Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cbcpmonitor Vol15 n07
Cbcpmonitor Vol15 n07
Cbcpmonitor Vol15 n07
Confession teaches
to priests and
•B1 “Pahalagahan
ang buhay”
•C1UgnayanThe News Supplement for
penitents, Pope says Couples for Christ
old churches
of three Filipino drug mules who were ex- to the families of those executed and I pray each country about drugs… this is a lesson
ecuted in China on March 30. for the eternal repose of their souls,” he said. for all to be careful and to respect the laws of
At the same time, the prelates said it “I also pray for all those OFWs who are un- other nations also,” dela Cruz added.
should serve as lesson for overseas Filipino der great suffering at this time.” Ramon Credo, 42, Elizabeth Batain, 38,
workers (OFWs) to be extra careful abroad. Kidapawan Bishop Romulo dela Cruz also and Sally Villanueva, 32, were executed
Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo said said he is saddened by what happened and by lethal injection on Wednesday morning
OFWs should make sure they know the laws of expressed condolences over the death of the after they were found guilty of illegal drug
the country they are in to avoid trouble. three Filipinos. trafficking.
“We cannot control the administration of “I’m sorry for the families who are bereav- The execution took place despite earnest
justice in other countries,” said Quevedo, ing now. I hope that this will also serve as a appeal from the Aquino administration to
former president of the Catholic Bishops’ lesson for the future that our OFWs should have their death sentence commuted to life.
Conference of the Philippines. be more careful,” he said. (CBCPNews)
ARMM postponement
disappoints bishop
A CATHOLIC bishop is disap- scheduled to solve the present “They have the power of au-
pointed over President Aquino’s problems in his province. thority so let’s hope for [the] best
call to defer elections in the “First and foremost I am because that’s what the President
Autonomous Region in Muslim frustrated (with the planned has promised that he will clean
Mindanao (ARMM). postponement of the ARMM the government,” he said.
FILE PHOTO
The ARMM polls are elections),” Jumoad said over “I hope it will materialize… I
set on August 11 but the Catholic Church-run Radyo am a law abiding citizen and I
San Agustin Church
administration’s allies in Veritas. respect the decision of the gov-
Congress are determined to But the Mindanao prelate said ernment,” Jumoad added.
have it postponed. he will respect the decision of On March 22, the House of DIRECTOR of Philippine es are also point of interest
FILE PHOTO
Basilan Bishop Martin Ju- the government and will remain Representatives approved a Institute of Volcanology and among tourists, he added.
moad maintains that the elec- hopeful that it will bring good to bill seeking to synchronize the Seismology (Phivolcs) Dr. Re- He said concern from church
Bishop Martin Jumoad
tions should push through as their region. ARMM / A6 nato Solidum urged Church authorities is a manifestation
officials to ensure the stability of its social responsibility.
www.abc.net.au
The Pope dedicated his teaching at the Vatican on March 23
to St. Lawrence of Brindisi, who was born in Italy in 1559 and
was named one of the Doctors of the Church for his expertise
in preaching Catholic doctrine and Sacred Scripture. St. Law-
WASHINGTON, D.C., March “massacres” of Libyan protes- of, civilians’ appears to meet this population of Libya? Is the force rence is known for his “clear and tranquil” explanations of the
28, 2011—The U.S. bishops are tors and bombings of rebel criterion in our judgment.” employed proportionate to the Christian faith to his surrounding culture, the pontiff noted,
urging government leaders to forces by Muammar Gaddafi, He added, “Since the protec- goal of protecting civilians? Is it particularly to those who had left the Church in the wake of
examine the use of military force the country’s leader for 42 years, tion of civilians is paramount, producing evils graver than the the Reformation. (CNA)
in Libya according to principles the U.N. Security Council passed a key question is: Will the coali- evil it hopes to address?
of moral responsibility and the Resolution 1973. This resolution tion actions stay focused on this “What are the implications of New book features in-flight interviews with John Paul
protection of human life. authorized the international limited goal and mission?” the use of force for the future II
Bishop Howard Hubbard of community to establish a no-fly “In recent years,” Bishop Hub- welfare of the Libyan people and Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi recently announced
Albany, New York, chairman of zone, and to allow for the use bard observed, “the Holy See the stability of the region?” the release of the book, “Traveling Companions, In-flight Inter-
the United States Conference of of “all means necessary” for the has emphasized the role of in- He pointed out that “the jus- views with John Paul II.” The book, which features a selection
Catholic Bishops Committee on protection of Libyan civilians. ternational bodies in authorizing tice of a cause does not lessen the of in-flight interviews the late Pope John Paul II gave to journal-
International Justice and Peace, On March 19, several countries humanitarian interventions into moral responsibility to comply ists, was released March 23 at the offices of Vatican Radio. Fr.
wrote a letter last Thursday launched bombing attacks on sovereign nations.” with the norms of civilian im- Lombardi explained that Vatican Radio preserved recordings
to National Security Advisor the Libyan military systems in munity and proportionality.” of the interviews given by John Paul II during the first years
Thomas Donilon emphasizing Tripoli and elsewhere. Careful monitoring In this regard, the bishop of his pontificate. The organization then made them available
these points. Underlining Catholic teach- He added, “The United Na- raised other questions, such as: to journalist Angela Ambrogetti, author of the new book. The
The prelate acknowledged, ing, that “the use of force must tions Security Council needs to “Is force being used in ways that book was published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the Vatican
“Recently our nation in coali- always be a last resort that serves continue to monitor carefully protect civilian lives? publishing house. (CNA)
tion with others embarked on a just cause,” the bishop affirmed, the mission and the use of force “Are civilian casualties being
an internationally-sanctioned “The just cause articulated in in Libya.” avoided? Is the destruction of Pope Benedict prays for peace in Libya
military mission to protect ci- U.N. Security Council Resolution The prelate outlined “impor- lives and property proportionate Responding to the widening military conflict, Pope Benedict
vilians in Libya from their own 1973 to demand ‘a ceasefire and tant questions” in this regard, to the good being achieved in XVI has prayed for a “horizon of peace and harmony” to arise
government.” a complete end to violence and including: “How is the use of terms of saving civilian lives?” in Libya. He also assured the people of Libya of his “heartfelt
In the wake of reports of all attacks against, and abuses force protecting the civilian (Zenit) closeness.” “The disturbing news coming from Libya has
on Church teachings, the sacra- is being considered a significant “In Selangor—where Port
ments, Church history, the lives move to quell frustration among Klang is—there is a state enact-
of the saints and examples of the Malaysian Christians, as a court ment that prohibits the use of the
contemporary mission spirit. case continues on whether non- word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims,”
Goodness Reigns’ People’s Muslims have the constitutional editor of The Herald Fr. Lawrence
Choice Award promises a $1,000 right to use the word. Andrew told Vatican Radio.
cash prize to the winner of an The Herald, Malaysia’s sole The enactment, however,
internet vote. Catholic publication, was pros- “goes against the federal consti-
Entrants are also competing As of Friday afternoon, the setting. The video “Finding John evangelization at St. Theresa’s ecuted last year by the Malaysian tution,” he underscored.
in the “Share the Story” short People’s Choice vote leader was Doe” involves a troubled girl Church in Sugarland, Texas, Home Ministry and threatened Fr. Andrew also said there
film contest. On April 1 contest a video titled “The Sacrament of contemplating suicide, while praised the contest. with the loss of its printing is an internal security act that
organizers will announce win- Divine Mercy.” It retells a story another, “Morning Star Family “Now youth groups and license for its use of “Allah” in allows for use of the Bible by
ners, who may choose either from the life of St. John Bosco in Holy Hour,” describes the Holy teachers will have a safe place describing the Christian God in Christians as long as they have
video equipment packages or which Satan tries to demoralize Hour at a children’ prayer group to send their students and peers its Malay-language section. been stamped with the words
all-inclusive travel packages to a priest and his congregation in New York state. to get solid Catholic information The Herald argued that use “For Christians Only.”
World Youth Day 2011 in Ma- about the effectiveness of con- The contest will help create presented in creative ways,” she of the term follows a centu- “So legally we Christians can
drid, Spain. fession. a repository of short films for said. ries-old tradition within the have the Bible, but they are now
The entries come from 25 U.S. Another leading video, “The catechists and the general public, The website for the People’s Arabic language that pre-dates putting restrictions because of
states and Canada, India, Mexico Ten Plagues,” reinterpets the organizers said. Choice vote is http://www.good- Islam, while the Home Ministry the fear that this will confuse
and Pakistan. biblical plagues in a high school Gabriel Castillo, director of nessreigns.com/vote. (CNA) claimed that its usage outside the Muslims,” he said. (CNA)
News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
A3
www.olivyaz.blogspot.com
rum,” a technical term for the personal space to exercising the ministry of
area of conscience and judgment in the penance in the confessional. To be
priest-penitent relationship. welcomed and heard is also a human
Pope Benedict told the priests that sign of God’s welcome and goodness
the sacrament of Penance teaches the towards His children,” he said. (CNA/
priest about his faith and the truth and EWTN News)
not want to recognize it, it is an nizes that “human rights must atheists and other nonbelievers, gram for his office’s “Courtyard
objective fact that the Christian not be placed in opposition to Cardinal Ravasi had said that of the Gentiles” project, which
presence is absolutely relevant, the religious foundations of Eu- while a crucifix is a religious sym- aims to promote discussions
decisive,” the cardinal told re- ropean civilization.” bol to believers, it also is “a sign of between Christians and atheists
porters March 18. The decision is an affirma- civilization” in the West. or nonbelievers.
Cardinal Ravasi spoke just tion of the respect owed to each In every culture, he said, peo- The cardinal said the “Court-
a few hours before the Grand country of the European Union ple find symbols that express yard of the Gentiles” project
Chamber of the European Court for “the religious symbols of its their identity and, in losing those tentatively is scheduled to hold
of Human Rights ruled in favor cultural history and national symbols, “we run the great risk sessions in other cities around
of Italy in a case where a mother identity” and for national deci- of losing our identity.” the world, including in Quebec
claimed crucifixes in Italian sions on how the symbols can “Having white walls leads to in 2012 and in Chicago and
public-school classrooms vio- and should be displayed, Father a void, to cultural fragility. You Washington in 2013. (CNS)
22 at the Vatican, updated norms issued in in order to discern the truth, the document study needed before studying theology; and
1979. The decree was signed and presented said. At the same time, philosophy studies requirements such as the number of profes-
by Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of prepare them for the study of theology by sors a department must have before the
the Congregation for Catholic Education. helping them see that knowledge and truth Vatican will recognize it as an ecclesiastical
The decree’s introduction said the reform is are not limited to what they can see and faculty of philosophy. (CNS)
EDITORIAL
Melo M. Acuña
Willie, ‘Jan-Jan’ and
Issues and Concerns the crowd
www.cbcpmonitor.com
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
UNDER the mango tree where The boy said he was accompanied ple with “same sex attraction.” quested him to dance again. This
my friends converge after a by his aunt who seemed delighted One of the senior citizens in our was when tears rolled down his
round or two at the Veterans Me- to see her nephew with the fa- group said the dancing was “pure eyes. The young boy didn’t like
morial Medical Center grounds mous television host. entertainment.” It was fun and it what he’s going through despite
early in the morning, a lively It turned a bit different when was worthwhile because the boy the chants from the audience.
Pedro C. Quitorio conversation ensued between Willie asked where Jan-Jan’s fa- earned P10,000 just for the ten- During the ten-minute span
Editor a retired prosecutor, a doctor, a ther works and when the young minute exposure to klieg lights. that I saw on YouTube, I can
former government employee boy said he was in a parlor. Willie “Nobody earns P 10,000 just understand the pain and trauma
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Gloria Fernando and a cycling enthusiast. The then asked what Jan-Jan’s father like that,” he said. However, the “Jan-Jan” went through. Though
Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor issue may not be as simple as it was doing and the boy said he’s doctor in our group said it appears it’s been said the parents ap-
PUBLICATION LAYOUT BY KRIS BAYOS
seemed because it may be de- cutting hair. Asked of his mother, the show caters to the poor who at proved of what the little boy did,
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos scribed as what today’s young Jan-Jan said she was at home least hopes to bring home some- the incident simply calls on us to
News Editor Circulation Manager professionals would depict as because she just gave birth. One thing after the program. The bike reflect.
Kris Bayos “complicated.” could see what used to be a run- enthusiast said one man’s delight Is it always a matter of money?
