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APRIL 1 - 14, 2019, VOL 23, NO.Monitor 07 [email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE CBCP head calls drug dealers ‘Satans’ By Roy Lagarde

The head of the Catholic hierarchy uttered harsh words against the con- tinuing drugs trade in the country, labelling them as dealers of “death and darkness”. of Davao, who heads the ’ conference, urged people not to be lured by the drug trade and never negotiate with “evil”. “In the news we see not just thousands but billions worth of drugs. They are satans!” Archbishop Valles exclaimed. He lamented that this could mean more young people and even families “destroyed”. “We know very well that it destroys you physically, your future, you may become a murderer, all the darkness of drugs, we know the ending,” he said. The archbishop was speaking during to launch the archdiocese’s drug rehabilitation program at the St. Joseph the Worker in on Sunday, March 24. On the same day, President in a speech in City admitted the country’s drug situation has “worsened”. “My policemen are on the brink of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the led by its president, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao (center), hold a press conference after the CBCP’s plenary assembly in , Jan. 28, Dealers / A6 2019. ROY LAGARDE Archbishop urges graduates to Alminaza demands probe bring change as poll nears into killing of 14 Negros farmers A CATHOLIC bishop wants full investigation into the weekend slaying of 14 persons, including a lay minister, in Negros Oriental province. Authorities said the 14 were killed while allegedly resisting to be searched for illegal firearms in separate operations in Canlaon City and in the towns of Archbishop speaks during the Baccalaureate Mass for this year’s graduates of the Xavier University in Cagaya de Oro City, March 28, 2019. Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina. SCREENSHOT/XU YOUTUBE ACCOUNT The joint army and police operations, they said, were A CATHOLIC archbishop He stressed that part of the government’s stood on the stage of Xavier and entire country cannot campaign against loose University on Thursday have peace and development firearms held by suspected and urged the graduates to without good governance. members of the New raise their voices for positive “And election is the time People’s Army. change at the ballot box. to make sure that we have Human rights groups, Jesuit Archbishop Antonio good governance from our however, deplored the Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro leaders and from ourselves,” killings saying that the said that their future are in Ledesma said. fatalities were farmers and the hands of the people that The archbishop was Farmers / A6 Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos. PHOTO FROM BP. ALMINAZA’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT they elect. Poll / A3 Francis asks youth for help in ‘preventing atrocities’ of abuse Church lauds PH-Japan labor pact — has called upon young people to be vigilant in the face of “horrible crimes” of clerical sexual abuse, and to confront “at risk” of betraying the trust of their office. The pope issued the plea in his post-synodal on youth, Christus vivit, published April 2. “If you see a at risk, because he has lost the joy of his ministry, or seeks affective

Bishop of Balanga. FILE PHOTO compensation, or is taking the wrong path, remind him of A CATHOLIC official for employment. his commitment to God and has lauded a Philippine Bishop Ruperto Santos, his people, remind him of the agreement with Japan to who heads the Church’s and urge him to hold to pave the way for Filipino migrants ministry, said the his course. In this way, you will workers to travel to the deal is “very valuable” and contribute greatly to something world’s third largest economy Labor / A7 Atrocities / A6 Pope Francis greets young people in Panama at 2019. VATICAN MEDIA A2 WORLD NEWS April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 CBCP Monitor

March for Life rallies draw more Vatican Briefing

than 2 million in Argentina Autonomous weapons systems threaten peace, says Vatican official BUENOS AIRES, Argentina— March gestation, and through the ninth month of the family and of millions of unborn The growing use of autonomous weapons systems for Life gatherings throughout of pregnancy on the grounds of rape, if children.” poses serious risks to global peace and stability, a Vatican Argentina on March 23 drew more doctors deem the mother’s life or health A group of veterans also spoke, representative told a U.N. meeting in Geneva. “How would than 2 million participants advocating to be endangered, or if the baby receives stressing that the lives of both a autonomous weapons systems be able to respond to the legal protections for both women and a diagnosis of non-viability. woman and her child must be valued. principles of humanity and the dictates of public conscience?” their unborn children. It would have allowed minors under “Today we are here as soldiers to asked Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, the Vatican observer to “We say ‘No to Abortion!’” said 16 to get an abortion without having to implore everyone to defend both U.N. agencies in Geneva. Speaking March 26 to a group organizer Alejandro Geyer at a rally in inform their parents, and would have lives, which is to save the homeland,” of governmental experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons the capital city of Buenos Aires. prohibited conscientious objection by they said. Systems (LAWS), Archbishop Jurkovic criticized the use of According to the organizing healthcare institutions. Prior to the march, the Pro-Life weapons that can shoot and kill without any moral or ethical committee, more than 300,000 people The current law in Argentina Unity organization said that the entire deliberation. (Liam McIntyre/CNS) turned out in Buenos Aires, with more prohibits abortion, except when the pro-life movement is demanding “the than 2 million total participating in mother’s life or health is determined development of comprehensive public Pope to visit Africa in September, Vatican announces 210 cities across the nation. Between to be in danger, or in cases of rape. policies to assist women in vulnerable The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit the 70 and 90 percent of Argentinians are Speakers at this year’s event situations and the advancement and eastern African nation of Mozambique and the island nations estimated to be Catholic. expressed a desire to build on last development of children at risk, of Madagascar and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean Sept. 4-10. 2018 was a significant year for year’s legislative victory, particularly without losing sight that this year half Accepting invitations on behalf of the bishops and heads the pro-life movement in the by supporting pregnant women in of the House of Representatives and a of state in the three countries, the Vatican said March 27, American country. Last August, the difficult situations. third of the Senate is up for election.” the pope will visit the capital cities: Maputo, Mozambique; Argentinian Senate rejected a bill Geyer outlined the three main Speakers also denounced reports of Antananarivo, Madagascar; and Port Louis, Mauritius. A to legalize first-trimester abortion. goals of the movement: “The right three premature C-section deliveries detailed program for the visit will be published later. (Carol The 38-31 vote followed 16 hours of of everyone to be born; the right of being performed in the country Glatz/CNS) legislative debate. families to educate their children without a valid medical reason, as a The legislation, which had narrowly without gender ideology; and the means of ending the pregnancies and Chilean court orders church to pay compensation to passed the House of Representatives need to be aware that in our country, skirting the law prohibiting abortion. abuse survivors earlier in the summer, sought to allow especially this election year, we The three babies died soon after, A Chilean appeals court ruled in favor of three survivors of abortion on-demand up to 14 weeks determine the future of the homeland, according to media reports. (CNA) abuse by former priest Fernando Karadima and ordered the to pay damages. In a decision announced March 27, the court ordered the church to pay 100 million Franciscan friar from Kenya wins $1m Global Teacher Prize pesos (about US$147,000) for “moral damages” to each of the survivors: Juan Carlos Cruz, Jose Andres Murillo and James NAIROBI, Kenya— What founded in 2010 by Indian Hamilton. According the ruling, the appeals court said that happens when you give a businessman Sunny Varkey, “the omissions and the errors of the leadership of the Catholic Franciscan $1 million? looks to raise the standards Church” in proved the church had been “negligent in its He gives it away. of education for students conduct in terms that can be qualified as a cover-up that gave At least that’s what across the developing way to the configuration of a civil offense.”(Junno Arocho Peter Tabichi, world. Esteves/CNS) OFM, plans to do with the In Kenya’s Rift Valley, $1 million prize he won afflicted by drought, Founder, editorial staff of Vatican women’s magazine March 23, which came violence, and drug abuse, resign alongside the 2019 Global many students have either Claiming a lack of support for open dialogue and for an Teacher Prize, which he been orphaned or are editorial line run by women, the director and editorial staff received at a conference being raised by only one of a Vatican women’s magazine have resigned. But the editor Saturday in Dubai. parent. of L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, which “This prize does not Tabichi teaches science publishes the magazine, countered that he has given the staff recognize me but recognizes and math at Keriko Mixed “the same total autonomy and freedom” that have marked this great continent’s Day Secondary School its work since it began. “There is a return to the clerical young people. I am only in Pwani Village, Kenya. students have had success at in the INTEL International self-referentiality and an abandonment of that ‘parrhesia’ here because of what my The school is in need of national and international Science and Engineering (courage) so often asked for by Pope Francis,” said Lucetta students have achieved. resources and equipment, science competitions. Fair 2019 in Arizona. Scaraffia, founder and director of “Women-Church-World,” a This prize gives them a and has a student-teacher More students have also Over a video conference monthly supplement to L’Osservatore Romano. In December, chance. It tells the world ratio of 58:1. been able to attend college, at the event, Kenyan Pope Francis appointed Andrea Monda, an Italian journalist that they can do anything,” Tabichi often walks and girls’ tests scores President Uhuru Kenyatta and religion teacher, to be editor of L’Osservatore Romano. Tabichi said. four miles to a cyber-cafe, have particularly seen an congratulated the (Carol Glatz/CNS) The brother is a science to download educational increase. Franciscan brother. teacher at a school in rural material for his lessons. Last year, his students “Peter – your story Pope accepts resignation of embattled Chilean cardinal Kenya. He also donates 80 won first place in the public is the story of Africa, a Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of a Chilean Chosen from among percent of his income to school category at the Kenya young continent bursting cardinal who has faced widespread criticism for his 10,000 nominees, Tabichi aid poor students, and Science and Engineering with talent. Your students handling of cases of clerical sexual abuse in the country. will also become global intends to donate his Fair 2018. The students have shown that they can The pope accepted the resignation of Cardinal Ricardo ambassador for the prize money to support submitted a device allowing compete amongst the best Ezzati of Santiago, the Vatican announced March 23; the Varkey Foundation, which the school. blind and deaf people to in the world in science, Vatican did not give a reason for the cardinal stepping established the award. The Under Tabichi’s measure objects. The team technology and all fields of down. All bishops are required to offer their resignations international organization, instruction, the school’s is preparing to participate human endeavor.” (CNA) when they turn 75; Cardinal Ezzati is 77. The cardinal’s is the eighth resignation Pope Francis accepted after almost Underground bishop, detained in China’s Hebei province every bishop in Chile offered to step down in May 2018 after a three-day meeting at the Vatican to discuss the clerical XUANHUA, China— A bishop of the sexual abuse scandal. Chile has 27 and other underground Church in China’s Hebei church jurisdictions led by a bishop. (Junno Arocho province and his vicar general were Esteves/CNS) placed in detention this week, and a lay Catholic activist was jailed in Pope sends aid to southeast Africa after cyclone Hong Kong. As an immediate sign of his concern and an According to UCA News, Coadjutor encouragement to other donors, Pope Francis has sent Bishop Augustine Cui Tai of Xuanhua $50,000 each to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi and his vicar general, Father Zhang to assist with initial emergency relief efforts after a Jianlin, were detained by officials of cyclone hit the region and caused massive flooding. As of Hebei province this week. March 22, at least 300 people were known to have died, “The government’s aim is to thousands have been injured and hundreds of thousands paralyze the . If the diocese left homeless, according to the Vatican for fails to manage the community, Promoting Integral Human Development. The Vatican then the government will use this described Pope Francis’ as a “first contribution” as an opportunity to take it over,” and only “part of the aid that is being gathered throughout an anonymous priest from the the Catholic Church” from bishops’ conferences and underground Church told UCA News. charitable organizations. (CNS) According to the UCA News, the bishop had been taken in custody Cardinal Barbarin remains archbishop, takes leave-of- the morning of March 29 after he absence received a text message in regards to which displaced villagers and and some Church leaders, including French Cardinal will remain the his arrest. He had also been detained damaged property. Chairman of the Cardinal Ze-kiun, Bishop Archbishop of Lyon, the Vatican announced March 19. for indoctrination in April last year Hong Kong Catholic Institution Staff Emeritus of Hong Kong. According to a statement released by the Press Office, and was recently released in January. Association, Alexander Yu, decried In December, two bishops of the Pope Francis has not accepted the cardinal’s resignation, UCA News reported that Father the court’s decision, stating Yip had underground Catholic Church agreed though Barbarin has stepped back from the day-to-day Zhang was seized March 28 for acted justly, according to UCA News. to step aside in favor of bishops of the leadership of the diocese. Barbarin was convicted by a French violating a traveling restriction. Since “We agree with Yip’s action as her CPCA, in the wake of the September tribunal on March 7 on charges of failing to report allegations his identity papers were confiscated, motives were genuine when calling agreement. of sexual abuse committed by a priest of his diocese. He was the priest has not been allowed to on the general public to examine the One test of the result of the Holy given a six-month suspended prison sentence and plans to travel even to a neighboring city. injustices of the development plan,” See-Beijing agreement may be the appeal the verdict. Barbarin met with Pope Francis March In November two of Bishop Cui’s he said. “The social teaching of the appointment of a bishop to the 18 to submit his resignation as archbishop. (Hannah priests, Fr. Su Guipeng and Fr. Zhao Catholic Church points out that our Diocese of Jining (Wumeng) in Inner Brockhaus/CNA) He, were abducted to be “indoctrinated love for neighbors urges us to seek Mongolia. on the religious policy of the Chinese social justice.” The South China Morning Post Pope: Education, encounter are key in furthering access government … because they refuse to The Church in mainland China reported March 29 that the diocese to clean water enroll in the Patriotic Association.” has been divided for some 60 is nearing its selection of episcopal In a message for World Water Day, Pope Francis stressed Two priests of the Diocese of Chongli- years between the underground candidates, making it the first time the need to remember the suffering of billions of people who Xiwanzi, also in Hebei, were also Church, which is persecuted and that the Vatican and Beijing might do not have reliable access to clean water in their homes. taken. whose episcopal appointments are agree on a bishop appointment since “Joint work is essential to eradicate this evil [of a lack of Meanwhile in Hong Kong, Yip frequently not acknowledged by the September 2018 accord. access to clean water] that afflicts so many of our brothers and Po-lam, a member of the Justice Chinese authorities, and the Chinese Religious freedom is officially sisters,” the pope said. “It will be possible if we join efforts in Peace Commission of the Diocese of Patriotic Catholic Association, a guaranteed by the Chinese the search for the common good, when the other has a real Hong Kong, was jailed March 28. A government-sanctioned organization. constitution, but religious groups must face, takes center stage and is placed at the center of debate court had refused to hear an appeal In September 2018 the Holy See register with the government, and are and initiatives. This is when the measures adopted will take regarding a conviction she received and Beijing reached an agreement overseen by the Chinese Communist on the flavor of encounter, and the value of responding to an five years ago for disturbing the peace meant to normalize the situation of Party. The Sinicization of religion has injustice that needs to be healed.” Pope Francis sent a message during a protest. China’s Catholics and to unify the been pushed by President Xi Jinping, to Professor José Graziano da Silva, director general of the The peaceful demonstrations were underground Church and the CPCA. who took power in 2013 and who has United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization on March protesting the controversial Northeast The agreement has been roundly strengthened government oversight 22, World Water Day. (CNA) New Territories Development Plan, criticized by human rights groups of religious activities. (CNA) WORLD NEWS CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 NEWS FEATURES A3 Pope Francis issues child protection laws for Vatican City State, Roman VATICAN— Pope Francis on March In addition to mandatory preventing and counteracting abuse in respect to the presumption of The apostolic letter and 29 issued new laws and guidelines reporting, the new laws introduce of minors and vulnerable adults” in innocence. guidelines were part of the on the protection of minors for those protections and services for victims the and Vatican City The law gives a statute of concrete measures announced working within Vatican City State of abuse, and require the hiring State. limitations of 20 years, which in at the end of the Vatican abuse and the Roman Curia, including the process within the governorate “The protection of minors and the case of a minor begins from the summit in February and mark “the obligation to report abuse. of Vatican City to include a vulnerable persons is an integral 18th year of age. first important step” following Under the new law, promulgated determination of a candidate’s part of the evangelical message the Up to this point, the Vatican City that meeting, papal spokesman by the pope March 29, officials of suitability to interact with minors. Church and all her members are State’s penal law was more concise Alessandro Gisotti said March 29. the Roman Curia and Vatican City The law also establishes an called to spread around the world,” and only described the crime of He pointed out that even the State are obliged to report “without expanded definition of the term he wrote. Everyone has “the duty abuse, a professor of law, Fr. child protection guidelines for the delay” any knowledge or well- “vulnerable persons,” which it says to welcome minors and vulnerable Fernando Puig, explained to CNA. Vicariate of Vatican City have the founded suspicion of abuse against is anyone “in an infirm state, of persons with generosity and to “With the norms and guidelines signature of the pope. a minor or vulnerable adult learned physical or mental deficiency, or create a safe environment for them.” promulgated today, the Vatican is “Together, these acts reinforce in the exercise of their position – deprivation of personal freedom, “This requires a continuous endowed with means to prevent the protection of minors by though with the obvious exception that in fact, even occasionally, and profound conversion,” he and prosecute these crimes [against strengthening the normative of information learned only within limits their capacity to intend or continued, “in which personal minors], facilitate its reporting, care framework,” he stated. confession, which is protected by to want or in any way to resist the holiness and moral commitment for victims and punish the guilty, “The Holy Father hopes that – the sacramental seal. offense.” can help to promote the credibility with systems similar to those of thanks also to these norms which The failure to report abuse in a For the purposes of the law, a of the evangelical message and to ‘normal’ states, but also in a similar pertain to Vatican City State and timely manner is punishable by a “vulnerable person” is considered renew the educational mission of way to dioceses,” he said. to the Roman Curia – everyone fine of 1,000 to 5,000 euros (about equal to a “minor.” the Church.” He clarified that the new norms might develop in their awareness $1,123-$5,616). Promulgated in Pope Francis wrote that the laws Pope Francis also addressed apply to “crimes committed by that the Church must always be an apostolic letter issued “motu and guidelines are intended “to in his letter the importance of public officials, laymen or clerics, ever increasingly a safe home for proprio,” the law and guidelines go further strengthen the institutional guaranteeing to the accused the at the service of Vatican City or the children and vulnerable persons.” into effect June 1. and regulatory framework for right to a fair and impartial trial, Roman Curia.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) Pope amends on religious Cardinal Tagle to seminarians: Be vigilant, who abandon their community beware of temptations VATICAN— Pope Francis has made it easier for a religious order to dismiss a member who leaves the community without permission, stays away and does not communicate with his or her superior. In a document titled “Communis Vita” (Community Life), the pope amended the Code of Canon Law to include an almost automatic dismissal of religious who are absent without authorization from their community for at least 12 months. The change was to go into effect April 10 and is not retroactive, said Archbishop Jose Rodriguez Carballo, Pope Francis greets as he meets with priests, religious men and women and the ecumenical Council of Churches at the in Rabat, Morocco, March 31, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life In such cases, the superior community they are assigned Unless they have requested and Societies of Apostolic Life. and the council of the order to, withdrawing from a dispensation from their The archbishop’s explanatory draw up a declaration of obedience to their superior vows or have been dismissed, Cardinal of Manila delivers the during Mass for the 60th article was published March the facts and submit it to and making it impossible they legally are still part anniversary of the St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida, March 24. 26 along with the text of Pope the Holy See for institutes for the order to contact him of the order, he said. “In PHOTO FROM SJVCS Francis’ document. of pontifical rite or to the or her. such a condition, not being Canon 694 of the Code of local bishop for institutes of After six months of such an legitimately separated, MIAMI, Florida— Cardinal seminary’s Annual Fides Canon Law currently states diocesan rite. absence, the Code of Canon they can find themselves Luis Antonio Tagle of et Ratio Conference on that “a member must be held “Community life is an Law instructed and continues in situations incompatible Manila visited the U.S. over Saturday. as ipso facto dismissed from an essential element of religious to instruct superiors to do with religious life or can the weekend and warned Present during the Mass institute” if they have “defected life and ‘religious are to live everything they can to find demonstrate behavior in Florida seminarians about were the seminary formators notoriously from the Catholic in their own religious house the person to help them contrast with it.” temptations “that makes you and staff, parents of the faith” or have married or and are not to be absent from “return to and persevere in Their life outside the messianic”. seminarians, and a number attempted to marry. it except with the permission his or her vocation.” community, he added, also Speaking at a Mass to of working and Pope Francis added a new of their superior,’” the pope Archbishop Rodriguez said could have implications of mark the 60th anniversary residing in Miami. clause adding the dismissal wrote, quoting canon 665. most cases of such prolonged “an economic nature that of St. John Vianney College Directing his attention to of a member of an order Unfortunately, he said, absence involve religious could harm the institute,” Seminary in Miami on March the Filipino community, the who is “illegitimately absent” “experience in the last few men or women who were which is why the church 24, he urged the seminarians cardinal reminded of their from the community for 12 years has demonstrated that given temporary permission needed a process for the “not to bite into what the “mission” as “witnesses” of uninterrupted months and is there are situations” where to leave, but they never order to initiate the dismissal. world offers”. Christ. unreachable. members of orders leave the returned. (Cindy Wooden/CNA) He said that because of “We should witness to the the thought that they are world wherever we are, don’t called by God to serve, the be ashamed to tell the world Pope gets Mindanao-inspired vestment as temptation is always there how good God is,” he said. “to pretend that we can Cardinal Tagle also — A Cebuano family gave Pope pronounce everything”. appealed to the Filipino Francis a Mindanao-inspired set of “No, you do not! We don’t families to instil in the vestments on Tuesday as a gesture of know everything,” Cardinal minds of their children and thanksgiving. Tagle said. grandkids the possibility of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua, a “At this early stage of your priestly and religious life Cebuano priest, presented the garments formation, please be vigilant. vocation. to the pope after the latter celebrated Do not allow the temptations From Miami, the Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa to take the better of you, to cardinal left for Austria Marta in the Vatican. claim you,” he said. on March 25 for a meeting The priest, who is serving as secretary Prior to the liturgical of international Caritas of the apostolic nunciature in Cairo, celebration, the head of representatives and the concelebrated with the pope and with was Humanitarian Congress his parents present during the private also the guest speaker at the Vienna. (CBCP News) event. He said it was a gift from his family Poll / A1 on the occasion of their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. speaking in his homily during produce men and women of “It’s very beautiful,” Limchua quoted the Baccalaureate Mass for conscience, competence and the pope as saying. this year’s graduates of the commitment”. “I told the pope that it comes from Jesuit-run university. “That as well can be Mindanao. He was impressed and He told the young people ascribed to our political appreciated it,” he said. that their duty is not simply leaders,” he said. Made by liturgical vestment designer to get a good education, but The urged the Leni Fuentes Bernardo, the vestment also to bring about change. graduates to be true to the has strips of authentic Maranao fabrics. Archbishop Ledesma noted values of their university Bernardo runs a vestment shop called that electing good leaders “with compassion and the “Linea Sacra by Colors Crew” in Davao Pope Francis receives a special set of vestments from Msgr. Jan Limchua after celebrating Mass in the chapel of are necessary steps for the right companionship”. City. the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, March 26. VATICAN MEDIA transformation of society. The midterm elections will For five years now, she said their “We too can demand from be on May 13. products highlight the Mindanao gold piping on the side and we combined them to design a vestment and gave it our leaders the kind of public Some 18,000 senatorial, tradition of weaving colorful and it with strips of authentic Maranao to Pope Francis during an audience at service that we deserve,” he congressional, party-list, intricate tapestries. cloth,” she added. the Vatican. said. regional, provincial and Bernardo said it took them two weeks Bernardo said this is the second time Aside from the vestment and , In choosing candidates, municipal positions are to come up with the final design of the that their product has reached Pope Msgr. Limchua also gave Pope Francis he told the graduates to up for grabs in the polls, vestment for the pope. Francis. a portrait of the pontiff painted a Cebu- take a cue from the ideals according to the Commission “…All were embroidered including the Last February, a Davaoeña also asked based artist. (CBCPNews) of their university: “to on Elections. (CBCPNews) A4 OPINION April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Neutralizing the propagandists

