Professional Documents
Culture Documents
and supports the other.” tions such as in the case of OFWs work-
Unjust accusations of cover-up ing in a non-Catholic country,” explained
and failure to administer sanc- Quitorio.
tions to erring priests have been “For the sake of our brothers and sis-
hurled at the pope in the light of ters who are out of the country, the OFWs
sex abuse scandals in Europe and and the others, or those who are sick and
America. homebound, we are offering this online
Pope Benedict, on March 19 As Catholics solemnly enters the Holy Week observance, pilgrims flock to different pilgrimage sites throughout the country in the spirit of penance by visita iglesia,” Quitorio said.
issued a pastoral letter to Irish visiting churches or retracing the steps of Jesus through the Stations of the Cross. One of these is the Kamay ni Hesus (Hands of Jesus) Shrine, a 292- The Visita Iglesia is a traditional
Catholics, wherein he condemned steps hill with life size figures depicting the 14 stations of the cross, in Lucban, Quezon Filipino custom of visiting at least seven
strongly the abuse of children as “sinful and criminal.” youth, at St. Peter’s Square. churches on Holy Thursday.
The pastoral letter came as a response to a detailed report of the study of an The Holy Father reflected on the aspect of following Jesus Christ, which he Among the churches featured in the
independent commission in Ireland documenting cases of sexual abuse com- said clearly expressed the theme of Palm Sunday celebration. portal include the Manila Cathedral and
mitted by Church officials for years. “He leads us to availability to the suffering, to the abandoned; to the loyalty San Agustin Church in Intramuros; Mi-
The pope did not mention the issue in his homily on Palm Sunday, which that stands with the other even when the situation makes it difficult…to the nor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Qui-
incidentally, was also the 25th anniversary of World Youth Day. goodness that does not let itself be disarmed not even by ingratitude. He leads apo; San Lorenzo Ruiz Church and Santo
"Being Christian is a journey, or better: it is a pilgrimage, it is a going with us to love… to God,” the pope said. Niño de Tondo Parish in Tondo, Manila;
Jesus Christ,” the pope said to the thousands of people, majority of whom were Truth / A6 Nuestra Señora de Remedios in Malate,
Prelates lead nation in prayer Bishop dismayed over dubious party list groups
as world observes Earth Hour
MANILA Archbishop Gaudencio The 4th mystery was led by Malolos
MANILA Auxiliary Bishop Broderick
Pabillo expressed disgust as influen-
tial persons have found a relatively
party list system was provided for in the
1987 Constitution to make marginalized
sectors representation at the House of
it is the elite who get the chance to serve
in Congress through party list system)
Pabillo told CBCPNews.
easy manner of becoming lawmakers Representatives and guarantee their He called on the Commission on Elec-
Cardinal Rosales together with other Bishop Jose Oliveros at 9:05-9:10 p.m. through the party list system. participation in lawmaking. tions to release the names of various
prelates led the nation in praying the The reflection was given by Puerto Pabillo who also heads the Episcopal “Ang nakakalungkot ay ang mga party lists nominees to the media so vot-
rosary evening of March 27, in obser- Princesa Bishop Pedro Arigo. Commission on Social Action, Justice elitista ang nakakapasok and naluluk- ers can immediately look into them.
vance of Earth Hour. At 9:16-9:21 p.m. Kalookan Bishop and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ lok sa Congreso sa pamamagitan ng Pabillo also called on the Supreme
In a message released in time for the Deogracias Iniguez lead the 5th mys- Conference of the Philippines said the party list groups,” (It is really sad that Court to immediately act on cases per-
global observance of the event, the Car- tery. Batanes Bishop Camilo Gregorio taining to the party list groups.
dinal urged the faithful to care for the provided the reflection. Earlier, various cause-oriented and
environment, and observe an alternative Meanwhile, in another Earth Hour party list groups protested the accredi-
lifestyle that would preserve the earth’s message, Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo tation of party list groups claiming to
resources in view of future generations. Medroso lamented people’s current represent security guards and trans-
Failure of today’s people to care for lifestyle, saying that “our way of living port workers as its nominees included
the earth’s resources is akin to stealing make us hostile to our environment.” former lawmakers, local government
the future of the coming generations, “Our mother earth has been suffer- politicians and a cabinet secretary.
the cardinal said. ing and writhing with pain due to our He called on Filipino voters to work
The recitation of the rosary was aired folly we have inflicted on Earth. Due together and insulate the system from
live at Radio Veritas, the archdiocese’s to our greed or perhaps due to our traditional politics.
radio station, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. disregard, we have stripped her bare In a related development, Pabillo said
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of the forest cover, cutting down trees he finds the present crop of Comelec of-
led the 1st Sorrowful Mystery from with abandon,” he said. ficials wanting in transparency.
8:30-8:36 p.m. followed by a reflection The bishop called on the people “They seem to lack engagement with
from Cardinal Rosales. to act decisively, by changing one’s the general public,” he said. The prelate
The 2nd mystery was led by Lipa lifestyle, before it is too late. said Comelec officials do not respond
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles at 8:43- Earth Hour is a global initiative properly to concerns being put forward
8:48. Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle begun in 2007 by World Wildlife Fund
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
by the citizenry.
gave the reflection. (WWF) as a concrete action against He added that with the introduction
Antipolo auxiliary Bishop Francisco global warming. For one hour, indi- of the new Automated Election System,
de Leon led the 3rd Mystery from viduals, businesses, governments and it should be expected the general public
9:16-9:21, followed by a reflection communities are enjoined to turn off will have a lot of concerns that need
from Novaliches Bishop Emeritus lights to show their support for action immediate reply and assurance from
Teodoro Bacani. on climate change. (CBCPNews) Comelec officials. (Melo M. Acuña)
World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
© www.secretsydney.com.au
This year the World Youth Day celebration is being held on
the diocesan level, but it will be held on an international level
in Madrid in 2011.
VATICAN CITY, March 28, 2010—The Holy Father welcomed XVI remembered the invitation from Pope John Paul II during the
the 25th World Youth Day in his remarks before the Angelus in inaugural celebration for young people to “profess their faith in
a St. Peter's Square full of flags and banners from all over the Christ who 'has taken the cause of man upon himself.'"
world. Pope Benedict said, "Today, I renew this call to the new genera-
From behind the altar at the entrance of the Vatican basilica tion, to give testimony with the meek and luminous strength of
where he had just celebrated Palm Sunday Mass, the Pope recalled the truth, so that the men and the women of the third millennium
the first World Youth Day and John Paul II's call for youth to be don't lack the most authentic model: Jesus Christ."
witnesses to the truth for their generation. The Holy Father hosted a celebration for WYD 2010 in the square
Noting the origins of World Youth Day (WYD) within the on Thursday evening at which more than 70,000 young people
United Nation's "International Year of Youth" in 1985, Benedict were in attendance. (CNA)
Pilgrims in England to walk 120 miles, bear life-sized cross doing, carrying out the words of faith that they may become the
strength of my life.” (CNA)
LONDON, England, March 25, The annual pilgrimage, called today than it has ever been for course in community living.”
Vatican Commission calls for release of Chinese Bishops and hear confes-
sions,” said Father
Korban.
VATICAN CITY, March 25, 2010—A Vatican connected with the task of evangelizing is not expressed without a personal com-
To make Mass more accessible, task force members look for
commission established by Benedict XVI is Chinese society which is so dynamic and mitment to searching for truth and spiritual
ways to incorporate aspects of the Mexican culture. One method
affirming its prayer that bishops and priests complex—represent considerable challeng- reconciliation,” the communiqué noted.
of doing this is pinpointing Mass celebrations important in Mexi-
imprisoned in China will be released and es,” the final communiqué affirmed. “At the same time, the participants
co. “Most of us immediately think of the Our Lady of Guadalupe
allowed to exercise their ministry. The Holy Father “underlined the need of expressed the unanimous hope that all
celebration. Many people come to the Guadalupe Mass because
This was one of the affirmations from a ensuring solid formation, based on friend- bishops in China may become increasingly
that is an import day in their tradition,” explained Deacon Daniel.
three-day meeting held by the commission ship with Christ, for everyone preparing for committed to favoring the growth of unity,
“Another important celebration is the Day of the Dead (All Souls
the Pope established in 2007 to study the the priesthood or consecrated life.” He said faith and life among all Catholics, avoid-
Day). Even those who do not attend regular Masses will make it
complexities of the Church in China. this would serve as a guarantee of success, ing gestures—such as, for example, sacra-
a point to come to these.”
One of the emphases proposed by the personally and pastorally. mental celebrations, episcopal ordinations
Task force member Liz McCarthy, Blessed Sacrament Church,
group was the issue of formation. Benedict The commission also emphasized the and participation in meetings—that run
Rapid City, has been working with Hispanic people in the diocese
XVI also took up this topic when he met path of unity within the Catholic Church counter to communion with the Pope who
for 10 years. McCarthy teaches baptism classes in Spanish, visits
with the participants at the end of their in China. appointed them pastors, and create diffi-
the jail, and helps with the parish hospital ministry. “I want to
discussions. “Progress made in response to the Pope’s culties—sometimes severe difficulties—in
make the Hispanic people aware that the church really cares for
“The difficulties that emerge in the field of call for authentic ecclesial communion was the bosom of their respective ecclesial com-
Spanish / A6
formation and new pastoral requirements— noted with satisfaction, a communion which munities.” (Zenit)
News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
A3
© www.nihilobstat.info
to the Papal Household pointed out that the call to can spring from it, in view of a greater purity of his
conversion incites a return to “the primitive fervor and Church.”
love for Christ,” a return to the enthusiasm and grace He reflected on the response to the current trials, “If
of the moment they realized they were called to God’s there is humility, the Church will emerge more resplen-
service. dent than ever from this war!”
Another component exists in the letter to the Church of Smyrna, said the Capuchin Father, “Be faith- Fr. Cantalamessa concluded his meditation by saying that Christ’s invitation “Come to me, all you
ful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” is today directed to his priests.
