VOLUME 20, NUMBER 7, JANUARY 30, 2016

Eucharistic IN THIS ISSUE: adorers ‘growing’ globally

CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016— The newly- elected head of the World Federation of the ’s Eucharistic Works said as ‘food,’ their organization has picked up steam popular piety keys to in recent years, proof is a growing number of adorers world-wide. dialogue in Asia, A2 Jose Angel Linares, the federation’s new president from , said more and more lay Eucharistic adorers from all over the world have been seeking Cardinal Zen: membership in the federation. Mass nourishes Growing yearly persecuted Chinese “Every year it grows and grows throughout the world,” said Catholics, A3 Linares, who previously served as the federation’s secretary before his election as president during its general assembly at the sidelines IEC pilgrims join of the ongoing 51st International (IEC) here on pre-Lent ‘Visita Friday, Jan. 29. Iglesia’, A3 He will succeed Eduardo Marino Gomez, also Spanish, who served the federation for eight years or two consecutive terms. The assembly, which convenes every four years coinciding with the IEC, was attended by more than 20 country representatives, some coming from as far as Peru, Italy, El Salvador and the US. The federation, which aims to bring together diverse groups of adorers, currently has 39 member associations, with a total membership of about 2 million and is present in at least 36 countries. Student-volunteers: 50 years of mission During the meeting, which was IEC, an ‘experience of attended by Piero Marini, The 51st IEC Monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament was the most prominent feature of the grand procession from the Cebu Capitol Building to a lifetime’, A3 President of the Pontifical Committee Plaza Independencia, accompanied by over a million Cebuanos and IEC participants, Jan. 29, 2016. ROY LAGARDE of IECs, the Federation ratified the membership of three more lay groups from Europe. Since its inception 50 years ago, the federation has promoted participation in national and international Eucharistic Congresses, has promoted Over 1M attend Cebu pilgrimages to Marian as well as helped fulfill other works entrusted to them by the . (Roy Lagarde / CBCPNews) Capitol Mass, procession

By Rommel Lopez According to Fr. Roberto carrying the monstrance was joined at the makeshift Catholics to model their Ebisa, SVD, of DYRF, made its way slowly altar by Papal legate lives as a celebration of the , January Police Chief Inspector from the Capitol through Charles Maung Cardinal mystery of the life and love 29, 2016 - Cebua- Ryan Debaras estimated Osmeña Boulevard towards Bo, Cebu Archbishop Jose of Christ. nos and delegates the crowd that gathered for Plaza Independencia while Palma, the ’s “We are called to the Mass and procession to a choir led in the chanting Permanent Observer understand, love and to the 51st Interna- be at 1.5 million. of the Litany of the Saints to the United Nations assimilate the very love of tional Eucharistic Streets leading to the and other hymns. Archbishop Bernardino Jesus... Our lives too must Congress (IEC) cur- Capitol were closed to make In his homily, Martin Auza, and president of be offered in sacrifice.” rently being held in way for the thousands reminded the people that the Pontifical Committee Martin, who is archbishop this city trooped to of people joining in the “the Church became present on IECs Archbishop Piero of the last to host the the Cebu Provincial international Catholic through the Eucharist, through Marini as well as hundreds IEC said that the Christian Capitol and filled gathering dubbed as the the Holy Communion.” of bishops and . community, a “Eucharistic its surrounding “World Youth Day of adult The Primate of Ireland community”, must always Catholics”. Candle-bearing No Eucharist, no Church said Christians need to be a caring one. streets to hear the delegates and pilgrims “There is no Church realize that Christ came Mass led by , from Cebu and around the without the Eucharist. The to us as a and not as Special monstrance Ireland Archbishop world chanted hymns and Eucharist constructs the someone “we construct Last Thursday, the Cebu Diarmuid Martin. prayers as the carriage Church,” he said. Martin ourselves.” He then urged Thousands / A7 Nigerian cardinal: Receive Eucharist worthily... or else CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – catechesis, Onaiyekan said that Holy Eucharist,” and harm both ‘political correctness.’ It seems Where others prefer to tiptoe while no one is really worthy to the individual and the wider that in many places today, there and use couched language, receive Holy Communion with Church. is a need to recover the sense of John Cardinal Onaiyekan, everyone under God’s “loving The Catechism of the Catholic outrage about whatever may be Archbishop of Abuja in compassion, the Church has Church teaches that those tantamount to ‘sacrilege.’ Nigeria, minced no words guidelines that set limits to who have mortal sins cannot Onaiyekan’s catechesis was in talking about the proper the level of “unworthiness” receive communion without on “The Eucharist: Dialogue disposition for the reception compatible with a fruitful first going to the Sacrament of with the Poor and the Suffering.” of the Holy Eucharist, which reception of Holy Communion. Reconciliation. “Here we might consider many Catholics seem to take for “The traditional requirement of In Nigeria, he said, it is how much we do to make the granted nowadays. being ‘in a state of grace’ cannot pastoral practice during public Eucharist available to the poor “Those who freely offer or be jettisoned without spiritual Masses to announce clearly living in slums or in remote accept what is inappropriately negative consequence at both before communion that “only villages. What about those who called ‘Eucharistic hospitality’ personal and ecclesial levels.” Catholics that are properly live in prisons and detention to whoever cares to come to the prepared should come forward camps? Wherever possible, communion rails seem to me No to ‘Eucharistic hospitality’ to receive communion.” those who are suffering should to be inflicting serious damage Allowing just anyone to be able to contemplate the face on the sanctity of the Holy receive communion during Sacrilege of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist,” Eucharist,” said the . Mass will inflict “serious “We do not believe that this he said. (Felipe Francisco / Delegates of the 51st Eucharistic Congress receving communion during the Delivering this morning’s damage on the sanctity of the is a place for any kind of false CBCP News) Encounter. ANA PERUCHO A2 NEWS January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 CBCP Monitor Eucharist as ‘food,’ popular piety keys to dialogue in Asia

CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – The or drinks the cup of the Lord in an religious importance of food as well unworthy manner will be guilty of as popular piety can help the Church profaning the body and blood of in its dialogue with Asian religions, the Lord.’” according to India’s Oswald Cardinal Oswald also cited the role of popular Gracias. piety in Filipino Catholicism, citing The Archbishop of Mumbai tackled the Catholic Bishops’ Conference the theme “The Eucharist in the of the ’ observation that Church’s Dialogue with Religions,” in “much of what the Filipino Catholics a paper read for him by Archbishop know of Catholic doctrinal truths Dominic Jala of the Archdiocese of and moral values is learned through Shillong in northeast India. the sacraments and devotional Catholics consider the Eucharist practices.” as spiritual nourishment, and the “In discussing the evangelizing idea of “sacredness of food” in power of popular piety, various religions can be a basis in Evangelii Gaudium urges us not for understanding the Eucharist to stifle or presume to control this and the Church’s dialogue with missionary power. He said that to religions, he said. Food is important understand this reality we need to in Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, approach it with the gaze of the Good major Indian religions, he noted. Shepherd, who seeks not to judge And it is a major issue in a continent but to love,” he explained. where hunger is widespread, the “Further, we are called to promote Indian prelate said. the various expressions of popular “Denying people the right to food piety in order to deepen the never is a fundamental injustice … In ending process of inculturation,” his First Letter to the Corinthians, he added, referring to localization St. Paul criticizes the attitude of or adaptation to cultural practices. selfishness of those who come However, “Care must be taken to together to celebrate the Lord’s consider the emerging secularist and supper. Hence he says to them: consumer cultural influences which ‘When you meet together, it is not are negatively affecting worship and the Lord’s supper that you eat … prayer,” the cardinal said. (Felipe Whoever therefore eats the bread Francisco / CBCP News) Delegates of the 51st International Eucharistic attend a pre-Lenten Visita Iglesia. DOMINIC BARRIOS Archbishop Villegas seeks ‘Eucharist brings us together’ – Indian archbishop MANDAUE City, Jan. Staying connected Filipino’s part in this faith- Cebuano parishioners forgiveness for ‘lost shepherds’ 28, 2016 – Archbishop The 64-year old Salesian strengthening experience shared faith-sharing Dominic Jala, SDB, prelate noted that the saying ‘we know we are moments with the IEC CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – “The “May the shepherd and the flock DD of Shillong, North Eucharist strengthens not alone, even if we are foreign delegates, showing greatest is the one who stoops down be merciful with each other,” he East India expressed his Christians, especially small, in any country we the community and to serve.” said, inviting thousands of IEC realization about how the those who are persecuted are part of the Universal universality of the Church. Ranking ecclesiastics have come delegates to the Sacrament of faithful are “connected for the faith. “And Church. We feel supported Msgr. Daniel Sanico, to the 51st International Eucharistic Reconciliation. as one” everywhere, wherever by the big communities one of the over-all Congress (IEC) to exercise their after celebrating a Mass we are present, even in and the whole church, organizers of the IEC mandate to teach lay people. But ‘All sin is pride’ during one of the Parish persecuted countries [or] especially the Philippines Parish Encounter said “it “Father Soc,” president of the Citing St. Augustine, Villegas said Encounters of the 51st minority countries, it is contributed to this,’ he was a very complicated Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the humility was the only requirement International Eucharistic always the celebration of said. preparation from security Philippines (CBCP), went beyond for heaven. The opposite virtue, Congress (IEC). the Eucharist that keeps us The parish encounter is to food to transportation this and sought forgiveness for the pride, is the cause of all sin, he “What touched me was connected to the Universal part of the week-long IEC to everything else. It numerous failures of the shepherds reminded IEC delegates. the fact that we, from Church. hosted by the Archdiocese involved everyone, but we of the Church. “All sin is pride. Idolatry is many countries, would Jala also emphasized of Cebu. were hopeful [it would] “, before you come taking pride in our man-made come together and offer that in the difficulties turn out right.” to us your pastors and priests gods of money and fame. The very similar witness,” he of living a Christian life 14 “I came to see that the and bishops to confess your sins dishonor for parents is pride said in an interview with we should find courage Each of the 14 challenges made them and seek pardon, please give us that makes us forget our roots. CBCP News after the Mass in Jesus, who is always participating parishes even stronger in terms your pardon and forgiveness, too, Ingratitude to elders is the root for the South East Asian present in the Catholic hosted a particular of faith and their love for for our sins against you,” said of disrespect, pride blocking the delegation at the National Church. country delegation where the Eucharist,” he added. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop memory of the heart. Murder is of St. Joseph here The Indian archbishop Masses were celebrated in (Chrixy Paguirigan / in his homily pride, dictating that I, not God, in the city. acknowledged the the country’s vernacular. CBCP News) for the penitential service for IEC have rights over the lives of my pilgrims Thursday. neighbor,” he said. vw “Stealing is pride, claiming that Deaf track workshops show Church’s love for all ‘Long homilies, rushed liturgies’ I have rights over things I like “Forgive us for our long homilies regardless of my neighbor’s needs. CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – The 51st Deaf track workshops information [showing] how we, all and rushed liturgies. Forgive us for Adultery is pride, adultery reduces International Eucharistic Congress This is the second time an IEC over the globe live as one big team,” allowing the glitter of gold to dim the my friends to an object. Sex is my (IEC) delivers a clear message held a deaf track workshop, the first Mr. O’Meara said. glow of the Sacred Host. Forgive us right, not a responsibility. I do what that the Eucharist is inclusive, one being the one held in Dublin, They hope their service leads to for getting stuck in dusty dogmatic I enjoy. The liar is the of the expressly because the congress gives Ireland during the 50th IEC. a greater awareness of people with formulas, and snuffing out the spirit proud. Both proud and liar live in a importance to deaf delegates coming Mrs. Mary O’Meara, wife of Terry this disability. of renewal,” he said. bubble world of illusions.” from all over the world. and another organizer from the ICF, “Forgive us for using un- According to Villegas, sinners With the help of the International shared how important having deaf A goal yet to be reached Christlike means to spread the should not despair, as God’s Catholic Foundation for the track workshops are, stating their Their goal and focus is to “involve deaf Gospel of love and mercy. Forgive revenge for sin is mercy. Villegas Service of Deaf Persons (ICF), deaf learnings from Dublin. people in the general life of the Church us for our stingy encouragement pointed to the example of Jesus persons are given the opportunity “It was very important to have a because they can easily be excluded and and hasty prejudices. Forgive us Christ, the “face of the mercy of to attend the IEC with translators track for the deaf [because] we need they are not fully integrated.” for allowing the Church to age God,” who humbled himself to be always by their side to help them to create awareness, telling people Thus far, their activities have and playing deaf to the joy of the with men. Christ is like sandalwood communicate. about what its like to be deaf in the indeed given a chance for the deaf youth and children. Forgive us for that leaves its fragrance on the axe “[We] want people to realize that Catholic Church and giving a place community to be a part of major delivering hindrances instead of that cuts it. just because a person cannot hear for deaf forums to really learn from events and provide them with being helpful,” he added. “Jesus Christ, the face of God, they are no different to any person one another and discuss the issues materials they need in their spiritual To parishioners, the prelate leaves a fragrance of forgiveness who can hear. Different people that are very important so they can growth. With this, Terry expresses said: “Forgive us, your lost on the sinner who nails him to the have said it in different ways – we grow in their faith,” she said. his eagerness for more. shepherds, and beg God to show Cross,” he said. (Felipe Francisco have one Church,” explained ICF These actions have so far brought “We had a deaf track in IEC Dublin Deaf / A7 us His mercy.” / CBCP News) executive director Terry O’Meara. “greater collaboration and sharing of NEWS CBCP Monitor January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 A3

Shepherd to Kenya’s nomads Cardinal Zen: Latin Mass shares pastoral challenges

CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – are Catholics. Most of the locals are nourishes persecuted Dominic Kimengich, a for animists and traditionalists, he said. 29 years, now sits as Bishop of Lodwar, a laid-back town some More missionaries 1,000 kilometers from Nairobi. He is The local church is composed of one of three Catholic clergy from his 56 priests, mostly from 18 religious Chinese Catholics ecclesial province attending the 51st congregations. They also have reli- International Eucharistic Congress. gious women from at least 20 reli- CEBU City, Jan. 28, 2016 – In an interview with CBCPNews, the gious communities. Delegates to the 51st International 54-year-old bishop said his diocese is The diocese is also ably supported Eucharistic Congress (IEC) flocked situated within Kenya’s boundaries by a Filipina development worker to the beautiful chapel of Asilo de with Uganda, South Sudan and for the past four years, named la Milagrosa on Jan. 26 to assist at Ethiopia, where some 60 percent of Sandra Villegas, from Negros the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) the population are nomads. Island. Kimengich said Villegas first offered by Hong Kong Bishop The nomads survive by taking came as a volunteer who wanted Emeritus Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze- care of farm animals and camels in more challenging assignments. Kiun, who remembered how the Lodwar’s pastures. Others survive “We are looking forward to having Latin Mass was a source of strength by basket-weaving. more missionaries to help us,” he said. for persecuted Catholics in China. Asked if Catholics have been victims “The Mass offered in this fashion ‘Nomadic apostolate’ of violence in the past, Kimengich nourished our faith, nourished our While 40 percent of have settled said there had been none because vocation. And so many people in my in villages and towns, they have his predecessors were foreign native town Shanghai were fortified … organized a special pastoral ministry missionaries who had established by receiving the faith from this Mass, to attend to the people on the move, schools and other basic services that and during the time of persecution, called the nomadic apostolate. proved beneficial to local residents. they were so strong,” said the prelate, “We have nomadic catechists The foreign missionaries reached an outspoken critic of Beijing’s tight who move with the people in their Lodwar five decades ago. grip on Chinese Catholics. pastures,” said Kimengich. Should “The people appreciate the any of the nomads need sacraments, presence of the Church because Communist rule the catechists seek the assistance of missionaries introduced schools, Zen, recalled how the “Tridentine” Joseph Cardinal Zen offers the Traditional Latin Mass at Asilo de la Milagrosa in Cebu. MAURICE ALMADRONES the nearest parish priests, he said. built water facilities, attended to Mass had nourished the faith of Kimengich is the first local-born their health and provided them with his compatriots amid upheaval in use their own language. But then it’s Latin is no longer the lingua priest appointed bishop of Lodwar, livelihood,” he added. China. Zen, 85, was among those still good to carry on this tradition franca, acknowledged Zen. “But the located in northwestern Kenya. Good relations also prevail who fled Communist rule in the (TLM). So we are very thankful to whole ceremony inspires majesty, Working as bishop for the past five between the local Catholic church mainland for Hong Kong, where he the Pope who granted this,” he said. solemnity.” years, he said there lingers a feeling and other faiths. joined the Salesians. “In this way of saying the Mass, of insecurity in the area as various Bishop Kimengich is thankful for the He nonetheless praised the ‘Sense of mystery’ you don’t even hear the priest tribes from different sides of the prayerful experience he is having with liturgical reforms of the Second The TLM inspires a “sense pronouncing the words. But you border remain traditional enemies. his two other companions at the IEC. Vatican Council which allowed of adoration” and keeps the know what this means, because so The prelate said he was shocked at “This is a forum that brings the celebration of the Mass in the Eucharist’s “sense of mystery,” many times, we hear, we pray … So the high level of insecurity when he Catholics together with the Eucharist vernacular languages, now called said Zen. Zen offered the Votive we understand what is going on,” arrived in Lodwar five years ago. at the center of worship, where one the Ordinary Form of the Roman Mass of the Blessed Sacrament he added. “Cattle rustling was common experiences the universality of the Rite. He also thanked the Pope for in what has been called the Through an announcement at the and conflict usually arose when the Church,” the prelate said. allowing the continued use of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman IEC Pavilion, congress delegates aggrieved party vowed revenge,” He expressed gratitude to the Extraordinary Form. Rite with a number of priests in were invited to the Mass organized explained the prelate. organizers of this year’s event, saying “It’s good that the Church coro or choir dress, including Fr. by Societas Sancti Ioseph The bishop said he was well aware he had experienced a warm interaction promoted the liturgical reform, Michell Joe Zerrudo of the Diocese (Ecclesia Dei Society of St. Joseph)- of people being marginalized, which among participants and was introduced especially because the people don’t of Cubao and Fr. Joseph Skelton of Una Voce Philippines. (Felipe leads to conflict in a place where only to the high level of faith of the Filipinos. understand Latin. So it’s good to the Diocese of Tagbilaran. Francisco / CBCP News) a small portion of the population (CBCP News / Melo M. Acuña) IEC pilgrims join pre-Lent ‘Visita Iglesia’ CEBU City, Jan. 29, foot, with police officers Sacrament, praying, and we have done, these are all 2016 – Delegates of the often having to temporarily singing Eucharistic songs encounters with God, these ongoing 51st International shut down major roads to as well as the official IEC are all expressions of our Eucharistic Congress (IEC) ensure their safe crossing. hymn. faith, and indeed it is joy,” on Thursday had an early “We visited several he said. “Visita Iglesia” covering ‘Explosion of faith’ churches because these “We feel the universality select churches across Cebu “It’s a little tiring at first are the places where we of the Church. This is City in a bid to make them knowing you’ll have to walk celebrate the Eucharist … indeed the Church the Lord appreciate more deeply the a long way. But after a while In these three churches, we founded. Despite difference centrality of the Eucharist you don’t care anymore had an encounter with God in backgrounds, Catholics in the lives of Catholics. about the distance,” de los in the Eucharist,” explained show unity in worshipping “I’ve been on Visita Nieves noted. Fr. Rolyn E. Vics, CM, who God in the Eucharist,” Vics Iglesias before, but I never Their version of the led the Visita Iglesia. added, saying the Visita fully understood what this Visita Iglesia kicked off at Asked about his Iglesia allowed pilgrims to practice means. I’ve only the Vincentian-run Asilo experience so far on Day 5 feel the “universality of the done it out of the need to de la Medalla Milagrosa, of the IEC, the missionary Church.” fulfill a family tradition. proceeding to Our said it is nothing short of an Besides the one in Lahug, This is the first time I feel Mother of Perpetual Help “explosion of faith.” similar Visita Iglesias were really involved in it,” shared (Redemptorist) Church concurrently held in other Nich de los Nieves, who had several blocks away, then Catholic = universal churches of Cebu, namely: taken a time off her grocery to Our Lady of the Sacred “I don’t know how to Holy Name of Jesus and St. business in Olongapo City, Heart (Capitol) Parish, and describe my feeling having Vitales (Cebu Metropolitan especially for the congress. back to Asilo. experienced the activities of ), Minor Basilica The batch of pilgrims she In each of these the IEC. the catechesis that of the Holy Child of Cebu, belonged to hopped from churches, de los Nieves we attended, the opening Parish. one of three churches in and co-delegates spent Mass, the parish encounter, (Raymond A. Sebastián Delegates of the ongoing 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) on Thursday had an early the city’s Lahug district on time adoring the Blessed and the processions that / CBCP News) “Visita Iglesia” covering select churches across Cebu City. DOMINIC BARRIOS Student-volunteers: IEC, an ‘experience of a lifetime’ CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 Joy, love Opportunity to pray – Volunteers for the 51st Coming from a school founded “What’s more, being here allows International Eucharistic Congress by no less than Blessed Alvaro me also to mingle with different (IEC) consider it an “experience del Portillo of , she takes kinds of people,” Along added. of a lifetime” to able to contribute pride in being part of a gathering Sje said her tiredness to the success of the global event. that puts the Eucharist at the disappeared every time she saw “I am grateful I can spend center of Christian life. pilgrims smiling at her, treating time helping IEC delegates in “I am happy I am here at the her kindly, and expressing my own little way,” said Via Mae IEC,” she exclaimed. appreciation for what she and Romo, a second-year hotel and Meanwhile, for Anisa Along, fellow volunteers did. restaurant services student from another student-volunteer, While she is not officially an the Banilad Center for Professional serving does not just mean IEC delegate, the student said she Development in Banilad, Cebu City. carrying out a duty, but doing so would like to grab the opportunity As a volunteer usherette, the with genuine joy and love. given her to ask forgiveness from 18-year old has to stand for hours “This is what I want: To serve the Lord, pray for her loved showing hungry pilgrims from God and His people, the people ones, and ask for blessings. around the world where the meal of IEC, with joy and love,” the (Raymond A. Sebastián / stations are inside the IEC Pavilion. usherette said. CBCP News) A4 OPINION January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

