CBCP Monitor vol13-n1

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Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace

Vol. 13 No. 1 January 5 - 18, 2009 Php 20. 00

A3 Solution to poverty ispoverty, Pope proposesMakes distinction between

evangelical spirit and misery

UGNAYANThe News Supplement of

Couples for Christ

C1

B1Fighting poverty

to build peace

By Roy Lagarde

THE HEAD of the CatholicBishops Conference of thePhilippines (CBCP) said thatgreed and corruption, in allits forms, have been the majorcause of poverty and back-wardness.

CBCP President Archbishop AngelLagdameo has called on the people, tobe more proactive this year in combat-ing corruption as a matter of urgency.

He said corruption in the governmenthad delayed and complicated vital deci-sions over development projects, whichare meant to help large populations,especially the poor.

Lagdameo said that corrupt of cialand business people are trapping wholenations in poverty and hampering sus-tainable development.

The CBCP had called on leaders totackle corruption urgently, and makepledges which they can keep.

Lagdameo said that almost 50 percentof the countrys coffers are put to wastedue to large-scale corruption, greed,fraud and plunder.

It is greed that destroys the worldand its peace, unbridled and criminalgreed of individuals and institutions,he said in his New Years message, quot-ing Pope Benedict XVI.

The evil effects of greed are worse

and more widespread than the evils ofwar, the Jaro archbishop added quot-ing the Popes Christmas message.

Urgency Lagdameo said that corruption and

greed have kept Gods blessings fromreaching the needy, thus the urgencyto resolve the problem.

He added that such wrong actionsalso threaten to ruin the world and itspeace, and that its effects are worse thanthose of war.

Unfortunately, Gods countlessblessings have been and are obstructedor hindered from reaching their respec-tive targets, he lamented.

With this situation, he said the ques-tion now is whether the happy andprosperous New Year will be forwhom.

Lagdameo said that while theChurchs social action programs aimto alleviate poverty, there is much to beexpected from government appropria-tions for the poor.

While poverty alleviation is one ofthe Churchs social action programs,with restricted funds for charity, thereis much to be expected from large gov-ernment appropriations, not as acts ofcharity only, but as acts of justice andhonesty, he said.

Agents of hopeThe religious leader then asked the

CBCP chief calls for end to

corruption, poverty

Chief public attorney appeals to Church

leadersTHE Catholic Church should also look intothe plight of detention prisoners languish-ing in jail for more than 20 years, a publicprosecutor said.

Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, in an interview with CBCPNewsrecently said she is appealing to the CBCPhierarchy under the leadership of Jaro(Iloilo) Archbishop Angel Lagdameo andManila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal

Prelate says hesconvinced of PDEA

chiefs integrity LINGAYEN-Dagupan Archbishop OscarCruz said he believes in the integrity andcredibility of Philippine Drug EnforcementAgency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio

Santiago who has been in the spotlight latelyafter claims of attempted bribery recentlysurfaced.

Sitting along with print and broadcast journalists lately, the prelate shared hisobservation on the government officials

Appeal / A6Integrity / A6

Call / A6

Church urges prayer for safety of Filipinos in Gaza confictTHE Catholic Bishops Conference ofthe Philippines (CBCP) urged Chris-tians to pray for an end to the ongoingbloody con ict in the Gaza Strip.

Fr Edwin Corros, executive secretaryof the CBCPs Episcopal Commission onMigrants and Itinerant People (ECMI),said prayer is also needed for the safetyof the Filipinos caught in the cross re.

Let us intensify our prayers. We onlyhave the Lord to rely on. Lets pray that

they can overcome this, he said.Corros said they are concerned withthe condition of over 100 Filipinoscaught in the con ict. He said the can -

Gaza is too far from Jerusalem whereour contact is. Lebanon is also far. Now,I dont know how Filipinos can moveout of Gaza, he said.

The Israeli military began its militaryoffensive two weeks ago with the con ictescalating over the weekend when groundassault was initiated. Casualties have re-portedly reached 600, including civilians.

Around 121 Filipinos are based inthe Gaza Strip, most of whom have

already married Palestinians. Only 22have agreed to be repatriated back tothe Philippines but are being preventedby the tension. (CBCPNews)

Peoples participation needed in fght vs climate change

cellation of the evacuation of at least sixFilipinos there due to heavy shellingfurther fuelled their worries.

THE Manila archbishop, Gauden-cio Cardinal Rosales has called ongovernment leaders to respond withappropriate actions to the problemof economic crisis, saying that wide-spread poverty poses a threat to apeaceful existence.

For wherever more people arehungry, jobless and homeless, peace

is never securely established, the 76year-old cardinal said.In his New Years message, Rosa-

les pointed out widespread povertythat has rooted itself among people as the latest threat toworld peace.