“Fidelity!” he exclaimed, recalling the Holy Father’s theme for the Year for Priests: “Fidelity of Christ He added, “The most beautiful fruit of this Year for Priests will be a return to Christ, a renewal of
and Fidelity of the Priest.” our friendship with him. In his love, the priest will find all of which he is humanly deprived and ‘one
He specified that to this fidelity is opposed “the betrayal of the trust of Christ and the Church, double hundred times more,’ according to his promise.” (CNA/EWTN News)
participated in an earlier “She said before that her administration months of exposition. On May 2, among other events with the youth
simultaneous rally orga- would only support natural family plan- and local clergy, he will visit the Cathedral of Turin, where he will
nized by the Knights of ning. But look at her now she is already give what Cardinal Poletto called "a much awaited reflection" on
Columbus throughout in favor of condom distribution. She has the passion of Christ.
the country in protest of lost people’s trust. As president, she has The cardinal expressed gratitude for the "great gift" that Pope
what it dubbed as a con- no more credibility,” Bastes said. (Kate Benedict XVI will be making to the archdiocese and the city by
Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD spiracy against life. Laceda/CBCPNews) visiting in person. (CNA/EWTN News)
to a “very high likelihood” of massive reach 1,000 by 6 p.m.” not cast his vote yet, give him the bal- platform of governance in alleviating
voter disenfranchisement. Upon arriving at the polling area, the lot, instruct him on how to fill it up, the plight of Overseas Filipino Work-
Prof. Giovanni Tapang of the UP’s first thing a voter should do is to look up give him a folder and have him sign ers (OFWs).
National Institute of Physics simu- his name and sequence number. several times. The voter should take Fr. Edwin Corros, executive secre-
lated a queue of voters using SimPy “A voter should take no longer than up no longer than 10 minutes o fill up tary of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commis-
(Simulation in Python), a programming 15 minutes to search for his name out his ballot. sion for the Pastoral Care of Migrants
language package, basing the steps on of a long list,” Tapang said. “If he takes “If the whole procedure takes longer and Itinerant People (ECMI), said
what a voter and the Board of Election longer than this, chances are that the than that, the number of voters unable that most of presidential aspirants do Fr. Edwin Corros, CS
Inspectors should do according to the queue will pile up and not everyone to vote beyond 6 p.m. drastically in- not show enthusiasm in ensuring the Corros said the country’s next leaders
general instructions issued by the Com- will be able to vote.” creases,” he said. rights and welfare of the OFWs and must solve the cause of the woes that
mission on Elections. If a voter manages to find his name “Applying these thresholds all at their families. people are facing and have forced mil-
There are more than 50.7 million and sequence number, the voter has to the same time and running the simula- He said Filipinos abroad want to know lions of Filipinos to leave their families
registered voters for the upcoming approach the BEI and the support staff tion, we get results showing that more whether the next president will have to try their luck overseas.
elections, with voters from more than to have his identity verified—a process than half of the 1,000 voters lining up programs that address economic woes, “We’ve been repeating the same thing
329,000 precincts expected to line up that should take 2.6 minutes at the most at the clustered precinct will not be particularly lack of job opportunities in from previous leaders up to the present;
at 76,000 clustered precincts. There ideal conditions, he said. able to finish by 6 p.m.,” Tapang said. the Philippines and the complete protec- the challenge is still the same,” he said.
will also be one precinct count optical And after successful verification, he (CBCPNews) tion of the OFW’s rights and welfare. (CBCPNews)
A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
EDITORIAL
A season of purification
GLOBAL news organizations hollered stories like “Pope opens
Holy Week amid sex abuse crisis” and variations on the resurgent
theme of a church put to shame by pedophiles among its ranks.
The New York Times have been singled out to have said the
loudest when it splattered on its front page last week the story
that the Holy Father had prevented sanctions against Fr. Lawrence
Murphy, a Milwaukee priest who abused about 200 deaf children
several decades ago.
Another blew up the story in London that people, but actually
only a few dozens, gathered outside Westminster Cathedral to
demand the Pope’s resignation. In Austria, the media unearthed
several cases in recent weeks which moved the archbishop of
Vienna to create a Church-funded independent commission to
look into Austrian abuse claims. In Switzerland, President Doris
Leuthard is reportedly planning to establish a central registry of
pedophile priests to prevent them from coming into contact with
more children.
In Rome, the media drumbeats stories about the Pope’s handling
of sex abuse cases when he was archbishop of Munich and when
he headed the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
He was the archbishop of Munich when a priest, who was later
convicted of abusing minors, was allowed to resume pastoral work
with children even while undergoing therapy for pedophilia.
At the other side of the fence, noted Catholic scholar George
Weigel wrote that the media portrayal that the Catholic Church
is “the epicenter of the sexual abuse of the young” is not true,
because “by empirical measure, the safest environment for young
people in America today” is the Catholic Church—where recent
studies show that 2% of sex abuse offenders were catholic priests
between the mid-1960s and the mid-1980s and thereafter seems
to have virtually disappeared except some 6 cases of clerical
sexual abuse in 2009. Illustration by Bladimer Usi
Vote God and Bernsteins are deflecting attention from the crisis that is
happening right now, a crisis from which the media is averting
Spaces of Hope its eyes, just as the bishops did 30 years ago, a crisis in which
they play an active role.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel got it right this week. She
I MUST confess I was not exactly comfortable when I first heard the moments as a movement. denounced sexual abuse of minors as “a despicable crime” but
proposed name to our election campaign: “Vote God.” It sounded Jesus was a great communicator. He used images that people refused to single out the Catholic Church for special criticism.
so out of this world and maybe even escapist. Yet, as the commu- understood and he embodied their deepest aspirations. “Let’s not oversimplify things,” she said. “We need to speak
nication expert on the other side of the table handed over a piece of Elections 2010 offer an opportunity to evangelize politics. A about [changing] the statute of limitations, we can address the
paper with these two words inscribed in it, I saw a man saw serenely Dilaab communication plan will be released today as we call on idea of compensation, but the main issue is that this is a major
convinced about the campaign name. people, both candidates and voters, to choose the way of God challenge for our society.”
Then it slowly dawned on me. If Philippine elections and politics, during elections. The huge, unreported story is that we are in denial about a
as the Catholic bishops had written in 1997, “systematically exclude” We call it our “VOTE GOD” campaign. widespread, deliberate, systemic encouragement of people not
our Christian values, then we indeed need to choose God and the to control their sexuality. It’s as if a health department allowed
way of God during elections. So: “Vote God.” ***** witch doctors and Reiki therapists to edge out surgeons. Or as
My appreciation for this choice has since deepened. These two if a defence department allowed its tanks to rust. Fundamental
words capture succinctly where we presently stand as a movement Some people see a glass either half empty or half full. They are principles of a civilized society like sexual restraint, fidelity
by mirroring where we have been and where we are moving. “Vote either pessimistic or optimistic. I am not one or the other. I see a glass in marriage, and nurturing families, are being undermined.
God” is about an election initiative with God as choice. waiting to be filled to be brim. I am gifted with hope. The mind-numbing list of politicians caught with their pants
God, for sure, is not running for office and no single individual But I am not the only one. down, the tsunami of pornography, sky-rocketing teen sex—all
or even group can claim monopoly of God. But God is in all of us, When one first meets Fr. Virgilio “Ver” Pedrano, one does not get
these are warning bells about the consequences of creating a
through an embedded voice in the depths of human hearts. To obey the impression of a fiery, passionate preacher. He really is not one
hyper-sexualised culture.
this voice is to choose God and the way of God. The challenge is the nor does he need to be one. He leaves the loud histrionics to others.
Just take this week’s announcement by an Australian com-
many voices competing with this voice. It takes moral and spiritual He leads by example which is what really counts. “The modern
pany that it had sold the licensing rights to a testosterone roll-
discernment to sift through these voices; also moral, even spiritual, world no longer listens to teachers. They listen to witnesses. If they
on underarm deodorant to boost men’s flagging sex drive for
courage to choose good and reject evil. do listen to teachers, it is because they also happen to be witnesses,”
US$335 million to pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.
“Vote God” takes its cue from the remarks of a woman who had Paul VI said something to this effect.
attended the first CiDE (circles of discernment for elections) seminar Fr. Ver is a man, a priest, of hope. And his hope is contagious. Or the news that the International Planned Parenthood Fed-
in a Cebu parish last year. Earlier during the day, she expressed When he was about to experience his first election as parish priest eration recently gave girl scouts a glossy pamphlet encouraging
despondency over politicians and elections. Yet, at the end of the of a mountain parish in Cebu, he thought to himself how sad it is them to have “lots of different ways to have sex and lots of
day she reversed her view: “We can still do something about elec- that the dignity of many of his poor parishioners would once more different types of sex”.
tions. Next year, I will ask all the local candidates: ‘Do you have be trampled upon as a result of vote buying and vote selling. Or the UK government’s new guidelines for sex education
God fearing?’” He decided to do something about it. for children as young as five.
Wrong grammar, but correct hope. He talked with candidates and asked them not to buy votes nor If a priest had suggested these ideas, they would have
do any of its variations. He talked with voters and asked them not been called grooming. And in fact, they are grooming—for a
***** to sell votes. He then preached about it during mass. “Those who lifetime of commercial exploitation. What kind of society are
will not sell or buy votes, God will reward. Those who will sell or we creating if we actively encourage children to treat sex as
When I was a little boy, I had the typical tendency to be choosy buy votes, God will remember,” he put it simply. entertainment and encourage men to remain in a constant state
about my food. My father had a very effective way of dealing with He then organized a candidates’ forum facilitated by a Church- of arousal? Sex is not a toy. Without clear moral standards, it
this defect. based organization. This ended with a covenant signing. is a natural passion which easily becomes an unnatural addic-
He would fire up my imagination by telling me that each food Some strange things began to happen, like local politicians cam- tion. Does anyone seriously believe that in 30 years’ time there
group actually played a critical role in the defense of my body. Rice paigning and, when their rivals happened to pass by, asking the latter will be less sex abuse after giving children classroom lessons
granules, for instance, were foot soldiers ready to engage minute to join them and say something to the gathering crowd. in how to masturbate?
enemies. Eggs were aircraft carriers. Tomatoes were grenades. Ba- A few days prior to elections, the good priest donned his sutana Of all our social institutions, it seems that only the Church
nanas were submarines. So on and so forth. and made the rounds of barangays where he gently reminded people realizes that a crisis is brewing for which we are going to
His approach was indeed convincing. This was my first exposure of their campaign against vote buying and vote selling. pay dearly in the years ahead. As Benedict told American
to a communication plan that changed behavior because it entered One woman “wholesaler” of votes saw Fr. Ver’s figure. She bishops:
the world of its target audience. returned the bagful of money she had received earlier. In all, Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding
Dilaab is blessed with very committed volunteers from the world based on interviews with locals, vote buying was reduced by 50 of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships. They
of communications. They advise us on how to focus on a single mes- percent. should be spared the degrading manifestations and the crude
sage and that less is more. They have been with us in our defining Not bad. Hope indeed is contagious. manipulation of sexuality so prevalent today. They have a right
to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
‘You must love your of the human person... What does it mean to speak of child
protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in
neighbor as yourself’
so many homes through media widely available today?