The IEC, then and now

THE mind boggles at the fact that since Feb. 7, 1937—the last day of the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress held in the Philippines—and Jan. 24, 2016, the first day of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, 28,840 days have passed. That’s equivalent to 4,120 weeks including 19 leap days, or 78 years and 351 days. That’s quite a long stretch! This means that the majority of the delegates now had not even been born during that first IEC held in the Philippines. It also means none at all, even the oldest, of the delegates present today had attended that 1937 Congress. Cebu’s Ricardo Cardinal Vidal would be celebrating his sixth birthday exactly that IEC week, on Feb. 6. Lipa’s Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales would be barely four-years old, just two months older than Tuguegarao Archbishop- Emeritus Diosdado Talamayan. Lingayen Archbishop- Emeritus and Davao Archbishop-Emeritus would just be toddlers in their play pens, having been both born in November 1934. And Orlando Cardinal Quevedo of Cotabato would then still be a gleam in his father’s eye, so to speak, to be born 49 months after the Congress. In the eight-decade gap between the two IECs, the Philippines experienced a World War, four papal visits (two of which broke world records as having gathered the largest crowds in history), one World Youth Day celebration, two , and innumerable natural disasters. Despite the disasters and the pervasive poverty, this only other predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, aside from the half- island Timor Leste, still stands as witness to the Presence OAR JAKOSALEM, TAGOY BY BRO. ILLUSTRATION that the ongoing Congress is so jubilantly celebrating. Taking note of how the IEC today is being conducted, it Holy Eucharist, basis, and would be interesting to know how they did it in 1937, and see Candidly Speaking what difference the nearly 80-year gap has made. During the 33rd IEC held from Feb. 3 – 7, 1937 at the Luneta Park, Fr. Roy Cimagala culmination of liturgy different themes were assigned for the daily international assembly, such as “The Holy Eucharist as a Sacrifice”, “The Holy Eucharist as a Sacrament”, “The Eucharist and the WE need to be very familiar with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. extras. They celebrate by offering to Priesthood.” For each day, there would be “five-minute world of liturgy, because for us to be For in the Blessed Eucharist is contained God the Father, together with Christ’s speeches” delivered by five bishops in languages that truly human and Christian we need to the whole spiritual good of the Church, offering of his own self, whatever praises, included Latin, English, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, have our life to be liturgical. We have Christ himself, our Pasch.” (1324) thanksgiving, petitions, and expiations Portuguese, Polish, French, Japanese, and Italian—with to enter into this world presented to us The whole Christ, the Son of God, they have. apparently translators. The five-minute speeches would be by our faith, and much richer than what who became man, born of the Virgin In the Mass, what prayer and sacrifice capped by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. There our senses and intelligence alone can Mary, who taught and made miracles, we make get united with the most would be priests’ meetings at the Cathedral and these would perceive and understand. who suffered, died, and was buried, acceptable and pleasing prayer and always be conducted in Latin. It’s in the liturgy where we unite and resurrected on the third day, and sacrifice of Christ to his Father. It’s the ourselves fully with Christ our Savior ascended into heaven, etc., is there in most amazing union we can have with The Congress was not limited to the historic Luneta Park and receive the merits of his redemptive the liturgy, especially in the sacrament Christ. in ; according to the “Official Program of the xxxiii work. It’s in the liturgy where the living of Holy Eucharist. No greater windfall, bonanza, or International Eucharistic Congress”, a scanned copy of Christ offers himself to the Father He did not become man, share our jackpot can we have than to have Christ which the CBCP Media Team had obtained from the Lopez together with us. human nature and condition except sin, and offering his life on the cross for our Museum and Library, there would be “Masses celebrated by We are not left with a symbol only of redeem us with his death and resurrection, salvation. Our sin has caused God to be Bishops, and Priests in all churches and chapels” Christ in the liturgy. That’s because the only to have all these events swallowed up with us. It’s that “happy fault” referred from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily from Feb. 4, Thursday, sacramental signs used in the liturgy, in the past. His redemptive work has eternal to in the Easter vigil hymn, Exsultet. “O to Feb. 7, Sunday. especially the Eucharistic species, are value, is always in the present. happy fault that earned for us so great, From the night of Wednesday, Feb. 3 to morning of no ordinary signs that simply point to Whenever we are celebrating the so glorious a Redeemer!” Sunday, Feb. 7, the Blessed Sacrament remained exposed in another reality. In the sacraments, the Eucharist, receiving communion or Still, in the Mass we have to respect four churches, apparently chosen not just for their historic signs themselves, the matter and form visiting the Blessed Sacrament, we are the different functions proper to that comprise them, are Christ himself truly and directly dealing with Christ! each member of the assembly. The value but also for their geographical locations symbolically and his grace. In a sense, with the liturgy we become Catechism says: “In the celebration of the forming a cross over Manila’s street map: “ In the liturgy, man is united with God, contemporaries with Christ, and together sacraments it is thus the whole assembly (North City), San Sebastian Church (East City), Sto. time with eternity, earth with heaven. It with him as in one whole body, the that is ‘leitourgos,’ each according to his Domingo Church (Walled City) and (South is the best union we can have with God Mystical Body of Christ, we are the ones function, but in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ City)”. on earth. In a sense, with it, we enter who celebrate the liturgy. who acts in all. ‘In liturgical celebrations The following details many today might find intriguing: into the most perfect dimension of our It’s important to realize though that each person, minister or layman, who Feb. 4 featured a “General Communion for Women” at the life, into the fullest scope of reality. “the members do not all have the same has an office to perform, should carry out 6:30 a.m. Pontifical Mass at Luneta Park. Feb. 5, at 12:00 Obviously, we need to be aware of this function.” The clergy, who by their all and only those parts which pertain to midnight also at the Luneta was “Men’s Night” and”General nature of the liturgy, so we would know sacred ordination become the very icon his office by the nature of the rite and the Communion for Men” in the Pontifical Mass that followed. how to act and live in it. of Christ, preside at the Mass while the norms of the liturgy.’” (1144) “Children’s Day” was held on Feb. 6, with a “General The fullness of the liturgy takes place in rest unite themselves with him, such The effectivity of the Mass derives Communion for Children at Low Mass on the Luneta” at the Holy Eucharist which is described as that the whole assembly becomes what from the power of Christ’s work rather the “source and summit of the Christian is termed as “leitourgos,” ministers in than the role we play in it (ex opera 7:00 a.m. culminating in the “ of Children and life.” The Catechism explains it this way: their respective ways. operato Christi). Just the same, it would Parents to the Blessed Virgin Mary” and a “Breakfast for “The other sacraments, and indeed This is an important point to realize. be most ideal if we put ourselves in the Children on the Luneta.” all ecclesiastical ministries and works The lay faithful who attend the Mass best condition and dispositions when This orderly separation of the crowd would also be of the apostolate, are bound up with the are no mere spectators or some pious celebrating the Mass. evident in the final day’s Solemn Procession of the Blessed Sacrament which began at 4:00 p.m. from several starting points: for women, it was the area at the south end of Dewey Sent to Consecrate Blvd near Fort San Antonio Abad, while Sisters commenced Biblically Speaking from St. Scholastica’s College. Men’s starting point was Leander V. Barrot, OAR Harrison Park, while the Clergy’s was de la Salle College. The procession ended with the Benediction of the Blessed Editorial / A5 IN one of the press without the minsters and the the priests and religious men efforts cannot realize, the conferences, a reporter asked Eucharist? and women. Eucharist completes. In the our bishops what the Church When Jesus called his This consecration is never Eucharist, the Lord blesses all CBCP had done to those who are disciples, he planned that automatic. Although one our human efforts and fulfills supposed to be models of they will have to be with cannot underestimate the them. Our fears changed to faith but had not lived up him always. They were to power of God to change the courage, our unchastity to Monitor to their consecration. This, be part of his audiences hearts and minds of people, purity and our independence according to the reporter, had to listen to his teachings. much discipline is needed for to obedience. When we PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE caused discouragement and When he performed the human freedom to submit receive the Eucharist we are an exodus of faithful to other healing ministry, they were itself to a higher principle other little by little transformed to Pedro Quitorio Ronalyn Regino denominations and sects. to witness the mercy of God than itself. Self-abnegation what we receive; and the more Editor-in-Chief Design Artist No matter what one thinks and God’s heart for the poor tames pride; self-control we receive the Eucharist, the Nirva’ana Delacruz Gloria Fernando about the question raised, it and the marginalized; when disciplines indecency; and self- more we are converted to be Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor was an appropriate one in the he expelled demons, they renunciation pacifies arrogance like what is received. context of the International were to understand the grand and conceit. The human heart Consecration is the point Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite Eucharistic Congress design that, from the very and conscience are so sacred of convergence of both the News Editor Circulation Manager because, after all, the beginning, evil had no power to the Creator even to the priesthood and the Eucharist. sacraments of the Eucharist over good and ultimately point of God willing to wait for In and through the Eucharist, Kris Bayos Marcelita Dominguez Features Editor Comptroller and priesthood are intimately against God; when he taught His beloved to surrender and its ministers are consecrated, related. Yes, it is possible by means of parables, they submit their freedom and will purified, and renewed; Rommel Lopez, Felipe Francisco, to hold two independent were to recognize the humor to God, the Creator. through the same Eucharist Teresa Tunay, Melo Acuña, theological congresses--one of God and accept how close However, we know that offered each day, the Raymond Sebastian, Chrixy Paguirigan for the Eucharist and the God was to them and how human effort will always ministers consecrate, renew, Staff Writers, IEC Special Issue other for priesthood. But in intimate the Father was to be finite. Before countless and sanctify the members of real life, both sacraments their reality and culture. But and insistent prodding of the body of Christ. Fr. Reynaldo Jaranilla, OAR, Maria Tan, cannot survive without the the greater challenge of their the devil via the human If consecration is the Dominic Barrios, Ana Perucho, other. Who will celebrate call was for them to become flesh and weakness, our best common benefit, it will do Johann Mangussad, Sammy Navaja Photographers, IEC Special Issue the Eucharist if there are what they saw and to become determinations and intentions well for both the ministers no priests? And how can what they heard. They were to will always fall short. What and the laity to journey and This special issue of the CBCP Monitor is published daily priests remain holy without be who Jesus is--to think as human determination cannot walk together for fuller and for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress by Areopagus being nourished, sustained, Jesus thinks, to pray as Jesus achieve, the sacrifice of the total consecration through Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 F. and strengthened by the prays, to love as Jesus loves, Eucharist supplies, what the gift of the Eucharist. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404- 2182. Eucharist? And how can to care as Jesus cares. This is we cannot obtain through For after all, we are all sent Business: (632) 404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940 the universal priesthood of the vocation of the disciples. our struggles, the Eucharist to consecrate others and the laity be persevered in This too is the consecration of offers freely, and what our ourselves especially. OPINION CBCP Monitor January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 A5