Marcelita Dominguez
Features Editor Comptroller The issue revolved around Wil- of-the-mill interview turned to be may be one man’s pain. Listening to the senior citizens in
lie Revillame’s “exploitation” of a complicated when Willie asked Listening to their brilliant ex- our group, they all said the situa-
young six-year old boy known as the boy who taught him how to change, I pictured a scene from tion indeed is quite bad with the
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communica-
“Jan-Jan” over his “Wiling Willie” dance. He said it was his father. “Gladiator” when the Romans prices of gasoline and prime com-
tions Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices last March 12. The boy reluctantly gyrated and were lustily cheering slaves- modities soaring with no relief in
at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. The usual Willie interviewed danced the way macho dancers turned-killing machines who sight. They said more and more
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940 the boy, asked him who accompa- danced in some dimly-lit honky- fought each other to death. people will troop to programs
nied him to the station and where tonk bars frequented by what Fr. When Willie handed over that give out cash and gifts worth
his parents were during the show. David Clay would describe as peo- P10,000 to “Jan-Jan,” he soon re- thousands of pesos.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
Opinion A5
Oscar. V. Cruz, DD Fr. Russell Bantiles
Gambling republic
Views and Points Cogito
Why should I watch
CONSIDERING the nature of the government is a downright It bears saying that gambling course of time.
such government corporations gambler itself. This is anything is a vice. It promotes addiction, Considering that gambling is
as the PAGCOR promoting all but a national pride. encourages indolence and there- both corrupt and corrupting, it is
conceivable forms of gambling
plus the PCSO that is another
Never mind the poverty that
is pulsating and threatening the
by discourages industry. It feeds
on human dependence on luck
not only disturbing but also dis-
gusting that a government that
‘There be dragons’?
official gambling provider in peace and order in all the re- as it thereby demeans human proclaims itself as the incarnate
different modalities with differ- gions of the country. And forget dignity. This is why both legal enemy of corruption not simply “I THINK it was Oscar Wilde who said: ‘Every saint has a past;
ent names, and add thereto the about the graft and corruption and illegal gambling providers provides and promotes “legal” every sinner has a future’.”
continuous proliferation of a still alive and kicking in many and operators do not frequent gambling but also openly toler- Thus runs the opening lines of the recent movie “There Be
good number of both “legal” and departments of government. well lighted places. Much less ates “illegal” gambling such as Dragons”, written, directed and produced (among others) by
“illegal” gambling syndicates in Forgot as well the dejection of are they proud in identifying Jueteng! As often said there is one of today’s most famous English directors, Roland Joffé
the country, it is definitely not big number of people eagerly themselves openly in public. It neither rhyme nor reason in such (The Mission, The Killing Fields, The City of Joy). It deals on how
mere poetry to call the Philip- and continuously seeking work may be strange but true that the a gambling posture vis-à-vis its two different personalities confront life’s “dragons” or, in Joffé’s
pines a “Gambling Republic”. but in fact remain workless, de- said individuals do not gamble “Daan matuwid” loud and clear words, “the dilemmas or turning points in our lives where we’re
This is not because Filipinos sirous of having their children as a rule. Reason: They eventu- pre-election rhapsody. faced with potent choices that are going to affect our future”.
are born gamblers as gambling educated but become more and ally become losers. The same is Gambling Republic! And this “There Be Dragons” is about “the very different choices that
providers avidly claim—but more ignorant in the course of true with those making illegal is not even about competence people take at those turning-points – temptations, if you like –
rather because the government time. To all this big social prob- drugs their capital and source or will-power but merely about and how hard it is, and yet how necessary, to escape cycles of
provides and encourages them lem, the government appears to of income. As a rule, they do plain honesty and simple decen- hatred and resentment and violence”, the director said.
to gamble. Truth to tell, there are be loudly and repeatedly saying not take such drugs. Reason: cy. Nothing more—and nothing The film presents two different personalities – one histori-
rather very few countries where “Go and gamble!” They also emerge as losers in the less too. cal, Saint Josemaria Escrivá de Balaguer (Charlie Cox), the
founder of Opus Dei, whose life runs parallel with another
fictional character, Manolo Torres (Wes Bentley), who has
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago been the former’s childhood friend and seminary classmate.
How both personalities confronted the Spanish Civil War and
Candidly Speaking takes supernatural grace to see evil with the eyes of God.
“So many horrible, horrendous acts between people seem
unforgivable, unredeemable, impossible to move beyond”, says
Joffé, “But forgiveness is possible! The inexhaustible possibility
A SIDELIGHT in the RH Bill the law of God? St. Paul once said about free- we have many brilliant people of forgiveness is what offers room for hope – even in the most
issue that is gaining public So, some of our legal minds are dom: “You have been called entangled in their own web of painful, tragic and appalling circumstances, where hope seems
interest is that ordinance of held captive by what is known as unto freedom. Only do not conceit and pride. impossible. But the price is high: It takes a deep sense of what
the Ayala Alabang Village that legal positivism. That’s purely make freedom an occasion to In this RH Bill-related Ayala it is to be fully human, a deep feeling for compassion – and a
seeks to regulate the availability human law with God having the flesh, but by charity of the Alabang ordinance, for example, firm, individual, and yes, heroic resolve not to be caught up in
of contraceptive materials. It so no place in it. Unfortunately, in spirit, serve one another.” (Gal it is claimed that some sector of prevailing hatreds, but to fight them with unremitting love”.
happens that the same ordinance some so-called developed coun- 5, 13) St. Peter said something the Catholic Church is impos- “Essentially we’ve all got to choose whether to hang on to
is now being copied by other tries and among some of our similar when he said we should ing their option on others, and our resentments or find a way of conquering them. Life can be
barangays in Luzon, and so, the bright minds, this narcissistic not make freedom a cloak for therefore, unconstitutional. seen as a series of injustices, of rejections and hurts, or as full of
controversy thickens. anomaly reigns supreme. malice. (cfr 1 Pt 2, 16) How that conclusion was ar- opportunities, of chances to conquer those dragons through the
The brouhaha actually sur- There are also people who That´s why Christ told us to be rived at is again a mystery to me. overwhelming desire to replace hatred with love and connec-
faces a more important aspect of may not openly profess atheism most faithful to his word. ¨”Who- I suppose we can look at things tion. Many people have it in them to make that heroic choice.
life, and that is none other than and agnosticism, but put God in ever relaxes one of the least of in different ways and through They realize that they can make a choice to be free. They have
the interplay between legality brackets when they pursue their these commandments and teaches different lenses. If one is not the strength of character to understand that hate is a prison.
and morality, man’s laws and temporal affairs, like making laws men so, shall be called least in the clear about the intrinsic evil of No one who hates can be free”, says Joffé.
God’s laws. This is an area prone and ordinances. They consider kingdom of heaven; but he who contraception, not to mention He adds: “Forgiveness unlocks what’s been frozen. It touches
to a lot of problems. God a drag, a bother or an embar- does them and teaches them shall abortion to which the RH Bill everything human inside the one who is forgiven as it touches every-
For one, there is an emerg- rassment in law-making. At best, be called great in the kingdom of is bound to approve one day, if thing human in the one who forgives. You think you can’t forgive?
ing attitude of considering any they give him only some formalis- heaven.” (Mt 5, 19) experience of other countries is Well, you won’t know if you can forgive until you’ve done it”.
reference to God in the making tic references, but no more. When our freedom is not to be considered, then anything “And how do you forgive?”, asks Joffé. “You forgive by
of our laws as completely out of This is actually a common acknowledged as coming from that regulates or restrains the empathizing. You forgive by being that other person. By
place. How this mindset came problem. While we need to have God and therefore, for God, use of contraceptives would be abandoning demonization, by not saying, ‘I’m better than that
to be is quite a mystery to me, law and a whole legal and judicial when it is not lived in charity viewed negatively. person, I could never do that’, but by looking at that person
since as far as I can see, the ul- system to regulate our life in soci- for the others as God wants it, Some so-called legal luminar- and saying, ‘That could be me’.”
timate basis of our laws should ety, what we don’t need is legal- then we can make laws and or- ies are questioning this ordi- Indeed, “this is very much a movie about love, about the
be God’s laws. ism, or the distortion and abuse of dinances that cater to our own nance when in fact other RH- strength of its presence and the arid and terrifying world that
Of course, we are now in some our man-made legal system. ideas, and not anymore God’s, of related ordinances that favor we inhabit in its absence. When people choose to love, the
secularized and Godless world, We are, of course, vulnerable who we are and of how we are contraceptives not only regulate impartial observer can feel it in them – the sense of freedom,
and thus, we should not be all to this predicament, since man’s supposed to behave, etc. and promote but rather impose of compassion, of giving”.
too surprised when we meet intelligence and free will can take We can abuse our freedom and the use of contraceptives. Finally, we all face this choice. Saint Josemaría chose the path
anomalies like this not only in tortuous turns that in the end are use it to pursue what we want, In this RH Bill issue, we are of love. Manolo tread the road of hatred and jealousy. “Even
the streets, but also in our law- determined by how our heart even to the point of disobeying not mainly concerned about the Robert, the agnostic and materialist, is asked to choose between
making congresses worldwide. tilts—either toward God or is it God. This abuse of freedom and legalistic intricacies involved. love and hate”, observes Joffé, “in a sense, to fight the world
Some would ask, how would we just stuck with our own selves? of the other gifts of God to us is We are more concerned about with love, or as Aline, a mysterious lady who conversed with
ever know that such and such is Apropos of this point is what rampant these days. That’s why the morality of such bill. Josemaría during his refuge in a mental hospital, puts it, “to
fight God with love”.
The film’s last words run: “Saint Josemaría founded the Opus
Dei, which teaches that work and the circumstances of everyday life
are occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for
improving society, while Manolo Torres remains in each of us, trying
to conquer the dragons that reside within us!”
The movie appeals to everyone to make a choice especially
in these times of spiritual and moral turmoil in our society. On
our response rests our happiness and the ultimate meaning of
our existence. Isn’t this enough motivation to watch the film
and reflect on it?
Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
Pope / A1
Coal power plants must be official said.
During the recent Ad Limina Visit of
In Quirino Grandstand, priests also
heard confessions from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
ing various parishes of the diocese
joined some 40 priests and religious
shut off—environmentalists the bishops in Rome, the pope lauded
them for their efforts to protect human
life from conception until natural death,
to highlight the call for conversion in
the Season of Lent.
The gathering included the recitation
women for their protest rally.
“We thanked God for the fine weath-
er that brought parish representatives
THE Kalikasan People’s Network for the dioxide in the atmosphere from the and for defending the integrity of mar- of the Holy Rosary, the Station of the to our activity,” Bishop Gutierrez told
Environment (KPNE) insists that there is current 390ppm to 350ppm,” he said, riage and the family. Cross, Inter-Faith Prayer and Declara- CBCPNews.
a need to shut off coal-fired power plants citing Dr. James Hansen, a well-known tion of Opposition to the RH bill.
in the country as they contribute to the climatologist, who said that 350ppm is Teaching the wrong values A protracted pro-life campaign
bulk of carbon dioxide (CO2), which has the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide According to Radyo Veritas, more Simultaneous Mindanao rallies CBCP president and Tandag Bishop
caused climate change. in the atmosphere if run away climate than 200,000 people trooped to the Simultaneous rallies against the RH Nereo P. Odchimar had earlier said that
Along with the global advocacy of change is to be prevented. Quirino Grandstand in Manila as bill were also held in different key cit- the Church is all set for a protracted
mitigating the effects of climate change However, what worries KPNE more early as 4 p.m. to raise their opposition ies across Mindanao, gathering at least campaign across the country to further
through the annual observance of Earth is the government’s Philippine Energy against the controversial RH bill. 50,000 concerned Catholics and repre- promote its pro-life stand.
Hour on March 26, so should the Phil- Plan that focuses on the privatization of In his homily during the 7 p.m. Mass, sentatives from various faiths. The prelate made the statement on
ippines reassess its policies towards the country’s energy resources. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo March 23, after a concelebrated Mass
coal-fired power plants, said Clemente This move by the State, said Clemente, Rosales chided proponents of the RH Valles said they had a huge attendance at the Manila Cathedral attended by
Bautista Jr., national coordinator of will increase the country’s dependency bill for teaching the Filipino people the during their mass action dubbed as pro-life supporters and the country’s
KPNE, in a statement. on dirty fossil fuels such as coal. wrong values. “March for Life – Mass for Life” where lawmakers.
“Coal-fired power plants have been The environmental conservation “What kind of law is this RH bill that the participants assembled at the Met- Odchimar expressed his appreciation
identified as among the largest emitters advocate also said that despite local op- when it becomes a law… those who ropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate for the group of legislators who have
of carbon dioxide. President Aquino position, coal-fired power plants such would (violate) may be asked to pay Conception as early as 5:00 p.m. “manifested their support and did not
should enforce a moratorium on new as Toledo coal plant in Cebu and Iloilo fines or face imprisonment?” he said. “We marched to the Shrine of Nuestra give in to pressures and lobby for the
coal plants to contribute in the global coal plant were built and is now ready “Marriage is holy. Having sex is sa- Señora la Virgen del Pilar, more than a RH bill.”
campaign to lower the level of carbon to operate. (Noel Sales Barcelona) cred because it is connected to life which kilometer away, for the celebration of
came from God. Condom is not a game the Holy Eucharist,” the Zamboanga Support from lawmakers
that should be taught to children so they prelate said. Congressman Fernando Gonzales of
Annulment / A1
would not be infected with diseases. He said the message was loud and Albay’s third Congressional District,
News, signed by Solicitor General Jose have three to four children and 1% has Why should we teach these games to clear: “Those who believe in the gospel who was among those who attended
Anselmo I. Cadiz, the Assistant Solicitor five to six children. these children?” he asked. of Jesus, in front of the possibility of the the thanksgiving Mass, believed it is
General Karl B. Miranda and one Attor- “The children of these marriages “Elders should teach children the RH bill becoming a law in our land must right for most lawmakers to support
ney Christer James Ray A. Gudiano, are likely to be affected by the separa- importance of life, the holiness of self- choose between the Culture of Life or the Catholic Church’s position which
Psychological incapacity can be tion of their parents,” the same study restraint which is called discipline…to the Culture of Death.” is definitely pro-life.
found in Article 36 of the Family Code revealed. have discipline and respect and for the Valles said the big open area of the “I think this is strictly important to
and can be cited as a ground for legal person to have character. Now what highly popular shrine of Nuestra Se- the lives of the people and we fully
separation or nullity of marriage. Annulment and nullity, not the same they are teaching the children is use ñora la Virgen del Pilar was filled with believe that the Church is correct in
Other grounds include lack of author- Meanwhile, Archbishop Emeritus condom and play. This is how they people. making its stand on this matter, ensur-
ity of the solemnizing officer, bigamous Oscar V. Cruz, head of the CBCP Na- make life cheap,” added Rosales. “It had no roof and it was a fiesta ing life would go on,” the Albayano
or polygamous marriages and marriag- tional Matrimonial Tribunal said, the The church-organized rally coincided atmosphere that prevailed during the lawmaker said.
es where one or both parties were below Office of the Solicitor General at times with the observance of the Day of the Un- activity,” he further said. Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, Pan-
the marrying age allowed by law. “talked of ‘annulment’ and ‘nullity’ as if born and the Feast of the Annunciation. Meanwhile, at the Oval Plaza at the gasinan Congresswoman Gina Vera-
It was learned that those who filed said actions on de facto marriages were All afternoon masses in Manila had heart of General Santos City, about 4,000 Perez De Venecia, Manila Congressman
for annulment, 61% of the petitioners somehow the same.” been cancelled to enable priests to Catholic faithful gathered for their anti- Amado Bagatsing and about twenty
were women with 90% have filed cases He explained nullity is about ab initio accompany their flock to the prayer RH bill rally. other lawmakers participated in the
in their twenties, while only 4% filed in void marriages while annulment is re- rally and for them to concelebrate in Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez Eucharistic celebration. (with reports
their thirties. garding ab initio valid but invalidated the Mass. said more than 4,000 people represent- from Melo Acuna)
The same study revealed only 39% of marriages.
men initiated the filing of the complaint The 76-year old prelate noted that OSG Cut / A1 Philvocs / A1
with 70% of them in their twenties. It is said to intervene before the respective of their pork barrel fund for the OFWs. The bishop said he is convinced that the were destroyed by the 7.5 magnitude
was also found that 25% of men in their trial and appellate courts to “ensure that “It would be a big help… hope they government is doing everything it can to quake.
