Monitor

CBCP

JUNE 11 - 24, 2018 VOL. 22 NO. 12 CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

THE CROSS A3: NEWS A7: DIOCESAN NEWS B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS
A SUPPLEMENT PUBLICATION Slain priest remembered for his love for poor Boracay residents face eviction Message of Pope Francis to the members of the
OF KCFAPI AND THE ORDER OF Neocatechumenal Way on the occasion of their
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
50th founding anniversary

Church outraged by Cardinal Tagle

urges Filipinos
not to be
murder of priests
By Roy Lagarde
enslaved by
violence
THE head of Manila’s Roman
Catholic Church called on
Filipinos to resist being enslaved
CATHOLIC bishops by violence as the spate of
killings continue across the
bewailed the ‘escalating country.
violence’ in the country In his message for
even against clergymen, Independence Day, Cardinal
following the killing of Luis Antonio Tagle said that
another priest in Nueva such freedom is worthless if the
Ecija province. country is being engulfed by
Archbishop Romulo Valles, crimes, corruption and poverty.
president of the Catholic Bishops’ “It’s a false freedom when we
Conference of the Philippines, said are toying around with justice.
the killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo is We repeat: It is against the will
nothing but an “outrageously evil of God to destroy life. Killing is
act!” not a solution to personal and
“We make our appeal once again societal problems,” he said.
to the police authorities to act The cardinal lamented the
swiftly in the investigation and to killings of many Filipinos,
go after the perpetrators of this including slain Fr. Richmond
heinous crime and bring them to Nilo of the Cabanatuan diocese
justice,” Valles said. and Henry Acorda, an overseas
The archbishop lamented that Filipino worker who was killed
the recent attacks against church in Slovakia.
people happens in the Year of the “…I hope no one will be next.
Clergy and Consecrated Persons. We weep for them, their families,
Nilo is the third priest to be and our society. We seek justice
murdered in the recent months, for them,” Tagle said.
after Fr. Tito Paez in December last The Manila archbishop called
year, and Fr. Mark Ventura in April. on the people not to respond to
He was gunned down by still violence with violence and for
unidentified assailants and died on the assassins to stop the killings.
the spot inside the Barangay chapel “When you are being ordered
of Mayamot in Zaragoza town just or paid to hurt or kill others, do
as he was about to celebrate the not follow. Do not be a slave. A
Mass on late Sunday afternoon. true free Filipino does not take
The attack happened just four advantage, destroy, and enslave
days after Fr. Rey Urmeneneta, a others,” he added.
former police chaplain, survived an Cardinal Tagle also called on
assassination attempt in Calamba lawmakers to review prevailing
City on June 6. laws on owning firearms and
Nilo, 43, was the parish priest ammunitions.
of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in “We are calling the attention
Zaragoza town and, at the same of our lawmakers and those
time, the Financial Administrator in charge of peace and order:
of the Diocese of Cabanatuan. Why is there too many guns
Aside from serving vital positions, and weapons on the loose?” he
he was also known for his active asked.
involvement in the apostolate for “Maybe there is a need to
the deaf and mute in the diocese. review laws and regulations
“I am deeply sad and bothered concerning the manufacture,
because we may note that Fr. Nilo selling, buying, and ownership
is the 3rd priest to be killed in these of guns. Let us not wait anymore
recent months,” said Valles. for the time when it is easier to
Bishop Sofronio Bancud of purchase guns than rice,” he
Murder / A7 said. (CBCPNews)

“ “
Archbishop calls ‘Day of Reparation’ over priest’s killing Religious women hit ‘misogyny’
ARCHBISHOP Socrates the Philippine in the past six consent of their bishops and A GROUP of religious
Villegas of Lingayen- months. superiors. superiors has criticized
Dagupan has invited the He said that “today, the “We beg the Lord to wake what it called “misogyny,
faithful to observe a “day murderers are commended up our people, now walking chauvinism and the
We are against
of reparation” on June 18,
urging everyone to oppose
and the king is undisturbed”.
“God’s justice be upon Murders in darkness and numbed by
fear, to stand up for the Lord
degradation of women,”
hitting back at President the attacks on
killings.
The archbishop, in a letter
those who kill the Lord’s
anointed ones. There is continue and courageously correct
error and sin,” said Villegas.
Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged
misogynistic behavior and
women, the
humiliation
to the faithful, said he was
making the appeal because
a special place in hell for
killers. There is a worse place without “May we find among our
lay people the readiness to
his penchant of lashing out
against female critics. of women,
“murders continue without
relent”.
for those who kill priests,”
Villegas said. relent work actively for social and
political changes grounded
in Catholic moral teachings
“Women are not inferior to
men. We are all co-servants
of the Lord our maker,”
the prejudice
against women
June 18 is a Monday, the He even invited priests
9th day after the brutal from other dioceses and and Christian social ethics,” reads a statement from
killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo, religious congregations to he added. the Association of Major
the third priest to be killed in join the initiative with the Killing / A7 Religious Superiors of and dignity like Sr. Patricia
Women in the Philippines Fox and other women
Bishops thumb down arming priests for their personal safety (AMRSWP), which was
released in support of the
missionaries and legislators
who continue to speak truth
THE head of the Catholic Bishops’ may say that way. But we would do it cleric to be killed in six months. #BabaeAko social media to power, although some of
Conference of the Philippines said he just what Jesus did,” he said. The attack occurred four days after Fr. campaign them are “dehumanized by
is strongly against the idea of arming Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Rey Urmeneta, a former police chaplain, “We are against the attacks men”.
priests for personal safety in the wake Florencio, who is also the apostolic was wounded in a shooting in Calamba on women, the humiliation of “We are humbled by their
of recent attacks on clergymen. administrator of the Military Ordinariate City in Laguna province on June 6. women, the prejudice against example and will strive to
Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP of the Philippines, said he could think of On April 29, Fr. Mark Ventura, known women,” said AMRSWP Sr. emulate them in our work of
President, said that priests are supposed several scenarios where it could have for his anti-mining advocacy, was Regina Kuizon, RGS. “We mercy and justice,”
to be men of peace, not violence. negative consequences. gunned down after celebrating Mass in are weavers of history. We The AMRSWP also
“I would strongly oppose to arm the “It will create more chaos, it will not the province of Cagayan. are nurturers of the earth. reiterated its solidarity
priests,” Valles told Manila archdiocese- solve anything,” he said. In December last year, 72-year-old Fr. We are givers of life. We are with women who oppose
run Radio Veritas. Fr. Richmond Nilo has been shot dead Marcelito Paez was shot dead in Jaen women!” she said. “the creeping dictatorship
“We are men of God, men of the inside a chapel in the town of Zaragoza town in Nueva Ecija after facilitaitng The group also expressed in our midst,” defending
Church and it is part of our ministry to in Nueva Ecija province on June 10 as the release of a political prisoner. solidarity with others who democracy and the rule of
face face dangers, to face deaths if one he was preparing to say Mass, the third (CBCPNews) stand up for human rights law. (CBCPNews)
A2 WORLD NEWS June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