FACEBOOK, the top social media platform in the country and throughout the world has announced on March 29, 2019 that it has taken down 200 pages and accounts in both Facebook and Instagram that were credited to Nic Gabunada, who is known to be President Duterte’s social media manager in his 2016 electoral campaign. The head of Facebook cybersecurity, Nathaniel Gleicher, announced that Gabunada’s pages and accounts were deleted for proliferating fake accounts and political messages that promoted or attacked personages that are allied or critical to President Duterte. “(The Pages) frequently posted about local and political news, including topics like the upcoming elections, candidate updates and views, alleged misconduct of political opponents, and controversial events that were purported to occur during previous administration. Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found that this activity was linked to a network organized by Nic Gabunada,” said Facebook. Rappler in a March 30, 2019 story, reported that the 200 pages include 67 Facebook pages, 68 Facebook accounts, 40 Facebook groups and 25 Instagram accounts. About 1.8 million accounts joined at least one of these groups and around 5,300 accounts followed one or more of these Instagram accounts. It is not surprising then that engagement of these social media platforms of President Duterte’s supporters have been exponentially influential even, and most alarmingly, into the fiber of public opinion. BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION In October last year, Facebook already started scrubbing these pro-Duterte propagandists or online trolls as they are Treasure your dreams; now euphemistically called. Droves of them started migrating Living Mission to Youtube where they are not yet scrutinized. The popular historical revisionism which is politically they are Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM motivated and a work of propagandists is alarming enough. But most frightening is the emergence of a new culture where public opinion is manipulated and the truth is blurred with the lies of top-notch propagandists that thrive in social media—and IN preparation for the Synod on the be purified, to be put to the test, and also feel inside.’ And, in the end, he left, to use the power and resources of government. Youth, Pope Francis held a personal to be shared.” The Pope asks: “Where dream. And, his father followed him. dialogue with the youth. He took do dreams come from…? Are they big And that young man took refuge in the Moral and technological progress questions from young people; he began dreams or small, meager dreams that bishop’s house, removed his clothes, his response, centering on the word: settle for less? Dreams of comfort, gave them to his father [and said]: ‘Let THESE should go together. The tragedy of our times is precisely “dreams.” dreams of only wellbeing?” me go on my path’.” because our technological progress is not matched by progress “Dreams are important. They keep Francis, citing a personal experience, Pope Francis explained: “This young in the spiritual and moral life. We need to do everything to put our view broad; they help us to embrace noted that once a priest asked him to man, a thirteenth-century Italian, the two together. the horizon…. And, the dreams of young say what the opposite of “I” is; when was called Francis [of Assisi], and he We cannot deny that our technological progress, which offers people are the most important of all…. he responded that the antonym of “I” changed the of . Francis us a lot of good as well as a lot of dangers, poses new challenges Dreams awaken you; they sweep you is “you,” he was told that the correct took risks in order to dream big; he did and can trigger new issues. It can awaken our dormant good away; they are the most luminous stars, answer is “we.” Indeed, “the opposite not know the frontier and he ended his potentials, but it can also stir up some latent weaknesses we have been carrying along for years without us noticing them. those that indicate a different path for of selfishness is ‘we’ … true dreams are life dreaming. As I told you, do not let Thus, almost like all of a sudden we realize that there are new humanity.” the dreams of ‘we’ … great dreams need yourselves be robbed of your dreams.” possibilities for making business, for doing politics, and yes, “So, dear young people, you have these God…. You can dream great things, but Francis asserts: “Young people who even for doing more . But without the matching brilliant stars, which are your dreams, in by yourself it is dangerous, because you are able to dream become teachers spiritual and moral progress, we will also realize that we your heart; they are your responsibility can fall into the delirium of omnipotence. through their witness. Do not stop are easily trapped into some forms of addiction to games, to and your treasure. Make them also be But with God, do not fear. Dream big!” dreaming, and teach others how to pornography, and to all kinds of harmful distractions. your future! This is the work you must Never Stop Dreaming! “Do not let dream. Dreams are a great force.” Progress in the spiritual and moral life, in this case, should do: to transform today’s dreams into yourselves be robbed of your dreams” The pope continues: “Dreams cannot mean more vital identification with Christ, more docility to the reality of the future, and for this it are words of Pope Francis to the youth. be bought. Dreams are a gift, a gift the Holy Spirit, more obedience to Church teaching so that takes courage…. Carry on with courage, The pope continued, narrating the story from God, a gift that God sows in your we can manage to be more discerning of what is genuinely true, good and beautiful for us and not deceived by their false courage in the face of resistance, of of a young man in his early twenties hearts. Dreams are given to us freely, and fake versions. This would require a number of things. To difficulties, of all that extinguishes our “who began to dream and to dream big. so that we may also give them freely be prudent and discerning in the use of the new technologies, dreams.” And, his father, a great businessman, to others…. Be pilgrims on the path of we have to see to it that everything has to start and end with Fostering Dreams. Pope Francis tried to convince him, and he said: your dreams. Take risks on that path: God. Without that as the fundamental perspective to have, we asserts: “Dreams are to be nurtured, to ‘No, I want to dream. I dream what I do not be afraid!” would be exposing ourselves to dangers that can be so subtle and deceiving that we would think these dangers are benefits themselves. Ningas-kugon There should also be a great need for self-dominion that is And That’s The Truth rooted on our identification with Christ. We cannot deny that nowadays all sorts of tactics are used to tickle and attract our Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS senses, feelings, emotions, passions and imagination, while starving our spiritual life. Images and messages, memes, slogans and the so-called ‘hugot’ lines are crafted to appeal to our body while numbing the pristine yearnings of our soul. ARE Filipinos that forgiving with fellow Filipinos would The nation was shocked tragedy. A statement from We are made to become more bodily, materially and worldly- or are we simply forgetful? convince me that those bad over the tragedy, and felt the investigating body said oriented with the corresponding drying up of our spiritual and In our Social Studies (in habits we heard about in betrayed by the government Ombudsman Conchita supernatural life with God. There is no doubt that the general atmosphere created by our the 50s in my case), we were elementary school somehow officials who planned the Carpio-Morales had ordered technological progress is that of secularization, that of setting taught about the destructive do have basis in fact. In raid. The public indignation Aquino charged with aside God and our duty to relate ourselves and everything else habits or attitudes of the our country’s current socio- soared when the 44 coffins usurpation of authority and to him. We somehow are made to believe that God has nothing Filipinos—the Manana political situation, for arrived at the Manila airport violation of the anti-graft and to do with our heavily technological culture of today. We need Habit, Talangka Mentality, instance, the Ningas-kugon and there was no Noynoy corrupt practices act. to be wary of this danger and do something to correct it, more Filipino Time, Ningas-kugon, mentality reigns supreme. to pay respects to them— January 25, 2019, on the than just protecting ourselves from it or avoiding altogether the Colonial Mentality, etc. I Scandalous incidents of he was busy attending a fourth anniversary of SAF 44, use of our new technologies. These latter ideas are unrealistic. was too young to care, but national importance would car manufacturing event. families of the fallen troopers We definitely need the new technologies and we should be very being a conscientious pupil, hog the headlines for days Headlines and social media called on the Supreme Court thankful for them. But we have to use them properly. I retained what I learned. or weeks, and then fizzle comments burned with on Padre Faura in Manila We should really make matching progress in our spiritual and moral life. We need to bring God to the new technologies. Especially the very graphic out even before anything righteous anger in sympathy to seek justice. They called In fact, God should be the principle, center and end of our new explanations of the teacher conclusive is reached. Or is for the bereaved—such a on the authorities to act technological culture. Without God, there is no way but our about the “talangka” pulling it the public’s interest that cold-hearted president! The on the case: “Please notice increasingly sophisticated technological culture to be a spoiling one another down to clamber wanes through time? bloody incident came to be our pleading because we and corrupting agent. It will be a very sweet poison. Only the to the top of the bucket, Remember the so-called tagged as “SAF 44.” have been seeking justice for people who are with God can survive the quiet onslaught of and of dried cogon grass Mamasapano Massacre, On July 14, 2017, it four years now.” Are they the many dangers the new technologies bring. Only they can bursting into flames and just when on January 25,2015, 44 was reported that former joined in their plea by the properly take advantage of these powerful tools. We need to as quickly dying out. SAF police commandos were president Benigno Aquino public? It doesn’t seem so. be ready for this challenge. Thus, it is important that we bring Over the years, many slain in the botched anti- III would face criminal No sustained reporting from this issue to our prayer, begging God to guide us in these very disappointing experiences terror raid in Maguindanao? trial over Mamasapano tricky waters of our digital world. We have to ask for guidance And That’s the Truth / A6 and quick to implement the measures of prudence that such prayer would bring to mind. From a personal, individual concern, let’s make it a social We really should one, covering more and more people in the family, schools, Candidly Speaking offices, churches, etc., developing the appropriate networks. learn to pray Fr. Roy Cimagala CBCP IF there’s a skill which is fundamentally breathing and the beating of the heart work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28) indispensable in life, it is the art of are to our biological life. That is why St. It is when we manage to truly pray that Monitor praying. When we really manage to pray, Paul clearly said, “Pray without ceasing, we comply with what St. Paul said about PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE we would truly be in touch and in union give thanks in all circumstances; for this putting on the armor of God. It might be with God. is the will of God in Christ for you.” good to remit here his very words: “Put Pedro Quitorio And in that state, even while we are (1 Thes 5,17-18) on the full armor of God, so that you Editor-in-Chief still here on earth, we would already When we manage to truly pray, we can can take your stand against the devil’s have a foretaste of our definitive state also manage to protect ourselves from schemes. For our struggle is not against Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas of life. That is when, as described in all kinds of evil, and to heal whatever flesh and blood, but against the rulers, Associate Editor Design Artists the Book of the Apocalypse, “He (God) wounds and weaknesses we may have against the authorities, against the will wipe away every tear from their because of our sins. A sense of holy powers of this dark world and against Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite News Editor Circulation Manager eyes, and there will be no more death invulnerability can come to us. We can the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly or mourning or crying or pain, for the find peace and joy in spite of the drama realms....” (Eph 6,11-12) Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez former things have passed away.” (21,4) of our life. We really have to learn how to pray, Managing Editor Comptroller Praying is our way of uniting ourselves That’s because when we pray, we unite and I mean, real prayer, not just an with God, our Creator and Father, with ourselves with Christ, and with him no appearance of prayer, which happens The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices whom we are supposed to be always evil can affect us badly. We may not be to be common these days. Perhaps the at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna with, since our life, as an image and spared from suffering, but we would reason why our prayer does not seem to Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ likeness of God, is meant to be a shared know how to convert that suffering into have the response we want is because areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. life with God. a means of our purification and eventual our prayer is not really prayer. Praying is to our spiritual life what salvation. With him, everything will Candidly Speaking / A7 OPINION CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 OPINION A5

Christ’s passion vis-a-vis By the Roadside Whisper from the Desert Philippine elections Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD

“An election is coming. Universal God’s enemies), Christ died for us” by the lure of self-aggrandizement. peace is declared, and the foxes have (Rom 5:8), many Filipino candidates We must be very wary of those who Addressing the clerical a sincere interest in prolonging the value less their opponents’—or, shall loudly profess service; they may be lives of the poultry.”—George Eliot, we say enemies’—lives than their only after power. sex abuse crisis Felix Holt the Radical own electoral victory. How many 3. In Philippine elections candidates political assassinations had been routinely immerse themselves in the (Part I) “For kingship belongs to the Lord.” done, are being planned and will be poverty-stricken enclaves and homes THE recent meeting in Rome on clerical sex abuse called (Psalm 22:28) executed to get rid of an enemy or of their constituents; but, admittedly, by Pope Francis and attended by presidents of bishops’ enemies in politics? And when the a lot of it is for show; their real intent conferences from all over the world and by representatives IT is Lent. It is, by intention, a time very idea of physical assassinations is to gain votes or publicity. Christ’s of union of superior generals has highlighted the of penance and prayer; ordinary are too gory, then there are other Passion, on the other hand, is the Son seriousness as well as the global reach of this crisis. Filipinos know it as such. In 2019 ways to do this, chief among them is of God assuming the depths of our This is not only the problem of the clergy in North Philippines it is also campaign season everybody’s favorite sport of character sinful humanity in order to raise it to America and Europe, this is also a problem that needs for the May 13 elections. Filipinos assassinations disguised as “exposes”. a sharing in his sinless divinity. The to be addressed in Africa, Latin America and Asia – know them too as their version of Political ads, paid trolls, strategists essence and fruit of sin is separation including the Philippines. Thus, each local Church have ancient Rome’s “bread and circus”. and agents abound to work not only from God; this the Son of God takes been asked to address this crisis. This is the responsibility Eastern Samar, my home province, to gain votes for one’s candidates up on the cross so he could end this of the bishops’ conferences, every diocese and religious together with many other parts of the but also to deny them to rivals. separation by his sacrifice. Paul the congregation. This will also require the active involvement archipelago, is set to witness again the Followers of Jesus Christ need not Apostle puts it eloquently: “For our of the . proliferation of what my generation only seek to fact-check candidates; sake he made him who has no sin Before coming out with concrete measures it is important calls election “bread”, that is, money they also need to check them against to be sin, so that in him we might to clarify wwhat the crisis or problem is all about, its to buy and sell votes in a massively Christ’s person and his Gospel. We become the very holiness of God” (2

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI ILLUSTRATION extent and causes. Before any prognosis, a diagnosis is pervasive fashion that, however the in the Church always speak of the Cor 5:21). We must, then, beware of necessary. There are questions that need to answered. Church and the local civil society promotion of integral development. politicians who, for the sake of and in What is clerical sex abuse all about? How widespread decry it, seems to have its own life, But I wonder if we also provide the name of progress, actually leads is it? There are many who see it as the sexual abuse of apparently immune to moral or ethical clear and effective parameters to our individual and national lives into children or minors by the clergy that has been covered up considerations. I am sure I am not discern pro—or anti-integral human separation from God and his values. and allowed to continue due to clericalism. Others would alone in making this observation. For development candidates to guide the This is more than a reference to the argue that this is linked with homosexuality basing their now, it is the circus angle with real sincere voting believers. issues surrounding abortion, divorce, conclusion on the John Jay study commissioned by the song-and-dance and showbiz glitz that 2. Politicians are ostensibly into capital punishment, contraception US Conference of Catholic Bishops which reported that 81 rule the streets, town or city squares giving (anything from money to or same-sex unions but rather to the percent of the victims were male minors and adolescents. and marketplaces. influence to t-shirts to their unsolicited secularist and relativist attitudes at Many would deny any connection between homosexuality Not everyone is pleased. A number ideas or plans). They talk about serving play among those who pursue anti- and child abuse since there are also female victims. Being of citizens complain about the their country and their constituents. God or anti-Christ values even to the homosexual does not make one a pedophile. suffocating traffic, the noise pollution, But Philippine elections, perhaps like quoting of Scriptures. The problem of clerical sex abuse should not be reduced the internecine media and social media their counterparts around the world, 4. People in authority often point to pedophilia. It would also be simplistic to identify either troll wars, the use and weaponization are really about getting power in to “our free democratic elections” as clericalism or homosexuality as the main cause. There of fake news, rather than a determined order to gain more access to greater if we owe it to ourselves to keep them is a need to look at the crisis from a deeper and broader insistence on the priority of the rule wealth, influence, fame etc. Christ’s in power so as to allow them to make perspective. There is also a need to gather data and of truth and fair play. But they seem Passion, however, provides more us continue enjoying this freedom and come up with an accurate assessment of its nature and a voice in the wilderness. There is a than ample proof of God’s love for its other blessings. In reality freedom extent rather than just speculate or theorize from one’s de-facto idolatry of victory among mankind eloquently expressed by the in Philippine elections could be an ideological bias or agenda. candidates “by hook or by crook” giving of his life for us. “For God so illusion. The creeping and crippling When looking at clerical sexual abuse we need to (“Mostly by crook,” onlookers are love the world,” John the evangelist poverty of the masses certainly consider not just pedophilia—the abuse of children. There wont to say). reminds us, “that he GAVE his only renders them un-free to choose worthy is a need to make a distinction between pedophilia (the But what does Christ’s Passion, the Son, that whoever believes in him may candidates; often they have to succumb exclusive sexual attraction to pre-pubescent children age centerpiece of the Lenten drama, have not perish but may have everlasting to the highest bidder(s), or to the most 13 and below) and ephebophilia (the sexual attraction to to say to us who face these realities? life” (Jn 3:16). This is not, of course, “mesmerizing promise-maker” and post-pubescent and adolescent youth). A pedophile can be 1. Philippine elections, in many to say that Philippine politicians are dull their conscience. Often our “free attracted to both boys and girls. He is fixated on children ways, are life-demeaning; Christ’s incapable of truly giving or serving; and democratic elections” are un-free which is indeed a psychiatric disorder. An ephebophile Passion, on the other hand, is life- it is simply to say that our system of and un-democratic because of poverty on the other hand has gender preference. A homosexual affirming. For, at the same time that politics thrives on the separation of and fake news as well as the imposition with ephebophilia is attracted to male adolescents. “God shows his love for us in that rhetoric that extols service from the of other peoples’ choices on ours A heterosexual ephebophile is attracted to female while we were yet sinners (technically real world of partisan dynamics fueled By the Roadside/ A7 adolescents—the “Lolita” syndrome. The reason why some associate homosexuality with clerical sexual abuse is that The incorrupt heart majority of the victims were usually male adolescents— boys, seminarians and members of parish youth Duc in Altum groups. In the Philippines, one can add the convent boys of St. Camillus Atty. Aurora A. Santiago (working students living in rectories). Ephebophile priests also have homosexual relationships with young adults. Some of the celebrated cases of clerical sexual abuse follow this pattern. The former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick THE incorrupt heart relic of MI, Executive Director of for them until he himself got of the Diocese’s three cities was defrocked for abusing seminarians—not just minor St. Camillus of Lellis visited Camillian Philanthropic & sick. of , Malabon and seminarians but also students. Cardinal Keith our Diocese of Kalookan; Health Development Office Bishop Ambo challenged Navotas, bringing the Church O’Brien who was forced to resign before the 2013 conclave the second time that the of St. Camillus Pastoral the Camillian fathers to do and caring for those in the was accused sexually abusing seminarians and young Relic visited the Philippines, Care Center, and Fr. James their apostolate and share peripheries not only of society priests. Marcial Maciel—the founder of the Legion of the first was in 2013. St. Anthony Del Rosario, Quasi their 4th charism in the but also of the Church. On our Christ—was removed from active ministry and ordered Camillus is the patron Parish Priest of Sto. Niño de Diocese of Kalookan. The way to the next destination to live a life of prayer and penance by Benedict XVI for saint of the sick, doctors, Pasion. Diocese has been looking of the Relic of St. Camillus, abusing seminarians and young priests of his order. The nurses, health workers and In his Homily in the after the surviving families I asked Fr. Dan to say YES Chilean priest, Fernando Karadima, was defrocked by hospitals. I thank God and Farewell Mass at San Roque and relatives of EJK victims. to the challenge of Bishop Pope Francis for abusing adolescent males. So, while St. Camillus for giving me Cathedral, Bishop Pablo They are suffering not only Ambo. We hope and pray that studies show that there is no link between homosexuality the rare opportunity to kiss Virgilio “Ambo” David, from physical sickness but their Superior will agree. and pedophilia, there are studies that show that most the Relic twice: first when we D.D., Bishop of Kalookan, spiritual and depression as St. Camillus was born in of the cases of ephebophilia were perpetrated by many welcomed the Relic at Sto. compared St. Camillus to well. He said, the Diocese 1550 in Chietti, Italy; he died homosexual priests. Niño de Pasion in Daanghari, San Roque, the patron saint badly needs a person who in 1614, and was canonized by The clerical sexual abuse goes beyond the abuse of Navotas City and second, of the Diocese. St. Camillus could direct and supervise the Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. minors and adolescents. We should not forget that women when we accompanied the cared and treated the sick as several projects it had opened He was the founder of Order - young girls, adolescents, adults – could be victims of sex Relic to its next destination, “living images of Christ” and to care for them: Task Force of Clerks Regular Ministers abuse by the clergy. This also includes some nuns. We St. Andrew Cathedral in considered serving the sick Salubong (a community- to the Sick. The Heart Relic should not just focus on young girls because older women Parañaque. For making this as serving God. Thus, he was based rehabilitation program is from Saint Camillus’ major can also be victims. Since priests are authority figures, possible, I sincerely thank bestowed with the gifts of of persons with substance , the Church of St. any relationship with women that violates boundaries in Fr. Dan Vicente Cancino, MI, healing and prophecy. During use disorder), Children Mary Magdalene in Rome, the course of their ministry can be regarded as an abuse Executive Secretary-Director the period of pestilence in his Scholarship, Orphans’ Fund, Italy, where he was buried. of power, authority and trust. Those who are working of the CBCP Episcopal community, San Roque did Widows’ Fund, Sanctuary in the parish rectory or office or as pastoral workers Commission on Health Care, not leave those who were Program and the Mission *** or as members of parish committees can be abused Fr. John Paul Alvarado, afflicted and sick; he cared Stations in the different parts Duc in Altum / A7 Whisper from the Desert / A6 Wrecking friendship Whatever Fr. Francis Ongkingco

DISNEY’S second installment of track. He improvises a track for the seemingly harmless virus to common goal: to connect people can aggravate their condition as Wreck It Ralph, once again delivers Vanellope, but this generous disrupt Vanellope’s newfound (obviously, making money in the one clams up before warm helping another smashing message about initiative unexpectedly ruins the car game and convince her to return to process). Connectivity is made up hands and escapes into the net, relationships and adds a timely game and sends them on a digital their former video consul gaming of the positive content in comments, seeking solutions that may make lesson on how the Internet can roller coaster chase into the Internet worlds. Interestingly, the virus photos, likes, and shares which him more insecure and broken. either help human bonds to grow to save Vanellope’s game. tracks any sign of “insecurity” in are viewed by millions net-wide. Ralph’s personal issue is solved or, end sadly. It is amazingly enjoyable to watch a game or site and replicates it to Sadly, with the misuse of personal when he and Vanellope personally Faithful to the story’s first part, how Wreck It Ralph managed destabilize the program or force freedom, there are also countless decide to face each other and the movie introduces a continuing to underline some very valuable it to reboot. Unfortunately, it abuses, violence, bullies, trolls, admit their own insufficiencies in digital relationship between Ralph lessons as the plot evolved. The story discovered Ralph’s 100% insecurity and trash polluting the virtual seas their friendship. Thus, the movie and his Sugar Rush Racing princess, revolved around the challenges level after his argument+break-up of the Internet. These do not make underlines that if we are going to Vanellope von Schweetz, or the that friendship faces in the world with Vanellope. Ralph’s insecurity the Internet bad in itself, but they solve the host of problems stemming Glitch. So far, the first part ends of social media and how this can is replicated and wrecks the can be psychological, emotional, from insecurity and depression with a lively connection with no powerfully shape one’s ideas and Internet. and social viruses that affect many among the young, the medicine will short circuits and thrives through actions. Friendships can fail and break defenseless surfers the world over. never be a digital one. a programmed lifestyle of games, Ralph never fails to thicken due to insecurity issues. The movie Ralph’s insecurity can become Rebuilding relationships will conversation and watching the the plot when, as he also does brings out this reality with today’s a real problem for many who always be done face to face, with firm sunset. in the first part, he innocently millions of virtual connections may expose themselves to social guiding hands, a compassionate but One day, Ralph decides to introduces a “foreign element,” bridged through social media viruses in the net. Although their demanding voice that will help one surprise Vanellope who was getting wreaking havoc in the Internet. platforms. These sites vary in their personal issues stem from real realize he is not alone and is always bored with her Sugar Rush racing He had intended to introduce content and focus, but all hold one family and social problems, the net loved.