30’s or 40’s filed for annulment. The the interest of the State in the sanctity of will realize that,” Cantillas said over the help the Filipino workers abroad. Even if churches were made of lime,
number of cases filed was lesser for both marriage is protected” but the interven- Manila archdiocese-run Radyo Veritas. “We see that effort being made by the rocks and egg-white, still, the solidity
genders who are in their 40’s or 50’s. tion is however not mandatory because Cantillas is the chairman of the government despite the lack of funds,” of the structures will depend on where
Some 35% of married couples filed the OSG is simply “authorized to inter- Commission for the Pastoral Care of Cantillas said. these are constructed, he said.
their annulment case within the first five vene” and is even allowed to signify not Migrants and Itinerant People of the Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also
years of their marriage. The OSG report only is “opposition” but also its “agree- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the made the same challenge to the lawmak- Need for Community Preparedness
said marriages that lasted for five years ment” to a nullity/annulment decision. Philippines. ers for the sake of the OFWs. “While there may be earthquakes in
or more, only 26% ended in an annul- He sadly noted the OSG is not even He said that although the fund is “It is the best time for them that all those the Philippines in the near future, these
ment suit while marriages that lasted for mandated to appeal the decision. intended for development projects, it congressmen must give their pork barrel are not related to the devastating earth-
more than ten years, only 17% opted to “That the fact remains, that nullity/ would be good if the legislators would to protect our OFW,” Bastes said. quakes which brought havoc to Japan
have their union annulled. annulment decisions are not contested by use it for OFWs who want to go home. “I am challenging them that all their and New Zealand,” Solidum said.
“The study noted the longer the par- the Office of the Solicitor General while “The amount that would be gathered pork barrel will be put in a common But he added Filipinos should be able
ties are married, the lesser chances of collusion therein by the partes in causa is from the pork barrel of lawmakers could fund so that our OFWs whose lives are to prepare and focus on community
them seeking annulment of their mar- practically the norm,” Cruz explained. also help in providing jobs for the re- in danger would be able to come back,” preparedness which was manifested
riage,” the OSG document surmised. He added when the OSG was before turning OFWs,” he said. he said. (CBCPNews)
The sad part in the surge of annul- mandated to interview, said marriage in northeastern Japan. He said the level
ment cases, as usual, is that more and cases did not prosper when contested of community preparedness is very
Advocates / A1 important.
more children are affected. The data before the Supreme Court specifically
from the OSG showed 82% of those who under the nullity ground of “psychologi- Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, bill. Had the Japanese not been prepared,
filed these cases have children and out cal incapacity” because the said Court a known pro-life advocate, appealed “Without the support of our priests, more people would have died from the
of this 82% who filed these cases, 59% observed Church jurisprudence in its de- to priests to often discuss with their the lawmakers will not feel our strong catastrophe, Solidum said.
have at least one or two children, 22% cisions in marriage cases. (CBCPNews) parishioners why the church is against opposition to the RH bill,” Macalintal Volcanic quakes cause little damage to
the bill. said. public and private properties. However,
“I am appealing to our priests to al- “I think the fight against the RH bill Solidum said there have been instances
ARMM / A1
ways include in their homilies the issue will be stronger if priests will discuss it when a very strong tectonic earthquake
ARMM polls with the May 2013 mid- power to appoint officers-in-charge in on the RH bill,” Macalintal said. in their homilies so that people would would “wake a volcano’s magma” as in
term elections. the ARMM government until new of- The lawyer noted that some priests understand,” he said. the case of Mt. Pinatubo.
By a vote, 191-47-2, the lawmakers ficials are elected. are not comfortable discussing the is- Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, He recalled a pretty strong earth-
approved on second and third reading Aquino lauded the approval of sue with their flock or some don’t even chairman emeritus of Pro-Life Philip- quake with its epicenter in Central
House Bill 4146, the measure certified the bill by the Lower House and know how to explain it. pines, also echoed Macalintal’s con- Luzon hit the region in July 16, 1990. Mt.
as urgent by Aquino. hoped the Senate would do the same. But priests, he said, can also get lay cern saying priests should speak more Pinatubo erupted about eleven months
The measure also gives the President (CBCPNews) leaders and experts to talk about the against the bill. (CBCPNews) after. (CBCPNews)
Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
A7
Laguna declared pro-life and family friendly zone
SAN PABLO City—A multi- CALAMBA, ARLENE ARCIL- Liceo de San Pablo Gymnasium. it, is laced with vital moral issues
sectoral rally for life organized LAS of SANTA ROSA and LEN Concelebrated by the Reli- which are being violated or being
by the Diocese of San Pablo and LEN ALONTE-NAGUIAT of gious and Diocesan Clergy, the subjected into distortions.
the Knights of Columbus have BINAN to declare the Province Mass was followed by a short He said the declaration to
declared Laguna a prolife and of Laguna and their respective program with Parañaque Con- make Laguna a prolife and fam-
family-friendly zone. Cities as ZONES FOR LIFE AND gressman Roilo Golez as Guest ily friendly province is their com-
Around 7,000 young and old FAMILY.” speaker. mitment to continue fighting to
Laguna folks who joined in the San Pablo Bishop Leo M. Golez said, the Filipino popu- defend the gift of life from God
“Walk for Life 2011” on March Drona said they are in the pro- lation is not the cause of poverty and to preserve the family.
26 have committed to favor and cess of making representations nor are they a liability, but as- After the program, the bishop
protect the integrity of life and with Laguna lawmakers and sets. For instance, he stressed, spearheaded the signing of the
family, while urging local gov- Local Government Units (LGUs) the majority of the OFWs who resolution followed by priests,
ernment leaders to do the same. to also make their commitments remit millions of pesos and dol- leaders of every delegation, of-
The Coalition for Life and clear about the controversial lars in the country are members ficers, civic groups, youths and
Family of Laguna composed of issue of the RH Bill pending in of poor families that have sev- others.
individual parishioners, civic Congress. eral children. He said, the fight Rally participants walked
and religious organizations He said he is pleased that against the RH Bill is not only for through the main streets bear-
signed a resolution that read in presently, three out of the four the people in the Church, rather ing placards and streamers with
part: “We, the citizens of Laguna Congressmen in Laguna had it is a fight by every legitimate anti RH Bill slogans like “Buhay
and of the Cities of San Pablo, signified their intentions to reject citizen, private individuals, pro- Biyaya ng Diyos,” “Abort RH
Calamba, Santa Rosa and Biñan the said bill in Congress. fessionals, parents, civic group, bill,” and “Abortion and Con-
gathered today as a Coalition for The lawmakers are Congress- media, other religions, main- traception are Fruits of the same
Life and Family of Laguna com- man Edgardo San Luis of District stream leaders of government, tree-evil.”
posed of the individual parish- 4; Congresswoman Ivy Arago, the general public who believe Meanwhile, more than 1,000
ioners and civic and religious District 3; and Congressman Dan in the dignity and sanctity of hu- parishioners from the vicariate
organizations now assembled, Fernandez, District 1. man life from conception until of Calamba also conducted their
declare and affirm: our commit- The prelate said, they are still its natural death. separate protest march along
ment to uphold and protect the praying and waiting for the final Drona in his homily said major thoroughfares of the city
dignity of the human person, words from District 2 Congress- among others, that life is a against the RH Bill morning of
the value of life from concep- man Justin Timmy Chipeco who gift from God. “Let us fight the same day.
tion to natural death and the has not yet made any positive or against the culture of death. It The march culminated at the
sacredness of the family founded negative commitment in relation is an abomination to say that St. John Parish Church for a Holy
Photo courtesy of Fr. Romulo Ponte
on the indissoluble union of to the RH Bill. it is a person’s human right to Mass and message from parish
man and woman, THUS, We The walk for Life spearheaded kill a child inside the mother’s priest and vicar forane Fr. Rene
urge and request our good by the Knights of Columbus womb,” he said. Eriga.
Governor JEORGE E.R. EJER- Laguna Chapter in coordination He said the church is against Eriga is also the Social Action
CITO ESTREGAN, the HON- with the Family Life Ministry the RH Bill not because it wants Director of the Diocese. He was
ORABLE MAYORS VICENTE and supervised by Bishop Drona to meddle in political affairs but assisted by members of the cler-
AMANTE OF SAN PABLO started with the celebration of the because the measure, although gy in the vicariate. (Fr. Romulo
CITY, JOAQUIN CHIPECO of Holy Mass at about 7 a.m. at the there are some positive points in O. Ponte)
Tuguegarao holds Bible Congress exempts Napocor power plants in Mindanao from privatiza-
tion, which Aquino said has led to a situation where the gov’t
subsidized power rates in Mindanao. (Bong D. Fabe)
SOLANA, Cagayan―More than tired in living and spreading the
Misamis Oriental awarded for innovative health care
200 parishioners from the Arch- Word of God.
diocese of Tuguegarao and suf- Talamayan emphasized that program
fragan dioceses of Ilagan and faith comes from what is heard CAGAYAN DE ORO City— Misamis Oriental is one of this
Bayombong and the vicariate of and what is heard of is from year’s awardees in the Galing Pook Awards for its excellent
Tabuk participated in a two-day God. innovations in addressing the problems on hospital services
Bible Congress here, vowing to “For man to become what he and facilities faced by the province. The Galing Pook award
live and help spread the Word of hears, he has to proclaim what he capped Governor Oscar Moreno’s outstanding performance
God in their respective areas. hears. And so, man has to listen as provincial local chief executive as it recognized his achieve-
The parishioners, in their and grasp the word that shapes ments especially in steering the province to greater heights in
statement of commitment to his life,” the archbishop said. his three terms of office. (Bong D. Fabe)
spread God’s Word, promised In spreading the word of God
to undertake the continuous even in these trying times, it Bishop seeks fair trial for Ombudsman
formation and study of the is necessary that everyone fol- Caloocan City— Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez urged
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Word and the proclamation of lows the precepts of justice and senators to properly handle the impeachment case of Ombuds-
the unchanging message of God fairness, and of love to win the man Merceditas Gutierrez. Iñiguez said the lawmakers should
in a changing time. hearts and minds of the people properly deal with the issue after the Congress approved on
They have also committed and be under the graces of God, March 22 the articles of impeachment to bring Gutierrez to
to establish linkages and col- he added. trial at the Senate. The prelate called on the lawmakers to
laboration with other dioceses, It is important that in all the maintain objectivity and impartiality in handling the case of
commissions and pool resource parishes and dioceses, adults the embattled of anti-graft chief. (CBCPNews)
persons in order to further the ECBA executive secretary Fr. Life Apostolate of Tuguegarao and children are catechized, he
apostolate of spreading the Oscar Alunday who spoke on on The Role of the Word of God said. Pamalakaya demands P7.50 rollback in petrol
Word of God in the mission of Verbum Domini; Fr. Fredel Ag- in the Vision, Mission and Goal The congress was the first MANILA—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamala-
‘changing the face of the earth’ atep on The Evangelization of the of the Archdiocese of Tugue- Bible Congress conducted by the kaya ng Pilipinas demands from the big three oil companies
through the power of the Holy Metropolitan See of Tuguegarao: garao. Metropolitan See of Tuguegarao a rollback of P7.50 on the price of petroleum products, not a
Spirit. Historical Perspective; Msgr. Tuguegarao Archbishop Dios- through the leadership of Msgr. measly P1.00. Pamalakaya spokesperson Salvador France said
Resource persons include Gerard Ariston Perez, vicar dado Talamayan and Auxiliary Danny Ulep, archdiocesan direc- Caltex, Petron and Shell had been overpricing in petroleum
Lingayen-Dagupan Auxiliary forane of the Itawes Vicariate Bishop Ricardo Baccay urged tor of the Biblical Apostolate. products since December 2010. “ We insist oil companies to
Bishop Renato Mayugba and and chairman of the Family and everyone to continue and not get (Purita Licas/CBCPNews) rollback the prices of petroleum products by P7.50 per liter and
not P1 per liter and the oil cartel should resign from exacting
PNoy to pursue ARMM polls postponement monopoly pricing, price manipulation and overpricing,” he
said. (CBCPNews)
national and local elections in May 2013. Urban poor leader shot dead
CAGAYAN DE ORO City, March 26, “The Organic Act of the ARMM spe-
2011—The Aquino administration is keen Aquino said that synchronization would cifically states that the President only has NAVOTAS City—A leader of a Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahi-
in pushing for the postponement of the elec- eliminate “command votes” and would supervisory powers over ARMM and not hirap here was shot dead by unknown assassins, March 16. The
tions in the Autonomous Region in Muslim lead to clearer mandate by the people in the control. And the President’s appointment of victim was identified as Antonio “Nono” Homo, 47, a resident
Mindanao (ARMM). autonomous region. OICs in the region is a clear violation of this of Kadiwa, Brgy. San Roque, and currently the president of the
This was stressed by President Benigno He said that this so-called “command Act,” he stressed. Nagkakaisang Samahan sa Kadiwa, an urban poor organization
Aquino III during his visit here when he votes” is the reason for the under-develop- “The Constitution and the Organic Act affiliated with Kadamay. The victim was reported chatting with
faced local and national media in a brief ment of the ARMM. clearly stipulate that the President’s power one of his neighbors when he was shot by unknown suspects.