Civil court rules Fulton Sheen’s Vatican Briefing

remains can go to Peoria War, hunger, ‘cultural colonization’ are forms of persecution, pope says
Persecution is the work of the devil, and while anti-Christian
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.— The Msgr. Franco had said that Sheen persecution is evident in many parts of the world, the devil also
Superior Court of New York ruled told him he wanted to be buried in is attacking the image and likeness of God present in many other
Friday in favor of Joan Sheen New York and that Cardinal Cooke people as well, Pope Francis said. “In the world today, Christians
Cunningham, who had petitioned had offered him a space in the crypt are not the only ones being persecuted; human beings, man
to move the body of her uncle, of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. and woman, are because the father of every persecution cannot
Venerable Fulton Sheen, to the The appeals court ordered “a full tolerate that they are the image and likeness of God. So he attacks
Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria. exploration” of the archbishop’s and destroys that image,” Pope Francis said June 1 during Mass in
The body of the late archbishop is desires. the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The injustice that leaves millions of
currently in St. Patrick’s Cathedral The Diocese of Peoria said that the people starving, exploitation, modern slavery and torture—”even
in New York City. New York superior court ruled this 70 years after the (U.N.) Declaration of Human Rights”—are all
The Diocese of Peoria welcomed week that Msgr. Franco “testified forms of persecution, he said. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
the decision. completely in line with the testimony of
“This is the second time that the Joan Sheen Cunningham. Therefore,
Vatican criminal court indicts monsignor on child porn charges
Superior Court of New York has ruled both supported their understanding
A Vatican court indicted Msgr. Carlo Alberto Capella, a former
in favor of Joan Sheen Cunningham’s that above all else Archbishop Sheen
staff member at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, and
petition,” read a June 8 statement would not have objected to his remains
ordered him to stand trial beginning June 22 on charges of
from the Peoria diocese. being transferred to Peoria.”
possessing and distributing child pornography. Vatican City
The judge, Arlene Bluth, ruled that “Furthermore, the Archdiocese
State’s criminal court issued the indictment June 9, the Vatican
“the location of Archbishop Sheen’s of New York could not supply any
press office announced. Msgr. Capella has been held in a jail cell in
final resting place would not have further testimony against Joan
Venerable Fulton Sheen the Vatican police barracks since April 9. Msgr. Capella is accused
been his primary concern” and that Sheen Cunningham’s petition. The
of having and exchanging with others “a large quantity” of child
“it makes no sense, given his lifelong of Rochester in 1966. He retired in court ruled that their testimony was
pornography; the quantity is such that the charges are considered
devotion to the Catholic Church, that 1969 and moved back to New York fundamentally the same,” the Peoria
“aggravated” by the Vatican City court. If found guilty, he faces
he would choose a location over the City until his death in 1979. diocese said.
a prison sentence of one year to five years and a fine from 2,500
chance to become a saint.” Sheen’s will had declared his wish Bluth ruled that “Mrs. Cunningham
euro to 50,000 euro (about $3,000-60,000). However, according
The Peoria diocese opened the to be buried in the Archdiocese has offered a sound reason and a
to Vatican law, “the penalty is increased if a considerable quantity
cause for Sheen’s canonization in of New York Calvary Cemetery. laudable purpose for her petition”
of pornographic material is involved.” (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
2002 after Archdiocese of New York Soon after Sheen died, Cardinal and that Sheen “would care much
said it would not explore the case. In Terence Cooke of New York asked less about the location of his earthly
Gossip destroys Holy Spirit’s gift of peace, pope says
2012, Benedict XVI recognized the Cunningham, Sheen’s closest living remains than his ability … to continue
Peace is a gift that can easily be destroyed through petty gossip
heroic virtues of the archbishop. relative, if his remains could be to serve man and God on a grand
and speaking ill of others, Pope Francis said. People who receive
However, Bishop Daniel Jenky of placed in the New York cathedral’s scale after his earthly demise.”
and give the sign of peace “should be men and women of peace”
Peoria suspended the beatification crypt, and she consented. The Peoria diocese expressed their
and not ruin “the peace made by the Holy Spirit with your tongue,”
cause in September 2014 on the Cunningham has said that Sheen hope that the Archdiocese of New
the pope said June 6 during his weekly general audience. “Gossip
grounds that the Holy See expected would have wanted to have been York “will cease their legal resistance
is not a work of the Holy Spirit, it is not a work of the unity of the
Sheen’s remains to be in the Peoria interred in Peoria if he knew that he and respect the ruling of the Superior
church. Gossip destroys the work of God. Please stop gossiping,”
diocese. would be considered for sainthood. Court. Bishop Jenky hopes that the
the pope said. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS)
The Archdiocese of New York, In 2016, she filed a legal complaint New York Archdiocese will cooperate
however, has said that Vatican officials seeking to have her uncle’s remains with … the practical matters as to
Cardinal Obando Bravo, retired archbishop of Managua, dies
have said the Peoria diocese can pursue moved to Peoria. moving the remains of Venerable
Once honored by his native Nicaragua as a “father of peace
Sheen’s canonization regardless of An initial court ruling had sided Archbishop Sheen to Peoria, Illinois.
and reconciliation,” Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo, retired
whether his body is at rest there. with Cunningham, but a state appeals It is the hope that this process will
archbishop of Managua, died June 3 at the age of 92. Pope Francis
Sheen was born in Illinois in 1895, court overturned that ruling, saying it begin immediately.”
praised the late cardinal in a telegram released June 4 for being a
and was ordained a priest of the had failed to give sufficient attention The Diocese of Peoria said that
“devoted pastor,” who spent his life serving God and the church
Diocese of Peoria at the age of 24. to a sworn statement from a colleague moving Sheen’s body to Peoria will
with “generous faith.” Cardinal Obando was known for defending
He was appointed auxiliary bishop of of Archbishop Sheen, Monsignor be the next step towards bringing his
human rights during both the right-wing dictatorship of the
New York in 1951, and he remained Hilary C. Franco, a witness for the beatification to completion. (CNA/
Somoza family and the left-wing Sandinista regime, which seized
there until his appointment as Bishop New York archdiocese. EWTN News)
power in 1979. Many international organizations recognized
his “ceaseless pastoral and humanitarian work,” according to
Government officials destroy Way of the Cross in China’s Henan province Vatican News. In 2016, Nicaragua’s national assembly declared
him “father of peace and reconciliation” because of his dedication
WEIHUI, China— The record the vandalism. rooted history in the became the Communist
calling for an end to the civil war that rocked the nation from 1961
sanctuary of Our Lady One religious source said province, the future of the Party Secretary of the
to 1990. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
of Mount Carmel in the Communist Party was sanctuary after the recent province in March.
China’s Henan province making an example out of vandalism is unknown. Zhejiang province has
Pope appoints first layperson to head Pontifical Lateran University
is a popular pilgrimage site the sanctuary, saying the The damages sustained also been a focus for local
Pope Francis has appointed the first layperson to head Rome’s
for many Catholics, where government would “allow at Our Lady of Mount government persecution
Pontifical Lateran University. The pope named Vincenzo
thousands have journeyed Catholicism to exist but Carmel is indicative of of Christians. There have
Buonomo, 57, rector of the university, a Vatican press release
since its founding in 1903 not develop.” mounting strikes against also been reports of church
announced June 2. As of July 1, he will succeed 67-year-old
to pray and walk the The sanctuary of Our religious freedom in China. demolition or removal of
Bishop Enrico dal Covolo, a Salesian who was appointed rector
shrine’s Way of the Cross. Lady of Mount Carmel is Last fall, one Protestant crosses in Shaanxi province
in 2010. Born April 17, 1961, in Gaeta, Buonomo specialized in
However, on the evening the only pilgrimage site church was dismantled and the Xinjiang Uyghur
international law and received his doctorate from the Lateran in
of June 5, local government in Henan province and in the same province, Autonomous Region.
1983. He began teaching civil law at the university in 1984 and
authorities tore down is located in Tianjiajing and in February, towns The U.S. Commission
became a full professor in 2001. He also assisted the Holy See’s
the sanctuary’s images village. It was a product throughout Henan were for International
permanent observer at the U.N. food and agriculture agencies
of Christ along the Way of the vision of Bishop notified of a ban against Religious Freedom
based in Rome—the Food and Agriculture Organization, the
of the Cross, only weeks Stefano Scarella, P.I.M.E., publicly posting religious recently published its
International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World
after Chinese officials told who was vicar apostolic pamphlets. 2018 report in April, in
Food Program -- in 1983 and became its office manager in 2007.
Bishop Joseph Zhang of Northern Honan from Crosses at Catholic which it identifies China
Pope Francis named him an adviser of the Vatican City State in
Yinlin of Weihui (Anyang) 1884 until his death churches have also been as a Country of Particular
2014. (CNS)
to dismantle the Way of in 1902. He dedicated removed and demolished Concern. This label is given
the Cross without any the shrine to Mary, in by government officials in to foreign governments
Pope: Catholics won’t ‘meddle’ in internal affairs of Orthodox Church
given reason. gratitude for protecting Henan, which is believed that engages in or tolerates
The Catholic Church respects the Russian Orthodox Church,
The Way of the Cross missionaries during the to have the second largest “systemic, ongoing, and
its status in Russia and its right to handle its own internal
was demolished during Boxer Rebellion. Christian population in egregious” religious
affairs, Pope Francis said. As some Ukrainian politicians and
the night on Tuesday, Every year, the the country, with roughly freedom violations.
leaders of some Ukrainian Orthodox communities work for the
said Bishop Zhang, when sanctuary hosted an 2.4 million Christians In April, a Chinese
establishment of a unified Ukrainian Orthodox church completely
“excavators and pickup annual celebration July as of 2009. Church-run government official who
independent of Moscow, Pope Francis told Russian Orthodox
trucks were driven to 16, where thousands of kindergarten schools were oversees religious affairs
leaders that any Catholics taking a side on the matter “are not
the site at night because pilgrims visited from additionally taken over said that government
obeying the Holy See.” Pope Francis met May 30 with a delegation
authorities feared there nearby provinces, such by officials and closed restrictions on bishop
from the Russian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Hilarion
would be too many church as Hebei and Shanxi. without further notice, appointments are not
of Volokolamsk, head of external relations for the church. The
members in the daytime,” However, in 1987, the and one bishop’s tomb was a violation of religious
Vatican published the pope’s remarks to the group June 2. “The
according to UCA News. government banned large desecrated. freedom, as he emphasized
Catholic Church, the Catholic churches must not meddle in the
Local nuns took pilgrimage gatherings and Eight of Henan’s ten that religions in China
internal affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church nor in political
videos and pictures of limited the number of dioceses have been must “adapt to socialist
questions,” the pope said. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
the damages and sent pilgrims to 300. ordered to be suppressed society.” (CNA/EWTN
them to chat groups to Despite the shrine’s since Wang Guosheng News)
Pope to journalists: Be responsible, avoid ideological warfare

Satanist loses legal challenge to strip ‘In God We Trust’ from currency Journalists must meticulously uphold their craft of responsible
reporting and not be tempted into partisan or ideological warfare,
CHICAGO, Ill.— A U.S. appellate cryptocurrency for all transactions. the lower court’s ruling. It said Pope Francis said. “Today, in a world where everything is fast, it
court has ruled against a self- The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of that plaintiffs had failed to “show is ever more urgent to call upon the tough and strenuous rule of
described Satanist from Chicago Appeals found that the currency a specific governmental intent to exhaustive research, exchange and, if necessary, also keep quiet
who had filed a lawsuit seeking to motto “is similar to other ways in infringe upon, restrict, or suppress rather than harm a person or group of people or delegitimize an
remove the motto “In God We Trust” which secular symbols give a nod to other religious beliefs” through the event,” he said. “I know it’s hard, but a life story is understood
from U.S. currency. the nation’s religious heritage,” such motto on U.S. currency. at the end, and this should help us become courageous and
The ruling, released May 31, found as the line “one nation under God” Although the plaintiffs said they prophetic,” the pope told a delegation promoting integrity
that “a reasonable observer would in the Pledge of Allegiance. preferred to use cash over credit in journalism June 4. The delegation, led by Simona Agnes,
not perceive the motto on currency A similar suit received a ruling on or debit cards, the court said that represented the foundation and jury that award the Biagio Agnes
as a religious endorsement.” May 29 from the 6th Circuit Court the existence of these alternatives Prize. The prize is named after the late Italian journalist and
Kenneth Mayle, who describes of U.S. Appeals. meant that the plaintiffs were not former general director of Italy’s state broadcasting network, RAI.
himself as a non-theistic Satanist, In that suit, a group of atheists and forced “to choose between violating Biagio Agnes’ brother, Mario, was a journalist for the Catholic
filed the original lawsuit in May humanists argued that the motto their religious beliefs or suffering a press and headed the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano,
2017. A lower court had dismissed on the currency required them to serious consequence” and therefore from 1984 to 2007. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
the suit, and Mayle appealed. “bear, affirm, and proselytize an could not demonstrate a substantial
The 36-year-old told the Chicago objectionable message in a way that… burden on their free exercise of Pope ‘ashamed’ by church’s failure to listen to abuse survivors
Tribune that carrying and using violates their core religious beliefs.” religion. In a letter to Catholics in Chile, Pope Francis expressed shame
money with the motto “In God We One Jewish plaintiff also argued The phrase “In God We Trust” for the church’s failure to listen and defend survivors of sexual
Trust” makes him feel compelled to that “participation in any activity that is the official motto of the United abuse at the hands of the clergy. Released by the Chilean bishops’
take part in a “submissive ritual” by ultimately leads to the superfluous States. It first appeared on certain conference May 31, the letter from the pope said that the time of
spreading a religious message with printing of G-d’s name on secular U.S. coins as early as 1864. A 1956 “revision and purification” in the church was possible through
which he disagrees. documents or to the destruction of law required all U.S. currency to bear the efforts of abuse survivors “who, against all hope or painted
He does not like to use credit or G-d’s printed name is sinful.” the printed phrase. as discredited, did not tire of looking for the truth.” They are
debit cards due to late and overdraft A lower court had dismissed the case, The motto has faced several “victims whose cries reached to heaven. I would like to once again
fees, as well as the potential for saying that cash-only transactions did lawsuits since 1970, which have publicly thank all of them for the courage and perseverance,” the
security breaches, and says that not compel proselytization. been repeatedly rejected by courts. pope wrote. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS)
he would ideally prefer to use The court of appeals agreed with (CNA/EWTN News)
CBCP Monitor June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 A3

