Communications

2011-01-30T21:34:00.001-08:00

No. 603, 20 January 2011

2011-01-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

1. JOHN PAUL II TO BE BEATIFIED
Vatican announced on 14 January 2011 John Paul II’s beatification on 1 May 2011.

Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005 and buried on 8 April 2005. Some 3 million people attended his funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

Weeks later Cardinal Ruini, Vicar General, Rome Diocese, initiated the process of beatification/canonization. An extraordinary initiative. Ordinarily the process starts at least 5 years after a person’s death.

However, Benedict XVI waived this 5-year waiting period because of “extraordinary circumstances” declared Card. Ruini. These extraordinary circumstances was the popular acclaim “Santo, Subito” (saint immediately) during the funeral. Such popular protestation belongs to the “sensus fidei/sensus fidelium” – sense of faith – a clear manifestation of the workings of the Holy Spirit. This is the “ecclesia discens” – the learning Church.

One certified miracle is needed for beatification. Sister Marie Simon Pierre Normand, a 49 – year old French nun of the Congregation of Little Sisters of Catholic Maternity Wards, was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. She was cured after she and her community prayed to Pope John Paul II. Thorough scientific investigation revealed the cure was miraculous. Pope Benedict XVI accepted the experts’ conclusion. This is the “Ecclesia Docens”, - the Teaching Church or Magisterium.

Beatification implies the person is now certainly in heaven and limited veneration is allowed.

Pope Benedict XVI will preside during the Beatification Rites. Never before has a pope beatified his immediate predecessor.

The period between John Paul II’s death on 2 April 2005 and his beatification on 1 May 2011, almost 6 years, is the shortest in modern history.

May 1st is Divine Mercy Sunday. It was also the day Sr. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun was canonized. John Paul II is devoted to the Divine Mercy.

2. WHO IS JOHN PAUL II?
He was born Karol Joseft Wojtyla on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland.

By age 20 he was all alone. Parents, sister and brother were already dead.

Studied in 1938 (18 years old) philosophy and philology at Krakow Juggiellonian University. Spoke 12 foreign languages; 9 extensively used as pope.

1940 – 1944 worked as a messenger in a restaurant and a laborer.

Studied in the clandestine seminary under Stefan Cardinal Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow in 1942-1946.

Ordained priest on 1 November 1946 ( 26 years old) by Card. Sapieha. Sent to study at the Pontifical International Athaeneum Angelicum, Rome (now Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas) where he earned his License (STL) and Doctorate in Theology (STD).
Returned to Poland in 1948. Parish Priest and professor at University of Lublin.

Earned a second doctorate, Ph.D., in 1954.

Appointed auxiliary bishop of Krakow on 4 July 1958 (38 years old). Ordained bishop by Pius XII on 28 September 1958.

Archbishop of Krakow on 13 January 1964 (44 years old).

Created a Cardinal on 26 June 1967 (47 years old).

October 14, 1978 conclave to elect Pope John Paul I’s successor began. Card. Wojtyla, a compromise candidate between the conservative Siri of Genoa and the liberal Benelli of Florence, was elected on the 8th balloting: 99 votes of 111 electors (89%; 74% or 2/3 is required) He was 58 years old.

First non-Italian since Dutch Pope Adrian VI (1522).

As pope he beatified 1,340; canonized 483. A record!

3. 1ST GKK BPR MINISTRY SPECIAL MEETING
This first special meeting took place at the Bishop’s Residence on 12 January 2011.

Matters discussed:
1) Presentation of 2010 evaluation/planning for 2011.
2) Finalization of 2011 Plan of Activities.
3) Input on “Magisterium of the Church” and explanation of “Subtle Attacks Against Family”, by Bihsop Dinualdo Gutierrez.
4) Comments and suggestions from Fr. Romeo Buenaobra.
5) Financial Report.

Present were representatives from 18 parishes and Lake Sebu. Seven (7) parishes were not represented: Bula, Kiamba, Malapatan, Milbuk, St. Michael (GSC), Sto. Niño and T’boli. (Trinidad J. Remollo)

4. LEGIONARIES OF MARY ATTEND RECOLLECTION
Fr. Joel Aliligay facilitated the recollection of about 80 Legionaries of Mary at the bishop’s residence on 15 January 2011.

Topic: “Hello Little Princess” – a take-off from St. Exupery’s “Little Prince”. Self-knowledge and movement towards God like the deer that longs for the running stream.

5. WELCOME DENYE; BON VOYAGE DAVIS
Mr. Simon Francis Denye is the new Vice-President and General Manager of Dole Philippines. He is a British and a Catholic. Studied at Ampleforth College, London. Has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.

Wife is Irish Catholic. Immediate past position: Managing Director, Corn Product International, Thailand.

Mr. Kevin Davis’ new position is President and Managing Director of Dole Thailand. Vietnam and India are also his areas of responsibility.

6. DIRECTORY, TRINITARIAN HANDMAIDS OF THE DIVINE WORD (THDW)
Purok Malinawon
Calumpang, General Santos City
1. Sr. Charina Manatad, THDW
2. Sr. Lina Bacoro, THDW
3. Sr. Jeaneth Casiao, THDW

No. 602, 13 January 2011

2011-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

1. GOLDEN JUBILEE PLAN (Precis)

Theme: “Gratitude and Hope”

1) Objectives, Activities, Team Leader (TL)
1. Individuals, institutions, corporations responsible for building up the Local Church of Marbel are recognized. “Gabi ng Parangal”. TL: Fr. Romeo Buenaobra.

2. Publication of Historical Souvenir Book. TL: Mr. Andres Magallanes. Members: NDMU Community.

3. Parish financial resources are shared. Fund generation. TL: Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas. Asst. TL: Mrs. Teresa Ruby J. Peralta.

4. Simultaneous parish celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King as immediate preparation for the Diocesan celebration, Coordinated activities. TLs: Fr. Joseph Benitez (South Cotabato); Fr. Rolando Japitana (SarGen).

5. Public appreciation of the History of the Diocese of Marbel whose Titular is Christ the King and commitment to future challenges. Dissemination through Media. TL: Fr. Gillarme Joy B. Peliño.

6. Design of programs based on the acronym “NATURES” of the diocesan consultation on November 21-22, 2009. Data gathering. TL: Mr. Stimson Pino. Co-TL: Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND. (N-atural agricultural practices. A-dvocacy. T-otal waste Management. U-nited actions. R-eforestation. E-ducation. S-pirituality).

7. Enriched Christian Families. Weekend Marriage encounter Seminars. Joint TLs: Fr. Louie Fuentespina, CP and Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas, Ph.D.

8. Meaningful culminating liturgical celebration (closing liturgy). Special Rites. TL: Fr. Romeo Subaldo. Members: Mrs. Rosabella “Nene” Patigdas-Ranara; Ms. Inday Jamero; Ms. Lucille Despo.

9. Youth and Indigenous People (IP) are given importance. Youth vigil and camp-in. IPs exhibits. TL (Youth): Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr. TL (IP): Fr. Romeo Catedral. Members: Fr. Herminio Hongayo, Jr. (SCM) and Fr. Rey Ondap, CP (AM)

2) Others
1. Cultural presentation, “Gabi ng Parangal”, Nov. 20th (Sunday). c/o AWRSC
2. Invitation. Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, V.G.
3. Accommodation and transportation. Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas.
4. Appreciation “gifts” to Bishops and visiting priests. ‘Gifts’ sourcing: Fr. Rolando Japitana
5. Photo – Documentation. Fr. Joel Sunga (TL) and Fr. Rey Joloro (member).
6. Budget – Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas.
7. Jubilee Prayer. Fr. Joe-an Paez.
8. Jubilee Logo and Song. TL: Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo.

3) Coordinating Team (CT)
Bp. Dinualdo Gutierrez
Fr. Romeo Buenaobra
Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas
Fr. Romeo Catedral
Fr. Louie Fuentespina, CP
Fr. Romeo Subaldo
Fr. Joseph Benitez
Fr. Rolando Japitana
Fr. Gillarme Joy Peliño
Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr.
Mr. Andres Magallanes
Mr. Stimson Pino
Sr. Pres., AWRSC
Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND

Meeting, CT, February 7, 2011, 10am, Bishop’s Residence.
Agenda: 1) Presentation of Action Plans; 2) Budget.

4) This plan was approved by the Bishop and 54 priests on January 11, 2011, Bishop’s Residence.

2. PRIESTS’ RECOLLECTION
Fifty-four priests (40 diocesan, 11 CP, 1 OFMCap., 1 OP, 1 Comboni) met at the Bishop’s Residence on 11 February 2011 for the monthly recollection and meeting.

Topic: “History of the Diocese of Marbel” by Fr. Romeo Buenaobra.

Marbel was erected Prelature Nullius on December 17, 1960.

Prior to this date Marbel was served by the Jesuits (1933 – 1938), Oblates of Mary Immaculate (1939 – 1958).

The Passionist Fathers arrived on January 21, 1958.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez arrived in Marbel on February 5, 1981 as co-adjutor bishop with right of succession. He succeeded Bp. Reginald Arliss, CP as Prelate Ordinary on October 1, 1981.

Marbel became a Diocese on November 15, 1982.

Before Marbel was erected into a Prelature Nullius there were only 11 parishes. Now there are 25.

There was no diocesan priest in 1960. Now, 60 active priests in and out of Marbel.

Added to the catechetical and liturgical ministries are the Kriska, Family and Life, Youth, GKK. The Social Action apostolate was added with these program: Justice and Peace, Indigenous People, Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Advocacy, Women and Children. All with updated formation programs. Based on 1,000 BECs it is safe to estimate 15,000 empowered lay leaders.

Recognized organizations and movements were reoriented towards the Diocesan Vision-Mission-Thrust aimed at personal conversion and social transformation.

Ministries were formally organized with annual or bi-annual diocesan general assemblies.

The radio station DXCP (1971) was improved in terms of programming, personnel and equipments.

Educational institutions: 4 tertiary (2 universities), 18 secondary and about 30 elementary contribute to the formation of leaders: credible (saints), competent and committed to social transformation.

No. 601, 01 January 2011

2011-01-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

1. JANUARY 1, SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Mary’s divine motherhood is the reason why she was exempt from original sin (the privilege of the Immaculate Conception) and the basis for her Assumption into heaven. Mary then, is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the Church. When we honor Mary, we honor Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

2. POPE’S MESSAGE, 44TH WORLD DAY OF PEACE

“Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace”

Benedict XVI, in his message dated December 8, 2010 greeted everyone with wishes of serenity and peace at the start of the new year. He decried however current persecution, discrimination, violence and religious intolerance (n. 1).

“The right to religious freedom is rooted in the very dignity of the human person…created by God” in his own image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:27) (n. 2).

“Religious freedom is at the origin of moral freedom”. It is “the guarantee of full respect between persons” (n. 3).

“The family, the school of freedom and peace”. “It is the primary training ground for harmonious relations at every level of coexistence” (n. 4).

“Among the fundamental rights and freedoms rooted in the dignity of the person, religious freedom enjoys a special status”. “It is an achievement of a sound political and juridical culture. It is an essential good”. (n. 5).

Public dimension of religion. “The contribution of religious communities to society is undeniable, specially “its ethical contribution in the political sphere”. (n. 6).

Pope Benedict XVI encouraged dialogue between civil and religious institutions as well as interreligious dialogue (nn. 9-11).

“Religious freedom, the path to peace”, is explained by Pope Benedict XVI. “The world needs God. It needs universal, shared ethical and spiritual values, and religion can offer a precious contribution to their pursuit, for the building of a just and peaceful social order at the national and international levels” (n. 15).

3. PRIESTS’ DECEMBER RECOLLECTION
Fifty-five (55) priests (43 diocesan, 8 CP, 4 OP) attended the recollection held on December 13-14, 2010 at St. Francis of Assisi Retreat House, Baluan, General Santos City.

Fr. Honorato Castigador, OP, Rector, Colegio de San Juan in Calamba, Laguna, facilitated it.

Topic: “Deepening Our Relationship with the Lord”.

Two ways of deepening: (1) growing in holiness; and (2) always grateful to God.

1. Growing in holiness is a big challenge in a desacralized society. Distractions, modern technologies are obstacles unless properly managed.

Holy people are happy people. Christianity is a religion of joy.

St. Philip Neri, they say, is the happiest saint. St. Dominic is the second.

Wealth does not guarantee happiness. Japan, a wealthy nation, has many suicides.

Happiness is the result of holiness.

2. A grateful heart is a happy heart. St. Paul says “what do we have that we have not received?”

Our priesthood is a gift from God. For this we thank God. When we appreciate our priesthood, we appreciate everything that flows from it.

One of the thing that flows from our priesthood is celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom. Celibacy is a gift to be appreciated, treasured and zealously guarded.

Appreciating our priesthood is a continuing endeavor. Such appreciation is nourished by constant communication with the Lord. We are one with the Lord in prayer and holy communion.

Constant prayer and devout reception of the sacraments as well as relating with others, specially the needy, in love are creative powers to deepen our intimacy with God.

4. POSITION PAPER ON THE RH BILLS
Faculty, students and alumni of the University of the Philippines came out with a position paper against the Reproductive Health Bills (HB 96 and its related bills)

1) Population is not an obstacle to development. Nobel prize winner Simon Kuznet’s research has shown that there is insignificant empirical association between population growth rates and output per capita (economic growth). Similar studies confirmed Kuznet’s findings: US National Research Council (1986), UN Population Fund Consultative Meeting of Economists (1992), Eric Hanushek and Ludger Wößmann (2007), among others.

2) Instead, the government has to channel limited funds to job creation and education.

3) Fertility rates in the Philippines are progressively decreasing from average rate of 7 in 1960 to 3.1 in 2008. IN 2025 it is expected to reach 2.1., the replacement level – WITHOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION.

4) Resources should be used to address the leading causes of death: tuberculosis, heart disease, diarrhea.

5) Condoms are not wise investments. We have the lowest incidence of HIV cases in the ADB report. Thailand, the model in condom promotion, has the highest.

6) Oral Contraceptive Pills are carcinogens, (International Agency for Research on Cancer).

7) It is the State’s duty to order society by promoting the well being of its citizens. It is not the State’s job to facilitate access to what is harmful.

DUMP THE CONTENTIOUS AND FLAWED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILLS. PASS MORE BILLS STRENGTHENING THE FILIPINO FAMILY, PROTECTING ITS CITIZENS AGAINST THE RISKS OF CONTRACEPTION, DEFENDING THE SCIENTIFIC FACT THAT CONTRACEPTION BEGINS AT FERTILIZATION PRODUCING ESSENTIAL MEDICINES FOR THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEATH, MAKING QUALITY EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE AND PROVIDING MORE JOBS.

No. 600, 12 December 2010

2011-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

1. BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Christmas is love. “Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved” (Jh. 3: 16-17).

“The Word was made flesh, he lived among us…” (Jh. 1: 14).

Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, the Son of God, did not only become man. He lived among men and women to preach the Good News and performed many good deeds.

God’s love is a liberating love. It is at the same time an empowering love.

“We are to love, then, because he loved us first” (1 Jh. 4:19).

This means loving everyone. “Let us love one another since love comes from God and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God” (1 Jh. 4:17).

Lack of love causes corruption, poverty, destructive conflict, ecological degradation. It causes unpeace!

On the other hand, “love is a creative power”, avers, St. Maximillian Kolbe. Love makes people generous, not selfish; honest, not corrupt; competent, not incompetent; peace-makers, not trouble makers; and stewards of God’s creation, and not its destroyers.

Since Christmas is love, let us make each day a little Christmas in order to achieve peace. “Peace on Earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day” (Helen Steiner Bice).

Adds Hamilton Wright Mabie: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love”.

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL

NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

2. MINDANAO WEEK OF PEACE (MWP) 2010
The Mindanao Week of Peace was celebrated in various places in the Diocese of Marbel from November 25 to December 01.

Theme: “Responsive and Responsible Governance: Key to Peace, Development and Sustainability”. This theme came from the Bishops-Ulama Conference.

SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK and Kapayapaan Kapatid Council (KKC), peace arm of Marbel Diocese, spearheaded the week-long festivities.

Walk for Peace led by Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) along General Santos Highway, Koronadal City, opened the MWP celebration. More than 1,000 participants: students, government workers, men in uniform, NGOs, KKC-Tri-Youth volunteers and parishioners. Speakers during the Peace Conference at NDMU Function Hall, touched on Maguindanao Massacre, Sustainability projects of ACT for Peace program and the Peace and Order situation in South Cotabato.

November 26, Peace Forum, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), General Santos City (GSC). About 500 attended: AFP, PNP, former MNLF fighters and students. Discussants: Dr. Roel Cagape, Hearts and Brains; Dep. Gov. Lopez of Sarangani; Lt. Col. Alejandro Nacnac (27th IB); and Wahiba Abtahi of KATIYAKAP.

November 27, Performing Arts. Afternoon – Kids for Art Peace. Evening, music at Robinson’s Mall, GSC.

November 28, Kite Festival, Queen’s Tuna Park, GSC.

November 29, “Talakayan sa DXCP”, On peace initiatives.

November 30, Peace Pilgrimage, GSC. Three thousand pilgrims. (From report by Reginns Jumilla)

3. MADICO EXCHANGES MINING EXPERIENCES
Twenty participants from Marbel Diocese, Digos Diocese and Columbio Parish met at the Bishop’s Residence, Koronadal City on 11 December 2010.

Aims:
1. Have a common understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of open-pit mining;
2. Take a unified stand on open-pit mining;
3. Identify points of convergence;
4. Agree on a possible common course of action;
5. Design a structure of cooperation.

Some favor mining because of benefits, actual and potential. Others are against because of actual harassment and probable damages to properties and human lives.

Stand and points of convergence will be decided after thorough education.

Courses of action: massive information/education; dialogue with LGUs, AFP, PNP; sharing of experiences and relevant materials; and vigilance and prudence.

Structure. MADICO composed of Diocesan Social Action Centers; Bishops; Parish Priests of Banate, Kiblawan, Malalag (Digos), Malungon, Tampakan (Marbel) and Columbio.

Meetings: monthly, 2nd Thursday, 9am. Venues: revolving to start on January 13, Columbio Parish.

Secretariat: Marbel Diocesan Social Action Center c/o Fr. Romeo Catedral, SAD.

No. 599, 06 December 2010

2011-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

1. PRIESTS’ AND RELIGIOUS’ GATHERING
Members of the Marbel Association of Religious and Clergy (MARC) met on November 29-30, 2010 in Labu Beach, General Santos City.

Theme: “Prophets of Hope Pushing Corporate Responsibility Towards Creating a New Heaven and a New Earth”.

Objectives:
1. To rekindle our commitment towards creating a new heaven and a new earth.
2. To strengthen our oneness/unity as builders of God’s kingdom through worthwhile activities.
3. To sustain/nourish our spiritual life as one community.

Attendance, as of noon, November 30: 88. Diocesan priests – 21. CP priests – 6. Dominican priests – 3. Marist Brothers – 6. Passionist Sisters – 10. OP Siena Sisters – 15. Augustinian Recollect Sisters – 3. Marist Sisters – 8. Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts – 6. St. Paul Chartres Sisters – 2. Disciples of St. Therese Sisters – 6. Dominican Sisters of the Trinity – 2. Several arrived after noon. They did not register.

Fr. Bonifacio presided during the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Louie Fuentespina, CP, MARC’s president read the Message of Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez to MARC’s members.

Games and contests were held after the mass. Fr. Noe Pedrajas won the Logo contest.

Election of officers for 2011 took place in the afternoon.
President – Fr. Fortunato Ferolino.
Vice-President – Sr. Susan Bolaño, OND.
Secretary – Sr. Rosario Somodio, CP.
Treasurer – Fr. Alan Casicas.

The annual gathering ended with the exchange of gifts. Joyful gathering! (Reported by Deacon Jefill).

2. HOUSE BILL (HB) NO. 96 IS PRO-ABORTION
Dr. Condrado Ll. Lorenzo, Jr., from Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Makati Medical Center, published an article “Why is House Bill No. 96 Pro Abortion?” (Impact, no. 10, October 2010, p. 14).

HB 96 was introduced by Rep. Edcel Lagman, 1st Regular Session, 15th Congress, July 1, 2010.

Sec. 3 (c): “The State shall promote, without bias, all modern natural and artificial methods of family planning that are medically safe, legal and effective.”

Dr. Lorenzo’s comment: “In effect, this provision mandates the states to promote intra-uterine device (IUD) which causes medical abortion.”

He explains: “The IUD is a plastic device (usually a coil) that is inserted into the uterine cavity and left there for as long as the woman wants to contracept.”

Continues Dr. Lorenzo: “being a foreign body, it triggers a ‘foreign body reaction’ in the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus. The foreign body reaction renders the endometrium hostile to a fertilized egg. So when the fertilized egg attempts to implant itself in the endometrium, it is rejected and dies. Many authors call this mechanism medical abortion.”

He furthers argues: “This sec. 3 (c) promotes also the use of different kinds of ‘morning after’ pills such as RH 486, which is marketed in the U.S. as Mifiprex, Plan B, Optimor…”

“Mifiprex”, he clarifies, “uses a combination of two medications, namely, mifepristone and miso prostol. Mifepristone is usually given in the clinic. It blocks progesterone, a hormone which is needed to maintain pregnancy, causing the endometrium to slough off. Bleeding occurs and the cervix softens…”

“Then, 24 to 72 hours after the first medication”, Dr. Lorenzo states, “misoprostol is given which causes the uterus to contract. The pregnancy is usually expelled within 6 to 8 hours. When these two drugs are used in combination, they are 95-97% effective.

“Clearly, Dr. Lorenzo concludes, ‘HB 96 not only subverts the moral fibre of Filipinos by promoting medical abortion. It also goes against the Constitution of the Philippines which states [The State] shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception’” (Sec. 12, Art. II).

House Bill No. 96 is immoral as well as unconstitutional.

3. GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST COAL
Anti-coal Statement was read in all masses last December 5, 2010 in the Diocese of Marbel.

Excerpts:
“Coal is the world’s largest source of greenhouse gases that cause global warming and climate changes.”

“Mining coal releases methane and other toxic elements such as mercury, lead, arsenic, etc…methane…stays in the atmosphere for almost 1,000 years and absorbs heat from the sun 20 times more than carbon dioxide.”

“Burning coal for coal-fired power plants produces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.”

“Coal industry is booming due to large profits for the investors.” The poor near coal mines suffer from water contamination, among other negative effects.

“No perfect technology to totally eliminate greenhouse gases.”

“Alternatives to the use of coal”: wind, water, sun.

“Let us not be fooled by the lobbying efforts of the investors who want to monopolize the energy sector for profits.”

“Let us, people of SOCSARGEN, unite against mining and burning of coal…we are stewards of God’s creation; it is our mission to protect our environment, ensure resources for future generations and protect our ecological balance.”

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CLEAN OR GREEN COAL”

“DEATH IS THE ONLY COLOR OF COAL!!!”
(Signed by Fr. Romeo Q. Catedral, SAD Marbel and approved by Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez)

No. 598, 21 November 2010

2011-01-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

1. GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION, CANONICAL ERECTION OF THEN PRELATURE OF MARBEL LAUNCHED
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez launched on 21 November 2010 through a Pastoral Letter, the beginning of the year-long 50th Anniversary of Foundation celebrations. The launching was held simultaneously in all the parishes. Closing will be on 20 November 2011, Solemnity of Christ the King.

The Diocese of Marbel was created a Prelature Nullius on 17 December 1960. Elevated to Diocese on 15 November 1982. Comprises the civil Provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani, the City of General Santos and some parts of Sultan Kudarat. Titular is Christ the King.

Bishop Quintin Olwell, CP, was the first Prelate Ordinary. Bishop Reginald Arliss, CP, was the second. Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez was the third. Bishop Gutierrez is also the first bishop, Diocese of Marbel.

Preparatory Committee is composed of the two Territorial Episcopal Vicars, 4 Vicars Forane, 3 diocesan directors (CFC, DLC, SAC) some religious and lay.

Participation of everyone in the planning and execution of plans is desirable.

Meanwhile, I exhort every faithful to pray for a fruitful celebration: increase in holiness and strengthening our bond of unity under Christ as head.

2. 20TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN ASSOCIATION OF GKK PRACTITIONERS HELD
More than 5,000 members of the Association of GKK practitioners congregated on November 13, 2010 at the South Cotabato Cultural Center, City of Koronadal.

Theme: “GKKs Promote the Writ of Kalikasan, Peace and Good Governance”.

Objectives:
1. Expected 3,000 delegates know the content of the Writ of Kalikasan for purposes of peace and good governance.
2. Bonding among the delegates has been strengthened.
3. Officers for 2011 – 2012 have been elected.
4. Deepen one’s relationship with God through the mass.

Main activities: (1) talk on the theme by Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Director, Social Action Center; (2) Socialization; (3) Election; (4) Mass presided by Fr. Elpidio Marintes, Jr., Chair, Commission on Christian Formation.

Writ of Kalikasan.
This is Rule 7, Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, Supreme Court, April 29, 2010.

Section 1. Nature of this Writ.
“A remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law…on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces”.

Section 3. Where to file. “The petition shall be filed with the Supreme Court or with any of the stations of the Court of Appeals”.

FIRST CASE
Last November 19, 2010, “the Supreme Court ordered the First Philippine Industrial Corp. (FPIC) to stop operating a 117-kilometer-long pipeline after an oil leakage disruptive fuel supplies to Manila, polluted deep wells, caused traffic jams and dislodged scores of families from their homes” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 20, 2010, p. 1)

PDI continues: “The Court issued a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) against FPIC after granting the petition for a “Writ of Kalikasan” sought by residents of West Tower Condominium in Makati City – the first time such an order involving environmental cases had come down from the country’s highest tribunal, lawyers said” (ibid.).

Elected Officers:
President - Nicasio Mamon Chair, Education Committee - Elena Perez
Vice Pres. - Joselina Ebrona Chair, Finance Committee - Cecilia Cemini
Secretary - Lanie de Dios Chair, evaluation & Panning Co. - Fred Ramos
Treasurer - Stemson Pino
Auditor - Ben Mejares

Attendance: 5,007. Breakdown:
Dadiangas – 1,120. Marbel – 1,000. St. Michael – 600. Calumpang – 500. Banga – 200. Tampakan – 200. Polomolok – 184. Bula – 150. Surallah – 116. Lagao – 112. Cannery – 100. Fatima – 100. Glan – 80. Norala – 80. Sto. Niño – 80. Tupi – 67. Tantangan – 60. Kiamba – 50. Maasim – 50. Malapatan – 50. Malungon – 40. T’boli – 21. Alabel – 21. Maitum – 20. Milbuk – 6.

Observations:
1. First time attendance broke the 5,000 mark.
2. All parishes were represented.
3. There were 16 staff and visitors.

Congratulations to everyone.

No. 597, 19 November 2010

2011-01-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

1. ANNUAL MEETING OF PRIESTS 2010
Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, Vicar General, declared the 2010 Annual Meeting of Marbel Presbyterium open at 8:00 in the morning of November 10, at Holy Cross Spiritual Center, Calumpang, General Santos City.

Seventy-one signed the attendance sheet. But only 59 were present; 12 absent.

Fr. Mario Eudela facilitated the morning session.

1. Some decisions: (1) 2011 Diocesan Calendar; (2) Fiesta of Alabel Parish was transferred from May 15, Good Shepherd Sunday, to May 16; (3) fiestas falling on a Sunday: ask the Bishop for the permission to celebrate fiesta mass on a Sunday.

2. Commission reports.
Fr. Elpidio Marintes gave the report on COCF. Fr. Romeo Subaldo presented the COWL’s report. Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, DLC Director, presented the accomplishment reports for 2010 and the projects for 2011. There was a request for Tagalog Bible Service Guide. Noted.

Registration fees during meetings go to the host parish for food. Any excess goes to the ministry. Usually a financial report is given after the meeting.

Registration fees during General Assembly go to the Association. Financial report must be submitted to the Commission Chair concerned who in turn, will report to the Presbyterium.

Meetings in the diocesan level are supported by the parish in term of fares. But if none is given to the parish representative, the Ministry Fund refunds the personal fare expense of the participant.

3. Pastoral Visit 2010. All 25 parishes were visited. Plans need to be revised. Problems on terminologies, coordinator, chairman, president, in-charge. Head of a committee is chairman; not coordinator.

Proposal: the Diocese should come up with guidelines on functions and job descriptions of coordinators, chairman, president and in-charge. Suggestion is well-taken.

4. 50th Anniversary, Foundation of Local Church of Marbel (Prelature Nullius).

Launching. Feast of Christ the King, 21 November 2010 Simultaneous launching in every parish. Each Parish will read the Decree of the Bishop proclaiming the beginning of the year long Jubilee Celebration.

Date of culmination, Christ the King, November 20, 2011.

PrepCom: 3 diocesan directors (CFC, DLC, SAC), 4 Vicars Forane, representatives from the religious, the 2 territorial Episcopal vicars and selected lay.

5. Lay Church Workers Program by Fr. Romeo Buenaobra Assembly is every 3 years.
Suggestion: study the implications of the term “employee”. Consult a lawyer. Noted.

6. Amendments to provision of DPA – I.
1) To allow Bible Services during the Easter Triduum. Presbyterium agrees. Proposal to be forwarded to the Bishop for approval.
2) Election of PEC and PPC will be co-terminus with the parish priest (Every 3 years). To be forwarded to the Bishop.
3) On clergy: guest priests, incardination, last will and testament and others in line with Canon Law. To be discussed further.

7. Updates on proposed parishes. Fr. Frank Romano, presentor. Marbel: Bo. 1, Morales, Sta. Cruz, and Bo. 5. Dadiangas: Apopong.

Suggestion: priest-in-charge to reside in Bo. 5 to prepare it.

Decision: Priests from the Cathedral must supervise and assess the real situation to find out whether the proposed parish can stand as such.

8. Updates on Bahay Pari. Tupi and Gensan.
Fr. Ernesto Bendita mentioned some agricultural projects in Tupi.

The former convent of the Dominican Sisters at the former NDDFG is ready for occupancy.

November 10, afternoon – Facilitator: Fr. Frank Romano. Started at 2:30. Present – 46; absent – 25.

9. COSA – Fr. Romeo Catedral
IP desk: programs, scholarship, in-charge, IP Sunday Celebration, October 10. Positive effects. Diocesan celebration next year.

Advocacy on SMI/Xtrata, Coal Fired Power PLANT, San Miguel Corporation and other environmental threats. We need to motivate the people.

Field testing of BT Plants.

Parishes that have health, justice and peace desks are identified. Still many parishes lack health desk representative.

Signature campaign against the lifting up of the provision banning open pit mining in the South Cotabato Environment Code continues until last week of November.

10. Greenpeace group will dock in General Santos City on November 19 and will stay there until November 22, 2010. Fr. Greto Bugas read the program of activities. Encourage parishioners to attend. Parish Social Action Coordinators will coordinate the activities.

11. Diocesan Schools. Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas, presentor. Reports supported by documents.

November 11, 8am. Fr. Greto Bugas, facilitator. Present – 60; absent 11.

12. Finance officers’ report was unsigned.
Suggestions: (1) include Diocese’s Dollar Account. (2) Regular external Financial Audit to be presented in one of the recollections.

13. DXCP. Mindanao week of Peace, Programming. Fr. Joy Peliño reported.
The Mindanao Week of Peace is a project of the Bishop’s Ulama Conference. It is a Church Project. President Estrada proclaimed the celebration every year to encourage government agencies to participate. It is not funded by the government. Usually Asia Foundation and Catholic Relief Services pay for the posters. (Note: this paragraph is the Bishop’s clarification).

Presbyterium’s suggestion: evaluate first. Then forward evaluation to bishop.

14. Datal Anggas. To be handled by the Passionist Fathers?

15. Women Layco – New Bible Service Guide. To be discussed.

16. Administrative Manual. To be discussed later.

17. Over P200,000 was committed for the Seminary Bus by the parishes.

November 11, afternoon. Fr. Sinon Alcarde, facilitator. Present 46; absent 25. Started 2:00pm.

18. Legal Implications of Environment Code.

19. Priests’ Welfare Program will shoulder all the financial health assistance of the Bishop. Agreed by all.

After post-communion Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez declared the Annual Meeting of priests closed. Time: 4pm. (Notes by Deacon Jefill).

No. 596, 18 November 2010

2011-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

PRIESTS’ RECOLLECTION

Fr. Jerry Manlangit, OP, facilitated the priests’ recollection held in Holy Cross Spiritual Center, Calumpang, General Santos City on November 8-9, 2010.

Seventy (70) attended: 46 diocesan priests, 15 Passionist Fathers, 5 Dominicans, 2 Capuchins, 1 deacon and 1 theology student.

Three topics: Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), cloning, and reproductive health (RH).

1st topic. GMO.
Genes are modified by the help of Bacillus Thuringensis (BT) which is mostly found in the soil.

Today GMO is applied to: corn, eggplant, salmon, cotton and canola. BT’s toxin kills insects. However, Monsanto technicians claim that it cannot kill humans. It may not kill human. But it is certainly harmful to humans, animals and the environment. It affects the life cycle of plants which cannot be planted again (GMO crops). Thus farmers will forever be dependent on the seed providers, like Monsanto Corporation.

Monsanto Corporation, USA was quoted: “Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible.” Assuring its safety is the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) job.

GMO touches on bioethical issues such as: privatization of life, atheistic tendencies, damage to human life.

2nd topic. Cloning.
Dolly, a sheep, was the first animal to be cloned. It was done in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Cloning is a scientific process of producing a genetic copy of an organism (as of now mammal), using a complete material of a regular somatic cell. The cell is the simplest and vital element/ingredient that is needed in the production of a clone .

The following are the steps in human cloning:
1. Isolate donor nucleus.
2. Get unfertilized egg.
3. Remove the egg’s nucleus.
4. Insert the donor nucleus.
5. Apply electric triggering mechanism.
6. Place the egg into the womb.

Reasons for human cloning:
1. Recover the loss of a loved one (Sentimentalism)
2. Provide an alternative in using one’s own cell to give birth to a baby like himself, rather than using donated sperm and egg in the case of infertility (Self-determination).
3. Improvement of human race (Eugenics).
4. Reproduction of one’s own traits (Megalomania).
5. Duplication of oneself using a cell from one’s own body for use of treating defective organs (Stem cell).
6. Technological imperative.
7. Curiosity (Scientific adventurism).
8. Economic gain (commercialism).
9. Scientific fame.