Whisper from the Desert / A7 A6 LOCAL NEWS April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 CBCP Monitor

Mount Carmel shrine Nassa elected to Caritas elevated to minor

CATHOLIC devotees and basilica in the Cubao parishioners of an already diocese and the 15th in the Internationalis’ council vibrant church in suburban Philippines. took things to a “Our diocese is blessed THE social action arm of the Luis Antonio Tagle as its whole new level on Monday with three national Catholic Bishops’ Conference president, a number of evening. … Today, the of the Philippines has been bishops and Caritas leaders Highlighted with a mini diocese is blessed even elected to the Representative worldwide. orchestra and a choir, the more because we now have Council (RepCo) of the The election took place National Shrine of Our Lady this church as our first Caritas Internationalis. during the Caritas Asia of Mount Carmel welcomed minor basilica,” he said. The National Secretariat Regional Assembly in some new symbols that With its new status, the for Social Action/Caritas Bangkok, Thailand on March could only be displayed in church also enjoys “all Philippines, along with its 24. a basilica. the attached rights and Korean counterpart, will The gathering also elected As part of the opening liturgical concessions”. represent Asia to the council the new leaders of Caritas procession, the church’s These include the granting of the worldwide body of Asia, led by its president new “” rang of plenary to Catholic humanitarian Dr. Benedict D’Rozario of for the first time and the whoever visits the basilica organizations. Bangladesh. “umbraculum” was placed at under the usual conditions. As a body, its executive With D’Rozario are new the right side of the main altar. The concession also secretary, Fr. Edwin Regional Commission “Today is a historical grants the church the use Gariguez, would seat as their members including Fr. moment not only for this of “the papal symbol, that representative to the RepCo. Gariguez and leaders from Commission is the advisory and plans for Asia and in church but for the whole is, crossed keys,”which may The RepCo is the highest Caritas Mongolia, Caritas and executive body that carrying out the decisions Diocese of Cubao as well,” be exhibited on banners, governing body of Caritas Nepal and Caritas Korea. works with the President in of the Regional Conference. said Bishop Honesto on furnishings, and on the Internationalis with Cardinal The Caritas Asia Regional coordinating the activities (CBCPNews) Ongtioco in his homily. official seal of the basilica. More than 2,000 faithful Bishop Ongtioco also said attended the ceremony that a minor basilica is ‘Virgen dela Rosa de Macati’ canonically crowned elevating the church to a literally “an edifice for the minor basilica. poor”. TOP Catholic officials crowned a statue The was granted “Our new basilica must of Mary before a packed crowd in by Pope Francis through show in itself to be a City recently. the Congregation for Divine mother to the poor by being The canonical coronation took place Worship and the Discipline attentive to their needs,” he during Mass at the Plaza Cristo Rey, of the Sacraments on Nov. added. located right in front of Sts. Peter and 30, 2018. “A basilica must be Paul Parish Church on March 16. By virtue of the elevation, marked not only by the More than a thousand people watched Ongtioco said the shrine excellence of its liturgy Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle place would have special link and devotions… a basilica a on the head of Christ child, with the Vatican. must also show excellence and then also on the head of Mary by The elevation also makes in charity,” Ongtioco said. Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the shrine the first minor (CBCP News) the Apostolic to the Philippines. Prior to the crowning of the images, Dealers / A1 Cardinal place a rose on the right hand of the Marian image. of surrendering,” said the society. In the country, the statue is known as president. He said the church and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia leads the canonical coronation of “Virgen dela Rosa” at the Sts. He admitted the other sectors must reach out “Virgen dela Rosa,” who is also known as Peter and Paul Parish Church in Makati City on March 16. KENNETH RAENEIL FRODOSO Makati’s Queen, Mother and Patroness. country’s drug situation has to drug victims “even if to the In his homily, Cardinal Tagle called considers ugly, detestable, so that we the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine “worsened,” while the police world it is impractical”. the celebration as a “special grace” from may convey to them the beauty of mercy, Worship and Discipline of Sacraments. may already be “at the brink “Each person is precious Pope Francis. compassion, and hope,” he said. Six days later, Pope Francis, through the of surrendering” following to the eyes of God. That is “Let us ask the Lord to fill us with The local process to have the image congregation, approved the petition for the the recent shipments of a teaching that cannot be His presence, the way He filled Mary,” be pontifically crowned started as early canonical coronation of Virgen dela Rosa. illegal drugs being smuggled touched. Life is precious. Cardinal Tagle said. as June 2016. Last year, the parish marked the in the country. No discussion about that,” “And may we be consoled by our On Oct. 23, 2018, the Manila 300th anniversary of the arrival of the On March 22, customs and Archbishop Valles said. solidarity with those that world archdiocese submitted the petition to image in the country. anti-drug agents intercepted Originally started to an estimated P1.8 billion help children in conflict worth of methamphetamine, with the law years ago, Farmers / A1 locally known as shabu, in the Sagop Kinabuhi (Save Manila port. Lives) Program (SKP) was not communist rebels. “Others were not even abuses committed by for dialogue as a way to Earlier in the month, relaunched in 2016 to help Bishop Gerardo shown the supposed arrest the government forces lasting peace and not authorities also intercepted rehabilitate former drug Alminaza of San Carlos papers. Some of those killed would only make them through violence and human at least P1.1 billion worth users. demanded further belonged to our Mission “best recruiters” for the rights violation,” he said. of illegal drugs at a house Since then, the program investigation into the Station in Masulog,” underground movement. On Oct. 20, 2018, still inside a village in Muntilupa has expanded to more incident, amid claims of Alminaza said. “Please make sure you unidentified gunmen City. to enhance the human rights violations. The bishop appealed to are not adding more killed nine sugar farmers, While prevention of spirituality, morality, skills “We demand a quick the authorities to ensure reasons for our people including four women and drug abuse is a priority, and educational capacities investigation on this and due process and human to get disillusioned with two minors, at a hacienda Archbishop Valles also of drug surrenderees. appeal to our government rights are respected in the our government and in Sagay City’s Bulanon stressed on rehabilitation of “This is the mark of the authorities to restore peace conduct of their duties. peacekeepers,” Alminaza village. drug victims and ultimately Catholic community, to be and order,” he said. “We don’t want to turn added. Bishop Alminaza said bring back to the folds of merciful and loving,” he said. One the fatalities, he our beautiful island of “But I believe there are the “tragic incident” only said, was a lay minister Negros into a killing field!” still those among you with unmask the “ugly face” at Canlaon parish and its he added. a lot of common sense, of the prevailing agrarian Whisper from the Desert / A5 administrator “can vouch The prelate also warned right values and principles, problem in Negros. for his moral character”. that human rights capable of creating avenues (CBCPNews) sexually. Those who come they are not made available. for spiritual direction or All we have are scattered Atrocities / A1 counseling can become news reports, anecdotes, victims. gossip and innuendos. One fundamental: preventing these this,” he said. “I see an act of trust of Bishops, explained that “zero Clerical sex abuse has of the limitations here in our atrocities from being repeated.” that the pope has in young people tolerance” was omitted because many causes. It can be a country is that unlike the US, The apostolic exhortation was … that shines throughout all of the “the pope wanted to highlight other manifestation of psychiatric we are not a litigious society. published in response to last year’s document.” aspects” of the abuse crisis. or pathological disorder There are no laws that make synod on young adults, the faith, and The apostolic exhortation’s eight- “The pope could not say everything – like the exclusive, a diocese accountable for vocational discernment. paragraph section titled “Ending every in one document,” Baldissseri noted, fixated sexual attraction to sexual abuse committed by The pope also asked young people form of abuse” makes extensive use of but said that the pope had emphasized children. It can be caused priests. Thus, lawyers and to seek inspiration from “the vast quotes from the final document of the his commitment to fighting abuse. by a priest’s un-checked victims cannot be assured majority of priests” who have not Synod of Bishops on young people, “Youth need to know that this homosexual attraction to of monetary gain unless they “committed these horrible crimes.” faith, and vocational discernment, first problem exists and the Church male adolescents especially approach those accused and Monsignor Fabio Fabene, under- published October 28. doesn’t tolerate it,” Baldisseri said. those under his authority threaten to make it public secretary of the Synod of Bishops, The text of Christus vivit adds that The document, addressed to “all and care – whether in and demand some amount highlighted this paragraph in his young people “can be a source of great Christian young people,” observes parish churches, rectories, for their silence. Thus, the presentation of the document by the healing if they employ their great that because of “sexual and seminaries, houses of culture of silence persists. April 2. capacity to bring about renewal, to financial scandals” and “a clergy ill- formation, etc. It is obviously In recent times, sex “Pope Francis calls for the urge and demand consistent witness, prepared to engage effectively with an abuse of power and abuse allegations have collaboration of young people to keep dreaming and coming up with the sensitivities of the young,” a authority. It is perpetuated been weaponized against also in relation to the gruesome new ideas.” substantial number of young people by a clerical culture that the Church by those in phenomenon of sexual abuse of “Our sins are before the eyes of want nothing to do with the Church. emphasizes confidentiality power and their supporters children, first of all through careful everyone; they appear all too clearly Pope Francis used the document to and that has a tendency especially when the vigilance,” Fabene said. in the lines on the age-old face of the express his gratitude, “together with to hide cases of sex abuse Church strive to fulfill her This is an example of how the pope Church, our Mother and Teacher,” the Synod Fathers,” to all of those for fear of scandal. Thus, prophetic role. When the “expresses his confidence in young the pope wrote in paragraph 101. who had “the courage to report the every complaint of sex abuse bishops come up with a people,” affirming that they have “Let us never forget that we must evil they experienced.” becomes a matter of damage statement against EJK, much to contribute to reform and not abandon our Mother when she “They help the Church to control. It is a culture that trolls would immediately “healing this wound.” is wounded, but stand beside her, acknowledge what happened and lacks transparency and respond by accusing priests CNA asked Fabene if - given the so that she can summon up all her the need to respond decisively,” said accountability. Ultimately, of being child rapists and “horrible crimes” of the abuse crisis strength and all her ability to begin the pope. it is a manifestation of the molesters thereby changing - calling on young people to confront ever anew.” The “holy People of God” will dark side that is present in the topic and diverting violent priests could put them at The new document “reaffirms the “liberate us from the plague of the Church and that tries to from the real issue. Thus, greater risk. firm commitment made to adopting clericalism, which is the fertile dominate the clergy. raising the clerical sex Fabene said the invitation to rigorous preventative measures ground for all these disgraces.” There has been no study abuse issue has been used hold priests to account directly was intended to avoid the recurrence “This dark moment, ‘not without regarding clerical sex abuse as a threat to ensure the “prophetic on the part of the pope,” of these crimes, starting with the the valuable help of the young, can in the Philippines. There silence the Church vis-à-vis who was entrusting young people selection and formation of those to truly be an opportunity for a reform are no data or records about the social evils in society with “this mission, this task, this whom tasks of responsibility and of epoch-making significance,’ sex abuse cases. There are perpetrated by an abusive closeness” in rejuvenating the heart education will be entrusted.” opening us to a new Pentecost no documentation coming and murderous regime. (To of “priests who find themselves in The exhortation does not, however, and inaugurating a new stage of from the dioceses or from be continued next month’s difficulty” in their vocation and include the phrase “zero tolerance.” purification and change capable of the CBCP about sex abuse column -- Part II: How mission. Cardinal , renewing the Church’s youth,” Pope allegations and how they clerical sex abuse can be “I don’t see any problems with secretary general of the Synod Francis said. (CNA) were handled. If there are, addressed) LOCAL NEWS CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 DIOCESAN NEWS A7 Bishop urges bets to avoid violence Church bells turn Samar town into tourist attraction after killing of Negros official DUMAGUETE City— A The victim was reportedly he appealed to candidates The bishop also appealed Catholic bishop decried the shot in the head while to avoid the “culture of to the people to vote their killing of a reelectionist walking towards the Siliman violence”. conscience. Negros Oriental board University Medical Center “The threat of death “Search your conscience as member and called on from his parked car. towards one’s opponent you think of your candidates midterm-poll bets to Bishop Julito Cortes of should never be an you shall vote for in the denounce all sorts of Dumaguete aired a radio instrument in any political coming elections,” Cortes violence. message on March 28, campaign,” Cortes said over said. Unidentified gunmen expressing closeness and Church-run radio Radyo He particularly urged

killed board member concern to the family left Bandilyo. voters to support candidates The historic Catholic church in the town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar. ROY LAGARDE Michael Dungog, president behind by Dungog. “Let your political platform who are for peace, not linked of the province’s Councilor’s While authorities cannot be your means of attracting with corruption, and respect BALANGIGA, Eastern the historical and religious League, in Dumaguete City yet confirm that the killing voters, not your guns, nor the value and dignity of life. Samar— Schoolteacher contributions of the bells to on March 25. was politically motivated, your gold,” he said. (CBCP News) Isolde Mangyao traveled our country.” about three hours with her The return of the bells And That’s the Truth / A1 two children to the town has also become a tourism of Balangiga in the central boon to the poor town, which mainstream media; no angry outbursts their money. And those with money escaped prosecution through the help Philippine province of has already played host to from netizens. Why? The grass has to burn go on burning it away in our of Immigration? We do not want to Eastern Samar just to see about 22,000 visitors since burned out. Ningas-kugon. casinos. think ill of our government agencies but three church bells. December. Who remembers the bank cyber-heist Another half-forgotten scandal: circumstances like this make us doubt Mangyao admitted that “It has placed Balangiga on that happened in February 2016? It the alleged role of the Bureau of their sincerity in serving the public. she made the trip to satisfy the tourism map,” said Karen involved Bangladesh Bank, the Federal Customs in the shipment from China Ningas-kugon destroys more than her curiosity after hearing Tiopes, tourism director for Reserve Bank of New York and the on May 17, 1017 of illegal drugs worth grass—it keeps us in ‘stupor. We are news reports about the place. the Eastern Visayas. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation over six billion pesos. On record quick to say the country is a mess, but It ended up being a very She said the publicity (RCBC) in the Philippines. Reactions as containing “kitchenware”, the are we doing our part to right the wrong interesting history lesson generated by the return of to the news smacked of warnings, container with methamphetamine being done? These are but a few of the “When we finally arrived, the bells has helped boost and not a few bank clients feared for was reportedly passed through scandalous things that caused us to we looked at our journey as people’s awareness of history. their money. There followed televised the green lane, escaping the xray burst into flames of anger in the recent being as very meaningful, A documentary film titled hearings (in aid of legislation?), which scanning—a violation of BoC past. If you will peep into history you particularly when we saw Balangiga: Honor and the man on the street found upsetting if protocol. The Senate and House will see that there have been many the monument fronting the Sacrifice is currently being not incredible—for how can something hearings invited so many “persons more that aroused our ire in the distant church where the three bells shot in the town to “provide a that big happen when Philippine banks of interest” and disclosed names past, hindering our growth as a nation, are placed,” said the teacher. definitive explanation of how are so strict? Even opening an ordinary of companies and individuals but which we soon forgot—or forgave. In December last year, and why things went horribly savings account with one-thousand (including the president’s son Paolo Where is our ningas-kugon mentality the United States returned wrong in Balangiga.” pesos would require the client to fill Duterte) implicated in the shipment, leading us to? three church bells swiped by Written and directed by up so many papers with personal some of them Chinese. Again, the One day, about two years ago, we just American forces as war booty local historian Rolando information. How much more if the public reaction was one of outrage. woke up to find our waters invaded, from the central Philippine Borrinaga and British author new accounts involved millions of US On September 5, 2018, the news with artificial islands containing town of Balangiga in 1901. Bob Couttie, the film aims dollars? After the initial furor, the case said “The government has lost its drug military installations by a bully nation. The taking of the bells to shed light on what really was forgotten. transportation case over the 6.4 billion We were furious—but didn’t stay so and the American sacking happened in the small town Until January 10, 2019, when the pesos shabu shipment from China that for long. Last weekend of March we of Samar came after Filipino more than a century ago. RCBC branch ex-manager Maia Santos- ended up at a warehouse in Valenzuela were told that for the first quarter of freedom fighters ambushed American filmmaker Deguito was reported guilty in the City, due to double jeopardy… While 2019 alone, more than 600 “Chinese and killed at least 40 Michael Sellers, who is $81-million Bangladesh Bank heist. Taguba and Tan are detained at the fishing vessels have been recorded American soldiers sitting involved in the production, The news said Makati Regional Trial Camp Bagong Diwa jail, Richard Tan, surrounding the sandbars of Pag-asa down to breakfast on Sept. said the film “will foster a court Branch 149 Presiding Judge whose Hongfei Logistics company Island.” That many? We would be naïve 28, 1901. new level of understanding Cesar Untalan found Deguito guilty leased the warehouse where the shabu to think these vessels are only after They were part of a 75-man and acceptance of a painful beyond reasonable doubt of violating was found, and his other Chinese or our galunggong—which, incidentally, American garrison stationed moment in history.” the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Again Taiwanese co-accused remain at large they export back to us. More than in town. It is said the bells “We will tell the true, it raised eyebrows, even in banking since the Manila RTC ordered their just cursing China over its bullying were used to signal the attack. complete story of what circles, where “everybody knows a arrest for the drug importation case.” tactics, we should do our homework Rebels disguised as women happened in 1901, why it mere branch manager cannot do such Now the case seems buried beneath and intelligently plan to preserve our had smuggled weapons in happened, and why the things on her own.” Some believe an avalanche of sensational news items. sovereignty and save our people. We small coffins into the church return of the Balangiga Bells there’s a cover up somewhere, and that Should we not be looking deeper into can’t afford to treat serious matters to attack the Americans. to Eastern Samar has created Deguito was persuaded to be tied to the the court decision? Or at least, gather with our ningas-kugon attitude. We At least 28 Filipinos were a unique opportunity for whipping post for a huge consolation concerned agencies and citizens to ask, must keep the fire burning. Otherwise, also killed in what historians a moment of healing and sum. Whatever, the fire seems to have for instance, where the confiscated Pilipinas might one day wake up to find say was the “single worst renewal,” said the filmmaker. gone out—the people who were alarmed shabu has gone? Are the accused still it is already a province of China. And defeat” inflicted on American Tour operators are before continue to use banks to safekeep in the country, or have they forever that’s the truth. forces during the 1899-1902 expecting at least 50,000 Philippine-American War. tourists in the coming months Duc in Altum / A5 In reprisal, the Americans with “concerted efforts” rounded up and killed some not only by the government I thank the Lord for the Sr. and Gloria Santiago. They his family from the great flood; childhood, the best part of 5,000 Balangiga villagers. but also various sectors in gift of life, the gift of family raised all of us, their 7 children the obedience of the Blessed the Block was eating All were male residents over the community to bring in and the gift of faith. It was (we would have been 8 but Virgin Mary and Joseph; the lugaw (congee), sopas 10 years old. The incident visitors. an unexpected surprise Deborah was still-born), to the public (elbow macaroni soup) with became known as the Franklin Robedizo, that Pope Benedict XVI be good children to them and Christ and the proclamation either ensaymada (bread Balangiga Massacre. provincial tourism officer of appointed me as a Pro be faithful members of the of the coming of the Kingdom topped with sugar, butter Teacher Mangyao said Eastern Samar, hopes the Ecclesia et Pontifice (for the Catholic Church. We are now of God; the many miracles and cheese) or puto (a kind she realized that the visit tours will help ease poverty Church and for the Pope) all professionals and actively performed by Jesus, his of rice cake). to Balangiga was “very in the province. (Ronald Awardee 11 years ago, on May serving the Church and the sufferings and death in order After classes in school, we important ... to understand Reyes/UCAN) 3, 2008. As such, it made community. to save us from our sins and played with our cousins and me a member of the Papal In the early years of our life, to redeem the world; Jesus’ neighbors. The strict rule: Candidly Speaking / A4 Household. All the while, both my parents were hands on glorious resurrection which once we heard the ringing I have the impression that in teaching us the basic rules of gives hope to us. of the church bells of our When we truly pray, we to do always, both in good only rich people can become life. They taught us how to We spent our childhood Sta. Ana Parish Church, would really get in touch with times and bad. Papal Awardees because of read and write; how to tell the days in the province, in built by Agustinian priests God. We would know how At the beginning of the the donations they give to time from the calendar and the Hagonoy, . My more than 400 years ago to deal with him. We would learning process, things the Church. I was proven wall clock; how to distinguish maternal grandmother and now a National Shrine, know what he is showing us might be a bit difficult. wrong; years of commitment different colors and sizes; how whom we called Inang we must run home and and how he is intervening in We might feel awkward. and service to the Church to determine the five senses Donie (Dionisia Angeles). pray the with our our life. Our life would go in That is to be expected, were the most important of the body - sight, hearing, She told us that we must family. Inang Donie would synch with God’s providence, but we just have to go criteria to be appointed by touch, taste and smell; taught learn how to pray the rosary always tell us that anything with his will and his ways. on, sometimes forcing the Pope. On the occasion of us the value of these senses so that we could accompany we asked for in deep prayers It’s always worthwhile ourselves a little, making my birth, I thank the Lord in our relationship with our her in the Block Rosary in will be granted because Apo to spend time and effort many acts of faith, hope for all the blessings. I renew family, relatives, friends and the neighborhood. Either Ana, our patron saint, will to learn how to truly pray. and charity, until we can my commitment to serve the acquaintances. They also they prayed in Tagalog but ask her daughter Mary and Especially these days when overcome that learning Church and its community. I taught us about our Catholic we would complain when grandson Jesus, to grant our we are dragged by a strong curve and start to fly like a pray that He would continue religion. They told us that we they prayed the Hail Mary prayers. current of activism and professional in our prayer. to give me good health and were born Catholic and we in Latin “Ave Maria, gratia After praying the Oracion secularization, we need to To be truly human and more years to serve Him, will pass on as Catholic. They plena, Dominus tecum, (how we called the Angelus), really force ourselves to learn Christian, we need to pray. always, Fiat... Thy will be taught us the Scripture: that Benedicta...” (Hail Mary, my mother would clean this indispensable skill. Otherwise, we may just look done. God created the earth in 7 days; full of grace, the Lord is us, washed our feet in a We just cannot resort like a human being but in I will not be who I am had the disobedience of Adam with you, blessed...) ending basin of warm water and to prayer during special reality are not. Humanity and the Lord not given me, rather, and Eve; the enviousness and with “Ave Maria Purisima we would giggle afterwards occasions when we are faced are not a matter lent me life. I will not be who I hatred of Cain that led him to sin pecado concebida” (Hail and checked whose feet are with some difficulty. Prayer is of biology. They are a matter am were it not for my family, kill his brother Abel; the faith purest Mary, conceived dirtiest depending on the not meant to be the remedy of of being intimately united especially my parents Benito and belief of Noah that saved without sin). During our dirty water in the basin. last resort. It is what we have with God!