Pope leads prayers for U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore

VATICAN CITY—Leading the “prince of demons” to cast out
thousands of people in prayer, Pope demons, the scribes fell into a great
Francis said he hoped the upcoming sin of “denying and blaspheming
summit between the United States God’s love that is present and works
and North Korea would lead to in Jesus,” he said.
lasting peace. Blasphemy, the pope said, “is a sin
After praying the Angelus with against the Holy Spirit and the only
an estimated 20,000 people in St. unforgivable sin because it comes
Peter’s Square June 10, the pope from a closure of the heart to God’s
said he wanted to convey “a special mercy that acts in Jesus.”
thought to the beloved Korean Pope Francis told Christians they
people,” and he asked the crowd should go to confession immediately
to pray the “Hail Mary” so that when they are tempted to speak
“Our Lady, Queen of Korea, may ill of another person because
accompany these talks.” “this attitude destroys families,
“May the talks that will take place friendships, the community and
in the next few days in Singapore even society.”
contribute to the development of a “Here there is a truly mortal
positive path that assures a future of poison: the premeditated malice one
peace for the Korean peninsula and uses to destroy the good reputation
the whole world,” Pope Francis said. of the other. May God free us from
North Korean leader Kim Jong this terrible temptation,” he said.
Un and U.S. President Donald Another misunderstanding
Trump were to meet on Singapore’s described in the Gospel reading,
Sentosa Island for the historic the pope continued, comes from
summit June 12. It was to be the Jesus’ family who believed his
first meeting between a sitting “new itinerant lifestyle seemed like
U.S. president and a North Korean madness.”
leader. In the Gospel, after Jesus was told
Nuclear war protesters demonstrate outside the White House in Washington August 9, 2017. Church officials called for dialogue to east North Korea tensions.
Before leading the crowds in that his mother and his brothers TYLER ORSBURN/CNS
praying for the summit, the pope and sisters were asking for him, he
reflected on the Sunday Gospel responds, “Here are my mother and toward his mother but instead answer also showed that Christians the pope said. “Speaking ill of
reading in which Jesus confronts my brothers. For whoever does the it is “the greatest recognition, are united not by family bonds but others, destroying other people’s
“two types of misunderstandings” will of God is my brother and sister because she is precisely the perfect by their “faith in Jesus.” reputations, makes us part of the
from the scribes and his relatives. and mother.” disciple who obeyed God’s will in “Welcoming Jesus’ words makes devil’s family.” (Junno Arocho
By accusing Jesus of being Jesus’ response, the pope everything.” us brothers and sisters, it makes Esteves / Catholic News Service)
possessed and using the power of explained, is not a lack of respect Pope Francis said that Christ’s us members of Jesus’ family,”

Papal diplomat says US- Slain priest remembered for his love for poor
North Korea summit brings HE opted to be with the priest’s companions.
poor, to live with them on When Father Ventura and
the village,” the woman said.
“He really loved people,

hope for peace the peripheries, and there he his team left the mission especially the communities in
was killed doing what he was station in 2015, a chapel his mission area,” said Mae,
called to do — to be a pastor painted in blue and white, the priest’s sister. “He would
to the Lord’s flock. was erected in the center explain to us that the church
Father Mark Anthony of the village for people to has to reach out and serve the
Yuaga Ventura took up the worship regularly. poor.”
challenge to serve in one of In 2016, the priest was sent Mae said his brother would
the church’s most remote to the village of Mabuno in skip family gatherings on
stations in the northern San Isidro Labrador parish special occasions because “he
Philippines. also in Gattaran. needed to be with the people
He left the comforts The new mission covered ... because his community
enjoyed by a seminary rector, five farming and tribal had become his family.”
not to have an adventure, but communities at the foot of On the day he was killed,
to be one with the people, the Sierra Madre mountain Father Ventura left his hut on Father Mark Anthony Ventura interacts
especially farmers. range. the hill at 6 a.m. to say Mass with parishioners after Mass in the
northern Philippine Archdiocese of
The 37-year-old priest, shot “He asked for the in four villages. Tuguegarao. MARIA TAN
and killed by gunmen on April assignment,” recalled An hour later, he reached
29, found among the poor a Archbishop Sergio Utleg of the village of Pena Weste silence the church.
community of Christians Tuguegarao. where he celebrated the Under Archbishop Utleg,
who were spirituality and Father Ventura built a Eucharist attended by about Tuguegarao Archdiocese led
economically hungry. small chapel and a convent 100 villagers. a campaign that put an end
He first confronted the on top of a hill overlooking He was preparing to baptize to mining operations in the
difficult lives of farmers in the village and immersed several children while talking area.
the village of Tanglagan, in himself in the life of the to members of the choir when Politicians who have an
the northern Philippine town community. the gunman approached and interest in mining were vocal
of Gattaran. “Early morning, he would shot the priest in the head. in their opposition to the ban,
Pope Francis blesses Archbishop Alfred Xuereb during his episcopal ordination in St. In 2014, he led a team of wave from the hill to people Archbishop Utleg later even accusing the archbishop
Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 19, 2018. PAUL HARING/CNS five missionaries to minister going to work,” said villager described the killer as “a and members of the clergy of
to the rural poor and the ZenaidaAlejo. product of a materialistic being communists.
VATICAN— Talks between of the Korean people,” tribal people of Tanglagan. She recalled several times society, where a majority of The ecumenical group
the leaders of the United Cardinal Yeom said in his There he showed his when the priest would join the people are jobless and Promotion of Church Peoples
States and North Korea are homily. “I sincerely wish leadership skills that farmers in the field. “He where there is less reverence Response described Father
“truly historic” and bring that the agreement can be contributed to the growth would eat with them and for the sacred and for sacred Ventura’s killing as an attempt
hope for the start of a new era promptly executed to achieve of Christian communities in laugh with them,” recalled persons.” “to sow fear and terror.”
of peace, said Pope Francis’ the common good not only the village. Zenaida. Police investigators are still Meanwhile, the chapel and
ambassador to Korea. for Korean people but for all “He showed the poor that She described the priest trying to find the motive for convent on top of the hill in
A “very important” new people on the globe.” the church was in solidarity as “a young sweet boy” who the killing, but a parishioner the village of Mabuno remains
page has been turned, He also added prayers with them by preaching about loved to call every one uncle said the attack on the priest without a priest. (Mark
Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, for the believers in North equality,” said one of the or auntie. “He was a son of was “a bloody message” to Saludes/UCANews)
apostolic nuncio to South Korea to have the freedom
Korea and Mongolia, told
Vatican News June 12.
of religion and be able to
lead humane lives as soon as Pope shares childhood memories with Italian children
“It marks the beginning possible.
POPE Francis told Italian schoolchildren
of a still long and arduous Archbishop Xuereb told
that he grew up in Buenos Aires,
journey, but we are hopeful Vatican News the rhetoric
Argentina, “the most beautiful city in the
because the start has been has gone from unleashing
world,” and that besides playing soccer,
very positive, very good,” he “fire and fury” against North
he loved to fly kites as a child.
said. Korea to more moderate
“We would make them with cane
North Korean leader Kim language “that speaks of
and paper, light paper. We made them
Jong Un and U.S. President peace, of relations based on
ourselves,” the pope told about 500
Donald Trump met on understanding, therefore,
children from schools in the poorer
Singapore’s Sentosa Island we are truly full of hope and
neighborhoods of Rome and of Milan. In
for the historic summit June confidence.”
the kite championship, he added, there
12. It was the first meeting “You can imagine how
were prizes for “the prettiest one and for
between a sitting U.S. anxiously the Korean people
the one that went highest.”
president and a North Korean and the church here in Korea
With the children seated around
leader. are experiencing this truly
him in the atrium of the Vatican
Afterward, Trump said Kim historic moment,” the papal
audience hall, Pope Francis answered
would work to end North nuncio said.
their questions about his childhood,
Korea’s nuclear program. “The Holy See wants to
his school, his vocation and the
Trump promised to end joint support whatever possible Pope Francis greets children during an audience with children participating in the “Train of Children” at the Vatican
standard question children ask him,
military exercises with South initiative that promotes June 9. Children from poor suburbs outside Milan arrived on a train that stopped at the Vatican. Also pictured is
“How did you feel when you were Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture. PAUL HARING/CNS
Korea. dialogue and reconciliation”
chosen pope?”
After the summit, Cardinal while also taking advantage were like?” Anna Greta asked the how he came to understand “that you
Meeting the pope was the culmination
Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of of being able to take the 81-year-old pope. were to live the life that you lived?”
of the “Children’s Train” initiative of the
Seoul, South Korea, and Gospel message to everyone, He said one of his favorite teachers “I understood in pieces,” the pope
Pontifical Council for Culture and the
apostolic administrator he said. was named Estela; he was in her class answered. First, he decided to study
Italian state railroad.
of Pyeongyang, North Pope Francis led thousands both for first and third grade. chemistry and he worked as a chemist
Pope Francis urged the children
Korea, celebrated Mass in of people in St. Peter’s Square “She was great. She taught us how in a lab for four years, “and I liked this.
always to remember their first school
Myeongdong Cathedral to in prayer June 10, expressing to write and read,” the pope said. Even But at a certain point, I understood
and first teacher.
pray for prompt execution of hopes the summit would lead years later, he said, he remembered her that it did not fulfill me very much and
“Can a tree whose roots have been
the summit agreement. to lasting peace. with gratitude because she helped him I thought I should do something for
removed produce flowers?” the pope
“When I heard the news “May the talks,” he get started in learning. others,” like maybe be a doctor.
asked. The children shouted, “No.”
that there was a meaningful said, “contribute to the “Already as a teenager, then as a But then, he said, one year on “the first
People, too, have roots, he said. There
agreement between the development of a positive priest, I would phone her,” he said. day of spring in Argentina, Sept. 21,”
are “spiritual roots, home, family and
two summits in their first path that assures a future “Then, as a bishop, I helped her when because it’s in the southern hemisphere,
school. That is why I say don’t forget
meeting, I deeply thanked of peace for the Korean she was sick. She died when she was 94 “I felt in my heart that I should become
your schools because they are roots of
God to remember our prayers peninsula and the whole years old.” a priest. Bam. In a flash.” (Cindy
your culture.”
for reconciliation and union world.”(Carol Glatz/CNS) A boy named Malak asked the pope Wooden/CBCPNews)
“Do you remember what your teachers
A4 OPINION June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Killings
THEY are killing our flock. They are killing us the shepherds.
They are killing our faith. They are cursing our Church. They
are killing God again as they did in Calvary.
Killing is the solution. Killing is the language. Killing is the
way. Killing is the answer. Killing is encouraged. Killing is
their job. Killers are rewarded. Killers boast of their murders.
They kill in the streets. They kill inside homes. They kill in
tricycles and jeeps. They kill in plazas. They kill in the malls.
They kill in the chapels. The nation is a killing field. They kill
everywhere. They are happy to kill. But we are not a nation
of killers.
Are you still clapping? Are you still laughing? You still find
it funny? You still think “Dapat lang”? Are you still saying
“Pagbigyan natin”? Are you still saying our people feel safer
now? Are you still saying this is the best government we ever
had? Is this the change you want? Are these the changes you
dream of? Are you still saying “There are some good things
happening! Focus on the good”? If they curse us again for
speaking up, we will not be surprised.
Are you afraid to talk? You think silence is a virtue? You
think we your shepherds should sow unity by being like the