Dangers of Human Cloning
1. Physical danger.
2. Sociological and legal dangers.
3. Psychological dangers.

Implications to individual and society.
1. The identity and individuality of the cloned will become different.
2. Procreation and family life will be affected.
3. Human technology could have no control.

Ethical objections to Cloning
1. Nothing approximates the danger posed by human cloning. The gene pool is compromised. Expect physical deformities.
2. It is unethical to separate love in giving life.
3. Parenthood is compromised. The clone is a life gone berserk.

Conclusions
1. It is a crime to humanity itself.
2. A nuisance to humanity’s evolution and mystery.

3rd topic. Reproductive Health (RH)
It started with the idea of Thomas Malthus, a biologist and pastor: “Growth of food provisions is arithmetical, while growth in population is geometrical (exponential) in nature. Hence, control population growth.

He lived in the time when technology in food production and preservation has not yet been developed.

Later, Paul Erlich resurrected Malthus’ idea. Simon Kugnet challenged Erlich’s position. Margaret Sanger, however, was busy promoting her sexual revolutionary ideas.

Promoters of reproductive health claim:
1. Lack of food production; lack of space; lack of energy resources. So control growth.

The American Agenda. Kissinger avers:
1. Large population is not for the best interest of USA;
2. Large population will deplete the natural resources of the 3rd World Countries;
3. They could control the wealth.

Hewlett Packard, an IT Company and the Gates Foundation are the biggest donors of reproductive health services.

RH includes abortion. Pills and IUDs are abortifacients. Condom is contraceptive.

RH proponents’ assumptions: (1) larger population worsens poverty; (2) higher population density means lower personal income; (3) higher population growth leads to lower economic growth; (4) large population means more hungry and malnourished people; (5) Larger population means less funds for education; (6) Large families are poor families; (7) Our population will double in 29 years.
THERE IS NO CONNECTION BETWEEN POPULATION AND POVERTY. Many cities like Tokyo, New York, Taipei, Shanghai, New Delhi, Hongkong, Singapore are densely populated but they are rich, not poor.

RH promotes economic imperialism, dominance in global economy and global dictatorship by way of global patenting.

In the final analysis, the result would be:
1. MATERIALISM (god of mammon);
2. GODLESS SOCIETY
3. REJECTION OF THE NATURAL LAW AND GOD.
4. THE STRONG MAKES THE LAW

(Might is Right. No Democracy). (Notes by Fr. J. Morallon)

No. 595, 09 November 2010

2011-01-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

1. DIOCESAN YOUTH LEADERS’ CAPABILITY BUILDING PROGRAMS
Key diocesan youth leaders met at the Bishop’s residence on 28 October 2010 to improve their leadership capabilities.

They agreed on two programs for 2011:
1) an intensive, integrated, advanced leadership formation program: concepts, values and skills;
2) a deepening of their personal relationship with God.

Both programs will be process oriented under the close supervision of expert facilitators.

2. DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE (DMI) INTERNATIONAL HOLD 11TH DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY
One hundred fifty (150) DMI met on 30 October 2010 at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse, Koronadal City.

Bishop Dinualdo stressed the importance of humble service and persistent proclamation of the Good News – Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour.

He stressed the necessity of obeying the Pope and the bishops in union with the pope in matters of faith and moral. Thus, Pope Paul VI, condemned in “Humanae Vitae” (on Human Life) abortion, sterilization and contraception because these are anti-life. All the faithful must OBEY!

3. 21ST DIOCESAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ASSOCIATION OF KRISKA ALAGADS
Three thousand and sixteen (3,016) Kriska Alagads gathered at the South Cotabato Gym, Koronadal City, on 30 October 2010 to learn about balanced and healthy ecology and elect a new set of officers.

General theme: “Kriska Alagads: Advocates of Balanced and Healthy Ecology”.

Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Social Action Director, explained what balanced and healthy ecology is all about: trees, flora, fauna, clean air, clean water, symbiotic relationship, biodiversity, serenity.

Bishop Dinualdo exhorted the participants to care for God’s creatures for the sake of this present generation as well as for the sake of future generations. Pope Benedict XVI calls this serious duty “intergenerational justice”.

Elected officers, January 2011 to December 2012.
President - Meriam Calumpang (Bula)
Vice Pres. - Amelita Cataluña (Marbel)
Secretary - Teodosia s. Daniel (OLLP – Polomolok)
Treasurer - Zoinda Boyoc (Tampakan)
Auditor - Violeta Gavan (Lagao)

Committees:
Education in-charge - Amelita Cataluña (Marbel)
Finance - Camilo Oftana (SMAP)
Evaluation - Roberto Dumalag (Maasim)

Attendance by Parish
Marbel (510); OLPGV (501); Calumpang (500); Lagao (216); Bula (200); SMAP (120); OLLP – Polomolok (112); Fatima (100); Tampakan (100); Surallah (100); Tupi (91); Banga (60); Tantangan (60); Maasim (53); Glan (50); JGSP (50); Malungon (43); Norala (30); Kiamba (30); Alabel (30); Malapatan (30); Maitum (20); Sto. Niño (7); Lake Sebu (2); Milbuk (1); T’boli (0). Total – 3,016.

No. 594, 22 October 2010

2011-01-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

1. 14TH MINDANAO – SULU PASTORAL CONFERENCE (MSPC XIV) CELEBRATED
Mindanao delegates came together on 18-22 October 2010 at Crisbel Crown Center, Barangay San Jose, Digos City to share experiences and ideas on the “Word of God in Mindanao: Creation and Peace”.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adam was the presider and homilist during the opening mass at Mary Mediatrix Cathedral. He spoke on the theme, “Word of God: Creation and Peace”.

Welcome dinner/program at Crisbel Crown Center, Venue of MSPC XIV.

Sixteen workshop groups shared on, Word of God, Creation and Peace. Very rich inspiring, and challenging sharing of experiences. Vibrant 21 Local Churches in Mindanao.

Doable actions: massive education/value formation; dialogues; advocacies; networking with LGUs, NGOs, POs, academe; distribution of copies of bibles; Reforestation (adopt a mountain); sustainable agriculture, above all, trust in God.

2. MSPC STATEMENT
Delegates Condemn

Open pit mining, logging activities that denude the forest, toxic agricultural practices, destructive fishing, all that contribute to climate change and global warming;
All forms of aggression against lives, culture and livelihood of indigenous peoples, anomalous encroachment on their ancestral domain;
Violence, hatred, vengeance, bloodshed;
Anti-life: extrajudicial killings, terrorism, drug pushing, artificial contraception, sterilization, abortion – all acts which prevent conception and birth of human life;

Delegates are resolved to:

Strengthen education and formation of families, communities, parishes based on the Word of God and the Christian Faith centered in the Holy Eucharist;
Pursue formation of Christian Environmental Conscience, Intergenerational Justice and the Promotion of the Culture of Peace, the paths of the New Evangelization using solid catechesis for the care of the Earth and for the creation of Peaceful Environment;
Undertake concrete measures like the Environmental Education and Peace Campaigns in all churches, BECs, Parish Groups, Catholic Schools and Colleges, as well as conduct activities such as tree planting, adopt a forest program, setting up of nurseries in all Catholic Facilities on Church Lands wherever possible;
Conduct information and education campaigns to the faithful regarding the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) now filed in Congress and is known as National Management of Resources and Stewardship Bill;
Protect the integrity of Mother earth, the Visible Sign of Divine Order and wisdom as well as the Sacredness of Marriage and Family Life;
Strengthen interfaith and interreligious dialogue for the cause of integrity of creation and peace;
Continue our dialogue and cooperation with civil society, government and basic sectors for Human Development and Peace as well as uphold the rule of law at all levels.

Bishop Guillermo V. Afable of Digos was the presider and homilist during the closing mass at San Isidro Labrador Parish.

3. MSPC XIV DELEGATES / OBSERVERS

OVER – ALL TOTAL: 212

No. 593, 18 October 2010

2010-10-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

1. MSPC XIV STARTS TODAY
The 14th Mindanao – Sulu Pastoral Conference is scheduled on 18-22 October 2010. Venue is the Holy Cross Academy of Digos Gym, Gallarde St., Digos City.

Theme: “Word of God in Mindanao: Creation and Peace”

Participants total 226. Each diocese has 10 delegates.

Marbel delegates:
1. Lucille Dispo, Liturgy, Fatima Parish
2. Sr. Nelda Balaba, OND, Religious, DSAC
3. Geraldine Ponio, Family and Life, Calumpang
4. Juna Lee Busano, Youth, Polomolok
5. Joselina B. Ebrona, GKK, Calumpang
6. Marilyn S. Balagtas, CATZ, Lagao
7. Rene Pamplona, Social Action, DSAC
8. Fr. Romeo Catedral, Clergy, DSAC
9. Bishop

Processes. Orientation, workshop, reporting, Pastoral-Theological Synthesis (Workshop and over-all), Mass, Holy Hour.

Three workshops: Word of God, Creation, Peace.

Apostolic Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams will preside during the opening Mass and deliver the homily.

Bishop Guillermo V. Afable of Digos will be the presider and homilist during the closing Mass.

2. LOCAL CHURCH OF MARBEL IS FIFTY YEARS OLD
On 17 December 1960 the then Prelature Nullius of Marbel was erected. Bishop Quintin Olwell, CP, was the first Prelate Ordinary.

Initial plans were made on 12 October 2010 by the priests at “The Farm Resort”, Koronadal City. Fr.Guillarme Joy Peliño was the designated point person.

Prayers for a fruitful celebration.

3. CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT (CFM) PROGRAM ACCEPTED
To strengthen the Family and Life Ministry the priests agreed to adopt the CFM’s enrichment weekend seminars.

These are: a) Marriage Encounter (M.E.) for husband and wife; b) Sons and Daughters Encounter (S.A.D.E.) for youth aged 16-21; c) Self-Encounter (S.E.) for inner peace; d) Young Adults Program (Y.A.P.), 2 days, singles, 21 years old and above; and e) “Tipanan ng Mag-asawa”, one day, to revitalize relationship.

Experienced teams from the Archdiocese of Capiz will facilitate the various encounter seminars.

4. APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA (AOS) CELEBRATES NATIONAL SEAFARERS’ DAY (NSD)
Celebration of NSD took place at the Port of General Santos City on 26 September 2010.

Theme: “Marinong Pilipino, Dangal Ka ng Bayan”.

Activities: 1) 25-Vehicle caravan; signature campaign against sea-piracy; mass celebrated by Fr. Guillarme Joy Peliño, inauguration of seafarers’ lodging facility donated by Dole Philippines; presentation of Plaque of Appreciation to Mr. Kevin Davis by the Diocese of Marbel and speech by Fr. Victor Labao, AOS National Director, on seafarers’ rights. (Reported by Girlie Diaz)

5. TRAINORS’ TRAINING, PASKO NG PAMILYA
Trainors of sharers for the Aguinaldo Masses were trained in two batches.

The first batch was held on 09 October 2010.

Participants: 132. St. Michael Archangel Parish – 12. Fatima and Bula – 11 each. Alabel and Glan – 10 each. Calumpang, Kiamba, Lagao, Maasim, Malapatan and Polomolok – 9 each. Cannery, Dadiangas – 8 each. Malungon – 6. Maitum – 2.

The 2nd batch took place in Marbel on 16 October 2010.

Participants: 90. Banga, Lake Sebu, Marbel, Norala, Sto. Niño, Surallah, Tampakan, Tantangan, Tupi – 9 each. Milbuk will have a separate conduction. There is no report on T’boli.

Theme of Pasko ng Pamilya 2010:
“Protect Creation to Cultivate Peace”. (T. Remollo)

6. NEW CEBU ARCHBISHOP
Archbishop Jose Palma of Palo was appointed Archbishop of Cebu by Pope Benedict XVI on 15 October 2010.

Birth: March 19, 1950. Ordained priest: August 21, 1976. Consecrated bishop: January 13, 1998.

No. 592, 17 October 2010

2010-10-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

1. CLERGY’S RECOLLECTION/ UPDATING
Fifty-six (56) priests, diocesan and religious, attended the recollection/updating on 11-12 October 2010 at “The Farm Resort”, Koronadal City.

Fr. Christopher “Jeff” Aytona, OP facilitated the recollection. Born in 1975 in Batangas he was ordained priest on 30 November 2007. Presently, he is taking up M.A. in Communication, Ateneo de Manila, University.

Topic: “Mass Media and New Communication Technologies”.

II. PRINCIPLES OF MEDIA LITERACY

1. Media are constructions

in a day of virtual reality and computer simulations “seeing is not believing”
all media are carefully assembled, edited, selected and designed constructions
they show us a world but is a selected and often unpresentative view even though it seems to be true.
Discerning to distinguish the reality from the reflection is implicit in this concept.

2. Audiences negotiate their own meaning

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
Audiences are not passive recipients of media messages.

3. Media constructions have commercial purposes.
4. Media messages contain values and ideologies.
5. Media messages have social and political consequences. Relationship between image and influence, content and consequence.
6. Each medium has a unique aesthetic form – when Steven Spielberg decided to shoot “Schindler’s List in black and white he acknowledged the relationship between media content and media forum (no colored film).

III. Conclusions
1. Clarify goals of media literacy (ex. inquisitive mind developed, analytical thinking enhanced; critical judgment facilitated towards truth and Christian behavior)
2. Shield young people from the effects of media addiction and corruption (negative approach like Neil Postman).
3. Better educate people in the proper use of media (positive approach like Paolo Freire’s literacy work in Brazil).
4. Words, sounds and images reflect a society’s power relations and they can be used in oppressive or liberatory ways.
5. Media are powerful not because they control our minds and behavior but because they frame controversies in ways that are assumed by many to be true (ex. the Philippines is overpopulated and therefore control the population growth by means natural and artificial? Blatant lie!) (Prepared by Fr. J. Morallon)

No. 591, 01 October 2010

2010-10-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

1. “COMMUNICATIONS” IS TWENTY TWO YEARS OLD TODAY
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez started the “Communications From the Bishop” on 01 October 1988.

01 October 1988. “Rationale. This multipurpose letter is a response to a felt-need of our priests to know what is happening in and out of our Diocese. Specifically, they want to know how our priests and seminarians are doing, the current status of our various diocesan apostolates and future plans”.

In brief; situationer, analysis of the situation (social analysis), Theological Reflection (Faith reflection) and pastoral action (what to do now and for the future).

2. OUR PRIESTS ABROAD
Bishop Dinualdo met Fr. Rob Morgia, Fr. Rene Cruz, Fr. Carlos Andalan and Fr. Samuel Oracion in New Orleans, 27-30 August 2010. Fr. Rob is associate pastor in St. Maria Goretti, New Orleans. Fr. Sammy has been helping out in a Diocese in Texas. Fr. Rene is still looking for a parish. Fr. Caloy has just finished his stint as pastor in St. Lucia, Archdiocese of Castries, Caribbean. He is on way to the Philippines. I gave him one year permission to stay in the U.S.

I met Fr. Rey Mission in Miami on 30 august 2010. He worked in a parish in Tampa, Florida for the summer. He is now writing his doctoral dissertation. Oral defense is scheduled in 2011, Angelicum, Rome.

3. VOCATION MONTH CULMINATION
On September 26, 2010 the month-long vocation celebration in the Diocese of Marbel ended.

The culmination activities took place in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary, Koronadal City. Attendance: approximately 500 individuals – youth, parents, benefactors, aspirants, postulants, seminarians, religious and lay vocation promoters.

Fr. Ronald Plomillo, Rector, OLPH Seminary was the presider and homilist. He exhorted everyone to be “sensitive” to others’ needs as one responds to each call – marriage, single blessedness, priesthood or religious life.

Fr. Ramil Nerio, Academic dean developed the theme, “Christian witness Brings Vocation”.

Different religious congregations shared their congregations’ vision – mission – formation program and invited the youth to enter their congregation (Reported by Deacon Jefill Gallego).

4. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S SUNDAY (IPs)
Indigenous People’s Sunday is celebrated every year on the 2nd Sunday of Octor (October 10 this year).

Theme, “Healing for Solidarity: Asking Forgiveness for the Sins Against Indigenous Peoples”.

Objective:
1. To reconnect non – IPs to the Way of life, aspirations, struggles, and present economic status of the indigenous peoples.
2. To provide a venue for the indigenous people’s agricultural products, and other sources of livelihood for possible sale or exchanges to uplift the indigenous people’s economic status.
3. To make the indigenous people understand the government’s programs related to the IPs.

Program of Activities
1. Trade Fair, October 8-10, 2010. Cathedral Gym. Oct. 8, 2pm – Trade Fair Opening.
2. Forum/Symposium – October 9, 2010, 10:00 – 12:00 noon.
3. Radio Programs, Oct. 4-8, 2010, DXCP, 10:30-11:30.
4. Cultural Show, Oct. 9, 2010, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Lake Sebu Mission Cultural Group
CMIP Bulol Mission Cultural Group
5. Mass, Oct. 10, 2010, 9:00am. Christ the King Cathedral, Celebrant: Fr. Romeo Q. Catedral.

5. PROBLEM: POVERTY; SOLUTION: CONTRACEPTIVES?!
Contraceptives will not solve poverty.

First solution: “ Walang Mahirap Kung Walang Korupt” (P-Noy, Inaugural speech). 2nd: Appropriate and adequate mass education. 3rd: Healthy citizens: 4th: more jobs that pay living wage. 5th: Trust in God. (Essential).

6. ENCYCLICAL LETTER “HUMANAE VITAE” (ON HUMAN LIFE)
Pope Paul VI published this 31-paragraph encyclical on 25 July 1968.

Encyclical Letters are pronouncements of the “authentic teaching authority of the Roman Pontiff… That is, it must be shown in such a way that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with reverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely adhered to… (Vatican II, The Church, 25).

Immediately before the aforecited paragraph states “In matters of faith and morals, the bishops speak in the name of Christ and the faithful are to accept their teaching and adhere to it with a religious assent of soul” (ibid).

The importance of “Humane Vitae” and article 25 of Vatican II’s document on the Church “”Lumen Gentium”) comes to the fore because of the continuing rift between the CBCP and the government.

Let us cite some principles in Humane Vitae.
1. Married love “comes from God” (n. 8). A “wholly human love – body and soul, faithful unto death, and fruitful – by the coming of new life (n. 9).
2. Responsible Parenthood (RP) RP means:

“couple know all that their task entails”
“mind and will in full control of instincts and passion”
“couple think about their world in all its real conditions…before deciding size of family”
“ above all else, that God is not forgotten, or his laws. These are objective laws, to which a right conscience is the proper guide. Responsible parenthood, therefore, means a couple recognize their duties towards God, towards each other, towards their family, and towards society as well… SO HUMAN PROCREATION IS NOT A THING A COUPLE CAN DECIDE UPON, JUST AS THEY PLEASE, WITHOUT A THOUGHT FOR OUR CREATOR’S PLAN”. (n. 10. Emphasis, Mine).

3. N. 11: The Acts by which a couple make their love, the acts by which new human life is made, are clearly “noble acts and worthy ones” (cf. Vat. II, Gaudium et Spes. The Church Today, n. 49).
4. Link between the meaning of a couple’s unity and the meaning of procreation is unbreakable because it comes from God and is founded within the marriage act. In other words sexual act between the couple is both an expression of mutual love (unity) and openness to the creation of new life with God (Procreation).

I urge every believer (of God/Allah) to protect the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of life.

No. 590, 25 September 2010

2010-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

1. COAL PLANT IN ILOILO CAUSING AILMENTS
Nestor P. Burgos, Jr. posted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on September 20, 2010 that the $405 million coal plant project of the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) has been emitting foul ordor during a preliminary operation of its steam generator. It is believed that this coal plant caused headaches, dizziness and nausea to at least eight children aged 8 months to 14 years old who were brought to the West Visayas State University Medical Center for treatment.

Mr. Burgos continues: “Nestor Caminyan, 53, said his 14-year old son and 7-year old grandson vomited and complained of headaches.” “It was an intense smell similar to burning rubber”, Caminyan said.

Around 800 residents of Barangay Ingore in La Paz District, Iloilo City, have signed a complaint that they have experienced various illnesses including coughing, dizziness and headache during the testing operation.

PEDC Deputy General Manager Henry Alcaide said that they used only diesel fuel and water for the steam generator during the test.

What if PEDC had used coal to produce steam to produce electricity?

2. 25TH NATIONAL MEETING OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF LITURGY (NMDDL)
Fr. Romeo A. Subaldo, Diocesan COWL Commissioner, reported that the 25th NMDDL was held on 13-16 September 2010 at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Manila.

Main topic was, “The Veneration of Saints”. Sub-topics: “Theology of the Veneration of Saints”, Fr. Anscar Chupungco, OSB; “Sanctoral Cycle”, Fr. Amelito Racelis, SDB; “Relics of Saints”, Msgr. Andrea Valera; “Origin and Purpose of NMDDL”, Abp. Jesus Dosado, CM; “Chronicle of NMDDL”, Sr. Susan Abellana, OSB; “Veneration of Saints in Popular Religiosity:, Fr. Oliver Yalung. Fr. Rolando V. Dela Rosa, OP shared his reflections on the “Silent God” and the “Life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz”.

The 188 participants came out with a Statement. Main points: (1) uphold the use of Vernacular in Liturgy; (2) participation should lead to a deeper encounter with Christ and the Church; (3) continue liturgical inculturation; (4) bishops to send some priests to specialize in liturgy; (5) encourage the ministry of women where allowed by universal law; (6) urge the publication of liturgical newsletter.

Notable participants: Gaudencio Card. Rosales; Abps. Valles, Dosado, Gordoncillo, Villegas; Bps. Tonel and Iñiguez. Four delegates from Marbel. (by Fr. R. Subaldo).

3. SR. MARIA SOCORRO, CP, CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE OF PROFESSION
Sr. Maria Socorro de Leon of the Suffering Christ, Cp, celebrated the 25th year of her religious profession on 22 September 2010 at the Monastery of Holy Hope Chapel, Koronadal City.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presided during the mass and renewal of vows.

Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas preached. He emphasized hope in God who cares for His people and listens to their prayers (cf. Jer. 29: 10-14a). Then he mentioned detachment from everything worldly and attachment to Christ crucified (Phil. 3: 7-12). He ended with an exhortation to Mo. Socorro to feed Christ’s sheep, the community of nuns, as expression of her love for Christ (Jh. 21: 15-19).

Other concelebrants; Fr. Julito Villorente, CP, Provincial, Passionist Fathers; Fr. Ronald Plomillo, Rector, OLPH Seminary; Fr. Louie Fuentespina, CP, rector, St. Gabriel Seminary; Fr. Joseph Facura, retired priest, Richmond Diocese (Virginia, USA); Fr. Ramil Nerio, academic Dean, OLPHS; Frs. Nonito Adorable, CP and Deorito Sustiguer, CP; and Fr. Cerilo Casicas

Sr. Maria Socorro was born on 22 March 1957 in Quezon City. She was a 2nd year BS Biology student at then Philippine Normal College when she decided to enter the religious life.

4. 11TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN ASSOCIATION OF CATECHISTS (DAC)
The 11th GA of the DAC was held on 25 September 2010 at Notre Dame Siena School of Marbel Gym.

Bishop Dinualdo was the presider and homilist. He spoke on the theme, “Catechesis and the Family”. Catechesis should be systematic, progressive, integrated with liturgy and social apostolate, contextualized and inculturated.

The family is the first school of faith. Parents, the first educators. But children educate their parents, too. Love unites members. Faith motivates parents and children to participate in the development of society and share in the life and mission of the church.

Registered delegates: 1003. Target: 820. Marbel – 87. Lagao – 75. Glan – 72. Sto. Niño – 70. Dadiangas – 66. Polomolok – 53. Calumpang, Cannery, Norala, St. Michael – 50 each. Banga – 44. Tampakan – 38. Surallah – 34. Fatima – 33. Malapatan – 31. Kiamba, Maasim, Malungon – 30 each. Maitum – 24. Alabel, Tupi – 22 each. Tantangan – 16. T’boli – 13. BUla – 8, Milbuk – 5.

Elected officers. Chair – Rose Tamayor. Vice – Marilyn Balagtas. Secretary – Lermie Lumayag. Treasurer – Fe Amodia. Auditor – Eillen Feliprada. EdCom – Marilyn Balagtas. Finance – Merci Luga. Planning/Evaluation – Rose Flores. (Trining J. Remullo).

No. 589, 21 September 2010

2010-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

1. LEGION OF MARY HOLDS 5TH DIOCESAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (DGA)
The legion of Mary in the Diocese of Marbel held its 5th DGA last September 11, 2010 at the Marbel Parish Gym, Koronadal City.

There were 720 registered participants from 16 parishes, and some visitors from the Davao Regia and the neighboring Tacurong Comitium of Cotabato Archdiocese.

Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Social Action Director of Marbel delivered a speech on the theme, “Legion of Mary: Advocates Protection of Creation and Promotion of Peace”.

The General Assembly was organized by the Diocesan Coordinating Council of the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Marbel. (Reported by Fr. Roming Buenaobra, Diocesan Spiritual Director)

2. JEFILL QUIZO GALLEGO ORDAINED DEACON
Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez ordained deacon Jefill Gallego on 13 September 2010 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary Big Chapel.

Rev. Gallego is from Polomolok Parish and a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) in Davao City.

Msgr. Abel C. Apigo, REMASE Rector, presented Jefill to the Bishop as worthy of the Office of Deacon.

Mr. & Mrs. Gallego assisted Jefill during the diaconal rites.

Around 40 priests concelebrated. Dinner followed.

3. HOLY CROSS PARISH, CALUMPANG, CELEBRATES 25TH YEAR AS A PARISH
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presided during the Eucharistic celebration on September 14, 2010 at Calumpang, General Santos City. Some 30 priests concelebrated.

Tema; “Balaang Krus, Timaan sa Gugma ug Kadaugon sa Katawhan nga Nagasaksi sa Pulong sa Dios ug Nagaatiman sa Kinaiyahan”.

Bishop Dinualdo’s homily emphasized the triumph of the Holy Cross (Christ Crucified) over sin and death. The instrument of our salvation and proof of God’s love for us.

God’s word “care for the earth” (Gen. 2: 15-16) urges us to care for our planet by promoting “a balanced and healthy ecology” (Philippine Constitution, Section 16, Article II).

To put teeth to this constitutional provision, the Supreme Court came out with “22 Rules of P rocedure for Environmental Cases”, which took effect on 29 April 2010.

Now, we are in a stronger position to care for the earth.

4. HOLY CROSS PARISH, MAASIM, PROTESTS CONAL’S COAL FIRED POWER PLANT
The 42nd Santa Cruz parish fiesta of Maasim, Sarangani province, started with the mass presided by Fr. Edwin Mortalla, CSSR, with Fr. Greto Bugas, parish priest and 8 priests concelebrating. The Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team (RIMT) were also present.

After the mass, around 3,000 people, Indigenous People, Muslims and Christians, joined the silent and peaceful protest rally against the Coal-Fired Power Plant (CFPP) to be established in Kamanga, Maasim. Placards advertised the participants’ strong opposition to the CFPP.

A forum was held after the parade. Speakers: Johnny Panerio, Municipal Fisheries/PSAC chair; Rev. Fr. Apollo Salazar, Iglesia Filipina Independiente; Ustadz Enbol Manlana, Sharia Law/IP’s Group; Pastor Rowel Ubatay, Church of Christ; and Engr. Boy Ramos, Mindanao State University, General Santos City. (Reported by Fr. Joy Peliño)

5. CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE OFFICERS PARTICIPATE IN DIOCESAN RECOLLECTION
Officers of the CWL, Diocesan, Vicariate and Unit, took part in a focused group discussion on 18 September 2010 at MEDA – Unit CWL Home, General santos City.

Theme: “Living the Word of God through Charity, Work and Loyalty”.

Resource person and facilitator was Bishop Dinualdo.

Points
1. Responsible stewardship. Gen. 2: 15-16.
2. The Great Commandment. Lk. 10: 25-28; Mt. 22: 34-40; Mk. 12: 28-31.
Deuteronomy 6:5 – “heart” – desires and longings, “soul” – obeying God even at the risk of one’s own life; “strength” – all one’s resources: wealth, property, reputation.
3. Appeal for loyalty. Dt. 6: 14-15.
4. God and money. Mt. 6:24.
5. New Commandment of love of neighbor. Jh. 13: 31. New because of high standard. New, because basis is Jesus’ love – sacrificial, universal, forgiving. Love is the distinguishing mark of the “new” era.
6. Love is expressed by keeping/obeying the commandments. Jh. 15:10.
7. Love spelled out in Decalogue. Ex. 20: 1-17.
8. The Gospel of the Five Fingers: “You did it to me”. Basis of our last judgment. Mt. 25: 35-40.
9. Eight Beatitudes. Charter for true happiness. Mt. 5: 2-12.
10. True disciple. Mt. 7: 21-22.
11. Costs of discipleship. Mt. 10: 24-26.
12. Mission of disciples. Mt. 28: 18-20.

The 65 were divided into 5 focused groups.

Charity. All support the Home for the Aged, 2 seminaries, visit the sick and prisoners. Scholarships.

Work. Tree planting, eco-waste management, catechism, political education, backyard gardening.

Loyalty – CWL meetings, recollections: participation in parish activities; devotions: Sacred Heart, Immaculate Heart, Rosary, CWL dues.

Congratulations to the CWL led by Mrs. Ruby Teresita J. Peralta, diocesan President.

No. 588, 15 September 2010

2010-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

1. PRIESTS’ MONTHLY RECOLLECTION
Some 35 priests, diocesan and religious, made their monthly recollection on 6-7 September 2010 at Mountain Lake Eco Resort, Brgy. Bacdulong, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP, facilitator.

Topic: “Homily: The Word in the World”

Sept. 06. Pre-Notes on Homily.
1. Etymological meaning of homily is “seed”. Implication: just sow the seed; don’t throw the forest to our audience. Allow the seed to germinate in the hearers’ hearts. God’s grace and human effort will cause it to grow into a sturdy tree.
2. Liturgy must be beautiful, harmonious. Let the homily be in harmony with the other parts of liturgy.
3. Consecration teaches us that priests are ministers of Christ-servants. Priests are also bridge makers: between God and the faithful.
4. Preachers bring theology to perfection. They restore the Word of God to where it belongs – the people.
5. Karl Barth: “ A preacher is one with the Bible on one hand and the newspaper on the other. The Word of God must be contextualized – relevant to the people’s lives.
6. Bad news and good news: the dialectics of absence and presence. We are God’s messengers in the backdrop of bad news. In this sinful world (absence of grace) we bring hope: the continuing saga of grace (presence).
7. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted”. Be a mourner, not a moaner. To be a mourner is to be another Jeremiah, another prophet. Jeremiah mourned due to the sins of the people.

But he was realistic enough to accept the weakness of the world, and hopeful enough that God’s grace is strong to change the sinful world.
8. Thus, priests are preachers of hope and preachers of grace. Not prophets of doom.

Sept. 07. Praxis of Preaching
1. Liturgical preaching is a perfect communication.
2. Three things needed in communication:
(1) appeal – one must attract attention;
(2) instruction – one must inform the audience;
(3) memory – ritualize the Word of God.
3. The preacher’s bread: (a) immersed in community life. Logic does not move; imagination moves people; (b) inspired by the Holy Spirit (the “tongues of fire” on Pentecost).
4. Faith. The preacher must be a man of faith – trusting in the Lord and obedient to His will.
5. Hope. Hope is better than courage. Perseverance, better than bravery.
6. Charity – His heart must be filled with passion and compassion – God does not make miracle without our cooperation.
7. Ingredients in effective preaching:
(1) holy preacher; (2) God’s grace; and (3) audience’s openness to God’s Word.
8. Don’ts in preaching: (1) do not preach to those who have empty stomach; (2) do not preach to those who have empty heads! (From Fr. J. Morallon’s notes).

2. LAY VOCATION PROMOTERS’ RECOLLECTION
Forty-two lay promoters of vocations had their recollection on 15 August 2010 at Tamini’s resort, Tango, Glan, Sarangani province.

Theme: “I am the Good Shepherd.” The Good Shepherd is one who lays down his life for the sheep. (Jh. 10:11).

Resource speaker: Fr. Joseph Morallon, Parish Vicar II, Glan.
Points: (1) atmosphere of silence; (2) reflect on one’s self; (3) accept one’s mistakes; (4) reconciliation with God; (5) vocation promotion starts with one’s family – the domestic Church.

Seminarian Jefill Gallego, representing Fr. Ronald Plomillo, Diocesan Director of Vocation, exhorted the participants to: (1) live a good family life; (2) be faithful stewards of Christ who calls them; (3) have more zeal in promoting vocations. (From the report of Mrs. Teresita J. Peralta, Vice-Chair).