Week observance
elections to be credible, clean and honest is to make sure that the
list voters all over the country is clean. (Bong D. Fabe)
Contributed photo
by the Pope. The Pope, reacting to the shouts of the Filipino contingent, turned a smiling face
to the Filipinos and opened widely his arms in welcome.
A festive lunch at the embassy followed after the Papal Audience.
For the Filipino priests, religious and seminarians in Rome, their participation in the Papal
Filipinos waved Philippine flaglets enthusiastically as the pope’s mobile passed their midst at St. Peter’s Square during the audience Audience was truly a graced experience of communion with our Holy Father and with each
on March 24. other during this Year for Priests. (Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, S.J.)
Markings
THOUSANDS of anti-condom demonstra- He also said that he believes the gov-
tors gathered in at least eight Philippine ernment should not enforce what couples
cities to protest what a Catholic Church should decide on family planning.
official described as a “grand conspiracy “I believe that couples should be left to
against life.” make their own decisions,” said Lim.
Organizers’ head Alonzo Tan said that Officials of the Roman Catholic Church,
“we have to admit that using condoms is meanwhile, reiterated that condom use is
equal to legalizing free sex.” not the solution to AIDS. AWARDED. Congregation of the Reli-
“The primary issue here is the value of Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, media office direc- gious of the Good Shepherd or Good
life… the beginning of life which is at the tor of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Shepherd Sisters (RGS) for its pastoral
conception and the cradle of life which is Philippines said that condom promotion is work on women and children by Zonta In-
ternational, February 24, 2010. Sr. Amelia
marriage,” he said. happening in many countries David, RGS provincial treasurer and Sr.
The government’s health department has Aside from promoting sexual promiscuity, Teresa Danganan, novice directress, ac-
recently increased condom distribution as he said the contraceptive also gives the per- cepted the plaque of recognition on behalf
part of its strengthened campaign to stop son the false security that they are protected, of the congregation during the awarding
ceremony by Zonta International, Area 1,
spread of AIDS and prevent unwanted hence; sexual activity increases. District 17, at the Top of the Citi, Citibank
pregnancies. He pointed out the experience of several Tower, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Founded in 1919 in New York, Zonta
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral said they countries that saw the exponential rise of International is an organization that advances the status of women world-
have purchased 250,000 pieces of condoms for AIDS cases when they started using con- wide through service and advocacy. Organizers said RGS was chosen by
distribution and used money from the US$8 dom. 13 clubs and 350 members of Zonta’s Area 1 “as an outstanding institution
working for the advancement of women and children.” A short presentation
million it received from the Global Fund for Quoting Edward Green who wrote a book showcasing the works and ministry of the Good Shepherd congregation,
the country’s anti-AIDS campaign. on AIDS prevention, Quitorio said “The large both apostolic and contemplative was shown during the awards night. The
She said they have spent P375,000 to medical solutions funded by major donors award, incidentally, came propitiously as the congregation prepares for its
P500,000 for the procurement of condoms have had little impact in Africa, the hardest centennial of Philippine foundation on October 4, 2012.
coming from the Global Fund. hit by AIDS. Instead, relatively simple, low- INAUGURATED. Lipa Archdiocesan Pastoral Center,
At least 3,000 people had taken part in way of airing their opposition against the cost behavioral change program—stressing February 15, 2010 at Sabang, Lipa City. Archbishop
the protest march from Intramuros to Rajah Reproductive Health bill and the use of increased monogamy and delayed sexual Ramon Arguelles led the simple rites of blessing the
Sulayman Park in Manila on Saturday morn- contraceptives. activity for young people—have made the new pastoral center situated at the former convent
of the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart.
ing, police said. Before the march, a Mass was held at the greatest headway in fighting or preventing The new pastoral center houses the offices of
The demonstration was organized by the San Agustin Church. the disease’s spread.” the Lipa Archdiocesan Commission on Missions
Knights of Columbus – Philippines, the big- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim was among Tan said simultaneous rallies were also and Migrants, Commission on Family and Life,
gest organization of Catholic men with over those who joined the rally. According to Lim, held in Baguio, Bayombong, Tuguegarao, Archdiocesan Commission on Youth, Lipa Archdioc-
esan Social Action Center, Archdiocesan Confraternity
250,000 members across the country. he is a Catholic and it’s just right to follow Tarlac, San Fernando (Pampanga), Tacloban, of Christian Doctrine, Lipa Archdiocesan Divine Mercy
Demonstrators said the rally was their the teachings of the church. Cebu, Iloilo, Davao. (CBCPNews) Apostolate, BEC office and Pondong Batangan Commu-
nity Foundation, Incorporated.
Segunda Mana helps Youth leaders aim to preserve Filipino heritage LAUNCHED. Philippine Acad-
emy for Liturgical Research
by Filipino liturgists, March 8,
Triduum and paschal time retain their priest removes the chasuble (and may also
full force, unless otherwise stated in this remove his shoes) only while kneeling to
document. adore the Cross.
“It is the aim of this document that the great The chasuble was probably preferred to
mystery of our redemption be celebrated in the cope as a more suitable vestment for the
the best possible way so that the faithful may distribution of Communion and perhaps also
participate in it with ever greater spiritual for practical purposes as many poor parishes
advantage.” would find it difficult to purchase a red cope
At first appearance there appears to be to be used perhaps once or twice a year.
Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 – April 11, 2010
B3
By Michael Cook Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, are essential for preventing AIDS in are actually the best ways to fight AIDS. a simple solution in the face of
life expectancy at birth was 52 years in Africa. In the words of researchers at In 1991, the infection rate in Uganda calamity. I have an idea which will
1990, and only 34 in 2003 (7). the London School of Hygiene and was 21 per cent. Now, after years of a fix everything up.
ONLY a month after the death of his But there is something absurdly Tropical Medicine, “The condom is a simple, low-cost program called ABC, it While British journalists are busy
predecessor, the new Pope, Benedict medieval about making the Pope a life-saving device: it is highly effective has dropped to about 6 per cent. fulminating about appalling health
XVI, announced that he had launched scapegoat, as if the clouds would break in preventing HIV transmission if used ABC stands for Abstain, Be faithful, care in Africa, the British government is
the process which culminates in Catholic and the sun shine if we thrust enough correctly and consistently, and is the or use Condoms if A and B are not colluding in making it worse. According
sainthood. The Vatican normally moves pins through a JP2 voodoo doll. Pinning best current method of HIV prevention practiced. Ugandan President Yoweri to a recent issue of The Lancet, sub-
at a glacial pace in such things, so the the blame for the tragedy of African for those who are sexually active and at Museveni preaches the ABC of AIDS Saharan health personnel are flocking
unprecedented speed confirms what AIDS on one man is one of those ideas risk” (12). with the fervour of an evangelist. “I am to the UK, leaving their own countries’
most people feel about John Paul II—that that are, in the words of George Orwell, However, notice that this dogma is not in favour of condoms in primary and health care in a shocking state (20). An
he was an extraordinarily good chap. “so stupid that only intellectuals could limited by two significant qualifications: even secondary schools... Let condoms estimated 60 per cent of doctors trained
However, before the faithful get too believe them.” “if used correctly and consistently”. be a last resort,” he said recently at an in Ghana in the 1980s, for instance,
wound up, something has to be tidied How often can we expect this to happen international AIDS conference in his have left the country. Initiatives to
up: the little matter of whether Karol The role of Catholicism in southern Africa? If the experts haven’t capital, Kampala. “I have grown-up tackle AIDS, such as the World Health
Wojtyla was, in fact, the greatest mass Two such ideas run through all these been able to end AIDS in San Francisco children and my policy was to frighten Organisation’s goal of providing lifelong
murderer of the 20th century. If he criticisms. The first is basically this: and Sydney by promoting condoms, them out of undisciplined sex. I started anti-retroviral treatment, are being
was, canonisation might not be such a African Catholics are so devout that if what makes them think that they will talking to them from the age of 13, telling thwarted by a shortage of doctors.
good idea. they have sex outside of marriage, dally succeed in Africa? them to concentrate on their studies, that Unless doctors and nurses stay at home
Here’s what the devil’s advocates with prostitutes or take a third wife, they Amazingly, despite the dogmatic the time would come for sex” (17). instead of chasing better salaries in the
have had to say. will piously refrain from using condoms insistence that distributing condoms is Ms Toynbee contended in her diatribe UK, many, many more HIV infected
Nicholas Kristof, of the New York because the Great White Father told them the only way to stop AIDS in its tracks, in the Guardian that “abstinence and people will die.