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

monkeys who see and speak and hear no evil? You think we
can be the next target if we speak? Do you still care? Where is
your faith? You talk in whispers. You are afraid to be heard?
Have we become numb and dumb?
“Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?” said King
Henry II about Saint Thomas Becket. Like blind fanatics, the
knights of the King went to the Cathedral, searched for the
Archbishop, hacked him and split his skull to make the King
happy but the king was unnerved instead. The King became
penitent and offered penance. The murderers were disgraced.
Increasing lawlessness Panaghoy
Today, the murderers are commended and the king is
undisturbed. Bp. Broderick Pabillo
(This is a guest editorial; lifted from the Message to the
People of God by the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Lingayen
Dagupan on June 12, 2018)
ANOTHER priest has been so brazen as to kill a priest as on drugs are filed “under Martial Law, it may not be
Truth has many layers murdered. he is about to celebrate mass investigation.” They will far-fetched to sense that
Last night, June 10, Fr. or has just celebrated mass remain unsolved! these killings are executed to
THERE’S an interesting episode in the gospel that tells us that Richmond Nilo, parish priest on a Sunday, then who could There is indeed an create a sense of helplessness
truth indeed has many layers and we just have to be careful of Zaragosa in Nueva Ecija of be safe? There is really no increasing lawlessness to justify a declaration of
with our assertions especially when done as if we already the diocese of Cabanatuan, longer any fear of God. in the country. Why? nationwide Martial Law. It
know everything. was gunned down and killed Are these two killings Not because the police is not Martial Law that can
It’s in the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 7. “Some in the instantly in the early evening related? We cannot say. It is or the military do not stop lawlessness. In fact
crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, ‘This is truly the as he was about to celebrate not only too early to say but have enough power; but it will bring about more
Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But others said, ‘The mass in the barangay chapel the police are so inept that we because there is a culture lawlessness because all
Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture of Mayamot. Six Sundays may never be able to know the of impunity in the country. the more the police and
say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from ago, Fr. Mark Anthony facts and the perpetrators. Those who do wrong are the military will pursue
Bethlehem, the village were David lived?’” Ventura was also killed— Many high profile killings not held accountable while their operations without
Somehow, everyone said something truthful, but not gunned down—in Gattaran are not solved—with so many those declared “enemies” any accountability to
everyone was in the truth. This can happen to us in our town in Cagayan Valley after other killings of priests, like of Duterte are made to face civilian authorities. More
exchanges and discussions. We can say something truthful in celebrating morning mass. the killing of Fr. Tito Paez flimsy and even trumped up impartial and independent
the sense that we can cite certain data and facts, but we need He was still in his priestly in December 2017 also in cases, like in the case of Sen investigations are what we
to realize that data and garb. Both of them were killed Cabanatuan and even up to Delima, CJ Sereno, Sr. Pat need. More accountability
facts do not necessarily say the last word, and they can even as priests. Mistaken identity killing of Fr. Pops Tintorio Fox and many lumad and of the government to the
be contradicted in the end. could not be a reason. They in October of 2011 in North farmer leaders in Mindanao. people should be the call.
Yes, we need to realize that truth has many layers, levels, were really killed because Cotabato remains unsolved, Is this sense of lawlessness The people then have to be
dimensions and angles, and we just have to be careful and they are priests. or intentionally left unsolved. deliberately created? Some more active and vocal to call
prudent when making our assertions given this character of This is a very bad sign in If killings of priests are left with naughty minds may for accountability. Huwag
truth. At the very least, we have to be cordial and civil with the situation of the country unsolved, then what can think so. Like in the time tayo matakot at huwag tayo
each other especially when we find ourselves in opposite now. There is no more the ordinary citizen expect? of Marcos, when a “state magpabaya. No one is now
sides in a certain issue or topic. We also need to realize that consideration of who or what Thus the more the 20,000 of anarchy” was created to safe. Kaya makialam na
truth has its ultimate foundation in God who is the Creator a person is. If people could be killings in the name of war justify the declaration of tayong lahat!
of everything, and that every attempt we make to establish a
truth should always have a clear reference to and respect for
God. Otherwise, we would end up like the devil who is the
father of lies and can only dish out lies, citing facts and data. And That’s The Truth
Kiss kiss bang bang
In fact, in that temptation of Christ in the desert (cfr Mt
4,1-11), the devil cited scriptural passages to supports his
Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
assertions. Indeed, the devil said something truthful, but in
the end he was actually lying. We may not have the intention
to lie or to deceive anyone with our statements, but we just
AFTER kissing a married woman on the before I could judge the act (without kiss is a kiss is a kiss, and a kiss on the
have to see to it that our assertions are not made as if they have
lips in public, what will Chief Executive being judgmental). I saw the lady’s lips is big time in our culture. See how
the final say about a certain issue, even if we have a plethora
Digong do next? I didn’t get the details reluctance, the president’s insistence, a lips-to-lips kiss caps our wedding
of data and facts to support our views. We should be open to
when I first heard of that “historic kiss” and the kiss which, truth to tell, ceremonies, where the groom waits
the positions of others and continue to probe our views to see
over the radio, and so I dismissed it as wasn’t intimate enough to spread a until the priest/minister says “You
to it that we are not missing anything.
just another Du30 gimmick. He was virus, but why did it go viral just the may now kiss the bride” before lifting
We should be open-minded and ready to revise or even
probably fishing for approval from the same? Why did CNN, BBC, Time, her veil and kissing her lips? Suddenly
change our views the moment we get hold of another piece
OFWs during his visit to South Korea, CBS, Washington Post among others you have this mischievous president
of data that sheds better light on our position. As much as
so what’s new? But when station after think it was newsworthy? The head of soliciting a kiss from somebody else’s
possible, we should avoid hardening our positions for the sake
station rattled on about “the kiss”, state who is known for getting into hot wife. What the ….! That would have
of protecting our personal views. Such attitude is what actually
and I learned soon after that the kiss water because of his mouth has done it constituted sexual harassment in the
generates unnecessary contentions and controversies that are
was on the lips, and that the woman again—this time not because of cussing corporate world!
very toxic to all of us. In the end, what really matters is that all
was married, and that our showman- but because of kissing; caused not by a But besides the fact of the kiss, it’s
efforts to get to the truth about anything should start and end
of-a-president demanded the kiss in joke, but by a joke of a kiss. the public reaction to the president’s
with God, and not just with facts and data alone. In fact, all
return for a scandalous book, I thought, The uproar was like thunder rolling intention that needs examination. The
efforts to get to the truth should be done in the context of love
“Uh-oh, that’s a material for my next from east to west, north to south—why? audience shrieked and hooted their
for God and for everyone, and for the salvation of mankind.
column.” Because—as the song goes, “You must approval of the act—why? Was it okay
Short of that, we would be playing with fire in our assertions.
And then came the videos, and remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a that their country’s leader turned a kiss
We have to disabuse ourselves from developing a
the blasts from social media, pro sigh is just a sigh… The fundamental into live entertainment? Is it more
disordinate attachment to facts and data that ignores or even
and con. I had to watch the video things apply, as time goes by…” A And That’s the Truth / A6
is hostile to God’s will and ways, and is detached from the
ultimate context and perspective. In our discussions, it pays
to have a good grip on our emotions and passions, as well as
on our preferences and the many conditionings that we are
In his element Candidly Speaking
subjected to—our temperaments, our physical condition, our
cultural background, etc. Fr. Roy Cimagala

Monitor
CBCP
WE just celebrated the head of the Church. of the Church in spite of his speaking, our effectiveness
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart As such, we cannot defects, that he would be in in our pastoral work. But
of Jesus recently. There we overemphasize the need for his element when he gives his we have to understand that
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE were reminded of this very priests to be truly holy as to homily at Mass. there is something more
Pedro Quitorio moving truth of our faith be truly ‘another Christ,’ as He would exude some fundamental that is always
Editor-in-Chief
that it was from the pierced all Christians are supposed to kind of X factor that goes needed. And that is the very
heart of Jesus that not only be. Priests should somehow beyond whatever prowess spirit of Christ which we
Nirva’ana Delacruz Ron Ramos blood and water flowed but take the lead in this duty. It he may have in terms of ought to acquire, develop,
Associate Editor Design Artist rather through them the has to be understood that to his knowledge in theology deepen and enrich.
nourishing sacraments and be ‘another Christ’ as head and philosophy, his ability We should aim to make as
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite all the salvific means we need of the Church, priests should at public speaking, and the our own what St. Paul once
News Editor Circulation Manager
have been made available be willing to give their all, fruitfulness of his pastoral said: “We have the mind of
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez to us. to the extent of willing to be work, etc. In a sense, he Christ,” (1 Cor 2,16) and “It
Managing Editor Comptroller The Solemnity also crucified and pierced in the exudes a certain sacred aura is no longer I who live, but it
happens to be the Day of heart. that the people can easily is Christ who lives in me. And
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the Areopagus
Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at
the Sanctification of Priests, I would say that it is perceive. the life I now live in the flesh
Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 an intriguing coincidence when a priest at least would We, priests, should try, of I live by faith in the Son of
F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404 - meant to highlight the strict pursue in earnest his own course, to master as much God, who loved me and gave
2182. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@areopaguscommunications.
com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. sacramental identification sanctification, his own duty as we can our theology and himself for me.” (Gal 2,20)
of the priests with Christ as to be ‘another Christ’ as head philosophy, our art of public Candidly Speaking / A6
CBCP Monitor June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 OPINION A5

Are (some or all) Filipino priests

By the Roadside The View from the Mountain
now targets of systematic
Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD assassination squads?