No. 587, 19 August 2010

2010-08-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

1. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CONVENTION
The Association of the Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Marbel (AKCDM) held its 24th Grand Diocesan Convention on August 7-8, 2010 at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, General Santos City.
Theme:“To cultivate Peace, Protect Creation”.
Host: Council 6501, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Lagao, General Santos City.
Participants: around 500 Knights and some ladies.
Activities
Part 1: Fellowship Night. August 7, 2010.
Part 2: Convention Proper. A) talk by SK Mario Nery – “The Dynamics, Demands and Challenges of Leadership”. Addendum: “How to strengthen the Fraternity”. B) “Writ of Kalikasan” by FCJ Reynato Puno. C) Mass: presider and homilist – Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez. Faith: belief, trust and obedience. Peace is harmony in our relationship with God, others and Creation of which we are stewards.
Part 3: 3rd speaker, Bishop Romulo de la Cruz (Kidapawan) “Peace and Creation”. Update of Peace in Mindanao!
Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus.
2. PRIESTS’ MEETING
Sixty-one (61) priests met after the recollection on August 10, 2010 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City.
Agreements
1) Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will be invited before the January 2011 recollection to explain the “Rules of Procedures for Environmental Cases: with emphasis on Rule 7, Writ of Kalikasan. Venue: Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, General Santos City. Time: 3-5 p.m. Participants: 400.
Recollection will start as usual, after supper. We will decide later on the topic and facilitator.
2) participants in MSPC XIV: 10
1) Bishop; 2) Fr. Romeo Catedral; 3) Sr. Nelda Balaba, OND; 4) Rene Pamplona; 5) Youth, c/o Fr. Pajarillo; 6) Catechist; 7) Family and Life; 8) GKK; (nos. 6,7,8, c/o Fr. Marintes); 9) Liturgist (c/o Fr. Romeo Buenaobra) 10) School (c/o Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas).
MSPC XIV prayer is in English, Cebuano and Ilonggo. Parishes will start reciting the MSPC Prayer on August 25; GKKs, in September.
3) Sem. Jefil Callego will be ordained deacon on September 13, 2010 at 4:00pm, OLPHS Big Chapel. Supper follows.
4) Fr. Joel Aleligay, at present a Marist priest will be incardinated into the Diocese of Marbel in October, 2011. Fr. Eutropio “Bobby” Calunsag, of the Diocese of Calabria, Italy is at present a guest priests. The Committee on the Clergy will recommend to the Bishop their assignments.
3. POOR CLARES CELEBRATE FEAST OF ST. CLARE
The Poor Clares celebrated the Feast in honor of St. Clare on August 11, 2010 at the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Brgy. Magsaysay, Polomolok, South Cotabato.
General theme: “Mirroring the Holy”. This theme is taken from a letter of St. Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague.
When we look at the mirror is our reflection that of Jesus’ poverty, humility and love”. The Bishop developed this theme in his homily. Five priests concelebrated with the Bishop.
4. MILITARY OFFICIALS ATTEND PATRONAL FIESTA OF ASSUMPTION MISSION
Several military officers led by Major General Jorge V. Segovia, Commander 10th Infantry Division based in Davao attended the fiesta celebration in Bolul, Barangay Assumption, Koronadal City.
For the first time the residents saw around 40 soldiers and members of CAFGUs in fatigue.
The priests (Passionists) appreciated the presence of the military.

8. SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful birthday greetings to:
Fr. Greto Bugas (Sept. 03); Fr. Antonio Mayo (Sept. 5); and Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas (Sept. 24).
9. SEPTEMBER ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and happy ordination anniversaries to: Fr. Ariel Destora; Fr. Ricky Emboltorio; Fr. Robert Feguro; Fr. Elpidio Marintes; Fr. Ruben Ocino; Fr. Eugene Porras; and Fr. Michelle Tacogue (September 09

No. 586, 17 August 2010

2010-08-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

RULES OF PROCEDURE

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CASES

EFFECTIVE APRIL 29, 2010

These Rules gave flesh to the power of citizens to assert their rights to a “balanced and healthful ecology” (Phil. Constitution, Section 16, Article II).

There are 22 Rules. Notable features for us, non-lawyers, are the following:

Rule 1, Sec. 2. Scope. These Rules are applicable to civil, criminal and special civil actions involving enforcement or violation of environmental laws, including the 1995 Mining Act, filed with the first and second level counts designated as special environmental courts. There are 117 of them.

Rule 1. Sec. 3. Objectives.
a) To protect and advance the constitutional rights of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology;
b) To provide a simplified, speedy and inexpensive procedures for the enforcement of environmental rights and duties recognized under the Constitution, existing laws, rules and regulations, and international agreements;
c) To introduce and adopt innovations and best practices ensuring the effective enforcement of remedies and redress for violation of environmental laws; and
d) To enable the courts to monitor and exact compliance with orders and judgments in environmental cases.

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms
b) Consent decree refers to a judicially-approved settlement between concerned parties based on public interest and public policy to protect and preserve the environment.
d) Environmental Protection Order (EPO). An order issued by the Court directing or enjoining any person or government agency to perform or desist from performing an act in order to protect, preserve or rehabilitate the environment.
d) Precautionary principle states that when human activities may lead to threats or serious and irreversible damage to the environment that is scientifically plausible but uncertain actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that threat.

Rule 6. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). Any action intended to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal recourse taken to assert the right to a balanced ecology is not allowed.

Rule 7. Writ of Kalikasan. A petition filed only with the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals on behalf of persons whose “right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or mission of a public official or employee or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces”, (Sec. 1) No docket fees (Sec. 4)

Sec. 15. Judgment. Within 60 days to deny or grant. Reliefs that may be granted: Directing respondent to: a) permanently cease and desist from committing acts or neglecting the performance of a duty in violation of environmental laws resulting in environmental destruction or damage; b) protect, preserve, rehabilitate or restore the environment; c) monitor strict compliance with the decision and orders of the court; d) make periodic reports on the execution of the final judgment.”

Rule 8. Writ of Continuing Mandamus. A Writ issued…directing any government agency or officer to perform an act or series of acts decreed by final judgment which shall remain effective until judgment is fully satisfied (cf. sec. 1).
Note: Difference between Writ of Mandamus and Kalikasan regarding “who may file”. A writ of continuing Mandamus is available only to one who is personally aggrieved by the unlawful act or omission.” On the other hand, a petition for the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan is available to a broad range of persons…” (“Annotation to the Rules”, Rules of Procedure, Supreme Court, p. 143).

Rule 9. Prosecution of offenses.
Sec. 1. Who may file. Any offended party, peace officer or any public officer charged with the enforcement of an environmental law.

Rule 17. Sec. 1. Continuous trial. Not to exceed 3 months from the date of the issuance of the pre-trial order.

Rule 19. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation in criminal cases.
Sec. 1. Motion to dismiss. SLAPP.

Rule 20. Precautionary Principle.
Sec. 2. Standards for application. Factors, among others: 1) threats to human life or health; 2) inequity to present or future generations or 3) prejudice to the environment without legal consideration of the environmental rights of those affected.

Rule 21. Documentary Evidence.
Sec. 1. Photographic, video and similar evidence.

Rule 22. Final provisions
Sec. 1. Effectivity. Within 15 days following publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.

N.B. The Rules were published in the Philippine Star on April 14, 2010 and took effect on April 29, 2010.

LAUS DEO!

No. 585, 12 August 2010

2010-08-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

1. PRIESTS’ MONTHLY RECOLLECTION

Sixty-one priests (61) attended the recollection on 9-10 August at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City: 48 diocesan, 11 Passionist and 2 Dominicans.

Fr. Arthur B. Dingel, O.P., facilitator. Born August 26, 1964, Tabaco, Albay. Professed, May 13, 1987. ordained priest, September 28, 1994.

Degrees: STB, MA Philosophy, MDM (Master in Development Management, Asian Institute of Management).

Designation: Director, UST Electronic Provider; Director, UST Planning and Quality Management Office; Director, UST Purchasing Office; Executive Assistant, UST Hospital, Re Development Plan.

Over-all topic: “Science of Management”.

Part I, August 9: Introduction, Organizational Development and Operational Management. Part II, August 10: Strategic Planning.

Introduction
Fr. Arthur Dingel cited Matthew 10: 9-11, 16, 23 and 30 to explain some principles of development management. Matthew 10 – Outfit or Equip.

V.9 “Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belt”.

V.10 “Take no bag for the journey or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep”.

To develop holistically, persons need food, shelter, clothing, education, health care, entertainment, job, healthy environment and technology.

Our world has become a very complex undertaking and rapidly changing. Humans and their needs are now multifaceted realities. Ecclesiastical studies seem not enough. More is needed, like parish management.

Hence, we are encouraged to search for an ally and to seek assistance. Mt. 10:11 “Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave”. We are taught to read the signs of the times; but we are not taught how to read them.

V. 16: “I am sending you like sheep among wolves, therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”. Dependence on God’s capability vs confidence on man’s ability. We need balance between dependence and confidence.

V. 23” “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another”. Encouraged to save our lives. Life is precious. A gift from God.

V. 30: “And even the very hairs of your head are numbered”. God has a plan.

The Science of Management
In management quantity is important. Management includes: planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.

Three areas of concern: 1) Organizational Development; 2) Operational Management; 3) Strategic Plans.

A. Organizational Development

Formula: Performance = capacity + motivation x organizational structures
Performance is positive when all three components are positive; negative, when even one is negative.

Assessment of capacity: Who? Constant updating of human resources. Highly motivated human resources.

Assessment of motivation: Why? Political, religious, etc. Develop appropriate recognition, reward, etc.

Assessment of organizational culture. Use OCAI (Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument) tool Culture affects perceptions, thoughts, feelings of people.

B. Operational Management
Process model: Input Process Output (IPO).

The process will be effective when: a) we know our recipients; b) we know our organizational culture; c) we have plans, programs, activities, etc.; and d) we do not veer away from policies.

Part II: August 10.
C. Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is the PROCESS by which the GUIDING MEMBERS of an organization ENVISION its future and develop the necessary PROCEDURES and OPERATIONS to achieve that future. SP is long term, 5-10 years.

Environmental scanning: trends, data, etc.

SWOT Analysis. Build on STRENGTHS. Resolve WEAKNESSES. Exploit OPPURTUNITIES. Avoid THREATS.

KEY STEPS: VMOKRA PI SP AT RES (AIM, 2003). Vision. What we want to be. Futuristic. Mission. What to do. Purpose statement. Core values. Objectives. End results. Specific, measurable, etc. (SMART) Key Result Areas. Qualitative manifestations that objectives are being attained. “Suitable”, “sustainable”, “increase”, “appropriate”.

Performance Indicators. How MANY beneficiaries/results in one year, 2 years, 5 years are added?

PIs generally fall into any of the 6 Rs: reach, recognition, ratings, revenues, returns, responsiveness.

Strategic Plans. Rules and guidance by which the mission, objectives, etc. may be achieved. Action Program. Long term series of interventions, sometimes with no definite end point. Tasks. Who will do what? RESources – people, pesos, physical facilities (3 Ps).

Flow of Strategic Plan – Start from the end: vision then to mission, objectives, KRAs, PIs, strategies, Action Program, activities and tasks, finally resources.

No. 583, 21 July 2010

2010-08-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

1. FR. PLOMILLO INSTALLED SEMINARY RECTOR
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez installed Fr. Ronald S. Plomillo Rector of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary (OLPHS) on 19 July 2010 during the mass in honor of the Holy Spirit at the Seminary Chapel.

Bishop’s homily.
On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and others in the form of “tongues of fire.” Fire emits light and gives warmth. Tongues are used for communication. The Apostles correctly understood Jesus’ mission as spiritual not political. With zeal the Apostles proclaimed Jesus Christ “Lord and Savior.” So effective was their proclamation that around 3,000 believed and were baptized (Acts 2: 1-11).

This same Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. Gifts are given for good purpose (1 Cor. 12: 3-7, 12-13). Purpose is one, holy society (cf. Eph. 1: 4 (holiness), 10 (unity).

On Easter evening Christ addressed the Apostles “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me so am I sending you.” Then He gave them the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins (Jh. 20: 19-23). Peace is the sum total of Messianic blessings. Peace is Jesus Christ. Peace is harmony. Our mission is to proclaim that Jesus Christ died and rose form the dead for our salvation.

Principal task of the Rector and other formators is to help seminarians become like Christ who loved us unto death.

Fr. Ronald was born in 1969 and ordained priest in 1995. An alumnus of OLPHS, Notre Dame of Marbel University (BA Philosophy), Loyola School of Theology and San Jose Major Seminary, Quezon City (STB), Ateneo de Manila University (M.A. Pastoral Ministry) and Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, U.S.A. (Doctor in Ministries in Cross – Cultural Studies).

Twenty-four priests were present to show their support to the new Rector.

2. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SEMINARIANS
Total: 35 – 20, pre-college; 3, 1st year; 2, 2nd year; 3, 3rd year; and 7, 4th year.

Banga – 5. Kiamba, Marbel, St. Michael the Archangel and Sto. Niño – 3 each. Jesus the Good Shepherd, Lagao, Malapatan, Tantangan and Tupi – 2 each. Fatima, Glan, Lake Sebu, Maitum, Norala, Polomolok, Tampakan and T’boli – 1 each.

We pray for their perseverance. We share our treasures.

3. 44TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY, SOUTH COTABATO
Anniversary program, 18 July 2010, South Cotabato Sports Complex, Koronadal City had this theme “One Dynamic People, One Vibrant Spirit.”

Part I. A) Madal Be’lan; B) Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan and; C) Kadsagayan A Lalan Street dancing Competition.

Part II. Anniversary Program. Festival Message – Hon. Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. Keynote Speech – Hon. Franklin M. Drilon.

Part III. Street dancing Showdown Competition by A, B, and C.

Then luncheon at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center (By invitation).

Computer designed fireworks regaled the public at night. General street dancing followed.

No. 582, 16 July 2010

2010-08-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

1. PRIESTS’ RECOLLECTION

Sixty-three priests – diocesan (46), Passionist (15), and Dominican (2) had their monthly recollection on 12-13 July 2010 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City.

Fr. Stephen Redilles, OP, facilitated the recollection. He was ordained priest on 28 September 1995. Prior, Holy Rosary Convent, Manaog, Pangasinan.

Topic: “Retreat and Recollection Facilitating Skills.”

Fr. Stephen started by quoting Mark 6: 31: “you must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while.”

We recited together the poem: “The Dash”. On the tombstone the dash between the dates of birth and death “represents all the time that she spent alive on earth”… “Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?”

Our world. Paul VI, “Inter Mirifica (1963) warned the faithful “Be aware of our changing environment.”

A very small world. In the tip of our hands. A text away. Seems to care. Has everything at its disposal.

In reality our world remains to be so cold and uncaring. It is an indifferent world. Communicating the faith in this world is a big challenge.

What is a retreat/recollection? Simply, it is being in God’s presence. A profound yet light encounter with God.

Reasons for facilitating retreat/recollection.

1. It is a very effective, challenging and exciting form of preaching.

2. A venue for intense and spontaneous encounter with students, parishioners and participants.

3. It addresses the various longings of the faithful.

4. At the core of our priestly ministry.

Aims: information, conversion, behavioral change.

Principles

1. Talk less and do more. Dale’s Cone of Experience: people remember 20% of what they hear; 30%, see; 50%, audio-visual; 70%, say and write about; and 90%, do. Thus we remember very well our sins because we have done them.

2. Multiple intelligence (Howard Gardner). Identify what talent one excels in.

3. KISS. Keep it short and simple. Brevity.

4. Be factual. Don’t be pushy, preachy, condescending.

Skills

1. The Pull strategy process. Connecting without pushing.

2. Story-telling. Stories easily capture one’s imagination and lengthens attention span. It has also healing power.

3. The LIE Formula. Lived experience, emotional impact on you and which you are eager to share.

Film showing: “Tony Melendez”.

Jose Antonio Melendez Rodriguez was born on 09 January 1962 in Rivas, Nicaragua without arms. His mother took thalidomide when she was pregnant.

Tony practiced playing the guitar 6-7 hours a day. He became an accomplished guitar-player and singer.

In 1987 he played before Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles “Never Be The Same”. After his performance, John Paul II embraced him and said “my wish for you is that you continue to give hope to others and continue in what you are doing.”

He now resides with his wife Lyn and two adopted children in Branson, Missouri.

Day 2, July 13.

Things to do at the beginning of retreat/recollection.

1. Participants profiling. Know them, their concerns and needs.

2. Determine the trends and issues: music, movies, foods, fashion, language, gadgets, etc.

3. Vision and Mission: school, parish.

Message, Benedict XVI, 43rd World Day of Communications. “New Technologies, New Relationships. Promoting a Culture of respect, Dialogue and Friendship.” May 24, 2009.

Fundamental shifts in patterns of communication and human relationships, technologies to be put “at the service of all human individuals and communities.”

Decree on the Media of Social Communications “Inter Mirifica”, Paul VI, 04 December 1963.

Media “Contribute to men’s entertainment and instruction as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of God.

Apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Nuntiandi, Paul VI, 08 December 1975.

“First proclamation, catechesis or further deepening of the faith” needs mass media.

John Paul II’s “address to the members of the Pontifical Commission for Social Communication,” 07 March 1985

Media have a “profound influence on human minds, on human aspirations and on human conduct.

Media “must offer to the human family hope.

“The so called entertainment media offer special opportunities for the communication of hope through stories which encourage, though models which inspire and through shared experiences which console and comfort.”

“…communication media…can be a catalyst for unity and an invitation to charity.

“Through sensitive dramatic presentations in film or television, individuals can deepen their insight into a full range of human needs and can be disposed to respond with love and understanding…”

Showing “Chicken A La Carte”. Documentary film that won First Prize in the Berlin International Film Festival, June 04, 2009. A true story written, directed and photographed by Ferdinand Dimadura.

It shows two young ladies who ordered chicken a la carte (2 pieces with rice). Leftovers were put in a garbage can. A man selected portions that could still be eaten, brought them to his village. Children welcomed him with great joy and help themselves to the leftovers. Some leftovers the man brought home to his family. Each child get a piece of half-eaten chicken and a handful of left-over pancit.

A story of people who live on the refuse of others. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left these people!

No. 581, 15 July 2010

2010-08-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

1. 101ST BISHOPS’ PLENARY ASSEMBLY
The 101st Bishops’ Plenary Assembly took place on 10-11 July 2010 at Pius XII Center, Manila.

Present: 92 of 98 active bishops and 1 of 33 retired bishops.

a. Nuncio’s presentation dealt on sexual abuse by the clergy.
Paraphilia (Greek “Para” (by) and “philia” (love) is sexual deviance.

Two instances of paraphilia: Ephebophilia (youth – teenager); and pedophilia (children – under 13 years of age).

Main cause is lack of wholesome relationships with one’s peers.

Formation of future priests should aim for wholesome relationships with one’s peers.

b. Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar’s presidential address briefly touched on the Reproductive Health Bill, Sex Education, and protocol on sexual abuse by clergy.

c. Bishops’ Ad Limina Visits (2nd & 3rd batches) proposed for February – March 2011.

d. Maximum term of Commission Chair: 3 terms of 2 years each term.

e. Spiritual Formation of Seminary formators: Nov. 15-20, 2010, FABC Office of Clergy, Bangkok, Thailand.

f. Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, Chair, Commission on Canon Law presented the Document from the Congregation for the Clergy on Special Faculties regarding dismissal from the clerical state.

g. YEAR OF/ FOR THE YOUTH. December 16, 2010 to December 16, 2011. Probable venue is Manila.

h. National Youth Day – December 16, 2011. Theme: “Paglingon, Pagdiriwang, Pagtanaw” (Looking back, Focusing at the Present, Gazing towards the Future).

i. Visit of casket of St. John Bosco. December 5, 2010 to 15 January 2011.

j. World Youth Day, 2011, Madrid, Spain.

k. Sec. Armin Luistre, FSC, mentioned different definitions of sex education.

Parents’ role is crucial. Include basic Filipino values. Bring groups together willing to listen. Review terminal reports of pilot tested schools. Good education. Partnership with small schools to help solve two years backlogs: 90,000 teachers, 200,000 classrooms, textbooks, etc.

l. Rep. Roilo Golez introduced House Bill No. 13 “An Act Providing for Safety and Protection of the Unborn Child and for other purposes”. Conception/Fertilization refers to the precise moment that the sperm fertilizes the egg, which is when a new life is formed distinct in his/her existence and genetic make-up from both the father and the mother.

m. Rep. Edcel C. Lagman refiled the Reproductive Health Bill as No. 96. Atty. Jo Imbong attacked several provisions of this bill. Foremost is the provision on curtailing population growth by any means: natural or artificial birth control.

2. BISHOP OF BALANGA INSTALLED
Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, Metropolitan Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga, installed Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, Bishop of the Diocese of Balanga on 08 July 2010 at St. Joseph Cathedral, Balanga City.

Bishop Santos is the 4th Bishop of Balanga. Born on 30 October 1957 in Caingin, San Rafael, Bulacan. Studied at Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary and San Carlos Seminary in Makati. Ordained priest on 10 September 1983 at Manila Cathedral by Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Received his Licentiate in Church History from Gregorian University, Rome.

His latest assignment was Rector of Pontificio Collegio Filippino, Rome.

Appointed Bishop of Balanga on 01 April 2010.

Seventy bishops, including the 2 cardinals and Archbishop Adams, attended the canonical installation and liturgical reception.

3. BISHOP –LEGISLATORS FORUM ON MINING
About 30 bishops, an AKBAYAN party-list representative, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, representatives from the academe Dr. Angelina Galang and Alianza Tigil Mina participated in the forum on Alternative Mining on 08 July 2010 at Pius XII Center, Manila.

Salient provisions of the Altetnative Mining Bill now titled “Natural Resources Management and Stewardship Bill” (NARMS), explained by Atty. Rhia Muhi, Legal Rights Center:

1. The decision to mine or not to mine is not with the President, but with the stakeholder community.

2. Strict implementation of “NO-GO” zones, i.e., no mining in watershed, indigenous people’s lands, areas of conflict.

3. Provisions for protection of human rights.

4. Priority for national industrialization, not selling our resources to the benefit of transnational mining companies.

5. Stringent regulatory and accountability in governance.

Sec. Paje supports the Alternative Mining Bill. But he is still possessed by the Mining Act of 1995 which favors mining. A bishop advised him to study carefully the provisions on social acceptability, Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and restricted areas, among others.

4. MSPC XIV
The Mindanao bishops finalized the MSPC XIV Plan 9 July 2010 at the Administration Building, Pius XII Center.

Pastoral-Thoelogical Synthesis by a committee of three: “Word of God”: Fr. Rojo, Bishop Tonel and Sr. Meriam Alejandrino, OSB; “Creation”: Bishop Manguiran, Bishop Gutierrez and Carlito Clase (Butuan); “Peace”: Archbishop Capalla, Deng Giguento, MInda Saño (Silsilah, Zambonga City). Over-all synthesis: Arhcbishops Valles, Quevedo, Ledesma.

5. PAUL VI BIBLICAL CENTER SUBREGIONALIZED
The Mindanao Bishops decided on 09 July 2010 to subregionalize the Paul VI Biblical Center into 5: DADITAMA, CABUSTAM, DIOPIM, KIDMACO and ZAMBASULI. No more quota.

No. 580, 02 July 2010

2010-08-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

1. HOLY MASS AND OATH-TAKING CEREMONY

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez celebrated mass for the newly elected provincial officials of the province of South Cotabato led by Governor-Elect Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. M.D. on 30 June 2010 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, City of Koronadal.

Bishop Dinualdo’s homily was based on Amos 5:14 “Seek good and not evil, that you may live”.

Promoting the common good is the goal of government service.

Common good is the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their full development more easily. It is the good of all people and of the whole person (cf. Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, n. 9).

Common good stems from the dignity, unity and equality of all.

It has three essential elements: (1) respect for the person; (2) social well-being and development of the group itself (ex. Food, clothing, health, work, shelter, education and culture, etc.); (3) peace: stability and security of a just order. Peace, according to St. Augustine is the “tranquility of order” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, Definitive ed., nn 1907-1909).

Bishop’s conclusion: support our newly elected officials in their arduous task of promoting the common good.

Oath-taking followed. Congratulations.

2. BISHOP CLAVER DEAD AT 81

Bishop Francisco Claver, S.J., Bishop-Emeritus of Bontoc-:Lagawe died at 2:41a.m., July 01, 2010 of pulmonary embolism at the Intensive Care Unit, Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital, San Juan City. A blood clot in the lung.

Born on 20 January 1929 he was ordained priest on 18 June 1961. The first priest from Bontoc.

He has an STB and STL degrees from Woodstock College, Maryland; and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Colorado.

At 40 he was ordained bishop for the Prelature of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In 1982 he was named first bishop of the Diocese of Malaybalay. Resigned in 1984. Appointed Vicar Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe in 1995. Retired in April 2004 at 75.

He was my predecessor as Chair of the Episcopal Commission on Tribal Filipinos (later changed to Indigenous Peoples) and chair of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace.

Advocacies: civil rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, good governance, protection of environment, basic Ecclesial Communities/Peoples’ participation, inculturation/Church of Asia.

Prolific writer with deep and relevant insights. Used to write most of CBCP’s pastoral letters/statements. His latest book “The Making of a Local Church”, 2009 shows us how to develop local churches that can address local problems in an effective and meaningful way.

He criticized Houtarts’s structural analysis as too structured and leads to violent (armed) struggle to change unjust structures. Instead, he offered social analysis, a tool for analyzing economic and political structures plus the culture of peoples – their way of life, values and beliefs and used active non violence (ANV) to change people (subject) and structures (objects).

I will miss a very good friend.

No. 579, 01 July 2010

2010-08-24T21:46:00.001-07:00

1. GOVERNOR FUENTES SIGNS ENVIRONMENT CODE FOR SOUTH COTABATO
Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes signed into Ordinance Resolution No. 84 “Enacting the Environment Code of the Province of South Cotabato” on 29 June 2010.

In her “Explanation” she writes, “This is a landmark legislation; it marks the province’s maturing autonomy by owning up to the responsibility as environmental steward”.

She cites several legal provisions to support her decision to sign, namely:

Article XII Section 2 and 16 of the 1987 Constitution: the obligation of the State “to protect (the natural resources) and advance the right of people to a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature”.

Section 2, Republic Act n. 7942, The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 provides that it shall be the responsibility of the State to promote rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the right of affected communities.

Governor Fuentes continues that there is no law which prohibits LGUs from choosing mining methods which to their judgment is less detrimental to the health of its people and the sustainability of its environment.

As a matter of fact Section 5 (a) (c) of the Local Government Code mandates that provision on power of the LGU shall be interpreted in favor of devolution and its general welfare clause (Section 16) be liberally construed.

Section 16 – General Welfare Clause
Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare, within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants”.

“These principles”, Governor Fuentes affirms “were clearly upheld by the Supreme Court in the cases of Province of Rizal, et al., versus Executive Secretary et al., G.R. No. 129546, 15 December 2005 and Alfredo Tano et al., versus Hon. Gov. Salvador P. Socrates et al., G.R. No. 110249, 21 August 1997”.

She concludes “…therefore let the controversial ban stays…to ensure that the evils we fear do not visit our communities”.

Thank you, Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes. You have our prayers and support.

2. P-NOY SAYS: “KAYO ANG BOSS KO”
His Excellency Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino III was sworn in as the Philippines 15th President on June 30, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, promising to follow the command of the people. Police estimated the crowd at 500,000.

His inaugural speech which lasted for about 22 minutes was delivered mostly in Pilipino.

His vision, following his parents’, is: democracy, peace and prosperity.

Some of President Aquino’s goals within 6 years:
1. “Para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan”.
2. Maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan.
3. Pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments”.
4. Punan ang kakulangan sa mga silid-aralan.
5. Babawasan ang kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal.
6. Bubuhayin ang programang “Emergency Employment”.
7. Palakasin ang koleksiyon at pupuksain ang korapsyon sa BIR at Bureau of Customs.
8. Dekalidad na edukasyon at edukasyong bokasyonal.
9. Serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng 3 taon.
10. Tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.
11. Palakasin at palalaguin ang bilang ng mga Kasundaluhan at Kapulisann.
12. Para sa mga magsasaka: irigasyon, extension services, pagbenta ng produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maari. No middlemen.
13. Gagawin kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang Pilipinas-Cut red tape. Stable economic policies. Level playing field for investors. Government, an enabler, not a hindrance to business.
14. Paramihin ang trabaho dito.
15. Paigtingin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag uulat sa taumbayan – Right to Public Information.
16. Ipagpatuloy ang People Power tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala.
17. No reconciliation without justice. Sec. Lima begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.
18. Pagtatag sa truth commission.
19. Peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.
20. Justice, social reform and equitable governance leading to a better life.

Mission, What to do? Good governance. “Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema:.

Who? Lahat tayo. “…kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat”.

No. 578, 23 June 2010

2010-08-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

1. CLOSING: YEAR FOR PRIESTS

Culmination of the Year For Priests took place on 14 January 2010 at Christ the King Cathedral and St. Anthony Parish Gym, Koronadal City. `

Bishop Dinualdo presided over the concelebrated Mass at 5:15 in the afternoon. Fifty-one priests concelebrated.

Bishop’s homily centered on the priests’ love relationship with Jesus Christ and accompanying Christ-in-Mission. Shepherding Christ’s flock through humble service and working for the conversion of persons and transformation of unjust structures into just ones are goals priests should aim for as proofs of their faithfulness to Christ.

Tribute to priests followed the dinner hosted by lay people. Plaques of Appreciation were given to priests who have served for at least 25 years.

We are grateful to the Cathedral parish for initiating these activities.

2. CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION, CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MT. MATUTUM PRIORY

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez officiated in the Rite of Dedication on 11 June 2010.

Occasion was the Trappistines’ Community’s 15th Anniversary of Foundation.

Names of the Martyr and saints whose relics have been deposited beneath the Consecrated Altar are: St. Clement Martyr, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Rafael Arnaiz Baron and Bl. Maria Gabriella Sagheddu.

The Document of Dedication was signed by Bishop Gutierrez, Fr. Gerard Ingusan, Prior of OLP, Mother Giovanna Garbelli, Titular Prioress, and Fr. Agileo Sibayan, Chaplain.

Friends, supporters and benefactors numbered 200.

3. TEN THOUSAND PLUS MARCH TO SAY “THANK YOU”
As an expression of gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), SOUTH COTABATO 10,248 marched from Christ the King Cathedral compound to the front of the Provincial Capitol on 22 June 2010.

Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Social Action Director explained the purpose of the “Martsa-rally”: to say “thank you” to the SP for passing the Environment Code - after 5 years of study, research, consultations and debates.

Four speakers: from Ned, Lake Sebu (T’boli), Tampakan (B’laan), Irrigators representative, and a youth from Colombio, Sultan Kudarat, representing the Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples manifested their gratitude to the SP and Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes. The Environment Code will protect their environment, ensure food security and respect their culture while safeguarding their lives.

Bishop Dinualdo closed the activities with a very brief message: Of the 10 lepers Jesus cured only one returned to say “thank you”. To the youth Bishop pointed out a phrase in one of the streamers. “The Environment Code is the best you (SP) did for our children and future children.

List of participants: Parishes/Schools/Groups.
Alabel Parish (65), Banga Parish (250), Bula (20), Calumpang (351), Cannery (30), Fatima (25), Glan (35), Lagao (35), Maasim (35), Maitum (18), Malungon (98), Marbel (840), Norala (10), OLPGV (100), Polomolok (56), Sto. Niño (150), Surallah (50), Tampakan (511), Tantangan (31), T’boli (12), Tupi (12), Diocesan Staff (26), NDMU (3850), NDMU-IBED (2000), ND-Siena School of Marbel (700), ND-Siena School of Polomolok (6), ND New Iloilo (150), ND San Jose (150), NDCFC-Cotabato (16), ND Banga (55), ND Lamba (30), SOCCSKSARGENDS AGENDA (60), OND Hesed (20), Redemptorist Missionaries (20), CMEM-Colombio (150), TAMASKU-Ned, Lake Sebu (2), HUKOM-Ned, Lake Sebu (3), SILDAP-Tagum City (1), AKP Images – Davao City (2), LRC-Davao (3), Bolul Mission (50), Passionist Seminarians (16), OLPH Seminarians (35), SAMATIKU (49), AKBAYAN/FDC/APL (50), and Lumad (60), Sta. Cruz Mission (10). Total – 10,248. Parishes not represented: Kiamba, Malapatan, Milbuk, St. Michael Archangel.

Congratulations to the Diocesan Social Action Center and to all the participants.

GOD IS PLEASED!

No. 577, 20 June 2010

2010-08-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

1. PRIESTS’ MONTHLY RECOLLECTION

Forty-one diocesan priests and two Dominican Fathers attended the June 7-8 recollection at Isla Jardin del Mar, Glan, Sarangani.

Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP and Fr. Bien Trinilla, OP facilitated the recollection.

Fr. Pedregosa, the speaker, was born on October 18, 1953 in Zarraga, Iloilo. Ordained priest on March 25, 1981 he was elected three times as prior provincial, Dominican Province. He is also Vice-Chancellor, UST.

Fr. Bien Trinilla has been providing speakers since January, 2009.

Topic: “Renewed Priest: Agent for Social Transformation”.

The theme is in line with the purposes of the celebration “Year for Priests”, namely: deepening the priests’ commitment to interior renewal; and a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world.

PART I: RENEWED PRIEST
Renewal is a never-ending process. Focus of renewal is one’s inner spiritual life. Model of renewal is St. John Mary Vianney who excelled in pursuing a profound interior spiritual life in his priesthood.

Contemporary context is necessary for a meaningful and relevant renewal. Familiarity with contemporary culture and situation aids greatly efforts to renew oneself.

Salient features of our society today:

A society always in a hurry. Speed is the rule of life. Instant products abound.
Hypertasking. Doing several things at the same time. Answering the phone, signing documents, texting while driving or watching TV.
List of things to do never ends.
Utilitarian and technocratic culture.
Overemphasis on efficiency and productivity slurs the primacy of persons and of relationship in human life.
Culture of functionality.

Net results: “restless” functionalism, losing touch with the inner self.

Area of renewal, then, is the inner spiritual life of priests. Human and spiritual formation come before missionary and pastoral one.

To be renewed means remaining in one’s love relationship with Christ – a deeply personal one. St. John Mary Vianney would often say: “the priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”.

It further means being a friend of Jesus. “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (Jh. 15:14).
This love relationship is nourished by an intimate affective prayer life. St. Teresa of Avila defines prayer: “an intimate sharing with a friend, often being alone with the one who loves us”.

Conclusion. Three times Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” Thrice Peter answered yes. Three times Jesus commanded Peter: “feed my sheep/ lamb” (Jh. 21: 15-17). With one’s love relationship with Jesus comes mission, a pastoral responsibility.

PART II: AGENT FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
The priest, then, is SENT (MISSION) to transform society in all its aspects “through the interplay of the GOSPEL TRUTHS and man’s concrete TOTAL LIFE (Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, n. 9, 29; PCP II, n. 166).

This role of transforming society is open to all.

Our situation today of massive poverty, hunger, climate change/global warming, financial meltdown and degraded environment calls for innovative approaches and strategies.

It is a role within one vocation and one mission: following Christ-in-mission. A call, then, to communion and mission.

Christ’s mission: proclaim the truth, the Gospel message of salvation and God’s reign (cf. Mk. 1:13). A new vision and a new way of acting as contained in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) Beatitudes (Matthew and Luke).

Preaching the Kingdom of God is transformative. It transforms persons, communities and social structures.

A role within the prophetic function of the Church. Proclamation of God’s reign is the heart of Christ’s prophetic preaching (Mk. 1: 14-15). It disturbs and upsets mankind’s criteria of judgment, its specific attitudes and values, as well as lifestyles contrary to the Word of God.