Times, says that the Vatican’s ban on not to. Ms Toynbee darkly invokes “the there are very few studies to prove it. celibacy are not the human condition”. One person can put a stop to this
condoms has cost hundreds of thousands Vatican’s deeper power... its personal An article in the Bulletin of the World But Museveni—no innocent about the scandal: the British Prime Minister.
of lives, making it one of “its most tragic authority over 1.3 billion worshippers, Health Organization last year admitted human condition—thinks that they Perhaps if Polly Toynbee sticks pins
mistakes in the first two millennia of which is strongest over the poorest, most that very little research has been done are. “We made it our highest priority into a Tony Blair voodoo doll, the whole
its history” (1). The influential New helpless devotees.” on the impact of condom-promotion to convince our people to return to problem will go away. Silly? OK. But it
Statesman, in London, ran a cover story But she can’t have it both ways: these program on the actual incidence of HIV their traditional values of chastity makes a lot more sense than sticking
shortly after the Pope’s death claiming benighted dark-skinned Catholics infection (13). and faithfulness or, failing that, to them in the late Pope.
that he “probably contributed more to can’t be both too goody-two-shoes Furthermore, even if condoms are use condoms,” he told American
the continental spread of the disease than to use condoms and too wicked to “efficacious”—that is, they don’t break pharmaceutical executives a couple (Michael Cook is editor of MercatorNet.
the trucking industry and prostitution resist temptation. Journalist Brendan and don’t leak—Murphy’s Law says that of years ago. “The alternative was This article is published under special
combined” (2). O’Neill—who describes himself as an they will often fail. According to Family decimation” (18). arrangement with MercatorNet)
In search of a scapegoat
Was John Paul II responsible for the deaths of millions of African AIDS
/www.coolamonrotary.com
www.turnbacktogod.com
Benigno SIMEON Aquino III John Carlo De Los Reyes Joseph Ejercito Estrada RICHARD GORDON ANA CONSUELO
My stand from the very beginning has always Natural family planning is the most effective I believe one of the causes of poverty, aside from Our people are our country’s greatest resource. A reproductive policy
been responsible parenthood. We need a firm method that has no side effects, it is free and graft and corrupt practices, is the lack of population And this has been proven many times over by based. It should instea
policy that will address the serious problem on promotes a responsible and loving relationship control. However, I vow to respect the advocacy of our OFWs, our managers, our engineers, our that empowers women
population. We must understand that the popula- between couples. the Church against artificial methods. The Estrada artists and cultural workers. The Filipino is a great knowledge. We should
tion growth of our country is geometric and not Quoting its Declaration of a Consistent Ethic in Administration will seek to manage the population manager of his talent, and what is important is to well to be mendicants an
arithmetic in progression. We cannot allow our Life, “Ang Kapatiran Party upholds human life in by allowing access to modern methods. provide him with opportunity upon which there is heath materials being p
population to bloat at an alarming place any all its forms and stages. All are important. One a rule of law, and a regime of meritocracy. That is to the prejudice of our w
further if we intend to maximize our resources aspect of human life affects another.” why he succeeds abroad—when he works hard
and ensure that the basic needs of every citizen The candidate and the party stand is “Where he gets good compensation, when he is honest
are met. To address this problem, parents should human life is considered cheap and easily wasted, he is recognized for it, when he is productive he
play a key role in ensuring that each and every eventually nothing is held sacred, and all lives gets the best for it. I believe that our aim then
child they bring into this world has the opportunity are in jeopardy.” must be for a quality population. Population is not
to lead a good life. While it is the government’s AKP rejects Reproductive Health Bill 5043 as an excuse for non-development.
duty to support parents in their family’s endeav- the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and It depends on the kind of education we put in. I
ors, at the end of the day, the method with which Life stated in its Catechism on Family and Life for know many families with a lot of children but they
the family is planned and the size of the family, the 2010 Elections stated: It would not be morally come out as professionals, they come out helping
should all be left to the parents. The state must permissible to vote for candidates who support one another. You can have as many children as
respect each individual’s right to follow his or her anti-family policies, including reproductive health you want, that’s your choice.
conscience and religious convictions on matters (in the particular understanding being presented in Again, education, faith, and religious belief mat-
and issues pertaining to the unity of the family and the recent debates, which includes, among others, ter. I will support a massive campaign to ensure
the sacredness of human life from conception to promotion of abortifacients, or any other moral that our people understand that responsibility in
natural death. evil such as abortion, divorce, assisted suicide so far as rearing children is important. In relation
What the state can do is help parents, especially and euthanasia. Otherwise one becomes an ac- to this, my administration will create work and
the poor and disadvantaged, who are bereft of tools complice to the moral evil in question.” livelihood opportunities so that our people will not
to make an informed judgment. The government have to seek their future abroad but can find their
should educate the people about the means with future here in our native land, so that families will
which to plan their families so they can create no longer suffer the burden of years of separation
families based on their ability to sustain their and can be around to raise their children.
needs. In the process of providing a range of
options and information to couples, natural family
planning and modern methods shall be presented
as desirable methods.
Catechism on th
Catholic Bishops’
Continued from last issue... For them to take an active part in
partisan politics, with its wheeling
Part III: The Role of and dealing, compromises,
Clergy, Religious and confrontational and adversarial
Laity in Politics positions, would be to weaken
their teaching authority and
21. What are the roles of Clergy, destroy the unity they represent
Religious and laity with regard and protect. Still, it must be
to “partisan politics”? admitted that sometimes even
Traditionalwisdomandgeneral the teaching of moral principles
common sense, with support is actually interpreted by some as
from Canon Law (or the Law partisan politics, because of actual
of the Church), assign specific circumstances (PCP-II, 343-344).
roles for different members of the An example was the Bishops’ post-
Church. PCP-II pointed out these election statement in 1986 when
roles. “The Church’s competence they taught that a government
in passing moral judgments that has assumed power by fraud
even in matters political has had no moral right to govern. This
been traditionally interpreted teaching was considered partisan
as pertaining to the clergy. for the opposition presidential
Negatively put, the clergy can candidate and against the winner
teach moral doctrines covering proclaimed by a subservient
politics but cannot actively parliament.
involve themselves in partisan
politics. In practice, religious men 23. What is the specific mission
and women are also included in of the laity in politics?
this prohibition” (PCP-II, 340). The mission of the laity is
But certainly lay people “have the same as that of the entire
competence in active and direct Church, which is to renew the
partisan politics” (PCP-II, 341). political order according to
This general rule is certainly Gospel principles and values.
not rigid, because lay people But such renewal by the laity
themselves have a teaching role is through active and partisan
regarding politics, especially political involvement, a role
in their witnessing to gospel generally not allowed to priests
values in the world of politics. and religious men and women.
Concretely, priests, religious men This is the reason that PCP-II
and women, and lay people, i.e., urges the lay faithful not to
the Church “must be involved in be passive regarding political
the area of politics when Gospel involvement but to take a leading
values are at stake” (PCP-II, role. In fact, PCP-II states: “In
344). the Philippines today, given the
general perception that politics
22. Why should priests, has become an obstacle to integral
religious men and women development, the urgent necessity
refrain from involvement in is for the lay faithful to participate
partisan politics? more actively, with singular
As we have seen, the prohibition competence and integrity, in
is not because of any Philippine political affairs” (PCP-II, 348).
constitutional provision. But the Moreover, the laity must “help
Church prohibits Clergy and form the civic conscience of the
Religious from involvement in voting population and work to
partisan politics because they explicitly promote the election of
are considered the symbols of leaders of true integrity to public
unity in the Church community. office” (PCP-II, Art. 8, #1).
Concerns Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 – April 11, 2010
B5
ay
In view of helping voters discern and make the right choices in the forthcoming elections, the CBCP Media Office has sent letters to all
Presidentiables last February 25, 2010 requesting their positions on the following issues: corruption, gambling, mining, population, energy,
economy and peace building. There are, of course, more questions to be asked but limitation of space and time prevailed. In this issue, only one
question fits: “Some are of the opinion that the burgeoning population is the primary cause of poverty in the country. Do you believe in this? If
so, would you go for population management? Or population deceleration? How?”
UELO MADRIGAL NICANOR PERLAS GILBERTO TEODORO, JR. EDUARDO VILLANUEVA MANUEL VILLAR, JR.
y should not be product In general I am supportive of the thrust and intent (The CBCP Media Office spent over a month “Population explosion” is not the cause of poverty, I have always believed that a huge population
ad be based on a policy of the Reproductive Heath Bill, but with the following of waiting, from February 25, 2010 to March 29, it is the effect of poverty. The real issue behind is not necessarily a problem. I think the problem
through information and strong conditionalities. The Philippine Constitution 2010, and repeated telephone calls, but nothing is the need for equitable sharing of resources. is incompetence in managing the economy. Our
d now allow ourselves as forbids abortion and I am in total agreement with came from Mr. Teodoro. Perhaps next issue Abortion-inducing drugs should never be classified country has been mismanaged for decades and
nd reliant on reproductive this prohibition. The present vague language of maybe luckier) as common drugs or over-the-counter medicine. it has become convenient to put the blame on the
pushed by multinationals the Reproductive Health bill should be rewritten The health and welfare of women and children is huge population. Once we are able to manage
women’s health. to reflect this broad societal consensus against important to the state. Moral values should be taught this country very well, then things would not be
abortion. In addition, the present language of the more than technology or device. Children and youth constraints. In fact, 92 million will enable us to be
bill is too focused on rights of individuals. These should be protected from any unnecessary and a great nation. Our population should be viewed
should be balanced by language on the sacred- unhealthy exposure to sexual information. as an asset and we should focus on how economic
ness of the reproductive act and the human life My Party and I firmly believe that the life of the growth can be helped by population size. India
that results from it as well as the responsibilities unborn child begins at the time of conception. As and China are growing fast and they are the most
that individuals and couples have in connection such, we do not and will not advocate, institutionalize populated countries in the world.
with human reproduction. and/or legalize any practice of abortion or the use
I also do not support the use of artificial contra- of any abortion-inducing pills or drugs designed to
ceptives that do harm to individuals using them as terminate the life of an unborn fetus. Neither will
well as jeopardize the health and integrity of future the Party promote, advocate nor institutionalize
human conception. I will also encourage legislators the practice and use of any artificial contraceptive
to make a final round of genuine and respectful devices. However, believing in the divine right of
consultations with religious groups and other civil every individual to “free will” or the “right of choice”,
society formations to craft an integral language that Bangon Pilipinas believes that the State, as the
would acceptable to most, if not all stakeholders. guardian and as the constitutional protector of every
Meanwhile, my government, once elected by the facet of human rights of every Filipino, should not, in
people, will push for a massive campaign against any way, shape or form, interfere with the individual’s
poverty and redress the economic imbalances that inherent right of discretion and/or right to choose
ultimately fuel the continued high levels of fertility with birth control measure, artificial or otherwise,
rates in the Philippines. In short, the reproductive he/she may deem proper and appropriate under
health debate should be seen in the context of his/her particular circumstances, and according to
the broader unjust socio-economic structures that his/her faith or conscience.
force human beings, especially the poor, into using
questionable reproductive-related practices.