Q&A forum. Aquino said there really is a need for the na- over the ARMM is limited to general supervi- Kadamay-Navotas spokesperson Arthur Cadungon connects
Aquino said that he expects intense debate tional government to intervene in the ARMM sion,” he added. the killing to the escalating campaign of NASAKA against the
in the Senate now that House Bill 4146 mus- to be able to put in place institutional reforms Rodriguez also said that HB 4146 is an planned demolition of shanties in the area to give way to the
tered enough in the Lower House just hours that are badly needed and the only way to do amendment to the Organic Act, which city government’s road widening and housing projects. (Noel
before congressmen went on a month-long this is to postpone the August 2011 elections should be done through a plebiscite. Sales Barcelona)
Lenten recess. and synchronized it with the 2013 elections. As provided in the Organic Act, any
The Lower House passed on March 23 But Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of this city’s amendment to it must be approved by two- Civil society urges PNoy to formally appoint Robredo,
HB 4146, which gave the President blanket second legislative district said Aquino’s pro- thirds of the members of the Lower House Acosta
authority to appoint loyal subordinates nouncements smacked of double-talk since and Senate, voting separately. Then a plebi- CAGAYAN DE ORO City— Leaders of Civil Society Organiza-
as officers-in-charge of the ARMM. It also Aquino had promised the Filipino nation of scite to ratify the decision of the House and tions (CSOs) in Northern Mindanao urged President Aquino
synchronized the ARMM elections with the reform and good governance. Senate, he pointed out. (Bong D. Fabe) to formally and permanently appoint a Bicolano and someone
from Bukidnon to his Cabinet. “We would like to express our
Pastoral Companion / A4 support on the formal and permanent appointment of Mr.
Jessie Robredo as secretary of the Department of Interior and
John Paul II in Assisi. I assured ation of the archdiocese. Pope our formation of Basic Ecclesial blessing – for myself and all our Local Government. We believe in his honesty and dedication
the Holy Father that we would Benedict asked about the num- Communities. co-workers in Cagayan de Oro to authentic service,” they said in a statement read during the
also commemorate this anni- ber of our priests and seminar- Noting that I am a Jesuit bish- Archdiocese. Regional Consultation Forum with Civil Society Organizations
versary with a similar gathering ians, our catechetical program, op, the Holy Father inquired Postcript: In a letter dated 5 in Region 10 on March 23. (Bong D. Fabe)
of religious leaders praying for and the formation of parents about the presence of the Soci- March 2011, Archbishop Fer-
peace at the local level. and families as the first line for ety of Jesus in the Philippines. nando Filoni from the Vatican’s PNoy urges business leaders to support impeachment
In this connection, we briefly catechesis. I mentioned to him I mentioned to him that we Secretariat of State conveyed of ombudsman
discussed the unfolding events that the archdiocese has been have Xavier University as the this message: “The Holy Father CAGAYAN DE ORO City— President Aquino urged the lead-
in North Africa and the Middle blessed with more than a hun- leading university in Northern has asked me to thank you for ers of the business community in Northern Mindanao, as well as
East. Coincidentally, in the Phil- dred priests but that this is not Mindanano. He was also glad the Natural Family Planning local political leaders, to support the impeachment proceedings
ippines, I told the Pope, we were yet sufficient for attending to the to hear that there are five Jesuit manuals which you gave to him. of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. While highlighting the
commemorating the 25th anniver- needs of a million Catholics. We universities in the country. He appreciates the sentiments economic gains of his 8-month administration, Aquino reiter-
sary of the EDSA People Power are also in the process of evalu- We ended the audience with which prompted this gesture. ated that he will pursue his campaign promises of a government
Revolution on this very day of my ating and strengthening our the Holy Father giving me some His Holiness prays that you will of reform and of ending corruption for the betterment of the
papal audience with him. Catechetical Program, our Fam- pasalubong in the form of rosaries be sustained in your episcopal ordinary Filipinos. (Bong D. Fabe)
The last topic of our discussion ily and Life Apostolate (which and stampitas. Before leaving, ministry and filled with grace
was the general pastoral situ- includes the NFP Program), and I also asked for his apostolic and peace.”
A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
Contributed Photo
NEARLY 200 priests from various dio- up of the first assembly of diocesan and workshops, in what he termed as “pas- team headed by Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Iñiguez, and Taytay Bishop Edgardo
ceses across the country gathered for religious priests held in October 2009, toral circle”, where participants shared Gerardo Alminaza came up with a Juanich expressed solidarity with the
the second national clergy discernment in response to the CBCP’s call to “form their experiences, analyzed and came statement. clergy during their brief visits.
to reflect on their respective roles as circles of discernment” in order to ex- up with pastoral actions on the “varying Iba Bishop Florentino Lavarias, Other activities, like a forum on the
prophets “of the Church of the poor”. amine if Philippine priests have been faces of poverty and marginalization in chairman of the commission on clergy situation at Middle East and North
Comprising 111 priests from 42 dio- prophetic so that integral evangeliza- the ministries and lives of priests.” of the CBCP, presided over the closing Africa, pleas for signatures to help stop
ceses, including the Military Ordinariate tion could further realize the vision of Aside from Msgr. Manny Gabriel, Fr. liturgy with the participants dedicating mining at Palawan, signatures for a
and 56 others from 34 religious congre- being “Church of the Poor.” Roberto Rivera, SJ also guided the par- themselves to the Blessed Mother in the letter to be sent to President Benigno
gations, the national assembly aimed to Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lag- ticipants in using “social analysis”. Ma- mission of being prophets in the Church Simeon C. Aquino III on the labor prob-
re-visit the Second Plenary Council of dameo’s gave the keynote speech nila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Poor. lem in Cebu’s VECO, were also included
the Philippines (PCP-II), two decades titled “PCP II Perspective on Church provided the Scriptural foundations, Novaliches Bishop-emeritus Teodoro during the four-day gathering.
since it took place by reflecting on the of the Poor and the Priest’s Prophetic Living Tradition and Social teachings Bacani, Cabanatuan Bishop Sofronio The national assembly was held at the
priests’ prophetic roles given “the new Mission”. of the Church. Bancud, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Ber- Lay Formation Center (LayForce) of San
faces of the Church of the Poor”. Msgr. Manny Gabriel, one of the The group came up with pastoral nardino Cortez, Imus Bishop Luis Anto- Carlos Pastoral Complex from March
The national gathering was a follow- convenors, divided the assembly into 12 action on the last day of assembly. A nio Tagle, Kalookan Bishop Deogracias 14-17. (Fr. Nonie Dolor/CBCPNews)
Zamboanga Sibugay Bishop Julius Tonel, In his around 2,000 km me,” he said.
Mati Bishop Patricio Alo and Malolos Bishop journey to promote peace The priest will travel
Jose Oliveros. Born on November 1, 1934 in
Leon, Iloilo, Capalla was ordained priest on and the protection of the through North-Eastern Min-
March 18, 1961 at St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral sanctity of life, he expects danao and Eastern Visayas
in Jaro, Iloilo. In 1975, he was appointed to be away from home for on the first leg his journey.
Auxiliary Bishop of Davao by Pope Paul VI. 58 days, and plans to take at After that, he will take
In 1977, he was named Bishop of the Diocese
of Iligan. In 1994, he was transferred again least 42 kms a day of walking Southern Luzon, Central Lu-
to Davao where he served as Co-Adjustor and running. zon, Cordillera and Northern
Bishop before he was finally appointed as “This will symbolize my Luzon.
its archbishop in 1996. Capalla headed life as [a] continuing journey the Moro Islamic Liberation ings especially the reproduc- “I will follow a different
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Front (MILF). tive health bill... my appeal is
Philippines from 2003 to 2005. He was also and pilgrimage for life and path, especially in the last leg
chairman of the Episcopal Commission on peace,” Picardal said. “I also pray that the GRP to stop these,” he said. when I will trek across the
Interreligious Dialogue from 1990-2002 and He went on: “I will even and the MILF will likewise Running across the coun- Cordillera mountain range,”
was vice-chair of the same commission from do fasting and will only eat at come up with a final peace try is not new. Picardal will Picardal said.
2002-2003. A peacemaker, Capalla was a
night. I’m very serious about agreement. I will pray for a be following the footsteps Picardal is confident he
convenor of the Bishops-Ulama Conference.
He was also vice-chair of the National Unification Commission from 1992-1993 and a member this advocacy.” widespread grassroots sup- of four ultra-runners: Cesar will enjoy the experience:
of the National Peace Forum from 1999-2000 and of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Picardal said it will be a port for the peace process,” Guarin who ran from Paga- “I’m used to this. I’m not very
Dialogue from 1998 to the present. He has received numerous awards and citations for be- “walking or running prayer the Redemptorist priest dian to Baguio in 1980; Fr. particular about the fruits but
ing a peacemaker. In 1989, he was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities of appeal” for the success of said. Robert Reyes who ran in it’s about doing it. For me it’s
by the Ateneo de Davao University. He was a national awardee for St. Lorenzo Ruiz Award
for Peace and Unity in 1991. Ateneo de Manila University awarded him a Public Service the peace process between “Also, these threats to life Mindanao (1996), Visayas the journey and hopefully it
Award for Peace in 1998; and in 2000 he received the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award the government and the com- are ongoing like mining and (1997), and Luzon (1998); Jay will inspire people.” (CBCP-
for Peace Advocacy and Peace Building. On March 14, 2011, the City of Davao conferred munist insurgents and with logging... the extrajudicial kill- Roxas and Mat Macabe who News)
on him its highest award, the Datu Bago Award, for his untiring efforts in the promotion of
interreligious dialogue, ecumenism and the peace process in Mindanao.
CELEBRATED. Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons of Rev. Ferdinand C. Delatado, Rev.
Mark Anthony S. Naval, Rev. Glenn William Z. Relucio and Rev. Rev. Moises D. Villamayor of the
Diocese of Antipolo; Rev. Edric S. Bedural, Rev. Herbert John B. Camacho and Rev. Kristoffer H.
UST confers highest award to UNESCO chief
Habal of the Archdiocese of Manila; Rev. Robert I. Dulnuan, Jr. of the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe; THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) the arts, humanities and the sciences. ing poverty.
and Rev. Mark Andrew S. Simbul of the Archdiocese of San Fernando; March 19, 2011, Solemnity
of St. Joseph. The solemn occasion was presided by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo
has conferred the Quadricenten- Fontanilla said it is also given to “This will highlight the Philippines’
at the San Carlos Seminary Chapel, EDSA, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. nial Gold Cross, its highest award, individuals who “have distinguished initiatives and achievements in UNES-
to UNESCO Director General Irina themselves by their total commitment CO’s fields of competence, specifically
CELEBRATED. Perpetual profession of vows of Sr. Maria Edesa C. Alibuca, Sr. Maria Bokova. to the service of humankind.” in education and culture, and in view
Mae M. Anacaya, Sr. Maria Ursula Nogo L. Bataona, Sr. Maria Imakulata L. Farnesi, Sr.
Maria Petronela M. Herin, Sr. Maria Selviana N. Kune, Sr. Maria Hildegardis T. Meme,
The Asia’s oldest Catholic university, Bokova also met Education Secretary of UNESCO’s leadership in the promo-
Sr. Maria Agnes M. Suwati, and Sr. Maria Valentina T. Taneo among the Religious of the on the occasion of its 400th year of foun- Br. Armin Luistro at 12:00 noon. A tion of culture of peace, the Philippines’
Virgin Mary (RVM), March 25, 2011. The solemn occasion was presided by Most Rev. dation, gave the award on the UNESCO high-level dialogue with her was hosted leadership in interfaith initiatives,”
Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of Cubao, at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel head in a ceremony at 9 a.m. at the UST by the DepEd and attended by senior Fontanilla said.
at the RVM Generalate House in N. Domingo St., Cubao, Quezon City. Medicine Auditorium on March 25. officials of CHED, TESDA, DOST and Bokova took part in bilateral meet-
CELEBRATED. The Diocese of Legazpi marked on March 17, 2011 the sacerdotal anniver- UST Office of Public Affairs Director DFA followed. ings with senior government officials
saries of Msgr. Juan Binlayo and Fr. Jose Bañares, 50th anniversary of presbyteral ordination; Giovanna Fontanilla said the Gold Cross The theme of the dialogue was cen- on March 25 to 26 to discuss UNESCO’s
Fr. Eduardo Bellen and Fr. Diogenes Barja, 25th anniversary of presbyteral ordination. is the highest award granted by UST for tered on interfaith dialogue, education, present and future cooperation with the
persons who excel in the promotion of and building a culture of peace in fight- Philippines. (CBCPNews)
Pastoral Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
B1
Spirituality
“Tatawagin ko ang langit at lupa na sumaksi laban sa inyo. ‘Ihahain ko sa inyo ay buhay o kama-
tayan, ang pagpapala o ang sumpa. Piliin na ninyo ang buhay, nang sa gayo’y kayo at ang inyong
salin-lahi ay mabuhay sa pag-ibig ng Panginoong inyong Diyos, tumatalima at nananatili sa Kanya.”