Labor / A1 By the Roadside/ A5

will give better protection of blue- the two countries against illegal through aggressive campaigning. like Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, to economic or social indicators is collar Filipino workers. recruiters. In contrast, the Passion leads us make sacrifices for the sake of the bound to fail because of what it “With this our overseas Filipino “The hiring of ‘specified skilled to our true freedom and dignity real common good? Our system excludes: the moral and spiritual workers to be hired will be workers’ is also a recognition of the in that the very sufferings of the should be an enabler of servant dimensions linking people to God. truly guided for the process of qualifications of our OFWs as highly Savior answer the just punishment leadership more in practice than On the other hand, Christ’s Passion recruitment and deployment,” knowledgeable, trustworthy and we all sinners deserve and the just in claim. leads us to the truth that newness, Santos said. dependable workers,” added Santos. requirement for our rehabilitation 5. Philippine candidates to be genuine, cannot stand apart “We are grateful and appreciative As of June 2018, there were about as God’s children. Isaiah the habitually promise to “make from God’s plan of “a new heaven with their caring efforts to promote 280,000 Filipinos residing and prophet’s words tell us of this changes” that “make things new”. and a new earth” on the foundation and safeguard our OFWs,” he said. working in Japan, of whom around truth. “He was wounded for our Often because of an utter lack of of him who says, “I make all things The agreement, signed recently 34,000 are professional and highly transgressions; he was crushed competence or understanding new” (Rev 21:1, 27). in Tokyo, opens the door for skilled workers. for our iniquities; upon him was of the Philippine situation, they Christ’s Passion has a lot to teach Filipino workers of getting jobs in The Labor department said that the chastisement that brought end up breaking well-touted Filipino voters and Philippine Japan under a new specified skills Filipino workers may corner at least us peace, and with his stripes campaign promises or making elections. But, I submit, we need residency in the host country. 30 percent of some 350,000 jobs we are healed” (Is 53:5). How do excuses for their failures. The to constantly pray for “God’s The labor deal was also aimed to that Japan will offer to foreigners Philippine elections school us into deficient definition of newness that amazing grace” to make us listen strengthen cooperation between starting April 11. (CBCP News) detecting leaders who are ready, focuses mostly on external political, and learn. A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES April 1 - 14, 2019, Vol 23, No. 07 CBCP Monitor New military bishop assumes post Pagadian Bishop Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio, the former auxiliary bishop of Cebu, Ronald Lunas was installed as the new head of the of the Philippines April 3. The crowd who attended installed the Mass in St. Ignacius de Loyola Cathedral at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City burst into cheers as the new bishop formally assumed his post. He was then welcomed by officials of the Department of Defence, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police. Concelebrants of the Mass included Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, who delivered the homily. Cardinal Tagle reminded Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio receives the crosier from Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Florencio that bishops must during his formal installation as the head of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines in St. Ignacius de Loyola Cathedral at Camp be at the service of God, and Aguinaldo, Quezon City on April 3. Also pictured is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila. SCREENSHOT/RADIO VERITAS not power or personal gains. Newly installed Bishop Ronaldo Lunas of Pagadian poses for a photo with Archbishop “Yes, we need power but we bishops’ conference, led by due to illness in June 2017. chaplains that we may able Gabriele Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and other bishops at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City on March 25. NEMRIC KIEL UMALI need to ask from whom does its president Archbishop In June 2017, the prelate was to do the task entrusted to the power come?” he said. Romulo Valles of Davao. appointed as the concurrent us by the church, by the ‘HOME at last.’ visiting bishops led by Papal “The power of Jesus enables The installation ceremony apostolic administrator of the government and above all by Around a month after his Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele others to serve.” also coincided with military diocese. our Lord, Jesus Christ, who episcopal ordination, Ronald Caccia and Archbishop “That power must be Florencio’s 29th priesthood In his message, Florencio is the shepherd himself,” he Lunas was installed on March Romulo Valles of Davao, used to make disciples of all anniversary. said that heading the military said. 25 as bishop of Pagadian in president of the Catholic nations to enable people to Pope Francis on March 2 diocese was something he As military ordinary, southern Philippines. Bishops’ Conference of the work for the common good,” named Florencio, 53, to head never imagined. Florencio is responsible for Lunas, 52, succeeded Philippines. Cardinal Tagle added. the military diocese, which “This is quite a big the pastoral care of Catholics Redemptorist Bishop Some government officials Also in attendance were has been “” for responsibility for me,” serving in the country’s Emmanuel Cabajar, who and lay leaders were also retired Cardinal Orlando nearly two years. Florencio said. military, police, coast guard retired last November after in attendance, including Quevedo of Cobatato and He succeeded Bishop “Please continue to pray units and prison service. serving then diocese for 14 representatives of the about 30 members of the Leopoldo Tumulak who died for me and the military (CBCP News) years. Interfaith Forum composed He was installed at a Mass of Muslims, Christians, and at Sto. Niño Cathedral, indigenous Subanen tribe. New bishop ordained for San Jose de Antique accompanied by Cabajar and The diocese has about a Archbishop Martin Jumoad million Catholics and its HAVING chosen “Servant of Jesus of Ozamiz. hierarchy have traditionally Christ” as his episcopal motto, Msgr. At one part of the three- played a major role in Marvyn Maceda was ordained bishop hour ceremony, he was interreligious dialogue. for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique seated in the bishop’s chair, Pope Francis appointed on Tuesday. and received the crozier, Lunas as the fifth bishop of Elegant flowers adorned the altar of emblematic of his new post. Pagadian on Nov. 22, 2018. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral “Home at last,” Lunas said He was ordained to in Naval, Biliran as Maceda was ordained in his message. “This is how I the episcopate last Feb. to the episcopate. feel today in my first meeting 22, making him the first Principal celebrant at the ordination with you dear people of God.” homegrown bishop from the was Palo Archbishop John Du, Attendees included Diocese of Digos in its 40 assisted by Naval Bishop Rex Ramirez priests and nuns from years of existence. (CBCP and Naval Emeritus Bishop Filomeno different dioceses, and News) Bactol. The ordination followed the announcement by the Vatican of his appointment last January. He is the Bishop Marvyn Maceda imparts his blessing to the faithful after his episcopal ordination at the Cathedral of Our PH bids farewell to St. first cleric from the 31-year-old diocese Lady of the Holy Rosary in Naval, Biliran, April 2. SCREENSHOT/MATT MECA MULTIMEDIA FACEBOOK PAGE to become a bishop. Maceda, 50, succeeds Jose Romeo mission amidst “uncertainties of our In his message, Maceda has appealed Camillus heart relic Lazo who was named archbishop of Jaro times”. for prayers as he took his new role. in February 2018. “Remain honest before him. And “If you prayed for me that I become a The attendance included members even if your love is humiliated continue priest, I have become a priest. And now of the Philippine bishops’ conference serving him… even if it is impossible that God has appointed me as bishop, as well as Papal Nuncio Archbishop humanly speaking,” Tagle told Maceda. all the more that I need your prayers,” Giordano Caccia and Cardinal Luis “But that is at the core of being a he said. Antonio Tagle of Manila. bishop, to admit of what is impossible Maceda will formally assume his post The cardinal, in his homily, urged his humanly speaking and to believe that in a ceremony at the St. Joseph Cathedral former student at the Loyola School with God everything is possible,” he in Antique on April 9. (CBCPNews) of Theology to remain steadfast in his noted. Pope names 2 new Filipino bishops

POPE Francis has made two appointments in the Philippines on March 25. At 7pm today, he named Fr. Cosme Almedilla as the new bishop of Butuan and Claretian Fr. Leo Dalmao Retired Cardinal of Cotabato venerates the heart relic of St. Camillus as prelate of Isabela in de Lellis after the farewell Mass at the , March 31. PHOTO FROM THE Basilan. MANILA CATHEDRAL Almedilla, a clergy of the Diocese of Talibon, succeeds PHILIPPINE Catholics bid continue the journey by also Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos goodbye to the incorrupt visiting hospitals, prisons who died in October 2017. heart relic of Saint Camillus and helping the needy,” he A native of San Miguel, de Lellis on Sunday, March said. Bohol, the bishop-elect is 31 at the end of a nearly At the farewell Mass on a product of the St. John two-month tour which drew Sunday, retired Cardinal XXII College Seminary in thousands of devotees. Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato City and the After being kept overnight urged the faithful to learn Loyola School of Theology at the Manila Cathedral, the lessons of “conversion, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Cosme Almedilla as the new bishop of Butuan and Claretian Fr. Leo Dalmao as the new prelate of the reliquary containing the charity, and service” from (LST) in the Ateneo De Isabela in Basilan. Manila University. saint’s heart left Manila on the saint. He was ordained a priest take over the post from Emeritus José María of Students and April 1 for Indonesia. “Let our love be truly on Aug. 4, 1987. Martin Jumoad, who was Querejeta Mendizábal of three years later, became Head coordinator of the trip Christian. Let our love reach Upon his appointment, the appointed archbishop of Isabela in 1997. Novice Master while serving Camillian Fr. Dan Cancino out in service to the poor, the 60-year-old priest has been Ozamiz in October 2016. Mendizábal was a Spanish as and Prefect of said he was surprised by sick and the needy,” Cardinal serving at the Holy Child The bishop-elect is missionary who served as the Formation of the Philippine the level of interest of many Quevedo said in his homily. Parish in Ubay, Bohol. currently serving as Consultor first Claretian bishop in the Province. people. The heart relic arrived in Among his previous and the Prefect of Formation Philippines. Ten years later, he was He said the tour was Manila last Feb. 2 and for the assignments include being at the Istituto Guiridico Bishop-elect Dalmao is not elected as superior of the witnessed by thousands of second time after its first visit the spiritual director at the Claretiano in Rome, Italy. new to the prelature. After his Philippine Province of the people in 22 archdioceses in 2013. John XXII College Seminary, At 49, he will be the first ordination, his was assigned Claretian missionaries. and dioceses. For several weeks in the Director of the Holy Child Filipino Claretian to join the in Basilan where he served While serving the post, “In our lifetime we are country, the relic was also Academy in Bohol, and . as project coordinator for he was also elected as co- fortunate to witness the heart brought to 29 hospitals, 15 chaplain at the Asian Born in Tagbilaran City, indigenous people Samal- chairperson of the Association of St. Camillus,” said Fr. parishes, and 12 houses for Hospital and Medical Center also in Bohol, he entered Badjau. of Major Religious Superiors Cancino, executive secretary the elderly, including homes in Muntinlupa City. the Congregation in 1986 “Fr. Dalmao’s years of in the Philippines until he of the bishops’ Commission for sick priests and nuns. Since 2015, Almedill, who is and studied at stay in the place provided was transferred to Rome in on Healthcare. St. Camillus’ heart was also known for promoting the Claret Formation Center, him a chance to know and 2015. Fr. Cancino accompanied removed an hour after his Basic Ecclesial Community now known as St. Anthony experience the life and mission Dalmao remains to be the the relic of the patron saint death on July 14, 1614 and the movement, has been Mary Claret College. of the Claretians in the whole first and the only Filipino of the sick and health workers relic has been enshrined at the Assistant Pastoral Director After his theology studies southern Philippines,” his priest elected to the general on every stage of the trip. Church of St. Mary Magdalene of the Talibon diocese. at the LST, he was ordained Congregation said. government of the Claretians “The tour may have ended in Rome, Italy, where he was Dalmao, meanwhile, will priest by the late Bishop In 2000, he was named worldwide. (CBCP News) in Philippines but we should buried. (CBCP News) CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1 Apostolic Letter in the form of “” of the Supreme Pontiff Francis on the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable persons

Clerical sex abuse survivors and their supporters rally outside Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome Feb. 21, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS

THE protection of minors and vulnerable prosecuted; persons , of 26 March 2019, committed, on the Hygiene, training programs for the personnel persons is an integral part of the gospel • the right to be received, listened to and occasion of the exercise of their functions, by of the Roman Curia and of the Institutions message that the Church and all its members accompanied is recognized to those the subjects referred to in point 3 of the Motu connected with the Holy See concerning the are called to spread throughout the world. In who claim to have been victims of Proprio “To our times” , of 11 July 2013. risks in the matter of exploitation , of sexual fact, Christ himself entrusted us with the exploitation, sexual abuse or abuse, as 2. Without prejudice to the sacramental seal, abuse and mistreatment of children and care and protection of the smallest and most well as their families; the subjects referred to in point 3 of the Motu vulnerable persons, as well as on the means defenseless: “ whoever welcomes one child • appropriate pastoral care is offered Proprio “To our times” , of 11 July 2013, are to identify and prevent such offenses and the like this in my name, welcomes me “ (Mt to victims and their families, as obliged to present, without delay, a complaint obligation to report. 18: 5). Therefore, we all have the duty to well as adequate spiritual, medical, to the promoter of justice at the court of the 5. In the selection and recruitment of generously welcome minors and vulnerable psychological and legal support; State of the City of the Vatican whenever, in personnel from the Roman Curia and people and to create a safe environment for • the defendants are guaranteed the the exercise of their functions, they have news institutions connected with the Holy See, as them, taking their interests first. This requires a right to a fair and impartial trial, in or reasonable reasons to believe that a child well as those who collaborate on a voluntary continuous and profound conversion, in which compliance with the presumption of or a vulnerable person is a victim of one of basis, the suitability of the candidate to personal holiness and moral commitment innocence, as well as the principles of the crimes referred to in Article 1 of Law No. interact with minors and vulnerable persons can contribute to promoting the credibility of legality and proportionality between CCXCVII , if also committed alternatively: must be ascertained . the Gospel announcement and renewing the the crime and the sentence; 6. The of the Roman Curia and educational mission of the Church. • the person convicted for having i. in the territory of the State; the institutions connected with the Holy See Therefore, I would like to further strengthen abused a child or a vulnerable person ii. in prejudice of citizens or residents in to which minors or vulnerable persons have the institutional and regulatory framework to is removed from his duties and, at the State; access have adopted, with the assistance prevent and combat abuses against children the same time, he is offered adequate iii. on the occasion of the exercise of their of the Accompanying Service of the Health and vulnerable people so that in the Roman support for psychological and spiritual functions, by the public officials of the and Hygiene Directorate, good practices and Curia and in the Vatican City State: rehabilitation, also for the purpose of State or by the subjects referred to in guidelines for their protection. • a community that is respectful and social reintegration; point 3 of the Motu Proprio “To our I establish that the present Apostolic Letter aware of the rights and needs of children • everything possible is done to times”, of 11 July 2013. in the form of “Motu Proprio” is promulgated and vulnerable persons is maintained, rehabilitate the good reputation of through the publication in L’Osservatore as well as being careful to prevent any those who have been wrongly accused; 3. Spiritual, medical and social assistance is Romano and, subsequently, included in form of physical or mental violence • adequate training is provided for the offered to persons who have been abused by the . or abuse, neglect, neglect, abuse or protection of minors and vulnerable the crimes referred to in Article 1 of Law I agree that what has been established exploitation that may occur both persons. No. CCXCVII , including therapeutic and has full and stable value, even repealing all interpersonal relationships that in psychological urgency assistance, as well as incompatible provisions, starting from June structures or places of sharing; Therefore, with the present Letter I establish useful information of a legal nature, through 1, 2019. • everyone is aware of the duty to report that: the Managed Accompanying Service by the abuses to the competent Authorities and 1. The competent judicial authorities of Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Given in Rome at St. Peter’s, March 26, to cooperate with them in prevention Vatican City State exercise criminal jurisdiction Governorate of the Vatican City State. 2019, the seventh of the Pontificate. and contrast activities; even in regard to the offenses referred to 4. The Labor Office of the • any abuse or abuse against minors or in Articles 1 and 3 of Law No. CCXCVII, on organizes, together with the Accompanying against vulnerable persons is effectively protection of children and vulnerable Service of the Directorate of Health and FRANCIS B2 FEATURE April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 CBCP Monitor FEATURE Facing the spectre of a Divorce Law in the Philippines (V) Marriage Invalidity due to Lack of Form

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

After dedicating the past four marriage to validly come about, the issues of this column to the possible following formal requirements must marriage invalidity due to lack of be present in the actual marriage capacity or invalid consent (for ceremony. lack of due discretion or incapacity 1st: Physical presence of the to assume the essential obligations bride and droom — in person of marriage due to psychological or by legitimate proxy reasons), we conclude this 5-part Can. 1104 — §1. In order for series on the alternatives to a divorce marriage to be contracted validly, law, with a brief consideration of it is necessary that the contracting the canonical form of marriage. parties be present together, either in person or by proxy. The canonical form of the §2. Those to be married are to celebration of marriage express their matrimonial consent In Christian antiquity, there was in words; however, if they cannot no specific external form (or format) speak, they are to express it by for the celebration of the sacrament equivalent signs. and even when the liturgical rite Although this is not usually became more or less defined, it did discussed under the heading of the not really have a juridic form. Three canonical form—usually forming reasons made the establishment part of the issue of consent—I find of a juridic substantial form—i.e., it pedagogically better to deal with a set of external and verifiable it here. In fact the configuration of circumstances as requirements for the canonical form as the substantial the substantial and juridic validity juridic form of Catholic marriage is TYLER ORSBURN/CNS of matrimonial consent—necessary: a function of the need to provide 1) to make the coming about of witness to the expression of mutual 2nd: A qualified witness — to must be given expressly to specified Conclusion a given marriage public within the consent by the contracting parties. ask for the consent in the name persons (e.g., if the couple brings After the foregoing discussion ecclesial community—i.e., since Thus, their physical presence at the of the Church their own priest, he must be identified of the possible causes of marriage the couple would henceforth live as wedding is normally presumed. The Code enumerates who can act beforehand and his credentials invalidity from the start, one husband and wife in the midst of What could be a novelty for as the qualified witness: verified.); if it is a question of a understands why a duly celebrated that community; most Catholics is the provision in Can. 1109 — …within the confines special delegation, it is to be granted Church marriage enjoys the favor of 2) to make the expression of Canon Law for either or both of the of their territory, the Local Ordinary for a specific marriage; however, law: if a canonical marriage has in matrimonial consent verifiable with contracting parties to be represented and the Pastor (parish priest) in if it is a question of a general fact taken place, the presumption certainty—i.e., by providing for by legitimate proxy, a feature that virtue of their office, validly assist delegation, it is to be granted in of the law is that it is valid. witnesses who could attest to the is absent in civil law. Canon Law at the marriages of their subjects as writing. Nevertheless, its validity can manifestation of such consent by the regulates this matter in great detail: well as of non-subjects provided one 3rd: Two other witnesses — be impugned in an ecclesiastical contracting parties; Can. 1105 — §1. In order for of the contractants is of the Latin also called common witnesses tribunal, and such claim of invalidity 3) to safeguard the specific content marriage to be entered validly by rite. Thus, the Bishop of the Diocese The Code does not stipulate can be demonstrated by considering of canonical marriage—i.e., by proxy, it is required that: (in his whole diocese) and the Parish any requirement. Hence, we can the elements that go into its juridic making the presence of the qualified 1° there is a special mandate to Priest (in his parish) is a qualified presume the common doctrinal structure, all of which are juridically witness depend on his moral contract marriage with a certain witness for marriage. and jurisprudential criteria of: verifiable. However, given the certainty that all other canonical person; Can. 1110 — In virtue of their (1) use of reason, and (2) the great importance of the marriage requirements for marriage have 2° the proxy is appointed by the office and within the limits of their capacity to perceive the marriage bond, the demonstration of its been fulfilled. person who gave the mandate and jurisdiction, an Ordinary and they are witnessing. In sum, the non-existence can only be done Thus, the configuration that the proxy fulfill this function a Personal Pastor validly assist common witnesses should be able through the judicial process—i.e., of canonical marriage as a formal in person (i.e., the proxy cannot only at marriages involving at to testify regarding the celebration the most stringent human means juridic act (aside from being a appoint another proxy). least one of their subjects. Thus, of marriage, especially regarding for arriving at moral certainty, since consensual act) has been a constant §2. To be valid a mandate must a Bishop (not the Bishop of the the exchange of matrimonial every allegation has to stand muster principle in Church law since the be signed by the person who gave Diocese) can validly assist if one consent. in an adversarial judicial process. established it in it, as well as by the Pastor (i.e., of the parties comes from his own Thus, more than godparents (a This principle has been reiterated 1563. The present Code of Canon parish priest) or the Local Ordinary diocese; likewise a Military Chaplain common term in the Philippines) we of late by Pope Francis (cf. Mitis Law summarizes this canonical form where the mandate was issued, or can validly assist if one of the parties are dealing with simple witnesses, Iudex), despite his well-publicized of Marriage in the following terms: by a priest delegated by either of belongs to the Military Ordinariate. whose only juridic obligation is to streamlining of the process for the Can. 1108 — §1. Only those these, or at least by two witnesses; Can. 1111 — §1. …the Local be ready to testify that the marriage declaration of marriage nullity. marriages are valid which are or it must be arranged by means Ordinary and the Pastor can took place. They don’t even have Rather than legislate divorce, contracted in the presence of the of a document which is authentic delegate to priests and deacons the a moral obligation to assist the which implies the breaking of a local ordinary, or the pastor, or a according to civil law (i.e., duly , even a general one (i.e., new couple to live up to their valid marriage bond, what the priest or deacon delegated by either notarized). not just for a specific marriage), commitments—which is what the State can do is align the Family of them, and in the presence of two §3. If the person giving the to assist at marriages within the word sponsors (another common Code provisions on the declaration witnesses, according to the rules mandate cannot write, this is to limits of their territory. This is the term in the Philippines) implies. of marriage nullity more with the expressed in the following canons, be noted in the mandate itself and usual case in a big place like Metro Another matter is the presence of provisions of Canon Law, which with due regard for the exceptions another witness is to be added Manila, where people get married at many sponsors (also quite common respects the fundamental principle mentioned in cc.144, 1112,§1, and who must also sign the document; the church of their choice (not their in the Philippines) for the purpose of that a validly constituted marriage 1127,§§2 and 3. otherwise, the mandate is invalid. own parishes). Every time a couple really helping in the material aspects bond is indissoluble. With the §2. The one assisting at a marriage §4. If the person who gave the get married outside of their parish, of the wedding—e.g. help defray the stringent requirements for the is understood to be only that person mandate revokes it or becomes the Parish Priest of the church where cost of the wedding reception, etc. In valid constitution of the marriage who, present at the ceremony, asks insane before the proxy has the marriage is celebrated either this case, there would be no need to bond in Canon Law, there are more for the contractants’ manifestation contracted marriage in that person’s assists at the marriage or delegates enter the names of all the so-called than enough juridic grounds for a of consent and receives it in the name, the marriage is invalid, even another priest to do so (usually the sponsors in the Registry of Marriage possible . Thus, name of the Church. though either the proxy or the other priest of choice of the couple). of the parish (there would not be without breaking the bond, what In simple terms, what the canonical contracting party was unaware of §2. To be valid the delegation of space for them), but rather just two could be done is to prove its non- form of marriage means is that for these developments. the faculty to assist at marriages of them would suffice. existence from the start. Taped music at Mass (Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query: )

Q: In the case of a small parish Although these documents precede that singing by the ministers and the bishops.” may recorded music be used in the where there is not an organ or piano the , there is people is not absent in celebrations Some bishops’ conferences have liturgy for the purpose of supporting or a musically talented person to practically nothing in the conciliar that occur on Sundays and on holy also published guidelines on this the song of the assembly.” lead singing, is it acceptable to use or post-conciliar documents which days of obligation.” topic, for example, the U.S. bishops’ It later repeats this principle when taped music during Mass for people would contradict the principles Later, the same document (in No. conference 2007 document “Sing to referring to music at a wedding in to sing to? — N.B., Arlington, Texas enunciated or invalidate their 312) states: the Lord” says: No. 137. general normative value. “The choir should be positioned “93. Recorded music lacks the Strangely, however, when citing A: We answered a similar question Indeed the council’s insistence with respect to the design of each authenticity provided by a living the possible exceptions “in cases of on November 23, 2004. We will that choir and musicians form part church so as to make clearly liturgical assembly gathered for necessity” the footnote refers to the reuse some of this material with of the liturgical assembly would evident its character as a part of the Sacred Liturgy. While recorded Directory for Masses with Children, some updates. even strengthen the presumption the gathered community of the music might be used advantageously No. 32. This would appear to be an The relatively few norms that exist against the use of mechanical music. faithful fulfilling a specific function. outside the Liturgy as an aid in the extension of a limited exception to on this point tend to explicitly forbid According to the above documents, The location should also assist the teaching of new music, it should not, wider circumstances. using recorded music during the it is preferable to sing without choir to exercise its function more as a general norm, be used within On the other hand, the Italian liturgy. This would also include, most musical accompaniment than resort easily and conveniently allow each the Liturgy. bishops’ conference has gone further of the time, pre-set accompaniment to artificial means. choir member full, sacramental “94. Some exceptions to this and has explicitly forbidden the use to live singing, a possibility offered The General Instruction of the participation in the Mass.” principle should be noted. Recorded of recorded music in the liturgy. This by many modern organs. states in Nos. 39-40: The same principles are also valid music may be used to accompany prohibition even covers children’s The principal documents that “The Christian faithful who gather for organists and other musicians. the community’s song during a Masses by calling attention to the deal with music in Church always together as one to await the Lord’s All the same, there is one procession outside and, when used need for the “veracity” of important emphasize the importance of singing coming are instructed by the Apostle circumstance where universal carefully, in Masses with children. liturgical signs such as singing, and and presume the presence of live Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, norms have permitted pre-recorded Occasionally, it might be used as an furthermore “stresses the duty of musicians who are considered as and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). music, if somewhat timidly, in the aid to prayer, for example, during educating in song the assembly of being part of the assembly. Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy Directory for Children’s Masses. No. long periods of silence in a communal little ones that participate in the The 1958 instruction “De Musica (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine 32 of this document states: celebration of reconciliation. Sacred Celebration.” Sacra” issued by the Congregation says rightly, ‘Singing is for one who “Care should always be taken, However, recorded music should For this reason, the conference of Rites states: “Finally, only those loves.’ There is also the ancient however, that the musical never become a substitute for the states, “It is good to use recorded musical instruments which are proverb: ‘One who sings well prays accompaniment does not overpower community’s singing.” music to teach the songs outside of played by the personal action of twice.’ the singing or become a distraction A similar document from the the sacred celebration but it is not the artist may be admitted to the “Great importance should, rather than a help to the children. Canadian bishops’ conference was permitted to use it during Mass.” sacred liturgy, and not those which therefore, be attached to the use Music should correspond to the issued in 2015, stating: The reason the Church insist on are operated automatically or of singing in the celebration of the purpose intended for the different “33 The human voice: The human this point is that the use of music mechanically.” Mass, with due consideration for the periods at which it is played during voice should always hold a primary in the liturgy is always to enhance This document followed Pope culture of the people and abilities of the Mass. place in the music-making of the the quality of liturgical prayer Pius XII’s 1955 “Musicae each liturgical assembly. Although “With these precautions and with Church. For this reason, recorded and can never be considered as Sacrae,” in which he insisted that it is not always necessary (e.g., in due and special discretion, recorded music must never replace the entertainment. liturgical music be “true art” if it is weekday Masses) to sing all the texts music may also be used in Masses singing of the assembly, nor should It is practically impossible for to be a genuine act of worship and that are of themselves meant to be with children, in accord with norms it displace the ministry of other recorded music to serve the same praise of God. sung, every care should be taken established by the conferences of musicians. Only in cases of necessity function. FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 FEATURE B3 A 2019 Easter Manifesto A Passover Meditation for the Filipino People By Religious Discernment Group