Bo Sanchez
www.st-takla.org
learned Math but because the tutor Mom hired was my own Math
teacher in school.
When I was in Grade 4, I discovered I was also bad at sports. My
classmates held the basketball and flew with it. I held the basketball
and fell from its weight.
Easter Sunday – Year C; (Luke 24:1-12/John 20:1-9) April 4, 2010 In every game, my classmates laughed at me. Even my teachers
ridiculed me. At the start of every game, my classmates would ask
me, “Join the other team! Please Bo!”
Because of it, they took the No one wanted me. Because of this, I kept to myself most of the
By Msgr. Lope C. Robre- nation, opposing tax payment Hence, faith in the resurrection
time.
dillo, SThD and pretending to be king (Luke cannot rest on an incontrovertible empty tomb as a sign that Jesus
empirical evidence. is alive. Faith thus comes from After grade school, I took the entrance exam for Ateneo high school.
23:3). And it is almost historically
How then, according to Luke, remembering what is heard (cf I flunked the test. I was devastated. My parents had to scrounge
certain that Rome gave the
do we know that Jesus rose from Rom 10:17). With this faith, they for another school for me at the last minute.
AN ancient wisdom advises that verdict: capital punishment.
the dead? First, God himself began to proclaim the Easter I remember Ariel, a good friend of mine. He was the first honor
if one wishes to conquer, he has But the end of Jesus was not
told us in the mouth of two Gospel (24:8-9). in class. He also was the school’s basketball and baseball star. One
to divide the enemy. However defeat. Those who opposed him
men in dazzling garments who What is the significance of the day, I thought about him and wondered, “Lord, why did you give
invincible one appears to be, it never triumphed. He was not a
said to the women: “Why do Easter Gospel? The resurrection of all the talents to others and none to me?”
is simply impossible to fight on goner, after all. For God reversed
you search for the Living One Jesus lies at the heart of Christian I felt incredibly sad that day.
many fronts and win, as Adolf the verdict. He raised Jesus from
among the dead? He is not here; faith. If he was not raised from Friends, I thought all about these things yesterday.
Hitler realized too late. If one the dead (1 Thess 1:10; Rom
he has been raised up” (Luke the dead, our faith is empty (1 Because yesterday, I had to email four countries: Australia, US,
wishes to reform the nation, 10:9). The Jewish and Roman
24:5b). (According to Jewish Cor 15:14). God vindicated the Singapore, and India. All of them wanted me to speak at their
he cannot therefore afford to leaders took his life; God gave
law, this testimony is conclusive persecuted Jesus—he was not conventions on the exact same weekend.
antagonize the people, quarrel him a new one. This is the Easter
because two witnesses made a false prophet, after all. On the The same guy who flunked tests. The same guy who got the
with the political establishment Gospel. Resurrection, however,
it [Deut 19:15]). Second, Jesus contrary, he is the Savior (Rom lowest grades. The same guy who was unwanted by everyone—is
and go up against the religious is a metahistorical event; it
himself prophesied it: “The 4:25), the living Lord (Rom 10:9; now desired by the nations.
establishment. Once he does transcends time and space. It is not
Son of Man must first endure 1 Cor 12:3), the Son (Acts 12:33; And ten years after flunking that entrance exam in Ateneo, I never
these, he will virtually be a goner. like a resuscitation to an old life,
many sufferings, be rejected Rom 1:34). In fact, all the books of imagined that I would one day be having lunch with the Dean of the
Nothing is in store for him except as in the raising of the widow’s
by the elders, the high priests, the New Testament were written College and hear him say, “Bo, how can we convince you to teach
defeat. The fate of Jesus appears son at Naim (Luke 7:11). It is a
and the scribes, and be put to from the point of view of his Theology in the Ateneo?”
to be like this. From the Roman new form of existence. Hence,
death, and then be raised up on resurrection. But not only that. I told him I’d love to teach, but my hands were full: Founding
and Jewish point of view, Jesus, in Luke’s resurrection narrative,
the third day” (9:22, 24; 12:50; Because God raised him, he will four organizations, writing best-selling books, preaching around
who had invited the people to only a negative witness could
17:35; 18:31-33). For Luke, the also vindicate those of us who the world, publishing the widest read Catholic literature in the
repent and enter the Kingdom be provided. When the women
guarantee of resurrection is the followed him (1 Cor 4:14). Those country…
of God, had to die. Because of entered the tomb, they did not
trustworthiness of Jesus’ words. who died with him will live with My message?
his teaching and behavior, the find Jesus’ body (Luke 24:3). But
Thus, at the instance of the him (2 Tim 2:11). Moreover, even You can fulfill your dreams!
Jewish leaders accused him, the empty tomb is not an apodictic
two men, the women disciples in the here and now, the life that Because your past does not define your future.
among others, of threatening argument for the resurrection. It
to destroy the Temple (Mark could be interpreted differently. (Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Jesus lives is given to us who
14:58), of leading people astray In Matthew, for example, the Mary the mother of James, etc. believe (Rom 8:12). This is made
as a false prophet (John 7:12; chief priests claimed that the [24:10]) remembered his words. possible through our baptism
Matt 27:63), and of assuming disciples stole the body (Matt Of course, they remembered (Rom 6:4-12). We acquire a new Bishop Pat Alo
divine prerogative (Mark 14:64). 28:12; cf John 20:2). Some claimed because they had accompanied being (2 Cor 5:17-21). Christ lives
ENCOUNTERS
These charges, of course, would that the empty tomb was simply him in his Galilean ministry in us (Gal 2:20). And in Luke’s
not make sense in a Roman a product of wishful thinking. (8:1-3), and they witnessed the Gospel, the first beneficiary of
trial. This is why the Jewish Others alleged that Jesus merely crucifixion (23:49) and burial this new being in Christ is the
leaders brought him to Pilate, swooned on the cross and (23:55). In Luke’s theology, what repentant criminal: “I assure you,
the Roman governor, on charges subsequently extricated himself the women heard was crucial in this day, you will be with me in
of insurrection: subverting the from the bands and the tomb. interpreting the empty tomb. paradise” (Luke 23:43).
The big
Fr. Francis Ongkingco issue
WHATEVER WHEN God created the world, of the things He created
www.thefloridacatholic.org
Pope Benedict XVI with Israel’s religious leaders during an interfaith meeting at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, on the occasion of the pope’s visit to Holy land on May 14, 2009.
The movie takes place in a Western movies and modern Title: Book of Eli
world of chaos and mayhem 30 action flicks with its staging and Cast: Denzel Washington, Moral Assessment Technical Assessment
years after the apocalypse. Eli cinematography. The script is Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis
(Denzel Washington) has been intriguing but there are several Directors: Albert Hughes, Al-
len Hughes Abhorrent Poor
travelling on foot in search for loopholes in the storyline’s logic Disturbing Below average
water source. He is generally and Eli’s character. Fortunately, Producers: Broderick John-
son, Andrew A. Kosove, Acceptable Average
peaceful and quiet but has the visual play each scene provides Joel Silver, David Valdes, Wholesome Above average
superb combat skills he will not balances its shortcomings. Denzel Washington
hesitate to use if provoked. He Washington and Oldman play their
Exemplary E
xcellent
Screenwriter: Gara Whitta
enters a dilapidated town built respective roles convincingly. Music: Atticus Ross, Leopold
and run by Carnegie (Gary The Book of Eli presents a bit Ross, Claudia Sarne
Oldman), an ambitious gang of a predicament. On the one Editor: Cindy Mollo
leader who desires to build hand, it might be possible to Cinematography: Don Burgess
more towns if only he can find excuse the brutality of the film Distributor: Warner Bros.
the only remaining copy of the and take this in the context of a Pictures
Location: USA
Bible. Impressed by Eli’s skills, chaotic world after the war. On
Running Time: 118 mins.
Carnegie decides to have him the other hand, one might wish
seduced by his blind concubine’s to just look at all the objectionable Technical Assessment: ½
daughter, only to find out later violence and dismiss the movie’s Moral Assessment: ½
that he carries the very book he values altogether. The movie may CINEMA Rating: For viewers
14 and above
has been searching for. Carnegie appear to be merely a violent film
then plots to kill Eli and take but if you will take a closer look passages from the Bible and
possession of the only copy of the movie is interspersed with emphasizes the need to look at
the King James Bible, while Eli, several religious ideologies. First, the spirit not just the words of
believing that God is on his side, there is Eli’s journey to faithfully the passages. He reveals that he
uses all his skills to protect his carry out and complete the walks by faith and not by sight.
precious cargo until he is able to mission entrusted to him. Second, However, several scenes have
properly turn it over. amidst a world consumed by intermittent strong language,
The movie offers a fresh breath chaos and violence, the Word violence and sexual innuendos,
of treatment for an old plot - a of God seems to be a beacon of although not endorsed as a way
peaceful man with a mission who hope and change. Third, Eli’s of life, they will still disturb the
is capable of killing his enemies spirituality is almost authentic as sensibilities of most people.
single handedly if provoked. The he not only carries and protects Film might not be appropriate
production is decent and engaging the Bible but also reads passages for children younger than 14 and
with an authentic interpretation of daily and has even memorized parents are cautioned to guide
a world that survived the worst. the entire book. He also prays a their teenagers when watching
One can see semblances of old lot, frequently quotes and shares the movie.
Buhay Parokya
Look for the
and updated version that comes images of
Title: Alice in Wonderland
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, John- in 3D technology. As expected, Easter Eggs,
ny Depp, Helena Bonham- Tim Burton’s adaptation is dark Last Supper,
Carter, Anne Hathaway, yet full of substance. The core and Chalice.