Whatever GPS Mass Simple Fr. Francis Ongkingco Veronica and Rafael Dy-Liacco

“THE art of getting lost?” My attention other sacraments, ministries and works life, when God will be all in all. (Ibid., was drawn to the title of one of the BBC of apostolate revolved around it and are no. 1326)” The Eucharist and feature articles. The writer observed oriented toward it. (Catechism 1324)” Perhaps, we could incorporate these how people today are so dependent How is the Mass our positioning tool? considerations about the Eucharist by Christian Marriage on geographical locating devices while If a GPS gives road reference for our following St. Josemaría’s advice on travelling during vacation or navigating travels, the Eucharist also reveals how growing in our Eucharistic piety. This THE grace of Christian marriage is real. Yet, as a Catholic for the best routes to avoid traffic jams. one’s spiritual life is progressing and refers to the constant effort to foster couple who were married in the Church, we were from the He lamented, however, that we have how much more it can bear fruit. The a Eucharistic flavor in everything we start far from seeking that grace and availing of it. “Seek first lost the art of getting lost. From what Catechism says, it is “the efficacioussign do throughout the day. In fact, St. the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” Our Lord teaches, I gathered, he missed the spirit of and sublime cause of that communion Josemaría encouraged everyone to “and all else shall be added to you.” The kingdom of God, our adventure of discovering interesting in the divine life and that unity of the ‘convert their whole day into a Mass.’ now pope emeritus Benedict once said, is a person: Jesus places and people as one tries to retrace People of God by which the Church is Eucharistic piety, can be understood Christ. As a married couple we were, at the start, far from his way back to his true destination. kept in being. (Ibid., no. 1325)” as our worship revolving around the seeking first Our Lord and His righteousness, and far from Today, with GPS technology, such As a sign, the Mass helps one to Eucharist since it contains [Christ] “the abiding in His Holy Presence. accidental discoveries are very rare. constantly align himself with God’s will. whole spiritual good of the Church.” Even though I taught at a Catholic university, I was I couldn’t help but agree with his By constantly nourishing one’s soul in And from it, channeling its effects in (for reasons I shall not go into) falling away from Holy Mass. interesting observation. I recall many the ‘Word and the Bread’, one’s spiritual everything that a Christian does without Indeed, I was falling away from the practices of the Church, instances when I got lost and as I tried coordinates are made clearer every day. detaching himself from his earthly affairs and in belief from most of the third part of the Creed. My to find my way back, I stumbled into Moreover, this constant exposure to and duties. work environment itself was hardly the place where faith, as some interesting restaurants, excursion the unique Eucharistic grace gives the As we strive to grow in this form of my wife and I now understand it, could take root and grow. venues, resorts, and very helpful people. person an infinite cache of blessings that piety centered in and from the Eucharist, As told in the Gospel: “A sower went out to sow; and as he Although people are getting precise help him to grow in his love for God, we will eventually learn how to “pray was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came instructions on how to get to their daily neighbor and to carry out his particular unceasingly”. One starts to permeate and devoured it.” My wife, on the other hand, formed by the destinations, many are not so well- mission here on earth. everything he does with the four primary same university, had already moved away from her childhood oriented in their spiritual journey. They, Simultaneously, the Mass is already ends of the Mass: adoring God, thanking faith and practices. She was now quite the liberal feminist I believe, do not know what could help our final goal attained mysteriously Him, making amends for our offenses, and Marxist admirer. Looking back, despite the happy life of illumine and enrich their journey in life here and now, but for eternity. Doesn’t and asking for His gifts and graces. academic research and of academic study, in terms of what the and for the next. it feel good when we hear our GPS unit If we learn to gradually center our day Catechism calls “actual graces”—that is, actual interventions of In the spiritual life, our GPS (Global announcing: “You have reached your in the Holy Mass, then we will never get God in one’s life—that time in our lives was, for us as a married Position System) is the Holy Mass. Unlike destination!” Likewise, in the Mass “is lost in our spiritual orientation towards couple, a parched existence. a GPS or compass that refer us in relation contained the whole spiritual good of heaven. Even though sometimes, as it is Yet looking back still, there were three things that kept to earthly bearings, the Holy Mass is both the Church, Christ Himself. (Ibid., no. with every journey, we may slacken or us open to grace and in the end proved stronger than all a ‘coordinating and guiding instrument’ 1324)” It means we are already with and stray form the path, the Eucharist will the forces that were pulling us away from the spiritual life and also our final destination. Thus, the really have Christ. And through the Mass unfailingly illumine our hearts with the of the Church. First, the fact that, in the back of our minds, Holy Eucharist, is called “the source and “we already unite ourselves with the light of faith, like the North Star, and my wife and I still clung to our Baptism. Second, my wife summit of the Christian life. And all the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal always lead us back to Christ. clung to the memories of her childhood faith. Third, there was my academic love for the Biblical text. Because of the What Filipino Catholics could last, my wife took up Biblical studies herself. Because of the By the Roadside second, she allowed the sacred Word to flower for her into take home from the IEC a recovery of the and of the Holy Mass (these two in Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD her would be instrumental for my own recovery of faith). As for the first, the clinging to our Baptism, the power in that, just as with the other two, surely was for us a mystery of THE 51st International How thankful am I to the Lord carry within ourselves, in a joke about how much of a grace. As St. Paul points out: “We are his handiwork, created Eucharistic Congress is never for the religious freedom we our way of thinking, feeling, joke earthly life is, unless it is in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in about one nation alone. It enjoy in our poor country? Or seeing, acting or even our lived according to the passion, advance, that we should live in them.” Even now, when we is about all nations being have I so habitually focused refraining from acting itself. death, and resurrection of the ask ourselves how and why this journey should have even called to gather around on our poverty and internal But so should our Christian Son of God whose suffering begun, and why it still goes on, only the words of Our Lord the Sacrament of Christ’s problems that I have scarcely identity, and even more so strengthens us in our pains, come to mind: “What man among you, having a hundred Body and Blood that brings noticed the freedom that because in the Eucharist there whose death overcomes death sheep and losing from them one, does not leave the ninety- humankind his undying exists side by side with it? is “no more Jew nor Greek, itself and whose resurrection nine in the fields, and go after the one that is lost until he presence and saving work These questions I would also slave or free, man or woman, alone restores life. Should we has found it.” even in our day and age. But wish the reader to ponder. for you are all one in Christ miss the humor of God’s Son Nonetheless, our road home was far from straight; for the every nation represented Two, to see in Jesus’ self- Jesus” (Gal 3:28). Nor should who sees our fixation with first few years, we were not even aware that we were on it. in it has gifts to bring with giving a perpetual challenge there be Ilocano, Bicolano, money, power, popularity, It would take a shattering of personal worlds—in particular them, including the host against individual or group Tagalog, Waray, Cebuano, pleasure, real, or virtual, and mine—before I would consent to being led the long way back. country, the Philippines and selfishness. Though there’s Pampango, Pangasinense, utters an eternal rebuke: Yet when that journey began in earnest, the road home became, the host city, Cebu. Knowing absolutely no harm in being etc. in us who celebrate the “Amen, I say to you, unless in faith, a journey of mercy and of grace; grace upon grace, as how limited and flawed my fond of taking photos of Eucharist but only Christ in you eat the flesh of the Son of the Evangelist puts it. For both of us, rediscovering together the perceptions can at times be, I ourselves (selfies) or with us, in between us, among Man and drink his blood, you Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the grace of Christian marriage still would like to share a few our own people (groufies), us. We have to work more so have no life in you” (Jn 6:54)? was like journeying into a new country—into God’s country, things that I think we could the Eucharist impels that “Christ in us, our hope Four, to cultivate discipline into its beauty and its wonder. bring home with us from the Filipinos to go beyond of glory” passes from song to because discipline is Editorial / A4 IEC. our cultural divides and reality. Eucharistic. Why? Because One, to keep smiling, even individualistic collectivism. Three, to keep our humor Jesus in the Eucharist Sacrament at Luneta. The IEC ended with the personal if it seems being known as We have criticized and even in its right perspective—the challenges us to be disciples blessing from the Pope capped by the “closing discourse by the “disaster capital of the bashed ourselves, at times Cross of Christ. We crack jokes always. A disciple listens the Papal Legate and the singing of the IEC Hymn. world” is enough reason endlessly, about our lack of whenever an opportunity to God’s Word read and By the way, the Pope’s personal blessing then was to fold up and perpetually real nationalism. I believe presents itself and God preached in the Eucharist grieve. Climate change that, insofar as Catholics are knows how our Pinoy humor as well “taking flesh” received by radio. By radio! It is not certain whether notwithstanding, there is concerned, one big culprit lies helped us in Eastern Visayas for Communion where it the papal blessing was broadcast over national reason to not allow the dark in treating the Eucharist as an tremendously to tide over is received. Our undying radio, and it can only be assumed that photographs clouds in our hearts. And it individualistic devotion both Yolanda’s devastation. I’d problem of lack of discipline of the event were published in the succeeding days’ is this: The Emmanuel has by us as particular persons like to think that our Pinoy not only happens because newspapers. Our 11th hour attempt to retrieve fulfilled his promise, “I will be and as whole families or humor is also partly a fruit of when we can, we tend to play photographs of the event yielded but one Google with you till the end of time” communities celebrating the our sense of the Eucharist as with, and not by, the rules but image of a commemorative stamp. In contrast, the (Mt 28:20). The proof is the Mass without really living out Sacrifice. In Jesus’ self-giving also because the selflessness ongoing 51st IEC is immeasurably benefitting from Eucharist that we celebrate what we celebrate. I found act on the Cross perpetually of Jesus in the Eucharist is cyber technology that makes possible the internet in these parts. While we keep it striking that, for instance, made present at Mass, we something we fail to bring to transmission of photographs at the speed of light—to praying for persecuted fellow even in a gathering like the see the grotesque transience our individual and national millions of users around the world. The speakers would Christians and Catholics IEC Filipinos tended to group of earthly life. We are made lives. We need to learn be watched and heard in real time via global satellite in China, the Middle East, together in terms of their aware by Jesus on the Cross from the discipline of fellow and elsewhere in the world, cultural identities, though in a of how vain our obsession for Catholic Christians, such as TV broadcast and internet live-streaming from the IEC we also need to be thankful more refined fashion through long life and eternal youth and Mr. Kei-ichi Sugawara who media center simultaneously beamed to all corners of for the grace of freedom to the seeming “religious” names the wealth to achieve them would go beyond his family’s the world. News would travel just as fast to the faithful worship in and through the we give ourselves such as because no one, absolutely needs to look into the needs of and eager followers.On Day One alone, Jan. 24, hashtag Sacrifice of the Cross. The IEC “diocese”, “congregation”, no one, on earth is immune others in a tsunami-stricken #eucharistph had a total reach of 2,502,909; as of has made me ask myself, now “organization” etc. Culture is to suffering and death. The part of Japan. Or of Mr. Paul January 28, the total impressions on social media had more seriously than before: something that we will always joke is on us who cannot take By the Roadside / A6 shot up to nearly 38,000,000. And this, not to mention other media platforms such as print and radio. Information technology also makes for a more varied The Eucharist IEC program at present. Today our delegates watch various P.O.G.I. (Presence Of God Inside) video presentations of the Church’s social action efforts among the poor; vicariously they visit the homes of street Fr. Alan Gozo Bondoc, SVD children witnessing to God’s love conveyed through a compassionate Church. Instead of purely sermons and liturgy as in the 33rd IEC, the current program is a rich THE Eucharist is the source and summit welcome to come and stay. When we are Every Eucharist I celebrate brings blend of catechesis, doctrine and its vibrant enfleshment of our Christian life because we encounter tired, weary, and weak, He offers Himself meaning to my life as it leads me to the as evidenced by various forms of witnessing, from moving Jesus Himself. to be our dwelling place and solace. fullness of life, and it gives my life a In the Eucharist, we experience the Our constant contact with Jesus Christ profound newness. personal sharings to scintillating performing arts involving healing power of Jesus. When we are in the Eucharist will transform us from Personally for me, the Eucharist a whole family of jugglers. Ensuring everybody’s active broken, He restores us. When we are being wounded to being healers and from is more than just a celebration but a participation in the Congress, time was made for a “deaf damaged and discouraged because of our being one who hungers to one who feeds. Presence that I encounter. track” and space was allotted for simultaneous translation past wounds, He lifts us up and gives us My experience of the Eucharist as a It is not a ritual to be read but a in seven languages. hope. When we are emotionally drained priest meant being available for God to Relationship to be nourished. Indeed, with the impetus provided by the dynamic and have fallen into anxieties and stress, He use me as His instrument, a channel of I remembered that it was in the speakers, the inspiration welling up from our participation fills us with His assuring love and renews us. His power: “Maging daluyan ng Kanyang Eucharist that I heard for the first time in the Holy Eucharist, the contagious zeal of our fellow In the Eucharist, our soul is being Kapangyarihan”. He works His miracle God calling me to be a priest. I was eight- delegates, and the information technology at our fingertips, satisfied by the Word and Body of Jesus through me by transforming the bread years old then, but it was within the who can stop us from bringing the Eucharistic Presence to that we receive. When we feel hungry and wine to be His Holy Body and Blood. Eucharist that my priestly vocation story the ends of the earth? What is to stop us from living “in a and thirsty, He gives His own Body and In the Eucharist, we witness God’s began. The Eucharist became as though Blood. When we are at lost and confused, hands at work in us. my burning bush where God drew me manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in He gives us enlightenment and direction He is made real before our eyes. closer to Himself. every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge through His Word. He draws us nearer to Him. In the Eucharist we give ourselves to of God” (Col 1:10)? In the Eucharist, we are always He allows Himself to be seen and God and Jesus gives Himself to us. The theme of the 51st IEC is “Christ in you, our hope of welcomed and accepted by Jesus. touched. Let us continue to offer ourselves glory.” We continue to hope, fully trusting in His promise: When we feel rejected and wronged, He He wants us to be part of Him and to God in the Eucharist that He may “Behold I am with you always, until the end of time” (Matt. comforts us because for Him, everyone is Himself to be in us. transform and bless us. 28:20). OPINION A6 FEATURES January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 CBCP Monitor The Catholic Church In The Philippines: A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW (last of a series)

By Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM Church has held five National Eucharistic Congresses: (1) Manila CONTINUING RENEWAL AND (December 11-15, 1929); (2) Manila COMMITMENT. A major local (November 28-December 2, 1956); Church milestone was achieved (3) Cebu (April 25-May 3, 1965); in the 1991 month-long Second (4) Manila (December 4-8, 1987) Plenary Council of the Philippines [1987 was a National Eucharistic (PCP-II). After three years of Year]; (5) Manila (January 22-26, intense preparation, a total of 1997). A special Archdiocesan 504 participants (including Eucharistic Congress was held in 165 lay faithful) gathered for a Manila on February 8-11, 1962 in comprehensive review and renewal commemoration of the twenty-fifth of Christian life in the light of the anniversary of the thirty-third IEC. vision of Vatican II. The Council The local Church fully ascribes to boldly challenged the local Church the dictum: The Church makes the to be “a Community of Disciples, Eucharist, and the Eucharist makes a Church of the Poor, committed the Church. to the mission of renewed integral evangelization, toward building LOOKING TO THE FUTURE. up of a new civilization of life and The Philippine Church has embarked love in this land.” A systematic on a nine-year journey in preparation implementation scheme was for the fifth centenary of Christianity elaborated in the National Pastoral in the Islands (1521-2021). In a Plan, In the State of Mission: lengthy pastoral exhortation on the Towards a Renewed Integral New Evangelization issued in 2012, Evangelization, approved by the the CBCP once again promoted bishops on July 11, 1993. missionary evangelization as a Ten years later (January 2001) fundamental commitment of the 369 delegates gathered for the local Church; the scope of the National Pastoral Consultation document is impressive; it is a clear on Church Renewal (NPCCR) and roadmap for the coming years. reflected on “how far we as a Church We can be inspired by some brief have fulfilled the grand vision quotes:

and mission proposed by PCP-II LAGARDE ROY We look forward with gratitude and the National Pastoral Plan.” and joy to March 16, 2021, the The evaluation was both sober renewed all things by his life, death of Manila, . Taize-sponsored “Pilgrimage of fifth centenary of the coming of and hopeful: “The Church in the and resurrection. And so we dare to There was strong participation from Trust” for youth (2010); annual Christianity to our beloved land…. Philippines has, to our shame, begin again in the task of renewal. the Philippines in the First Asian gatherings of the AMRSP We shall, therefore, embark on a … remained unchanged in some May Mary, star of evangelization, Mission Congress, organized by (Association of Major Religious nine-year spiritual journey that respects; … we, as Church, have be with us in our journey to the new the FABC and held in Chiang Mai, Superiors of the Philippines); will culminate with the great to confess some responsibility creation we so deeply desire. Thailand on October 18-23, 2006. vigorous mission promotion by the jubilee of 2021. It is a grace-filled for many of the continuing ills of The CBCP issued its second pastoral Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) event of blessing for the Church…. Philippine society…. We rejoice, JOURNEYING IN THE THIRD letter on the environment in 2008, that celebrated their eightieth year The mission of all of us who are however, in the perseverance and MILLENNIUM. The local Church commemorating the twentieth in the Philippines with a Grand called to take part in the “New increase of many movements of in the Philippines, as noted earlier, anniversary of the 1988 CBCP Mission Festival (2012); exemplary Evangelization” is the Church’s renewal; … we hear anew God’s call sponsored the successful National letter, What is Happening to Our faith witness of numerous Filipinos own essential mission, as it was the to renewal.” NPCCR recommitted Mission Congress in 2000 as a Beautiful Land (quoted in Pope serving in foreign mission and the mission of Jesus Himself also…. the Church to nine focused pastoral programmatic “first step as a local Francis’ Laudato Si’ no. 41). The dedication of expatriate missioners Concern with the New priorities for the first decade of Church into the Third Millennium.” Philippine Church hosted the Ninth working in the Philippines; Evangelization has been the overall the new millennium; they center This perspective continues the Plenary FABC Assembly (August continued defense of the rights of theme of the Second Plenary Council on: faith, formation, laity, poor, implementation of National Pastoral 10-16, 2009). the indigenous [lumad] peoples; of the Philippines (PCP-II) in 1991, family, community-building, Plan that emerged from the Second After several years of intense the local and national efforts to of the National Mission Congress clergy renewal, youth, ecumenism- Plenary Council: In the State of debate in which the Church took strengthen the Basic Ecclesial for the New Millennium (NMC) dialogue, and ad gentes mission. Mission: Towards a Renewed an active role, President Benigno Communities (BEC); catechetical held in Cebu in September/October These nine priorities have become Integral Evangelization. In a word, Aquino III signed the much- and youth initiatives. Despite its 2000, and of the National Pastoral the basis for a nine-year “novena” of missionary evangelization describes contested Reproductive Health Bill recognized limitations, the local Consultation on Church Renewal renewal as the local Church prepares the dynamic, pastoral mission vision into law on December 21, 2012. Church of the Philippines struggles (NPCCR) which the Catholic Bishops’ to celebrate the fifth centenary of of the Philippine Church in its faith The Supreme Court took up various to remain faithful to its mission of Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) evangelization of the Philippines journey with the Filipino people. challenges to its constitutionality integral evangelization. sponsored in Manila in 2001…. Thus, (1521-2021). Each year from 2013- The bishops’ conference (CBCP) in 2013. On April 8, 2014, the we in the Church in the Philippines 2021 is dedicated to catechesis and continued catechizing the faithful Court affirmed the bill, but declared VISIT OF POPE FRANCIS. come to this program of the “New reflection on a particular theme. through its frequent pastoral eight items (in sections 3, 7, 17, Undeniably, the most significant Evangelization” already with Providentially, the NPCCR, as letters and the statements of the and 23) to be unconstitutional; Church event of 2015 was the January considerable prior extensive and originally scheduled, took place CBCP President. From 2000- these were, in fact, the main items 15-19 pastoral visit of Pope Francis; intensive study, reflection, deliberation during the week immediately 2015 inclusive, 141 documents to which the Church had serious he told the crowds that when he saw and resolution. In truth, we have been following the “People Power II” were released (an annual average objections. In this atmosphere the destructive effects of the 2013 trying to earnestly pursue “renewed events (January 16-20, 2001) that of about nine). In the period of CBCP President Villegas promoted typhoon on television, he decided evangelization” especially in the last removed from the the third millennium, the CBCP renewed collaboration between the to come to comfort his brothers and twenty-five years…. Philippine presidency after only a Presidents were: Church and the government for the sisters. Affectionately nicknamed We respond to the call of the Spirit little over two years of his six-year (1999-2003), Fernando Capalla welfare of the Filipino people. Lolo Kiko (Grandfather Francis) for a New Evangelization by focusing term; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2003-2005), The Philippines was visited by by the huge crowds, he won their on the Nine Pastoral Priorities of became the fourteenth president (2005-2009), Nereo Odchimar several natural calamities in the hearts and souls. He emphatically the Church in the Philippines as the and the second woman to hold the (2009-2011), Jose Palma (2011- years 2012-2015. On December asserted: “The poor are at the center key themes over a nine-year period highest office in the land. There was 2013), and Socrates Villegas (2013- 4, 2012 Typhoon Bopha [local of the Gospel, are at the heart of the [2013: Integral Faith Formation; muted euphoria; the local Church 2017). In its history, the Philippines name: Pablo] devastated the Gospel; if we take away the poor from 2014: Laity; 2015: The Poor; had played a significant role; the has had eight cardinals; their provinces of Davao Oriental and the Gospel, we cannot understand 2016: Eucharist and the Family; event was described as “the gift of names and year of appointment Compostella Valley in Eastern the whole message of Jesus Christ.” 2017: Parish as a Communion of national and moral renewal which are: (1960), Julio . It was on October 15, The most moving part of the papal Communities; 2018: Clergy and God empowered the Filipinos to Rosales (1969), (1976), 2013 that a severe earthquake hit visit was Pope Francis’ presence in Religious; 2019: Youth; 2020: receive.” The tasks ahead were (1985), Jose Sanchez in central Philippines; the island Tacloban, the city hardest hit by the Ecumenism and Interreligious clear: democratic institutions (1991), Gaudencio Rosales (2006), of Bohol was greatly affected. 2013 typhoon. Thanking Pope Francis Dialogue; 2021: Missio ad gentes]…. need strengthening; confidence (2012), and Typhoon Haiyan [local name: for his pastoral visit, Cardinal Tagle Dear Friends, being evangelizers in government awaits restoration; Orlando Quevedo (2014). As of this Yolanda] struck on November 8, captured the people’s sentiments and is not a privilege but a commitment poverty beckons amelioration; the writing (2016), there are four living 2013; affecting several provinces, mission commitment; he said: “Every that comes from faith…. Beloved economy needs rebuilding. The cardinals: R. Vidal, G. Rosales, L. A. it caused very severe destruction Filipino wants to go with you—not to People of God, we invite you to Philippine Church’s commitment Tagle, and O. Quevedo; Tagle and and resulted in the loss of over —but to the peripheries, to the pray and reflect on what the New to “renewed integral evangelization” Quevedo are still papal electors. 7,000 lives. Extreme weather was shanties, to prison cells, to hospitals, Evangelization asks of all of us, from took on new depths and urgency. The Philippines has had four papal also experienced in 2014-2015, to the world of politics, finance, arts, each of us…. In this Year of Faith Recalling the words of Pope John visits: Paul VI (1970), John Paul II bringing floods, crop destruction, sciences, culture, education and and throughout the nine-year period Paul II in Novo Millennio Ineunte (1981 and 1995), and Francis (2015). loss of life, and much suffering. social communications. We will go of special New Evangelization—and where he quoted Luke 5:4: Duc in Some significant Church events Church and civic resources were to these worlds to bring the light of beyond—let us celebrate our faith. altum (Put out into the deep), the in the first fifteen years of the stretched to their limits; yet, it was Jesus, Jesus who is the center of your Live Christ! Share Christ! NPCCR final statement asserts: new millennium can be briefly also edifying to witness numerous pastoral visit and the cornerstone of _____ The challenge for us, the Church noted. The division of the huge and widespread examples of the Church.” in the Philippines, is to do the same. Manila Archdiocese into six heroic generosity, dedication, James H. Kroeger, a Maryknoll We are called to put out into the [Manila, Cubao, Kalookan, service, and charity. EUCHARISTIC CONGRESSES. Missioner, has served in the depths of Philippine life and society, Novaliches, Pasig, and Parañaque] Though it is not possible to present The Philippine Church is privileged Philippines since 1970. Currently, to put out into the depths of our life was begun in 2002 and completed in a full description and specific data to have been selected to host the he is professor of systematic and as Church, to put out our nets into 2003. The Church held two highly on many other Church events, one fifty-first International Eucharistic mission theology at Loyola School the unknown depths of the future. successful national congresses of must mention in general a wide Congress (IEC) in 2016 in Cebu of Theology, East Asian Pastoral Like Peter, we know the frustration the clergy (2004 and 2010). The variety of constructive initiatives, as City. This is the second time the Institute, and Mother of Life of having caught nothing. But charity program to assist the poor the Church continued its efforts at country has hosted the IEC; the Catechetical Center, all located in like Peter, we know that the One (Pondo ng Pinoy) was established missionary evangelization: Congress thirty-third IEC was held in Manila . He may be contacted who directs us is the Lord who has in 2005 by the then-archbishop for Seminary Formators (2009); on February 3-7, 1937. The local at: [email protected]

