearly stated. that God is not silent, and Integrate.