ONE cannot help but ask that question,

especially after three priests have
recently been murdered in similar
numbing and callous. Frs. Ventura
and Nilo were both killed in Church,
the first shortly after Mass and the
indeed, a list of priests to be taken
down via assassinations. What is more,
his name is included among them. It is
The challenges the
circumstances, with nothing definitely,
credibly and reliably acceptable coming
other before he actually started the
Eucharistic celebration. If the killers
hard to tell if this list actually exists and
whether or not it is in the hands of both
Church in the
out of any investigations. Fr. Marcelito
Paez, killed in December 2017, Fr. Mark
were Catholic or, at least, Christian, they
must have deadened their consciences
the mastermind(s) and the killers. But,
as the old-age adage tells us, it is better
Philippines Faces
Anthony Ventura, killed on April 29, or simply refused to heed them. Striking to err on the side of caution. (Part I)
2018 and Fr. Richmond Nilo, killed in a person before or after a religious act The CBCP has not been remiss in
the afternoon of June 10, 2018 just days with the intention of murdering him denouncing the evil and cowardly
IF we want the Church to survive and thrive we need to
after Fr. Rey Urmeneta of Calamba, or her not only is extraordinarily cruel acts of those who have planned,
constantly look at the big picture and the long view. This
Laguna was hurt in an assassination but also extremely inhuman. Their commanded and executed the killings
requires looking at the external opportunities and threats as
attempt are now just pieces of news victims were totally unarmed, unfairly of priests and many other Filipinos,
well as our internal weaknesses and strengths. The question
that, nevertheless, still shock in that targeted when they had little chance to mostly among our poor, in the ongoing
we need to answer is: What are the challenges the Church
they seem to go against the grain of the escape or defend themselves. Only cold- anti-illegal-drug war. Perhaps the
is facing today and in the coming decades, and how can the
Filipino culture’s respect cum reverence blooded murderers who have habitually bishops should also collectively as
Church respond to these challenges?
for religious leaders. denounced God or his commandments well as individually take necessary
The first challenge is that of globalization. All the nations and
The impunity with which these crimes in their hearts and lives are capable of measures to protect the security of
economies of the world are now interconnected. Globalization
have been carried out stands out. Not such barbarity. their priests, particularly in far-flung
has been brought about by advances in technology—through
only has the highest office of the land What could be the reason or reasons and impoverished places they minister
means of communication and travel. The world has indeed
taken note of this impunity; it has behind the killings? This question is as to. As fathers of dioceses, they owe it
become a global village. Globalization has brought economic
virtually left it un-dented. Investigations inevitable as it is necessary. Could it be to to their priests to keep their freedom
progress to many underdeveloped countries. The Asian region
are being called. But, judging from silence the victims permanently and thus to evangelize safeguarded. To say
(especially South-East Asia) has become the fastest growing
the history of such similar acts taken render their work for evangelization, for that the risk to life and limb comes
economy with high GDP. But this growth has not been
recently by government, truth may social justice, for the environment, for with the territory also helps, but it
inclusive, benefiting only local economic and political elites
have to be suspended until further peace and human rights inutile? Could should not be uttered at the expense
and transnational corporations. Poverty remains a problem.
notice. For one, there is a lingering it be to intimidate the clergy as a whole of genuine concern for their brother
The poor has been left behind—including the indigenous
doubt about the government being into silence about its denunciations of priests’ or religious’ security. After
peoples. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened.
independent or objective enough to carry social evils as tremendously hazardous all, even Jesus did not unnecessarily
The economic system has resulted in ecological and
the investigations through impartially. to their health? Or could it be a direct expose himself to risks ahead of his
environmental degradation due to mining, logging, coal-
These doubts come with suspicions that threat to the Catholic Church in the time. Still, even bishops, no matter
fired power plants, and dependence on fossil fuels. The
forces with links to the government Philippines that unless she refrains from the length and breadth of their efforts
Philippines have become one of most vulnerable countries
might even be behind the killings, given speaking her mind on matters that put to secure their priests, can never
to calamities and disasters brought about by climate change
the seemingly endless and virulent anti- the country’s situation in a bad light, prevent a determined assassin’s bullet.
and global warming. Super-typhoons like Yolanda and floods
priests, anti-hierarchy and anti-Catholic as though it is not bad enough, these Priests and Religious must never fail to
are becoming the new normal. The poisoning of the land, air,
Church rhetoric issuing forth from the are samples of consequences she must constantly call on the Highest Power
and seas is affecting the livelihood and public health.
highest official of the country. Perhaps expect? in prayers and supplications born of
Globalization has made possible the flow of migration—
only a foreign investigative body could One priest, well/placed in the faith and a love that is, at the end of
from the underdeveloped countries to the more developed
lay to rest such doubts and suspicions. hierarchy, confessed to having received the day, ready to give all back to the
economies, and from the rural areas to the urban areas. In the
The latest two killings are particularly credible information that there is, One from whom all came.
short term, this has been economically beneficial to OFWs’
families, keeping the economy afloat. The Philippines sends
Fake news is gossip out one of the highest number of migrant workers. Filipinos
Duc in Altum can be found in almost all parts of the world—the Middle
East, North America, Europe, and in Asia-Oceania (Japan,
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago Korea, Australia). The lack of national industrialization
and agricultural development coupled with better job
opportunities abroad will continue to perpetuate and increase
foreign and domestic migration.
DATELINE: Los Angeles, and our pursuit of goodness.” of Pasig, together with in the Service of the New What is the effect of globalization and a neo-liberal capitalist
California—Pope Francis He again mentioned his Rev. Fr. Joselito Jopson, Evangelization by Prof. system on culture? Through technology, the liberal values
cautioned the faithful on disapproval of fake news Executive Secretary. Early Erika Fille T. Legara, Ph.D. of the dominant Western (European and North American)
what gossips can do to a which is false information Bird participants will enjoy of the Asian Institute of culture are influencing the local culture. Among these values
person. “Gossip is not a work that leads to arrogance and discounted registration fee if Management. are consumerism, materialism, secularism, autonomy,
of the Holy Spirit, it is not hatred. they would register and pay There are 5 tracks for the independence, sexual permissiveness, privacy, individual
a work of the unity of the Fake news can make on or before July 31, 2018. participants: Indigenous rights, personalism, equality, liberty, etc. Those who are easily
church. Gossip destroys the or break a person. It can The convention, hosted by People (We accompany each influenced by these values are the young people and those
work of God. Please stop also break a family, an the Archdiocese of Davao, other); Lay Worker (You are living in urban areas. These values can easily be assimilated
gossiping. Gossip is war.” organization, a community. will be held from August 6 to so precious); Inter-religious due to technology (the internet, social media, movies, TV,
The Pope firmly stated that Fake news can break a 9, 2018 at Mergrande Ocean Dialogue (We journey etc). Thus, there is an emerging youth culture that transcends
people who receive and give government. It can break Resort in Talomo, Davao City together); Marginalized national and regional borders. Young people from all over the
the sign of peace should be peace and can cause war. with the theme “Ako Ni Bai people (Come and join); 911 world can share the same values, the same taste for clothes,
men and women of peace Everyone must be discreet (It is I). The keynote speaker Safety and Security (Just music, food, and the kind of relationships they want to have.
and should not ruin the peace and careful in spreading is Most Rev. Romulo Valles, trust) This development can lead to a more marked generation gap
given by the Holy Spirit. fake news. A person must D.D., CBCP President and Holy Hour and Morning and tension. Young people and even older ones influenced
Peace is a gift that can easily not share unconfirmed social Archbishop of Davao. Hon. Liturgy will be presided by by this liberal culture can come in conflict with authority
be destroyed through petty media information. Always Sarah Duterte-Carpio, Davao Bishop Vergara and Most figures—within the family, village, religious community, and
gossip and speaking ill of verify the news and the City Mayor, will deliver the Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., society. If not handled well, this could lead to either alienation
others. That gift can be lost if source of the news. welcome remarks. Bishop of Digos; or rejection of family values, religion and even rebellion
Christians start saying mean ***= Plenary guest speakers The Presider in the Holy against those in authority. The younger generation may not
things about each other once This message of Pope will discuss the following Eucharist are Archbishop be as religious as their elders. If they find religion meaningless
they leave the Mass. Francis during the 52nd topics: “Let us know each Romulo Valles; Most Rev. or irrelevant, they will seek meaning in other religions or will
The Pope is very consistent World Communications Day other” (Fake News) by Edwin dela Peňa, D.D. Bishop adopt the secularism of the West.
in his message, thus, “The truth will set you free. Rev. Fr. Jboy Gonzales, of the Prelature of Marawi; These cultural and economic developments are also
during the 52nd World Fake news and journalism SJ; “Watch Out” (Data Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., affecting the family. The families are getting smaller as more
Communications Day, he for peace,” serves as the Analytics and Storytelling Bishop of Mati and Bishop and more younger people—including women—are focusing
again stated that “the capacity inspiration and guide of in Catholic Fund Raising) by Vergara. more on their career and marrying late or never marrying at
to twist the truth is symptoatic the 4th National Catholic Mr. Chris Herron, Former *** all. A contraceptive mentality contributes to this. The OFW
of our condition, both as Media Convention of the Director of Development and Happy 120th Independence phenomenon is also weakening the family. Oftentimes, one
individuals and communities. Catholic Bishop Conference Fundraising of the Catholic, Day to all of us Filipinos, or both parents are abroad, leaving behind their children.
On the other hand, when we of the Philippines (CBCP) Archdiocese of Sydney; wherever we may be! Let us Lack of parental care can lead to problematic young people.
are faithful to God’s plan, Episcopal Commission on “It’s Alright” (Affirmative protect our freedom. Our This can lead to being influenced by gangs or by drugs. The
communication becomes an Social Communications Journalism) by Atty. ancestors and heroes fought weakening of the family and the more secular values of young
effective expression of our chaired by Most Rev. Hubert Jesus Dureza, Secretary of for our independence and people can also affect vocations to religious life.
responsible search for truth Mylo Vergara, D.D. Bishop OPPAP; and Data Science Duc in Altum / A6 Looking at the political terrain, authoritarian rule is back.
Although democracy had been restored after the Marcos
dictatorial rule, President Rodrigo Duterte appears to be

Whatever Remember me following the footsteps of his idol, Ferdinand Marcos. He

controls not just the executive branch but also the legislative
and judicial branches of government, thereby weakening the
Fr. Francis Ongkingco system of check and balance. Due to the absence of genuine
political parties and the prevalence of political dynasties, it
has been easy for politicians to switch parties and join the
super majority for their own vested interest.
THE experience of forgetting things can latest NBA scores, etc. others, offer up their inconveniences for Both judiciary and Congress have become mere rubber
give rise to a mixture of amusement, Lately, two animated films, The Book others and more! stamps to Duterte’s political agenda. Duterte has been able
frustration, and irritation. of Life (2014) and Coco (2017) focused Once we die, however, the capacity to carry out his bloody “War on Drugs” with impunity which
It can be amusing when we resort to on the importance of remembering our to pray and gain merit for ourselves is has resulted in over 20,000 extrajudicial killings of suspected
declaring “senior moments” so as to loved ones who have gone ahead of us. no longer possible. We may pray and users and pushers—most of them poor. He was able to
mask the shame of forgetting trivial When people here on earth forget their intercede for our loved ones on earth, declare martial law in Mindanao and to extend it with the
things. It can be frustrating when deceased relatives, then they cease to but we now count on the prayers of support of Congress and the Supreme Court. He threatened
we lose track of important ordinary exist also in the so-called spiritual realm. the living for us who may still require to declare martial law in the entire country and to establish
household or office implements (e.g. car Of course, this is only according to the purification in purgatory. a revolutionary government. There won’t be need for it with
keys, glasses, passwords, etc.) that can movie. A forgotten person in purgatory has the way he has established political hegemony, weakened the
distract us from our duties. It can also be In reality, the person’s soul is to endure something that no ordeal rule of law, and violated human rights. Meanwhile, the change
irritating when others around us become immortal, but its state in the other life in life can equal: being delayed from he has promised remains elusive: the drug problem and
collateral damage to our forgetfulness is of complete insufficiency. This means reaching man’s greatest fulfillment, criminality remain unsolved, there is still much corruption
(e.g. missing an appointment, a chore that whatever they were capable of doing heaven! One may be forgotten on in government, poverty has not been alleviated, taxes have
or some favor asked of us, etc.) for and by themselves in this life no earth, but he can still manage to move increased, the prices of basic commodities have increased,
With age and infirmity setting in, longer applies in the next. This is the on in life. But in the next life, the there is no peace, and the poor continue to bear the brunt
remembering things may not be as easy perennial teachings of Scripture and the state of profound helplessness will be of it all. Meanwhile, Duterte continues his tirade against the
as before. We have to simply and humbly Church’s tradition. eternally felt. Church which he regards as a threat to his rule.
embrace this season of our lives and Imagine how it frustrating it feels This is why we are encouraged to What is the long-term consequence of this political
allow material and human aids to help not be able to do the simplest things by constantly remember our loved ones situation? This could lead to an economic crisis. There
us continue remembering things. oneself in this life? Sick and disabled through prayer, our sacrifices, and are less foreign investments coming in due to the political
But to forget people, especially our persons are totally dependent on their work. Thus, we journey together, and in uncertainty and Duterte’s pro-China policy. His “build,
loved ones who have died, is far worse caregivers for almost everything. But the end we shall lovingly embrace one build, build” policy can lead to debt-servitude to China and
than forgetting to update our profile despite their condition, they can still another because in reality we have never increase the national debt. The European Union (EU) has
picture, to charge our phone, to get the manage to pray for themselves and parted ways. The View from the Mountain / A6
A6 LOCAL NEWS June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

Priest cheats death in Laguna shooting attack New bishop Dael

A CATHOLIC priest cheated
death when a man fired shots
at his car in Calamba City on
suspect escaped on board
motorcycle driven by another
man towards unknown
dines with poor after
Wednesday.
Injured in the attack, Fr.
direction.
Urmeneta became the
ordination
Rey Urmeneta of the St. third victim of violent attacks
Michael the Archangel Parish against clerics in the span of
in Calamba was rushed to a six months.
hospital. In April, Fr. Mark Ventura
A police report said the of the Archdiocese of
priest with his secretary were Tuguegaraio was shot dead
on their way to a meeting shortly after celebrating
when the attack occurred at Sunday Mass in Gattaran
around 9:40am. town, Cagayan.
Urmeneta, a former police On Dec. 4, Fr. Marcelito
chaplain, suffered wounds to Paez of the San Jose diocese
his left upper back and left was also shot and killed by
arm, but in now in a stable still unidentified men in
condition. Jaen, Nueva Ecija province. A screenshot of the CCTV footage obtained by local police authorities on the shooting
Authorities said the (CBCPNews) of Fr. Rey Urmeneta in Calamba City on June 6.