Allan Rickman message remains faithful to (Illustration by
Director: Tim Burton the original although the entire Bladimer Usi)
Producer: Richard Zanuck feel is made contemporary
Screenwriter: Linda Woolver- and the look borderlines
ton into surreal aesthetics that is
Genre: Fantasy
Burton’s signature. Audiences
Distributor: Walt Disney
Location: UK are taken into a visual treat
Running Time: 105 min. this time with live characters
Technical Assessment: and colorful magnificent
½ backdrops. The sound, scoring
Moral Assessment: and cinematography are all
CINEMA Rating: For viewers in place. The real gem in the
age 13 and below with film is the performance of its
parental guidance actors. Wasikowska, perfect for
her role, does an excellent job
Young Alice has been having playing the grown-up Alice. Her
a recurring dream of going unique charm and combination
down a dark hole leading to a of cleverness and innocence
strange-looking place. When make her a memorable character.
she reaches 19 years old, Alice Hathaway’s appearance is
(Mia Wasikowska) is obliged to comparatively brief but
accept a public wedding proposal interesting just the same. Depp is
from a suitor whom she has no as usual fantastic, but Bonham-
Carter as the
Red Queen
with the
oversized head
dominates
every scene
she’s in with
her
Alice in
Wonderland
has brought
its audience
to a place that
exists only
in one’s wild
imagination.
The film has
shown the
power of
believing in the
impossible. The
Red and White
Queens clearly
represent the
battle between
good and evil,
and this helped
bring to the fore
the maturing
of Alice
affection for. So when a white from adven-turesome girl to
rabbit wearing a waistcoat courageous young woman. She
distracts her, she runs from the has held dearly the teachings of her
crowd to follow the strange parents, except, understandably,
creature. In her pursuit of the when forced to marry somebody
rabbit, Alice falls into the rabbit she does not love. In this sense,
hole and finds herself in a place she has come of age, defying
that she has already seen in her authority and unexamined
dreams, Wonderland. However, social traditions to use her own
it’s no longer the happy place mind to do what is right. Alice’s
it once was. Alice bumps into character strongly depicts self-
Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and confidence and optimism, traits
from him she discovers that her that are given recognition in
coming has been foretold for she the end when she is granted the
is believed to be the only one who opportunity to venture into the
can save the land by slaying the real world with real characters
Red Queen’s (Helena Bonham- and real challenges.
Carter) huge flying dragon, Due to the dark depiction and
the Jabberwocky, and restoring images (i.e., chopped fingers
power to the White Queen (Anne used as potion, smoking cat,
Hathaway). However, Alice is animals treated cruelly, etc.) that
reluctant for she believes all these may not appear wholesome to the
are just part of a dream and she very young audience, CINEMA
would soon wake-up. strongly recommends parental
This children’s classic by Lewis guidance for audiences below
Carroll is re-lived in this latest 13 years old.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
C1
Being the father of the city, “Journey in Faith” was given by Joey Arguelles with Tess Arguelles
Mayor Pedro “Jun” B. Acharon, and Jojo Coyugan as sharers. The session of the second day was
Jr., who is also an active member capped by a Mini-Praisefest led by Bebot Matela, member of the
of the CFC in General Santos, Provincial Council of South Cotabato.
welcomed the delegates and The third day was again started with a Holy Eucharist Celebration
cited different beautiful places presided by Rev. Fr. Ronald Plomillo, who was commissioned by
that the delegates can see during Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Marbel, to
their stay in the city. represent him. Fr. Ronald was joined by Fr. Jun Diamante and Rev.
CFC Chairman Joe Tale gave Jeff Agustin, a deacon of the Capuchin Order of Friars.
the overview of the conference. The last talk (Filled with Thanksgiving) was given by Manny Garcia
Talk 1 (Accepting the Call) was with wife Ditas sharing their “blessings of Ondoy” and Juvy Amadeo
given by Lito Tayag, with his of General Santos sharing how grateful she and her husband Toto
wife Linda and Boie Sescon as the were for the gift of love from God and the community. As the cul-
sharers. Talk 2 (One in Christ) minating activity, everyone, spouses particularly, thanked each other
was delivered by Rouquel Ponte for being blessings to one another. This was led by Joe and Babylou
with Nina as sharer. Tale who wrote thanksgiving love letters to each other and led in the
CFC Executive Director and singing of the song “Sometimes”. Members also thanked their leaders
Mindanao Mission Director Joe for shepherding them. The conference ended with a praisefest led by
Yamamoto opened the afternoon Alan Baiño, member of the Area Council of Davao City.
session with Talk 3 (Rooted in Everybody went home very grateful for the wonderful conference
Christ) with his wife Mila as they have attended. Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental will be the
sharer. The last talk of the day next host of the 2011 Mindanao Leaders Conference.
By Zeny Gimenez
CFC Accepts Archdiocesan Task
a prerequisite to getting permission to wed in of the Post Cana Program, CFC will be in charge duct of MERs in some parishes, upon the invitation
the church. of forming the MER teams and speakers in coor- of the parish priests, for those who are not CFC
THE Archdiocese of Manila has tasked CFC to take 2. Post Cana Program - CFL has requested that the dination with the CFL Office. The Teen Sexuality members. “But it is providential that the conduct
the lead in implementing the Family Life Programs CFC conduct their Marriage Enrichment Retreat Seminar will be organized by CFL with the help of of our MER, done as a service in a few parishes, has
in all the 84 parishes of the archdiocese. (MER) for married couples in the parish who Singles for Christ and Youth for Christ volunteers prepared us for this much larger responsibility.”
CFC has gladly accepted and the agreement was are not members of any family-oriented groups. who will be trained in the TSS module. The archdiocese of Manila covers four of the
formalized during the Commission on Family and The target for 2010 is 1 MER per vicariate which Joe Tale disclosed that the agreement is the imple- 12 Metro Manila sectors, namely: West A, West
Life (CFL) Vicariate Priest Coordinators Meeting at means 13 vicarial MERs for the year.. mentation of a meeting with Bishop Broderick S. B, Central A and Central C. The other sectors
the Arzobispado de Manila last February 8, 2010. 3. Teen Sexuality Seminar (TSS) – This is a 3-4 hours Pabillo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, organized are already cooperating fully and assisting the
Joe Tale, CFC Chairman, and Rev Fr. Joel O. Jason, chastity education seminar given to the youth in by Rene Perez, formerly a CFC Metro Manila sector parishes in their Family Life programs; however,
commissioner of the Commission of Family and schools and parishes and CFL intends to conduct head. In that meeting, held towards the end of last it is only with the archdiocese of Manila that the
Life, signed the agreement. at least one TSS per quarter per vicariate. year, the bishop invited CFC to take on this role in collaboration has been formalized.
4. Natural Family Planning (NFL) – CFC will help recognition of the fact that, of the 84 parishes in the According to Joe Tale, “This is a great responsi-
The agreement specified the areas where CFC in the program by providing the NFL teachers. archdiocese, roughly 30% of them already have bility. We thank the Lord for this recognition and
will help the parishes: Family Life coordinators coming from CFC. for the trust and confidence given to CFC. This
1. Pre-Cana seminars – This seminar is given to CFC volunteers will undergo necessary training With regard to the Post-Cana program, Joe Tale is a wonderful privilege – to be able to share CFC
couples who are about to get married and is with CFL in all the above programs. In the case noted that CFC has actually already begun the con- with others.”
C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
HOME
“LENT is like coming home”, yond the structure, a home is really the people one lives with, and has not had a home it could call its own. We have occupied rented
softly intoned Fr. Xavier among which, love abounds. “A house is not a home, when the two spaces all these years, transferring to different buildings at differ-
Olin, SJ as he celebrated mass of us are far apart, and one of us has a broken heart”, a popular Burt ent times. We have stayed in four different addresses, including
with us in the CFC Home Bacharach song in the 70s belts out. our present home office which we have occupied for the past 14
Office. Lent is about being closer to Jesus, who is our true home, Author Max Lucado, in his book “The Applause of Heaven” ex- years. All told, our rental payments have reached the amount of P30
he expounded. The message touched me in a special way, as I was presses the experience of home in a special way. He thanks his wife million, and will continue to increase, all these for a space that we
putting my thoughts together for this article. Earlier, as an inspira- for “making my coming home the highlight of my day”. It is not the cannot leave as a legacy to the next generations of CFC members.
tion, I had actually been led to write about “home”. clinched business deal, it is not the much applauded talk or speech, But of course, everything happens in God’s time, according to His
The experience of home has a special place in the life of all peoples, it is not even the promotion or awards received. All these are great, plan. This is what the Lord tells us in Ecclesiastes. We are heartened
but more especially for family oriented groups such as CFC. Home but the highlight of the day remains the coming home to a loving because the same book tells us that there is a “time to build”, and
is integrated in the experience of family, and family is experienced family. It is a line that inspires. It is a statement that we hope is true we strongly sense that God’s plan is for that time to happen now.
in the setting of a home. for us. It is a goal that we should all work for, everyday, whether And so, we have recently launched last March 19, 2010 (on the feast
For CFC, this clearly and distinctly resonates in its vision of we are husband, wife, child, brother, sister, lolo or lola. of St. Joseph, the carpenter who built a home for Jesus and Mary),
“Families in the Holy Spirit, Renewing the Face of the Earth” and its For us who have been blessed with a home, humble as it may be, a fund campaign to make our dream to have a CFC Home a reality.
two-fold mission of Building the Church of the Home and Building we should be filled with thanksgiving. At the same time though, Our prayer is that the Lord will bless us with enough to have our
the Church of the Poor. Even our mission of Building the Church of our hearts should be stirred into compassion and action to help ground breaking during our 29th anniversary in June of this year, and
the Poor is not just a random effort, but also targets renewal of the many others who are yet homeless, who cannot as yet relate to a home office of our own by the time we celebrate our 30th year as a
family among the poor – providing a home for the family through the experience of warmth and comfort that sometimes we take for community in June 2011! Please join us in prayer and in action.