Cardinal calls on govt leadersto act on economic crisis

WITH climate change becoming aglobal concern a sustained participationof people from various sectors is neededto address environmental problems.

Fr. Benito Tuazon, Ecology Directorof the Archdiocese of Manila said ex-isting environmental laws need strictimplementation to preserve the envi-ronment and make it livable.

In an interview with CBCPNews,Tuazon said government should be ableto enforce Republic Act 9003 known as

Clean Air Act because there are stillpublic and private vehicles that con-tinue to violate the law.

He called on government for moresolid and extensive program to ghtclimate change.

The priest also observed that wastemanagement had only been achievedin several villages.

The government and its partnersshould seriously consider harnessingrenewable energy including solar,

The prelate said while others have ex-pressed the possibility that the worlds

nancial and economic crisis may affect thePhilippines by the second quarter of 2009,government leaders should respond to suchan emergency situation more than what eco-nomic justice needs to insure peace.

January 1st has been known as World Dayof Peace to emphasize the universal hunger

for Peace among all peoples, said Rosales.The cardinal said people are threatenedwhenever they fall victims to injustice, liesand violence.

Highlighting the Filipino traits of compassion and shar-

STRESSING the importance of theFeast of the Epiphany on the faithful,the Caceres director of ommunica-tions said Filipinos can imitate theexamples of the Three Wise Men

especially in improving their livesthis year.For us Filipinos, we can imitate

the determination shown by theThree Wise Men in looking for Je-sus and saw to it that they had theappropriate gifts for Him, said Fr.Luisito Occiano in an interview overRadio Mindanao Networks DwNXin Naga City.

These are qualities worth lookingat, which the Three Kings had. Theyknew what they wanted and what todo. They also knew where to look for Jesus, the priest said.

As an example, we can have thefortitude to improve our lives thisyear, Occiano said.

He also mentioned that as taxpay-ers, we should be faithful to ourobligation.

What we give, if managed prop-erly by those with responsibilities in

Imitate the examplesof the Magi, sayspriest to faithful

government shall be returned to us inthe form of effective social services,Occiano explained.

What we offer to Jesus will bereturned to us a hundredfold, he

said.Occiano mentioned the new pathtaken by the Magi after their visitto the Holy Child. This was inten-tionally done so they can evade thedangers, which Herod posed uponlearning that the Three Wise Menfrom the East paid a visit and offeredgifts to the Messiah.

The new road taken by the Threekings exemplifies the change inourselves which we, as individu-als should have in order to keep usaway from the dangers of sin; the oldpath [which would have put] us atrisk should we stick to it, Occianoexplained.

The priest said the gifts presentedby the Three Magi to Jesus are fullof symbolism and meaning that tellus about the role of Our Lord in thesalvation of mankind.

Magi / A6

Crisis / A6

wind and wave energy along withgeothermal, hydro, biomass and biofuelenergy, said Tuazon.

The Catholic Church can do its shareby organizing its Ministry on Ecologyat the parish level and have more activeparticipation to Earth Hour celebrationevery March, the priest said.

The Catholic church should ag-gressively launch its information-education-communication campaign

Climate change / A6

Children use a makeshift boat to cross a ooded area in one barangay in Cagayan de Oro City last January 3. Flash oods partly caused by miningactivities and unabated tree cutting in the citys hinterland villages submerged several low-lying barangays that sent thousands of people intoevacuation areas.

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A3 Vol. 13 No. 1January 5 - 18, 2009

CBCP MonitorNews Features

Solution to poverty is poverty,

Pope proposesMakes distinction between

evangelical spirit and misery VATICAN CITY, January 1, 2009Benedict XVI is inviting the world tocombat poverty that offends humandignity with sobriety and solidarity,fruit of the evangelical poverty chosenby Jesus.

The Pope made this distinction be-tween poverty that offends God andthe poverty chosen by God during hishomily today at a Mass in St. PetersBasilica for the feast of Mary, Motherof God, and World Peace Day.

His homily was dedicat ed to his mes-sage for the world day, which focusedon combating poverty as a means toachieving peace.

The Holy Father noted the distinc-tion between evangelical poverty andthe poverty that God doesnt want,making an invitation to ght the latterwith the former.

The Pontiff explained that in becom-ing man, Jesus wanted to be poor: Thebirth of Jesus in Bethlehem reveals tous that God chose poverty for himselfin his coming to be among us. Love forus has moved Jesus not only to becomeman, but to become poor.

Nevertheless, he continued, there isa poverty, an indigence, that God doesnot want and that must be fought.

This, the Bishop of Rome said, isa poverty that impedes people andfamilies from living according to theirdignity, a poverty that offends justiceand equality, and as such, threatenspeaceful coexistence.