(Deuteronomio 30:19).
towards the
defense of Life
Simulan natin ang pagninilay noong Diyos sa paglikha ng panahon ng hinog na binhi Diyos. At ang tapat na mag-
sa prinsipyo na ang buhay ay panibagong buhay. (Humanae (ng buhay) para magsilang ng asawa ay hindi pinababayaan
ang pinakamahalagang biyaya Vitae, n. 11). bagong buhay ng tao, lalang, ng Panginoon.
na kaloob ng Panginoong Di- Banal ang buhay ng mag-asa- at sa kawangis at kalarawan ng Banal ang pag-aasawa; banal
yos sa sinumang tao. Ito ang wa at sapagkat ito ay banal ito Diyos. (Henesis 1:27). ang pagtatalik sapagka’t ito
matinding paniniwala at turo ay ginagantihan ng Panginoong Sa pag-aaral ng paraan para ay kalakip ng pagbibigay ng (Homily delivered by Most Rev. Luis
ng Simbahang Katoliko na ang Diyos ng tuwa at ligaya ang tiyakin ang mahalaga at banal buhay na galing sa Panginoong Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Imus, during
buhay ng tao, kahima’t mahina bawa’t pagsasama ng sinuman na mga sandaling ang nahihi- Diyos. Hindi ito laru-laruan na
or nagdurusa ay palaging isang magasawa, sapagka’t habang nog na binhi ng buhay, mala- ituturo sa mga bata sa paggamit the Thanksgiving Mass for Life held at the
pinakamalaking biyaya ng ka- buhay nilang ipag-papatuloy laman ng sinuman ang mga ng goma, lobo o condom, para Manila Cathedral, March 23, 2011)
butihan ng Diyos (Familiaris ang masidhing pangangalaga banal na sandaling iyan—at iwasan daw ang sakit? Bakit
Consortio, n. 30). hanggang sa ang mga anak kailangan naman sa mga tiyak mga bata ang tuturuan ng
Kapag hindi ninyo pinahala- ay akayin sa kabutihang asal, na sandali at araw na iyan ang ganitong laro? Hindi po ba ang
gahan ang buhay na iyan sa banal ring pamumuhay na pagtitimpi, pagpigil sa sarili tamang ituro sa kabataan ay
alinman o saan mang yugto ng mayroong pagdamay at pag- (pagpigil sa pang-gigigil). Yan ang magandang halimbawa ng
buhay ng tao (sanggol, foetus, galang sa kapwa hanggang sa ang sakripisyo ng tao. Alalaon matatanda at ang kahalagahan
matanda, malakas o mahina), katandaan. baga ay kailangan ang mga ng buhay, ang kabanalan ng
hinding-hindi igagalang ang pagpipigil sa sarili na ang tawag
buhay ng sinuman—at diyan Banal ang pag-aasawa; banal ang ay disiplina? Ang tawag po
kapag wala ng halaga o walang noong una ay kapag may pag-
pagpapahalaga, wala ng mag-
pagtatalik sapagka’t ito ay kalakip pipigil, mayroong disiplina at
tatanggol sa buhay, dadayain ng pagbibigay ng buhay na galing sa paggalang at magkakaroon din
ang buhay na yan, aapihin, Panginoong Diyos. Hindi ito laru-laruan ng Karakter ang tao. Ngayon
kikidnapin na, pagsisinungalin- na ituturo sa mga bata sa paggamit ang gustong ipamulat sa ka-
gan na, pagnanakawan na ang bataan ay ito: gamitin ang goma,
buhay na ‘yan ng tao!
ng goma, lobo o condom, para iwasan maglaro kayo! Ganyan kabarato
Kanya napaka-ganda ang daw ang sakit? Bakit mga bata ang ang buhay ng tao ngayon.
pagtuturo ng Simbahan—ala- tuturuan ng ganitong laro? Hindi po ba Salamat at mayroong Sim-
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
gaan, ipagtanggol at itaguyod ang tamang ituro sa kabataan ay ang bahan at salamat at mayroong
ang buhay. Huwag hahad- magandang halimbawa ng matatanda Pananampalataya na nagpapaa-
langan ng anuman sandata o laala pa (kahit mayroong ilang
anumang artipisyal na paraan at ang kahalagahan ng buhay, ang mga mambabatas o matatanda
ang buhay. Ang paglalapastan- kabanalan ng pagpipigil sa sarili na ang na kakaiba ang isip na hindi
gan sa buhay na iyan, malakas tawag ay disiplina? Ang tawag po noong na mabuting makapangaral,
man o mahina, na ating laging, una ay kapag may pagpipigil, mayroong hindi na kayang makapagturo
pinapahalagahan ay labag sa ng magandang asal at batas na
kulturang Pilipino tungkol sa disiplina at paggalang at magkakaroon magpapabalik pa sa dahan- YOUR Eminences, Your Excellencies, our beloved priests
buhay ng tao. (Pastoral Letter, din ng Karakter ang tao. Ngayon ang dahang nawawala at nanghihi- and religious, our Honorable members of the House of
CBCP, 30 January 2011). gustong ipamulat sa kabataan ay ito: nang magandang hiyas na ating Representatives and the Senate, our beloved lay people, the
Ang kahirapan ng tao o gamitin ang goma, maglaro kayo! Ganyan kabihasnang Pilipino. valiant lay people.
kaya’y ang pagdami ng tao ay At bakit bata pa ay tinuturuan We are gathered for this Eucharistic celebration in thanksgiving
likas na merong solusyon at
kabarato ang buhay ng tao ngayon. na ang mga anak ng ilang mga to God for the gift of life and for the energy that has been given
ang kasagutan dito ay aral na matatanda at mambabatas sa to us to promote and defend life.
rin ng Panginoong Hesukristo. Mayroon naming natural sandali ng disiplina. Kapag pag-iwas sa responsibilidad We also want to pray, we have to pray because the forces against
Una, ang yaman ng daigdig or na paraan sa paghahanda sa may disiplina sa kama, tiyak at ang pagwawalang bahala life are always present. Let us not delude ourselves that we have
kaya’y ang pinagsikapan ng tao mahalagang buhay na iyan. na magkakaroon ng disiplina sa katuwiran at kalinisan? (Sa only one enemy, that life has only one enemy. There are many
ay sapat na at sobra pa upang At iyan ang tinatawag na sa kalsada, maging sa pitaka pangalan daw ng sanidad at faces of those that are against life, so we have to pray. And in this
pagsaluhan ng lahat. “Magma- NATURAL FAMILY PLAN- (karta moneda). Dito mapapa- kalusugan). Puro maalwang thanksgiving mass, we want to strengthen our resolve to work
halan kayo” at magdamayan sa NING. At ito ay kaloob ng halagahan natin ang “values” palusot ang gustong ituro sa together to defend God’s precious gift of life. And since it is Lent,
ngalan ng pag-ibig. Ikalawa, Panginoong Diyos sa kalikasan na itinuturo ng Simbahan. kabataan ng ilang mambaba- a holy season when we are invited to reflect on the meaning of
mayroong paraan na inilagay ng bawat tao, lalaki or babae. Banal po mga kapatid ang tas—kanya ganiyan ang magig- the life, Jesus has won for us, through His Paschal Mystery, let
ang Panginoong Diyos sa ka- Alam ng makapangyarihang gawain ng mag-asawa, kaya ing bukas ng Pilipinas—mga us allow the readings for today to help us develop a spirituality.
likasan ng katawan ng lalaki at Panginoong Diyos na darating naman ginagantihan ng Buti- mamamayan na puro palusot, I repeat, a spirituality towards the defense of life.
babae, na ito ay marapat alamin ang araw na dapat lalung pag- hing Diyos ng ligaya at tuwa lahat ng padulas ang alam. That is one contribution that Christians should make in this
o pag-aralan upang matiyak ang aralan at may pananagutang ang mag-asawa hindi lamang May peligrong mawawala ang whole debate and I’m challenging all of us here to check ourselves,
mga araw kung kalian maaaring balakin ang dakilang paghah- sa pagtatalik, kung hindi hang- halaga (value) ng kristiyano at to repossess the right spirit in our defense of life. Are we coming
madulot ng panibagong buhay anda sa buhay na iyan. Kung gang sa mapalaki sa kabuti- tunay na Filipino. Ang dapat from a deep commitment to God? Or are we coming from other
sa pagtatalik ang binhi ng lalaki kaya’t inilagay ng Panginoong hang asal, kabaitan at akayin ituro sa kabataan ay kalinisan agenda which in the end might prove to be counter life. Humanda
at babae. Sa bawa’t pagtatalik Diyos sa kalikasan ng katawan sa kabanalan ang kanilang ng budhi, kalinisan ng puso, po tayong lahat, maganda ang sasabihin ng mga pagbasa, at
ang mag-asawa ay maaaring ng tao—lalaki at babae—ang mga anak. Kasama diyan ng disiplina at pagpipigil sa sarili Spirituality / B2
maging katuwang ng Pangi- wasto at tiyak na paraan at mag-asawa ang Panginoong Buhay / B7
B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
mentem
believe the implication is that it fulfills their Sunday obligation.
Is this licit?—M.M., Biloxi, Mississippi
Stamping the faithful with ashes A Catholic man, a well-known personality, Failure to follow these norms by itself does the Local Ordinary for a mixed marriage),
became a Born-again Christian and married a not invalidate the canonical marriage thus a phrase which limited the scope of the
Baptist woman without securing the required contracted, but it renders it illicit─i.e., if done Catholic party to one who “was baptized in
dispensation from the Catholic authorities. After a with full knowledge and consent, it would be the Catholic Church or received into it and
few years, they break up and get a civil annulment gravely sinful for all involved (starting with has not by a formal act defected from it.” Thus,
from a Philippine court. Now he wishes to remarry the witnessing priest of course who should in the new redaction of the aforementioned
in the Catholic Church with a Catholic woman. know better). canons, the phrase “and has not by a formal
Can he do it? Quite a different matter is the so-called act defected from it” has been deleted.
impediment of disparity of cult established The crux of the matter is that many
The Canon Law on Mixed Marriages and by c.1086, which stipulates: problems arise as regards the separation
the so-called Disparity of Cult §1. Marriages between two persons, one of the faithful from the Church. The papal
There are two phenomena regulated by of whom is baptized in the Catholic Church document explains it:
Canon Law which oftentimes are confused: or has been received into it and the other of “First, in individual cases the definition
© Roy Lagarde / CBCPMedia
mixed marriages and disparity of cult. whom is non-baptized, is invalid. and practical configuration of such a formal
A mixed marriage is one contracted §2. This impediment is not to be dispensed act of separation from the Church has proved
between two baptized persons, one of unless the conditions mentioned in cc.1125 difficult to establish, from both a theological
whom was baptized in the Catholic Church and 1126 [i.e., the cautions for mixed and a canonical standpoint. In addition, many
or received into it, and another who is a marriages] are fulfilled. difficulties have surfaced both in pastoral
member of a Church or ecclesial community In other words, whereas in the case activity and the practice of tribunals. Indeed,
which is not in full communion with the of an unauthorized mixed marriage is the new law appeared, at least indirectly, to
Catholic Church. According to c.1124 of the only illicit but valid, the presence of the facilitate and even in some way to encourage
Code of Canon Law, such a marriage cannot impediment of disparity of cult─unless apostasy in places where the Catholic faithful
Q: In my parish on Ash Wednesday, the priests and laypeople be celebrated without the express permission of
use this “stamp,” shaped in the form of a Jerusalem cross. After lawfully dispensed─renders the marriage are not numerous or where unjust marriage
the competent authority. Canon Law further invalid from the start. laws discriminate between citizens on the
dipping it in the ashes, they stamp the people, one by one, as if stipulates that such permission can be granted
they were branding a cow or something. Is not the meaning of basis of religion. The new law also made
by the Local Ordinary if there is a just and The Motu Proprio Omnium in mentem difficult the return of baptized persons who
Ash Wednesday the act of making the sign of the cross on one’s reasonable cause, but only if the following
forehead with the finger? Is not the stamp a cold and uncaring The Apostolic Letter “Motu Proprio” greatly desired to contract a new canonical
requirements (called cautions) are met: (1) the Omnium in mentem, issued 26.X.2009, dealt marriage following the failure of a preceding
act toward the congregation? Is this form of distributing ashes Catholic party declares that he/she is prepared to
acceptable?—P.G., New York with two unrelated matters: a clarification of marriage. Finally, among other things,
remove dangers of falling away from the faith and the ministerial function of deacons, and the many of these marriages in effect became,
makes a sincere promise to do all in his/her power obligation of the canonical form of marriage as far as the Church is concerned, clandestine
A: I have never heard or seen this particular practice except to have all the children baptized and brought up
in some places in the U.S., and effectively I would be of the for those faithful who have left the Church marriages.”
in the Catholic Church; (2) the other party is in a formal way. Saving the first matter for a In sum, what the motu proprio has
opinion that its mechanical nature effectively detracts from the informed at an appropriate time of these promises
sense of ashes being imposed upon our heads. future article, let us focus now on the second established is that even if a Catholic separates
which the Catholic party has to make, so that it clarification. from the Church, he/she is still under Church
The rubrics for the distribution of ashes state that the priest, is clear that the other party is truly aware of the
on concluding, washes his hands, logically implying that he has The Motu Proprio dealt with the obligation Law, even if he disregards it. If he/she marries
promise and obligation of the Catholic party; (3) of the faithful who have left the Church a person who is not validly baptized without
physically handled the ashes and not just used a stamp. both parties are instructed on the essential ends
Historically, the use of ashes as a sign of penance is already in a formal way─e.g., the typical fallen- due dispensation (from the impediment of
and properties of marriage, which are not to be away Catholic who joins the Born again disparity of cult) from the Local Ordinary,
found in the Old Testament, and even Jesus speaks of the necessity excluded by either party (c.1125).
of some sinners to do penance in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew movement─to follow the ecclesiastical laws that marriage would be invalid.