ANCOP Homes, and continuing with spiritual and values formation granted. Let us care and love enough so that others may have their In addition to the truth of Jesus being our true home, the Lord also
for all members of the family both in GK sites and ANCOP Homes. own homes, too. For in a sense, our homes are not isolated spaces, wants to bless us with the wonderful experience of the other aspects
(ANCOP is acronym for Answering the Cry of the Poor, CFC’s but actually rooms in this big common home we all live in that we of home. The Lord wants us to have a foretaste of our heavenly home
expanded work for the poor). call earth. The other rooms do not as yet have roofs and walls. For with the blessing of an earthly home. Jesus prayed to the Father in
The ideal of home connotes warm feelings of love, peace, harmony, as long as these prevail, we do not really have a home, in the same the prayer that He taught us, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
a refuge where one can have respite from a hectic pace and a rough, way that a house is not yet a house when many of the other rooms on earth as it is in heaven.”
demanding world, a place where one is safe for he or she is among are still unfinished. Indeed, home is a blessing. Home is love. Home is God. May we
people who love. In a real way, home is a life support system itself. As families need a home, communities, too, as a big family, also all be blessed with our own true home, on earth, as in heaven.
Of course, a home does not just refer to a physical structure. Be- need a home. The CFC global family in its near 29 years of existence A meaningful Holy Week to all !
CFC World
ANCOP USA and CFC Tekton ANCOP signed a memorandum of agreement during the ANCOP USA Planning held last February 20-21.
CFC Executive Director Joe Yamamoto (seated, second from left) signed on behalf of CFC while Tony Ventura (seated, third from left),
Msgr. Allen Aganon, CFC IC’s spiritual director, conducted a spiritual recollection for the fulltime workers president of ANCOP USA, signed on behalf of ANCOP USA. Also present were Ricky Cuenca of CFC Canada and members of the CFC
and staff of CFC at the Home Office on March 3. USA National Council, among them, Jack Macalalad, Bobbee Mella, Rod Bustos, Glen Santayana and Rolly Ballanza.
ONE IN CHRIST
“I am the vine, you are the branches…” John 15:5 the most lasting and beautiful discourses in the ness. What was begun in our lives in our Baptism overcome,
Bible- the story of the Vine and the Branches, where with water, is further strengthened and constantly that purify
THE story of God’s relations with His people, from God the Father is the Vine Grower. renewed in the sacraments and by the regular, life- our inten-
the most ancient of the Bible history, has always Jesus spoke these words in what is known as the giving grace of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. tions, give us greater faith and reliance on God’s
been of Oneness – One Triune God, the unity of “Last Supper Discourses,” a stream of advice and And then there are the devotionals, the ways saving power and providence and make us worthy
the Father and the Son, and the unique singularity words of wisdom that Jesus spoke to His disciples that lead us to a life with Christ. As Catholics, offerings that are pleasing sacrifices to God.
of God’s purpose with man and His redemption. on the eve of His death. It was as if Jesus was pack- we have our devotions to our Blessed Mother, a The trials and persecutions that continue to
The anchor chapter and the contained verses are ing all the insights and treasures He had into the practice that conforms well with our appreciation challenge our community have a purpose – they
taken from John 15, the so-called “Vine and the very short time that He had left with His people. He of her importance in the salvific mission of her are God’s loving way to make us bear much fruit
Branches Discourse.” was summarizing the three years of teachings and Son, Jesus. As CFC, we look to her as our Star of for His sake and in His name. We have had to
Consider the two preceding chapters - Chapter discussions into the oral gems He was bequeathing Evangelization and most recently, as the Patroness endure much suffering but we have been given
13 dealt with the servant heart of the Messiah, to those who had remained loyal to Him, in spite of our work with the poor. much grace to simply lift up the pain and trials and
manifested in the washing of the feet of the dis- of all the trials they had gone through. allow God to take control of the situation.
ciples and in Jesus tenderly addressing them as These words best illustrate our life in Jesus; it Fruitfulness in Christ
little children. It is at this time that Jesus gave a speaks of the oneness with Him that leads us to The reward of our abiding in Christ is our fruit- Chosen by God
new commandment- to love one another as He grow more and more like Him. This verse also fulness, our capacity to bear much fruit in our new When we speak of our new life in Christ Jesus,
has loved them. A new standard has been raised speaks of our abiding in Christ, the primary req- life in the Lord. John 15:2 speaks of the obstacles we do not mean the good works that we have
and so has the level of the bar of love and service. uisite for us to remain connected to Him and be to our fruitfulness and of how God will work in learned to do and the holy lives we are trying to
Henceforth, believer and nonbeliever would rec- continually nourished by Him. The word “abid- our lives to restore us to fertile grounds. “He takes lead. Rather, it is our realization of the basic truth
ognize the disciples of Christ not by any emblem ing” is so expressive – it connotes not just a con- away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, that what we are now is simply because of God’s
or external markers but by their “deeds of love nection but also a closeness that is at once binding and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears love and providence. It is the acceptance, with
for another:” “By this all men will know that we as it is affirming and loving. Abiding is also unique more fruit.” much gratitude, of the basic fact that He chose us
are Jesus’ disciples.” It clearly defines oneness because it was offered to us by the God who initi- Despite our great resolve to abide always in from the beginning of time and nothing we do or
with Christ. ated the love affair with us, His people. God’s presence, we often fall and fail, acquiring say will change the truth of His love for us.
Chapter 14 opens with Jesus’ encouragement not character flaws and negative attitudes. In order What makes us pleasing to the Lord is not our
to be troubled about the events that were about to Abiding in Christ for every branch that does not bear fruit in us to be good works but our heart’s response to His call
unfold (his suffering and death). He reminded the How do we abide in Christ? removed, we need to reflect on our lives, beginning to draw closer to Him. In John 15:15b, Jesus says,
disciples to have faith in God and faith in Him, In Couples for Christ, we seem to have already with a nightly examination of how we have lived “I have called you friends…” What a wonderful
and that when He goes to the Father, He will pre- found the ways. Our covenant card spells out our day and how we have lived up to our name – privilege and what a humbling realization. Our
pare places for them. Jesus likewise declared that the responsibilities we take on as Christians, but Christian. In CFC, we have an excellent venue for response to God’s initiative is to exert our best
when He joins the Father, that would be the sign these actually are the very ways by which we being always kept aware of our need to evaluate efforts to remain, to abide in His presence. This
for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate , begin to draw close to God, to remain connected and examine ourselves – the pastoral cover that is means, unequivocally, avoiding sin because no
who will be with the disciples, past, present and to Him and achieve that deep abiding relation- available to each and every member. If we submit matter how small, sin always serves to block our
future, in the proclamation and propagation of ship with Him. ourselves willingly to pastoral guidance, our lead- drawing closer to God.
God’s kingdom. Prayer is the most essential requisite for abid- ers, who are tasked to help us in our faith-journey, When we lead holy lives and remain in God’s
A very powerful affirmation of the message of ing in Christ. This is our lifeline to God. Prayer, will lovingly guide us, who are God’s work in presence, we will truly bear much fruit that will
Christ was the solemn assurance of our Lord to the especially when one, through constant practice, progress, through our struggles. We have to par- last (John 15:16a). Our God, always loving and
disciples that whoever believes in Jesus, i.e. living has reached a level of prayer that fully allows ticipate actively in our community life so as to more faithful, reassures us that as we abide in Jesus, as
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES
in unity with God, will do ‘the works that I do, the full contemplation of the presence of God, rapidly grow in the Spirit. Most important, we have we go deeper into a relationship with Him, our
and will do greater ones than these, because I am liberates, energizes and completes the connec- to have a heart for mission since this allows us to Father will give us whatever we ask in His Son’s
going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my tion to Him. partake of Jesus’ mission of salvation and gives us Name.
name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified The regular study of Scripture, because of a deeper perspective and appreciation of our role Being one with Christ is an ideal, but it is not an
in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will the richness of the text and the sheer volume of as co-evangelizers with the Church. impossible dream. The key to oneness with Christ
do it.” (John 14:12-14) wisdom contained in it, leads us to full reflection Our trials are great opportunities for pruning. is simply to follow His command to love one an-
After the Last Supper, where He also instituted of His Word and its application to our daily life The Lord allows trials in our life to make us stron- other (John 15:17). As we draw closer and closer to
the Eucharist, His everlasting Presence with His situations. ger in our faith and to make us desire and strive for Him, and begin to bear much fruit, then our lives
people, He led them to the garden of Gethsemane. Our sacramental life, which brings us sanctify- the humility to recognize our weaknesses and our begin to be modeled on His own. Loving as He
But before reaching their not too distant destina- ing grace and allows us to maintain that state of shortcomings. It is the challenges and trials that loves does not suddenly become easy but it does
tion, Jesus chose the moment to teach them one of grace, are major aids to our achievement of holi- we encounter and, with God’s grace, triumphantly become, with His grace, certainly doable.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 7
March 29 - April 11, 2010
Ugnayan C3
By Richie Tolentino
In Defense of Life The Church’s All-NFP program covers all modern NFP methods, reaches out to all chapel communi-
ties and households, and totally rejects the use of any back-up contraceptives. NFP is preferred by the
NATURAL Family Planning (NFP) and Responsible Parenthood were the key topics of the CFC Mission Church because: (1) it preserves normal (or natural) intercourse; (2) it is acceptable to all religions and
Core teaching given at the Xavier School Gym last March 16. In his talk entitled “In Defense of Life: cultures, and does not separate the love-giving and life-giving dimensions of the marital act; (3) its
A Call to Action for the Laity,” Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, S.J., of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de methods post no inherent health risks; (4) its methods are effective and reliable; (5) it entails no cost
Oro, discussed the pastoral guidelines and core values in the promotion of NFP. once the method is learned; (6) it is sustainable from generation to generation because its practice can
He began by citing what priests and family life workers have ascertained as the three felt needs of be passed on by a mother to her children; (7) it promotes shared and responsible parenthood because it
couples: (1) that couples want to plan their families in terms of size and spacing of births; (2) that they involves a joint decision by the couple; (8) it brings about sexual discipline for the spouses, and fosters
prefer NFP, given sufficient information on fertility awareness and NFP methods; and (3) that they want mutual caring and respect for their bodies; (9) it engenders an innate respect for human life, such that
to be able to pick the NFP method suitable to their circumstances. According to Archbishop Ledesma, NFP users rarely or never resort to abortion; and (10) it improves communication between husband
the best answer to these needs is to provide a positive alternative, especially since the latest surveys and wife, which is why NFP users rarely or never separate or get divorced.