Businessmen urged: ‘Help build God’s kingdom’ Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag dines with a street child at a public park after his episcopal
AT the formal launching of the Bishops- leisure, Tobias explained the day’s contribute–help out in your own field ordination at the St. Augustine Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City, June 7, 2018. PHOTO
Businessmen’s Conference Diocese Gospel from Mark 12:13-17 about of concentration, in what you are doing FROM DXGN SPIRIT FM-DAVAO

of Novaliches chapter on June 5, “paying Caesar what belongs to Caesar everyday,” he stressed, clarifying the AFTER his episcopal he shared that, during his
Novaliches Bishop Antonio R. Tobias, and to God what belongs to God.” purpose of the event. ordination, Bishop Raul childhood days, he would
D.D. urged entrepreneurs to work hand Dael has chosen to dine with use the five-peso birthday
in hand with the Catholic Church in the ‘New heaven, new earth’ Promoting social justice together the city’s often overlooked gift from his mother to buy
work of evangelization. “There is a contest between Caesar Tobias also cited the establishment of population: the poor and the “pan de sal” for the whole
“My dear friends–I call you friends– and God,” he stressed, noting, however, guilds in the Middle ages which people homeless. family instead of spending it
businesses in the different professions. that what is foremost is the “building joined based on their professions. Dael was ordained bishop for himself.
That work you do is part of the making of God’s kingdom” through what one “…I believe this is the precursor of the Thursday at the Saint “I remember my mother
of the new heaven and the new earth. does in life. Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference,” he Augustine Cathedral then every time I celebrate my
Let us build that together and help each According to the bishop, the early revealed. moved to a nearby park as birthday,” he added, honoring
other in reaching it,” said the prelate in Christians’ belief in Christ’s second The Bishops-Businessmen’s poor people gathered for a his deceased parents.
a Eucharistic celebration that formally coming and his establishment of “a Conference for Human Development meal held by the archdiocese. More than 2,000 people,
opened the said event held at the Obispado new heaven and a new earth where (BBC) Diocese of Novaliches chapter The new bishop of Tandag including the clergy, nuns
de Novaliches in Fairview in this city. righteousness dwells” is a better context was established on Jan. 25, 2018, had wanted to hold the and local government officials
Addressing attendees composed to root the shared work of evangelization. Tobias’ 35th episcopal ordination reception at the Gaston Park attended the the ceremony
of entrepreneurs from various fields, “Well, we put together different anniversary. (Minnie Agdeppa/ outside the cathedral “where rite led by Cardinal Luis
including architecture, medicine, and groups of people because all of us CBCPNews) the poor are not considered Antonio Tagle of Manila.
as gatecrashers”. Dozens of other bishops
Seminarians asked: ‘Why be quiet when faith is being attacked?’ Dael’s soft spot for the less also graced the occasion
fortunate is understandable, including Cardinal Orlando
IN the light of the recent they are taken for granted. Institutionis Sacerdotalis (RFIS): that we should be afraid of. having been raised from Quevedo of Cotabato and
killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo, Critics are being attacked A Historical, Theological, and They are not victims. They a poor family in Jasa-an, Archbishop Romulo Valles,
a priest from the Diocese and silenced whenever they Pastoral Progress in Seminary are martyrs. They show us Misamis Oriental. president of the Catholic
of Cabanatuan, a prelate speak against them. Yet why Formation,” the bishop how valuable priesthood The Latin phrase “Duc Bishops’ Conference of the
called on seminarians of will you be quiet when your discussed the importance of is. It is willing to stand up in altum” (cast out into Philippines.
the Immaculate Conception faith is being attacked?” integral formation among future amidst persecution…” A the deep), in Dael’s coat of Pope Francis appointed
Major Seminary (ICMAS) said Kalookan Bishop and priests as they prepare to face the known and vocal critic of the arms, re-echoes the call of Dael as bishop of Tandag on
here in this town to resist CBCP vice president Pablo challenges of the priesthood. government’s war on drugs, the Church to evangelize Feb. 26, replacing retired
keeping silent, especially in a Virgilio David, who gave the Mentioning the recent he stressed that a good priest the people, especially the Bishop Nereo Odchimar who
time when the faith is being keynote address at the Lectio killings of priests, David said: is first “a good person, then be marginalized sectors of served the diocese for 17
attacked. Magistralis, a lecture to the “Looking into the death of a good Christian.” “Only then society. years.
“People know how active ICMAS community. priests like Fr. Richmond’s, can you be a good priest,” In his thanksgiving Prior to his episcopal
I am when it comes in Expounding on the theme it is true that there are now stressed David. (Kendrick message, he pointed out appointment, he has been
speaking for drug addicts, “IntegratingtheEssentialInsights a number of priests being Ivan B. Panganiban/ that the poor are “part of the serving as the Vicar for the
especially in my diocese, how of the Ratio Fundamentalis killed. Yet it is not something CBCPNews) banquet of the Church”. Clergy of the Cagayan de Oro
“It is good to realize that, archdiocese.
And That’s the Truth / A4 most often, it is the poor On June 14, Dael will be
important to be “made happy” than to anyone asking about the choice of Jim Mattis of China’s “intimidation and who feeds the Church,” said officially installed as the
be made proud of your well-mannered the book the president gave away to coercion” in the South China Sea. Do Dael. “How I wish that this third bishop of Tandag in
president? True to form, Digong said Overseas Filipino Workers in South Pinoys care about that? cathedral has no pillars and Surigao del Sur, located
of his critics, “Inggit lang kayo!” while Korea? “Altar of Secrets: Sex, Money On the same day, a 64-year-old walls so that I can see people approximately 300
his spokesman said that kiss is an “act and Politics in the Philippine Catholic Catholic priest, Fr. Rey Urmeneta of outside—people touched by kilometers east of Cagayan
of endearment” to show the president Church”—a pathetic rehash of the St. Michael the Archangel parish in the mystery of God.” de Oro. (CBCPNews)
does love the OFWs. (OmG, roll your author’s previously published articles Calamba was on his way to a church At one point of his speech,
eyes and chuckle, it’s Mediocrity which didn’t quite make the cut due meeting when two would be assassins
Candidly Speaking / A4
Unlimited.) to its glaring lack of depth. Why did shot him. He sustained two gunshot
I’m sorry for the lady—Bea Kim, the president choose to spread this wounds but survived the attack. More Even in our moments sacramental conformation
married to a Korean national, mother “book” instead of giving the overseas shootings: also on June 6, police of rest and recreation, to Christ in Holy Orders,
of two—who seemed to think she Pinoys something really useful and gunned down two suspected robbers in this awareness of our we priests need to pray
had no choice. There were two constructive? Like maybe a coffee separate incidents in Cavite—the first identification as ‘another and make sacrifices daily,
Filipinas on stage reportedly; the table book about the beauty of the was one of two motorcycle-riders who Christ,’ head of the Church, celebrate the Mass and avail
first one offered her cheek which Philippines to show off to their non- tried to steal from a convenience store should never be lost. Rather it of the sacrament of penance
the president kissed without a fuss. Filipino friends. Or maybe a volume in Silang; the second was a trespasser should always be nourished, regularly, and study. The
But Bea, upon Digong’s insistence, on Workers’ Rights to educate and in a subdivision in Tagaytay. protected, defended and priestly formation never ends.
relented and allowed him to do as empower the OFWs. Or perhaps an Because we Pinoys love circuses, reinforced. Let’s remember The priestly discipline should
he’d wanted. That’s what’s pathetic. Etiquette Book that may help them we have become deaf to the gunshots that it is actually Christ who be exercised constantly.
Well, maybe she is not old enough deal smoothly with their employers and around us, or even to the threat of war. would give us the proper rest. When we would be truly
to stand shoulder to shoulder with other people they meet abroad? Why of A kissing here, a shooting there—made (cfr. Mt 11,28) identified with Christ, then
the president. She could have said, all books, this one? No malice? Giving me title this piece “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, In this way, we would be giving a homily would be no
smiling, “No way, Mr. President, my that book to people and then asking although this has nothing to do with the ready not only to show Christ problem at all. Like the Boy
husband will divorce me! Sapisngi na for a kiss in return—hello, presidential Hollywood black comedy bearing that but rather to be ‘another Christ’ Scouts, we would always be
lang po!” Or she could have given her advisers, do you love your country? It’s name. I’d like to echo the women’s at any given moment, knowing prepared. In fact, we would
hand to be kissed instead. I wonder like giving rotting fish for people to eat sentiments during their Independence how to take care of the flock, be in our element when
what Mr. Kim feels now, or how that and then ordering them to pay a steep Day march last June 12. Enraged over the people of God, leading giving the homily. We would
viral video of his wife being kiss by price for it. All in the name of “making the kissing incident in South Korea, them to where they should be. not sound sophomoric,
a notoriously womanizing president them happy”? the marchers—bearing a huge streamer We would be ready to give the “trying hard,” dilettantish,
will affect their marital life from now And so the fuss over the kiss went on, that said “Babae Ako, Lumalaban!”— proper answers and solutions amateurish, etc. In fact, we
on. I also wonder what Sarah Duterte overshadowing much more important protested Duterte’s “misogynistic” to questions and problems at would have the eloquence
or Honeylet or ex-wife Elizabeth think issues. On the same day of “the kiss”, ways, recalling his unabashed any given moment. of the Holy Spirit. And the
of it? Or what Kitty feels among her June 6, Beijing must have bristled as a admission of his womanizing, his rape This is no easy task, of people will get convinced
schoolmates talking behind her back. US military ship—the USNS Milinocket, jokes, and his ordering soldiers to shoot course. But the means are they are not only hearing Fr.
What’s even more regrettable is how which can transport troops, boasts of a rebel women in their private parts, the always there. Aside from the so-and-so, but Christ himself.
Mrs. Kim apparently felt obliged to helipad and has loading ramps for over a thousand women said “We have
defend the president’s temerity by military vehicles—was reported to had enough”. For your own good, Mr. The View from the Mountain / A5
telling media that there’s no malice in have docked in Palawan, which faces President, enough of kiss kiss bang
threatened to withdraw the the Duterte regime, the
that kiss which “didn’t mean anything the South China Sea. On top of that, bang—and do be careful. Next time
GPS—the duty-free privilege Philippines will continue to
except to entertain and make other two nuclear-capable US bombers flew you kiss a woman in public, they might
for Philippine goods that deal with weakened political
Filipinos in the gathering happy.” near Spratly Islands, in the wake of the just take you down with a bang. And
enter the EU—due to the institutions, with political
Okay. “no malice” then. But is accusation by US Defense Secretary that’s the truth.
lack of respect for human dynasties, with voters
rights and rule of law. who are easily bought and
Duc in Altum / A5
The political situation has continue to elect popular
we must always remember to clean fuel during the a quote from his Encyclical the Diocese of Kalookan; become unstable and the and wealthy yet incompetent
that. We do not know them, Vatican conference dedicated Laudato Sì: “There is no also same greetings to Rev. economic crisis could worsen candidates. Poverty will still
but we owe them all! One of to “Energy Transition and time to lose: We received the Fr. Nestor Estanislao. Happy the political crisis and vice- be a major problem. The
them was my father Benito Care for our Common earth as a garden-home from Sacerdotal Anniversary to versa. The International environmental crisis will
Espiritu Santiago who Home”. Pope Francis said the Creator; let us not pass it Bishop Francis De Leon, Rev. Criminal Court has started worsen. The economy will
served in the Commonwealth “civilization requires energy on to future generations as a Fr. James Ty, IVE, Rev. Fr. a preliminary investigation continue to benefit only a
Army and under Andersons but energy use must not wilderness”. Mandhy Malijan, OP. and Fr. into the complaint against few. More and more people
Guerilla during World War destroy civilization”. The Mario Cueto, Duterte on “crimes against will resort to violence if the
II. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Pope further said that the *** June 13 is the birthday humanity.” There is a problems of society persist
world needs to come up with We would like to greet a of my late mother Gloria growing resistance to the and no peace agreement
*** an energy mix that combats very Happy Birthday to Most Angeles Santiago. Our family regime as more and more is reached as the seeds of
Pope Francis urged top pollution, eliminates poverty Rev. Francis De Leon, D.D., request the pious readers to people become disenchanted radicalism continue to be
senior executives of leading oil and promotes social justice. Bishop of Antipolo and former pray for the eternal repose of and angered by what is sown in the next generation.
and gas companies to convert The Pope ended his talk with Apostolic Administrator of her soul. happening. Even beyond (To be continued)
CBCP Monitor June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