Can.1126 further establishes that the regarding the canonical form of marriage, the
11:21). Tertullian, saints Cyprian, Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, conference of bishops is to establish the way in
and many other Church Fathers make frequent reference to this required dispensation from the impediment Conclusion
which these declarations and promises, which of disparity of cult and the need for permission Since our Catholic personality married
practice, especially in relationship with the practice of beginning are always required, are to be made, what
a period of public penance for grave sins. in the case of mixed marriages. the Baptist woman (invalid baptism)
proof of them there should be the external It did this by taking away from the previous without dispensation from the impediment
Apart from the relatively few public penitents, many other forum and how they are to be brought to
devout Christians confessed at the beginning of Lent so as to be redaction of cc.1086, §1 (establishing the of disparity of cult, that first marriage
the attention of the non-Catholic party. In impediment of disparity of cult), c.1117 was invalid. Thus, after securing a civil
able to receive daily Communion during this season and asked to practice, many dioceses in the Philippines
be covered with ashes as a sign of humility after having received (requiring the canonical form if at least one of annulment, he is free to marry (not re-marry)
now require the non-Catholic party to sign the parties of marriage is a baptized Catholic) in the Catholic Church with a Catholic
absolution. In the year 1091 Pope Urban II recommended this a simple document to this effect.
practice to both clergy and laity. Subsequently the rite of blessing and c.1124 (requiring permission from woman.
and imposing the ashes became generalized and swiftly assumed
considerable importance in the liturgical life of the faithful. At Spirituality / B1
first, the rite was separate from Mass but eventually entered
into the Mass itself around the 12th century. sana maging bukas tayong lahat He breaks into a prayer. He turns to speak to God on behalf of the to runaway, I feel your word
Initially, men received ashes sprinkled upon the crown of the para magpasuri sa mga pagbasa to God, the God who calls him people, so that God’s wrath may like a fire burning within me. A
head, while the ashes were imposed upon women by making tungkol sa hinahanap ng Salita ng and his prayer in the whole book, be turned away from the people. fire flaming my bones, I cannot
a sign of the cross on the forehead. This difference probably Diyos sa mga nagiging propeta you may want to look the book The prayer of Jeremiah, so open run away. I maybe subjected to
stems from the simple fact that women were obliged to keep para sa buhay. Prophets of life, of Jeremiah. The prayer of the to God, and in his prayer his role suffering but I’m committed to
their heads covered in church. prophets for life, how do we prophet Jeremiah is simple, very gets clarified for him. your word. Your word is in me.
Today, the mode of imposing ashes varies from country distinguish them? What makes open, you can see the humility If we go to chapters later, the Your word is in my bones. I cannot
to country according to custom. In most English-speaking someone a prophet of life and a of this prophet, he talks to God 20th chapter, you see Jeremiah in escape your word. This is the
countries water is added to the ashes to form a paste which is prophet for life? openly. He tells God, heed O Lord his prayer again, struggling with commitment that every person
imposed by making a sign of the cross on the forehead. Many In the first reading, from the and listen to what my adversaries God. I don’t know how many of who defends life must have and
Catholics leave the mark of the ashes unwashed during the prophet Jeremiah, we see the say. Should good be repaid with us pray to God this way. Jeremiah it has a clear source, not any self
day as an outward testimony of their faith. sorry state, the miserable state evil? Sa tagalog maganda. Diyos, even said, God you fooled me. seeking, not any agenda for my
In much of Italy and in some other Roman-language countries, of a prophet, he goes around ano ba? Naririnig mo ba yung And in exasperation he said, and sake. Jeremiah the prophet only
water is not added to the ashes. Rather, the ashes are imposed proclaiming God’s word, and kanilang pinagbubulong-bulungan? I allowed myself to be fooled by had one reason, I am consumed
by making a sign of the cross above the crown of the head as what does he get? The people Nagbubulung-bulungan sila sa you. Because you were stronger by the flame of the Word of God,
the ashes fall upon the hair. This mode has the advantage of of Judah and the citizens of kanilang mga caucus, naririnig mo than I was, and looked at what has burning in my bones even before
capturing better the idea of ashes as dust but does not leave Jerusalem were conniving against ba O Diyos? Hindi nila pinaririnig happened to me, because I spoke the adversaries could burn them.
a visible sign that can last during the day, except upon those him, they were plotting against sa amin, naririnig mo ba O Diyos? your word, he even cursed the day He was already burning within
who happen to be bald. him. They were carefully noting Naririnig ng Diyos. that he was born because of the him with the fire of the word
The use of the stamp mentioned by our reader would appear his words. They wanted to And Jeremiah reminds God in suffering that he undergoes for of God. That type of prophet is
to be motivated by a desire to favor the duration of the sign eliminate him, the destiny of every his prayer. Remember, I stood the sake of the Word of God and unassailable, that type of prophet
during the day, even though this is merely an incidental, albeit prophet. And Jeremiah knows it. before you, to speak in their for the sake of the people. And he is beyond all compromises and
positive, aspect of one particular mode of imposition. The danger He knows the evil forces that were behalf, to turn away your wrath tells God openly, I want to retreat, pride because the source of fire is
is that this process could detract from what is essential to the plotting against him. The one sent from them. Jeremiah was very I want to give up. No more. Ayaw burning within spirituality.
ritual gesture, the act of receiving the imposition of ashes as a by God, the God of life, the God clear about his role, he was not ko na. But then he says, when I So I’m inviting all of us to turn to
sign of personal penance and conversion. who wants to restore life. And there only to speak to people discovered your word, I devoured Jeremiah, to turn to his sufferings
what is the response of Jeremiah? on behalf of God, he was there your word, and whenever I try Spirituality / B5
Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
B3
By Steven W. Mosher favorite of the anti-life movement, is name suggests. Section 20, which fixes the framers of the bill had in mind the Constitution, in Article II Section
equally misleading. Such programs are the “ideal” family size at two children, would presumably include—aside 12, provides that “the State shall
not intended to produce health at all, undermines the God-given right of from my criticisms above—pointing equally protect the life of … the unborn
AS I write, there is a battle royal but sterility. Lest you think I exaggerate, couples to decide for themselves the out the simple truth that life begins at from conception.” The Philippine
underway in the Philippine Congress. consider how the “reproductive health” number and spacing of their children. conception. Congress, wanting to leave no doubt
On the one side are the Planned of a population is defined: It is the It will give further impetus to social Now I know that you may find this about its intentions and no room for
Parenthood types, backed by well- percentage of women of childbearing engineering projects, already underway hard to believe, but the “reproductive misinterpretation, defined the word
funded international organizations, who age who have been sterilized or who in the Philippine Department of Health health” enthusiasts who support the bill conception in medical terms, as the
are attempting to ram through legislation are using so-called “modern methods and other government departments, to deny that a woman who has conceived a fertilization of the ovum. Implantation
that would cripple the Filipino birth of contraception.” The higher this reduce family size. In our experience child is actually pregnant. It is not until goes unmentioned
rate. On the other side stand those who percentage (of women who have been at PRI, any time a government sets five to seven days after conception, when This puts the Reproductive Health
believe that the most precious resource chemically or surgically sterilized), the population targets of any kind, it leads the developing embryo imp lants in the Bill, which indiscriminately promotes
of the Philippines is its people, and greater the supposed “reproductive to human rights abuses. lining of the uterus, that they are finally all types of abortifacient contraceptive
who object to the use of what some health” of the population is said to be. But this is only the beginning of the willing to admit its existence. devices and services, on a collision course
call “human pesticides” to control the This leads to the absolutely bizarre mischief. Consider Section 13, which In claiming that human life does not with the Philippine Constitution.
Filipino population. conclusion that a population enjoying imposes on local government officials begin at conception, but at implantation, The bill’s backers, supported by
As you might suspect, the U.S. foreign perfect “reproductive health” would the obligation to enforce the provisions they violate not only science but foreign “experts” and driven by their
aid establishment, emboldened by the not be able to reproduce at all! Why? of the Act and “give priority to family common sense. But it is important to anti-people agenda, hotly deny that
anti-people mentality of the Obama Because every last female reproductive planning work”. To this China hand, understand that they are not fools. They contraceptives are human pesticides,
administration, is on the wrong side of system would have been disabled. We this sounds an awful lot like the PRC, do not engage in this obvious subterfuge and that their massive distribution in
this crucial battle for Life. should not be surprised that the same where local officials are under constant lightly, but because they believe that the the Philippines will exterminate large
The legislation in question is people who define pregnancy as a pressure to reduce the birth rate, and do very success of their population control numbers of innocent Filipino babies. But
called “The Responsible Parenthood, disease, define “reproductive health” so by resorting to forced sterilizations, agenda demands it. there is little doubt that, if the bill passes,
Reproductive Health And Population as sterility. forced contraceptions and, all too often, You see, if they admit that life truly and “reproductive health” becomes the
And Development Act Of 2011”—a title Finally, the implication of “Population forced abortions. does begin at conception, then they order of the day in the archipelago, that
which manages the remarkable feat of and Development” is that population Another provision which could have would also have to admit that every millions will die.
encapsulating three lies of the abortion/ growth constitutes an intolerable burden been taken from Beijing’s playbook is last one of their hormonal concoctions— So far, the Philippines has resisted the
population control movement in the on the economy. But while it is true Section 15, which sets up a so-called from pills and hormonally laced IUDs population control juggernaut that has
short span of a dozen words. that growing populations do produce “Mobile Health Care Service,” and to implants and injectables—cause crushed the populations of other Asian
“Responsible Parenthood’ is shorthand temporary scarcities of goods and details how it will operate around the early-term abortions. All hormonal countries like China and Indonesia. Zoe
for the wrongheaded notion that couples services, in a free market entrepreneurs country. Apparently, as is the case in contraception works, at least part of Vidal, a Philippine bioethicist, rightly
are somehow doing the world a favor respond by innovating; they devise China, mobile sterilization teams will the time, by preventing an already observes that in this sense the Philippines
by having few or no children. In fact, more efficient means of production, be brought in to do the dirty work of conceived baby from implanting in the is “the last country standing.”
the opposite is true: Children are the for example, or they find substitutes for population control that local physicians, uterus. Let us pray, for the sake of generations
only future a nation has. Those who are scarce materials. At the end of the day nearly all Catholic, find morally The backers of the Reproductive of Filipino babies as yet unborn, that
willing to provide for the future in the a larger population not only produces objectionable. Health Bill lie about this, too, of course, they shall stand fast.
most fundamental way—by providing more goods and services, they do so at a Incredibly, the proposed law even because they know that few women
the future generation—are a national lower price. Economists have a name for attempts to stifle dissent by Catholics and would take a supposed “contraceptive” (Steven W. Mosher, an internationally
treasure. They should be praised and this: It’s called economies of scale. others by prohibiting the dissemination knowing that it would actually cause recognized authority on China and
encouraged, not condemned and The language of the Philippine of “malicious disinformation about them to abort. population issues, is the president of
sterilized. Reproductive Health Bill, as it is called the intent and provisions of this Act.” This second lie is especially important Population Research Institute, a research
“Reproductive Health,” another for short, is just as dangerous as its The “malicious disinformation” that to their efforts in the Philippines, where group founded by Fr. Paul Marx, OSB)
Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
File photo
preparedness to vulnerable areas. D.D.
Being proactive, however, also means Chair, ECSA-JP
that we avoid the human factors that National Director, NASSA
May They Be One Dirty Bibles, Cleaner Lifestyle Members of the MTBO
Advisory Committee:
I
n Dumingag town, Pagadian, parishioners from one barrio would borrow a Bishop Broderick S. Pa-
Bible from the closest barrio that had a Bible. Due to the scarcity of the printed billo, DD, Ambassador
Henrietta T. de Villa,
Bible Campaign
text, some parishioners would simply copy portions of Scripture by hand.
Others would even borrow from other religious groups such as the Adventists Mr. Rod G. Cornejo, Mr.
or the Protestants. Fr. Riolito Ramos, San Jose Parish priest, said that anyone Rene E. Cristobal Sr.,
who would see their Bibles may not be able to recognize the copies because Dr. Philip C. Flores, Mr.
Help Put a Bible in Every Filipino Home the edges have become dirty and worn from use. Even plastic covers could not Dante M. Lanorio, Fr.
spare the Bibles from dirt due to frequent use, reading, handling and borrowing.
Fr. Ramos said the wear and tear attested to the people’s thirst for the Word of Oscar A. Alunday, Fr.
God. The thirstier the people were, the dirtier their Bibles became. Antonio B. Navarrete,
In 2009, three Bible distributions were held under the May They Be One Bible Fr. Art B. Orense and
campaign, bringing in 600 additional Bibles to the parish. People got their Bibles Mr. Albert S. Tanlimco.
and read straight away. Some of these Bibles were worn out quickly from read-
ing. Fr. Ramos believes it was because these Bibles were being lent to other
barangays who did not have their own copies.
Ironically, the dirty Bibles resulted in a cleaner lifestyle for many. According to Praise God that His
Fr. Ramos, reading the Bible has opened the eyes of a group of parishioners Spirit is actively at work
to the importance of maintaining ecological balance. As a result, they began in the hearts of our
lobbying against unscrupulous mining practices. Fr. Ramos further added that countrymen, causing
morally, a number of philandering husbands were transformed by the Word,
and decided to end adulterous relationships. Personally witnessing the power a great hunger for His
of the Living Word, Fr. Ramos’ expressed desire is to have more May They Be Word.
One Bibles to distribute in his cash-strapped parish.