1. We are a people whose living cultural values. They have betrayed and a fresh start for the citizenry. faith has seen us through critical our trust. They have stolen the But there are foreboding signs. periods in our history. Today, an future of the yet unborn Filipino by Intensified election-related violence even greater faith in a merciful squandering at bargain prices our and massive electoral fraud are God and in ourselves as a nation country’s natural resources. already a given. And there are is called for. Obstacles that in the The Duterte government will have indications that the election will past have blocked our path towards to account for the thousands of be manipulated to advance the nationhood pale in comparison with extrajudicial killings and enforced purposes of those in power. The the amoral brutishness the relentless disappearances that have taken controversial PECOS machines are battering the Duterte regime is place since this administration already installed and in place. subjecting the moral fiber itself of began its brutal war on drugs in our people. The indomitable spirit 2016 which has seen from 20,000- 5. A failed election will surely be of the Filipino is under tremendous 30,000 dead, according to human used as an excuse to impose martial pressure. Political patronage is rights group Karapatan. Its blatant law nationwide and the perpetuation rampant. No institution of disregard for the value of human of the Duterte administration in our democratic system and no lives is alarming. There is total a hold-over capacity. Moreover, well-meaning individual have disregard for the observance of former president Gloria Macapagal been spared the smear of dirt human rights and due process proper Arroyo is pushing, no holds the presidential snout untiringly to any civilized society. The data barred, for a parliamentary system spouts. Long standing traditions speak for themselves: an average of government. She is itching to of propriety and good breeding of almost 82 cases of human rights become its first prime minister. have been set aside. Isinantabi ang violations per day or a total number Her addiction to power knows no resurrection. 11. We call on everyone to discern delikadesang ating kinagisnan of 29,869 victims from January human limits and her subtle and our options and make carefully con- at pawang kagaspangan at to December 7, 2018, killings of not-so-subtle maneuvers are already 8. In Gethsemane, Jesus sidered plans for collective action. kahalayan ang ipinaiiral. (That human rights defenders per sector bearing fruit. Plunder charges admonished his Apostles to watch, Let us come together in united, com- sense of decency upon which we this 2018 -Farmers = 71, Indigenous against her were dismissed and, stay with him, and pray. Today, he mon purpose. Let us build on what were raised has been set aside; People = 29, Fisherfolk = 4, other like mushrooms after the rain, she is asking us to do the same. The we have. Let us find and support true rudeness and obscenity have taken civilians = 30. (Source: Karapatan) sprouted from darkness to become call of the hour is prophetic leaders from amongst us to replace over.) The shady and secretive the speaker of the House. vigilance. In one prophetic voice those unworthy of our trust. Let deals our economic and political 3. The poor majority of Filipinos we must denounce this dutertic orgy us organize on the grassroots level leaders have entered into with are facing increasing difficulty in 6. Let us say a resounding NO of betrayal, name the Judases that and affirm the right and the duty foreign powers are compromising surviving under the continuation to a holdover government, NO surround him in order to unmask to vote. Let us move to sustain the our sovereignty as a people. and intensification of economic to military rule. Together let us them. We have what it takes to fervor of those who want their votes No sector of Philippine society has policies that only aggravate the work for credible elections. God thwart the diabolical wiles of the to count so the people’s sovereign been left unscathed and unmolested. already dehumanizing poverty of forbid, but a failure of election incipient Duterte dictatorship in will could prevail in this land of the The Filipina is disrespected. Not even the Filipino peasant and workers. could as well signal our failure as a its attempt to degrade our standing morning sun. a statue in honor of the misnamed Filipino laborers, who were recently nation. The dictator-in-waiting has as people within the international and maligned “comfort women” has described as slow and lazy by Ramon publicly claimed that he would do community of nations. We hope and we believe in the God been left untouched. Children are Tulfo, Duterte's special envoy to everything in his power to prevent of Mercy who never abandons his by law (legal maneuvers!) rendered China, already work in extreme the Philippines from joining the 9.We are a people blest, people. We have made an offering criminals and are unduly punished. slave-like conditions. They do ranks of failed states. In the event notwithstanding the negative of the violated lives of our martyrs not receive the minimum wage that such a catastrophe take place— picture the cowardly trolls of on the crucible of Calvary. May their 2. We deplore the shame that has and remain contractual all their God forbid—Rodrigo Duterte would the administration would like to blood be the seed of our people’s de- befallen us. We denounce the lives. Farmers, farmworkers and be hard put to deny that he caused imagine. God has endowed us with liverance from hunger, oppression morally bankrupt leadership of indigenous peoples, likewise, subsist it. But then Panelo, the official a magnanimous spirit. We have long- and violence. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. We accuse him under impoverished and unhealthy blabbermouth, would explain that, suffering, grit and intelligence. We As the ancient people of Israel and his cohorts of unprecedented conditions. They are deprived of “in fairness”, the former mayor have what it takes to bear the cross prayed, we pray for liberation, for corruption, enriching themselves the right to land and life, forced to of Davao made use of hyperbole to of suffering but also what it takes to freedom. We pray for our Passover. by exploiting the poorest of the fight for land rightfully theirs but prepare us for the eventuality. bring about our resurrection, with Lord of the Universe, keep us safe land—indigenous communities, are met with bullets and slaughtered God leading the way. and deliver us from evil. Amen. farmers, coconut growers, peasants, like animals. 7. Ritually, in observance of Holy and laborers. They lie and cheat Week, we have shared the passion 10. We have what it takes to restore (Note: This document was signed with impunity. They perpetuate 4. The coming elections are crucial and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. hope in the heart of every Filipino, by the 61 participants of a Lenten dynasties that enable a few families to the life of the nation. It could In real life, in this our beautiful to recover her or his dignity as a gathering of Clergy and Religious to appropriate vast political and mean the end of the internationally and dangerous land, we have citizen of this country. We have had held on March 16, 2019, at the economic powers. They have notorious Duterte administration, accompanied Him bearing our own the patience to wait for our moment UST Angelicum College in Quezon prostituted our democratic and shameful for its shamelessness, pain and suffering in the hope of of grace. City.) People’s Choice Movement Lenten resolutions for a healthy environment By Bishop Ambo David Solid Waste Management Act, the Clean Air Act, & By Bishop the Clean Water Act.

1. I will not use toothpicks because I know that they 14. I will refrain from burning solid wastes and tend to get mixed up with food wastes and can end polluting the air. up getting stuck in the throats of animals fed with food wastes. 15. Whenever possible, I will install inside toilet water tanks a one-liter plastic bottle filled with water 2. I will not use plastic straw tubes, plastic sachets, so as to save 1 liter of water with every flushing. plastic wrappers for candies, junk foods, and snack items, plastic bags because I know that it takes 16. I will refrain from throwing towels, beddings, and between 450 to 1000 years for plastic to biodegrade. clothes in the laundry basket if they are not really soiled or smelly yet. 3. If I use plastic at all, I will make sure I do so only sparingly and responsibly, making sure that it is 17. I will turn off the office airconditioning units one disposed of in such a way that it does not end up in hour before end of office hours. canals, esteros, rivers, seas and oceans, or even in THE Catholic Bishops Conference candidates with the common good the intestines of animals. 18. I will save the seeds of the vegetables that I eat, of the Philippines (CBCP) has of the whole country in mind and not wash them, dry them, sow them, and transplant them been bringing out statements to according to what the candidates 4. I will not use disposable diapers or disposable in proper compost containers in order to produce guide the people on issues that promise, much less according to sanitary napkins because I know that they are and share my own veggies. affect the country. There have been what they have received from these sanitary only for the user, but very unsanitary voices, even among the bishops, candidates.” for the environment. (The biodegradable waste 19. I will consciously save the seeds of fruits that questioning if these statements are Then it pointed out a type of is hard to segregate from the nonbiodegradable I eat and, when traveling in the countryside, take being heeded at all. In spite of the engagement that lay people can product.) time to sow them or just throw them in open and doubts about the effectivity of these engaged in: vacant spaces. statements, the CBCP has decided “Participation in politics for 5. I will not buy or use products made of styrofoams and once more in its plenary session last Christian lay people is not just aerosol cans that contain CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon), 20. I will consciously refrain from buying things I January to issue another statement to be limited to non-partisan which is very harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. do not need. on the forthcoming elections, with involvement. Christians are also a faint hope that at least some encouraged to engage in principled 6. I will not mix toxic wastes like busted fluorescent 21. I will consciously refrain from keeping things I do people may be guided by it and act partisan participation. This means lamp bulbs, batteries, chemical bottles, etc., with not need or use. I will find ways to give them away on it. Its statement, released last that they can campaign for good residual solid wastes. for charity, such as Segunda Mana of Caritas. January 28, 2019, is entitled: “Seek candidates as an exercise of their the Common Good.” Among other Christian faith.” 7. I will not let tapwater flow while soaping my hands 22. I will turn off the light when not needed. things, it paints the crucial situation A not insignificant group of or brushing my teeth. we are in: some 130 lay Christian leaders 23. I will support or join advocacy groups that push “The midterm election in May heeded the call. They organized 8. I will use water and soap to clean my butt instead for collective action against environmental abuse. 13 is crucial. In our country today themselves and discerned together of toilet paper, not just because we get to save more the checks and balances in the the best senatorial candidates to trees, but because it is more sanitary, in the first 24. I will consciously start switching from energy government are being undermined. support among the 62 contestants. place. generated by fossil fuel, to clean (e.g. Wind-, Water- So far the senate is the institution in Since 2015 these Christian leaders or Solar-powered) energy. the government that is holding out from the Catholic, Evangelical 9. I will bring and use my own reusable bag or basket as our country is inching towards and Protestant persuasions have when buying grocery items. 25. I will refrain from taking a taxi, a jeepney, or a total control. It is very crucial come up with GABAYKRISTO, a tricycle for short distances which I can walk anyway. therefore that we elect candidates set of Christian criteria by which 10. I will practice and promote proper waste who are principled, courageous and to measure the politicians. They segregation at home or wherever I can. 26. I will consciously decrease my intake of animal who have the common good as their researched the stance of the 62 meats and gradually go for a more plant-based diet main concern and not their own candidates on various important 11. I will responsibly produce compost with the as I get older. political interests.” national issues. They got the profiles biodegradable wastes that I generate, right in my So it encouraged lay people to of the candidates and they met backyard. bond and reflect together to pick several times to set up the criteria 27. I will go out of my way to report to the proper the right candidates: for screening the candidates. This authorities such incidents as busted water pipes, the “We encourage voters to be very is a serious kind of discernment 12. I will consciously recycle all recyclable solid start of a brush fire, and other similar hazards that discerning in their votes. Let the circle that the bishops have been waste items. can cause harm on the environment. lay groups engage in discernment calling out. They call themselves the circles to help one another know PEOPLE’S CHOICE MOVEMENT. 13. I will familiarize myself with the environmental 28. I will pass on these resolutions to as many people the candidates well and choose the People / B7 laws of our country, especially with the Ecological as I can. B4 FEATURE April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 CBCP Monitor FEATURE

Law N. CCXCVII On the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons March 26, 2019

Pope Francis leads the opening session of the meeting on the protection of minors in the church at the Vatican Feb. 21, 2019. At left is Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, a member of the meeting’s organizing committee. VATICAN MEDIA

THE Holy Father Francis (Procedures and statute of limita- b) is informed of the adoption and sition of the injured person; offended person to the judicial au- • having regard to the Basic tions) termination in any capacity of provi- c) directs the offended person to thority; Law of the Vatican City State, 1. The offenses referred to in Article sions restrictive of personal liberty, the Accompanying Service referred e) takes into account the opinion dated 26 November 2000; 1 may be prosecuted ex officio. provisional or final, imposed on the to in Article 9. and needs of the injured party, pro- • having regard to the Law on 2. The limitation period for the defendant; 4. The promoter of justice, together tecting their image and privacy, as Sources of Law N. LXXI , offenses referred to in Article 1 is c) directly or through the counsel, with the Directorate of Security and well as the confidentiality of personal dated 1 October 2008; twenty years and begins, in the case can provide evidence, solicit the Civil Protection Services and with the data; • having regard to the Motu of offense to a minor, from the age completion of specific investigative accompanying service referred to in f) adopts guidelines for the treat- Proprio «In our times», of 11 of eighteen. activities and ask to be heard; Article 9, adopts guidelines on the ment of minors who use them. July 2013; d) has the right to the protection procedures to be followed in judicial • having regard to Law No. Article 3 of its image and private sphere, as police activities involving minors. Article 10 VIII, containing complemen- (Obligation to report) well as the confidentiality of personal (Training) tary norms in criminal mat- 1. Without prejudice to the sacra- data; Article 7 1. The Accompanying Service ters, of 11 July 2013; mental seal, the public official who, e) has the right to take appropriate (Judgment) provides children, their parents, • having regard to Law No. in the performance of his duties, measures to avoid direct contact with When proceeding for one of the trainers, educators and managers IX, concerning amendments has news or reasonable grounds to the accused, subject to the manda- crimes referred to in article 1, the ju- with adequate information on the to the Penal Code and the Code believe that a child is a victim of one tory requirements of the procedure. dicial authority, to protect the minor: risks of exploitation, sexual abuse of Criminal Procedure, of 11 of the crimes referred to in Article 1 a) may order that proceedings be and mistreatment, as well as on the July 2013; must file a complaint without delay Article 5 held in camera; means to identify and prevent such • having regard to the Conven- if the offenses are also alternatively (Hearing of the child) b) may arrange for the minor to lay offenses. tion on the Rights of the Child, committed: When the child is audited: in videoconference or through the 2. The Labor Office of the Apos- concluded in New York on a) in the territory of the Vatican a) the minor can be accompanied use of a mirror glass together with tolic See organizes, in consultation November 20, 1989, ratified City State; by one of his lawyers, as well as by an intercom system; with the Accompanying Service, by the Holy See, also on behalf b) to the detriment of residents or an adult of his trust admitted by the c) in cases where legal representa- training programs for the staff of the of and for the account of the citizens of the State; proceeding authority; tives are in conflict of interest with Governorate concerning the risks of Vatican City State, on April c) on the occasion of the exercise b) the hearing of the 14-year-old the child, appoint a special trustee exploitation, sexual abuse and child 20, 1990; of their functions, by the public of- minor is always conducted with the who, at the expense of the State, abuse, as well as the means to iden- • having regard to the Optional ficials of the Vatican City State or by help of a psychologist and in a man- represents their interests; tify and to prevent these offenses and Protocol to the Convention the subjects referred to in point 3 of ner appropriate to the purpose. In d) if the accused is a cleric or a the obligation to report. on the Rights of the Child on the Motu Proprio “To our times” , of the same way the judicial authority member of an institute of conse- the Sale of Children, Child 11 July 2013. proceeds in any other case in which it crated life or of a society of apostolic Article 11 Prostitution and Child Por- deems appropriate such modalities; life, he transmits, together with the (Staff recruitment) nography, concluded in New 2. Unless the fact constitutes a c) the deposition is also document- sentence, a copy of the proceedings 1. In the selection and hiring of the York on 25 May 2000, ratified more serious offense, the public ed by video recording, which must be of the trial to the ordinary or the staff of the Governorate, as well as of by the Holy See, also on behalf official who omits or unduly delays acquired as evidence in court. major superior competent for the those who collaborate voluntarily, of and for the account of the the complaint referred to in the pre- adoption of the measures provided the suitability of the candidate to Vatican City State, 24 October ceding paragraph shall be punished Article 6 for by canon law. interact with the minors must be 2001; with a fine from one thousand to five (Investigations) ascertained. thousand euros. If the offense is com- 1. The promoter of justice requires Article 8 2. The Personnel Selection Com- adopted the following mitted by a judicial police officer or the adoption, also provisionally, of (Directorate of Health and Hygiene) mission uses the Accompanying Ser- Law officer, the punishment is imprison- the measures necessary to: 1. The President of the Governor- vice to adopt guidelines and define ment for up to six months. a) guarantee the safety and physi- ate, on the proposal of the Director- procedures in order to ascertain the Article 1 3. Without prejudice to the sacra- cal integrity of the offended person; ate of Health and Hygiene, adopts suitability of the candidates. (Scope of application) mental seal, any other person, even b) remove the suspect from the of- guidelines for the protection of 1. This law applies to the offenses wholly extraneous to the facts, who fended person or other minors; minors. Article 12 referred to in II of Law No. is aware of behavior against a child c) preventing the repetition of 2. The Directorate of Health and (Entry into force) VIII, which contains complemen- may make a complaint. crimes; Hygiene has an accompanying ser- This law comes into force on June tary rules in criminal matters , of 11 4. If the proceeding is against a d) protect the injured person and vice for victims of abuse. It identifies 1, 2019. July 2013, as well as to the offenses cleric or a member of an institute his family from any intimidation or within it a qualified expert to whom We command that the original referred to in articles 372, 386, 389, of consecrated life or a society of retaliation. the coordination of this service is of the present law, bearing the seal 390 and 391 penal code , if commit- apostolic life, the promoter of jus- 2. The promoter of justice, in the entrusted, as Manager. of the State, be deposited in the ted to the detriment of a minor or a tice, having received the complaint, event that the legal representatives Archive of the laws of the State of person treated as such. promptly informs the Ordinary or are in conflict of interest with the Article 9 Vatican City and the corresponding 2. For the purposes of the present the Major Superior competent for the child, asks the single judge to appoint (Escort service) text is published, as well as in the law, the « child » is treated as « vul- adoption of the measures provided a special administrator who, at the The accompanying service: Supplement of the Acta Apostolicae nerable person ». for by canon law. expense of the State, represents his a) offers a listening service; Sedis, by posting in the courtyard 3. Every person in a state of in- interests. b) guarantees medical and social of St. Damasus, at the door of the firmity, of physical or mental defi- Article 4 3. The promoter of justice, for the assistance to injured persons and offices of the Governorate and in the ciency, or deprivation of personal (General protection measures) protection of the injured person: their families, including emergency post offices of the State, sending him- liberty is vulnerable who in fact, even In criminal proceedings, the in- a) ensures that investigations therapeutic and psychological as- self to anyone who is responsible for occasionally, limits their capacity to jured person: are carried out with priority and in sistance; observing it and having it observed. intend or to want or in any case to a) is informed about the rights and respect of the dignity and physical c) illustrates to the injured person resist the offense. services available to it, as well as, if and mental integrity of the offended his / her rights and the way to enforce requested, about the results of the person; them; Vatican City, 26 March of the year Article 2 individual phases of the procedure; b) assumes without delay the depo- d) facilitates the appeal of the 2019, VII of Our Pontificate. FEATURE CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 FEATURE B5

Vicariate of the Vatican City Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons March 26, 2019

THE Holy Father Francis • having regard to the Chiro- graph of St. John Paul II for spiritual care in the Vatican City, dated January 14th 1991; • having regard to Law No. CCXCVII, on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons, of 26 March 2019; • awaited the particular nature of pastoral activities carried out within the Vatican City State; • wishing to introduce specific measures within the Vatican City Vicariate for the care and protection of minors and vulnerable persons;