This Mission, consequently, is renewed integral evangelization. It implies three things: building up the Church as Church of the Poor; social transformation of society according to the Kingdom values; and the formation of the faithful in holistic spirituality.

Distinctive Features
1. Evangelical motivation, rooted in Christian charity. “Love impels us” (2 Cor. 5:14).
2. In the service of the Church’s prophetic function.
3. Grounded in prayer.
4. Supported by a life of witness.

One best way for a priest to fulfill his role is via his ministry of forming the social conscience of his flock by enabling them to form a mature conscience vis-à-vis socio-economic, political, cultural and ecological issues and problems.

A priest’s prayer life bears fruit of compassion and justice for all.

Good deeds more than brilliant words move people to act. It is the witness of our life that matters most in our role as agents of social transformation.

Conclusion. The priest’s role as agent is a question primarily of his spirituality which is deeply rooted in his love relationship with Christ, imbued by Christ’s values, and propelled by Christ’s love

2. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! (JUNE 20, 2010)

No. 576, 10 June 2010

2010-08-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

1. SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN (SP) APPROVES ENVIRONMENT CODE
Members of the SP, South Cotabato, approved on 3rd Reading The Environment Code with 9 of 12 votes.

The SPs who voted in favor were: Hon. Dardanilo Dar, Hon. Rene Jumilla, Hon. Romar Olivarez, Hon. Elmo Tolosa (2nd District), Hon. Jose Falcon, Hon Jose Madanguit (1st District), Hon. Riely Leysa (PCL), Hon. Dela Cruz (ABC), and Hon. Jinky Fuentes (SK).

Abstained: Hon. Cecille Diel and Hon. Samuel Ladot (2nd District).
Hon. Franklin Bona (2nd District) voted “NO”. Hon. Clemente Tubo (1st District) was absent.

The most important provision in the Environment Code is the BAN ON OPEN PIT MINING.

Our congratulations and gratitude go to the Magnificent NINE! Our understanding and love go to THE FOUR. Fr. Romeo Catedral, Social Action Director, is hereby recognized for efforts exerted. The public, for support.

2. CONGRESS PROCLAIMS AQUINO AND BINAY PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT, RESPECTIVELY
Congress proclaimed Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III winner in the Presidential race on May 10, 2010 elections.

Congress also proclaimed Makati City Mayor Jejomar C. Binay winner in the Vice-Presidential race.

Aquino received 15,208,678 votes (41.87% of total votes cast for president – 36,321,087). He leads Joseph Estrada, his closest rival, by 5,720,839 votes. Estrada got 9,487,837 or 26.12% of the total votes cast.

Binay garnered 14,645,574 or 41.65% of 35,166,531, the total votes cast for vice-president. He won over Roxas by 727,084 votes. Roxas got 13,918,490 or 39.58% of total votes cast.

Congratulations to President-Elect Aquino and Vice-President-Elect Binay. We pray for a fruitful and peaceful public service.

3. APPOINTMENTS
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez appointed on June 09, 2010 the following:

Fr. Joseph Benitez, Territorial Episcopal Vicar for South Cotabato and Fr. Rolando Japitana, Territorial Episcopal Vicar for Sarangani and General Santos (SarGen).

Faculties, Rights and Duties of a Territorial Episcopal Vicar in the Diocese of Marbel as stipulated in the Code (canons 476-481), Christus Dominus (nos. 23, 26,27) and Ecclesiae Sanctae ( aa. 14 § 1,2,3,4,5 ):

1. To ascertain that the Vicars Forane within the Ecclesiastical Area judiciously exercise their faculties and rights, and satisfactorily perform their duties for the welfare of the Clergy and the Laity in their respective Vicariates.
2. To collaborate with the Vicars Forane within the Ecclesiastical area in promoting the good of the Vicariates, correcting abuses therein if any, mediating in disagreements thereat, acting on the complaints against a Vicar Forane and denunciations made against priests by the Laity in a given Vicariate.
3. To be heard in matter of appointments, removal from or termination of office of the Vicars Forane, Parish Priests and Parochial Vicars within the Ecclesiastical Area.
4. To see to it that Circulars, Decrees and other communications of the Diocesan Bishop or any other legitimate Church authority are duly observed and or complied with.
5. To make regular visitations of the Vicariates within the Ecclesiastical Area in view of having a first hand knowledge of their state of affairs.
6. To collaborate closely, consult and communicate regularly with the Diocesan Bishop for the ministerial good of the Clergy and the pastoral welfare of the Laity within the Ecclesiastical Area.
7. To make an annual written report on the overall state of the Ecclesiastical Area to the Diocesan Bishop.

Territorial Episcopal Vicars were given a 3-year term: 01 July 2010 – 30 June 2013.

Administratively they are third in line – after the Bishop and Vicar General.

B. Vicars Forane

Allah Valley Area (AVA) - Fr. Mario Eudela
Koronadal Valley Area (KVA) - Fr. Francisco Romano
Metro Dadiangas Area (MEDA) - Fr. Elpidio Marintes, Jr.
GAMMA Area (GLan, Alabel, Malapatan, Malungon)- Fr. Sinon Alcarde
MAKIMAMI Area ((Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum, Milbuk))- Fr. Greto Bugas

Vicars Forane are responsible for the parishes within his vicariate. Term of office is three years.

D. Special Assignments
OLPHS Seminary
Rector - Fr. Ronald Plomillo
Spiritual Director - Fr. Ramil Nerio
Dean of Studies - Fr. Ramil Nerio
Procurator - Fr. Jerry Llaban
DXCP Station Director (Acting) - Fr. Joy Peliño
SAC Director - Fr. Romeo Catedral
Dio. School Superintendent - Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas
Dio. Finance Officer - Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas
Sta. Cruz Mission Director (Acting) - Fr. Herminio Hongayo

E. Sabbatical Leave (July 01, 2010 to June 30, 2011)
Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Fr. Ricky Legario, Fr. Jerome Millan, Fr. Reil Posas

F. Abroad
Fr. Renato Cruz, Fr. Ronnie Nombre, Fr. Ernesto Max Saldua and Fr. Samuel Oracion (USA), Fr. Carlos Andalan (St. Lucia, Castries, Carribean).

No. 575, 24 May 2010

2010-08-24T21:37:00.001-07:00

1. PENTECOST
Fifty days after Christ’s resurrection the Holy Spirit descended in form of tongues of fire on the Apostles, Mary and others in the Upper Room, Jerusalem.

Fire is a manifestation of God. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush. He guided the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan by fire during the nights. Fire gave the Apostles zeal and courage.

Tongues are used to communicate. Through this gift of tongue the apostles spoke in languages understood by the listeners. This gift is called “glossolalia”.

Two gifts, then, were received by the apostles: glossolalia and courage.

Fearlessly the Apostles proclaimed the Good News: Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for our salvation. Their message was understood and accepted. That day some 3,000 were converted and baptized (cf. Acts 2: 2-4).

This event marked the birth of the Church.

In our Diocese of Marbel Pentecost is GKK Day.

Happy Pentecost. Happy GKK Day!

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY
a. He leads us to the complete truth. “But when the Spirit of Truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth” (Jh. 16:13). We need the Holy Spirit for people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

b. He deepens our understanding of revealed truths. “…the Spirit teaches the depths of everything even the depths of God” (1 Cor. 2:10). Faith well-grounded cannot be shaken by life’s vicissitudes.

c. He empowers us to love. “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:15). Having fathomed the depths of God “who is love” (1 Jh. 4:3), we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God above all and to love others as Christ has loved us (cf. Jh. 13:34).

d. The Holy Spirit will empower us to bear witness to Jesus Christ. “When the Paraclete comes…he will bear witness on my behalf. You must bear witness as well” (Jh. 15: 26-27). What is needed today are witnesses more than teachers. Courageous witnesses like the Apostles.

e. He will empower us to build communities. “The Spirit is for the Church and for each and every believer, the principle of their union and unity.” (Lumen Gentium, 13). Love unites. Hatred divides.

f. Christ’s Spirit will animate the temporal order (cf. PCP II, n. 427). The Holy Spirit will empower us to fight corruption and other social ills; promote harmony in our deeply divided society; and inspire everyone to help transform our unjust and social structures into just ones.

g. He will lead us to life and peace. St. Paul writes “…life and peace can only come with concern for the spiritual” (Rom. 8:6). Devotion to the Holy Spirit leads to everlasting life and lasting peace.

3. ELECTIONS 2010
Generally, the May 2010 elections was honest, orderly and peaceful, unsigned ERs and COCs notwithstanding.

Worth noting were: a) voters who lined up for several hours, braving the rains and unmindful of hunger; b) the speed of counting – about 40% of votes cast were counted and reported at 10:00p.m. by the COMELEC; c) relatively small number of violent incidents; d) immediate concession to Sen. Benigno Aquino III as the winner by several presidential candidates.

Deo Gratias!

Congratulations to the voters, COMELEC, BEIs, CCHOPE Volunteers, MEDIA, PNP, AFP and the various political parties.

4. 1ST MINDANAO KIDS VILLAGE (MKV)
The 1st MKV was held on May 21-23, 2010 at the NDMU-IBED, City of Koronadal.

Theme: “Kids Adventure”

Aims: to attain and bring closer to God the Kids of the Couples for Christ.

Activities: faith Adventure; Family Adventure and Heroes Adventure which instilled in the Kids love of nature and respect for the environment.

Participants. Total: 1,845 kids, parents and coordinators. Breakdown by province and regions: South Central Mindanao (392): Maguindanao – 16, South Cotabato – 322, Sultan Kudarat – 54. Norteastern Mindanao (604): Agusan del Norte – 106, Agusan del Sur – 201, Bukidnon – 25; Camiguin – 25, Misamis Oriental – 195, Surigao del Norte – 5. Western Mindanao (149): Zamboanga City – 44, Zamboanga Sibugay – 105. North Central Mindanao (209): Lanao del Norte – 91, Misamis Occidental – 67, Zamboanga Norte – 4, Zamboanga Sur – 47. Southeastern Mindanao (491): Compostela Valley – 12, Davao City – 240, Davao del Sur – 77, Davao del Norte – 65, North Cotabato – 97.

It started with a Holy Mass on the 21st in the afternoon celebrated by Fr. Marbendear Morallos followed by cultural dances, Kid’s praise and worship, and later at night, a Praise Parade Competition. An awesome show of enthusiasm and a kind of participation filled with the Holy Spirit.

Day 2 began with the mass presided over by Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, Diocese of Marbel. His presence is a proof of his love for the kids and the Couples for Christ. Mass was followed by Sports Challenges, Creative Challenges and Adventure Workshops. At the end of the day the kids learned together with their families that life is full of challenges – a quest for the fullness of life in Christ.

Day 3 – Sunday. 23rd May
Closing Mass by Fr. Allan Catigday; followed by Heroes Adventure – The real Treasure.

The 1st MKV is a real treasure – a legacy to all kids. As they move forward in Christ, what they have learned and experienced will remain in their hearts. Now the Kids. Tomorrow, the better persons, establishing a strong Christian Family that will “renew the face of the earth” – (Reported by Jose G. Lucas, provincial Area Director, Couples for Christ).

No. 574, 07 May 2010

2010-08-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

1. PRIESTS’ MONTHLY RECOLLECTION

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, General Santos City, hosted the May recollection of priests on 3-4 May 2010.

Fifty (50) priests-diocesan, Dominicans (3) and Passionist (2). Two Dominican priests – Fr. Aligan and Fr. Trinilla were present.

Lecturer was Fr. Rodel Aligan, OP who gave two talks.

Fr. Rodel Aligan was born on 15 May 1954 at Legazpi City. He made his profession on 19 May 1973 and was ordained priest on 25 March 1981. Degrees: AB Philosophy and Doctor of sacred Theology.

His designations: prior (2008, Third Term); Provincial Councilor; Regent, UST High School; Dean, UST Faculty of Sacred Theology.

Topic: “The Priest: A Shepherd after Christ’s Heart”.

May 3, evening, Talk 1: “Jesus the Good Shepherd”.
Characteristics of Jesus as Good Shepherd.
1. Door of the sheepfold. Sheep enter and go out through Jesus. Full and abundant life is attained through Jesus.
2. Intimate relationship with the sheep. He knows his sheep who follow him. He is united with his sheep. Priests, too, should be united with his flock, sharing experiences, interests and goal-union with God.
3. Willing to lay down his life for his sheep. In the same way, priests should not hesitate to suffer for his flock and, if necessary, to die.
4. Concern for sheep outside the fold. Priests, too, need to reach out to people of other faith.
5. Does everything in obedience to the Father. Following Jesus’ example priests should say always: “Your will be done”.

May 4, Talk 2: The Priest as Shepherd

Priests are Christ’s representatives in the Community and before the community (PO3). It is Christ who, through the priests, preaches the word of God, administers the sacraments, incorporates new members into his body, and directs and guides his people on their journey to eternal salvation (LG70).

A. The threefold role of the priest:
1. Servant of the Word.
Proclaiming the Word is the priest’s primary task. Communities are formed by the Word of God. Priests are catechists par excellence. Priest must study the Scriptures and teach them by word and deeds.

2. Servant – leader of the Eucharist.
The word the priest proclaims achieves its greatest intensity in the Eucharist – Christ’s body and blood. The servant leader formed by the Word of God becomes the servant leader of the Eucharistic community.
3. Servants of a Prophetic Community.
Priests not only proclaim the Good News and build communities; but also allow the Good News to upset and disturb mankind’s criteria of judgment, its specific attitudes and values, lifestyles that go counter to the Word of God and his plan of salvation (EN 18). As prophets priests communicate only God’s Word, not human ideology or party.

B. Social Justice

It is the justice achieved in every aspect of society: socio-cultural, economic, political.

Social justice concerns human life and human dignity as well as preferential option for the poor.
Justice is an essential dimension of the Church’s mission.
Aims: to liberate from sin and oppression; and to heal the wounded world.
Ultimate injustice: to assert that people do not count.
We must resist and undo injustices we have not caused, lest we become bystanders endorsing evil.
Love the unjust person; destroy unjust actions/structures.
Build structures that are more humane, more just, more respectful of the rights of others.
Church’s double function: 1) enlighten minds in order to assist people discover the truth; and render effective services of love to all.
Prayer is necessary for effective, fruitful action.

2. JUNE SCHEDULE

3. JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Bobby Parreño (June 10); Fr. Romeo Buenaobra (June 17); Fr. Joel Sunga (June 22); and Fr. Leonardo Rano (June 27).

4. JUNE ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
Happy ordination anniversary to: Fr. Ronald Plomillo, Fr. Jerry Llaban, Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas, Fr. Joseph Benitez (June 01); Fr. Bernard Parreño, Fr. Greto Bugas, Fr. Arturo Pancho, Fr. Mario Eudela, Fr. Ronilo Huesca (June 02); Fr. Reil Posas (June 03); Fr. Rey Joloro, Fr. Noe Pedrajas and Fr. Joel Sunga (June 25).

No. 573, 02 May 2010

2010-08-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

1. 39TH BISHOPS-ULAMA CONFERENCE (BUC) GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 39th BUC General Assembly was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City on 29 April 2010.

Sixty-two (62) of 75 members were present.

Bp. Juan de Dios Pueblos and Alim Adilao of the BUC, members of the Presidential Commission for Dismantling Private Armies, reported on their visits to several provinces. They met with local PNP officials for the purpose of dismantling private armies and recovering loose firearms.

Hon. Mahdi, Consul, Embassy of Iran, spoke about establishing a similar BUC in Iran.

Theme, Mindanao week of Peace 2010: “Responsive/Responsible Governance: Key to Peace and Development in Mindanao”.

2. NEWS ON BISHOPS
Msgr. Ruperto “Stud” Santos, Rector, Pontificio Collegio Filippino, Rome was appointed Bishop of Balanga, Bataan. He succeeded Archbishop Socrates Villegas who was transferred to Lingayen-Dagupan.

May 1, 2010. Prelature of Ipil is elevated to Diocese. Bishop Julius Tonel is appointed its first bishop.

3. PASTORAL VISITS, PART II: GAMMA VICARIATE
Bishop Dinualdo visited Alabel (April 5th), Malapatan (6th), Glan (7th), and Malungon (8th).

Aim: to find out the plans on climate change/mitigating global warming.

All four parishes have plans on mass education, tree planting, proper waste disposal; two (Alabel and Malapatan) have advocacies against coal fired power plant in Maasim and destructive mining in Tampakan. Malungon advocates for herbal medicine; Alabel , use of coconut oil as fuel; and Malapatan, to protect the watershed.

4. PASTORAL VISITS, PART III: ALLAH VALLEY VICARIATE
Schedule of visits: Norala, 15th April. Sto. Niño, 16th; Surallah, 17th; T’boli 19th; and Banga, 20th.

Findings: all 5 parishes have plans for mass education and waste management. Four have tree planting, except T’boli and organic farming, except Banga. Two: Norala and Sto. Niño have plans against extractive mining; Surallah is against industries wholly owned by foreigners to operate in their place. Norala strongly advocates for a radical change in lifestyle.

5. PASTORAL VISITS, PART IV: KORONADAL VALLEY VICARIATE
Parishes visited: Polomolok, 21st April; Cannery, 22nd; Tampakan, 23rd; Tupi, 26th; Tantangan, 27th; and Marbel, 28th.

Two very essential plans: adopt a mountain by Marbel and Tampakan. Actually, a mini-agroforestry – hardwood and fruit trees. All six parishes have plans for mass education, tree planting and proper waste disposal. Five have advocacy plans against destructive mining, coal fired power plant; two against logging; and one (Polomolok) against pineapple expansion.

Conclusion. All 25 parishes have been raising people’s awareness of the urgency of global warming and have undertaken measures to mitigate global warming through tree planting, discouraging the burning of garbage, recycling wastes and modest lifestyle.

Close monitoring of the implementation of plans is highly desirable. Even necessary.

Bottom line is God’s command to CARE for the planet Earth, our only home.

May we respond positively and immediately to God’s call.

Reports on the ministries and finances will be given in due time by Fr. Romeo Buenaobra and Fr. Herminio Hongayo, Jr., Vicar General and Acting Diocesan Finance Officer, respectively.

6. PRIESTS’ MEETING
Some decisions during the priests’ meeting on 13 April 2010 at the Mother Francisca Spiritual Center, Lagao, General Santos City.

1. Contract between the Diocese of Marbel and Marist Sisters assigned at Notre dame of Maitum, Sarangani. The Sister will teach at the Notre Dame of Maitum and help at the Parish, if needed. The school will give an allowance of no less than P6, 000 a month and love gifts in kind. The parish will provide water and electricity to the sister’s residence. Being the property of the parish, the parish will repair and maintain the house.
2. Fr. Joseph Benitez will represent the Bishop in the Board of Marcellin Foundation, Inc.
3. The Bishop allows priests to participate in the closing ceremonies of the Year for Priests in Rome, June 2010.
4. Bishop exhorted all priests to make their Last will and Testament if they own assets, cash or real property.

7. YEAR-END EVALUATION, MARBEL SEMINARIANS IN REMASE
Msgr. Abel C. Apigo, Rector, St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao, sent this evaluation.

Seminarians Rolly T. Noveros, Joe Marie P. Parmisana and Reygie P. Peñol, PTY, are promoted to the First Year of Theology.

Seminarians Rael L. Aldanese and Romer D. Tidula, T-I are promoted to the Second Year of Theology.

Nelvin O. Bustamante, a second year theologian is promoted to the Third Year of Theology.

Joemer M. Candido, a T-3 theologian is promoted to the Fourth Year of Theology.

Congratulations!

No. 572, 30 April 2010

2010-08-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

1.BUC-AFP-PNP PEACE FORUM

The Bishops-Ulama Conference, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police Forum for Peace was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City, on 28 April 2010.

Official participants:
BUC:3 convenors and 10 of 12 members, Tripartite Commission.
AFP : DND Secretary, Chief of Staff, Commanding generals of major services (4), regional CGs (3 of 4), division CGs (7 of 10).
PNP : Director General, DDG, 3 of 10 Regional Directors.
There were about 150 other persons.

PNP reported on decreasing violence: only 75 incidents and 27 killed, more than 1,000 firearms recovered; active and effective check points; neutralized some partisan groups.

Gen. Delfin Bangit CSAFP assured the public they will defend the Constitution, will not support a Junta, will oppose Martial Law.

DND Secretary reported of some agreements with MILF: continuance of peace talks; continue ceasefire; Norwegians and Japanese were added to the Monitoring Team; more social and economic programs for the Muslims. There was no Interim Peace Agreement.

Secretary Gonzales urged the AFP and PNP to protect the people from cheating, bribery and violence. Urged prayers for Gen. Delfin Bangit and PDG Jesus Verzoza.; Then he bade us goodbye.

A Joint Statement was agreed during the BUC-AFP-PNP meeting after dinner.

A JOINT STATEMENT
by
The Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), Department of National Defence (DND),
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP)
28-29 April 2010, Waterfront Hotel, Davao City

We, the undersigned religious leaders and peace officers, heads of the Bishops-Ulama Conference, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Military Ordinariate of the Philippines have gathered together in Davao City Waterfront Hotel on 28-29 April 2010. The occasion was the meeting of the BUC-AFP-PNP Peace Forum and the 39th General Assembly of the Bishops-Ulama Conference whose objective was to receive progress reports on the dismantling of private armies, confiscation of loose fire arms, and the state of preparedness of the Commission of Elections.

Reliable sources informed us that addressing the triple issues of private armies, loose fire arms, and elections contain serious problems and difficulties which defy easy and immediate solutions. We also heard persistent and strong rumors from many sources more or less reliable that there is a possibility of ideological and militant groups taking advantage of these problems and difficulties to sow discontent among the people and precipitate or abet the failure of elections thereby bringing the country into socio-political chaos and unrest.

Faced with these disturbing scenarios, we, the spiritual leaders and peacekeepers together with our respective constituencies, believe that by a joint and coordinated efforts of the citizenry and of our we can at least minimize the rumored dangers to the lives of our people as well as to the Republic and the rule of law which the Constitution mandates us to respect, protect and defend.

To diffuse the increasing nationwide tensions and apprehensions created by the alleged dangers that threaten social order and peace, we jointly issue the following appeals to all Filipinos especially to politicians, political party candidates and their supporters, to make a renewed commitment –

1. To a genuine patriotism or love of country, a moral imperative which raises us above personal and vested interests;

2. To a dedicated and dignified performance of our respective roles in society, in Church/Mosque, and in government;

3. To assert and affirm our human dignity by a humane and morally upright conduct in private and in public thus giving a counter witness to inhuman behaviour, ridiculous indignities, and all forms of violent animosities, currently hugging the headlines of media;

4. To an active and responsible participation in the electoral process especially in the holding of peaceful, honest, and credible elections in collaboration with COMELEC and its citizen arm;,p>

5. To vote in conscience and in freedom based on moral values and legitimate nationalistic ideals discerned from the candidates’ personal profiles, behaviour and programs;

6. To a peaceful change of administration and transition of legitimate governmental authority according to the rule of law and the Constitution.

As peacekeepers and religious leaders we reiterate our appeal to those who maintain private armies and to the illegal holders of loose fire arms to willingly and peacefully submit to the dismantling of private armies and the confiscation of loose firearms to the proper authorities, while we thank the AFP and PNP units and those who have complied with the law.

Finally, let us humble ourselves before the Almighty and constantly seek divine guidance, assistance and moral courage so that when the pursuance of the above commitments would demand personal sacrifice and giving up of personal safety and convenience, we are ready for that ultimate and supreme self-giving for the country’s honor and welfare, a heroic act truly noble and sublime.

Archishop Fernando R. Capalla (BUC)
Sec. Norberto Gonzales (DND)
Dr. Hamid Barra (BUC)
Gen. Delfin Bangit (AFP)
Bishop Hilario Gomez, Jr. (BUC)
Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa (PNP)
Bp. Leopoldo Tumulak, Military Ordinariate

No. 571, 25 April 2010

2010-08-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

1. 19TH SUMMER BIBLE INSTITUTE (SBI) AND 21ST REGIONAL BIBLICAL WORKSHOP (RBW)

SBI was held on 19-21 April; RBW, 22-24. Both at Christ the King Retreat Center, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato.

There were 145 participants: 4 priests, 4 religious women and 137 lay.

Breakdown of participants, by Dioceses: (CABUSTAM) Cagayan – 2; Butuan – 1; Surigao – 1; Tandag – 1; Malaybalay – 6. (DADITAMA) Davao – 13; Tagum – 22; Mati – 2; Digos – 0. (KIDMACO) Kidapawan – 0; Marbel – 62; Cotabato – 2. (DOPIM) Dipolog – 3; Ozamis – 18; Pagadian – 7; Iligan – 0; Marawi – 0. (ZAMBASULI) Zamboanga – 3; Ipil – 2; Basilan – 0; Sulu – 0.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presided during the opening Eucharistic celebration.

His homily was based on Acts 6: 8-15 where Stephen was brought to the Sanhedrin and falsely accused of speaking against the holy place and the law. The truth is his enemies could not make him stop proclaiming the Good News. And on John 6: 22-29 where Jesus confronted the crowd who had been following him because of his miracles. Vested interest. Instead Jesus told them to have faith in Him. Bishop Dinualdo concluded by urging the participants to have a new heart, a new conscience, and a new way of living. This is the meaning of Christ’s resurrection for us: a new life. A lived faith.

After communion Bishop Dinualdo welcomed the participants.

19th SBI 2010: April 19-21, 2010
Subject: The Pentateuch
Resource Speaker: Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Pampanga
Chairman, Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate

Bishop Ambo ably and lovingly taught the participants the Torah, The book of the Law or the Pentateuch as Turo or Book of Instructions – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

1. Genesis 1-11
Creation and Sin
a. The 2 Creation Stories
b. The Parable of Sin and Disorder in Creation

2. Genesis 12 – 50
Promises to the Ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph
3. Exodus 1 – 15
Story of deliverance

4. Exodus 16 – 18 / Number 10: 11-20: 13
Desert Episode

5. Exodus 19 – 40, Leviticus, Number 1: 1-10: 10
Covenant Episode

6. Numbers 20: 14-36: 13, Deuteronomy
At the Threshold of the Promised Land

The summary of the Torah/Pentateuch is the covenant, the relationship between God and Israel.

Bishop Ambo capped his presentation by presiding over the Eucharistic concelebration where he challenged the participants to be like Philip who was sent to help the Eunuch understand the word that he was reading.

Bishop Ambo left making the participants feel blessed. May we all become blessings to others when we go home to our respective arch/dioceses, prelatures, parishes.

21st RBW 2010: April 22-23, 2010
Themes: “May They Be One: God’s Word is the Life and Mission of the Church
Resource Person: Rev. Fr. Anthony “Jun” Piguerra
Diocese of Tagum

Fr. Jun joyfully gave an Echo of the theme from the National Biblical Workshop held last February 2010 in Batangas: word of God as Voice, Face, House and Road.

Final Statement
We, the 145 participants of the Joint 19th Summer Bible Institute and 21st Regional Biblical Workshop held on April 19-24, 2010 at the Christ the King Retreat House in Koronadal City, South Cotabato sponsored by Sub-Region KIDMACO, hosted by Diocese of Marbel BA (Biblical Apostolate) working with Paul VI Biblical Center for Mindanao, commit ourselves to the service of the Word thru, the Bible Apostolate. Grateful for being blest thru the teaching in the Pentateuch, we hope to be blessings to our family, to our Bible community and to others. We will share our time, our talent and our treasure so that Mindanao BA will keep on.

The said event ended with a Graduation Mass presided by Fr. Lumen Rojo, MTS, concelebrated by Fr. Ariel Destora. Distribution of certificates followed. (Reported by Trini J. Remollo).

2. GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND 47TH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR
VOCATIONS
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presided during the mass in honor of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, patron of the parish at Cannery, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

His homily: Jesus, the Good Shepherd knows His sheep. His sheep hear His voice and follow hum. He promised His sheep life everlasting. Assures His sheep no one can snatch them away from Him.

Pope Benedict XVI; message for the occasion is entitled, “Witness Inspires Vocation”.

Priests and religious give witness through: a life of prayer, the complete gift of oneself to God and through a life of communion (love). As man of communion a priest is open to all, gathers into one. Christ’s flock, helps overcome divisions, heals rifts, settles conflicts and misunderstandings, and forgives offences.

Fr. Alan Casicas, Fr. Elpidio Marintes, Jr., and Fr. Jimmy Faustino, concelebrated with the Bishop.

No. 570, 22 April 2010

2010-08-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

1. EARTH DAY 2010 CELEBRATED

Earth day was celebrated on 21 April 2010 at the municipal plaza of Tampakan, South Cotabato, with March-rally and Covenant Signing.

Theme: “Tubig at Lupa, Buhayin; Hangin Linisin; Mapanirang Batas Pang-Mina, Baguhin”.

Lead Convenor was the parish of Sto. Niño, Tampakan – almost 2,000 participated. They came from various Basic Ecclesial Communities of Sto. Niño Parish, Marbel and Tupi parishes, Irrigators Association, MENRO, NGOs and POs.

They demanded the pull out of XTRATA-SMI from the area, and called for the protection of watersheds, respect of the Indigenous People’s rights and sustainable development.

Their united stand:
• Protection and preservation of natural resources as lifeline of the community and of future generations;
• Vehement opposition against destructive, exploitative and deceptive SMI-XTRATA (Large Scale Mining);
• Protection of the watershed, biodiversity;
• Promotion of peace and order, and stability of the IP’s communities;
• Ensuring food security, threatened by the mining operation.

Presenters:
• Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Director, Social Action – “Local Situation”.
• Mr. Dagil Capion, local tribal leader in Datal Biao – “Struggles Against Mining”.
• Mrs. Eileen Estrata, Tampakan MENRO – “Environment”.
• Mr. Hilario Laplana – Irrigators’ Association, representative – “Mining and its effects on irrigation”.
• Dr. Epenito Salapas – “mining effects on Health”.

Mr. Dagil Capion supported Fr. Romeo Catedral’s apostolate among the IPs. He added that Fr. Roming’s (Romeo) activities have been beneficial to them – informing them of their rights and defending them from the exploitation and manipulation by SMI-XTRATA. It was not true that Fr. Roming was “persona non grata” as alleged by those who did not like Fr. Roming’s defense of the IPs.

Save SoCSKSarGen (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani provinces and General Santos City) Coalition was formally launched with the signing of the “Declaration of the Protection of the Environment”.

The celebration started with a silent march – rally and ended with a happy sharing of simple lunch prepared by the Parish, and followed by the press conference. (Fr. Guillarme Joy Peliño).

2. PRESS RELEASE BEFORE WORLD EARTH DAY

On 20 April 2010 a press release was issued to drum up interest on the Earth Day celebration the following day.

The Press release issued in General Santos City is entitled “Thousands to Protest Mining, Deadly Energy Projects”.

SoCSKSarGen CAN (Climate Action Now) will lead protest activities in key centers in the region on April 21, 2010 (Wednesday) in commemoration of the World Earth Day.

“The activities are our concrete expression of commitment to protect the environment, manifest our opposition to various projects that will destroy its integrity and reverberate our demand for climate justice and a stop to global warming” said Sr. Susan Bolanio, CAN spokesperson.

A march and prayer-rally against the Tampakan Copper Gold Project of XTRATA-Sagitarrius mines Incorporated (SMI) will be held at the municipal plaza of Tampakan, South Cotabato in the morning of April 21, 2010.

To be led by the Local Catholic Church and SAVE SoCSARGEN Movement, the group will demand the pull out of XTRATA-SMI in the area and call for the protection of the watersheds, respect of Indigenous People’s rights and sustainable development.

Fr. Gillarme Joy Peliño, Associate Parish Priest of Tampakan Parish said the “the highlight of the activity is the declaration of opposition to a deceptive and exploitative mining project that disguises as economic development”.

“It will be followed in the afternoon by a forum aimed at raising the peoples’ awareness of the impact of climate change, discuss the real situation of communities impacted by mining and where concerned sectors are able to express their vehement opposition to environmentally destructive projects”, Fr. Peliño added.

Another protest will also be held simultaneously in Maasim, Sarangani province against the Alcantara led 200MW Coal Fired Power Plant to be led by Maasim Peoples Coalition on Climate Change (MP3C). Protesters will creatively dramatize the potential impact of the project to the environment and people’s livelihood and will demand for the abandonment of the planned SM200 coal fired power plant.

“The people of Maasim continue to oppose the coal plant because it is a threat to our health, the environment and to our people’s livelihood especially the fishermen”, said Pat Villagonzalo of MP3C, an interfaith grassroots alliance working for climate based in Maasim, Sarangani opposing the construction of the plant.

“Coal is deadly. The country should stop using and burning coal”, Villagonzalo added.

MP3C will be joined by representatives from the coal mining affected communities of Brgy. Ned in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Protest activities will also be held in Koronadal City to be led by Alliance for Genuine Development (AGENDA) in the afternoon of April 21, 2010. AGENDA is a member of CAN.

“These simultaneous protest form part of the indignation rallies held elsewhere in the country and the world against the continuing plunder and destruction of our mother earth brought about by large scale mining, coal mining and other extractive industries and against the continuing emission of green house gasses from burning coal and other fossil fuels that exacerbate global warming and climate change”, said Erwin Quinones, campaign staff of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth – Philippines (LRC-KsK/FoE Phils.)

Quionones added that the local protests “only manifest that the movement for climate justice is gaining ground and taking roots among the people in the region.”

No. 569, 19 April 2010

2010-04-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

1. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Pope John Paul II declared in 2000 that the Sunday after Easter Sunday (2nd Sunday) be celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday.

He simply followed Jesus’ wish expressed to St. Faustina Kowalska that the first Sunday after Easter Sunday be celebrated as feast of the Divine Mercy.

Sr. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish and a member of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy was canonized on 20 April 2000. Jesus gave her three tasks:

Proclaim the merciful love of God to all;
Implore God’s mercy for everyone, specially for sinners;
Initiate the apostolate of Divine Mercy to bring about religious renewal.

We need this Apostolate today in the Philippines because of so much immorality.

2. PRIESTS’ RECOLLECTION

Topic for the recollection on 12-13 April 2010 at Mother Francisca Spirituality Center, Lagao, General Santos City, was “The Priest: Healer and Reconciler”.

Facilitator was Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P., born on 30 October 1960 at Surigao City, Fr. Max made his profession in the Dominican Order on 14 May 1983. He was ordained priest on 28 September 1989.