reveal that less than one percent of couples use NFP, while the majority adopts no family planning The fourth guideline asserts that the Church is for enabling couples to make an informed and morally
measures at all. The rest use either traditional or modern methods to plan their families. responsible choice according to the dictates of a right conscience. Here Archbishop Ledesma spoke of
The Church follows four pastoral guidelines in promoting NFP. The first is a staunch pro-life stand three kinds of freedom: the ontological freedom of every person to choose good or evil; the social and
that upholds the dignity of the human life from the moment of conception. The Church maintains that political freedom of each citizen; and the authentic freedom of every human being, which has to do
the human person is (1) created in the image of God; (2) created with doing what ought to be done. Authentic freedom follows
by God in unity of body and soul; (3) open to transcendence, the prompting of one’s conscience. Thus, the formation of
to the infinite, and to all created beings; (4) endowed with a conscience through values formation programs is an integral
moral conscience that enables him to distinguish between part of promoting NFP and Responsible Parenthood.
good and evil; (5) a social and relational being; and (6) sinful In closing, Archbishop Ledesma stressed that in making their
but called to salvation. decision, couples need to consider the future of their children—
The second pastoral guideline maintains that the Church is both already born and yet unborn—their particular material
for Responsible Parenthood and thus calls on married couples and spiritual situation, and the overall good of their family, the
to plan their families according to the moral norms of the society, and the Church. Meanwhile, the local church is called to
Church. This involves making a deliberate decision regarding spread the word about NFP to as many couples as it can reach,
the number of children and the spacing of births. Responsible not with an attitude of condemnation or denunciation, but with
Parenthood takes into consideration the following roles that charity, compassion, and the formation of conscience.
the Christian family plays, which include: (1) forming a com- Ana Lea Pielago, who is an NFP Coordinator and part
munity of persons that fosters life and love, thus being a school of Archbishop Ledesma’s NFP team in Cagayan de Oro,
of deeper humanity; (2) serving life by passing on the divine supplemented the Archbishop’s talk by discussing details
image from person to person, therefore being a school of social of the Responsible Parenthood and All-NFP Program that is
living; (3) participating in the development of human society currently being implemented in the province. She shared her
by seeking to live out the values of truth, justice, freedom, and insights about her actual experiences in the field and urged
love; and (4) sharing in the life and mission of the Church by CFC to engage in a more extensive partnership with the local
fulfilling its role as domestic church and making Christian churches for the promotion of NFP.
marriage itself a profession of faith. Also in attendance that evening was Mitos Rivera of the
The third guideline affirms the Church’s pro-NFP and anti- Archbishop Ledesma poses for a photo with, from left, a member of his staff, Joey and Tess Arguelles, Institute for Reproductive Health, which provides informa-
DIDO (Drugs, Injections, Devices, and Operations) position. Joe Tale, Joe Yamamoto and Cholo and Christy Labog. tion on NFP technology and values.
Build My House!
THE CFC community has a dream and it is about to become a real-
ity. This dream – for the community to have its very own building
- was first unveiled during the 28th anniversary of CFC at the Luneta
in June 2009. It has slowly gained momentum with members so
excited about it that even without any official program, they have
been committing their pledges of support, with some leaders from amounts ranging from P1,000 to P9,999, the “Beams,” for amounts groups, in Metro Manila and in each major country or regional
Mindanao even actually donating funds. ranging from P10,000 to 49,999) and the “Foundations” for amounts grouping. This is inspired by the story of Gideon in the Bible who,
In January this year, during the Global Leaders Summit, the ex- above P50,000. tasked by God to battle against the Midianites, formed an army to
citement was such that, in response to a question from the floor on The “Foundations” are also called the “Gideon’s 300.” Under fight with him. He started off with 10,000 men but, fearing that
whether the community has plans for its own home, the members the program scheme, groups of 300 individuals, each contributing any victories he would attain he would attribute to himself and not
spontaneously dug deep into their pockets and raised, in the space P50,000, will be formed in each of the three major Philippine island to God, he began to whittle down the number of his army, until he
of thirty minutes, a total of P5.28 million. This was enough to was down to 300 men. At last,
spur further interest in the plan, leading the International Council he thought, this was the number
to create a special building committee to draft the mechanics of a he needed; if he wins the battle,
fundraising campaign. he and the world would know
Last March 19, the feast of St. Joseph the Carpenter, CFC officially that it was only because God was
launched its “Build My House” campaign, targeting the community’s fighting alongside them.
30th anniversary in 2011 as the year when a CFC building will start The dream of a home, after al-
to rise. The campaign also finds inspiration in the 1st reading of that most 29 years of rentals, comes at
day taken from 2 Samuel 7: 4-17 – “Thus says the Lord: ‘Should you an opportune time. The commu-
build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the nity has weathered many trials, es-
day on which I led the Israelites out of Egypt to the present, but I pecially during the past two years,
have been going about in a tent under cloth. In all my wanderings and has undergone much pruning.
everywhere among the Israelites, did I utter a word to any one of As Joe Tale aptly put it, during the
the judges whom I have charged to tend to my people Israel, to ask: launch, there were many opportu-
Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” nities in the past years to build our
The launch will be replicated in all the sectors of Metro Manila own home, but none materialized.
and the provinces, as well as abroad, in a bid to involve each and It is perhaps because, as the Book
every member in the project. Thus, the project envisions that each of Ecclesiastes says, there is a time
member will enroll in the category that they are comfortable with. and a season for everything. To-
The basic category, which is a must for ALL members, is the “Bricks” day, now, we strongly sense, is the
category, where every member is requested to contribute a minimum appointed time for CFC to build a
of P100.00 (with the exception of Kids for Christ who are asked The IC wives and the Metro Manila sector heads’ wives met with the Build My House Committee to discuss the mechanics home that is dedicated to the Lord
to give P30.00 only). The other categories are the “Columns,” for of the fund campaign. and His work.
CFC Batangas Holds ANCOP Breakfast Forum Learning Conflict Styles for the Mission
COUPLES For Christ - Archdiocese of Lipa held The program started with the celebration of By Gail Lozare [SFC – Thailand] of all the parties involved. This style is important
the 1st CFC ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the the Holy Eucharist presided by Archbishop when one is seeking to gain commitment from the
Poor) breakfast forum in RCAL GK Village at Ramon C. Arguelles, Archbishop of Lipa, and AS missionaries, we often come across different per- other parties, when the nature of the work requires
Marawoy Lipa City last March 3, 2010. The event concelebrated by Fr. Nonie Dolor, manager of sonalities and encounter various conflict situations. constant creativity in problem solving, and espe-
gathered almost 250 guests -- businessmen, entre- Pater Putativus in Marawoy, Lipa City, Fr. Totit Being missionaries, we are called upon to witness cially when teamwork is the goal.
preneurs, representatives of big corporations, the Mandanas Jr., parish priest of Lipa Cathedral and to Christ in every situation, and most particularly in 3) Competing, Accommodating and Compro-
academe, church/religious groups, provincial Fr. Jun Quiambao, parish priest of St. Therese of conflict. Knowing how to manage potentially explo- mising styles, all of which aim to create good will
and city officials and all sectors of society. The the Child Jesus in Talisay, Lipa City. sive interactions is an important interpersonal skill while developing personalities and seeking a com-
forum served to introduce CFC’s work with the The program highlight was the turnover of within community, but especially in the missions. mon ground for concerns at hand.
poor (ANCOP) in the province, with the first ac- the P5 million by the Lipa City Government to Last March 8, the CFC international missionaries The seminar brought out the important point
tivity slated to be the building of houses for poor jumpstart the project. The city officials promised attended Face to Face with Conflict: A Seminar- that, after identifying each party’s particular man-
families in the ten barangays of Lipa, specifically that their individual pledges of one house each Workshop on Conflict Management conducted agement style, the parties should agree on the rules
those situated along the old Philippine National will be turned over to CFC by the third week of by Gabriel Lazo in U.P. Diliman. The seminar- of engagement and assign a facilitator during the
Railways railroad tracks. March 2010. Mayor Gozos articulated his seri- workshop explored the different personal conflict conflict resolution. This creates a well-balanced
Local public officials headed by Vice Governor ousness and wholehearted involvement in this management styles, based on the Thomas-Kilmann power structure where all the parties concerned
Mark Leviste, the City Mayor of Lipa, Hon. Oscar work to help alleviate poverty in his area. The Conflict Management Model, namely: will be able to identify and clarify their concerns.
Gozos, the Lipa City Council and the ten Barangay Archbishop, on the other hand, stressed that this 1) Avoiding style - portrays an unassertive and All concerns can be voiced, hence a peaceful at-
Captains of the area graced the event. Joey Ar- is the call for everyone, especially in this Lenten uncooperative personality that neither pursues his mosphere is established and a win-win situation
guelles, representing the CFC International Council, Season, to care, be involved and be united in own concerns nor those of the other parties. This is successfully achieved.
along with the provincial CFC leaders, welcomed helping our less fortunate brethren. style is most often resorted to when information is It was a productive workshop in that the mis-
the guests, among them De La Salle Lipa, CSL Agro- The breakfast forum was sponsored by the incomplete, when a negotiation needs more time, sionaries are now better prepared to handle the
Industrial Corporation, JCRD Realty, Jollibee from Local Government Unit of Lipa City, through and when control is not within reach. different situations they may be confronted with
SM and Fiesta World Mall, Mel-Jean Construction the efforts of Mayor Oscar Gozos and the City 2) Collaborating style - the individual attempts and to interact with the different personalities and
and N.L. Villa Memorial Medical Center. Social Welfare Development Office. to find some solution to fully satisfy the concerns cultures they will meet.