Pray that May They Be
Statistical update One Bible campaign will
No. of Dioceses participating in the Bible Campaign – 80 out of 86 Dioceses be able to raise the P60
Bibles Distributed (Jan. 1, 2011 – Mar. 21, 2011): 45,011 cps
Bibles Distributed by Languages - Tagalog (16,481cps.), Cebuano (9,000 cps.) English Million peso goal this
(7,458 cps.), Ilocano (4,273 cps.), Hiligaynon (3,341 cps.), Bicol (1,995), Pangasinan (13
cps.), Pampango (937cps.), Samarenyo (1,513 cps.)
year to be able to dis-
Parishes/Communities served: 66 tribute 400,000 Bibles
Total Bible Distribution: (Jan 2009- March 21, 2011): 346,045 cps to poor Filipino homes
Target No. of Bibles for Distribution for 2011: 400,000 cps.
Fr. Riolito Ramos, with members of the San Jose Parish in Dumingag, Pagadian Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2011: P60M for 2011.
Visita Iglesia: A lenten offering of the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. Launching
April 1, 2011. www.visitaiglesia.net “Discover an online experience of the Lenten season through Easter”
Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
B5
Declaration of the 8th General Assembly of Chaplains We express our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the
citizens of Japan who have recently been devastated following
halt. At night, people lived in Law regulates a form of life that because Jesus smeared mud on
darkness, and some could only a Jew must live if he is to attain his eyes and commanded him to
move because improvised light salvation. Hence, the Psalmist wash at the pool of Siloam (John
guided them. Many might have sings: “A lamp to my feet is your 9:6-7). In John’s symbolism,
felt they were living the life of word, a light to my path” (Ps this curing of the blind man by
the blind―scared, threatened, 119:105). In the New Testament, washing and the use of spittle is
immobile or almost, and removed however, the light that shines on a symbol of baptism. In other
from the joys of normal living. in darkness is none other than the words, for John, true light, which
We recall this power outage Word made flesh. That is why, is the real or authentic life, is
because today’s Gospel is a story if John tells us about the story communicated to the believer
about a man born blind whose of the healing of the man born through Christian baptism.
physical impairment Jesus cured blind, it is his way of asserting Notice that we say “believer”—
(John 9:1-41). If this narrative that the true light is not the law for the story assumes that the
www.ratcliffefamily.org
occurred in the synoptic gospels but Jesus himself. Says Jesus: blind man has an initial faith
(Matthew, Mark and Luke), this “I am the light of the world” in Jesus. Strictly speaking, John
would have been treated as a (John 9:5b); and John claims that asserts that one who lives in sin
miracle story, and the wondrous Jesus is the light that gives light wickedness receives the light of
cure by Jesus would have been (John 1:4). But if he is the light Community / B7
5th Sunday of Lent – Year A (John 11:1-45) April 10, 2011 ENCOUNTERS
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD one reads the story, he gradually notices that to have life in himself” (John 5:26). Jesus has
it leaves much to be desired. For example, it from the Father: “Just as the Father who
after Jesus raised him from the dead, did has life sent me, and I have life because of the
WHEN some major TV networks featured Lazarus live a normal life? Did he die again? Father…” (John 6:57). Life is therefore the
an Abu Sayaf footage a few years ago, there Why is it that we do not hear about him in fellowship of the Father and the Son, and this
was much outrage and furor—as well as the subsequent events in the Gospel? Truth fellowship cannot be destroyed: “Whoever
WHATEVER
Spirituality / B5 Buhay / B1
Jesus has three closest friends among the they are talking about, but they miss the life is promoted. Two figures—Jeremiah, at paggalang sa hindi sariling pera. building) na nagtataglay ng sakripisyo,
twelve—Peter, James and John. And in the point. They could not understand this Jesus. Life threatened but they took the Anong klaseng panukalang batas disiplina at paggalang sa dangal ng
Gospel, we find the mother, the mother of new kingdom, this kingdom of life that threat and transformed the threat into itong RH Bill na kung maging batas asawa. Kung wala kang sakripisyo,
James and John, approaching Jesus with will come when life is given as a gift. In love, service. And life is not threatened na, at ang itinuro o ipaliwanag ng hindi ka makakabuo ng karakter.
a request, “command that these two sons their minds, life is preserved only through anymore. Life remains a gift given to Simbahan at mga naglilingkod dito Ang sinumang tao ay tagapangasiwa
of mine will seat one at your right and the prestige, power, positions, and for that life others and others live because of Jesus. ay ang katwiran na galing sa Bibliya, lamang ng kanyang katawan. Ang pa-
other at your left in your kingdom.” They they will sacrifice other lives. This is the We hope that our defense of life will go Pananampalataya at konsensiya ng nanagutan sa ating katawan ay dapat
missed the point, and this is the warning history of humanity which Christianity to that deep part of ourselves, where Kristiyano tungkol sa Buhay at Kalin- umalinsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos na
to all of us. We might miss the point. wants to counter. The end to sacrificing Jesus has the Holy Spirit transforming us isan, sa halip na ang turo ay ang RH nangungusap sa atin sa pamamagitan
Katatapos pa lang ng napaka-dramatic lives is by the spirituality of life given as into true prophet of life, patterned after law, ay maaaring papag-multahin o ng konsensiya (budhi). Kapag hindi
na pagpapaliwanag ni Jesus, wa effect. gift and service. And so Jesus, patiently Jesus Himself. ibilanggo ang mga ito? Paparusahan pinakinggan at iginalang ang tinig na
At mga kaibigan pa, mga kaibigan, the turned to them, ask them, “can you drink Let us pause and enter into our hearts and pa ang sumusunod sa konsensiya ‘yan ng Diyos (sa konsensiya), yayani-
closest, pati naman yung nanay naki- of the cup that I will drink of and can allow the face of Jesus to challenge us to ask at Pananampalataya. Hindi ito ang gin at lilindulin, hindi ang bundok at
alam pa. Yung nanay ni John and James, you be baptized in the baptism that I us deep and disturbing questions about the Pilipinas! Hindi na tayo babanggit ng dagat, kung hindi ang budhing ‘yan
expert sa lobby, mahusay maglobby. will undergo?” Meaning, are you ready spirituality of our commitment to life. anumang bansa, pero hindi ito ang ng sinumang tao.
Pero yung mga nagla-lobby na yan, to undergo my life-giving death. For it Pilipinas na minahal at pinag-alayan Aming paninindigan na sa mga
sometimes they think they know what is only in life given in service that this (This transcript is courtesy of Radyo Veritas) ng buhay ng mga bayani, sampo ng pagpili kaugnay ng RH Bill, ang budhi
tatlong Pari—Padre Mariano Gomez, (konsensiya) ay hindi lamang sapat
Padre Jose Burgos, at Padre Jacinto na kabatiran kung hindi higit sa lahat
Christian / B6 Technology / B6 Zamora. Sa El Filibusterismo, ang ay ginagabayan ng mga itinuturo ng
unang pahina ay inihandog ni Jose kanyang pananampalataya.
him” (John 14:21). John categorically believer receives life from him. But if let’s get real here! After installing Rizal sa tatlong pari na iyan. (At ang Naniniwala kami sa kalayaan sa
states that Jesus loves Lazarus (John he rejects Jesus and even hates him, one all these apps, copying giga-loads gusto pang alalahanin ng ilan ay si relihiyon at sa karapatan ng pagtutol
11:3), and therefore one can assume that dies. But if one receives life because of songs and videos, surely one can’t DAMASO na ito naman ay hindi ayon sa budhi (konsensiya) sa mga
Lazarus, while he was living, obeyed he believes and loves, he is no longer indulge in all of these together. More Pilipino!) bagay na labag sa sariling pananam-
the commandments of love. For this in the realm of death, but even here on often than not, we only access a few Ito ang paninindigan ng Simba- palataya. Ang nakapataw at parusa sa
reason, Jesus gives him life. Because earth, he receives divine life: “That we items here and there, and often just han: napapaloob sa minumungkahing RH
life has not been taken away from him, have passed from death to life we know, to ‘show off’ what these digital ‘toys’ Ang pagmamalasakit sa katatayuan Bill ay dahilan para sa aming pagtutol
though he died, Lazarus’ death is only a because we love the brothers” (1 John can now do more than what they’re ng maraming mahihirap, lalo na ang dito. (Pastoral Letter, CBCP, 30 Janu-
form of sleeping (John 11:43-44). In this 3:14b). For John, this is the only kind really useful for. mga nagdurusang kababaihan na nag- ary 2011).
narrative, therefore, the physical death of life that endures—others perish with e) Connect to people, not things. susumikap upang gumanda ang buhay May panahon pa upang maiwasan
of Lazarus is simply meant to signify a death. Life of wealth will go bankrupt, In the end, we ought to stress that we at kailangan pang mangibang bayan ang trahedya moral na idudulot ng
spiritual reality. It is a sign of who Jesus life of beauty will fade, life of popularity must be able to give more importance upang kamtin ito o kailangan pang RH Bill.
is—he is a giver of life. At the same time, and fame wanes. If there is anything that to people over things. If the things we pumasok sa isang hindi disenteng Baguhin ang mga panukalang ‘yan,
it is a sign of what he can do to those persists even after death has occurred, have only lead to isolating us from paghahanap-buhay. Nababagabag ang o ibagsak ang kayang kabuuan ng si-
who believe in him—one does not die this is our fellowship with God. And family, friends and God, then it’s high Simbahan diyan. yang pugad ng walang paggalang sa
if he possesses the life of Jesus. because this assumes that one loves his time to begin reflecting on how to get Ang Simbahang Katoliko ay para buhay, pagkawala ng responsibilidad
The story of Lazarus is narrated to brothers, one cannot follow the example ahead of technology by controlling it sa buhay at dapat ipagsanggalang at disiplina na siyang tunay na kailan-
challenge the hearer to believe in Jesus of a certain “Jun” who, if his story is true, to work in our advantage rather than ang buhay ng tao mula sa sandali na gan ngayon ng tao at bayan.
(John 11:26), and to believe in him is to blindly obeyed the Abu Sayaf to chop off making it to control us. ito ay ipaglihi o mabuo hanggang sa Kung ang mga bata ay natuturuan
love, for it is in love that faith is shown: the head of the soldiers, in order to have natural na katapusan nito. pa ng Simbahan, ang mambabatas
“His commandment is this: that we life. Such life would end soon in death. *** Naniniwala ang Simbahan sa mapa- ay amin rin pinapaalalahanan. Lahat
are to believe in the name of his Son, If Christ is able to give life because he “Then how will your dad know nagutang (responsible) pagsasaayos kayo, ngayon at bukas, ay kasama sa
Jesus Christ, and we are to love one died, so is a Christian: he must offer his when to pick you up?” Gerard ng bilang at panahon ng pagsisilang aming dalangin.
another as he commanded us” (1 John life for others so that others may live, asked. sa pamamagitan ng Natural Family Pagpalain kayong lahat at ang Bayan
3:23). By believing in him and loving and in that way, he will surely receive “Simple, he promised to pick me up Planning. Dito kailangan ang pagbuo ng Poong Maykapal! Mahal tayo ng
him in the community of believers, the a hundredfold life. here every day at 5 o’clock sharp.” ng matatag na kalooban (character Diyos at alaga ng Ina ni Hesus!
Community / B6
Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) her face childlike innocence. TITLE: Red Riding Hood
is in love with the brooding The trailer of Red Riding CAST: Amanda Seyfried, Gary
Moral Assessment Technical Assessment
but passionate Peter (Shiloh Hood apparently implies evil Oldman, Billy Burke,
Fernandez) but her parents lurking behind those can’t- Lukas Haas,Shiloh Fer-
Abhorrent Poor nandez, Michael Shanks,
want her to marry nice village do-anything-bad eyes, but the
Disturbing Below average
Julie Christie, Virginia
boy Henry instead to help the movie would soon belie that
Acceptable Average
family financially. Neither man sneaking suspicion. Obviously Madsen, Max Irons, Dar-
Wholesome Above average ren Shahlavi
is bad looking, and Valerie she’s not the werewolf but you DIRECTOR: Catherine Hard-
Exemplary E
xcellent who likes Henry but is more nonetheless hang on to find out wicke
attracted to Peter, agrees to what ultimately happens. That, GENRE: Drama
elope with Peter. But their dear viewer, shows you how a RUNNING TIME: 100 min.
situation gets more complicated bias for certain actors gets you Technical Assessment: 3
when Valerie’s sister is killed by hooked on the story despite Moral Assessment: 2.5
a werewolf that strikes every the presence of some elements CINEMA Rating: Viewers 14
full moon night. This terrifies you would otherwise consider and above
the whole village: why would ridiculous or irrelevant. Here,
the werewolf kill a human being they are the metal elephant that
despite the village’s monthly turns out to be torture chamber
animal sacrifice to keep the for suspected werewolves and human, so is the act of killing
creature satisfied? So they call witches, and the color of Valerie’s then outside the scope of
in famous werewolf hunter hood which contributes nothing human morality? Aah, that’s
Father Solomon (Gary Oldman) to the story but which makes a gray area in red riding hood
who arrives in the village with a great frame against a snow- country! How could CINEMA
a retinue of black bodyguards covered landscape. The title pass judgment on a werewolf’s
and a huge metal elephant. itself makes you wonder, why trespasses, or is it worth the
Soon, during another full moon “red riding hood” when Valerie bother at all? We cannot do
attack, Valerie discovers she has never rides; doesn’t she only that without spoilers, so you
a connection with the killer wolf walk to her grandmother’s might as well see for yourself
but she keeps the discovery a cottage and run away from why we’re giving it a 2.5 score
secret. Father Solomon tells the the wolf? Some film critics in the moral arena. This teaser
villagers the werewolf takes would rip Red Riding Hood might help you, though: Why
human form by day, thus it apart on account of its bearing did the carnivorous werewolf
could be one of them. Valerie vestiges of Twilight—this thing who used to be satisfied by the
suspects the werewolf could about werewolves, virginal villagers’ animal sacrifices kill
be someone she loves or who heroines falling for bad boys a woman but did not eat her? a)
loves her. yet spared from wolf attacks, the werewolf was scared away
Any screen character but whatever, it’s an engaging by the woman’s screaming; b)
portrayed by Seyfried seems story from beginning to end. the werewolf was allergic to the
to automatically elicit sympathy Of course, it’s a sin to kill fabric of the woman’s dress; c)
from the audience, thanks to a human being. But when a the werewolf wasn’t hungry.
her wide-eyed look that lends werewolf kills, it is not quite Enjoy the ride.