Taught in the Faculty of Theology, Dominican University College, Ottawa, Canada from 1998 to 2005. He has been teaching in the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sto. Thomas, Manila, since 2005 to the present. He is also Regent of the College of Rehabilitation Services.

Sub-topic 1: “Sin and God’s Mercy/Goodness.” He started by citing the passage from John 20: 22-23. “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven;” Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.

Two movements of repentance, according to St. Thomas Aquinas: 1) “Aversio a creaturis” – turning away from creatures, created beings; and 2) “Conversio ad Deum” – journey back to God, the Uncreated Being.

God’s mercy entails not only the forgiveness of sins, but also it addresses the very causes of man’s sorrow.

Honesty and transparency are required of the penitent or sinner for sins to be forgiven.

“Exitus – Reditus”. God the Beginning and End. Repentance which comes from God brings us to God.

St. Thomas in his “Summa Theologica” describes God’s goodness as “Gloria Dei” – God’s glory. The glory of God is the expression of His manifold goodness.

Good attracts. Those who experience goodness crave for more.

God’s goodness inspires us to remain good in order to continue savoring His goodness.

Topic 2: “Relations”

God is existent relation. In God we have these relationships: Fatherhood, Sonship, Spiration (active and passive). Three distinct relationships: the Trinity.

We are created in the image of the Trinity.

Relation plays a vital role in priestly growth. In our relationship with one another we find fulfillment, happiness. Bonding activities strengthen this brotherly relation.

The image of God in us is never destroyed by sin. It is only tarnished.

Through the sacrament of reconciliation, sin is forgiven and our image cleaned of its impurities. Harmony with God is once more established. We do not lose hope when our image is stained by sin. The Holy Spirit is our hope. He was sent by Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

The sacrament of reconciliation does not only forgive sins. It also plants virtues, not just weed out grasses.

Virtues are necessary for harmonious relationships. Specially in a community. Our basic Ecclesial Community should emulate the loving relationships of the three Divine Persons – the Trinity: Our celebration of the Eucharist will strengthen the unity among the BEC members.

Fifty-four (54) priests and two seminarians benefited so much from Fr. Max’s sharing.

Thank you Fr. Max. Thank you, too, Fr. Bien Trinilla, OP who constantly supplied us with speakers.

3. MAY SCHEDULE

01 - Fiesta Mass. Tantangan. 9:30am

03-04 – Priests’ Recollection. Host: St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Co-hosts: MEDA Parishes. Start 6pm, Holy Hour.

08 – Mass & Confirmation, Poblacion, Glan, 9:30am

- Sta. Lucia,Pangyan, Glan, 3pm

10 – National and local elections

12 – Mass & Confirmation, Norala, 9am

13 – Fiesta Mass. O.L. of Fatima Parish, 10am

14 – Mass & Confirmation, St. John Baptist Church, Lake Sebu, 10am

15 – Fiesta Mass. Alabel, 9am

22 – Mass, Couples for Christ, Kids, Koronadal City, 9am

Meeting, MPPPI, Casa Gemma, 5pm

29 – Diocesan Meeting, CWL, CWL House at Marcellin, Sra. De la Paz St., GSC, 10am

4. MAY PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Happy ordination anniversaries to: Fr. Francisco Bajos (May 04); Fr. Jimmy Faustino (May 22); Fr. Cristito Joloro (May 23); Fr. Romeo Subaldo (May 26); Fr. Sammy Oracion (May 27) and Fr. Freddie Paulo (May 31).

5. MAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Jonathan Sarcon (May 07); Fr. Eduardo Mendoza (May 15); Fr. Jimmy Faustino (May22) and Fr. Robert Feguro (May 23).

No. 568, 11 April 2010

2010-04-22T02:52:00.001-07:00

1. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION AND OUR RENEWED LIFE

Christ’s resurrection means, for us, a renewed life: new heart, conscience and way of living.

A new heart means a loving heart, generous, merciful and forgiving.

A new conscience means right judgment, correct decision, constantly updated.

A new way of living means living not only for oneself but also for others. A life in harmony with God, oneself and nature.

For politicians renewed life in Christ means respect for others, always telling the truth and doable programs to mitigate global warming, among others.

2. SOLEMN INVESTITURE

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez invested with cassock and surplice three 4^th year college students of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary, Koronadal City on 24 March 2010 at the Seminary’s small chapel.

They are seminarians Ludy Baymundo Baldonado (Cannery, Polomolok), Jezreel Irish Obenieta Calopez (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, General Santos City), and Ray Ken Macalisang Garzon (Cannery, Polomolok).

All three will continue their formation at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City.

Congratulations! Prayers for perseverance.

3. PRIESTS RENEW COMMITMENT TO SERVE

Seventy-three (73) priests – Diocesan, Passionist, Capuchin, Dominican, Redemptorist, Trappist and a PNP Chaplain, renewed their commitment to priestly service during the Chrism Mass on 30 March 2010 at Christ the King Cathedral.

Bishop Dinualdo’s homily was based on the readings of the Chrism Mass.

Priests as “ministers” of God share in the Messiah’s saving mission (cf. Is. 61: 1-3, 6-9). Jesus who freed us from sin made us “priests in the service of his God” (Rev. 1: 5-8). Jesus was “sent to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, etc.” (Lk. 4: 16-21).

Priests serve God and God’s people through the three-fold functions of teaching, sanctifying and shepherding.

Targets of the priests’ ministry are the poor, deprived and abused (PDA).

Person in need is poor: sinners, materially poor, sick and disabled, illiterate. Priests forgive sins through sacramental absolution. Micro-socio-economic projects aim to alleviate poverty.

Priests also care for the sick, handicapped, comfort the grieving, counsel troubled adults and young people.

Priests’ advocacy includes people deprived of their human rights.

Of special concern are abused women and children, indigenous peoples and planet Earth.

Services rendered by priests entail tedious and hard work: planning, organizing and motivating people to action.

Some priests are listed in the Order of Battle (OB) because of their option for the poor, deprived and abused. A few were killed

To suffer and to die are prices priests pay for following Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

Prayers and moral support will embolden priests to carry on their priestly ministry.

4. FR. MAGBANUA RETURNS TO HIS CREATOR

Fr. Antonio B. Magbanua died on 24 April 2010 at 4:00 in the morning at Makati Medical Center. He was 76.

Immediate cause of death was hemorrhage in the brain. When he slipped his head hit the floor of the house he was staying in.

Bishop Dinualdo presided over the funeral mass at Christ the King Cathedral on 08 April 2010 at 1: 00 in the afternoon. Forty-five (45) priests concelebrated.

Engr. Gauvain Benzonan, a close friend for many years, spoke just before the final commendation and farewell.

Bishop explained the Christian vision of death as a return to the father’s house where there is complete and everlasting happiness.

Fr. Antonio was buried at Golden Valley Cemetery.

5. PHILIPPINE-MISEREOR PARTNERSHIP, INC (PMPI) ON MAY 2010 ELECTIONS

The National Coordinators Committee (NCC), PMPI met at Legaspi City, Albay on 1-4 March 2010.

PMPI-NCC came out with a statement, “Let Democracy Reign in Our Lord” – A call to the PMPI partners and the Filipino People.

PMPI is a partnership of 300 NGOs, POs and Church-based organizations.

Pertinent parts of the Statement:

“Echoing the challenge of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, we join the call to renew our political order. Concretely, our call for principled and transformative politics entails creating a governance structure that pursues the common good, promotes justice, practices preferential love and service for the poor, and works for the empowerment of the people (2^nd Plenary Council of the Philippines, no. 351).”

For this coming election, we commit ourselves to participate, be vigilant and be involved in transforming our society:

· We call on our partners (NGOs, Pos, and Church groups) to be involved in principled partisan politics to pursue the agenda or platform for sustainable and integral development, poverty alleviation, ecology protection, promotion and protection of human rights, among others.

· We also call on our networks to initiate or assist in the conduct of voters’ political education, emphasizing the universal values of common good, servant leadership, truth and solidarity.

· We call on the government, particularly the Commission on elections, to ensure maximum transparency in the conduct of automated election process.

· We call on our citizenry to protect the sanctity of the ballot by actively volunteering in pool-watching and other activities to ensure clean and honest election.

This statement was unanimously adopted on 03 March 2010, Legaspi City.

No. 567, 14 March 2010

2010-04-09T01:34:00.000-07:00

1. BISHOP’S PASTORAL VISITS, SERIES 1

Bishop Dinualdo visited the parishes of Milbuk (2 March), Maitum (3 March), Kiamba (4 March), and Maasim (5 March).

After an interval of two days Bishop Dinualdo visited St. Michael the Archangel Parish (8 March), Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish (9 March), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (10 March), and Sto. Niño Parish (11 March). All in General Santos City.

Two more parishes in General Santos City were visited after the weekend: Holy Cross Parish (15 March) and Our Lady of Fatima Parish (16 March).

All parishes have plans to mitigate the effects of global warming: mass education on climate change; solid waste management; tree planting (hardwood, fruit trees and bamboos); and campaign against coal fired power plant.

Parishes have plans for the May 2010 Elections: education/information and voters’ assistance centers. Bishop Dinualdo urged them to pray, be vigilant and participate actively.

Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, Vicar General, looked into the pastoral activities of the ministries, recognized organizations and movements, who are under the Parish Pastoral Council.

Fr. Herminio Hongayo, Jr. assisted by Mr. Byron Lim, met with members of the Parish Economic Council. All have money. Recommendations will be given to parishes concerned.

2. NASSA-NAMFREL’S BANTAY NG BAYAN (BnB)
NASSA-NAMFREL launched last March 12, 2010 the BnB at Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong City.

BnB will regularly report on observations, findings and recommendations on the critical aspect of the election process to the Filipino people.

Reports are based on data gathered by volunteers on the ground (two volunteers per municipality or City) all over the country using uniform data gathering instruments, based on standards and parameters of free and fair elections practiced in all democratic countries worldwide. These reports are objective.

Reports are released before, during and after elections. Pre-elections: March 12-18, April 15 and 30, May 8. Election Day: 12 NN and 8pm. Post election: May 13 and June 30.

Aims: a) greater awareness and understanding of the election process; b) building confidence in the election; c) support COMELEC’s aspiration for free, fair, and credible election; d) refocus NAMFREL’s role in the automation of May 2010 elections; e) engage nationwide volunteers in the entire election process.

Sources of data of B n B:

a) Official documents, materials and paraphernalia of the COMELEC: Certified Voters’ List (CVLs); PCOS Machine; ballots; indelible ink: Book of Precinct;
b) Research and personal observations by the BnB volunteers: campaign materials; indications of vote-buying and vote-selling; illegal voting, unlawful electioneering; threat; intimidation; undue influence; etc;
c) Interviews with informants and resource persons;
d) Interviews with voters;
e) Reports from other sources (eg. EMOs like AES Watch, newspaper, radio and tv, etc.).

Dissemination of reports: trimedia; social networking sites; partners and other contacts.

NAMFREL assured logistical support to the volunteers: fare, meal expenses, accident insurance

I URGE everyone to participate in the Bantay ng Bayan.

3. CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE (CWL) HELD DIOCESAN BIENNIAL CONVENTION
Around 1,000 CWL members gathered at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, General Santos City, on 14 March 2010 for their Biennial Convention.

Guests: Dra. Erlinda Usabal, Area Supervisor, KIDMACO and Mrs. Lea Reyes, Area Supervisor, ZAMBASULI.

Elected officers for 2 years, June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012 were.

President: Sis. Teresita Ruby J. Peralta
1st Vice President: Sis. Consuelo S. Sarcon
2nd Vice President: Sis. Elena Zabala
Secretary: Sis. Eva B. Aperocho
Asst. Secretary: Sis. Violeta Gavan
Treasurer: Sis. Nelita T. Hechanova
Asst. Treasurer: Sis. Alma E. Molina
Board of Directors: E. Cudal, M. Robleza, A. Molina, G. Dionio, V. Gavan, R. Jugar, A. Millan, J. Faculdo and E. Baydo.

4. APRIL SCHEDULE
04 - EASTER SUNDAY
- Radio Mass, DXCP, 10am
05 - Pastoral Visit, Alabel, starts at 9am
06 - Pastoral Visit, Malapatan, starts at 9am
07 - Pastoral Visit, Glan, starts at 9am
08 - Pastoral Visit, Malungon, starts at 9am
10 - Talakayan, DXCP, 10:30am
- Meeting, DEC, Bp.’s Res., 3:30pm
12-13 - Recollection, Clergy, c/o Bula (M. Tan’s
Resort, Gumasa)
15 - Pastoral Visit, Norala, starts at 9am
16 - Pastoral Visit, Sto. Niño, starts at 9am
17 - Pastoral Visit, Surallah, starts at 9am
19 - Pastoral Visit, T’boli, starts at 9am
20 - Pastoral Visit, Banga, starts at 9am
21 - Pastoral Visit, Polomolok, starts at 9am
22 - Pastoral Visit, Cannery, starts at 9am
23 - Pastoral Visit, Tampakan, starts at 9am
24 - Meeting, K of C, CC, Bp.’s res., 9am
- Meeting, MPPPI, Casa Gemma, 5pm
25 - Fiesta, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Cannery
26 - Pastoral Visit, Tupi, starts at 9am
27 - Pastoral Visit, Tantangan, starts at 9am
28 - Pastoral Visit, Marbel, starts at 9am

5. APRIL BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Bernard Parreño (Apr. 03); Fr. Ronald Plomillo (Apr. 08); Fr. Jerry Llaban (Apr. 08); and Fr. Rene Dasilao (Apr. 16).

6. APRIL ORDINATIONS
Happy ordination anniversaries to: Fr. Ferolino Fortunato (Apr. 02); Fr. Bobby Parreño (Apr. 05); BP. DINUALDO D. GUTIERREZ, D.D. (April 07); Fr. Raul Vale (Apr. 08); Fr. Jesus Jordan (Apr. 12); Fr. Antonio Chua (Apr. 14); Fr. Joe Ann Paez (Apr. 20); Fr. Floro Litigio (Apr. 20); Fr. Rolando Japitana (26); Fr. Ed Mendoza (Apr. 28); and Fr. George Carin (Apr. 30).

No. 566, 28 February 2010

2010-03-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

1. 35^TH NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION GENERAL ASSEMBLY (NASAGA) HELD

The 35^th NASAGA was held on 22-26 February 2010 in Elijah Spiritual Center, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Complex, Taloto District, City of Tagbilaran.

Theme: “Environmental Justice, Peace-Building and Political Transformation”.

Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ (Cagayan de Oro) delivered the key note: “National Situation on Environment, Peace and Politics”. Open forum.

Legal Rights Center explained salient provisions of “Alternative Mining Bill”.

Dr. Steve Godillano spoke on “Climate Change”. Open forum.

CenPeg (Center for People Empowerment on Governance) discussed “Automation, NoEl and Failure of Elections”. Open forum.

Atty. Carlos Medina of LENTE (Legal Network for Truthful Elections) expounded on “Human Rights and Extrajudicial Kiling”. Open forum.

Sr. Aida Velasquez, OSB and Paul Borja talked on “Genetically Modified Organism” (GMO).

PDEA lectured on “Narco-politics”.

Day 2 was devoted to spiritual exercises: Rosary, talk on “Spirituality in the Context of Environmental Justice, Peace Building, and Political Transformation” by Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Alay Kapwa launching within the mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. Bishop Pabillo emphasized social action work is different from the social work of government and NGOs. Social Action work is faith-based and love driven. His talk was followed by faith-sharing.

Day 3 was assembly proper: NASSA’S Report, Workshop I on RESAGAs\ resolutions, workshop 2 on issues and concerns, national resolutions and formulation of implementing guidelines.

Some resolutions:

1) lobby for passage of Alternative Mining Bill;

2) political transformation/good governance;

3) ecological campaign, especially climate change;

4) Peace-building: peace process, military abuses, private armies;

5) Social Action Center capacity building (faith-based and love-driven formation);

6) Implementation of programs based on the 2^nd National Rural Congress (CARPER);

7) Media relation and Right to Information;

8) 3-year term of Social Action Directors.

There were 80 participants, including eight (8) bishops.

2. 47TH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS (WDPV)

Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the WDPV on 25 April 2010 (Good Shepherd Sunday) has this theme: “Witness Awakens Vocations”.

Fruitfulness of vocations promotion depends primarily on God’s grace. But it “is helped by the quality and depth of the personal and communal witness of those who have already answered the Lord’s call to the ministerial priesthood and to the consecrated life”.

“Fundamental element…in every vocation…is friendship with Christ”.

“Prayer”, therefore, “is the first form of witness”. Second, “complete gift of oneself to God”. Third, “a life of communion” – “profound communion in love”.

Hence, “personal witness in the form of concrete existential choices will encourage young people…”

Pope Benedict presents as Model St. John Mary Vianney, Patron of all priests, who gave himself totally to God and God’s people.

The message was written on 13 November 2009.

3. WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY (WCD)

WCD is celebrated this year on 16^th May, Our Lord’s Ascension.

Theme: “The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media in the Service of the Word”. Excerpts of Pope's Message.

This theme “focuses attention on the important and sensitive pastoral area of digital communications, in which priests can discover new possibilities for carrying out their ministry to and for the Word of God.

“All priests have as their primary duty the proclamation of Jesus Christ incarnate Word of God, and the communication of his saving grace in the sacraments”.

“Priests are thus challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis.

“To my dear brother priests, then, I renew the invitation to make astute use of the unique possibilities offered by modern communications”.

Pope Benedict XVI, 12 February 2010.

4. FAMILY AND LIFE REGIONAL ASSEMBLY (FALRA)

FALRA was held in Inpalambong, Malaybalay, Bukidnon on 19-21 February 2010.

Theme: “Stand up for Life and Family…Vote Responsibly”

Topics and speakers:

1. “Caritas in Veritate”, Bp. Honesto Pacana, SJ

2. “Gay Rights or God’s Right?”, Bro. Orlando de los Reyes (President, Courage Philippines)

3. “Updates”, Dr. Rene Bullecer, HLI Director

4. “How to Choose Candidates”, Bp. Juan de Dios Pueblos (Butuan)

5. “Evils in Business Politics”, Fr. Virgilio Delfin, (President, San Isidro College)

6. “Catechism on Family and Life for the 2010 Elections”, Atty. Jo Imbong

7. “Pastoral Letter on Life”, Bp. Jose Manguiran (Dipolog)

8. “Synthesis, Evaluation, Planning”, Fr. Joe Schwegman.

What to do? 1) Signature Campaign against TV ads on Trust Condoms and Pills. 2) Counseling for homosexuals. 3) Election-related activities: candidates’ platforms, candidates’ fora, candidates stand on Pro-life, Reproductive Health Bill, pro-Environment.

Delegates from Marbel: 16 (Trining Remollo)

BISHOP DINUALDO SAYS “THANK YOU” FOR YOUR PRESENTS, PRESENCE AND PRAYERS, 71^ST BIRTHDAY

No. 565, 15 February 2010

2010-03-02T23:32:00.000-08:00

1. POPE BENEDICT XVI’S 2010 LENTEN MESSAGE

Pope’s message intends to clarify the Christian meaning of justice.

Classical definition of justice: “to render to every man his due” (Ulpian, Roman Jurist, 3rd century).

What is due by law, however, is not enough. Something more is needed. This can only be granted as a gift – the gift of love.

Material goods are useful and required yet “distributive” justice does not render to everyone – the totality of their “due”. It can only be fulfilled by God.

Injustice is the fruit of evil. Injustice does not have exclusively external roots. Its origin lies in the human heart. Egoism, the result of original sin.

Profound link between faith in God and justice towards one’s neighbor. “Sedaqah”, Hebrew for justice, means on the one hand full acceptance of God’s will; on the other, equity in relation to one’s neighbor (cf. Ex. 20: 12-18), especially the poor, the stranger, the orphan and the widow (cf. Dt. 10: 18-19).

“The two meanings are linked because giving to the poor, for the Israelites is none other than restoring what is owed to God, who had pity on the misery of his people”.

God hears the cry of the poor. He asks for justice towards the poor (cf. Sir. 4: 4-5, 8-9), the stranger (cf. Ex. 22:20), the slave (cf. Dt. 15: 12-18).

“Liberation of the heart” is needed to respond to the cry of the poor.

Christ, the justice of God. Christ’s justice comes from grace. “Expiation flows from the “blood” of Christ poured out because of love. “Thanks to Christ’s action, we may enter into the ‘greatest’ justice, which is that of love” (cf. Rom. 13: 8-10).

In conclusion: justice does not only give to everyone what is his/her due but to give something more – love, God’s gift. This is the Christian meaning of justice.

Reminders:
1) Lent, spring, is a preparation for Easter through intense prayers, sincere penance and Christian charity.
2) As Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church. Fasting is required from ages 18 to 60, and abstinence is from ages 16 to 60 (Ordo 2010).

2. PRIESTS’ FEBRUARY MEETING
Priests in Marbel met on 9 February 2010 at Isla Parilla Resort, Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani.

Preparatory committees were formed to review the Decrees of the First Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (1996)

Fr. Elpidio Marintes will head the Committee on Christian Formation. Fr. Romeo Subaldo, Worship and Liturgy. Fr. Romeo Catedral, Social Apostolate. Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, Organization. Fr. Nonito Adorable, CP, Religious. Fr. Bobby Parreño, Clergy. Fr. Herminio Hongayo/Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas, Parish Administration.

Each Committee is composed of priests, religious and laity.

Timeline: November, 2010, Presbyterium’s Meeting – Presentation and finalization of proposed amendments. Sometime in 2011 – holding of DPA II.

Topics for recollection on July to December 2010 will deal on various skills. July – “Preaching/Homilitics”. August – “Facilitating retreats”. September – “Pastoral Planning”. October – “Communication Arts”. November – “Monitoring/Evaluating”. December – “How to deepen relationship with Jesus”. Order of topics subject to change.

Fr. Bernard Parreño submitted to the Bishop bank reconciliations of Banco Filipino and other banks. Bishop to submit these to the Auditor. Ms. Helen Grace Ferrer, the Auditor, will finalize the Financial Audit of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Lagao, General Santos City. Priests will be supplied with the complete Audit Report. Meanwhile, Bishop appealed to priests to refrain from speculating.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Marbel shall be one of the bank signatories.

Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OP, presented the project “Simbahayan 400”. 400 poor communities will be targeted to receive the following assistance: “Karunungan” (distance learning); “Kasilungan” – housing; “Kabuhayan” – livelihood projects; Kalusugan” – medical-dental mission; “Kapayapaan” – peace programs.

Time frame: 2010 – 2011. Project proposals to be submitted before 31 March 2010.

New assignments: 1) Fr. Ronald Plomillo, Vicar, Lagao Parish, until 30 June 2010. 2) Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr., Vicar V, starting 15 February 2010.

Executive check-up is offered to all priests until 31 March 2010 at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. Ms. Charlene Mariñas, program Coordinator.

Gospel Ambo (lectern) should be on a higher level than the lectern for Announcements.

Regular Sunday Masses are not allowed in shopping malls. Reasons: 1) Parishioners should go to their own parish churches/chapels to deepen the sense of belonging; 2) lack of priests. However, masses could be held on special occasions subject to the discretion of the parish priest.

Bible services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil are not allowed in the Diocese of Marbel (DPA – 1, 2.2.8). Activities allowed: “Tinieblas” (vespers), Via Crucis, 7 last words, vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, and similar non-bible service activities.

Fr. Joel Sunga presented the renovation plan of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Surallah. Priests offered suggestions to improve the plan. A revised draft plan will be presented next meeting.

Priests warmly welcomed Fr. Antonio Mayo, seated on his wheelchair. Such gesture is a morale booster to all.

No. 564, 12 February 2010

2010-03-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

PART II - Love and Human Ecosystem of Priests.
Fr Rolando de la Rosa, OP, delivered this conference on the second day of the priests’ study-recollection, 9 February 2010, Isla Parilla resort, Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani.

He started with this quotation: “A community of priests is like an ecosystem that sustains and nourishes weird, strange, even toxic life forms” (Timothy Radcliffe).

Love and Will – the two essential elements that transform a human ecosystem into a self-sustaining human community have been subverted by its opposites.

LOVE IS A PROBLEM.
It has become difficult to love because our culture is characterized by a state of feelinglessness, the despairing possibility that nothing matters, nothing affects us.

Many priests give up feeling for someone or something because what they feel: a) hardly changes the situation; b) may be “sinful” (In the word sin, the middle letter is “I”).

Many priests are: out of touch; avoid close relationships; unable to confront their feelings.

Love and Will. The opposite of love is not hate, it is apathy. The opposite of will is being uninvolved, detached, unconcerned about events because of one’s inability to use one’s will power.

Modern culture has somehow diminished our ability to use our will power. There is a will, but there is no way. There is a will, but the thousand ways available paralyze us into inaction. There is a will, there is a way; but things remain the same. The result: a feeling of emptiness or boredom.

This state of boredom brings about a persistent feeling of futility and despair.

Apathy – lack of enthusiasm to stagnation to cynicism to desperation to destructive activities.

Emptiness leads to violence.

A terrorist’s intent – “If I cannot affect or touch anybody, I can at least shock you into some feeling, force you into some passion through wounds and pain; I shall at least make sure we both feel something, and I shall force you to see me and know that I also am here!”

Emptiness also leads to sex.

When inward life dries up, when feeling decreases and apathy increases, when one cannot affect or even genuinely touch another person, violence flares up as a compulsive necessity for contact, the desire to touch in the most direct way possible.

How do we stop this drift to apathy, emptiness and violence?
REDISCOVER LOVE IN OUR PRIESTLY LIFE. REDISCOVER EROS!

Benedict XVI’s Encyclical Letter “Jeus Caritas Est” – God is love (25 December 2005) is an affirmation of Eros, a retrieval of its original meaning. Benedict XVI used the word more frequently than Sigmund Freud did in all his works before 1920.

Wrong notion of Eros. Eros – the love that we feel between the desire and spasm. Eros is synonym for “eroticism” or use and abuse of sexual objects.

Greek Mythology. “When the world was barren and lifeless, it was Eros who seized his life-giving arrows and pierced the cold bosom of the earth and immediately, the brown surface was covered with luxuriant verdure. Eros then breathed into the nostrils of the clay forms of man and woman and gave them the spirit of life” (Genesis ?)

Greek Mythology. EROS WAS NOT EQUATED WITH SEX. Sex “phylum”, tribe or race. This is an entirely different stem from “philia”, which means love in the sense of friendship.

Greek Mythology. The end toward which sex is directed is gratification and relaxation; whereas EROS is a continual desiring, forever reaching out, seeking to transcend our narrow interests. (continuous striving towards God who is LOVE?).

“Eros is rooted in man’s very nature. It drives us to transcend ourselves” (Deus Caritas Est, n. 11).

Greek Mythology. Through Eros, we experience, not only our biological drive for procreation, but also our intense desire to participate, through imagination and emotional and spiritual sensitivity, in a world of meanings beyond ourselves. “The aim of desire is not its satisfaction but its prolongation” (Plato Symposium)

How is desire PROLONGED? By enkindling our passion.

Greek Mythology. “Eros did not grow but remained a small, rosy, chubby child, with gauzy wings and roughish, dimpled face. When his brother Anteros, God of Passion was born, Eros grew. Became a handsome slender youth. Separated from Anteros, Eros resumed his childish form and mischievous habits”.

LOVE REMAINS CHILDISH PLAY OR MERE INTELLECTUAL INTENT WHEN SEPARATED FROM PASSION.

“God is the absolute and ultimate source of all being: but this universal principle of creation – the Logos – Primordial Reason – is at the same time a LOVER WITH ALL THE PASSION OF A TRUE LOVE” (DCE, 10) “Eros is the power that drives men towards God” (St. Augustine)

Priestly life – a life of prolonged desire. Obedience, duty is transformed into desire; celibacy – a desire for human companionship becomes desire for God; poverty – desire to give up everything: “I have nothing more to lose”.

Fr. De la Rosa ended his conference with a brief lecture on politics.

Lessons from history. Colonial times: how to use government for one’s own intent. “Caciques” are proven brokers, never candidates.

How should priests express their care and concern for the coming elections? They must focus their efforts at explaining to people that they must VOTE FOR REAL PEOPLE, not dummies or caciques supported by powerful and moneyed plutocrats and advertised by the media and survey form.

They must correct the Filipinos’ twisted sense of personalism. Vote based on platforms for government.

Thank you, Fr. Roland. Thank you Fr. Bien.

No. 563, 10 February 2010

2010-03-02T23:01:00.001-08:00

CLERGY’S MONTHLY RECOLLECTION
Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OP, Rector Magnificus, University of Sto. Tomas, Manila facilitated the study-recollection of the priests in Marbel Diocese.

He was born on June 27, 1953 in Manila. Professed May 20, 1974 (21 years old) and ordained priests April 3, 1982 (29 years old). Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Higher Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium in 1988 (35 years old).

First Part: Study and recollection.

A. Study is disciplined application of the mind to an aspect of reality to ¬know, understand and appropriate the truth of it, and to order one’s life according to that truth.

Jesus commanded us not only to love but also to think. He said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (Mt. 22:37). In Deuteronomy we read, “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (6:5). Jesus changed “strength” to “mind”. Jesus likewise said, “…learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Mt. 11:29). In Greek learn is translated “join my school”, in Hebrew, “take me as your teacher. Both involves mental exercise.

Discipline.
The extent of knowledge or mastery required by a particular field of study in order to qualify as an expert.

Fruits of study: Knowledge, understanding, wisdom.
Knowledge is information, data, bytes, who, what, where, when and how.

Understanding is MEANING. What does truth mean to me? Knowledge becomes meaningful (“full of meaning”) when it is relevant, appropriated (owned) and valuable.

Wisdom. The virtue by which we order our own lives according to the truth we have known and understood. Wisdom is the ability to remove the cause of our pain.

TO KNOW, TO UNDERSTAND, TO LOVE (Deus Caritas Est). Love has no limit.

B. RECOLLECTION. To comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.

Questions:
(1) How do I see myself? (visioning)
(2) What does it tell me? (understanding)
(3) Do I love what I see? (valuing)

More questions: After so many years as a priest: (1) What have I done? (2) What has become of me? (3) Have I become a good priest? Holier? Happier?
WHAT I AM TODAY IS PARTLY THE RESULT OF WHAT I REFUSED TO CHANGE YESTERDAY!

How to live is revealed by HOW I LOOK! The face is the best visual aid!

Living well is the key to looking well.

Mother Theresa: “beauty is the splendor of order”. St. Augustine: “peace is the tranquility of order”. What is this order? St. Augustimne “first, God; 2nd, spiritual moral; and 3rd, material values. A life lived following this order is beautiful and peaceful! Prayer will help us observe this order. Jesus said, “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well (Mt. 6:33). FIRST THING FIRST.

Again, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty, for cut off from me you can do nothing” (Jh. 15:5).

What, then, are my priorities?

Examination of conscience. Different types of priests. Am I like these types of priests?

(1) Priest of tomorrow. Always in a hurry but always late. Postpones everything for later, tomorrow. Proverbs 4:14: “…do not walk the way that the evil go”.
(2) ABH priest. Anywhere But Here. He is unhappy about where he is. Rev. 3:15: “…you are neither cold nor hot”.
(3) Enterprising priest. Looking always for business opportunities. Mt. 6:24: “…you cannot be the slave of two masters…of God and of money”.
(4) Workaholic. Compulsive worker. No rest. Ex. 16:23: :This is Yahweh’s command: tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a Sabbath sacred to Yahweh”. Work does not own us. Work is not our destiny. God is!
(5) Anxious worrier. Excessive attention to a problem. Jesus tells us to trust in Providence. (Mt. 6:25-34).
(6) Control freak. “Either my way or no way”. Control freak.
(7) Thorn Bird. Affinity with chaos and disorder. St. Paul advices us to fill our minds with everything that is true…good and pure…with love and honor…virtuous…” (Phil. 4:8-9)
(8) Cynic. An incurable critic. Envious and jealous. “If anyone wants to boast, let him boast of the Lord”. (2 Cor. 10:17)
(9) Hoarder. Has insatiable wants, forgetting what he truly needs. His residence is full of things that remain unused. Does not know when he has enough. Word of God. Ps. 23:1-4, The Good Shepherd.
(10) The Pleaser. He cannot say “no”. Self-image relies on public approval. “So now whom am I trying to please – man or God?” (Gal. 1:10)
(11) Newsmonger. Has a built-in antenna for the latest news about anyone and broadcasts it. Enjoys listening to “tsismis”! “A troublemaker sows strife, a talebearer divides friend from friend” (Prov. 16:28).
(12) Addict. Excessively devoted to or surrender completely and habitually to something or someone. Sense of loneliness, insecurity. 2 Peter 2: 19. “They may promise freedom but they themselves are slaves, slaves to corruption; because if anyone lets himself be dominated by anything, then he is a slave to it”.

Resolutions:
(1) Simplicity – focusing one’s attention on what truly matters in life.
(2) Humility – sincerely accepting who I am and doing what I can to become what I can be.
(3) Contentment – needing less; misery-having much.
(4) Integrity – honesty, wholeness. An integer is a whole number. Personal and professional integrity.
Present: 55 (44 Diocesan, 6 Passionists, 5 Dominicans)
Part II, next issue, No. 564.

No. 562, 06 February 2010

2010-02-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

2ND NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE CLERGY (NCC 2)
NCC 2 was held on January 25-29, 2010 at World Trade center, Pasay City. NCC 1 was held in 2004.

“Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of the Priest” is the NCC 2’s theme which is also the theme for the Year for Priests proclaimed by Benedict XVI, 16th June 2009.

Objective: to provide priests with a deep and religious experience leading to a spiritual conversion and greater commitment. In short, the interior renewal of priests (Benedict XVI).

Dynamics of the retreat: prayer and liturgy, conferences, group reflection and journal writing, encounter with host families.

Culminating activity was the procession to and Eucharist at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Retreatants: 5,542, including more than 100 active and retired bishops. Forty-one priests belong to the Diocese of Marbel.

Four conferences were delivered by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap, preacher of the Papal Household. Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus provided pastoral challenges which enhanced Fr. Cantalamessa’s reflection.

1st conference started with the singing of the first verse of “Veni, Creator Spiritus”. “Come Creator Spirit, visit the minds of those who are yours. Fill with heavenly grace the hearts that you have made.”