has adopted the following Guidelines

Premise Safeguarding minors and vulner- able people is an integral part of the Church’s mission. The Vicariate of the Vatican City, entrusted with the pastoral care of the faithful residing in the State, as well as in the Pon- tifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, par- ticipates fully in this mission, firmly rooted in the conviction that each person has a unique value as created in the image and likeness of God. In fact, “the effective protection of minors and the commitment to guarantee them human and spiritual development in keeping with the dignity of the human person are an integral part of the Gospel message that the Church and all its members are called to spread in the world.” (Chirograph for the establishment Pope Francis talks with children as he meets with priests, religious men and women and the ecumenical Council of Churches at the cathedral in Rabat, Morocco, March 31, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS of the for the Protection of Minors, of 22 March to interact with the minors must be far as possible, pastoral workers formalize it in writing, also for the a) work for the healing of every 2014) ascertained, through an adequate must take particular care to ensure purpose of communicating it to the person involved; investigation and verifying also that minors do not enter or remain promoter of justice in the court of b) collect the testimony of the A. Scope of application the absence of prejudicial judicial in places hidden from sight or out the State of Vatican City. The author offended person without delay and Canon law and the legislation of charges. of control. of the report will be encouraged to in a manner appropriate to the the Vatican City State regarding the 2. Pastoral care workers must 4. Any inappropriate behavior complain directly to the promoter purpose; protection of minors and vulner- receive adequate training on the or bullying that may occur among of justice in the Vatican City State c) refer the offended person to the able persons must be scrupulously risks of exploitation, sexual abuse minors, even if they do not integrate court. Accompanying Service managed by respected. and child abuse, as well as on the the details of a crime, must be dealt 5. If the alleged perpetrator of the the Health and Hygiene Depart- The policies and procedures con- means to identify and prevent these with promptly, with balance, pru- facts is a cleric or a member of an ment; tained in these guidelines are aimed offenses. They are also required to dence and delicacy, immediately Institute of consecrated life or of a d) illustrate to the injured party at establishing and maintaining an participate in training programs informing the parents or guardians. Society of apostolic life, the Vicar what his rights are and how to en- ecclesial community that is respect- organized by the Labor Office of the General, having received the news, force them, including the possibility ful and aware of the rights and needs Apostolic See, in conjunction with E. Informed consent of par- communicates it without delay to of providing evidence and asking of children and vulnerable persons, the Accompanying Service. ents or guardians his own Ordinary or to the Major to be heard directly or through an attentive to the risks of exploitation, 3. Occasional collaborators are 1. The written consent of parents Superior. intermediary; sexual abuse and mistreatment, informed about the behaviors to be or guardians for the participation 6. Whenever the news of a crime is e) to inform the injured party, if in the context of the activities car- taken in interaction with minors, as of minors in pastoral activities is not manifestly groundless, the Vicar he so requests, of the results of the ried out within the Vicariate of the well as about prohibited behaviors. indispensable. Parents or guardians General reports it to the promoter individual stages of the proceedings; Vatican City. They are addressed to: receive information on the proposed of justice in the Vatican City State f) encourage the injured person to the canons, the coadjutors and the D. Pastoral activities activity, as well as on the names and Court and removes the presumed avail themselves of the assistance of clergy of St. Peter’s Basilica; 1. In pastoral activities involving contact details of the managers. author of the facts from the pastoral civil and canonical consultants; parish priests and assistants minors, the protection of these must 2. The written consent of parents activities of the Vicariate. g) preserve the injured person and in the parishes of San Pietro and be given priority. Therefore, in the or guardians is also required to 7. In case of written and justified his family from any intimidation or Sant’Anna in the Vatican; course of their activities, pastoral photograph or film minors and to opposition of the injured person retaliation; chaplains and spiritual assistants workers must: publish photographs or videos that or his legal representatives, or of h) protect the image and the who have received a pastoral assign- use prudence and respect in relat- portray them, as well as to contact decline to formalize the notification private sphere, as well as the confi- ment from the Vicar General; ing to minors; the child, even by telephone and in writing, the Vicar General will not dentiality of the personal data of the the priests, deacons and educators provide them with positive refer- on social networks . transmit it to the promoter of justice injured party. of the Preseminario San Pio X; ence models; 3. Authorizations containing sen- unless, having heard the Contact 12. The presumption of inno- members of institutes of conse- always be visible to others when sitive data are kept with care and for the protection of minors , be- cence must always be guaranteed, crated life and societies of apostolic they are in the presence of minors; attention. lieves that the report is necessary to protecting the reputation of the life who have permanent residence report to the responsible any po- protect the injured person or other suspect. Unless there are serious in the Vatican City State; tentially dangerous behavior; F. Treatment of reports of children from danger. reasons to the contrary, the suspect all those who work for any reason, respect the sphere of confidential- alleged cases of exploitation, 8. In the cases of his competence is promptly informed of the charges individual or associated, within the ity of the child; sexual abuse or mistreatment and without prejudice to the inves- against him, in order to be able to ecclesial community of the Vicariate inform the parents or guardians 1. Those who claim to have been tigations conducted in civil proceed- defend himself against them. He of the Vatican City. of the proposed activities and the victims of exploitation, sexual abuse ings, the Vicar General personally is invited to avail himself of the For the purposes of these guide- related organizational methods; or ecclesial abuse, as well as their or through a presbyter expert in assistance of civil and canonical lines, “ vulnerable persons “ are use due prudence in communicat- families, have the right to be wel- procedural matters and prudent in consultants. He will also be offered equated with “ minors “. ing with minors, also by telephone comed, listened to and accompa- discernment carries out the prelimi- spiritual and psychological assis- and on social networks. nied. The Vicar General, directly or nary investigation according to the tance. B. The referent for the pro- through the Referent for the protec- norm of canon 1717 CIC . The inves- 13. Where there is reason to be- tection of minors 2. It is strictly forbidden for pas- tion of minors, will listen to them, tigation is conducted as a priority. lieve that the offenses can be repeat- The Vicar General appoints a Ref- toral workers: pledging to guarantee adequate 9. When required by the circum- ed, the appropriate precautionary erent for the protection of minors Inflict corporal punishments of spiritual assistance and protecting stances, the competent Ordinary measures are taken without delay. who coordinates and verifies the any kind; their image and privacy, as well may delegate the competence to 14. If the investigation reveals the implementation of these guidelines establish a preferential relation- as the confidentiality of personal conduct the preliminary investiga- likelihood of the crime, the Vicar so that, within the Vicariate, a com- ship with an individual minor; data. The Vicar General will be able tion to the Vicar General. General submits the case to the munity that is respectful and aware leave a child in a potentially dan- to entrust the spiritual accompani- 10. In the proceedings, the crimi- competent Dicastery. Otherwise, of the rights and needs of children gerous situation due to his or her ment of the offended persons and nal conduct, the generality and the the Vicar General issues a motivated is maintained, as well as careful mental or physical safety; their family members to a qualified age of the offended persons, the filing decree, keeping in its archive to prevent any form of violence or turn to a minor in an offensive priest. damage caused and the possible the documentation certifying the abuse. The Coordinator will coor- manner or engage in inappropriate 2. The injured persons will also commingling with the sacramental activities carried out and the reasons dinate the prevention and training or sexually suggestive behavior; be offered medical and social assis- forum are verified. Documents, for the decision taken. activities of pastoral workers and discriminate against a minor or a tance, including urgent therapeutic evidence and testimonies from the 15. Anyone found guilty of com- will take particular care to welcome group of children; and psychological assistance, as well various areas and environments mitting one of the crimes referred to and accompany those who claim to ask a child to keep a secret; as useful information of a legal na- where the suspect has worked can in Article 1 of Law No. CCXCVII, on have been victims of exploitation, give gifts to a minor discriminat- ture, also availing of the accompany- be collected. The Vicar General the protection of minors and vulner- sexual abuse or mistreatment, as ing the rest of the group; ing service managed by the Health can also make use of depositions, able persons , of 26 March 2019, well as their families. photograph or film a minor with- and Hygiene Department. testimonies, documents and expert will be removed from his posts; he The Referrer makes use of the out the written consent of his par- 3. Without prejudice to the sac- opinions collected in the civil court, will be offered adequate support for professional support of the Accom- ents or guardians; ramental seal, pastoral workers, as well as any judgments or deci- psychological and spiritual rehabili- panying Service, managed by the publish or disseminate, via collaborators and volunteers who sions regarding the subject of the tation, as well as for social reintegra- Directorate of Health and Hygiene the web or social network, images have news of a child being a victim investigation by the jurisdictional tion purposes. of the Governorate, and of the Labor that recognize a child in a recogniz- of exploitation, sexual abuse or organs of the State. To this end, I arrange that these guidelines Office of the Apostolic See. able way without the consent of mistreatment, shall inform the Vicar the Vicar General may suspend the are observed ad experimentum for parents or guardians. General directly or through the Ref- proceedings pending the conclusion a period of three years. C. Pastoral workers 3. Pastoral activities are carried erent for the protection of minors. of the civil investigation. Given in Rome, at St. Peter’s, 1. In the choice of pastoral work- out in rooms suitable for the age and 4. The Vicar General or the Refer- 11. During the proceedings we will March 26, 2019, seventh of the ers, the suitability of the candidates stage of development of minors. As ent asks the author of the report to take care of: Pontificate. B6 REFLECTIONS April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 CBCP Monitor SOCIAL CONCERNS Compassion for a sinner of passion Renewed and saved by 5th Sunday of Lent, Year C, (John 8:1-11) God’s merciful love April 7, 2019 5th Sunday of Lent, Year C, (John 8:1-11) By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD April 7, 2019 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

THAT day, Jerusalem was set to voice of her defender, all her fright witness the public execution of a vanished and was replaced by a confessed sinner—a woman caught confident trust in God’s mercy. God’s in adultery. The case was clear. The forgiveness had made her “new,” punishment was known to all: death alive once again and free—free from by stoning. (See Lv 20:10ff and Dt sin and from the fear of human 22:22ff.) condemnation and mercilessness. But that day, the zealous scribes There is much of that woman and Pharisees were determined to in us, though our sins may be of a catch two birds—the adulteress and different kind. We, too, may have Jesus—with one stone. The same experienced the terror that our sins stone could be used for both, since might be known, and thereby we Jesus, too—in their view—had gone might lose our good name, if not our against the law, and more than once. life, at the hands of the many who The trap was set. (See Jn 8:5f.) enjoy exposing and condemning the It was just a matter of delaying the failings of others . . . . execution by a short while – until But God is different from us. He Jesus expressed his view, and caused is “one of a kind,” even when it is a his own ruin . . . But that day, Jesus matter of judging our sins. We see hesitated to speak. There was an icy, His attitude revealed in Christ, “the deafening silence after the initial face of God’s mercy” (Pope Francis). insidious utterances of the zealous He stands discreetly by us even as accusers. The silence of the woman we recoil in shame and fear. He was understandable. She could offer shows himself to be infinitely more no justification, and any pleading understanding than ordinary, sinful for mercy would have fallen on deaf human beings can be. ears. The silence of Jesus, however, His readiness to forgive, of was not only unexpected, but above course, should not be interpreted all, provocative. The case was clear. as indifference to sin, and even less Why did he hesitate to concur with as an encouragement to continue the provision of the Law? sinning. His forgiveness is always His enemies demanded an answer. accompanied by the exhortation to But when the answer came, they avoid sin in the future. (See the last regretted it. When finally Jesus verse in today’s Gospel passage.) rose and spoke up, it was the He knows well that we are molded IF ONE cares to observe people it place it after 7:36, others at the of putting him in a dilemma: if he turn of the noisy crowd to grow out of clay but he also challenges us closely, it may be noticed that the end of the Gospel. Moreover, other should agree to have her stoned, he speechless. Their angry voices to do better. most compassionate and merciful manuscripts have it in the Gospel of could appear as an enemy of Rome fell silent; their faces drooped; When God touches us with persons to those who have fallen into Luke. Many scholars note that the , which alone had the authority over the stones landed quietly on the His forgiving love, He heals us such mortal sin as murder, adultery is more Lukan than Johannine. capital punishment. If he would not, ground, with a muffled sound . thoroughly and gives us peace. He and apostasy, or those whom society But there is a point to the opinion he could break the Jewish law, which . . All the scribes and Pharisees sets us free not only from our past reject are those who lead holy that the narrative took a long time prescribes stoning for adulterers: present made an about-turn, and sins, but also from our fears and lives. One, for example, need not before it could be included in the “If within the city a man comes then strode off like a routed army, remorse. With His loving presence doubt the compassion of the late Gospel because of the quick and upon a maiden who is betrothed, starting with the elders, as the He strengthens us, and makes us Mother Theresa for the scum of the uncomplicated forgiveness of the and has relations with her, you shall evangelist points out. determined to live as He pleases, earth. On the other hand, those woman, which seems to contradict bring them both out to the gate of Only Jesus and the adulteress even when there are no human who easily condemn people who the harsh and rigorous penitential the city and there stone them to remained. As the woman heard the judges to condemn us. commit mistake and who cannot discipline in the early Church. But death” (Deut 22:22-23; see also Lev easily forgive those who wrong them it is an authentic story that goes back 20:10). (The dilemma resembles to are those who are self-righteous. to the historical Jesus.) the one on the question of paying The latter usually demand high It may be noted that, in the Gospel taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17). If Saved by Christ’s heroic love standards that they themselves are of John, the preaching of Jesus had Jesus favors the paying of taxes to not able to meet. Nowhere is this such an impact that the Jewish the Emperor, the common people of the Lord’s Passion, Year C, (Luke 22:14-23:56) true than in the Gospel of the Fifth leaders plotted his death (5:18; 7:1). would reject him, for they saw the Alay Kapwa Sunday, April 14, 2019 Sunday of Lent, which relates an In their determination to expose paying of taxes as a violation of the By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB incident about a woman who was him as a false prophet and thereby commandment that there is only one caught in the very act of adultery condemn him, they tried to score Lord who gave Israel their land. But (John 7:53-8:11). (This story, it may a point in law. While Jesus was if he counsels non-payment of taxes, be observed, seems not a part of the teaching in the Temple area, the the Roman would mark him a rebel. original . For one Scribes and Pharisees brought to Poor woman! Dragged out from thing, it is not found in all the best him a woman who had been caught the experience of personal intimacy, manuscripts. Those that contain in the act of adultery. They thought Compassion / B7 Jesus: The innocent One who extends God’s mercy till death Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Year C, Luke 22:14-23:56, Alay Kapwa Sunday, April 14, 2019 JESUS had a mission to Lk 23:34) and the repentant thief. By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD accomplish—to save mankind (See Lk 23:43.) It is his suffering love from the disastrous consequences that is the source of our salvation! of sin and establish the Kingdom His behavior is a lesson for us SO CENTRAL TO all the synoptic of God on earth. That was the very all. Christ made his choice and (Mark, Matthew and Luke) reason why he was born. And the stood by it. We too are called to that the stories of the Lord’s passion, whole of his life was a continuous make our choices and honor our not without reason, have been effort to fulfill the divine plan, even commitments. The doctrine of described as passion narratives if he knew that this entailed the “non-alignment” may be acceptable with an introduction. (By passion greatest humiliation and suffering in the balance of power between narrative we mean the sections of on his part. opposite blocks of nations, but it the canonical gospels which recount All this had been foreseen by the is not valid when it is a matter of the last days of Jesus, beginning prophets, particularly the prophet right or wrong, life or death. In with his entrance to Jerusalem Isaiah. Jesus did not back out at particular, it cannot be applied to and ending with his crucifixion, the last moment. He went through our attitude toward Jesus. He is not death and burial.) But although it in full awareness and in perfect one of the many possible and equally they basically agree in the general freedom. In speaking of himself as good choices. Jesus is the WAY, the outline of the story of the passion, the “” who lays down TRUTH, and the LIFE (Jn 14:6). yet they differ in many details and his life for the sheep, he had stated He is the only one who can give in their theological emphases. This forcefully: “I lay down my life freely. meaning and direction to our life. year, we read the passion narrative claim to kingship (23:2). The plot, the righteous one (cf 23:50; 20:21). I have power to lay it down and I But he is demanding. And this may according to Luke (22:14-23:56), of course, makes us understand Innocent though he was, Jesus have power to take it up again” (Jn hurt our pride, our complacency, whose unique features are the lack that these accusations were false. was made to suffer and die. Luke 10:18). and our tendency to procrastinate of any formal night hearing (22:54) In an episode which is found only portrays Jesus as a rejected prophet, The last act of his dramatic life and compromise. To refrain from and a separate hearing before Herod in Luke, Herod declared Jesus which he already indicated in the began with his entry into Jerusalem, declaring ourselves for him, out of (23:6-11). But its theological interest innocent (23:6). Jesus’ innocence pericope on Jesus’ visit to Nazareth through which he fulfilled the selfish considerations or cowardice, lies, among others, in presenting runs like a refrain in the utterance of (4:16-30). In the passion narrative, prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10. But amounts to a rejection. Jesus as the innocent righteous Pilate: “I have examined him in your soldiers taunted him to prophesy the rejoicing of that triumphant Today our heart is like Jerusalem. one who suffers and extends God’s presence and have no charge against (22:64). Herod and his guard and peaceful entry would not last At its gates, waiting for our decision, mercy until death. him arising from your allegations. treated him with contempt and long. The clouds of human envy and stands Jesus. What will be our That the innocent suffers is one Neither has Herod who therefore has insult (23:11). At the crucifixion, hatred had already begun to darken attitude toward him? Shall we of the enigmas of human life. That sent him back to us; obviously, this Jewish leaders kept jeering at him, the horizon. (See Lk 19:39.) Soon it welcome him with a radiant smile the guilty should go to jail, suffer man has done nothing that calls for soldiers made fun of him, one of would be pitch dark. (See Lk 23:44.) and an open heart as our “No. 1,” and even die for his crime is logical death” (23:14b-15; see also 23:4,22). the criminals blasphemed him And Jesus would find himself in it, the one with whom we are prepared as it is moral. But, for the innocent One of the criminals crucified with (23:35,36,39) and the crowd called alone and trusting only in the love to stay, even if all others should to suffer for a crime he did not him likewise recognized Jesus’ for his death (23:21). Now fulfilled of the Father. (See Lk 23:46 desert him? . . . Or shall we opt for commit—that is beyond human innocence: “We are only paying was what the prophets foretold: “He Today we are faced with the what is easier, more fashionable and understanding. Reason does not the price for what we’ve done, but was counted among the wicked” Paschal Mystery in reverse: from gratifying, while sending word to provide any basis for it. That is why it this man has done nothing wrong” (Isa 53:12). Here, Jesus is depicted triumph to defeat. But even in him: “Tomorrow, maybe . . .”? is beyond comprehension why Jesus (23:41). When Jesus expired, the as the suffering servant of Yahweh, Christ’s most humiliating defeat We should not take God for should undergo his passion. The centurion, having seen what had the innocent servant who suffers on we find in his LOVE the seed of the granted. That “tomorrow” may Jewish leaders, according to Luke, happened, exclaimed: “Surely, this behalf of many, and the reference to forthcoming final victory. Jesus never come! Jesus is waiting for our lodged three accusations against was an innocent man”(23:47). Of the drinking of the sour wine implies undergoes his suffering and death answer NOW. He did not hesitate to Jesus: subversion, opposition to course, in Luke’s Gospel, more than that he was the suffering innocent, out of love for all and with love for enter Jerusalem to die for us. Shall the payment of taxes to Caesar, and innocence is implied here—Jesus is Innocent / B7 all, including his executioners (see we hesitate to live for him? REFLECTIONS CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7 The empowerment of women and children

By Fr. Shay Cullen

THERE is a rising tide of people power in the world today and it is female power. Women are standing up and speaking out as never before and more people are sitting up and listening to what they have to say. Their message is basic, straightforward and its most important words are: freedom from abuse, equality, justice, education. Across the world, the “#MeToo Movement” is empowering women and girls to stand up and challenge those who have harassed, abused or exploited them. Women themselves are challenging the historical oppression they endured for so long in submissive docility. They are now speaking out, holding their abusers, mostly men, to account and finding the courage to call them out and bring them to justice. It takes bravery, too, to shake of the shackles of slavery and walk free. We are in a new age but the real struggle for the rights and equality of women and children lies ahead. Jenny, a 14-year old girl from a poor slum in Manila had very little in this world. The poor are the most vulnerable. She was not well-loved at home, feared her strict father and joined a street gang. They introduced her to Juan Gonzales. He appeared to befriend her, gave her money, a cell phone, new clothes and brought her to fast food restaurants. He was grooming her and one day he brought her to a hotel room and sexually violated her. Then, he warned to tell no one and gave her money. She was confused, shocked and felt guilt and obligated because he paid her. Holy Spirit Sister Evelyn Jose participates in a Valentine’s Day protest in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 14, 2019. Sister Evelyn joined hundreds of other activists calling for an end to all violence, especially violence The abuse went on for many against women and the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users that have plagued the Philippines since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte. PAUL JEFFREY/CNS months and Jenny was scared and submissive and wanted to end it guilty beyond reasonable doubt at 70 percent. It causes misery, of the girls had suffered sexual States are also at risk. They need and had nowhere to turn. One day and sentenced to life in prison. depression, and powerlessness. violence. They are now recovering help and protection. in a school seminar, she heard about Justice was done and many more Where does all begin if not in and following the example of Jenny. Less that 40 percent of exploited the rights of girls to be free and children will be saved from his the home? It is a vicious circle Think about this: it is reliably women and children ever seek out self-reliant and how to report any abuse. It was made possible by the of violence begetting violence. estimated that 71 percent of help. Most of those who do ask help physical or sexual abuse. She sent a public awareness and advocacy Those male children who witnessed trafficking victims worldwide are from teachers, family and friends. text message. “I want to be free, help campaign for the rights of women their mother being beaten by their women and girls. Out of every four Less than 10 percent of these women me,” it said. and children. We all should be father or her live-in partner and children trafficked, three of them and minors asked help from the Jenny contacted the Preda advocates inviting victims to tell experienced violence themselves are girls, the majority of them are police. Foundation charity that helps their story, listening, believing were found to be highly likely to trafficked for sexual exploitation. It’s not so long ago when women sexually exploited women and girls. and helping them. There are many perpetuate violence against women Statistics do tell the truth. When and child abuse was ignored totally. Soon, she was in care and protected thousands of similar cases like that themselves in adult life. It is what we look at the extent of abuse Now, there are laws to protect them from the threats of Gonzales. Jenny of Jenny and they can be helped if children experience, see and hear worldwide, we see a horrific reality. but it is seldom implemented. Local had Emotional Release Therapy for they are believed, encouraged and from their parents that have the It has been established in 2018 governments give permits to the weeks. She poured out her anger and supported when they want healing most profound influence on them that approximately 15 million girls sex bars and hotels to operate. It’s hatred of Gonzales. In time, she grew and justice. in later life. have experienced sexual violence legalized sexual exploitation. in self-confidence, was empowered While many women and girls are Last 6 March, twenty minors ages and rape at least once if not more There is much to do to educate and determined to file a criminal fighting back against violence and 14 to 17 were admitted into the Preda in their lives and 9 million of these society on women and children’s complaint against Gonzales and with sexual abuse, many more are unable. home for abused and trafficked adolescent girls were sexually rights and eradicate misogynist the help of Preda, courageously gave It is estimated that 35 percent girls. They had been rescued from assaulted in the past year alone. attitudes and provide genuine help clear powerful testimony against of women and girls worldwide a sex hotel and a resort where Unlike Jenny and the other children and support for abused women and him. have suffered sexual or physical foreigners of all nationalities were in care at Preda, only one percent children everywhere. May the wave A few weeks ago, the court decision violence from a male. In some supplied with trafficked children ever asked for help. Migrants and of protest keep rising until the evil was promulgated. He was found countries, research puts that figure for their sexual gratification. Many refugees in Europe and the United is overcome.