By the Roadside / A5

Ponce who, despite admitting sins as individuals and as a RH Law), we white-wash Finally, to be serious not been exactly sleeping on our difficulties revolve on the that he “was free to follow or community. We know nothing sin as part of “keeping up about mission and dialogue. Jesus’ command. But mission lack of real dialogue not only not Jesus”, chose to follow else prevents us from entering with the rest of the world”. After the celebrant says the has been, by and large, seen as at the top of the hierarchy but him even in a world that into the mysteries of salvation, To celebrate the Eucharist Prayer After Communion belonging to an elite group, also with those below it, one thrives on self-centeredness, into the divine presence itself. in this social environment and imparts the blessing, he such as the clergy, the religious, that truly listens, instead of show business. Filipinos easily see sin in as though everything is OK declares: “Ite, missa est” (“Go the faith communities. The one that simply talks, to the Five, to nourish a healthy murder as in by “riding-in- smacks of a betrayal of Christ forth; the Mass is ended). difficulties surrounding “those at the bottom of the sense of sin in the face of the tandem” assasins, stealing by in the sacrament itself. We The Mass ends by our being the BECs’ perceived over- ladder”. Or perhaps, we could destructive consequences it known criminals or disrespect complain against “public “sent” or, more properly, by dependence on the hierarchy’s begin by setting aside even has brought our country: for the elderly. But when sin is sinners” in our midst who, the celebrant becoming the leadership rather than on the longer periods of real heart- culture of corruption, hidden in set practices (wasn’t after all the plunder and mouthpiece of Jesus who Spirit-given charisms behind to-heart dialogues with the criminality with impunity, there a time when stealing abuse of power they or their commands us: “Go and make flourishing lay movements and Master in prayer and silence degradation of moral public money was called forebears have committed, disciples of all the nations” communities should not be the way he does in the Gospels. values, massive poverty. At ‘S.O.P.’ [Standard Operating offer no apology. But that is (Mt. 28:19). If that is not overlooked. Perhaps mission Only then can we go from the beginning of the Mass Procedure’] or ‘tong-pats’?), what we become too when motive enough to mission, and dialogue should start the “Misa” (Mass) to the we are always invited to be attitudes and even immoral we allow ourselves to lose a I don’t know what is. To be within Church leadership in “mesa” or “table” of the aware of and renounce our laws (such as parts of the healthy sense of sin. fair, Filipino Catholics have the Philippines first. Perhaps world’s teeming masses. FEATURES CBCP Monitor January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 A7

th st 6 day of the 51 International The ‘call and provision’ Eucharistic Congress of the Eucharist