Boracay residents Yolanda victims pick up

pieces with church help
face eviction

A priest blesses housing units built by the Catholic church in Tacloban City in 2016. MA. REGIE RUEGO/UCAN

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte— To date, of full ownership.”

the social action arm of the Catholic All the targets for the three-
Church has been able to help about year program in nine dioceses
1.8 million people affected by the covering 51 towns and 166 villages
destruction brought by Super in the central Philippines were
Typhoon Haiyan that struck the accomplished.
central Philippines in 2013. When asked what has made the
The church’s recovery and church projects more successful
rehabilitation program has than government initiatives, Father
Residents of Boracay Island board a boat bound for the mainland in Aklan province on June 3. Over 400 families living on the island face eviction because become one of its largest and far- Virgilio Canete of Palo Archdiocese
of the government’s rehabilitation program for the island. MARK SALUDES/UCAN
reaching natural disaster responses, pointed to the absence of “red tape.”
amounting to about US$50 million. The priest said government
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan— Estelita Mariano, an 80-year- building ‘on-site relocation’ facilities It is no surprise that the efficient “procedures on procurement
Residents of Boracay, a small island old mother of 14, said her family for poor families. response from the church has been demand a lot of signatories.”
in the central Philippines known has been living on the island for He said evicting the original compared with how the Philippine “The situation post-Haiyan was
for its resorts and beaches, are generations, but had not been able settlers was tantamount to their government implemented post- such that government agencies
facing eviction as the government to secure a land title deed. disenfranchisement and denial of Haiyan rehabilitation programs. involved got tied up,” said Father
implements what it describes as a “Our parents and grandparents both livelihoods and land rights. Almost five years after the disaster, Canete, adding that the church had
rehabilitation program. were not aware of land titling,” At least 36,000 workers the government response has been the advantage of more volunteers.
At least 426 poor families have Mariano said. have reportedly lost their jobs beset with issues of corruption and Rina Reyes, leader of the Rights
already received eviction orders from “They were fisher folk and farmers since the closure of the island, alleged substandard construction of Network, a land-rights group, says
the Department of Environment long before the businessmen came according to the activist group houses for survivors. government rehabilitation efforts
and Natural Resources. here.” Rise Up Aklan. Of 205,128 housing units that have not been successful “because
A Catholic fact-finding mission on The Environment Department Gariguez said his office has were supposed to be built, only the affected population was not
June 2 found that at least 30 percent said only a third of the island, already allocated about US$6,000 67,754 units, or 33 percent, are consulted.”
of householders facing displacement or about 292 hectares, has legal to assist in the education of affected fully completed. So far, only 34.3 She points to “uncoordinated
are original inhabitants. ownership and that it belongs to children in at least one school. percent of the completed homes efforts of government agencies
Monsignor Meliton Oso, social one family that started securing “We still have to look for resources are occupied. ... that do not talk to each other
action director for the Archdiocese titles in 1931. to help children whose parents lost Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines to resolve roadblocks, hindering
of Jaro, expressed shock that “All other claimants only have their jobs because of the shutdown,” reports that it was able to repair rehabilitation needs.”
legitimate residents were being tax declaration documents as said the priest. 593 housing units and construct “There is lack of a concrete
ejected from their homes. proof of ownership,” said lawyer “We have to assist them to ensure 768 transitional units, 1,923 rehabilitation plan that suit the
The priest said it was frustrating Richard Fabila, head of Boracay’s that their rights are not violated.” progressive core-shelter units, and needs of the affected,” she said.
that the government allowed the Community Environment and The government should conduct 1,167 permanent shelter units. Wendell Avisado, an adviser
construction of businesses on Natural Resources Office. “comprehensive profiling” of The progressive core shelters have a to President Rodrigo Duterte on
Boracay, but expelled those who “Unfortunately, Philippine laws affected residents. lifespan of 10 years while ‘permanent’ rehabilitation efforts, blames the
could not raise their voices or only recognize land titles,” the Boracay, a small island located houses can last a minimum of 20 “vicious cycle” of the government’s
engage in legal battles. lawyer said. about 320 kilometers south of years, according to Caritas. bureaucratic system.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier He said his office would not evict the capital, Manila, is known for Jing Rey Henderson, the church And while the government
this year ordered a six-month residents until a relocation site was its white beaches and beautiful group’s coordinator, said that from continues to find ways to address
tourism shutdown on the island found. sunsets. the very start they have to tell people the problems, people complain that
because of pollution and threats to “We are going after illegal settlers In 2012, Travel and Leisure that the program is theirs and “not they are living in shelters that are
the environment posed by resorts on wetlands who obviously pollute magazine ranked it as the “world’s one of the Catholic Church.” comparable to “pigpens.”
and other establishments. our mangrove areas,” he said. best island” but there has since been She said people need to have a Raul Malibago, a 50-year-
Following the closure of the island Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive international exposure of myriad sense of ownership and entitlement old survivor, says his family of
on April 26, the government also secretary of the National pollution and other environmental and to bounce back and become ten people was provided with a
ordered people living in some still Secretariat for Social Action, said problems. (Mark Saludes/ more “empowered, resilient, and government housing unit that
forested areas to leave. the government should consider UCAN) sustainable.” measures a mere 16 by 18 meters.
Henderson said Caritas “We are not even allowed to build
Western Visayas holds synchronized prayer vigil for family, life works within the framework of a second floor,” he said. “When we
community-managed disaster risk sleep, we stick together. It’s small,
JARO, Iloilo— As a public Randy Doromal, director Wanted: prayer “We have a vision of reduction and the principles and hot, overcrowded, and there is no
manifestation of unity of the Jaro Archdiocesan warriors a unified family and strategies of community organizing. space for privacy,” said Malibago.
of the Family and Life Commission on Family Aside from the life ministry for the “Through these, [we] ensure He said the house is made of “all
Ministry in the region and Life. synchronized prayer ecclesiastical provinces that even without the presence of sand and no steel bars,” making it
of Western Visayas, the vigil, the directors on of Jaro and Capiz that is [church groups], and even beyond dangerous for those inside. “I’m
ecclesiastical Provinces ‘One with the Church’ family and life, family one with the Church in the funding period, communities afraid it will collapse if there’s an
of Jaro and Capiz held a “Hence, we are inviting and life ministers, and her mission to promote can sustain programs,” she said. earthquake,” he said.
synchronized prayer vigil everyone, who is ‘one family and life workers and protect the sanctity Henderson claimed that true to “These housing units are not
for family and life issues with the Church in her and volunteers resolved and integrity of marriage, their vision, 166 communities under homes,” said Christopher Durana,
on divorce, SOGIE, same- mission’, to show your to: family, and life,” the priest the church’s three-year intervention deputy secretary-general of the
sex union on the feast days presence as we gather in • To equip family and explained. program have become sustainable. urban poor activist group Kadamay.
of the Sacred Heart of prayer in defense of the life ministers in their “For this, we need “The program is of and for “These are nothing but pens only
Jesus and the Immaculate good of marriage and the pastoral accompaniment ministers, communities, communities,” she said. “The fit for pigs,” he said, adding that
Heart of Mary, on June 8 family,” the priest added. of families by way of and Christian families recovery and rehabilitation the shelters have no stable water
until the following day. The faithful are psycho-spiritual that are formed integrally, program have flourished because or electricity supply. (Ronald
In the Archdiocese of reminded to bring with integration; empowered by the the communities have a high sense Reyes/UCAN)
Jaro a “prayer vigil to them candles with • To have official primers strength of God through
promote and protect the “catchers” and the rosary from the Metropolitan prayers, and inspired by
Killing / A1
sanctity and integrity of for the event. Sees of Capiz and Jaro as the Blessed Mother,” said
marriage, family, and According to Doromal, sources of information Doromal.
life” was held on June 8, the synchronized prayer for massive information The ecclesiastical On this day, the archdiocese Father Richmond Nilo was killed.
feast of the Sacred Heart vigil was agreed upon education dissemination provinces of Jaro and of Lingayen-Dagupan will do the 4. The image of the Santo Entierro
of Jesus, at the Jaro by the 118 participants to respond to issues that Capiz comprise the following: or the Black Nazarene should be
Metropolitan Cathedral, of the 11th Summit of threaten and destroy the Archdioceses of Capiz 1. All the Masses in the brought out in procession in the
Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City. the Archdiocesan and integrity of the family and and Jaro, the Dioceses Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan evening of June 18th to close the
“We would like to open Diocesan Commissions of human life; and of San Carlos, San Jose will be offered as reparation for Day of Reparation.
our minds and heart on Family and Life of • To propagate de Antique, Bacolod, the sins of blasphemy against God, 5. The seminarians of Mary Help
towards deeper awareness the Metropolitan Sees of and intensify “prayer Kabankalan, Kalibo, the sins of sacrilege and calumny Christians Seminaries will lead a
that God’s love grows Capiz and Jaro held in warriors” for family and and Romblon. (Fr. hurled against our priests and dawn penitential pilgrimage on foot
in families as ‘seedbed Kalibo, Aklan, from April life ministry, such as the Mickey Cardenas/ bishops; the murders that continue from San Jacinto Parish Church at
of vocations,’” said Fr. 24 to 26. Rosary for Life Movement. CBCPNews) without relent. The Mass presiders 4:30am to the Basilica of Manaoag.
are to wear the penitential color of We encourage the youth to join.
violet. It will be a day of fasting and Villegas also asked the faithful to
Murder / A1
abstinence for the priests, religious implore God’s grace “to touch the
Cabanatuan said the priest’s death brutality, disrespect and impunity. for thorough and impartial and lay faithful of our Church. heart” of President Rodrigo Duterte
was a “tragic day and an irreparable “To kill a priest then, for whatever investigation of the case and for 2. The parish priests should to stop “verbal persecution” of the
loss” for the diocese. motive or cause, is not only its swift resolution, as we likewise expose the Blessed Sacrament for Catholic Church.
“We condemn in the strongest unchristian and inhuman, it is also appeal to those who might have one hour at a time most convenient “Such attacks can unwittingly
possible terms and deeply mourn un-Filipino,” he said. material knowledge on this matter for the parishioners to adore and embolden more crimes against
the brutal murder of Fr. Nilo, Bishop Bancud then demanded to please cooperate with police make reparation. The priests must priests,” he added.
and the escalating violence and justice for Nilo who served his authorities,” he said. go to confession and in turn, hear “We seek the guidance of the
culture of impunity in the country diocese for nearly 17 years, as “We earnestly call on our people the confessions of the faithful on Holy Spirit that our leaders in
even against helpless clergymen,” he asked the faithful to pray to pray for Fr. Richmond, for this day too. government may arrest the further
Bancud said. for the soul of the slain priest peace, healing and security of our 3. All the parish church bells erosion of law and order in the
He said that no priest, and no as well for an end to killings in communities, and for the clergy should ring for fifteen minutes at six country and restore respect for
human being for that matter, the country. and the religious, especially in our o’ clock in the evening on June 18th human life and human dignity,” he
deserves to be killed with utter “We demand for justice, diocese,” Bancud added. to commemorate the time when also said. (CBCPNews)
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