People / B3 Compassion / B6

They came out with two layers • Character and Honor, 2. Aquino, Bam she must have been distraught and word, they admitted that they were of screening. The first screening • Competence and Abilities, 3. Cominares, Nery disoriented to find herself amid no less sinful than they woman the is to vet the candidates on two • Faithfulness to public service, 4. Diokno, Chel men pointing their accusing fingers dragged out. Which is enough to know-out issues: belief in God and • Faithfulness to God, the 5. Gutoc, Samira to her! She must have covered her disqualify them from judging her. federalism/charger change. They Constitution and the laws. 6. Hilbay, Pilo head to escape recognition. But “By your judgment you convict believe that a person who does 7. Macalintal, Romy what is odious here is not simply yourself, since you do the very same not have the fear of God in him Each of the 20 questions was 8. Poe, Grace that they exposed her shame. It is things” (Rom 2:1b). But as we noted can easily abuse others. They also graded from 1 to 5, 1 being the 9. Roxas, Mar rather the motive of the Pharisees last Sunday, God is a God of love and believe that the present state of the lowest and 5 the highest. The 10. Tanada, Erin and Scribes. And they justified their compassion. He loves us even in our country is not ready for federalism ten candidates with the highest means with it. They were simply sinfulness: “It is precisely in this that and charter change. 30 candidates scores were declared the selected Our lay leaders, with the People’s using her in their controversy with God proves his love for us: that while were eliminated on these two candidates. Choice Movement, have done Jesus over the Jewish law. In fact, we were still sinners, Christ died for knock-out issues. The following were the selected “10 their work of discernment. Now they were not even interested in us” (Rom 5:8). The 32 candidates who remained BEST SENATORIAL CANDIDATES is the task for all the lay faithful to the law. All they wanted was to pin Jesus avoided the dilemma in the pool were then subjected THAT OUR COUNTRY & campaign the deserving candidates Jesus. They had no qualms about by raising the issue from mere to the second screening. They PEOPLE NEED DURING THESE so as to counter the money and the dragging a woman through the mud, legalism to what really matters. In were rated using criteria based on TIMES”. They are presented below political machineries that the TRAPO treating her as an object to parade sharp contrast with the Scribes and GabayKristo, a guide of 20 specific in alphabetical order -- politicians are using. There are still their zeal for the law. But the God Pharisees, Jesus faced the woman as questions which are divided into two months for all to do this particular that Jesus preached is not a God a human person, an object of God’s four categories – 1. Alejano, Gary exercise of the Christian faith. of legalism. He is a God who puts love, compassion and mercy. It must priority on the human person over have been a liberating experience for Innocent / B6 the law. Before him, who really is the woman to realize that all her without sin? (“All men have sinned accusers have walked away; she, who righteous one (Ps 69:21). Of course, loving one’s enemies, on prayer for price for discipleship. For in this and are deprived of the glory of God” was miserable, was left alone to face Jesus accepted his suffering and those who maltreat him (6:27-28) way of following Jesus, one has to go [Rom 3:23]). Who does not stand Jesus who embodied the mercy and death as the will of his Father: and on forgiveness (17:4). Even the beyond an ethic solely based on the under condemnation? If God were compassion of God. In the famous “Father, into your hands I commend criminal who was crucified with him Ten Commandments. To forgive to judge us according to his Word, words of St Augustine, Relicti my spirit” (Luke 23:46). This was received compassion: “Today, you and pray for those who hate us, who would survive? (cf Ps 130:3). sunt duo: misera et misericordia. part of the plan of God (24:43,46). will be with me in Paradise” (23:43). freely to suffer for them even though As in the story about the question The Lord—even though he could He was faithful to the end, dying as Clearly, Luke portrays Jesus as the one is not conscious of any guilt, of paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus in have judged because he had no God’s righteous Son. embodiment of God’s mercy, the to repay injustice with absolute this narrative threw the burden of sin, unlike those who wished to Despite the fraudulence involved One who took the initiative in the pardon, to seek their salvation the problem to the questioners by stone her—never uttered a word of in the trial and the travesty of justice, work of reconciliation between God when one is being condemned—and his advise: “Let the man among condemnation. All he offered was Jesus never harbored any ill feeling and man, and between man and his still be consistent in all these—that you who has no sin be the first to the love of God, and that love would toward those who brought him fellow man. is what is distinctively Christian. cast a stone at her” (John 8:7b). In have enabled her to start a new life: suffering and death. When, during Far from being meant as an A costly demand, it is true, but uttering these words, Jesus exposed “You may go, but from now on, avoid his arrest at the Mount of Olives, objective account of what actually not impossible. This, however, the self-righteousness of the Scribes sin” (John 8:11). Sin in society is his companions asked whether transpired, Luke’s passion story is requires a deep spirituality and Pharisees. Thinking over these not stamped out by killing sinners; they would use sword, he said intended to present a Christology whereby one follows no longer his words, they must have realized their that would only multiply sin. To kill “Enough!” He even healed the high that invites the Christian reader own will, but that of the Father, and unexposed, hidden faults, and under criminals is to perpetuate murder priest’s servant whose ear was cut to participate in the salvific event. really serves people. It assumes the gaze of Jesus, became ashamed and criminality. The community off (22”49-51). On the contrary, he Unlike had that one has been touched by the of them, as one by one they drifted grows when all realize that they are continued to offer the mercy of God: to be forced to carry the cross Spirit, which enables him to empty away, beginning with the eldest all a party to sin, and when sinners “Father, forgive them; they do not (23:26), the disciple follows the himself of his own desires, wants (John 8:9). For one thing, how in are given the chance to repent and know what they are doing” (23:34). way of faithfulness and forgiveness and needs, if only for the sake of the world they knew adultery was experience the love and mercy of Such an attitude on the part of Jesus voluntarily and from the heart. Of others, especially the scum of the going on? By going away without a God. is consistent with his teaching on course, the invitation exacts a high earth. B8 ENTERTAINMENT April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 7 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Captain Marvel Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck TERIBOL OG Bladimer Usi Lead Cast: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law, Annette Bening, Lashana Lynch Screenwriters: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Geneva Robertson-Dworet Producer: Kevin Feige Editors: Debbie Berman, Elliot Graham Musical Director: Pinar Toprak Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cinematographer: Ben Davis Distributor: Walt Disney Location: California, USA Running Time: 2 hr 4min

Technical assessment: 4.0 cohesive in the middle. The Moral assessment: 3.5 film does not dwell too much CINEMA rating: V13 on exposition and it worked MTRCB rating: PG13 FIND 3 MISSING THINGS: pretty well as revelations 1. SAINT TERESA become more interesting as 2. HOLY ROSARY Vers (Brie Larson) is a the story progresses. Lead member of Starforce — an actress Larson aptly balances Buhay Parokya 3. ARCHANGEL GABRIEL intergalactic Kree battle out three roles in three squad. She is mentored by timelines — that of Vers, of Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) who Carol Danvers, and of Captain repeatedly reminds her not Marvel. Law as Yon-Rogg to let her emotions affect provides perfect support. her duties, specifically of Mendelsohn as Skrull leader the firing of powerful energy Talos and a cat named Goose beams from her hands. Their give the film a different mission is to defeat the flavor of balanced humor Skrulls, a species of shape- and sentiment — along with shifting aliens led by Talos the 90’s musical scoring. The (Ben Mendelsohn) who’s fight scenes and the computer obsessed with probing Vers’ graphics may not be that memory in hopes of getting spectacular but the gem of the information on one Dr. Wendy film lies on its talented cast, Lawson (Annette Bening) and focused storytelling of and her work with a light- Marvel’s “herstory” — clearly speed project. Incidentally, putting more emphasis on the Vers interacts with that heart as more powerful than woman, not as Lawson, but the mind. as the artificial intelligence Captain Marvel is said to be generated leader of the Kree, a “girl-power” movie — and it all while experiencing fleeting really is. For most part of the memories of a different life film, it is emphasized that that’s foreign to her. Then Carol has been going through everything comes clearer a lot of pains, rejections and when she literally crashes into discriminations as a woman Earth in the year 1995, meets trying to fit in a man’s world. an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick She is always told to not let Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and her emotions get in the way of discovers that she once had a what she wants to accomplish. life on this planet. And her Women stereotyped as the name was Carol Danvers. She “emotional” kind is tackled was an Air Force pilot where in the film head-on — and she worked alongside her is brutally deconstructed best friend, Maria Rambeau with the presence of the (Lashana Lynch), for Dr. most powerful superhero Lawson. With the Skrulls to date — Captain Marvel. having followed her to Earth, Despite the many hardships Carol must then figure out and struggles to fit-in, the truth as to what’s really Carol’s determination happening and use her powers paid off. The tenacity and to save the day. strength of a woman’s heart Captain Marvel is both is clearly demonstrated in intriguing and interesting the film — making the seeming as Marvel finally releases an weakness of a woman being on-screen super powerful emotional more of a strength hero that is both female and than a weakness. Women feminine. Those who were bonding is also apparent in not familiar with Captain the film with the presence of Marvel backstory before Carol’s best friend — a woman watching must surely be and a mother, who once shocked to learn that the experienced discrimination as most powerful superhero of well for being one. The kind of Marvel is actually a woman. bonding women have creates That handle alone makes the a sense of trust and brings out film a worthwhile watch. The the best in each other. Family strategies implemented by the values are also depicted in the film’s producers such as hiring film as Talos leads his flock as a woman as co-director and a father deeply concerned for getting an acclaimed actress his family’s safety and well- instead of a blockbuster being. Still, the film inevitably superstar for its lead really has scenes of violence about worked well for the film’s which young children must success in communicating its be guided while watching. message across all audiences. CINEMA deems the Captain The non-linear storytelling Marvel as appropriate for Tony Boy ay naghudyat ng sa babae man o lalaki ang matiyaga, mapagpasensya, mapanumbat, na nagbibitiw approach may be confusing at viewers 13 below with parental predictable na wakas ay mag-isang magtaguyod ng mapagpakumbaba, ng masasakit na salita nang first but everything becomes guidance. naging kaabang-abang pa pamilya, lalo na sa sitwasyon mapagbigay, mapagpalaya di man lamang inaawat ng din ang mga eksena at palitan na kailangang harapin at palakaibigan. Kahit kanilang mga magulang na Familia Blondina ng mga linya lalo na pagitan ang mga pagbabago mula nagsimulang magtaguyod dapat sana ay mamagitan. ng mga bata. Natural ang sa nakasanayang buhay ng mga anak sa America ay Maaring natural lamang DIRECTOR: Jerry Lopez Sineneng mga pagganap, komportable at kulturang banyaga na di nya kinalimutan ang mga na maghayag ng galit at LEAD CAST: Karla Estrada, ang lahat at nabigyan ng kinasasangkutan ng mga magagandang kaugaliang sama ng loob sa kapwa lalo Jobert Austria, Kaira Balinger, akmang pagpapakilala ang anak na menor de edad. Filipino katulad ng pagiging na kung nasaktan naman Marco Gallo, Xia Vigor, Chantal Vidella & Shane Weinberg, mga tauhan na kani-kanilang Gayunpaman, nagampanan magalang sa kapwa. talaga subalit ang maganda Awra Briguela, Heaven Peralejo ginampanan. Nakatulong at naharap ang hamong ito Gayundin kinilala ni rin paalalahan ang sarili na ang mga kuha ng kamera ng pangunahing tauhan na si Cindy ang kultura ng kilalanin at tanggapin din ang SCREENWRITER: Mel del sa pagbibigay-diin sa mga Cindy dahil sa paninindigan lahing banyaga ng kanyang matapat na pagbabalik-loob Rosario PRODUCER: Doc Denis Aguirre eksena na sadyang may hatid niyang panghawakan ang mga anak na pagbibigay- at pagsusumikap ng kapwa EDITOR: Marya Ignacio na mensahe. Tama lamang values o pinahahalagahan sa kalayaan at respeto sa na harapin ang naging bunga GENRE: Family Comedy ang disensyo ng produksyon, buhay na matiyaga niyang pagiging responsible sa ng mga ginawang desisyon DISTRIBUTOR: Sine Screen LOCATION: Bulacan,Philippines nakakatuwang tingnan ang ibinahagi at itinuro sa sariling desisyon katulad sa buhay. Sa kabuuan ay RUNNING TIME: 106 minutes mga blonde na hitsura ng mga anak na may lahing ng magpasya ang anak na mayaman sa positibong mga bata, at akma ang mga dayuhan. Kapag matatag bumalik ng America. Pinakita mensahe ang pelikulang Technical assessment: 3.5 nilapat na tunog at ilaw ang isang tao sa kanyang din sa puntong ito ang Familya Blondina at isang Moral assessment: 3.5 CINEMA rating: PG13 ang daloy ng kwento at lalo na sa mga eksena sa personal values, mas selfless love ni Cindy bilang magandang panooring malikhain ang konsepto ng loob ng bahay. Sa kabuuan madaling makapagdesisyon ina. Samantala, kaakibat sa pampamilya. Subalit dahil Mahusay ang paghahatid mix-marriages. Malinaw mula ng Familya Blondina, ang na may pagsasa-alang alang mga hamon ng buhay ang sa masalimuot na tema ng ng pinaghalong pormula ng sa simula ng pelikula ang comedy ay naghatid ng ng tama at mali. Ilan sa di maiwasan makaharap intercultural marriage ay romance, family-oriented magiging estado ng karakter makabuluhang mensahe at mga pinakita sa Familya at makasalamuha ang mga kailangan ng mga batang at intercultural comedy sa ni Cindy. At bagamat sa aliw sa manonood. Blondina ang pagiging taong mapagnibugho, manonood ng gabay ng Familya Blondina. Malinis pagpasok ng karakter ni Isang malaking hamon mapagmahal sa pamilya, mapanghusga at nakatatanda. Ugnayan THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF

CBCP Monitor. Vol. 23 No. 07 April 1 - 14, 2019 C1 Our Faith Leap to the Holy Land By Alma M. Alvarez

I recently saw a headline which read “Get a faith lift in the Holy Land”. The article was published in a popular glossy magazine, written by someone who went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land at about the same time as we were. Pontifical Institute of Notre Dame (Ed's note: Alma and fulltime workers and staff of the Global Mission Center went on pilgrim- age to the Holy Land from March 1 to 10.) As I was praying about how I would write my own Holy Land pilgrimage experience, I remembered the many miracles that allowed me to join the pilgrimage in the first place. It was By the Tomb of Lazarus Dome of the Rock indeed miraculous because never in Church of the Nativity my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would set foot in this holiest of places. On February 3, I received an email from Niñaliz Donaire, who was coordinating the pilgrimage with Excellent Tours. She wrote that there were a couple of slots that had opened, and asked if I would be interested to join the pilgrimage. Interested? Of course I was interested to join! But there were so many reasons why I did not think I could. First, the pilgrimage was less than a month away, and I was concerned about whether I would be able to complete all the travel documents. Second, I immediately thought of my many deadlines and worried if my immediate supervisor Rommel Ancheta would allow me to leave for such length of time. Third, and more pressing, I didn’t have the money to fund my trip! Birthplace of Mother Mary Sacred pit Mass at Cana Boat ride at the Sea of Galilee Going to the Holy Land would Photos courtesy of Lester Guillermo, Lanie Montaos, Francis Buñag mean one item off my bucket list, but I didn’t see how it would be possible at such short notice. pered a short prayer, emailed Rommel yes the following day. After that, it was shares the same sense of awe and grati- She shared, “I had been investing on- and then called Tita Zeny Gimenez. I a barrage of miracles big and small tude. He said, “When you ask, seek and line for many years now, earmarking Miracles, one by one was particularly apprehensive about that paved the way for me to join the knock, you'll never know where grace part of that savings for my husband But then the miracles began to hap- calling Tita Zeny because the first week 47 others on this most anticipated trip. will bring you! God is a promise-keeper Jeremy's and my fare to the Holy Land pen, one after the other. of March happened to be the deadline What added to my excitement was the who knows our desires from the small- when we retire. Amazingly, the Lord The next day, I replied to Niña’s for the submission of the layout of the fact that this year, I would be turning est to the biggest, and even the seem- fixed everything.It seemed He was tell- email, thanking her for the opportu- Ugnayan to CBCP. 50, and the Lord was giving me the best ingly impossible. I never thought that ing me, ‘Why wait for later when I can nity, but telling her of my apprehen- I got my first miracle when Tita birthday gift nine months in advance! God will allow me to experience His make it happen now?’” sions. I told her I would email Rommel Zeny said of course I should go because I was not alone in feeling hugely abundance by taking me to the very and Tita Zeny Gimenez, the Ugnayan this is such a rare opportunity and blessed for this wonderful opportunity. place where Jesus walked and lived.” Setting foot on holy ground editor-in-chief. If they say yes, that should never be missed. My second My co-pilgrim, Renjie Villafuerte, a For Ninay Quimpang, everything As soon as we stepped out of the Ben would be my first signal to go. I whis- miracle came when Rommel also said Youth for Christ fulltime missionary, was all about God’s perfect timing. Gurion Interna- HOLY LAND, C4

MC TEACHING NIGHT The “Man” Behind Our Name (Honoring Fathers on the Solemnity of St. Joseph)

things—the pa- sorrows, hardships and hopes. And that he be • a SHEPHERD – Pastor, Protector, and tron of the Uni- close to his children as they grow: when they Provider versal Church, play and when they strive, when they are care- The shepherd uses a staff with a hook on the of fathers, for a free and when they are distressed, when they end to guide the sheep and pull back the stray. happy death, and are talkative and when they are silent, when He has a rod to fend off wild animals that might of social justice. they are daring and when they are afraid, when harm the flock. The image of shepherds is that Villaroman they take a wrong step and when they find their they are kind, loving, patient, strong, and self- said, “So to- path again…” sacrificing. As pastor, a father is the family’s night, we honor Looking to St. Joseph as foster father of Jesus, household head. St. Joseph, with Villaroman noted that fathers must be: this talk about • a LEADER – Head and Visionary Fatherhood anchored on the love of God the his fatherhood, A father, as the head, should have a clear vi- Father inspired by the sion in leading his family. He aims for heaven John Eldredge wrote, “We aren’t meant to anchor verse because his vision is for his family to be holy. figure life on our own. God wants to father us. from Matthew He makes concrete plans and steps to attain The truth is, he has been fathering us for a long 13. However, the this vision. time—we just haven’t had the eyes to see it. He other verses be- • an INFLUENCER wants to father us more intimately, but we have fore and after this He is a role model of love and prayer to his to be in a posture to receive it.” particular verse wife and children; leads the way, enrolls family The basic question, as enunciated by Vil- do not talk about to true teachings, exemplifies the fullness of life laroman, is, “How does a father father?” Since honoring, but the through service to others! man’s ways are bound to fail, MCT, C2 THE MEN of the Mission Core rejection of Jesus. got a special treat on March 19, 2019, the So- In verses 54 and 55, it says, ‘Coming to His lemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary. hometown, He taught the people in their syna- CFC Chairman Melo Villaroman Jr. honored all gogue, and they were astonished. “Where did husbands and fathers through a special teach- this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?” ing on fatherhood during the regular Mission they asked. “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” Core Teaching Night held at the Christ the King “If Jesus had heard the murmurs back then Parish in Greenmeadows, Pasig. about him being just a carpenter’s son, perhaps Villaroman’s talk proposed answers to the Jesus would have said, ‘Yes, my father Joseph is following questions: What is a father? What is a carpenter, and he helped raise me! I love him, his role in his family? What is the ideal basis I am proud of him, and he is proud of me!’” of fatherhood? Where is it anchored on? Who Villaroman noted. is our model of a father here on earth? Villaroman began by saying that “Pope John The role of a father Paul II once said, ‘ is a man of great Villaroman recounted an episode in his spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks childhood when his father Melo Sr. made him his own words, but above all because he listens walk home alone to their apartment (while to the words of the Living God. He listens in keeping close watch from behind, ready to silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in protect the young Melo from any danger). the readiness to accept the Truth contained in Taking off from this story, Villaroman shared the word of the Living God.’” two lessons that influenced how he viewed his There are very few accounts about St. Joseph father, and his concept of God being a Father: in Scripture, but everyone knows he is the 1. My father believes in me. spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the foster 2. I might not see my father always, but he father of Jesus, a carpenter, and a very simple will never leave me. He is close by, ready to help man. While he was not materially wealthy, it and protect me. is written in Scripture that Joseph came from Villaroman quoted Pope Francis who said the royal lineage of King David. that a father must “be present to his family, be In the Church, he is the patron of many close to his wife, to share everything, joys and C2 April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 07 CBCP Monitor

THE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR AQUILA AND PRISCILLA

Michael “Shok” Ariola It is finished Rak Chazak Amats! John 19:30 SAY this with me eight times more when Joe Yamamoto do not refer to the political DEATH IS a topic that most people are reluctant At the hour of our death, we must think of —Rak Chazak Amats! Sounds explained it. According to field and to the battle to save to talk about. Yet we know that nobody leaves Jesus who, as a baby in the manger at Bethlehem, like one of those tongue him, this war cry implies a our country by putting in this world alive. We will all die sooner or later. accepted the wise men’s gifts of gold, frankin- twister games we used to spiritual audacity, of run- place only those who deserve We all have the same attitude towards death—we cense and myrrh. But as a man on the cross in play, right? But don't let ning headlong into battle to be elected. I do not refer do not want to talk about it. We pray for long life. Calvary, he declined the sedative of wine mixed anyone hear you as you will without consideration of the to the social ills that we now We are afraid to die. with myrrh, which would have lessened the pain sound like one of those “na consequences, without fear must confront to protect our Fear of death is a very human emotion. Being of the crucifixion. Instead, because of his great may amat" (street lingo for of death. This was the cry of children and our children’s truly human, Jesus experienced fear of suffering love for us, he chose to endure the fullest extent someone gone crazy because the ancient Israelites because children. and death on the evening he was betrayed. At of the pain of the cross that would save us. Jesus’ of drink or drugs). they knew that they were These are important and the Garden of Gethsemane, three times he asked acceptance of the gift of myrrh in Bethlehem Rak Chazak Amats is actu- doing battle with the Lord deserve our attention. How- God: Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. foreshadowed his refusal of the dose of myrrh ally an ancient Hebrew war beside them. ever, I am thinking now of all Take this cup away from me, but not what I will in Calvary. He did not want to deaden the pain cry. Deuteronomy 31 speaks Today, every day, we fight a of us who face daily battles but what you will” (Mark 14:36). of our salvation. of Moses, aged 120, giving battle we do not see. So where as we try to fulfill our mis- During this Holy Week, let us reflect about When our son Joel died at the age of 24 some his final instructions to the is your war cry, kapatid? As sion—as parents, as provid- death. But most especially, let us ponder upon years ago, Jean and I were not at his bedside. We Israelites, informing them members of Couples for Christ, ers, as community leaders. I that one unique death that has brought us eternal were on mission in Indonesia to give teachings that God had decreed that do we still recognize that we am thinking of parents who life—Jesus’ death on the cross, which is in fact to the CFC community and to select and install he would not be the one to can only be victorious in battle are deep in debt because of the fullest manifestation of God’s infinite love the new members of the national council of CFC lead the people in crossing if we rely on God to lead us? family obligations, who are for mankind. Indonesia. We learned of his sudden death when the Jordan but Joshua. He In facing our daily trials, even now The Gospel of Mark describes a very human our eldest son, Joubert, called us while we were spoke of God’s promise that are we slowly losing our worried about where to Jesus. To Mark, Jesus is the Son of Man who is at the airport in Jakarta awaiting our flight to He himself “will cross over "oomph"? Have we forgotten get money for tuition. I am “troubled and distressed” at Gethsemane. He Brunei to give some teachings to the CFC com- ahead of you. He will destroy that we have everything we thinking of those who have recalls Jesus on the cross praying the second munity there. How much we wished to be at his these nations before you and need for life and godliness to family members struggling verse of Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have bedside, to comfort him, to embrace him, to hold you will take possession of push the enemy forces back? with dreaded illnesses like you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34) his hand, to pray over him! But God wanted us to their land.” David recognized this. cancer. I am thinking of those Psalm 22 is a prayer of an innocent person, be elsewhere, because He desired His holy angels And in verse 6, he gave When he faced the giant who have been laid off from a very human one. It starts with a description to be the ones to surround Joel as he breathed them this assurance, this Goliath, he had some serious work, or who are looking for of how God has become so distant from him in his last. We were certain that a flight of angels war cry: Rak Chazak Am- Amats. He rushed headlong work and finding it difficult. space and in time. He depicts a contrast between brought Joel’s soul to the gate of heaven to meet ats! Translated, it means: Be towards Goliath, not think- And I am thinking of those his present suffering and his past experience of Jesus, his Redeemer. strong and courageous. Do ing about the impossibili- missionaries and leaders who God’s mercy. He paints a mental picture of the How could we be so certain? We knew Joel not be afraid or terrified be- ties but saying instead, “No, are now preparing to mount attacks against him and pleads for God’s help. He could not have offended God during his en- cause of them, for the LORD I don’t need to even think Christian Life Programs and then invites all to join him in praising God. He tire life on earth. He was born deaf, mute and your God goes with you; he about this. This is for my God other teachings and finding ends his prayer in a universal chorus of praise blind and suffered from autism and Tetralogy will never leave you nor for- who battles beside me!” that recruitment is an uphill by all—those in the present (all who sleep in the of Fallot (Ed’s note: According to Mayo Clinic, sake you.” When we face our own bat- battle, attendance is a serious earth), those in the past (all who have gone down Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four This is a cry we can adopt tles, when we say Rak Chazak concern. into dust), and those in the future (the genera- congenital abnormalities. The four defects in these trying times. I heard Amats! our knuckles should These are the people who, tion to come). include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pul- this for the first time during immediately turn . We like you and me, need to In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is more the Son of monary valve stenosis, a misplaced aorta and a the second session of our should find ourselves gritting shout RAK CHAZAK AMATS! Man who “gave a loud cry and breathed his last” thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricu- Children of Light Weekend our spiritual teeth and going every single day. (Mark 15:37), but in the Gospel of John, Jesus is lar hypertrophy). Retreat last January. When I forward with belligerence The beauty of it all is, be- more the Son of God who is always in control Joel remained innocent like a child. He did heard it, I admit I was quite against the enemy. There cause we have found God and of everything. Jesus’ final moment is described not know right from wrong. After baptism, his excited. I felt this is an exhor- are souls to be saved! There have put our trust in Him, thus: When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, soul must have remained unblemished, already tation that one will need in is good to be done! It’s confi- we know that by uttering “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed prepared to meet God in beatific vision, cleansed the face of great tribulation dence in victory, even before this war cry, He will indeed over the spirit.” (John 19:30). As Son of God, Jesus, by the blood of Christ on the cross. and challenge. the field is taken rush to our side and lead us always in control of his own destiny, declares that Death did not terrify Joel. Being multi- I understood it even When I speak of battles, I to victory. his work “is finished.” Still in control, Jesus bows handicapped, he had no sense of fear of death. his head and hands over his spirit. In fact, his soul must have been longing to be The recalls verse 6 of Psalm freed from the imprisonment of his body dev- CFC Institute Offers June Courses 31 as Jesus prays on the cross: Into your hands I astated by the rubella virus since conception. commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). Psalm 31 is a And thereby freed, Joel must now be enjoying The Couples for Christ Institute (CFCI) has an- either Fundamentals of Discernment or Basic prayer of a person in distress and a thanksgiving the happiness and comfort that were denied him nounced the following courses which are sched- Pastoral Skills. to God. In his trouble and distress, he finds safety throughout his 24 years on earth. He must now uled for June 2019. CFC leaders and missionaries The course fee covers lecture kits, lunch and in the hands of God. While expressing his great be resting “like a weaned child on its mother’s are encouraged to sign up for the courses they simple snacks. The deadline of payment is on or trust in God, he describes his lament and experi- lap” (Psalm 131:2). desire to attend. before May 13, 2019. After May 13, the following ence of suffering. He ends his prayer in praise of If indeed we truly believe that death is noth- learning investment costs will apply: Essentials God’s protection and goodness. ing but a passage from a life of fleeting joy on Date Course Course Fee Slots of Mission, Fundamentals of Discernment, Ba- On our deathbed, we might be tempted to earth to a life of eternal happiness in heaven, sic Pastoral Skills : Php1, 500.00; Missions 101: think that God has abandoned us. We might then we must welcome it. If we value our rela- June 13 Essentials of P1000.00 70 Php5,000. Mission get the feeling that God is too distant—too far tionship with God much more than we cherish In case of unforeseen situations, refunds are from us in both time and space. At that moment, our relationship with friends and family, then June 14 Basic Pastoral P1000.00 60 allowed subject to the following conditions: Skills we should recall the goodness of God. We must we must long to end our pilgrimage on earth a. 100% : until May 1, 2019 remind ourselves of God’s prodigal love, perfectly and yearn with great anticipation to reach our June 14 Fundamentals of P1000.00 60 b. 75 % : until May 13, 2019 Discernment expressed in the sending of His only Son into the final destination in heaven. c. 50% : from May 14 onwards world to suffer and die so that those who believe But we are unable to do this because we have June 16 - 19 Missions 101 P4000.00 60 Payments may be made via Bank of the Phil- in him may have eternal life. not been faithful in doing the Father’s will – to ippine Islands Peso Account (Account Name: At the moment of death, our mind must focus be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The CFCI deems important the basic essentials Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation on Jesus on the cross. We must remember that like We have not been able to follow the footsteps of of mission every CFC leader must take to heart — Inc.; S/A 0123466276; Aurora, Cubao QC Branch) all the others who were crucified before him, Jesus the Son—to serve others to the point of giving Word of God, Jesus, Church. The goal of the or Banco De Oro Dollar Account (Account Name: was expected to shout curses and cry out blasphe- up our life. We have not been able to obey the Institute is to open avenues to further deepen Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation mies, which served to somehow lessen the pain prompting of the Holy Spirit—to go to the ends their understanding of their role and of their Inc.; S/A 6810020704; Octagon, Ortigas branch) of the crucifixion. And indeed Jesus cried on the of the earth and proclaim the gospel. Thus, we mission. Essentials of Mission will therefore be or through Couples for Christ Global Mission cross. But instead of a curse and a blasphemy, Jesus refuse to bow our head and are dreadful of hand- a fundamental course before CFCI students can Foundation Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands cried out a prayer of forgiveness: Father, forgive ing over our spirit. And unlike Jesus, we abhor enroll in other courses in the list. S/A 0124031393; Swift Code BOPIPHMM. them, they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). saying, “It is finished.” After going through the Essentials of Mission, To easily track payments, please email all de- students can choose either to take Basic Pastoral posit slips/transaction records to Karen Mangu- Skills or Fundamentals of Discernment. CFC lab at [email protected]. All leaders who have already gone through, or will course offerings are on a first-come, first-served take up Missions 101 can opt not to take the basis. Slots will be secured upon confirmation Essentials of Mission since Missions 101 will of deposit. tackle the same subjects, among others, more Please contact Ruel U. Aguirre at ruelaguirre@ thoroughly. They can instead choose to take up gmail.com or at +639197612421 for any queries .