The Holy Spirit is Creator. Genesis chapter 1 narrates the creation of the world by God. The earth was empty. There was darkness, chaos. Then the Spirit of God hovered over the abyss. Chaos was transformed into cosmos which means like cosmetics, something beautiful, harmonious. The Holy Spirit leads the Church from chaos to cosmos; from contrast and division to concord and harmony.

This was the Apostles’ experience on Pentecost.

Each one is a cosmos, a microcosmos. A little universe. Holy Spirit can lead us from personal chaos to cosmos, to harmony. This is the objective of a retreat.

Then Fr. Cantalamessa tackled the theme of the retreat: a new Pentecost; better still, a perennial Pentecost.

Our response to God’s gift on Pentecost is love. Love of God and neighbors. Sharing. Like the Sea of Galilee which receives waters from the river Jordan but doesn’t keep them for itself. So must we share God’s gifts to us. The Dead Sea is dead because it keeps the waters from Jordan to itself.

No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Proclaim, instead, the message of love, of liberation.

2nd conference. Second verse of “Veri Creator Spiritus”. “Paraclitus”, “donum Dei”, “fons vivus, ignis, caritas et spiritalis unctio”. Paraclete (Defender, advocate), gift of God, living water, fire, love and spiritual anointing. Fr. Cantalamessa stresses “Paraclete”.

Effect of Pentecost on the apostles: no longer interested in personal glory but only in God’s glory and the peoples’ well-being.

Pentecost experience should lead us to Jesus. We proclaim that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Jesus from the dead so we may attain salvation.

3rd conference. “Veni, Creator Spiritus”. Two moments: 1) creatures came from God; 2) creatures return to God.

First Christian community “remained faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Mystogogical catechesis is the deep understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist/Mass. Liturgy of the Word, consecration and communuion. Holy communion unites us with Jesus and with one another. Unites us with the Blessed Trinity. Union with Christ unites us with the poor. Jesus identifies himself with the poor: “You did it to me” (Mt. 28:40). Implement social doctrines which are affirmed in “Caritas in Veritate” (Benedcit XVI). Actualization of our option for the poor.

4th conference. Celibacy. Deepen our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. In aid to celibacy.

Mt. 19:10-12. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is no marriage. Hence, prophetic dimension. Celibacy has also an eschatological dimension. “The world is passing away…(1 Cor. 7). Celibacy is close to the end of time. It is close to our destination.

Celibacy is not imposition. It is s free choice.

How to live celibacy? Use of charisms: humility, freedom, joy, renunciation, control images/our eyes. We have eyelids to cover the eyes. Internet is a threat to celibacy. Practice seeing the world through the eyes of Jesus.

Pastoral challenges were delivered by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus.

1. Organic tensions in the life of a pastor.
2. Maintain intimate relationship with Christ through prayers and the Eucharist.
3. What moves our heart: pastoral charity? Prophetism?
4. Call to simplicity and poverty.
5. New ministry: Love
6. Replace structures of sin (greed, desire for domination) with structure of love. Review policies.
7. What are we constructing? Babel (for one’s glorification)? Or Pentecost (built on community of love)?
8. Administration and management are useful tools.
9. Church’s greatest of gifts: LOVE (1 Cor. 13).
10. Foundation of community is Jesus Christ who died and rose from the dead. Kerygma to be proclaimed.
11. The Eucharist builds the Church; the Church makes the Eucharist (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, John Paul II).
12. Call to repentance. Rely on God’s compassionate love.

In spite of its several limitations, like heavy schedule and poor time management, the retreat was a new Pentecost! The Holy Spirit was really at work. It helped, too, that St. John Mary Vianney whose 150th death anniversary we celebrate, was present through these relics: part of his skin, stole and breviary.

No. 561, 05 February 2010

2010-02-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

1. 100TH BISHOPS’ PLENARY ASSEMBLY
CBCP’s 100th Plenary Assembly was held on January 23-24, 2010 at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Manila.

Eighty-eight (88) of the 98 active bishops and 6 of the 32 retired bishops were present.

1. Apostolic Nuncio’s message dealt on Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical letter “Caritas in Veritate” signed on 29 June 2009.

Caritas in Veritate (CV) is a message of hope and of confidence amidst global economic downturn. Man’s vocation to generosity is needed.

Living Christ’s truth in love is the principle that governs moral actions.

Two assumptions of CV: 1) Development is not a purely technical issue but a vocation; 2) justice, while necessary, is not self-sufficient; it needs charity.

Benedict XVI writes: The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere. In so doing, she must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone. She must above all do her part to protect mankind from self-destruction. There is need for what might be called a human ecology, correctly understood. The deterioration of nature is in fact closely connected to the culture that shapes human co-existence: when human ecology is respected within society, environmental ecology also benefits” (No. 51).

Benedict XVI ends his Encyclical: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jh. 15:5).

2. CBCP’s President’s message. Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar, bishop of Tandag, delivered his maiden speech.

He started by mentioning natural and man-made calamities: “Ondoy”, “Pepeng”, global economic recession, Maguindanao Massacre, climate change, environmental degration, etc.

He believes in dialogue, due process, discernment to solve current socio-economic and political problems.

He urged the review of the Pastoral Priorities of PCP II towards social transformation.

3. Claudio Card. Hummes, Prefect, Congregation for the Clergy, announced an International Theological Convention entitled, “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of the Priest”, to be held in the Aula Magna of the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, from the 11th to the 12th March 2010. The International Meeting of Priests will be on 9-11 June 2010 in Rome.

4. Holy Father’s Lenten Message is on the Christian meaning of justice enlivened by love.

5. Congress of Asian Catholic Laity to be held in Seoul, South Korea, from August 31st to September 5th, 2010. theme: “Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia Today”.

6. Benedict XVI’s Message for the 18th World day of the Sick – 11 February 2010 is entitled, “The Church in the Service of Love for the Suffering”.

7. Ad Limina. The Congregation announced that the first batch of 30 Filipino bishops will make their “Ad Limina” visit from 25 November to 6 December 2010. Bishops from Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and the Metropolitan Province of Manila will constitute the first group. Dates for the other bishops’ visit will be announced later. The Ad Limina report covers the years 2003 to 2009, inclusive. 2nd group, Visayas and Bicol. 3rd group, Mindanao and Metropolitan Province of Lipa.

2. MARCH SCHEDULE
01 - Meeting, Diocesan Schools’ Principals, Bishop’s Res., 10am
02 - Pastoral Visit, Milbuk
03 - Pastoral Visit, Maitum
04 - Pastoral Visit, Kiamba
05 - Pastoral Visit, Maasim
06 - Meeting, SCMSI, Sta. Cruz Mission, Lake Sebu, 10am
08 - Pastoral Visit, St. Michael the Archangel, GSC
09 - Pastoral Visit, OLPGV Parish, GSC
10 - Pastoral Visit, Sts. Peter & Paul, Lagao
11 - Pastoral Visit, Sto. Niño P., Bula, GSC
13 - “Talakayan”, DXCP, GSC, 10:30am
14 - Mass, Biennial Convention, CWL, NDDU Gym, 11 am
15 - Pastoral Visit, Holy Cross Parish, Calumpang, GSC
16 - Pastoral Visit, Our Lady of Fatima P.
17 - Graduation Mass, Notre Dame of Norala, 8am
- Commencement, 10am (Fr. Ramil N.)
- Graduation Mass, Notre Dame of Sto. Niño, 10am (c/o Fr. Mario Eudela)
- Commencement- NDSN, 1:00pm(Fr.Nerio)
18 - Meeting, Marbel Paghidait Printing Press, Inc., Casa Gemma, 5pm
19 - Fiesta. Malungon
20 - Graduation Mass, Notre Dame of Lamba, 9am
- Graduation Mass, Notre dame of Banga, 4pm
22 - Grad. Mass, Notre Dame of Milbuk, 8:30am
23 - Grad. Mass, Notre Dame of Maitum, 8:30am
- Commencement, 10:30am (Fr. Ramil N.)
- Grad. Mass, Notre Dame of Kiamba, 4pm
- Commencement, ND Kiamba, 7pm (Fr. Nerio)
24 - Graduation Mass & Commencement, ND Maasim, 8:30am
25 - Graduation Mass, ND San Jose, 8am
26 - Graduation Mass & Commencement, ND New Iloilo, 10am
27 - Graduation Mass, ND Dadiangas Univ., 9am
29 - Graduation Mass & Commencement, ND Glan, 9am
30 - Chrism Mass, Christ the King Cathedral, 9am

3. MARCH BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Art Pancho (Mar. 04); Fr. Joe-an Paez (Mar. 07); Fr. Jerry Llaban (Mar. 8); Fr. Ronald Plomillo (Mar. 8); Fr. Allan Casicas (Mar. 18) Fr. Noe Pedrajas (Mar. 22).

No. 560, 05 February 2010

2010-02-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES AFTER THE SPANISH REGIME: A REFLECTION
Some 70 bishops attended the conference on the development of the local churches after the Spanish regime, January 20-21, 2010, Pius XII Catholic Center.

The historical reflection was sponsored by Adamson University and St. Vincent School of Theology under the Auspices of the CBCP Committee on the Cultural Heritage of the Church. Speakers hold doctorate in Church History.

Theme: “Walking Through the Development of the Local Churches after the Spanish Regime.” There are 5 sub-themes.

1st theme. “The Church in a Period of Transition: Quae Mari Sinico (Lev XIII) and the Post-Hispanic Church.” Speaker: Fr. Tony de Castro, SJ, Loyola School of Theology.

Examines the changed politico ecclesiastical conditions between 1898-1910, and between “Quae Mari Sinico” (1902 and “Novas Erigere Dioceses” (1910). Explores implications these developments have in the Philippine Church.

Two events: the anti friar character of the Philippine Revolution and the schism created by the founding Fathers of the Philippine Independent Church, popularly known as Aglipayan Church in 1902. This antipathy was due to the fact that friars owned vast tracts of land. The Order of St. John of God alone owned an hacienda in Buenavista, Bulacan of 30,000 hectares. Dominicans had 10 haciendas. Augustinians, 7. Recollects, 2. Mostly in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna.

The advent of Protestantism divided further the Catholic Church.

Archbishop of New Orleans Placido Louis Chapelle was the first Apostolic Delegate sent by Rome to the Philippine to find solutions to the many problems. He prohibited the departure of the religious from the Philippines. Preserved properties of the Church.

Papal Constitutions Quae Mari Sinico, 17 September 1902 is meant to reorganize and reform the Church. Change came slowly. In 1906 Jorge Barlim became the first Filipino bishop. His diocese was Nueva Caceres.

Sub-theme 2. “The New Dioceses and the Bishops until 1910”. Speaker: Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay.

Quae Mari Sinico establishes four new dioceses: Lipa, Tuguegarao, Zamboanga and Capiz. Capiz was later changed to Calbajog. This sub-theme deals with the process of establishing new dioceses, the biographical sketches and administrative directions of the first Filipino bishops, its effects on the reorganization of the local church.

The Post-Spanish American bishops. 1. Jeremiah Harty, Archbishop of Manila (1903-1916). 2. Thomas Hendrick, bishop of Cebu (1903-1909). 3. Frederic Rooker, Bishop of Jaro (1903-1907). 4. Dennis Dougherty, Bishop of Nueva Segovia (1903-1908), Jaro (1908-1919).
The first Filipino Bishops and their dioceses. Jorge Barlin, Nueva Caceres (1905-1909); Juan Gorordo, Cebu (1910-1932); Paulo Singzon, Calbayog (1910-1922).

Sub-theme 3: “Seminaries and priestly Formation until the Sixties”. Speaker: Fr. Marcelo Manimtim, CM, St. Vincent School of theology, Quezon City.

“Quae Mari Sinico and the Formation of Native Secular Clergy. “Let the Bishop entrust the administration of the seminary to a most worthy person…” …”increase the number of native priests…form them in piety and character…” The Vincentians were the first formators of San Carlos Smeinary, Archdiocese of Manila (1862). Vincentians administered Semianary of Nueva Caceres (1865), real Seminario de San Carlos de Cebu (1867), Jaro (1870), Nueva Segovia (1872). Vincentians stayed in Vigan for four years. Thus with the exception of Vigan, all the conciliar seminaries were in the hands of the Vincentians when “ Quae Mari Sinico” issued its directives on clerical formation.

Other seminaries: 1) UST Central Seminary (1645); 2) San Jose Seminary (1722); 3) Immaculate Conception Seminary, formerly San Pablo (1822); 4) San Carlos Seminary-Manila (1951, Makati); 5) Mother of God Counsel Seminary, Guagua Pampanga (1950).

Sub-theme 4: “Catholic Education and Church-State Realtions until the Sixties”. Speaker: Fr. Jose Gutay, OFM, Our Lady of Angels Seminary/ Inter-Congregational Theological Center, Quezon City.

“Quae Mari Sinico” talks about Catholic education that shall be provided for the laity. This talk describes how the Church hierarchy engages the State in the Context of Catholic education – policies, controversies and repercussions to contemporary hierarchy.

The Organic Act of 1900 prohibits the teaching of religion in public schools. Protestant preachers had anti-catholic sentiments.

The Catholic Church resisted the ban. William Taft offered this compromise: any priest or minister may teach religion for one-half hour three times a week if parents or guardians so desire it in writing. Priests had no time and many could not speak English.

Other problems: hostility of the masons and aggressive proselytizing of protestant ministers.

Quae Mari Sinico caused the revival and strengthening of Catholic education. Graduates of Catholic schools eventually changed Philippine politics and society.

Sub-theme 5. “The First provincial Council of Manila (1907). Speaker: Fr. Albert Flores, San Carlos Seminary, Archdiocese of Manila.

“Quae Mari Sinico” commends that a Synod of the Bishops be convoked.

Participants: total 68. But only five had a deliberate vote: Apostolic Delegate Agius, Harty (Manila, Jaro), Dougherty (Nueva Segovia), Hendricks (Cebu), Barlin (Nueva Caceres).

Decrees: Faith and Catholic Church, Ecclesiastical persons. Sacraments. Clergy. Catholic education of Youth. Christian Doctrine. Zeal for souls and Christian Charity. Temporal goods. Sacred things. Ecclesiastical judgment.

There were panels of reactors after each talk.

No. 559, 03 February 2010

2010-02-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

SEMINAR ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Around 65 bishops attended the seminar on Indigenous Peoples from January 19 to 20, 2010 at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, UN Avenue, Manila. It was organized by the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Theme: “The Church and Indigenous Peoples Reflecting on Faith”.

Topics: (1) “Memory and Reconciliation: Forgive our Trespasses…” Fr. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX (Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, based in Goa). Doctor in Sacred Scriptures, Pontifical Biblical Institute. Official, Pontifical Council for Cultures in Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Fr. Mascarenhas’ lecture is missionary, anthropological and biblical. He dealt extensively on Evangelization of Cultures and the inculturation of the faith, globalization and the transformation among indigenous peoples, Catholic education and ended with Memory and Reconciliation.

Indigenous peoples complained that the Catholic Church did not give them their due especially in instances when the Church identified itself with colonizers.

Need to purify the memory of those who suffered the hurt as well as those who inflicted the hurt. Purification has to lead to reconciliation. Reconciliation means we become one: as it wipes off divisions, clears up misunderstandings and reinforces unity. Look at history. Reevaluate the values, ideologies and attitudes that fostered these faults. Do not accuse. Do not defend.

Historical reevaluation requires courage and humility.

This purification is for future growth. Love is the key!

Reactors: Bishops Deogracias Ińiguez, Edwin de la Peńa and Rodolfo Beltran.

2nd Topic. “Inculturation”. Jose M. de Mesa, M.A., PhD Religious Studies, Louvain. University Fellow at De La Salle University.

The inculturation of the Gospel has been part of the life of the Church. The experience and example of the Jewish and the Graeco-Roman churches in using their cultural resources to express faith in Jesus Christ provides inspiration and guidance to the local churches of the Third World to do likewise.

Four interrelated tasks.

(1) To relativize the inherited cultural expressions (Graeco-Roman or Euro-American) of the Faith. Local culture was considered second-rate by the foreigners. Overcome sense of inferiority we must.
(2) To de-stigmatize the indigenous cultures.
(3) Inculturation must take steps to re-value cultures in the context of present day challenges.
(4) To re-interpret the Christian Faith in indigenous categories.

3rd Topic. “Dialogue”. Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI. Doctor in Divinity and Humanity. Master’s degrees in Theology and Philosophy, Chair of Kusog Mindanao. Lead Convenor of National Peace Council.

Events shaping a new awareness in our dialogue with the Indigenous Peoples. (1) the 500 anniversary celebration of the Columbus Expedition in 1492; (2) re-assessment and re-evaluation of the missions in Africa; and (3) the UN Decade (1990-2000) dedicated to the IPs.

The 5th Centennary Celebration opens the controversial history with IPs…
• The dispossessions of the IPs: land, soul, identity, and cultures – the word is ethnocide.
• The growing assertive consciousness of the IPs worldwide and the imperatives of justice and healing.
• The painful recognition of the Church’ role and participation in IPs’ dispossession.

Evangelization vs. Dialogue

• With great religions and ancient civilizations, the approach is dialogue. Insights of Vatican II?
• With the IPs in Asia, the Americas and Africa, the approach is evangelization and grudgingly incorporate the themes like inculturation and acculturation…Council of Treat with adaptation?

IP Manifesto. IPs are bearers of a life project valid for all. Pastors to accompany these processes.

IP Aspiration. Right to be different in their culture and in the expression of the faith. Heal the injuries of the past. Recognize responsibility for crimes committed against them in the name of God.

IP Dream. Retrieve their land, the self-detemination of their people, affirmation of culture, and identity.

• Assume the challenge of the “birth of the particularly indigenous churches, with autonomous hierarchy and organization, with theology, liturgy and ecclesiastical expressions that are adequate for a cultural experience of faith (CELAM, Bogota, 1985)

A new and fresh wind blowing
• Solidarity with the poor and marginalized .
• Dialogue with cultures and religious.
• Human dignity and human rights.
• Imperatives of justice, hence restitution.
• Healing to be able to begin anew.

The Way Forward.
The example of the Episcopal and Angelican Communion.

The Kingdom of God…the Kingdom of freedom and of peace to all.

Benedict XVI to the Synod of Africa: “Bartimaeus is the image of humanity, enlightened by faith, sets out on the journey to the promised land. He becomes a witness of the light, recounting and showing in the first person that he has been healed, renewed, reborn”.

No. 558, 01 February 2010

2010-02-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

CBCP-NASSA MINING SUMMIT
Aliansa Tigil Mina (ATM) organized for the Catholic bishops an Anti-Mining Summit on 18 January 2010 at Pius XII Catholic Center, United Nations Avenue, Manila.

Objectives: (1) update the CBCP and NASSA on the latest situations and positioning on the mining issue at the national level; (2) generate support and solidarity for the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB), including scenarios for the 15th Congress (July 2010 onwards); (3) outline a set of action points to integrate CBCP and NASSA support for the strengthening of the mining campaign.

Program flow: 3 major topics: (1) national and local situationers; (2) briefing on the Alternative Mining Bill; (3) discussion on Road-Map for Philippine Mining Campaign.

1. Mining Situationer.
PGMA adopted a policy shift in mining: from tolerance to aggressive promotion through EO 270-A (2004).

Philippine mineral reserves: 3rd in the world for gold; 4th – copper; 5th – nickel and 6th – chromite.

Scope of mining operations, 2009. (1) 29 operating metallic mines, up from 16 in 2006; 23 in 2007 and 26 in 2008. (2) 65 priority projects in 2009, up from 23 in 2005 and 62 in 2008 (10 are in full operations). (3) over 2,000 small-scale mines and quarries.

Mining tenements of Sept. 2009: 4 FTAAs (80,502 has); 297 MPSAs (480,524 has.); 47 EPs (183,172 has.). Total: 348 mining agreements.

Minute contribution of mining to Philippine economy. Mining gross production value in 2007 was 101.5 billion pesos. Government tax collection was 1.4 billion pesos. Contribution of mining sector to 2007 GDP was only 1.4% (consistent in 3 decades). Agriculture GDP contribution was 16.5%.

Job creation was 158,000 in 2008.

Philippines is still net importer of metals US$ 689.4 million worth of iron and steel. US$ 97.74 million worth of copper. US$ 131.26 million worth of other metals (2000 figures).

State of Philippine forests. According to NAMRIA Philippines had only 23% forest cover in 1988. Ideal forest cover is 54%. In 2006-2007 the unofficial data from DENR, forest cover was 21%. Deforestation has been going on.

Major watersheds: 18. 13 of the 18 have forests cover below 20% of its total area. Water problem is now experienced in Manila and suburbs.

Other risks of mining in the Philippines. More than half of active concession and two-thirds of exploratory concessions are located in zones of high seismic risk.

2. Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) (HB 6342)
Salient points.
(1) Vision: shared responsibility, community based, national industrialization, food security, human rights.
(2) Methodology: focused group discussions, research, conferences.
(3) 2 major features: (a) human-rights based approach; and (b) natural resources and land use management.

Human rights: human dignity, right from violence, sustainable development and self-determination.

Land use and natural resources management. Local governance and nationalization, economic benefits of resources, preference of resources, industrialization.

(4) Governance. Distinct governance structures outside and within ancestral domains. Ancestral domains: indigenous knowledge, systems and practices; Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). Local communities: social acceptability, local government code.
(5) 100% foreign ownership is prohibited.
(6) Area and term. The contract area per agreement shall not exceed 500has. 15 years maximum.
(7) Powers of DENR transferred to multi-sectoral mineral council.
(8) Removal of the power of the president to declare mineral reservations.
(9) Exploration activities banned in primary forests, headwaters of watersheds, critical habitats, geohazard areas, densely populated areas, climate disaster-prone areas, etc.

3. Our Calls
(1) Scrap Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
(2) Passage of Alternative Peoples’ Mining Act.
(3) Revocation of the EO 270-A and the rejection of the National Minerals Action Plan.
(4) Moratorium on large-scale mining operations.

Some 40 bishops participated in the Summit.

The following evening around 40 bishops met with DENR Secretary Eleazar Quinto and the Director of the MGB. Friendly exchange of ideas and positions.

No. 557, 11 January 2010

2010-01-20T02:20:00.000-08:00

1. 38TH BISHOPS-ULAMA CONFERENCE (BUC) GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA)
The 38th BUC GA was held in Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City on 8 January 2010.

Members present: ULP – 19 of 24; Protestants – 13 of 18 and Catholics 16 of 24.

Also present were the entire leadership of the AFP: 4-Star General Ibrado and his general staff; division commanders and brigade commanders in Mindanao plus marines, airforce and navy commanders. The PNP’s Dir. General Jesus Verzosa was represented by subordinates. COMELEC Chair, Jose Melo was represented by Com. Yusof.

Issues: “Private Armies” by PNP Sec. Norberto Gonzales. He asked the BUC to help dismantle private armies through discreet investigation and negotiation, if possible.

“Loose firearms was presented by a PNP Director. When asked what is their plan to recover firearms and how can the BUC help?, he simply answered” we will continue what we have started.

Election was the hottest issue during the open forum conducted by Sec. Gonzales. Will there be elections? Are the machines fool-proof? What if there is failure of elections? No constitutional successors!

I do not know whether Commissioner Yusof answered there questions during his presentation for 15 minutes he expressed his gratitude to the BUC for recommending him to the COMELEC and strongly speaking against guns, gold and goons.

Sec. Gonzales assured the assembly the AFP and PNP are capable of handling any trouble.

2. BUC’s RESOLUTION ON MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE
WHEREAS, the BISHOPS-ULAMA CONFERENCE (BUC) has been committed to the search and preservation of peace in Mindanao;

WHEREAS, the Maguindanao Massacre have qualified to be the most brutal. Barbaric and inhuman conduct in recent Philippine history which brought pains, mental stress and anguish to the victims and their love ones, resulting hatred and condemnation;

WHEREAS, the perpetrators were driven and controlled by evils and deserve the full extent and human and divine laws to bring them back to their proper senses while at the same time giving justice to the victims;

WHEREAS, the recent study commissioned by the BUC and implemented by Academicians and Researchers coming from different Universities in Mindanao, KONSULT MINDANAW Project revealed findings and recommendations relevant to peace in Mindanao;

NOW, THEREFORE, the members of BUC state the following:

1. That the Government of the Republic of the Philippines shall do all acts allowable under the laws of the Philippines in order to bring justice to the victims of the Massacre;

2. That all private armies and dynasties in Mindanao and all over the country shall be dismantled by all means allowable under our laws;

3. That we urge Filipino people to remain calm, avoid suspicion, place the interest of the country above personal interest, and control the greed for power and influence for they are the foundation of evil which lead to conflict’

4. That we invite everyone to think Mindanao, Feel Mindanao and Bring Peace to Mindanao.

FINALLY, we express our appreciation to HER EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO for taking the positive initiative to continue the talk of the GRP-MILF Panels.

3. FEBRUARY SCHEDULE
06 - Meeting, DEC, 3:30pm, Bp.’s Res.
08-09 - Diocesan Priests’ Recollection, c/o Lagao Parish
11 - Fiestas, Surallah and Polomolok Surallah, 9:30am. Mass.
12 - Blessing & Mass GKK Padre Pio, Las Vellas Village, GSC, 10am(under SMAP)
13 - Talakayan sa DXCP, 10:30am
17 - Ash Wednesday
19 - Lunch, Tribute and Mass at 2pm. PREX National
20 - Lunch c/o CWL. Dinner for all, 6pm., Bp.’s Res.
22 - Annual Meeting of Stockholders, MPPPI, Casa Gemma, 2pm
28 - Recollection, Millennium Benefactors, Bishop’s Res. Mass at 9am

4. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Prayerful birthday greetings to:
Fr. Ricky Emboltorio (Feb. 05)
Fr. Tony Magbanua (Feb. 15)
Fr. Rolando Japitana (Feb. 17)
BISHOP DINUALDO GUTIERREZ (Feb. 20)

5. FEBRUARY ORDINATIONS
Congratulations and Happy Priestly Ordination to:
Fr. Ernesto Bendita (Feb. 09)
Fr. Herminio Hongayo (Feb. 22)
Fr. Rafael Cabrido (Feb. 27)
Fr. Rene Dasilao (Feb. 27)

No. 556, 21 December 2009

2010-01-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

1. MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR
Christmas recalls a past event – the birth of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. Christmas is, thus, a joyful event.

New Year is a step towards our union with God in heaven. Our hope is that every New Year would be happy.

2. 43RD WORLD DAY OF PEACE
Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the World Day of Peace on 1 January 2010 has as its theme: “If You Want to cultivate Peace, Protect Creation.”

In this message Pope Benedict presents “a cosmic vision of peace” a peace which “comes about in a state of harmony between God, humankind and the creation. Environmental degradation is a break in the harmony between humankind and creation.

Pope highlights “the urgent need for action” without proposing technical solutions which he leaves to the government.

He recalls, however, the Church’s commitment to defending the earth. He calls for collective responsibility and “a profound revision of development models.”

Pope Benedict underlines “the need for renewed solidarity, extended over space and time, between generations and between developed and developing countries. Pope also calls for “a balanced use of energy resources”.

Environmental degradation challenges us to examine our lifestyle and the prevailing models of consumption and production which are often unsustainable from a social, environmental and even economic point of view.

We are all responsible for the protection and care of the environment.

The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she considers it her duty to exercise that responsibility in public life in order to protect earth, water and air as gifts of God.

Therefore, if you want to cultivate peace, protect creation.

3. REDEMPTORIST ITINERANT MISSION TEAM (RIMT) CONCLUDES MISSION IN MAASIM
Bishop Dinualdo presided over the Eucharistic celebration on 20 December 2009 at Sta. Cruz Parish Church. This celebration marks the conclusion of the RIMT’s mission which officially started on 4 July 2009 when Bishop Dinualdo sent the 17 member team: priests, religious and lay.

Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, CSsR, of Pagadian was the main celebrant. The Vicars or Luzon and the Visayas concelebrated with the priest members of the RIMT.

This time Bishop Dinualdo sent 30 well trained missionaries to establish God’s Kingdom in Maasim.

Congratulations to the RIMT, Fr. Floro Litigio, parish priest of Maasim, PPC and PEC members and the rest of the parishioners for work well done.

4. ASIAN YOUTH GATHERING

Youth from Asia gathered in Imus, Cavite on November 20-27, 2009.

Theme: “Young Asians Come Together, Share the Word, Live the Eucharist”.

Bishop Luis Chito Tagle, DD, STL, of Imus said: “the coming together of Asian Youth is an event of faith. Faith is nurtured by the Word and the Eucharist. Faith is also nurtured by heroic mission”.

Delegates from Marbel: Fr. Nelson Casereal, CP, Arnold Arana (St. Anthony, Marbel), Aldrin Fernandez (Good Voyage), Cherry Celeres, Diana Rose Cuales and Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr., Diocesan Youth Chaplain. (Reported by RDP, Jr.)

5. ASSOCIATION OF MILLENNIUM BENEFACTORS IN THE DIOCESE OF MARBEL ELECTS OFFICERS (AMBDM)
The AMBDM met at the Bishop’s Residence on 6 December 2009.

Bishop Dinualdo was the mass presider and homilist.

Officers for 2010. President – Thomas “Bebot” Haw. Vice Pres. – Valentin Chiu. Secretary – Elaine Joy Bora-ay.

Lunch was pot luck.

6. JANUARY SCHEDULE
01 - SOLEMNITY OF Mary, MOTHER OF GOD
03 - SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
09 - Talakayan sa DXCP, 10:30am
12 - First Anniversary, Marbel Paghidait Printing Press, Inc., 5pm Mass. Casa Gemma.
13 - Mass & Confirmation, Sto. Niño, 9:30am
15 - Fiesta Mass, Bula, 9:30am
16 - Meeting, Ass. of K of C, Bp.’s Res.,9am
17 - Fiesta Mass, Maitum, 8:30am
19-20 - Seminar, ECIP, Pius XII, Manila
20-21 - Seminar, Church Hierarchy in Philippines, Pius XII.
22 - Regional & Commission Meeting, CBCP, Pius XII
23-24 - CBCP’s 100th Assembly, Pius XII
25-29 - National Retreat of Clergy, World Trade Center, Pasay City

7. JANUARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful Birthday Greetings to: Fr. Mario Eudela (Jan. 15); Fr. Francisco Romano (Jan. 16); Fr. Ariel Destora (Jan. 22) and Fr. Romeo Catedral (Jan. 26).

No. 555, 06 December 2009

2010-01-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

1. CLERGY RELIGIOUS DAY
Members of Marbel Association of Religious and Clergy (MARC) gathered on 30 November 2009 at Coco Beach, Glan, Sarangani.

Theme: “Tayo na Magkaisa…sa Panalangin, sa Tuwa, at sa Gawa”.

Objectives of this annual gathering: bonding, sharing and enjoyment.

Games and talent shows entertained everyone. Specially the dance number by the Dominican Father and Sisters of Siena and another dance number performed by the Capuchin Brothers and Franciscan Sisters.

Gifts were exchanged and food and drinks were shared.

Bishop Dinualdo was mass presider and homilist. Bishop emphasized the need for proclaimers of the Good News like St. Andrew, the Apostle. He focused on the call to follow Christ (discipleship) and Christ’s sending the apostles (mission).

Elected officers of MARC. Fr. Louie Fuentespina, CP-President. Sr. Iosefina, SMSM – Vice-President. Sr. Mailyn Bolivar, OP Siena, Secretary. Sr. Cristita Cha, AR – Treasurer.

Date and venue in 2010: November 30, Labo Beach, GSC.

Attendance: 109. Diocesan priests – 21. Passionist Fathers – 8. Passionist Sisters – 6. Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts – 5. Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena – 16. Trinitarian Handmaids of the Divine Word – 3. Marist Missionary Sisters – 8. OFM Capuchins – 6. Oblates of Notre Dame Sisters – 7. Augustinian Recollect Sisters – 7. Dominican Fathers – 3. (plus 2 visiting OP priests). Marist Brothers of the School – 11. Disciples of St. Therese – 8.

We thank you Fr. Romeo Subaldo, outgoing president, and Glan parish. We commend all committee members.

2. MONTHLY RECOLLECTION OF PRIESTS
Priests made their monthly recollection on 30 November, after supper and 1 December, up to lunch time.

Facilitator was Fr. Nilo Lardizabal, OP who expounded on the theme, “Mary, Star of Hope”.

Fr. Lardizabal was born on September 25, 1978. Made his profession in the Dominican Order on May 15, 2002. Ordained priest on November 30, 2007.

He is provincial secretary of the Dominican Province. Teaches Eastern Philosophy at the UST. Is preparing his doctoral dissertation.

Sharing 1. “Four Causes of Stress in Priestly Life”. (1) Work, the main cause. (2) What people say about us. (3) Fast-paced life. (4) We ourselves.

Sharing 2. “Mary, Star of Hope”. Source is Benedict XVI’s Encyclical Letter “Spe Salvi”, (on Christian Hope, 30 November 2007). (Numbers 49-50)

Priests must have personal relationship with Mary, Star of Hope. Four things: (1) gather around Mary; (2) turn to her to see her human feature and special mission which leads us to Jesus; (3) imitate Mary in her following of Jesus who serves; (4) Mary and Jesus are constantly teaching us something as we face life’s vicissitudes and problems. “Be not afraid”.

Forty-one diocesan priests and one Passionist attended.

3. PRIESTS’ MEETING
Time was allotted during the recollection on December 1st to decide on important matters.

Dates and venues, 2010 Recollection.

February 8-9 – Lagao Parish. April 12-13 – Bula Parish. May 3-4 – St. Michael the Archangel. June 7-8 – within the mid-year gathering – Watergran, MEDA parishes – hosts. July 12-13 – Banga. August 9-10 – Surallah. September 6-7 – Norala. October 11-12 – Tupi. December 13-14 – Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, host. Fr. Bien Trinilla, OP, Coordinator of priests monthly recollection, will look for speakers from July-December. Committee on Clergy will propose topics for July-December for approval by Bishop Dinualdo.

The Diocese of Marbel will host the National Bible Conference. Additional Php100,000.00 will be raised. Commitments: Alabel, Lagao, Marbel, Bula, St. Michael, Fatima and Polomolok, Php10,000.00 = 70,000.00. Php30,000.00 will come from the other parishes.

4. 2ND DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY, DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE HELD
The 2nd Diocesan Assembly of the Association of the Divine Mercy Apostolate was held on December 5, 2009 at St. Anthony Parish Gym, City of Koronadal.