He affirmed that such poverty isnot just material, but also includes theforms of poverty found in rich and

developed nations: phenomena such asmarginalization and relational, moraland spiritual misery.

Globalizing solidarityBenedict XVI said this poverty is

re ected in things such as pandemicin rmity, the poverty of children andthe food crisis. And the solution, hesaid, requires nations to maintain ahigh level of solidarity.

The Pope speci cally denounced thearms race, which he de ned as unac -ceptable and against human rights.

He went on to suggest that the currenteconomic crisis implies a test: Are weprepared to read it, in its complexity,as a challenge for the future, and not just an emergency to give short-termanswers? Are we ready to do togethera deep review of the dominant model ofdevelopment, to correct it in a system-atic and long-term way?

This is demanded, in reality, beyondthe immediate financial difficulties,by the ecological state of health of theplanet and, above all, the moral and cul-tural crisis, whose symptoms have beenevident for some time now all over theworld, the Holy Father continued.

School of lifeHe thus made a call for a virtuous

circle between the poverty to be cho-sen and the poverty to be fought,such that to combat iniquitous poverty,which oppresses so many man andwomen and threatens everyones peace,it is necessary to rediscover sobriety andsolidarity, as evangelical values that are

at the same time universal.Misery cannot be efficaciously

fought, if there is no attempt to makeequality, reducing the unevennessbetween those who waste the super u -ous, and those who dont even have thenecessary, the Pontiff said.

He affirmed: The poverty of the

birth of Christ in Bethlehem, besidesan object of adoration for Christians, isalso a school of life for man. It teachesus that to combat misery, both materialand spiritual, the path to take is that ofsolidarity, which has moved Jesus toshare our human condition.

Christ brings a peaceful revolu-

tion, Benedict XVI affirmed, notideological, but spiritual, not utopian,but real, and because of this, requiringin nite patience, perhaps a very longtime, avoiding every break and takingthe most difficult path: the path ofconsciences maturing in responsibil-ity. (Zenit)

Dont be afraid of 2009,urges Benedict XVISays hope of eternal life is bigger than economic crisis

VATICAN CITY, January 1, 2009Benedict XVIis inviting Christians to be not afraid, despiteeconomic shadows hanging over 2009.

The Pope made this exhortation Wednesday

during his homily at a ceremony in St. Peters Ba-silica that included rst vespers for todays feastof Mary, Mother of God, and the singing of the TeDeum in thanksgiving for the graces of 2008.

This year closes with the awareness of a grow-ing economic and social crisis that already con-cerns the entire world, he said. Though not afew shadows are appearing on the horizon of ourfuture, we should not be afraid.

Our great hope asbelievers is eternal life incommunion with Christand with the whole fami-ly of God. This great hopegives us the strength toconfront and overcomethe dif culties of life inthis world.

The Holy Father as-sured that both the yearthat was ending andthe one on the horizonare both under the gazeof the Virgin Motherof God: The maternalpresence of Mary as-sures us tonight thatGod will never abandonus, if we entrust our-selves to him and followhis teachings. To Mary,then, with lial affection

and trust, let us present our hopes and desires, aswell as the fears and the dif culties we carry inour hearts, as we bid farewell to 2008 and prepareourselves to welcome 2009.

The Pontiff also affirmed that the economiccrisis asks all of us more sobriety and solidarityto assist especially those people and families withmore serious dif culties.

He recognized that the Christian community anddiocesan Caritas is already involved in this task,but emphasized that the collaboration of everyoneis necessary, because no one can think of buildinghis happiness for himself alone. (Zenit)

DAVAO CITY, January 7, 2009Saying that theres always joyin hoping, Redemptorist PriestFr. Amado Picardal said thatthis year can be a year of hopefor this country to prosper, fornew breed of national and localleaders, peace constituency andmovement to expand and forpeace to reign in Mindanao.

Picardal said with the electionsin 2010 the people are called topray and hope that a new breedof national and local leaders willemerge so that this country will

prosper.Enough of corrupt, self-serv-

ing leaders without principles,convictions and vision. Neveragain to presidents like Marcos,Macapagal-Arroyo or Estrada. Noto presidents whose quali cationis their popularity, wealth andelectability, he said, adding:

We expect our leaders tohave the credibility and politicalwill to come up with a negoti-ated peace settlement with thevarious groups. They shouldbe able to address the roots of

2009: A year of hope forbest to come, priest says

violence and armed conflict.We need leaders whose primaryconcern is not staying in poweror enriching themselves but thegood of all, especially the major-ity who are poor.