MCT, C1 he should be anchored on the •A father's love is FRUITFUL fied as a “carpenter’s son, ” he One True Father in heaven. “God’s love for us brings us added. Villaroman exhorted, “A fullness of life, a life of eternal In concluding his talk, Villaro- father’s love for his wife and happiness with Him.” man said, “The fatherhood of St children must be rooted in A father’s love should build Joseph is like our fatherhood. the Father’s love so that it will up his family. His love should Joseph wondered, ‘Lord, how will always be free, total, faithful, allow his wife and children to be I, a carpenter, raise a King?’ Yet, and fruitful.” the best version of their selves Joseph is one who surrendered •A father's love is FREE every day. His love should lead fully to the power of Heaven, “Because of His great love for them to be productive and to claiming God’s Victory!” us, Christ laid down His life for believe in themselves. “(Our fatherhood) questions, us on His own accord to give “Remember Talk 10 of our ‘Lord, I do not understand this us eternal life.” This should CLP? What or who is at the fully, but you put me here to remind every father that his center of our wheel? God the hold my wife’s hand, and as love for his family should be Father! If we will source our I do so for the rest of my life, unconditional. hold my family’s future in Ugnayan love and strength from Him, we •A father's love is TOTAL will be successful in our work, your hand!’ It is a fatherhood THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST “Christ’s love holds nothing our mission, as a father, as a that is aware that the world back, not even His own life. husband,” he added. can be cruel and dark, that as He gives His whole self with- a father, we need to be strong Michael C. Ariola out reserve.” A father’s love in protecting our family from St. Joseph, the model for all IC Oversight is characterized by patience, fathers the Herods of the world. Yet, it understanding, acceptance, and Joseph a simple and ordinary declares, ‘God’s love in me will forgiveness. man, accepted the most chal- be my family’s best shield and Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez • strength. My wife and I will A father's love is FAITH- lenging role of being father to Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor FUL Jesus! Despite the uncertainties, raise our sons and daughters “He is true to His promise, He St. Joseph, in his humility and as children of light.’” he added. loves us forever, and He con- lowliness, did not only accept, Finally, Villaroman prayed tinues to love us even when we but embraced the role. for the fathers present, that Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla are unfaithful.” A father’s love Villaroman said, “After he they turn to the best of earth- Layout Artist Circulation Staff is without lie and deceit. He said yes to angel Gabriel, his ly fathers, the good Saint Jo- celebrates the good and corrects silence is remarkable. We do seph, and beg for his powerful what is wrong. He is firm in not hear anything about him intercession. The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission his love as well as in his correc- as to how he raised Jesus and “St. Joseph, ornament of the Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. tions. Fathers can accompany journeyed with Mary. However, domestic life, patron of fami- Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 their families because they have the way Jesus lived his life is lies, patron of fathers, pray www.couplesforchristglobal.org a God who accompanies them, reflective of how he was raised for us!” Villaroman ended [email protected] even in sins and weaknesses. because he was largely identi- his prayer. CBCP Monitor April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 07 C3

FROM A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

Rouquel Ponte DEEPENING OUR CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP THE liturgical reading on Ash 2. Let go of any self-entitlement say to you, they have received their live beside him: when night falls, To conclude, Pope Francis in his Wednesday, which begins the Season and be content with whatever reward.” he tells God about the suffering he book, The Name of God is Mercy, of Lent, remains constant every year. role is assigned us. Jesus does not want hypocrisy. True has come across that day; he sets tells us: “By welcoming a marginal- The Gospel is from Matthew 6 which 3. Be willing to go all the way, prayer, according to this teaching of before Him many faces, friends and ized person whose body is wounded contains the three pillars of Lent: even to the ultimate suffering Jesus, is done in the secret of the con- even those who are hostile; he does and by welcoming the sinner whose Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting. These on the cross. science which is only visible to God. not shoo them away as dangerous soul is wounded, we put our cred- three bring to our consciousness our After giving the mission to the It shuns falsehood for with God there distractions. If you do not realize ibility as Christians on the line. Let relationship with God, Self and Others. twelve apostles, Jesus laid down the should be no pretense. At the core of that there are many people suffering us always remember the words of St. We may also call them as essentials to conditions to discipleship -“If anyone our dialogue with God is silence and around you, if you are not moved by : ‘In the evening of deepen our call to discipleship. wishes to come after me, he must stillness. It is like the look of two the tears of the poor, if you are not our life, we will be judged on love In a previous article, we mentioned deny himself and take up his cross people in love—man’s gaze meets accustomed to everything, then it alone.’” the first and most important call to us daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) God’s, and this is prayer. means your heart … what is it like? by Jesus—to be with Him and strive One of the essentials to deepen But why are there no words? At Withered? No, worse: it is made of Suggested Prayer Format: for greater intimacy. Jesus took the our call to discipleship and also a times words are not so important, as stone. In this case, it is good to im- 1. Contemplate on the Parable initiative when He issued the invita- very important pillar of our Lenten we look at God and let ourselves be plore the Lord to touch us with his of the Good Samaritan (Luke tion “Come, and you will see.” (John observance is prayer. We are invited looked upon by Him. This is prayer, Spirit and soften our heart: ‘Soften 10:29-37). 1:39). For the next three years, Jesus to enter into a sacred space within a beautiful prayer, according to my heart, Lord’. 2. Imagine and enter prayerfully pursued the deepening of relationship ourselves, where we seek to encounter Pope Francis. “It is a beautiful prayer: ‘Lord, soften into the Gospel story, behold- with His chosen disciples and in the two persons: our inner self and God. Although at times, the disciple’s my heart, so that I may understand and ing the place and the people end, He gave them the Great Commis- According to Henri Nouwen, “Pray- prayer is done in secret, it is never take on all the problems and all the there. What do you see? Hear? sion, “Go, therefore and make disciples ing is no easy matter. It demands lacking in intimacy and complete- suffering of others’. Christ did not pass Smell? Touch? Taste? of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19) a relationship in which you allow ness. In the silence of conscience, we unscathed beside the miseries of the 3. Spend time going into details The second call is to imitate and someone other than yourself to enter do not leave the world outside the world: each time he perceived loneli- of each character’s words and follow Him. This will entail our readi- into the very center of your person …” door of our room but we carry people, ness, physical or spiritual pain, he felt actions. And then slowly and ness and willingness to: In Jesus’ teaching on prayer in situations and their problems in our a strong sense of compassion … this silently in the end, focus on 1. Choose what Jesus chooses – a Matthew 6:5, he said “When you heart—all are brought to prayer. feeling of compassion is one of the key Jesus and how he looked at the life of sacrifice, simplicity pray, do not be like the hypocrites, In Pope Francis’ catechesis on the words of the Gospel: it is what inspired scholar of the law and said to and obedience to God’s will; who love to stand and pray in the Lord’s Prayer, he emphasized that the Good Samaritan to approach the him, “Go and do likewise.” foregoing some comfort and synagogues and on street corners so “In prayer, a Christian hears all wounded man by the roadside, unlike 4. End by slowly reciting the pleasures in life, that others may see them. Amen, I the difficulties of the people who others who are hard of heart.” Lord’s Prayer. CFC OSM Conducts 2nd CEM for AFPRESCOM CFC MP Holds Skills Workshop for Volunteers THE Couples for Christ–Order of Freedom” with Roderick Aguilar ize how they should lead their lives Saint Michael (CFC-OSM), in line as sharer. and how they saw the need for their with its mission and vision and in The second topic, “Harnessing the individual transformation. partnership with the Armed Forces Power of Temperance,” was given by After the plenary session, BGen of the Philippines Reserve Com- Ron Navarro and Danny Sayson, Roland R Rodil AFP, in his com- mand (AFPRESCOM), conducted as speaker and sharer respectively. mander’s message, stressed the the Character Enhancement Pro- Over lunch, BGen Roland R importance of the CEP in the AFP’s gram (CEP) Module 2 last February Rodil AFP, the AFPRESCOM com- Transformation Roadmap and reit- 28 at the Lapu-Lapu Hall, 3/F AF- mander and the CFC-OSM team erated that since it’s already part of PRESCOM National Headquarters, discussed the plans and programs the entire AFP’s program, it’s an ini- Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in for the CEP. tiative that will serve as a compass in Quezon City. The third topic, “Stewardship as personnel development specifically It was attended by 25 partici- Key to Freedom,” was given by the in the AFPRESCOM, where the CEP pants, composed of officers, enlisted tandem of Sixto Caypuno and LTC will become a monthly endeavor. IN LINE with the 2019 plan of Couples for Christ the basic foundation skills on speaking with personnel and civilian employees of Roland J. Ong INF (GSC) PA(R) as He reiterated that it will be part Migrants’ Program (MP) to conduct Capacity and conviction and presenting from the heart. the command. This is the second speaker and sharer respectively. of the reservist personnel develop- Skills Building, the MP gathered 34 volunteers The participants learned to be more aware of salvo for the AFPRESCOM after its VAdm Jess Millan AFP(Ret), CFC- ment as well. The general thanked from the different sectors of Metro Manila and the nature of each of the presentations that they maiden conduct of the first module OSM’s National Coordinator for the the leadership of CFC-OSM for the nearby provinces of Luzon on March 30, 2019 for will conduct whether it be a talk, a training course, in the same venue attended by the Philippine Navy (PN) and maritime unwavering support to the AFP and a session on enhancing communication skills. or a facilitation activity. They were also given a same participants late last year. educational institutions (PMMA, to the AFPRESCOM in particular. The workshop was held at the CFC Global Mis- better grasp of the essential components of effec- The program kickstarted with MAAP) delivered the fourth talk, BGen Rodil led in the distribu- sion Center and was handled and supervised by tive and impactful presentations, and how they LTC Roland J. Ong INF (GSC) PA(R), “Strength to Succeed.” Efren Dacanay tion of awards to the deserving Nono and Cora Simbulan. can consistently motivate themselves to ensure CFC-OSM’s National Coordinator was the sharer for this session. group participants and also received Ms. Lilet Lavina, event facilitator and speaker, that they always find joy and fulfillment in serv- for NBI, AFP and Laguna’s Pro- The participants actively par- on behalf of the AFPRESCOM par- shared her expertise in communication gained ing the Lord through the CFC Migrants Program. vincial Head as the program mod- ticipated in the visioning activities ticipants the Certificates of Comple- from her experience as a training consultant The new skills the volunteers learned deepened erator, with Senior Master Sergeant and skit presentations that followed tion from CFC-OSM. specializing in English proficiency, personal- their understanding of effective communication, (SMS) Diomedes Valdez (Inf) PA, every talk. In every CEP module that OSM ity development and business communication/ and, with deeper reflection, allowed them to un- the AFPRESCOM OSM program The plenary sharing was, as usual, conducts, the team focuses on the customer service programs for local and multi- derstand why they chose to serve in the Program director officially opening the CEP the most awaited portion of the en- honor of working for the Lord, national companies, educational institutions, in the first place. module with the theme “Strength tire activity. There were very strik- despite being unworthy servants. nonprofit organizations and foundations. Capping the session, Lavina pointed out that to Succeed”. ing and touching feedbacks from The team also feels privileged that The session was titled Hugot, and is the first the primary purpose of the communicator, to Col.Arturo Alabanza PAF some of the participants on how they are able to share His love with of three sessions on Enhancing Communication speak from the heart, is rooted in one’s passion (Ret), CFC-OSM’s National Chair- the program moved and affected the men and women in the defense Skills. The first workshop provided participants and purpose. (Gitte Pagdagdagan) man, tackled the first topic “True them and how it made them real- establishment. (Roland Ong)

Co-ops for Christ Manila Elects New Board CFC Attends Installation of New Military Ordinary Bishop Oscar Jaime Llaneta Florencio, DD was installed on April 3, 3019 as the new Military Ordinary of the Philippines. The installation took place at the St. Chapel, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Bishop Florencio was the Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, as well as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu prior to his appointment as Military Ordinary. (Photo: Connie Saturay)

THE CO-OPS for Christ Manila elected a new Board of Directors during the 19th General As- sembly which took place at the Dr. Avelino P. Ventura Hall of the Philippine Heart Center on March 23, 2019. The new Members of the Board are Concepcion Saturay, Etheyln Balenton, Atty. Mar Bihag, Ric dela Rosa, Jun Navarro, Victor Hizon, Jaycee dela Cruz, Nestor Intia, and Albert Cruz. Among the members of the Board, Navarro, Hizon and dela Cruz were re-elected, while Intia and Cruz were newly-elected. The election of officers will take place during the or- ganizational meeting and oath-taking of the new members in mid-April, before the Holy Week. TEMPC Cebu Holds 15th GA Dicastery on the Laity, Family & Life welcomes CFC CFC Evangelization and Missions Director Arnel Santos and wife Bing, together with CFC Vatican Coordinator Joe Tale, met with Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, the new Secretary of the Dicastery for La- ity, Family and Life, and Fr. Giovanni Buontempo, who is in charge of relations with the ecclesial movements and new communities on March 19, 2019 at the Dicastery’s Vatican office. During the meeting, Santos updated the Dicastery on the activities of Couples for Christ, and introduced Family is a Gift to the clergy.

THE Tekton Entre Multi-Purpose Cooperative Cebu held its 15th General Assembly on March 23, 2019 at the Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The theme for this year’s General Assembly was "Rekindle the Gift, Fulfill the Ministry. Share the Lord's light through Coopera- tivism”. During the elections of the new Board of Directors, the following were elected into of- fice: Frank Noob-Chairperson; Roberta Verano-Vice Chair; Edwin Chavez, Rowena Ong, Maria Corazon dela Fuente, Antonio Felipe, and Ruben Capio as members of the Board of Directors. C4 April 1 - 14, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 07 CBCP Monitor

HOLY LAND, C1

Renewal of marriage vows in Cana Via Dolorosa

Jordan River The Old City of Jerusalem Pater Noster Church Tomb of the Prophets

Cana

Church of the , Nazareth Fellowship with CFC Israel tional Airport in Tel-Aviv after a 13- of Gethsemane, the Upper Room, faith. After the pilgrimage, my heart left behind momentarily, our health Now that we are back to our usual hour flight, my co-pilgrims and I were the Mount of Beatitudes, the Sea of yearns to know Him more and more!” (We left Manila at 32˚C, and arrived grind at the Global Mission Center in assaulted by the cold, crisp weather. Galilee, the Mount of Temptation, the For Sol Noel, a YFC missionary, at Tel Aviv at 10˚C!). It was all of us Manila, I realized that the pilgrimage Add to that the wind and the slight vast Judean Desert, the Jordan River, the pilgrimage was also an encounter telling the Lord, “I said ‘Yes’ to this was an opportunity for all of us to rain shower! But the cold and the rain Capernaum Cana, Mount Tabor, Gol- with people of present-day Israel—the pilgrimage, Lord, because I know You appreciate each other more, and to didn’t matter. We were in Israel! And gotha—these were places that we read convenience store owner who didn’t will take care of everything for me.” acknowledge our co-pilgrims as we go soon, we were on our way to the differ- about in the Bible. But in those seven charge more just because we were about our personal journeys. ent sites scheduled for the day. days, we were able to not just see, but foreigners; the taxicab driver who Every CFC should go I personally believe that every We were all in awe of everything. walk through these places where Jesus brought his children along when he On the last day of the pilgrimage, Catholic should at least, once in his or The scenery was truly a sight to be- Christ preached, performed miracles, went to the hotel where his mother we visited the members of CFC Israel her lifetime, go on a pilgrimage to the hold! The highlight of that first day grieved, suffered, died by crucifixion (who was also on pilgrimage) stayed; living in Tel Aviv. The titos and titas Holy Land. The memories we created was entering through the small door and rose again. And as we walked, we and the hotel staff who helped load our graciously opened their homes to us, while walking where Jesus walked will of the Church of the Nativity to see the imagined in our minds the various luggage on to the bus when we checked and broke bread with us. Spending forever be etched in our minds and place where Jesus was born, and the scenes, the sounds, the people in the out but refused to accept the tip, saying time with our CFC brethren once again hearts. But more than the memories, spot where He was laid in a manger. stories. he was just dong his job. reminded us that anywhere we go in I know that all of us will never be the Jet lag was steadily creeping into our Kaye Bentinganan wrote in her re- Sol shared, “It was Ash Wednesday the world, we have a bigger family who same, and evermore strive to walk how systems, but we stubbornly fought flection, “I cannot fathom the grace that day and the reflection I read from will welcome us with open arms. Jesus walked. tiredness and sleepiness as we stood in of being able to walk where Jesus Bible Diary 2019 connected all of line just to be able to kiss the ground walked! The only difference is, our them together: “To give without com- where the Virgin Mary gave birth to walks happened 2,000 years apart! pensation; to pray without expectation Jesus, and to kneel in front of the spot The experience was truly extraordi- of results; to act without the desire where the manger used to be. nary.” She added, “Now, whenever to be noticed—all these are forms of Ninay’s husband Jeremy, who heads I read and contemplate scripture, I detachment. It requires that we focus the CFC Youth for Christ ministry, feel God’s tangible way of sharing on the good of the deed itself, the cor- shared, “And the Word became flesh His life with me. And every time rectness of our attitude, the purity of and dwelt among us...—these words I pray, whether a memorized or a our intention. To live in this state of from John 1:14 were what came to personal utterance, I can truly feel consciousness is its own reward.” my mind when we arrived at the Holy the love of the Lord.” YFC Missionary Gerald Manapsal, Land! It felt like a dream, but at the The churches we visited—the who went to the pilgrimage together same time, a clear manifestation of Church of the Annunciation, the with his fiancee Maan Palacios, also a how Jesus became man and how He Church of the Visitation, the Church missionary, experienced an epiphany embraced His death and resurrection. of St. Peter in Galicantu as well as the of sorts. He shared, “Last 2016, the Being there was also an affirmation of Church of the Primacy of Peter, the Lord showed me a vision when I how Mama Mary and St. Joseph were a Dominus Flevit, the Church of All prayed for my vocation. In that vision, big part of God’s plan from the start.” Nations beside the Garden of Geth- I saw Jesus, and heard Him telling We all knelt and prayed like we never semane, the birthplace of the Virgin me to go down from the mountain did before, overwhelmed by deep emo- Mary, the Dormition , and the and experience the mission that He tions at being in the very place where Church of the Assumption—were a entrusted to me. In my heart, Jesus the first Christmas happened. Bethle- testament to the life of Jesus, Mary and was telling to me to be brave and ask hem did not really look like a ‘little Joseph. They made the mysteries of the Maan if I can pursue her. To cut the town’ as the song says, but it was there Rosary come to life, that it is now im- long story short, I asked her on that where the shepherds heard the angels possible not to remember these places day and Maan said ‘Yes’." singing “Gloria in excelsis Deo!” It was whenever we recite the Holy Rosary. It He added, “As we were going up Mt. there where Joseph and Mary were de- was truly the Bible alive! Tabor, it was all very surreal to me. I felt nied room in every inn, where Jesus had For Jeremy and Ninay, the highlight that I was in the very place of Christ’s to be born in humble surroundings, and of the pilgrimage was the renewal of Transfiguration, the very place in my where wise men from the East came to their marriage vows in Cana. Accord- vision! I can only be grateful that God is pay homage to the infant Jesus, bring- ing to Ninay, “July of this year marks blessing the vocation we have received ing Him gifts fit for a King! It was only our 10th year as a married couple. and that Maan and I will soon receive the first day, but I believe I can speak for What made our anniversary this year the sacrament of marriage.” the others when I say our hearts were more special was renewing our mar- The reflections of my fellow pil- already so full! riage vows at the very place where Jesus grims are truly a testimony that this performed His first miracle!” pilgrimage to the Holy Land has given Walking where Jesus walked us more than a ‘faith lift’. For most The next seven days became a series More than a “faith lift” of us, it was a leap of faith. Indeed, of getting on and off the bus, walk- Singles for Christ fulltime mission- the Lord has taken care of all that we ing for hours, kneeling, praying for ary Lanie Montaos described how the needed for that trip. We know He has personal as well as our families’ and pilgrimage has created an impact on received all of the prayer intentions we friends’ prayer intentions. Bethany, her faith walk. She said, “Walking lifted up during those 10 days to and The Old City of Jerusalem, Mt. Zion, where Jesus walked while He lived here from the Holy Land. He took care of the Mount of Olives, the Garden on Earth has made greater sense to my our families here at home, the work we