Buhay Parokya
TITLE: Limitless
CAST: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Anna Friel, Johnny
Look for the images of the
Whitworth
Last Supper, cord and veil and DIRECTOR: Neil Burger
chalice. (Illustration by Bladimer SCREENPLAY: Leslie Dixon
Usi) CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jo Willems
EDITOR: Naomi Geraghty
MUSIC: Paul Leonard Morgan and Nico Muhly
PRODUCERS: Leslie Dixon, Scott Kroopf, and Ryan Ka-
vanaugh
EXECUTIVE PRODUDER: Tucker Tooley
PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Patrizia Von Brandenstein
GENRE: Action thriller
RUNNING TIME: 105 minutes
Technical Assessment: 4
Moral Assessment: 2
CINEMA Rating: Audience Age 18 and above
Struggling writer
Eddie Morra (Bradley
Cooper) is at a low
point of his life ---
career, relationship
and finances, when
he accidentally meets
his former brother-in-
law Vernon ((Johnny
Whitworth) while
walking in the street.
Realizing his present
state during a brief
catch up, Vernon
offers Morra a mind-
stimulating pill called
NZT that allows him
to access 100 percent
brain intelligence function and enables him to step up in his life.
Cynical at the beginning, but on discovery of immediate amazing
effect on his first try, he knows what to do next. He asks Vernon
to give him more pills. But before Morra gets his share, Vernon
is murdered. Morra manages to find a bag of pills. As expected,
he suddenly gains back the lost glory as a writer, his girlfriend,
and the liberty to enjoy the benefits of overflowing knowledge.
His services become in demand in the business community
where he had the opportunity to work with a business wallstreet
tycoon Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro).
The film “Limitless” has an interesting plot to start with.
However, as the story builds up, it somehow struggles to sustain
the interesting momentum. The scenes become predictable
and has the tendency to prolong unnecessarily. The chasing
scenes, for example, are not clearly established whether there is
paranoia, real life and death situation, or just obsessions to the
pills. For any reason, why death scenes have to be very violent.
The director may also have overestimated the use of voice over
for this film, because often the narration causes destruction. It
already has a good casting coup that fits the requirements of
the characters in the film. Acting wise, both Cooper and De
Niro did well in their respective roles. If not of the good special
effects, the film can be dragging at some points. Lighting is
good and it helps in establishing emotions as required by the
scenes. The cinematography is well complimented by special
effects. Overall, the film goes with good technical qualities.
The film shows that accessing 100 percent utilization of brain
function can bring amazing effects to the person, the economy
and society in general. The problem is, the film disregards
the natural process for it and instead promotes cheating and
so called “instant” culture. It is simply drug addiction that
is harmful to the body. The film shows how it makes people
greed for instant success, money, fame, and power. The main
technology is the human mind that people can use to bring
out their full potentials with due respects to natural process.
But the film ends with an alarming conclusion that it is okay
to continue with an experimental drug for as long as it is taken
“responsibly” with a right dosage and for a good purpose.
The film also shows that sex is an easy trade off for a service
of ‘smart’ person. The death scenes are too violent and absurd
(such as sipping human blood). The film requires a mature
audience who can understand the whole saga of this wonder
drug and the accompanying circumstances.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
C1
Experiencing A Bountiful
Feast and Celebration Called To Nurture,
The Mindanao “CFC Armor of God”
Leaders Conference
Defend and Protect Life
By Layle Ancheta celebration. The Sinanduloy dancers are
the defending champions in the street
dancing, Sinulog-based category in the
TANGUB City is known as the Christ- Philippines for the past years.
mas Capital of Mindanao for its beau- With such a warm welcome, everyone
tiful display of Christmas lights and was truly excited as the talks and shar-
symbols. This year, it was also the ings unfolded God’s message for every-
venue for the CFC Mindanao “Armor one that weekend. Rene Breva opened
of God” Leaders Conference held last the conference with a prologue. The first
March 11, 12 and 13, 2011. session was led by Rommel Ancheta as
More than 4,500 CFC leaders from the speaker and wife Layle as sharer, while
25 provinces in Mindanao gathered in Session 2 was led by Boie Sescon, with
the Tangub City Gymnasium to expe- wife Angging as sharer. CFC Chair-
rience God’s marching orders through man Joe Tale led the third session and
our CFC theme for the year, “Put on wife Babylou took the stage to give her
the Full Armor of God” taken from testimony. This was followed by Session
Ephesians 6: 7-11. 4 with Joe Yamamoto as speaker and
The grand preparations of this event, Dodong Banaynal as sharer. The final
considered the biggest in the history of talk and praisefest was led by Michael
the city, was led by City Mayor Philip “Shok” Ariola with sharers, Ruel and
Tan and his wife, Jenny, also members Maan Aguirre.
of Couples for Christ in the province. The conference was rendered more
The Tangub City gymnasium, which Spirit-filled by worship leaders Rue-
has existed for the past 15 years, was bert Dechos, Francis Kaamino, Cesar By Tina Rodriguez defend and protect life in all forms, from One of them was Ms. Mae Bel-
renovated and fully air-conditioned Advincula, James Solano. Lending conception to natural death. gica, a woman who used to be an
just in time for the CFC weekend. The spice to the program were the Session CFC was privileged to host the live active contraceptive user, who
whole city graciously welcomed their On Friday, March 25, 2011, Couples streaming video broadcast of the Rally, bravely shared that when artificial
News Anchors: Pempe Deguilmo, Boy
guests with festivities, food fiestas and for Christ was privileged to be part and our very own CFC Church Inte- contraceptives failed her and she
Gonzales, IC member Joey Arguelles,
late night parties and band concerts in of the Filipinos Unite Under God gration Office Missionary, Sk Ortigas, got pregnant, she had an abortion,
Philip Tan and Caloy Subang.
the plaza from Friday night till Saturday For Life Rally held at the Luneta was interviewed on GMA 7’s 24 Oras not just once, but several times. By
Indeed, it was a powerful weekend
night. The highlight of the weekend’s Grandstand. Along with thousands because of it. God’s grace, she realized the error
for the CFC leaders of Mindanao. As
activities was the thanksgiving street of other Filipinos of different beliefs The program, which had Fr. Joel Jason of her ways, repented, changed, and
they all left the warm city of Tangub,
dancing of the Tangub Tribu Sinandu- and faiths, CFC came together to and Ms. Gaines Rosario as the emcees, eventually bore her first child at the
they carried with them a stronger and
loy, who danced on the streets wearing show that we stand for LIFE. Two started with the recitation of the Holy age of 42. Her sharing was a power-
bolder conviction to continue to serve in
their colorful and festive costumes with busloads of staff and fulltime work- Rosary, followed by the Stations of the ful testimony to the dangers of the
one of the most challenging and exciting
the theme of a bountiful harvest and ers from the CFC Home Office joined Cross for Life. Afterwards there was an “contraceptive mentality” and how
group of islands in the Philippines.
CFC brethren from all over Metro inter-faith prayer and Declaration of laws like the RH Bill, which do not
Manila and the nearby provinces to Opposition, including testimonies from legalize abortion but “only” contra-
declare our commitment to nurture, people from all walk of life. ception, are inherently dangerous.
Mae’s sharing was followed
by a rousing declaration of op-
position to the RH Bill by Con-
gresswoman Aliah Dimaporo of
Lanao Del Norte. Coming from a
background that included work-
ing overseas, she emphasized that
the main asset of the Philippines
was, and continues to be, the
Filipino. Our human resources are
the number one quality “export”
of the country, and many foreign
employers she had encountered
usually indicated their preference
for Filipino workers. Listening to
Called / C4
C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 7
March 28 - April 10, 2011
Commencement Exercises
March and April are graduation the most part, a wish for a better life to change the city where he resides. “While these are real problems, “How do we respond? I propose
months. While graduation programs than they ever had. Let us honor the After another 10 years, he is now re- these are really but manifestations of the following guide:
are culminating activities not only for parents and family of our graduates. ally disappointed that he cannot even something deeper. At the root of all of 1. Know your identity -- You are
schools but more for the graduating This day belongs to them, too. change his city, and thus settles for these, is an underlying breakdown of created in the image and likeness of
students themselves, they are interest- “Today, as well, is a day for your seeking to transform his family. But, moral values.” God. You are meant for something
ingly, and aptly, called Commence- university officials and teachers, they with his children already grownups, it “Against this backdrop, some greater. Don’t let anyone tell you
ment Exercises. For indeed, while a who patiently teach and form you, has become difficult to transform even would like to transform society by otherwise.
chapter in the lives of graduates have develop your skills and potential, and his family. So, feeling frustrated, not reforming the structures. While 2. Acknowledge your weaknesses
ended, a new one has begun. Endings prepare you for the next phase of your having changed the world, not hav- this will help, it is not enough un- and repent -- Repentance, acknowl-
are really beginnings, too. Students, educational development. Educators ing changed his country, nor his city, less we go to the fundamentals. A edgement of our own sins and short-
upon their graduation, should focus do not just work for pay, although not even his own family, he focused former high government official in comings, and resolving to change
on the road ahead, to commence yet that is important, too, but more than on changing the only thing left– his the US, Charles Colson, who served is an important step. Repentance is
another phase of their life journey. that, I know that they work with their own self. as Special Counsel to President from the Greek root word “Metanoia”
I was honored to be invited by my heart, they give of themselves, with a “So what is the moral of the story? Is Richard Nixon, was imprisoned due which means a turning away from or
alma mater in Dumaguete City - Foun- vocation to make this world a better it, to forget about idealism, and just be to charges related to Watergate. In a turning away to.
dation University High School - to be place, starting with you, by making realistic. Is it to forget about dreaming prison, he encountered the Lord in 3. Walk your talk -- Integrity or con-
the Commencement Speaker during you a better person.” big, and just be pragmatic and content a special way, in a similar way that sistency of word and action is a goal
their Graduation Ceremonies last On their theme: “The Graduate: A with small things? No! Ninoy Aquino did, also in prison. we all should aspire to because this is
March 26, 2011. Partner Towards A Transformed So- “For we should not lose our ideal- In a book he wrote, “Against the the linchpin of character.
I would like to share with you the ciety” -- “As we look at our society ism. The capacity to dream is what Night,” Charles Colson writes: 4. Get involved -- Be salt of the
insights I shared with the graduating today, Philippine society specifically, keeps the youth in us, no matter “I spent the first half of my profes- earth. Immerse in the situation, there
students, their parents and teachers. we immediately understand and see our age. The author Samuel Ullman sional life in politics and public should be no fence sitters; know that
Somehow they seem as appropriate to the urgent need for transformation. writes: Nobody grows old by merely service. When I was in the White only a pinch will go a long way, you
them who are embarking on a new life Not cosmetic change, but deep trans- living a number of years; people grow House, I was a complete secularist. need not be many to make a differ-
chapter as to us as we prepare to close formation. Not tomorrow, but begin- old by deserting their ideals.” .. ence; don’t work for recognition, just
the third decade of our community life ning today. “The moral of the story is this: if I really believed that people could have the satisfaction that you have
and look forward to another. “And you have an important role you want to change the world, change be changed by government being helped.
To the audience: “To the graduates, to play in the transformation of this yourself first. In other words, the changed. 5. Persevere -- Galatians 6:9 says
this is your day, a signal achieve- nation. More and more, we have be- young graduate should have done the But when I became a Christian, I it well:
ment in your journey through life. I come a nation of young people, where last thing first, and the first thing last. gained a new perspective on the ac- a. This is not a sprint, but a marathon
am sure there are mixed emotions, of the young constitute a majority of the He should have focused on transform- tual influence political structures have
gratitude, that finally, at least for this population. Thus, we do not have ing himself first, before attempting to over the course of history. I began to Closing Thoughts
phase of your education, you are over to wait for the future for you to be a change the world. see that societies are changed only “The theme of social transforma-
the challenges of exams, recitations, force for societal change. You can be “Mahatma Gandhi puts it well: “Be when people are changed, not the tion is actually a very challenging
projects, and other requirements; but that force now. You can start making the change you want to see in the other way around. one. We can get lost in the maze or
also of sad goodbyes to classmates, a difference now. world.” get overwhelmed by the complexity
friends, teachers and staff, some of “It is instructive though, to recall “Again, be the change you want to The crisis is not political; it is moral of it all. We may not even know how
whom you might not be seeing again an anecdote: A young graduate, see in the world. Do not point at oth- and spiritual.” to begin.
for a long time. Add to these - feelings full of idealism, goes forth raring to ers. Do not blame others. Start with I suggest we start with small things.
of uncertainty, and perhaps anxiety, of change the world. After 10 years, not yourself.” “Thus if we want to transform soci- Let’s start doing good to others. Do-
what lies ahead. Where does my road succeeding in changing the world, he On the state of society that we seek ety, we need to hit the root of the prob- ing something good to others always
lead from here? downsizes his goal and now just seeks to transform: “What do we see around lem. Since the core of the problem is inspires, and in some intangible but
“It is likewise a day for your parents to change his country. After another us? Media is crowded with news on moral, then let us strike there. Other- real way, transforms both the doer
and family, they who labor and sacri- 10 years, he still is unsuccessful in crime, violence, immorality, wide- wise, we will only keep jabbing away and the recipient. Let us start with
fice to provide you with an education changing his country, so he once spread poverty, injustice, graft and at the surface manifestations without doing something good today. Not
that will help you live a better life, for again lowers his sights and just seeks corruption, illegal drugs.” landing the knockout punch. tomorrow, but today.”
Called / C1