‘Great joy’ in Ilocos Norte as Patroness

receives Pontifical Coronation
JUST like St. John the Baptist and homily with a challenge that, like
St. Elizabeth, Ilocanos had a reason these holy men, the faithful should
to “leap for joy” as the patroness of follow “La Virgen Milgrosa” who
Ilocos Norte, “La Virgen Milagrosa stands beneath the cross of “Santo
de Badoc”, received the Pontifical Cristo Milagroso”.
Coronation on May 31, the feast of
the Visitation of Our Lady. Coronation events
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Days before the Coronation, a
Manila, “in the name and by the series of Masses were held including
authority of the Holy Father, Pope a fluvial procession in the spot where
Francis”, crowned the Marian “La Virgen Milagrosa” was found.
image in her shrine at St. John the The devotees were led to reflect on
Baptist Parish in Badoc. the theme of the event: “Exultavit
Thousands of devotees, various in Gaudio!” – Leap for Joy! from
bishops and a huge number of Lk. 1:41: “Upon Mary’s visitation
priests from Ilocos Norte and to Elizabeth, the child John the
neighboring provinces were present. Baptist ‘in utero’ (in the womb),
In his homily, Cardinal Orlando leaped for joy”.
Quevedo, a native of Ilocos Norte, The chosen theme was inspired
started by recalling the story of La by the fact that the Lady of Badoc
Virgen Milagrosa’s arrival in the is also called, “Cause of our Joy”
Ilocos region together with the and the patron saint of the town
“Santo Cristo Milagroso de Sinait”. of Badoc is St. John the Baptist.
The wooden images came to Hence, doing the coronation on the
Ilocos shores contained in a tightly Feast of the Visitation is very fitting.
sealed wooden box which was The culminating day was marked
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato and Bishop Renato Mayugba lead the pontifical coronation of La Virgen Milagrosa
discovered by Badoc and Sinait by the Mass and Coronation with a de Badoc at the St. John the Baptist Church in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, May 31, 2018. PHOTO FROM PGIN COMMUNICATIONS FACEBOOK PAGE
fishermen four centuries ago. procession of “Virgen Milagrosa”
The Cotabato archbishop around the main streets of Badoc its fulfilment and meaning through Ilocos Norte. confined within the locality of
expounded that these sacred images accompanied by thousands of extending our help to the poor and Mayugba added that the foundation Ilocos Norte. On the same day of
are believed to have come from the devotees who were recipients of her the needy and particularly to those will also be dedicated to fund the the coronation, Fr. Ericson Josue,
persecuted Christians in Japan powerful intercession. in the peripheries…to crown Mary training of future priests, particularly a priest historian from the Diocese
who had jettisoned these religious is to love the poor.” poor and needy seminarians. of Laoag, celebrated a thanksgiving
artifacts to the sea to avoid being ‘To crown Mary is to love With this, among the resolutions Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary
implicated as Christians. the poor’ made during the event was the Thanksgiving Masses Major in Rome which was attended
Quevedo recalled the martyrs In his address of thanksgiving, establishment of the foundation The day was culminated by a especially by Filipino migrants who
of this persecution, particularly Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag “Caritas Badoc” dedicated to Thanksgiving Mass presided by the came in pilgrimage from various
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon and said that “crowning our Mother helping the indigenous peoples and Bishop Mayugba in the afternoon. parts of Europe. (Fr. Mickey
St. Lorenzo Ruíz. He ended the and our Queen with diadems finds indigenous cultural communities in The joy of devotees was not only Cardenas/CBCPNews)

Draft bill seeks to make polluters pay Cardinal Tagle hopes more
POLLUTERS of the youth ‘catch fire’ at event
environment, including big
business and government
officials, will be guaranteed
to face criminal charges if
activists get their way and
Philippine legislators pass a
bill being prepared for them
to grant rights to nature.
Church and environmental
activists ended a nationwide
caravan in Manila on June
5, World Environment Day,
to dramatize their call for
the passage of a “rights of
nature” law.
Rather than treating Thousands attend “Relentless” in 2017 where Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal
nature as property under Tagle challenged them to continue living out the faith. FILE PHOTO
the law, “rights of nature”
acknowledges that nature in CONSCIOUS of the need for generation who shall be
all its life forms has the right New Evangelization, Manila prepare for their time,” added
to exist, persist, maintain and Archbishop Luis Antonio the prelate.
regenerate its vital cycles. Cardinal Tagle invites young Last year, around 15,000
Led by the Philippine- people to the upcoming youth and singles gathered
Misereor Partnership Inc. PMPI National Coordinator Yolanda R. Esguerra addresses the crowd during the culminating activity of ‘Salakyag para sa Sangnilikha Singles & Youth Faith on for the Singles & Youth Faith
(PMPI), the church and 2018’ at Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila City. PHOTO COURTESY OF JERICO CATALLA/PMPI Fire (SYFOF) 2018 entitled on Fire (SYFOF) 2017 entitled
environmental groups are “Relentless 2” on June 30, “Relentless”.
pressing for the “holistic “It is possible to sue even “We are submitting one that was ratified by a 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Aside from Tagle, Cubao
recognition that all life, the president or anyone million signatures [to referendum in September Araneta Coliseum. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco
all ecosystems are deeply in government if their Duterte] as testament to 2008. “The ‘Relentless I’ and other members of the
intertwined.” policies permit ecological this clamor,” said Father The Ecuadorian aftermath has already spread clergy are also expected to
The PMPI is a social degradation,” said the nun Gariguez. Constitution states that to several dioceses and many join “Relentless 2.”
development network of who also sits on the board of The PMPI’s Esguerra, “rather than treating nature parishes and it is our prayer “This will surely help
people’s organizations, faith- the influential Association of eanwhile, said they were as property under the law, that more and more Catholic thousands of young souls
based groups, and Misereor, Major Religious Superiors in “troubled” that the rights of nature articles youth will catch this new fire who need enlightenment
the overseas development the Philippines. Philippines has been tagged acknowledge that nature in happening in our Church,” and direction in their lives,
agency of the Catholic Church Father Edwin Gariguez, one of the “most dangerous all its life form has the right said the prelate in an official who are very future of our
in Germany. executive secretary of the places for environmental to exist, persist, maintain, endorsement of the event Church and of our society
“Our environmental laws social action secretariat of advocates” in the world. and regenerate its vital sent to bishops, moderators and we are looking forward
only protect the rights of the bishops’ conference, said “The victims are mostly cycle.” and coordinators of youth to having fellowship with
mankind over nature and “the right of nature is the indigenous peoples, Rights of nature made groups, parish priests, and you and your staff in this
allow the destruction of backdrop to our campaign farmers and community strides when the Universal youth leaders. momentous occasion,” reads
biodiversity but do not against mining, dirty energy, leaders and advocates,” Declaration of the Rights of According to Tagle, an official invite from the
punish those who abuse the and climate change.” she said, adding that Mother Earth was drafted “Relentless 2” is a response to organizer The Lord’s Flock.
environment,” said Yolanda The priest said it was also poor people are “among during the Rights of Mother the challenge he posed to them The event is free and open
Esguerra, PMPI coordinator. the aim of the caravan to call the most affected by Earth Conference organized last year when he asked the to the public.
Franciscan nun Crescencia on President Rodrigo Duterte environmental destruction in Bolivia in 2010, which youth attendees of “Relentless” Interested parties may
Lucero said the bill, once to honor his pronouncements and suffer the brunt of became the anchor for in Filipino: “Do you want to contact The Lord’s Flock
enacted into law, can be to protect the environment, natural disasters.” the establishment of the have this event again?” at 376-57-80 or through
used to hold perpetrators of especially by closing Ecuador was the first International Rights of “We shall continue to the Facebook page SYFOF
environmental destruction destructive industries like country to recognize “rights Nature Tribunals. (Mark pursue New Evangelization for more information.
accountable. mining. of nature” in its constitution Saludes/UCAN) especially for the next (CBCPNews)

Bishop Baylon reminds faithful: ‘Mass meant to celebrate God’s love in your life’
SHEDDING light on the true 2 for Liveloud X, an annual praise Commission on Youth, ultimately, or tabernacles in our churches. us. We came here …to thank God
nature of the Holy Mass, a bishop and worship concert organized by the Mass is to thank God. There would be just six sacraments. not just because of the beautiful
explained that the Sacrament is CFC – Youth for Christ. “There are many things we thank No benediction. There would be things He did through His Son …
not entertainment but is a highly The prelate also called attention to God for. And that is what the Mass no tabernacles. But that is not the we also draw near to thank God
communal and yet personal the attitude of many churchgoers who is all about. [Some say:] ‘I won’t go heart of the matter. … To put it because we felt, we experience His
celebration of “God’s love.” hope the Masses were more engaging. to Mass anymore because Father is more precisely, there was this ritual love, His mercy… That is what we do
“You do not just come to Mass boring. Kids are so noisy. The choir because Jesus wants us, wanted his at Mass,” stressed Baylon.
in order to pray… You come to Not entertainment is out of tune,’” Baylon added. disciples, to enter into everything that Keken Cabaraban, a full-time
Mass in order to celebrate God’s “Some of us come to Mass as He did for us,” he explained. lay missionary for CFC – Youth for
love in your life… And that is not if going to watch a movie… to be Personal experience of mercy, For the bishop, the Mass invites Christ, led this year’s Liveloud, the
something you experience on your entertained. If the homily is too long, love the faithful to draw near to the 10th praise and worship concert of
own privately. You experience it it gets criticized. There are Masses The prelate stressed the many Mass with gratitude and a sense of its kind to be organized.
with your family, with your friends, that are boring…because [people] things God did for man, particularly celebration. The event gathered thousands
with your community, with your come to be entertained. Is this how giving Himself in the Eucharist. “Each and everyone of us have of young people from all over the
parish, with the world,” said Legazpi we come to Mass? Is this why we “…Our God did something great experienced His touch, His healing, country to sing praise songs and
Bishop Joel Baylon, who spoke to come to Mass?” noted Baylon. for us. But if there were no last His love, His life in more ways than to listen to testimonials about the
some 15,000 mostly youth gathered According to the bishop, who supper, there would be no Eucharist. one. If we have not experienced that faith. (Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz/
at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June used to head the CBCP Episcopal There would’ve have been no altars then this Mass has no meaning to CBCPNews)