A SYNTHESIS CEBU City, Jan. 27, 2016 – The on the Cross.” Eucharist calls for “mission and He said dialogue means to By Teresa Tunay of the loaves and fish when Jesus God by proclamation and dialogue. dialogue” as well as “care for “discover the presence of Christ asked his disciples to do something The paper tackled the sacredness creation,” according to the two and the working of the Spirit John Cardinal instead of complaining at the of food in various religions as basis catecheses delivered on Jan. 27. among diverse people.” Onaiyekan, DD, Archbishop of inadequacy of available resources. for understanding Eucharist and the Peter Cardinal Turkson’s “These [people on the Abuja (Nigeria), whose subject is We should not say, therefore, that Church’s dialogue with religions. catechesis read by Cagayan periphery] are all truly areas for “The Eucharist: Dialogue with the the problem is too much, or that It elaborated on the importance of de Oro Archbishop Antonio dialogue: Secular and spiritual Poor and the Suffering”, opened what we have would not make any food in Hinduism, the significan role Ledesma, spoke of the challenge wisdom must draw closer. the day’s Catechesis on a note of difference. God is challenging us: of food in Islam, and the sacredness to reflect on the importance of Intelligence and faith must find gratitude: “It is a great grace for “Do the little you can with the right of food in Sikhism. the world and to find the need ways of relating. Justice and each and everyone who is here to spirit and God will do the rest.” The bonding that takes place to care for it and everything that mercy must embrace,” explained be part of this Congress. There As for suffering which is very much among the members of the dwells in it. the prelate. are many all over the world who part of human life and is invariably community eating together and “This means taking seriously would have wanted to be here but linked with pain, and there are many the renewal in their relationships our obligation of being in Eucharist and provision cannot be. For those of us who are kinds of suffering, whether physical, with one another indicate to us the communion with and caregivers Menamparampil said the here we must consider ourselves emotional, even spiritual. The image paramount importance of food. for our common home,” said faithful are not alone in this call called by God to this Eucharistic the Eucharist shows us is of Jesus Further, and most important, for Turkson, president of the and that the Eucharist “equips Assembly. During our time here, we hanging on the cross, sharing our most of our Asian religions, food is a Pontifical Council for Justice one for the mission, gives life and should try to find union with God human state of suffering. symbol of communion with God and and Peace. supplies energy.” and solidarity with each other. I “Here we might consider how a bond of spiritual fellowship and “We are never to presume “The Eucharist is rightly called personally thank God that I have the much we do to make the Eucharist social solidarity with one another. that we are its masters or that ‘panis viatorum,’ nourishment chance and the opportunity to share available to the poor living in Further, and most important, for we are its lords. We are fellow for travelers. It supplies energies. some reflections with this special slums or in remote villages,” said most of our Asian religions, food is a companions, responsible to It builds up inner sturdiness for congregation on this occasion.” Cardinal Onaiyekan, “and those symbol of communion with God and succeeding generations for our the mission,” he said. Linking his lecture to the theme who live in prisons and detention a bond of spiritual fellowship and care of and for it,” he added. “The Eucharist equips us for “Christ in you, our hope of glory,” camps. Wherever possible, those social solidarity with one another. the mission – Jesus does not the cardinal referred to this glory who are suffering should be able Hence, food naturally lends itself to ‘Cry of Christ’ merely say ‘Go’; He assures us ‘I as “…first and foremost of the face to contemplate the face of Jesus in being a powerful symbol of God who Archbishop Thomas will be with you,’” the archbishop of God revealed to us through the the Holy Eucharist.” In conclusion, is the fullness of life, happiness, and Menamparampil, Apostolic added. Son… the glory that is also revealed the cardinal said the Eucharist fulfilment. Administrator of Jowai, India, The providence of the in the will of God being expressed is not just for those who receive Cardinal Gracias’ lecture went said that as human beings, we Eucharist was further discussed and fulfilled in our world and in our communion. “Above all it is also for on to say that partaking of the are responsible for acting as the by Turkson, who reiterated that lives … the glory of God’s eternal the people of this world both living one Sacred Eucharistic Meal stewards of God’s creation. the Eucharist is the “summit and kingdom…the ultimate destiny of and dead for whom the Sacrifice demonstrates a sharing in the “[People] ought to care for their source” of the Christian life. every living human being created of Calvary is daily represented on Divine Life as well as promoting environment and protect it from “The Eucharist is integral to by God…the glory of the heavenly our Altar. The Eucharist becomes a culture of life. The Eucharist pollution and over-exploitation,” the very essence of Catholicism, it banquet of which we have already the hope of the world today in the is an indestructible friendship he said. integrates all the facets of our life a foretaste in the Holy Eucharist.” midst of all the bad news we are between God and humanity: Jesus Menamparampil talked about of faith,” he said. “The Eucharist After expounding on the Eucharist hearing. For this we must remain Christ gives himself to humanity missionary dialogue on cultural is heaven on earth and invites us as Real Presence, Sacrifice and forever grateful.” as nourishment in order to nourish and religious traditions, social to share even now in the fullness Communion, the Nigerian prelate The paper of His Eminence and love others. The Lineamenta transformation, secularized of God’s glory in heaven forever,” spoke about the Eucharist in dialogue Oswald Cardinal Gracias, DD, of the XIth Ordinary General society, responding to the cry of he added. (Chrixy Paguirigan with the poor and suffering. He Archbishop of Mumbai (India), and Assembly of the Synod of Bishops the poor, and the “cry of Christ / CBCP News) said material poverty is the most Secretary General of the Federation on the Eucharist stated that “Jesus immediate poverty the Church needs of Asian Bishops’ Conference, was Christ gives himself (cf. Jn 13:1) to address—it is not inevitable, but is read by Archbishop Dominic Jala, to humanity as nourishment; he Thousands / A1 due to human failures such as injustice Archdiocese of Shillong. “It is our gives his body and sheds his blood and greed. The Eucharist stresses the firm conviction that ‘an authentically for us. In this sense, the Eucharist provincial government declared by women in white veils and the rest goodness of God who gives himself to Eucharistic Church is a missionary provides the unifying power of the no work at the Capitol on Friday of the crowd. humanity… and the need for sharing Church’ and ‘truly, nothing is more human race. Just as Jesus gave his via its official social media accounts On Sunday, millions are expected among God’s children starting from beautiful than to know Christ and body and shed his blood for us, we to give way for the preparations for to attend the Statio Orbis Mass those in the Church. to make him known to others’”, it are invited to break ourselves for the Holy Mass and the Eucharistic (Latin for “Stations of the World”) There is also a “spiritual poverty”, began. The multi-cultural and the others and live for others. Nourished procession. or Concluding Mass of the 51st IEC a lack of spiritual values expressing multi-religious background of the by the body and blood of Christ, The monstrance, specially designed at the South Road Properties. The itself in the form of selfishness. people of Asia pose an enormous we must grow in awareness of the for the IEC, was placed on a pedestal in term was first used to describe the The Eucharist challenges us … to challenge to unity. However, in dignity and value of every person… an open-top truck decked with flowers. concluding celebration of the 37th see one another as brothers and spite of their great ethnic, linguistic, We must be sensitive to human Thousands followed the procession IEC in Munich, Germany in 1960. sisters, children of the same Father economic, political, religious, suffering and misery, to injustices while others waited at the sides, The phrase came to refer to the in heaven. It is often said that the and cultural diversities, it is their and wrongdoings in society and carrying lighted candles or praying global nature of the gathering for Church must have a preferential religious traditions that bind seek ways to effectively remedy such the rosary. closing Mass of each IEC. option for the poor. Although many them together… Hence, one of the situations… We experience a deep Fourth degree Knights of The papal legate will lead the would say this is easier said than essential tasks of Christianity is to be desire to love our neighbour and love Columbus in full Honor Guard Statio Orbis Mass which will begin done, we ought to recall the miracle a witness to the values of kingdom of every human being. regalia led the procession followed at 4:00 p.m.

Deaf / A2

and we made sure we came to continue to serve people with of the deaf person in the countries brought together Cebu,” she said. Not knowing disabilities, especially the Church is just another gift by the Holy Spirit out of a where the next IEC will be deaf believing that “there is and blessing that the Church common conviction that held, she hopes that they a beauty to every person that offers to us all.” deaf persons are called to can continue their service to is a child of God.” According to the group’s the fullness of life in Christ’s deaf delegates, saying she is “We are all created in the website, the ICF is “a Mystical Body, which “looking forward to it.”. image and likeness of God. movement of communion is the Church.” (Chrixy Mrs. O’Meara says she will Coming to know the beauty among people from various Paguirigan / CBCPNews)

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MANDAUE CITY COLLEGE Dr. Paulus Mariae L. Cañete President FEATURES A8 January 30, 2016 Vol. 20, No. 7 CBCP Monitor Indonesian seminarian’s ‘trash- collecting’ IEC formation

CEBU City, Jan. 29, 2016 – Childhood dream for 7 years now to become a “Many think people in Collecting garbage may not “I want to be here. I want Scalabrinian religious. Indonesia … all of them be the most glamorous thing to know better the meaning are Muslim. In my place, in the world. But Stanislaus of the Eucharist … I can see Missionary-in-the-making especially in my place, the Renca couldn’t care less, the Eucharist as the presence According to the 25-year majority is Catholic,” he believing the menial task of God in my life,” he added. old, he felt happy the global said. assigned to him is part of his For Renca, what the Body religious gathering enables formation as a future priest. and Blood of the Lord stands him to rub elbows with people Father’s witness “I only pray that more for is nothing but love. And in from different countries. It was a blessing he has a people will be faithful to his own little way, Stanislaus As a missionary-in-the- father who is very supportive God [because of the 51st wants to be an instrument of making, he pointed out his of the vocation he has chosen. International Eucharistic that Divine Love. IEC assignment is a foretaste “My first encounter with Congress (IEC)],” he noted. It is for this reason he of his future life as a religious Jesus was through my In an interview with is studying to become a and priest. family, especially my father. CBCP News Wednesday, the missionary, a dream of his As an Indonesian, Renca He is a very faithful man,” Indonesian seminarian went since childhood. knows he has to be able to he said. on to stress he doesn’t mind “My congregation is the study different languages in According to him, the picking trash at all, if doing Scalabrinian congregation order to “communicate to presence of his own biological so will help him bring the [Missionaries of St. Charles others the presence of God” father is the presence of God presence of Christ to others. Borromeo] founded by in his life. in his life. Volunteering to clean up [Blessed] John Baptist Growing up in Flores, a As a missionary he would what pilgrims left behind Scalabrini because it helps Catholic majority island- like to continue sharing that at an event on the level of migrants. I am also a province in overwhelmingly presence with the people he the IEC makes that task a migrant. I want to serve Islamic Indonesia, Stanislaus will encounter. (Raymond Thousands of lay people, religious, and consecrated persons gather for the 51st International lot easier as he gets to meet them,” added Renca, who has knew early on he wanted to A. Sebastián / CBCP Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu City, Jan. 29, 2016. JOHANN MANGUSSAD people from all walks of life. been undergoing formation enter the priesthood. News)

The Wood of Sacrifice The typhoon took their homes The people stored the rubble And when the man had finished And lives away--the waves In a pile--broken oars, The people saw an altar. Ripped the outriggers off Fractured posts, shredded walls, The lives of those who died And smashed the fishing boats Those no one had use for, The folk could not retrieve, Against the rocks--the winds At the back somewhere, all But through the odds and ends Coiled themselves around But irretrievable, Of what remained of them The fragile wooden houses, Until a stranger with Was formed a table for Which escaped being pulled up Far out ideas came What they had sacrificed. By bending, bowing, kneeling, And asked for wood, the bits They knew that if there was And breaking up to flounder Of boats, the pieces of A dying on the altar In the rain’s spinning chalice. The posts and walls, and even There also was a rising. The angry waters forced The tree where someone died, A homeless fisherman And then put them together, ~ Simeon Dumdum Jr. To hang on to a tree. Chiseled them, sawed and hammered, January 27, 2016