Theme: “The word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”.

Bishop Dinualdo was mass presider and homilist. God’s mercy is shown in providing the Israelites with bread, water and meat (Is. 30: 19-21, 23-26). Also when he cured every sickness and disease and providing shepherds for the lost sheep (Mt. 9: 35 – 10: 1, 6-8). Then he briefly explained the voice, face, house and roads of the Word.

Fr. Alan G. Catigday, parish vicar IV, St. Anthony Parish, Koronadal City gave a more elaborate exposition of the theme.

Testimonies by Dr. Angelino Español, Maasim; Dr. Benjamin Torrejos, Gen. Santos City and Mrs. Elvira Lao, Norala.

Total attendance: 1,138. Marbel – 139. Kiamba – 124. Glan – 121. Tampakan – 89. OLPGVP – 65. Norala – 62. T’boli – 62. Banga – 51. Calumpang – 48. Surallah – 43. Sto. Niño – 38. Polomolok – 36. St. Michael – 35. Tupi – 34. Bula – 32. Maasim – 31. Lagao – 30. Fatima – 24. Malapatan – 22. Alabel – 21. Jesus the Good Shepherd – 20. Maitum – 11. Malungon, Milbuk, Tantangan had no representatives.

Congratulations to Ms. Lucita Millan, Diocesan Coordinator, Fr. Alan Catigday, Chaplain and members of the Working Committees.

NOTE.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared Martial Law in Maguindanao, except parts controlled by the MILF, on 5 December. Proclamation 1959 was signed on 4 December around 9pm.

No. 554, 01 December 2009

2010-01-20T02:01:00.000-08:00

1. 17TH DIOCESAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ASSOCIATION OF LAY LITURGISTS (ALL)
The 17th DGA, ALL was held on 28 November 2009 at the St. Anthony Parish Gym, Koronadal City.

Theme: “The Word of God in Liturgy”

Chanted morning praise disposed the delegates to listen to God’s Word.

Fr. Ramil Nerio, Vicar I, St. Anthony Parish, welcomed the delegates.

Mrs. Alicia B. Valera expounded on the theme.

1. Importance of Sacred Scriptures in liturgical celebration. In liturgy God’s Word is proclaimed, explained and applied to current situations. Psalms are taken from Sacred Scriptures. Prayers and hymns draw their inspiration, force and motivation for action from Sacred Scriptures (cf. Vatican II, Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, #24).

2. The Word of God is God Himself. “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jh 1:1). He communicates Himself through liturgical celebrations.

3. Nature of liturgy. Core of liturgy is God’s relationship with us. Liturgy becomes sacred action because it is the re-enactment of God’s salvific intervention in human history.
“And Yahweh said, ‘I have seen the miserable state of my people in Egypt. I have learned their appeal to be free of their sufferings. I mean to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians and bring them up out of that land to a land rich and broad, a land where milk and honey flow, the home of the Canaanites…and now the cry of the sons of Israel has come to me, and I have witnessed the way in which the Egyptians oppress them, so come, I send you to Pharaoh to bring the sons of Israel, my people, out of Egypt’”(Ex. 3:7-9).

Liturgy makes actual biblical events. We relive the Paschal Mystery every moment of our lives. We participate in this mystery of Christ as we live in a world of global warming and of heinous crimes like the Maguindanao Massacre.

4. Liturgy: the living voice of God. Through liturgical celebrations God’s word is alive, exposing us to the central theme of salvation history: Incarnation, Redemption, Salvation and Resurrection.

5. God’s Word: Origin of human history. God’s Word creates, saves, judges and penetrates into the woven fabric of human history and events. “I have seen…I have heard…I mean to deliver them…and bring them…to a land where milk and honey flow” (op. cit)

Officer for 2010-2011. President – Elma (Inday) Jamero; Vice – Rodolfo Calumpang; Secretary – Romelita Arguelles; Treasurer – Ethel Dargantes; Auditor – Janeta Pag-ong.

Bishop Dinualdo was the presider and homilist. The terrible and cruel 4th beast seen by Daniel will be totally destroyed and replaced by an everlasting Kingdom (Dan. 7: 15-27). The last day of the liturgical year invites us to watch and pray (Lk. 21: 34-36). Listen attentively to the readings. Thank Jesus for his self-immolation. Share our blessings. Unite ourselves with Christ in Holy Communion.

Total participants: 1, 542. T’boli – 30; Lake Sebu – 20; Surallah – 122 (3rd); Sto. Niño – 50; Norala – 59 (8th); Banga – 52 (9th); Marbel – 208 (1st); Tantangan – 28; Tampakan – 64 (7th); Tupi – 50; Polomolok – 82 (5th); Good Shepherd – 37; OLPGV – 81 (6th); Lagao – 47; Bula – 50; Calumpang – 112 (4th); OLFP – 30; Malungon – 50; Alabel – 41; Malapatan – 21; Glan – 162 (2nd); Maasim – 52 (9th tied with Banga); Kiamba – 29; Maitum – 15; Milbuk – None. (From Naning Perez)

2. ACTING SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE (DND) AND OTHERS VISIT BISHOP
Acting Secretary of DND Norberto Gonzales and top officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Army visited Bishop Dinualdo on 29 November 2009.

With Sec. Gonzales were: Gen. Victor Ibrado, Chief-of-Staff, AFP; Lt. General Raymundo Ferrer, Eastern Mindanao Command; Major General Gaudencio Pangilinan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, AFP; Col. Rainer Cruz, CO, 1002 Bgde; Col. Leo Crescente Ferrer, CO, 601st Bgde based in Tacurong City; Sec. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser for Mindanao and Asst. Secretary Rodney Hagolino.

Main purpose: to offer college scholarships to children of Maguindanao Massacre victims.

3. DECEMBER SCHEDULE
01 - PRIESTS’ RECOLLECTION, Water Gran Beach Resort. Starts 30 Nov. after supper. Ends after lunch.
01 - Mass & Confirmation, New Society, GSC 3pm
02 - End, Mindanao Week of Peace, Tuyang,Malapatan, morning
- Mass & Confirmation, Main Church,
OLPGVP, 2pm
03 - Fiesta Mass, Malapatan, 9:30am
- Mass & Confirmation, Main Church,OLPGVP, 2pm
05 - Mass, Diocesan Assembly, Divine Mercy,CKC Gym, 9:30am
06 - Mass/meeting, Millennium Benefactors,Bp.’s Res., 9am
07 - Priestly Ordination, Deacon Joseph Morallon, Surallah, 2pm
08 - Fiesta Mass, Norala, 9am
09 - Mass & Confirmation, Esperanza, Marbel, 9am
- Mass & Confirmation, Tamnag, Marbel, 1pm
10 - Mass & Confirmation, Bo. 1, Marbel, 9pm
11 - Mass & Confirmation, Cathedral, Marbel, 9pm
- Mass & Confirmation, Cathedral, Marbel, 2pm
12 - Mass & Confirm., Main Church, Malapatan, 10am
- Mass & Confirmation, Lun Masla, Malapatan, 1pm
13 - Diocesan Convention, CWL, NDDU Gym, GSC. Mass: 11am
15 - Meeting, SCMSI, Lake Sebu, 10am,
18 - Meeting, Diocesan Schools’ Principals Lagos’ Farm, Tantangan, 10am
18 - Mass & Blessing, Marists’ Convent, 5pm
19 - Talakayan sa DXCP, 10:30am
- Meeting, DEC, Bp.’s Res., 3:30pm
- Meeting, MPPPI, Bishop’s Residence,6pm
20 - Mass, Culmination of RIMT’s mission,Maasim, 10am
22 - Mass and Confirmation, Lagao, Main Church, 9am
25 - Radio Christmas mass, DXCP, 10am
27 - Meeting, SCCC, DXCP, 4pm

3. DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Frank Bajos (Dec. 03); Fr. Alan Catigday (Dec. 04); Fr. Jesus Jordan (Dec. 05); Fr. Rodrigo Gegone (Dec. 14); Fr. Floro Litigo (Dec. 22); Fr. Alex Salas (Dec. 23); Fr. Ernesto Bendita (Dec. 28) and Fr. Joseph Benitez (Dec. 31).

4. DECEMBER PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and happy anniversaries to: Fr. Rodrigo Gegone and Fr. Joy Peliño (Dec. 01); Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr. and Fr. Alan Catigday (Dec. 05); Fr. Jerome Millan (Dec. 07); Fr. Antonio Magbanua (Dec. 21); Fr. Romeo Buenaobra and Fr. Antonio Mayo (Dec. 28).

No. 553, 26 November 2009

2010-01-20T01:56:00.000-08:00

1. TRIBUTE TO CHRIST, KING OF KINGS
Marbel Diocese paid tribute to Christ the King, through a Diocesan celebration on 23 November 2009 at Notre Dame of Marbel University. Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico, FMS welcomed the delegates.

Chanted morning praise opened the diocesan celebration.

Fr. Romeo Catedral, Diocesan Director, Social Action talked on the theme, ”Climate Change/ Global Warming”. Principal cause of global warming is emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that prevents the rays of the sun to be reflected back into the atmosphere. Too much heat causes icecaps to melt. Melted ice raises sea level which threatens coastal towns/cities. Heat causes rapid evaporation. Water vapors, once condensed and heavy causes rainfalls. Heavy rainfalls cause mudslides, landslides, flashfloods, resulting to damage to property and some deaths.

What to do to manage climate change and minimize adverse effects of global warming?

Some thirty six (36) focused group discussions (FGDs) consisting of about 40 persons per group gave several doable actions.

Doable actions are grouped according to these headings: N (Natural Agricultural Practice); A (Advocacy); T (Total Waste Management); U (United Actions); R (Reforestation); E (Education); and S (Spirituality). Acronym: NATURES. Noteworthy actions:

N – Sustainable agriculture, organic farming, adopt green bricketting, backyard gardening.

A – Information and education campaign; tri-media; parish bulletin; seminars; networking; no to mining/coal fired power plant.

T – recycle, reduce, re-use, refuse. No cellophanes; establish compost bins; declogging of canals.

U – Mass actions on environmental concerns; active non-violence; multi-sectoral organizing to combat climate change; general and periodic cleaning of streets and surroundings.

R – Tree planting; adopt a mountain; establish parish nursery; adopt a tree program.

E – Self-critical reflection on Environment Friendly lifestyle; GKK formation on environment; integrate environmental education in schools and parish meetings; value-reorientation; changing of mind sets; family-centered education on environment; educate vendors and garbage collectors on waste management.

S – Oneness with nature; self-discipline; environmental prayers; radical and immediate change of lifestyle; prayer with action.

Marbel parish gave supplemental meals to parishes who asked for additional food. It also prepared complete meals for 300: NDMU staff, seminarians, security personnel and delegates from Sta. Cruz Mission and Assumption Mission.

Bishop Dinualdo was the presider and homilist. Christ is King because He is God and He redeemed us from sin and the devil. But His Kingdom is spiritual, not earthly. His Kingdom is in our hearts. When we love Christ and neighbors, Christ reigns. When we obey Christ, He reigns. Loving God and neighbors means taking care of our planet earth for this generation and for future generations. Benedict XVI calls this intergenerational justice (In Caritas in Veritate).

Priests concelebrants numbered 46, diocesan (41), Passionist (4) and Dominican (1).

Total attendance from all 25 parishes and 2 mission stations was 1,995.

Breakdown: Norala – 48; Sto. Niño – 64; Surallah – 30; T’boli – 24; Banga – 16; Marbel – 300; Tantangan – 55; Tampakan – 50; Tupi – 14; Polomolok – 198; Good Shepherd – 68; Dadiangas – 200; Calumpang – 40; Bula – 70; Lagao – 70; St. Michael – 16; Fatima – 114; Malungon – 38; Alabel – 50; Malapatan – 30; Glan – 60; Maasim – 50; Kiamba – 82; Maitum – 35; Milbuk – 8; Sta. Cruz Mission – 15; Bla’an Mission – 40; NDMU IBED – 60; NDMU Staff – 80; Seminarians – 23; Priests – 47. Total 1,995.

Thank you, Notre Dame of Marbel University, through its President, Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico, FMS, for allowing us the use of NDMU’s facilities and for providing personnel for the various tasks.

Thank you, Fr. Romeo Catedral, for your clear and scientific exposition of climate change and global warming.

Thank you, Mr. Andy Magallanes and Fr. Angelo Buenavides for organizing and directing the focused group discussions.

Thank you, Fr. Ramil Nerio and St. Anthony Parish for the additional food.

Thank you, Fr. Roming Buenaobra and various committees for a job exceptionally well done.

2. 19TH GKK GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 19th GKK General Assembly was held on 14 November 2009, Alabel Gymnasium, Sarangani.

Theme: “GKK: Nourished by Word, Moved to Form Social Conscience for Common Good Towards Responsible Governance.”

Resource person: Fr. Erwin Quintones, Legal Rights Center. Topics: Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942) and Alternative Mining Bill.

Mass presider and homilist: Fr. Elpidio Marintes, Jr. Co-celebrants: Fr, Eugene Porras, Jr.; Fr. Antonio Saligan, CP; and Fr. Joy Peliño.

Congratulations! (Reported by TJR)

WE STRONGLY CONDEMN THE MASSACRE OF CIVILIANS, INCLUDING MANY JOURNALISTS LAST 23 NOVEMBER 2009 IN AMPATUAN-SHARIF AGUAK, MAGUINADANAO. PRAYERS.

No. 552, 15 November 2009

2010-01-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

1. MARBEL PRESBYTERIUM MEETS
Priests in Marbel met on 9-12 November 2009 for their annual meeting at Holy Cross Spiritual Center, Calumpang, General Santos City.

Attendance ranged from 47 to 59 of 72 (65%-81%).

Decisions.

1. Marriage investigation form in Ilonggo, Cebuano and Tagalog will be distributed again by Fr. Romeo Buenaobra to the parishes.

2. Format of Commission reports will be statistical and narrative. Narrative to include objectives which will be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bounded (SMART), activities done and results achieved. Recommendations.

3. Stations of the Cross. Where traditional stations of the cross have not yet been set up, one of the 2 new biblical series maybe adapted. Both series begin with the Last Supper and end with resurrection. The old station of the cross may still be used.

4. New proposed Bible Service Guide will be evaluated by the Lay cooperators during their November 14, 2009 Board of Parish Representatives meeting. Fr. Jerome designed a 3-criteria matrix of evaluation: (1) not satisfied; (2) satisfied; and (3) very satisfied. Results will be presented to the Presbyterium and Bishop for decision.

5. Lay Church Workers’ Welfare Plan’s report should include whether their situation has improved or not.

6. Bookkeeper of the Lay Church Workers’ Welfare Plan should be person different from the treasurer.

7. Plan for the 2009 diocesan celebration of Christ the King on 23 November in Notre Dame of Marbel University was approved.

8. The Dominican Fathers and the priests in St. Michael the Archangel Parish should dialogue regarding the use of the newly constructed Dominican chapel.

9. Bible Service Guides must be approved by the Bishop.

10. Priests agreed to increase their contributions to the COCF, depending on their generosity.

11. A second collection on all masses on 16 December, National Youth Day will be made. Distribution: 70% - Diocesan Youth Ministry; 30% to the Episcopal Commission on Youth, through the Diocesan Chancery (refer to Ordo 2010).

12. Financial reports of SAC shall include all funds received plus beginning and ending balances.

13. Diocesan ID is valid for one year only. Fr. Angelo Buenavides will produce the IDs.

14. Former Dominican Sisters’ Convent at NDDFG will be renovated at a cost of P1.4 million Fr. Angelo Buenavides will oversee the project. It will serve as retirement house of diocesan priests.

15. About 4 hectares of the Social Action Demo Farm will be leased to Pangasius Culture Company for 5 years, renewable for P10, 000 a month with yearly escalation of 5 per centum.

16. Commissioners elected: Fr. Jonathan Sarcon, Christian Formation; Fr. Ricky Emboltorio, Worship and Liturgy, and Fr. Joseph Benitez, Social Action. Term of office is 2 years with re-election.

17. Priests-in-charge of ministries: Fr. Ricky Emboltorio, Catechetical; Fr. Ruben Ocino, Family and Life; Fr Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr., Youth.

18. Chancery support. Stole fees will continue. Priests agreed to increase their contributions to the three commissions, depending on their capacity and love.

19. Grievance Committee will be established. Members: Fr. Arturo Pancho, Chair; Fr. Jonathan Sarcon; Fr. Joseph Benitez; Fr. Romeo Catedral; Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND; Atty. Tomas Falgui; Atty. Elvie Albano; Atty. Orlando Mirabueno; and 2 lay from the Lay Church Workers’ Welfare Plan. Its main task is to attend to the grievances filed by lay church workers. Appropriate recommendations will be given to the Bishop.

20. Lay Church Workers’ manual. Fr. Jonathan Sarcon together with Fr. Joseph Benitez will draft the manual.

21. New appointments. Lagao Parish: Fr. Ernesto Bendita, acting parish priest; Fr. Ronilo Huesca, Vicar I; and Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Vicar II. Fr. Robert Feguro, Vicar I, Banga Parish. Fr. Joseph Morallon, Vicar II, St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Effectivity is November 13, 2009. (note: Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presented Fr. Ernesto Bendita to the community at Buayan on 14 November 2009 and announced over DXCP these appointments on the same day).

2. 20TH DIOCESAN KRISKA ASSEMBLY
The 20th Diocesan Kriska Assembly was held in Tampakan Municipal Gym, Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Theme: “Word of God: Inspiration towards unity for Good Governance and Healthy Environment.”

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez was the mass celebrant and homilist. He spoke on the theme.

Miss Rose Latonia from Legal Rights Center, Davao City, explained the alternative Mining Bill.

Fr. Elpidio Marintes, Jr., explained the spiritual aspect of the alternative Mining Bill.

Target participants was 2000. actual participants numbered 2,445.

Distribution of participants, by vicariate, by parishes:

MAKIMAMI (Milbuk-0; Kiamba-0; Maitum-62; Maasim-120. Total 182)

MEDA (Calumpang-300; Fatima-105; Dadiangas-250; St. Michael-100; Lagao-100; Bula-170. Total 1,025)

AVA (Norala-25; Sto. Niño-25; Surallah-31; T’boli-0; Banga-27. Total 106)

GAMMA (Glan-50; Malapatan-30; Alabel-50; Malungon-23. Total 153)

KVA (Polomolok-225; Jesus the Good Shepherd-72; Tupi-100; Tampakan-340; Marbel-200; Tantangan-40. Total 997)

No. 551, November 06, 2009

2010-01-20T00:33:00.000-08:00

1. SOCSARGEN REGIONAL REPORT ON “KONSULT MINDANAW”
Presentation and validation of results of “Konsult Mindanaw were done in a Research Utilization Forum on October 16, 2009 at MSU Graduate School conference room, General Santos City.

Question No. 1. Vision of Peace – absence of war, Result of love, respect and justice. Total conversion: change of lifestyle, mind, attitude. Harmony among all. Ability to meet the basic needs. Feeling of security.

Question No. 2. GRP-MILF peace Talks. Recommendations: clarify contents of MOA-AD. Massive consultation. Transparency. Careful selection of the GRP peace panel, to include women, lumad and religious. Consult lumads regarding ancestral domain provisions. Prior dialogue between MILF and MNLF.

Question No. 3. Broader Peace Process to achieve lasting peace – Sincere governance, responsible development projects/programs, fair labor policies, just implementation of policies – responsible media. Reforms in education. Improved economic atmosphere. Vigilance against corruption.

Question No. 4. Personal Commitment – Continue peace advocacy. Dialogue (interfaith and intra-faith). (Reported through Fr. A. Buenavides)

2. KAPAYAPAAN KAPATID COUNCIL’S REPORTS
Activities: medical and dental mission; psychological interventions (pupils); Theatrical Forum (general audience); Easter Treat for Children; Concert by Arnel Pineda for MAKIMAMI Schools; Partnership with BUC and academe for the “Konsult Mindanaw”; reach out to Muslims during the Edel Fitre 2009; Peace journalism for secondary schools in SOCSARGEN; partnership with ACT for Peace Projects totaling P2,660,315.00.

The Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, Inc. was registered with SEC on 20 March 2009.

First set of incorporators/trustees: Bp. Dinualdo D. Gutierrez, President; Engr. Gauvain J. Benzonan, Vice-President; Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Corporate Secretary; Danny D. Sabino, Treasurer; and Alimudin G. Hassan, member. (By Danny Sabino).

3. CONSULTATION ON LAY PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS
As a response to the July 2009 Pastoral Statement of the CBCP on Lay Participation in Politics and Peace the Tri-Com (Commissions: Social Action, Christian Formation and Worship and Liturgy) convened and discussed the mechanism on how to involve the laity this 2010 election. Thus a series of consultations were conducted among the leaders of every parish concerning their views on the matter. The discussion was guided by the following stipulated in the documents as follows:

1. “Those with the talent for the difficult and noble art of politics…should prepare themselves for it, and forgetting their own convenience and material interests, they should engage in political activity” (Gaudium Spes 75).

2. “Direct participation in the political order is the special responsibility of the laity in the Church…it is their specific task to renew the temporal order according to Gospel principles and values” (CBCP, “Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics,” 1997).

3. Recently our beloved Pope Benedict XVI reminded the lay faithful of their “direct duty to work for a just ordering of society” and “to take part in public life in a personal capacity” (Deus Caritas Est 29).

September 3 and 4, 2009 the first consultation was conducted. There were 162 participants from the five vicariates in the diocese. The venue was the Samaria Cursillo House, Purok Malakas, Lagao. The participants were grouped and asked to assess and evaluate their participation in the previous elections. To name a few they actively participated in voter’s education, poll watching and other related activities as initiated by the diocese and adapted by the parishes.

Out of this first consultation, the participants expressed their frustration with the outcomes in the political scene. The option to involve in partisan politics came to the fore and discussed openly. To further discuss and understand what lay empowerment means the participants agreed to have another consultation.

Some agreements reached:
1. Call for lay leaders in the parishes to conduct series of consultation.

2. Consider during consultation possibility of identifying supporting local
candidates embodying the criteria posted by the Church, the 3Cs and 4Ms.

3. Refer to Bishop & priests for consent/support

4. Explore collaboration with civil society and other religions.

5. To reconvene.

Understanding of Lay Empowerment

On October 13-14, 2008, the second consultation was conducted in Samaria Cursillo House, Purok Malakas, Lagao, General Santos City and participated by 67 participants (at least three from every parish as representative of the three commissions). Parishes like Sto. Niño, T’boli and Milbuk were not able to send delegates. The consultation assessed the level of consultation conducted in the parish level as one of the deliverable in the first consultation. The lay empowerment was discussed reiterating the 2009 July Pastoral Letter. Three important biblical images drawn from Vatican II as a renewed understanding of church, namely: as the People of God, the Mystical Body of Christ and as the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Given these two consultations as well as the result of the outcomes of sharing and workshops, active participation of the laity was encouraged and given a push but it has not yet matured. Thus, the group agreed to continue in parish level to conduct series of discussion, a circle of discernment and even to widen it to other members in society.

Non utilization of the resources of the parish like its facilities were made clear to the group. But since it is a matter of importance and politics is the domain of the laity they will take an active part. They really have to do it hastily since November 2009 will be the filing of Candidacy. They will then lobby the agenda of the people reflective of the criteria given by the Shepherds of the Church. (from DSAC).

4. NOVEMBER SCHEDULE
01 - All Saints
02 - All Souls
04 - Installation, Socrates Villegas, Abp., Lingayen-Dagupam
07 - Mass & Confirmation, Bula, 9:30am
09 - Annual Mtg., Marbel Clergy, Holy Cross Retreat Center, Calumpang, General Santos City. Starts after supper
13 - Finalization, Plan, diocesan Celebration Christ the King, Bp.’s Res., 2pm
14 - Mass & Conformation, Lagao, 9am
- Talakayan sa DXCP, 10:30am
16 - Mass & Confirmation, Surallah, 9:30am
17 - Mass & Confirmation, Banga, 9:30 .am.
19 - Mass & Confirmation, Polomolok, 9am & 2pm
20 - Mass & Confirmation, Polomolok, 9am & 2pm
20-27 - 5th Asian Youth Day, Imus, Cavite & other dioceses
21 - Diocesan Gen. Assembly, F & LM, OLPGV Parish Center
- Meeting, MPPPI, Casa Gemma, 5pm
22 - SOLEMNITY, CHRIST THE KING
23 - Diocesan Celebration, Christ the King,NDMU, 7-8:30am. Registration. 4pm Mass.
24 - Pastoral Visit , NDDU, Gen. Santos, 8:30 arrival
25 - Fiesta Mass, Glan, 9 am
26-Dec. 2 - Mindanao Week of Peace
26 - Mass & Confirmation Lagao, 9 am & 2 pm
27 - Fiesta Mass, Banga
28 - Diocesan General Assembly, LLM, Christ the King Cathedral & St. Anthony Parish Gym.
30 Clergy – Religious Day, Coco Beach, Glan
30 Evening - Dec. 1 Clergy Recollection, Water Gran Resort, GSC

No. 550, 13 October 2009

2010-01-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

1. BENEDICT XVI’s VIDEO MESSAGE TO CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT
Pope Benedict XVI sent a video message to participants in the UN summit on climate change held in New York on 22 September 2009.

“The Earth is indeed a precious gift of the Creator Who, in designing its intrinsic order, has given us guidelines that assist us as stewards of His creation…natural environment is given by God to everyone, and our use of it entails a personal responsibility towards humanity as a whole, particularly towards the poor and towards future generations.

“The economic and social costs of using up shared resources must be recognized with transparency and borne by those who incur them, and not by other peoples or future generations.”

“The protection of the environment, and the safeguarding of resources and of the climate, oblige all leaders to act jointly, respecting the law and promoting solidarity with the weakest regions of the world.”

“Together we can build an integral human development beneficial for all peoples, present and future, a development inspired by the values of charity in truth”.

“For this to happen it is essential that the current model of global development be transformed through a greater, and shared, acceptance of responsibility for creation: this is demanded not only by environmental factors, but also by the scandal of hunger and human misery”.

He concluded by inviting the participants “to enter into their discussions constructively and with generous courage…to exercise responsible stewardship of creation, to use resources in such a way that every individual and community can live with dignity and to develop that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God” (VIS).

2. GOVERNOR FUENTES REPORTS ON MINING IN TAMPAKAN
Governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes reported to the Bishop on September 15, 2009 the following:

1. Illegal “banlas” operations are on going;

2. They are within the SMI area of exploration and therefore it is their primary obligation to police the area from illegal activities;

3. Most of “banlas” financiers and “banlaseros” are relatives of either barangays and/or municipal officials.

4. SMI Management is afraid of incurring the wrath of “banlaseros”;

5. Political leaders are afraid to intervene for fear of losing political support;

6. The local PNP is uncooperative;

7. The Acting Municipal Mayor has been reported to secretly support certain “banlaseros”.

Governor Fuentes who has been working very hard to apprehend the financiers and “banlaseros” is hopeful she would have more success in the immediate future.

Governor Fuentes’ dedication to protecting the environment for the present and future generations is very commendable. Thank you, dear Governor.

3. 24TH NATIONAL MEETING OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF LITURGY (NMDDL)
The 24th NMDDL took place in Baguio on 21-24 September 2009.

Theme: “The Music of Liturgical Year”.

Topics and speakers:

1. Theology and Themes of the Liturgical Year, Fr. Anscar J. Chupongco, OSB

2. Advent and Christmas Seasons, Fr. Nilo Mangussad

3. Season of Lent and Holy Week, Dr. Josefina Manabat

4. Easter Season, Fr. Benidus Ma. Maramba, OSB

5. Sundays in Ordinary Time, Fr. Manuel Francisco, SJ

6. Solemnities and Feasts of the Lord, Fr. Timoteo Ofrasio, SJ

7. Testimonial for Fr. E. Hontiveros, SJ and Conferral of Sacrosanctum Concilium Award for Liturgical Music.

Participants from Marbel: Fr. Romeo A. Subaldo, Chair, COWL; Tertuliana L. Perez, DLC Secretary; Romelita Arguelles, OLPGV Parish; Rose Bulao, Marbel; Elizabeth Lomocso, Alabel; Rosabella P. Ranara, Polomolok; Angelie Rondano, Glan; Elizabeth Tanco, T’boli (8 delegates) (Reported by T.L.P.)

Conclusions:
1. Sacred Music is connected with liturgical action and liturgical year.

2. Each season possesses distinct character and content.

3. Gregorian Chant is a useful guide.

4. Composers are encouraged to use the liturgical texts in the Sacramentary and Lectionary.

5. Official translations must be strictly followed, especially the Our Father and Glory be.

6. Quality of musical performance is highly valued. Choral singing is allowed, especially on Christmas and Easter.

4. KORONADAL CITY LAUNCHES EIGHT (8) CORE VALUES
As part of the celebration of the 9th Charter Anniversary of the City of Koronadal, Mayor Fernando Q. Miguel launched the 8 Core Values designed to build the Character of the People of Koronadal on 05 October 20089.

These 8 core values are: Love of God, Love of Country, Respectfulness, Integrity, Discipline, Commitment, Stewardship and Competitiveness.

No. 549, 12 October 2009

2010-01-19T23:57:00.000-08:00

1. CULMINATION, VOCATION MONTH
Culmination of Vocation Month took place on 27 September 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish’s gym.

Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez presided during the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Mhandy Malijan, OP, delivered the homily.

Activities: 5 minute sharing by representatives of religious congregations; intermission numbers by students from different schools; film showing of “May Call waiting Ka Ba?”; small group discussions; and vocation photo exhibits.

Around 740 registered. Banga parish was not represented.

Congregations represented: Passionist Fathers (CP), Marist Brothers (FMS); Dominican Fathers (OP); Passionist Sisters of St. Paul of the Cross (CP); Marist Sisters (SMSM); OND Sisters; Siena Sisters (OP); DST Sisters; Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart (SFCS); SPC Sisters and Camillian Sisters. AR Sisters were present the night before.

Schools represented: NDDU; NDMU-IBED; Notre Dame of Milbuk; ND Kiamba; ND Maitum; ND Maasim; ND Glan; ND New Iloilo; ND Sto. Niño; ND Norala; and ND Siena School of Marbel.

Mrs. Consuelo Sarcon, President, Lay Vocation Promoters thanked everybody.

Theme: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jer. 3:15) (From Fr. Ariel Destora’s report)

2. PASTORAL VISITS
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez visited Notre Dame of Marbel University on 24 September 2009 and Notre Dame of Marbel University-IBED on 9 October 2009.

Schedule: 8am – Mass. 9:45 – conference with students. 10:45 – conference with faculty.

Main topics: good governance (election 2010), “Gospel of Five Fingers” (mt. 25: 35-40 – Basic needs) and Environment Stewardship (Mining and Coal Fired Power Plant)

3. DIOCESAN CELEBRATION, CHRIST THE KING
The Diocese of Marbel will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 2009 (Monday) at NDMU Complex, Koronadal City.

Theme: “Christ the King and Climate Change/ Global Warming”.
Salient features will be the talk and focused group discussions. Groupings will be by parishes and mission stations (27 FGDs).

The FGDs will tackle only one question: What do we do to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and global warming?

Parishes will be clustered according to their vicariates. Only 5 reports for the plenum.

Preparatory meetings on 16 October and 13 November 2009 at 2:00pm, Bp.’s residence.

As usual St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Marbel will prepare supplementary food.

Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, Vicar General, is the over-all Coordinator.

4. MOTHER BUTLER MISSION GUILD (MBMG) HOLDS MINDANAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE
The MBMG Regional Conference was held at EMR Convention Center, Koronadal City on 10-11 October 2009.

Theme: “MBMG: Witnesses to the Word of God Today”.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez presided the opening mass at Christ the King Cathedral.

Bishop’s homily was based on Christ’s words: “Blest are they who hear the Word of God and Keep it”. (Lk. 11:28). He explained the voice, face, house and roads of the Word (Synod of Bishops’ “Message”, Oct. 2008). He exhorted all to witness to the Word constantly to avoid calamities.

Sis. Ma. Paz Henson, National President inspired the participants to be living witnesses.

Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cotabato talked on Reproductive Health Bill, among others.

Bishop Romulo T. de le Cruz of Kidapawan gave the keynote address. He was also the presider during the closing mass on October 11th.

Sis Letecia Munda, Vice President for Mindanao gave a message.

Sis. Sonia Gempesaw, Past National President closed the conference, thanking everyone.

Person responsible was Sis. Lucita P. Millan, President, Marbel Chapter.

Attendance 309. Mati – 54. Tagum – 54. Marbel – 18. Digos – 16. Davao – 15. Zamboanga – 13. BAsilan – 11. Cagayan de Oro – 4. National Officers – 4. (Reported by L.P.M.).

5. BENEDICT XVI: “THE ROLE OF PRIESTS IS IRREPLACEABLE”
Pope Benedict XVI received some prelates from Brazil on 17 September at Castelgandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence.

“Priests must distance themselves from politics (partisan) in order to favour the unity and communion of all the faithful, thus becoming a point of reference for everyone”.

“The function of the clergy is essential and irreplaceable in announcing the word and Celebrating the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist…For this reason it is vital to ask the Lord to send workers for his harvest; and it is necessary that priests express joy in their faithfulness to their identity”.

No. 548, 07 October 2009

2010-01-19T23:54:00.000-08:00

1. CLERGY’S JOINT RECOLLECTION
Fifty-one (51) clerics in Marbel Diocese: Passionist, Diocesan and Redeptorist, attended the monthly recollection on 5-6 October 2009 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City.

Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcon, OP, facilitated it.

Born on 26 October 1937. Ordained priest: 31 May 1964. First Prior Provincial, Philippine Dominican Province, 1971.

Ph. D. Education. 1972 TOYM awardee. Founded Angelicum Experience, First non-graded school system in the Philippines. Founder and former President of Ethiopia Catholic University of St. Thomas Aquinas (ECUSTA). Presently assigned in Sto. Domingo Convent, Quezon City.

Topic: “OBEDIENCE”. Methodology: Story telling.

Adult life is shaped by childhood experiences. His father was a military officer: exact, strict, but loving. He put premium on punctuality. His mother, a pharmacist, did everything exactly. She was a good cook. Very religious. Two of three children became priest and religious sister.

Obedience for Fr. Alarcon, is easy.

He entered the Order of Preacher because the Dominicans have only one professed vow: obedience. The rest are implied.

First Dominican postulants were trained for mission in Asia. But Fr. Alarcon was sent to study education after his ordination. No problem.

His childhood experience of obedience made him accept willingly all assignments and appointments.

Obedience is fundamentally being CLAIMED. Claimed by God. Claimed by God’s people. Priests are no longer their own.

Priesthood is a choice. A choice to listen attentively to God. Like Mary, priests should answer: “Yes, Lord”.

Thus, at the heart of obedience is a constant attentiveness to God’s voice. This is discernment.

Discerning also means listening to others’ needs. And responding accordingly.

Obedience is listening with the “ears of the heart”, making oneself available and adapting to any situation. St. John Mary Vianney made himself available to thousands of penitents. He easily adapted himself to all kinds of penitents. St. John Vianney’s obedience found full embodiment in his conscientious fidelity to the daily demands of ministry. His Golden Rule is “Do only what can be offered to the good Lord”. Let the Lord do the rest.

Summary. “Obedience is a risky enterprise. It leaves one vulnerable in a way that little else is done in one’s life. It challenges one’s personal preferences, mitigates one’s independence, and engages one’s personal authority at sometimes gut-wrenching depths” (Mary Pellegrino, CSJ).

God’s will is manifested in people, events and places.

Fr. Alarcon’s early priestly experiences were with the rich and powerful. UST was school for the rich.

His experiences in a leper colony later on were totally different. Initially he felt revulsion, fear, uneasiness. Seeing a family of 6 lepers eat from one plate shocked him. He was at first hesitant to touch a leper’s sores. He did touch the sores after a while. The leper was convinced of the priest’s sincerity to help. And Fr. Alarcon’s attitude changed. Now he is comfortable with lepers.

Love conquers all!

Vatican II and PCP II are events of renewal. Up to now, however, there is no substantial change, why? Because priests are hesitant to leave their comfort zones. Unless priests listen attentively to the Holy Spirit who inspired these two events, renewal will just remain a beautiful dream!

Fr. Alarcon’s appointments were always preceded by suffering. He cannot bear pain. But he made a bargain with God. God would remove pain and he would obey completely. 1955 was the first and last time he was hospitalized.

The late Cardinal Sin wanted a Dominican priest to work among the poor. He requested Fr. Alarcon, then Prior Provincial to send a priest to that place. There was no taker. So Fr. Alarcon himself became a chaplain to that poor area: a little chapel, no house for priest, no household help. But he happily ministered to the poor, in obedience to God. Now, that area is a progressive parish.

Obedience, then, should not be associated to any person, but to the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is our model. He was always obedient to the Father. “Your will be done”.

Thank you Fr. Alarcon and Fr. Bien Trinilla, Coordinator of resource persons for priests’ monthly recollection.

2. SAMARIA-CURSILLO HOLDS DIOCESAN GRAND ULTREYA
638 participants registered for the 11th Diocesan Grand Ultreya of the Samaria-Cursillo held 26 September 2009 at the Marbel Parish Gym, Koronadal City. Biggest delegation came from Marbel (205), followed by Sto. Niño (80), and Tupi (56). Attendance was slightly affected by early morning rain brought by typhoon Ondoy.

Speaker for the occasion was Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez, D.D., who spoke on the theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”. The Bishop explained the four images of the Word of God: the Voice, the Face, the House, and the Roads of the Word.

Main celebrant for the Mass was Fr. Ivan Obando, OP, assisted by Fr. Forting Ferolino and Fr. Roming Buenaobra as concelebrants. (Reported by Fr. Roming Buenaobra).

No. 547, 23 September 2009

2010-01-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

1. CELIBACY BEYOND SEX
Forty-eight (48) priests and deacon attended the recollection on August 31 – September 1, 2009 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City. Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP facilitated.

Main topic is “Celibacy Beyond Sex”. Celibacy is not about sex or the absence of sex; celibacy is about freedom. Freedom for, not freedom from. Not freedom from physical, psychological or moral restraint. The perfection of freedom from is to become independent “no more, no less”.

Do priests want to be free from responsibility? To become a happy go lucky person? Is being free means to be independent? Or do we have to ask, “are we dependable?”

Freedom for. “…unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Christ came down from heaven and died. He harvested numerous souls for the Father.

Celibacy taken voluntarily is one great expression of freedom for – for moving towards Christ and His Gospel and interests – the people. Celibacy is therefore religious freedom. Freedom for God and His people. A liturgical act. A Eucharistic sacrifice. A total self-offering. An altar offering. Hopefully such act would result into rich harvest.

Celibacy is, thus, a means to an end: glory of God and salvation of souls.

Celibacy is the proof that priests are God’s best friends. Always the “best men” of God, never the bride’s grooms.

Priests are, hence, in intimate relationship with God. The best way of expressing this intimacy is communion among priests or the Presbyterium. Cellphones do not promote intimacy. Neither does, “one night stand”.

Intimacy goes beyond sex. It is friendship.

The second topic is “Kindness”. “Love is always patient and kind” (1 Cor. 13:4).

Kindness is love which touches. Kindness is charity which touches us. Unless we are touched, we will never be inspired. Unless we are inspired we will never be patient. Patience is charity which endures.

Patience is stronger than courage.

Kindness is charity in action. The dynamic of love is human touch, ex. Handshake. Two palms set together show love as unity and distance. Without nearness we stand apart; without distance, there is collision (or suffocation).

Jesus is kind (Mk. 5:21-43). The woman with a hemorrhage for 12 years touched Jesus ‘clothes’ and was cured by Jesus. He cured Jairus’ daughter by taking her hand (Touching) and saying “Talitha Cum-‘Little Girl’ (Inday) get up”, Jesus is an expert in human touch. To be touched and to touch.

Culture of touch versus culture of pushing. Kindness is precisely the meaning of priestly touch. It is called empathy: to put oneself into the shoes of another (English); put oneself into the gloves of another (Italian); put oneself into the skin of another (French).

Kindness is self-giving because one has self-possession. If we do not posses ourselves we will explode. However, DO NOT ABUSE THE TOUCH.

Celibacy empowers priest with the versality of spirit to be empathetic to everyone. Sexual abuse obscures the meaning of priestly touch.

Words are touchy. Kind words that touch, that create history, that cause change. The prophetic words in Sacred Scripture create history and change – words that cause CHANGE: “I love you”. We must also say “Sorry”, “Thank you” (From the report by Fr. Angel B.)

2. CARE FOR THE PLANET EARTH
“God settled him (Adam) in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15-16).

Care for the earth is our mission, our duty.

To prevent the earth from being polluted a diocesan wide mobilization took place in Maasim, Sarangani Province, on 14 September 2009. Against the proposed Coal Fired Power Plant (CFPP) in Kamanga, Maasim.

Mass action was preceded by the mass concelebrated by 23 priests and Bishop Dinualdo. The occasion was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Christ’s crucifixion and death freed us from sin, death and Satan-God’s enemy. Christ’s humiliation resulted in His exaltation. His name is above every other name; his power, above all other powers.

Coal fired power plant is a dirty source of energy. It emits carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, lead, mercury, zinc and other heavy metals which are threats to human life and the environment.

Most nations have discarded CFPP. Our government is supporting it.

Zeal for God, for life (Human and non-human) and for the environment moved some 5,000 from almost all the 48 Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs/GKKs) in Maasim parish and many parishes of the Diocese to join the prayer rally after the mass.

We pray that CONAL HOGDINGS and their Thai partner would discard their plan to put up the CFPP.

3. FR, EDWIN FLOR, CP, INSTALLED MISSION DIRECTOR
Fr. Edwin was installed Mission Director during the Ethnic B’laan Mass presided by Bishop Dinualdo and concelebrated by 15 Passionist priests last September 15, 2009 at the St. Paul of the Cross Novitiate Chapel, General Santos City.

Fr. Edwin will be assisted by Fr. Meliton Aparece, CP, Fr. Rey Corvyn Ondop, CP and Fr. William Pondo, CP (a B’laan). Main beneficiaries are the B’laans.

4. EIDEL F’TER
Eidel F’ter is a Muslim celebration after their Ramadan (Fasting).

More than 2,500 Muslims and well wishers gathered in MSU-CETD campus in General Santos City.

Sharing of foods donated by parishes, schools and individuals climaxed the closing of the Eidel F’ter. (Report by Fr. Angel B.)

No. 546, 21 September 2009

2010-01-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

1. “YOU DID IT TO ME” (Mt. 25: 40)
“You did it to me” is the theme of the Spiritual Exercises held in Taipei, Taiwan last September 6-11, 2009. This theme is called “The Gospel of the Five Fingers”.

Organized by the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” (One Heart) it was hosted by Fu Jen Catholic University (Population: 26,000).

Aims: formation of the hearts of charity workers in Asia and deepening of their faith.

Participants: over 400 persons from 29 Asian countries and 260 dioceses. Five Cardinals (including Card. Rosales), around 60 bishops (15 Filipinos), priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay. They are responsible for the Church’s “diakonia” (service). Charity given to the needy is given to Christ: “You did it to me”.

Spiritual exercises: daily masses, morning and evening prayers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with benediction; Stations of the Cross with meditation, meditated rosary (prepared by Mother Theresa of Calcutta), sacrament of reconciliation, discussion in groups (16 groups), reporting and open fora.

Bro. Yesudas, MC, former superior general of the Brothers Missionary of Charity, gave the conferences in lieu of Sr. Nirmala Joshi, MC, who was sick.

Jesus’ deeds are signs of his saving work. Exterior deeds can and should arouse faith.

He calls us to have a new heart. “I shall give you a new heart and put a new Spirit in you”. (Ez. 36:26).

Cultivate a sense of belonging to Jesus and believe him: Everyone who believes in him may not be lost” (Jh. 3:16)

This sense of belonging was revealed at the Wedding in Cana. Mary could request Jesus to do something about the problem – no more wine – and could tell the servants “Do whatever he tells you”, because of her intimate relationship to Jesus (Jh. 2: 1-11).

Relationship with others based on love – love even of one’s enemies (Lk. 6:27).

Jesus wants us to be compassionate as the “Father is compassionate” (Lk. 6:36). Peter showed this compassion when he raised a woman to life at Jaffa (Acts 6:36).

Jesus himself restored to life the son of the widow of Naim because he felt sorry for her whose son is her only means of support (Lk. 7: 13-16).

We are Children of God. “Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The Spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear to your lives again; it is the Spirit of sons and makes us cry out ‘Abba, Father’…co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8: 15-17).

Belonging to Christ and united with Christ we should look at life through the eyes of Jesus. This will lead us to change our life of mediocrity, marked by arrogance, minimalization, resentment and unkind words. As a result, we shall have a new heart, a new spirit, a new lifestyle – always aiming high.

Nathanael is an example of this new heart. Jesus said, “There is an Israelite who deserves the name (Israel – strong before God) incapable of deceit” (Jh. 1:47). Nathanael’s heart is open, sincere, honest. He desires to see Jesus, to be with Jesus experiencing Jesus’ presence.

Compassion for sinners. Zacchaeus desired to see Jesus. Jesus desired to see Zacchaeus and dine with him. This encounter resulted in Zacchaeus being converted. He decided to make restitution (Lk. 19: 1-10).

Compassion was also shown to the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well in Samaria. Such encounter with Jesus resulted in the woman’s decision to leave her many “husbands” (Jh. 4: 7ff).

On the Cross Jesus “thirsted” for our souls. He thirsted for our holiness. We stand with Mary at the foot of the cross and listen to Christ’s anguish and feel his pain.

Only when we love him in return with love so pure and universal would his thirst be quenched.

And so, when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit the prisoner could we hear Christ say “in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, YOU DID IT TO ME” (Mt. 25: 35-40).

And we will enter God’s Kingdom (Mt. 25:34).

2. OCTOBER SCHEDULE
01 - Fiesta Mass, Tupi, 10am
03 - Mass & Confirmation, Alabel, 9:30am
05-06 - Joint Clergy Recollection, Villa Princessita, Koronadal. Starts after Supper. Ends noon.
08 - Mass & Con., O.L. Fatima P., 10am
- Mass & Con., Holy Cross P., 3pm
09 - Pastoral Visit, IBED-NDMU, 8-12am
10-11 - Mindanao Assembly, Mo. Butler’s Mission Guild, welcome mass, 9:30am
11 - Indigenous Peoples Sunday. Second Collection for ECIP.
- Canonization, St. Damian de Veuster (Belgian), Rome.
- Canonization, St. Rafael Arnaiz, Barón (Spain)
13 - Fiesta Mass, OLPGV Parish, 9am
13-15 - Clergy Discernment, Lay Form, San Carlos Sem., Makati
15 - Mass & Con., Jesus, Good Shepherd Parish, 10 am
17 - “Talakayan sa DXCP”, 10:30am
- Meeting, DEC, 3:30pm
- Meeting, Marbel PPPI, Casa Gemma, K.C., 5pm
18 - Mission Sunday. Meeting, SCCC Board, DXCP, 4pm
20 - Talk. Couples for Christ, Xavier School, Greenhills, 8pm
23 - Mass & Con., St. Michael Parish
27-28 - Meeting, ECSA-JP, CBCP, Manila, 8:30am
30 - Mass & Con., T’boli, 10am
31 - Diocesan Assembly, Kriska. Tampakan Municipal Gym, 8:30am

3. OCTOBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful Birthday Greetings to: Fr. Ricky Legario (Oct. 1); Fr. Rey Joloro (Oct. 4); Fr. Jerome Millan (Oct. 6); Fr. Romeo Subaldo (Oct. 6); Fr. Fortunato Ferolino (Oct. 14); Fr. Angelo Buenavides (Oct. 16); Fr. Raffy Cabrido (Oct. 24); Fr. Antonio Chua (Oct. 24); Fr. Reil Posas (Oct. 27); Fr. Michelle Tacogue (Oct. 27) and Fr. Cristito Joloro (Oct. 30).

4. OCTOBER ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to: Frs. Alexander Salas and Ricky Legario (Oct. 15); Frs. Leonardo Rano and Francisco Romano (Oct. 18); Fr. Sinon Alcarde (Oct. 26); Fr. Cerilo Casicas (Oct. 27); Frs. Angelo Buenavides and Reynaldo Mission (Oct. 28); Frs. Romeo Catedral and Jonathan Sarcon.

No. 545, 21 August 2009

2010-01-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

1. INTERFAITH YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2009 HELD
Tri-people youth leaders of Polomolok, South Cotabato gathered in Barangay Sulit, Polomolok for the YLS on Augsut 13-16, 2009.

The Interfaith Youth Leadership Summit (YSL) was a four-day stay-in activity. It was conducted jointly by LGU Polomolok, Center for Moderate Muslim (CMM), NACTAG, 27IB, 10ID in cooperation with National Youth Council, OMA, DepEd, etc.

Main objectives: 1) importance of peace and order and; 2) good leadership.

Speakers from the Catholic religion: Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr, “ Fundamentals of Christianity and Christian Culture and Tradition”, Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, “Christian perspective on Inter-Religious Dialogue” ; and Fr. Romeo Intengan, SJ, “Teachings of Jesus Christ on Peace and Order and Good Leadership”.

Bishop Dinualdo said that before Vatican II dialogue was not used in the Church. In 1965 Vatican II came out with the Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions “Nostra Aetate” (In Our Time).

NA declares “all peoples comprise a simple community and have a common origin” – God (n. 1).

We accept what is “truly and holy” in other religions. Respect their “ways of conduct and of life, rules and teachings”. So the Church exhorts us to prudently and lovingly, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, and in witness of Christian faith and life, acknowledge, preserve and promote the spiritual and moral goods found among these men, as well as the values in their society and culture” (n. 2)

The Church exhorts us to be actively engaged in inter-religious dialogue.

This engagement has four levels:
1st. Dialogue of life. A neighborly encounter of respect and hospitality.

2nd. Dialogue of Collaboration. Cooperation in social concerns, such as human rights and environmental protection.

3rd. Dialogue of Theological Discussion. Study of each other’s beliefs and spiritual values.

4th. Dialogue of Religious Experience: joint prayers, shared reflections, participation in liturgical celebrations, etc.

The Bishops-Ulama Conference founded in 1996 is a venue for these 4 levels of dialogue. Muslim religious leaders, protestant bishops and pastors and Mindanao Catholic Bishops usually come together every quarter, pray together, discuss issues together and work together towards peace in Mindanao.

Some 220 youth leaders participated in the YSL. (note. Bp. Dinualdo delivered his talk in Tagalog, answered questions in Visaya)

2. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HOLDS 23RD CONVENTION
The Association of Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Marbel (AKCDM) held its 23rd Annual Diocesan Convention last August 09, 2009 at Dole Recreation center, Barangay Cannery Site, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”.

Bishop’s homily touched on the Word of God as voice, face, house and roads.

Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the “bread that came down from heaven – our nourishment as we journey towards the kingdom, like the prophet Elijah who was nourished by an angel for his journey to the mountain of God, Horeb.

Elected officers were: SK Pio Mariñas – President. SK Francisco Romero – Vice President. SK Chito Julio Diaz was appointed Secretary.

Hosts: Districts M-80 and M-88. Convention Chairman – SK Robles B. Caldea, DD-M-80.

Attendance: 394 Knights and some ladies.

3. 5TH ASIAN YOUTH CROSS PILGRIMAGE
In preparation for the 5th Asian Youth Day to be held in Imus Diocese, 20-27 November 2009 the Diocese of Marbel hosted the 5th Asian Youth cross Pilgrimage on August 18-19, 2009 at Christ the King Cathedral and parish gym.

Bishop Dinualdo’s message was Eph. 3:18 “…grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth”…of Christ’s love. Christ’s love is universal (breadth), everlasting (length), merciful and forgiving (depth), and elevating… to union with God (height).

The enthusiasm of some 400 youth was inspiring.

Mr. Arnold O. Araña of Marbel is the Diocesan Youth Leader. The youthful Fr. Ricardo Pajarillo, Jr. is the Diocesan Chaplain.

4. SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE
01 - Clergy’s Recollection, Villa Princesita,Koronadal City, Starts evening of August 31st.
3-4 - Meeting, ECSA, Manila
7-11 - Spiritual Exercises hosted by COR UNUM,Christian Youth Activity Center, Fu Jen Cath. Univ. Taipei
14 - Fiesta Mass, Maasim, 10am., Caravan-Rally, 1pm.
15 - Installation, Fr. Edwin Flor, CP, Mission Director, B’laans, CP Novitiate, GSC. Tentative.
16 - Mass & Confirmation, Tupi, 10am and 1pm
17 - Meeting, F & LM, OLPGVP, GSC, 10am
18 - Meeting, Diocesan Schools’ Principals,Bp.’s Res., 10am.
19 - Press Con., DXCP, 10:30am
- Meeting, Marbel Paghidait Printing Press, Casa Gemma, 5pm
23 - Mass * Confirmation, Kiamba, 10am
24 - Pastoral Visit, NDMU, 8am-12noon.
26 - Diocesan Ultreya, Marbel Gym
27 - Culmination, Vocation Mo., OLPHS, 9am
28 - Fiesta Mass, T’boli, 10am
29 - Fiesta Mass, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 7:30am Mass and Blessing,Robinson,3pm, GSC

5. SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful Birthday Greetings to: Fr. Greto Bugas (Sept. 3) and Fr. Bonifacio Ampoyas (Sept. 24).

6. SEPTEMBER PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations to: Fr. Michelle Tacogue; Fr. Eugene Porras; Fr. Ruben Ocino; Fr. Elpidio Marintes; Fr. Robert Feguro; Fr. Ricky Emboltorio and Fr. Ariel Destora (September 09).

WELCOME TO MHANDY S. MALIJAN, OP
Ordained June 24, 2009. from Tanay, Rizal.
Theology: UST. BSERE: Siena College, Q.C. Address: DYC, GSC

No. 544, 10 August 2009

2010-01-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

PRIESTLY SPIRITUALITY
Spirituality is relationship with God and neighbors.

PRENOTE
Pope Benedict XVI declared June 2009-June 2010 “Jubilee Year for Priests”. Year 2009 is St. John Mary Vianney’s 150th death anniversary. Pius XI declared St. John Vianney “Patron of the Universal Clergy”. St. John, Parish Priest of Ars (near Lyons, France) exclaimed” “O how great is a priest! The priest will not understand the greatness of his office until he is in heaven”.

I. BIBLICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD

A. The Old Testament Background
Patriarchs performed priestly function of offering sacrifice (Gen. 22:2, 31:54).

Later on priests were taken from the tribe of Levi. They were educated and trained by the tribe. They must be holy because God is holy (Lev. 19:2) and they handled things that belong to God.

One must be installed in the priestly office. This installation involves the “filling of the hands” (Ex. 32:9). This gesture meant priests will receive revenue from the people.

Deuteronomy 33:8-10 describes three basic functions of the Israelite priesthood: 1) disclosing and proclaiming God’s will to the people (gradually taken over by prophets); 2) teaching the law of God (Scribes took over this teaching function); and 3) offering sacrifice (the only priestly function retained).

B. The New Testament Background

1. The New Testament Antecedents of the Priestly Ministry
a) Charismatic Antecedents (Roles defined by charism/vocation).
(1) The Disciples
“Discipulus” means student. Christian discipleship involves patterning oneself on Christ. Disciples left everything to follow Christ (poverty); renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom (chastity/celibacy) and imitated Christ, obedient unto death (obedience). The NT picture of the disciple has greatly influenced the spirituality of the priesthood. The key note of discipleship is the close
following of Jesus.

2. The Apostles
Apostleship is a post-resurrection concept. The Twelve Disciples became the Twelve Apostles after Jesus sent them: “as the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jh. 20:21). Keynote is service, primarily service to Jesus by representing him. Christ is the origin and goal of apostolic service.
Forms of apostolic service: (1) service of ordinary work; (2) of collecting money;(3) Prayer-Liturgy; (4) suffering; (5) correcting.

b) Institutional Antecedents (Roles are defined by organizational demands)
(1) Presbyter-Bishop.
While the apostle is a missionary figure, founding communities and being itinerant, the presbyter-bishop is a residential figure. He is responsible for the communities founded by the apostles.

Traits necessary for the ministry of administration (institutional) are enumerated in Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9: they must be above reproach, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, gentle and not quarrelsome.

The presbyter-bishop is responsible for maintaining unity and stability.

(2) Eucharistic President
This is the NT role that caused Christian ministry to be understood precisely as priesthood.

In the 2nd century, the role of presbyter-bishop was fused with that of the Eucharistic president.

II. THE ICONIC (IMAGE-LIKE) CHARACTER OF THE MINISTERIAL PRIESTHOOD

MINISTERIAL PRIESTHOOD

The Christian priesthood is of a sacramental nature. The priest is a sign, the supernatural effectiveness of which comes from ordination received, but a sign that must be perceptible and which the faithful must be able to recognize with ease.

St. Thomas: “SACRAMENTAL SIGNS REPRESENT WHAT THEY SIGNIFY BY NATURAL RESEMBLANCE”.

The sacramental character of the priesthood means that there ought to be a RESEMBLANCE between the POOR, CHASTE and OBEDIENT CHRIST and the priest who acts in his person.

Priestly spirituality is, therefore, IMAGING Christ who is poor, chaste and obedient.

POSTNOTES

1. Fr. Gerald Francisco Timoner III, OP gave this talk on “Priestly Spirituality during the Clergy’s recollection, August 3-4, 2009, Durian Resort, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

2. Fr. Gerald was born on January 26, 1968 in Daet, Camarines Norte. Ordained priest on May 14, 1995. S.T.L. Nijmegan, The Netherlands. At present, Rector, UST Central Seminary, Manila.

3. Some 60 priests: Diocesan, Passionists and Redemptorists attended.

4. Fr. Antonio Chua was elected Vicar Forane, Koronadal Valley Area Vicariate, by priests in the Vicariate and confirmed immediately by the Bishop.

5. Thanks to Fr. Gerald and Fr. Bien Trinilla, OP, Prior of Sto. Domingo, Manila, Coordinator of resource persons for the clergy’s monthly recollection.

No. 543, 29 July 2009

2010-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

ENCYCLICAL LETTER ‘CARITAS IN VERITATE’ ON INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN CHARITY AND TRUTH, Rome, 29 June 2009.

Introduction
Charity in truth is “the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity”. Love leads to engagement in the field of justice and peace. “Love and truth come from God” (n-1).

Truth and charity are closely linked. Only in truth does charity shine forth. God is both agape and logos – love and truth (n. 3).

Caritas in veritate is the principle that governs moral action; that leads to justice and the common good (n. 6).

Chapter One
Message of Populorum Progressio is one of charity and truth (n. 10).

Two important truths: integral human development and authentic human development concerns the whole of the person in every single dimension (n. 11; PP. 14).

Christian charity is the principal force at the service of development (n. 13).

Integral human development presupposes responsible freedom (n. 17).

Integral human developments demands respect for truth (n. 18).

Chapter Two. Human Development in our Time.
Today new forms of poverty are emerging. Corruption, abuse of workers’ rights (n. 22).

Openness to life is at the centre of true development (n. 28).

Globalization must be guided by charity in truth (n. 33).

Chapter Three. Fraternity, Economic Development and Civil Society.
“Charity in truth is a force that builds community; it brings all people together without imposing barriers or limits” (n.34).

“The market is the economic institution that permits encounter between persons. Market is subject to commutative justice, distributive justice and social justice” (n. 35).

John Paul II mentions a system with 3 subjects: market, state, and civil society (Centesimmus Annus, 35, n.38), “He saw civil society as the most natural setting for an economy of gratuitousness and fraternity” (n.38).
Globalization directed towards “communion and sharing of goods” (n.42).

Chapter Four. The Development of People, Rights and Duties, the Environment
Human solidarity which benefits us, also imposes a duty. “The sharing of reciprocal duties is a more powerful incentive to action than the mere assertion of rights” (n. 43).

Development is closely related to the natural environment. Environment is God’s gift to everyone and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole” (48). Nature expresses a design of love and truth. “Consequently projects for integral human development cannot ignore coming generations, but need to be marked by solidarity and intergenerational justice, while taking into account a variety of contexts: ecological, juridical, economic, political and cultural” (n. 48).

“Responsible stewardship over nature, in order to protect it, to enjoy its fruits and to cultivate it new ways, with the assistance of advanced technologies, so that, it can worthily accommodate and feed the world’s population (n.50).

“The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere. In so doing, she must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone – she must above all protect mankind from self-destruction (n. 51).

Chapter Five. Cooperation of Human Family
Poverty is born from isolation, from not being loved and from difficulties in being able to love. “The development of people depends, above all, on a recognition that the human race is a single family working together in true communion, not simply a group of subjects who happen to live side by side” (n. 53).

“The principle of subsidiarity must remain closely linked to the principle of solidarity and vice-versa. This general rule applies also to international development aid” (n.59).

“Cooperation for development…offers a wonderful opportunity for encounter between cultures and peoples” (n. 59).

“Development aid for poor countries must be considered a valid means of creating wealth for all” (n. 60).

“Greater access to education (the complete formation of the person) is an essential precondition for effective international cooperation” (n.61).

Chapter Six. The Development of Peoples and Technology.
“Technology…is linked to the autonomy and freedom of man (n. 69). It is a response to God’s command to till and to keep the land (n.69).

“Development is impossible without upright men and women, without financiers and politicians whose consciences are finely attuned to the requirement of the common good”(n.71).

Peace-building requires listening to the people and interpreting their expectations (n.72).

Technological development and means of social communications are linked together (n.73).

CONCLUSION
“The greatest service to development…is a Christian humanism that includes charity and truth" (n. 78).

No. 542, 27 July 2009

2010-01-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

1. BISHOPS’ ANNUAL RETREAT
Seventy-three (73) of 98 active bishops made their annual retreat on July 6-9, 2009 at Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay City.
Theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”.

Facilitators – lecturers and topics: “The Word of God is a Voice”, Bp. Luis-Antonio Tagle; “The Word of God has a Face” (Jesus), Bp. Arturo Bastes, SVD; “The House of the Word: the Church”, Bp. Pablo Virgilio David; The Roads of the Word: Mission”, Bp. Broderick Pabillo; “Synodal Propositions”, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI. Some propositions: Unity of the Word of God and the Eucharist; Living and Celebrating the Word of God in Liturgy; Institution, not only commissioning, of lectors; Word of God is the SOUL of pastoral initiatives and theological formation. Questions for reflection, after each talk.

The 5 facilitators were the CBCP’s delegates to the Synod of Bishops last October 2008.

Copies of talks, discs or hard copies, will be distributed to the bishops.

2. 99TH BISHOPS’ PLENARY ASSEMBLY (BPA)
The 99th BPA took place on July 11-12, 2009 at Pus XII Catholic Center, Manila.

Eighty-eight (88) of 98 active bishops participated. Seven of 32 retired bishops were also present.

Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio’s message was on “Gender”. Pope Benedict XVI clarified this sensitive theme in his Christmas address to the members of the Roman Curia. The language of creation- man and woman, male and female must be respected. Gender ideology pushes forward gender neutral terms as “couples”, “partners”, “parenting”. No more “husband” and “wife”; no “father”, no “mother”, no “maternity” nor “paternity”.

A 3-page pastoral statement on Lay Participation on Politics and Peace was approved after heated and long discussions. A summary of the 7 pastoral actions. People who are competent, credible and committed to change to get involved directly in “principled partisan politics. The laity are reminded of their right and duty to campaign for qualified candidates. People are encouraged to ensure credible, honest elections. Political education to be undertaken by Church personnel.

To abort the 2010 elections is condemnable. Con-Ass is not acceptable. “If Charter Change be needed, let it be after 2010 and by a mode that is credible widely participative, transparent and not self-serving”.

Pro-active peace-making is urgent. Life is sacred. It must be defended. Resume peace talk. Punish human rights’ violators. Multi-sectoral groups to monitor implementation of laws. Follow the path of peace: dialogue, openness, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, development and equitable distribution of goods.

Also approved without much opposition was the “Statement of Appeal to the Government of the Philippines” to: counter attempts to derail CARPER; counter the secession of 600,000 has. of public lands in Northern Luzon to Pacific Bio-Fields Holdings, Inc. for bio-fuel to be exported to Japan; and favour the serious implementation of Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) over large and contentious agricultural estates.

Elected President and Vice-President were Bp. Nereo P. Odchimar, Tandag and Arch. Jose S. Palma, Palo, respectively. Other officials were elected/re-elected. Term is two years, 2009-2011.

3. DIOCESAN CLERGY’S ANNUAL RETREAT
Forty-three (43) diocesan priests of Marbel made their annual retreat on July 20-24, 2009 at Holy Cross Retreat House, Calumpang, General Santos City.

Fr. Dominador “Domie” Guzman, SSP, was the facilitator.

A model for diocesan priests is St. John Mary Vianney who died in 1859. Pope Benedict XVI declared June 2009-2010 the Year for Priests to commemorate St. John Vianney’s 150th death anniversary.

Fr. Domie mentioned two aspects of the Saint’s life: spiritual life and pastoral life.

Summary of Fr. Domie’s talks. Priesthood is a confession of love, faith, hope and praise. Priests are servants, evangelizers in dialogue with culture. Priesthood is a call to excellence. To achieve excellence priests must be men of prayer – specially of liturgical prayers which come from the Word of God. (culled from reports of Fr. Alan Catigday and Deacon Joseph Morallon).

4. DIRECTORY, DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA (OP)
STA. CATALINA CONVENT- Regional House
Ladrera Street, Lagao, 9500 General Santos City
Tel: (083) 552-32-31
1. Sr. Estelita R. Carbon, O.P. - Regional Vicaress/Superior
2. Sr. Ma. Caridad V. Braña, O.P.
3. Sr. Eulalia Millan, O.P.
4. Sr. Lucia H. Sealmoy, O.P. - Regional Vocation Promoter

***NOTRE DAME-SIENA COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS***
NLSA Road Extension, Purok Masagana
Brgy. San Isidro, General Santos City
Tel: Convent: (083) 552-34-80
School: (083) 302-23-06 Fax: (083) 552-38-03
1. Sr. Virginia M. Balayon, O.P. - School Director/Superior
2. Sr. Florencia Cabañog, O.P.
3. Sr. Ma. Teresa A. Cruz, O.P. - School Treasurer
4. Sr. Agnes V. Cardiño, O.P.

MO. FRANCISCA SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Arradaza Street, Lagao
9500 General Santos City
Tel: (083) 552-69-48
1. Sr. Alfonsa Villanueva, O.P. - Superior/Administrator
2. Sr. Domitilla Ferraren, O.P.
3. Sr. Linda C. Rendon, O.P.
4. Sr. Jenen Ampoyas, O.P.- Treasurer

NOTRE DAME-SIENA SCHOOL OF MARBEL
Alunan Avenue, Koronadal City
Tel: School: (083) 228-2589 Fax: (083) 228-5124
Convent: (083) 228-4565
1. Sr. Anna Marie G. Gatmaytan, O.P.- Superior
2. Sr. Priscilla Ochoa, O.P.
3. Sr. Elizabeth Arguelles, O.P.
4. Sr. Mailyn P. Bolivar, O.P.-School Director
5. Sr. Jessie Corpuz, O.P.
6. Sr. Eden Valenciano, O.P.- School Treasurer

NOTRE DAME-SIENA COLLEGE OF POLOMOLOK
9504 Polomolok, South Cotabato
Tel: (083) 225-2097
Fax: (083) 225-2588
1. Sr. Ana Celestial, O.P. - Superior/ Director of BED
2. Sr. Michaela Bernardo, O.P.
3. Sr. Mercedes R. Lalisan, O.P.
4. Sr. Dolores Clarete, O.P.- School Treasurer

5. AUGUST SCHEDULE
01 - PRESS CONFERENCE, Bp. D. Gutierrez,DXCP, 10:30am. CBCP’s decisions
03-04 - Monthly Recollection, Clergy, c/o Fr. Chua
09 - 23rd K of C Diocesan Convention, Dolefil Gym,Cannery, Polomolok
11 - Feast of St. Claire, Poor Clares Monastery,Polomolok, 9:30am
14 - Meeting, DEC, Bp.’s Res., 3:30pm
- Meeting, Marbel PPPI, Casa Gemma, 5:00pm

6. AUGUST BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Prayerful birthday greetings to: Fr. Eugene Porras (August 01); Fr. Raul Vale (August 2) and Fr. Reynaldo Mission (August 30).