InsurgencyPicardal also hopes the Com-

munist Party in the Philippines(CPP)/ New Peoples Army(NPA)/ National DemocraticFront (NDF) will realize thattransforming Philippine soci-ety through armed struggle or

peoples war is an impossibledream.

After 40 years of fighting,their military capability andmass base remain insigni cant.In fact, they have not grown orexpanded, but have dwindled.They can carry out tactical offen-sives against soft targets but arenot capable of reaching the stra-tegic offensive stage. They havelost so many brave comradesover the years. They cannot ex-pect a critical mass of people tosupport the protracted peoples

war, he said.People are simply tired of

all the violence and of war. It ishigh time to abandon the Mao-ist dogma and come up withnew paradigms in transformingsociety. The peace negotiationsshould be seen from a strategicframework like what revolution-aries in South Africa, El Salva-dor and Northern Ireland havedone, added Picardal.

He also shared his hope thatthe Moro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF) will be able to punish err-ing commanders, control theirunits and prevent them fromcommitting further atrocitiesagainst the civilian population.Peace

As a peace advocate, Picardalsaid he hopes the peace con-stituency and movement willexpand so that more people willexpressly reject violence andwar, imbibe the culture of lifeand peace, and will actively beinvolved in peace advocacy.

We hope that communitiesat the grassrootsChristians

and Muslims, Basic EcclesialCommunitieswill be involvedin establishing zones of peace.This will require the leadershipand support of the Catholic Bish-ops Conference of the Philippines(CBCP), each bishop, each priestand religious in collaboration withother religious leadersbelong-ing to other Christian dominationsand Muslims, he said.

This also means workingwith civil society groups andorganizations, he added.

Peace is elusive but it is pos-sible. There is always hope andwe should not stop working forpeace, ended Picardal. (MarkS. Ventura)

Environmental watchdog urgesNazarene devotees to go greenMANILA, January 3, 2009With the esta ofthe Black Nazarene drawing nearer, a wasteand pollution watchdog has urged devotees ofQuiapos popular icon to observe a litter freecelebration by making the gathering clean andgreen.

Eco Waste Coalition president Manny Calon-zo asked maroon-clothed Hijos del Seor Naza-reno (Sons of the Lord Nazarene) devotees toshow leadership in making the esta celebrationclean and green.

The unrestrained littering during the Quiapoesta is a disgrace to our age-old devoutness to

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno to whom manyof us come begging for relief and freedom fromall troubles, including life-threatening diseases

that could have resulted from a polluted envi-ronment, Calonzo said.

Calonzo lamented the massive trash in lastyears fiesta that made Plaza Miranda andadjoining streets a virtual dumpsite with tonsof plastic bags, drinking straws, plastic bottles,Styrofoam containers, food wrappers, bambooskewers and cigarette butts left around.

While deeply touched by the timeless devo-tion of Catholic Filipinos to the Black Nazarene,we cannot help but notice how the wellbeingof our fragile environment is often ignored bymany devotees as they fervently ful ll theirrituals and vows, Calonzo added.

The group also discouraged putting up ofsingle- use plastic buntings and happy estabanners crisscrossing the streets since it will onlyadd up to the trash.

With the 2010 polls just around the corner,

Workers share same thoughts with PoUnify to ght greed in governmentsQUEZON CITY, January 2,2009The leading center forgovernment employees, Confed-eration for Unity, Recognitionand Advancement of Govern-ment Employees (COURAGE),praised His Holiness, PopeBenedict XVI, on his observationabout greed that is slowly eatingup every system of governanceand economic institutions theworld over.

Ferdinand R. Gaite, nationalpresident of COURAGE said ina statement, that the Pontiffsmessagein line with the cel-ebration of the Nativity of theLordgives a strong signal toworld leaders, especially theadministration of Mrs. GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo, to reexam-ine itself and modify its greedfor power and money.

We, in COURAGE, not onlycommend the Holy Father but

join Him in his crusade versusgreed which ruins not only thesystem of governance but the

whole society as well, he said.He assailed politicians whose

self-interests come rst beforethe true and genuine service tothe Filipino people.

Some of them run for of ce just to make themselves rich. Butwhats more saddening, some of

our legislators, judges and eventhe cabinet of cials, prevent thetruth from coming out, regard-

ing economic plunder, like thekilling of the impeachment caseversus Mrs. Arroyo, he said.

Gaite said at the start of 2009,the national center for govern-ment employees, will intensi-fyand they are very muchdetermined of winningthe

ght versus greed, especially thegreed of those in Malacaang.(Noel Sales Barcelona)

Go Green / A6

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CBCP Monitor

Season of renewalIT has become customaryeither as a joke or a resolveto make theso-called New Years Resolution in view of the forthcoming partingof ways between the old and new year. In plain and simple words,there is in spirit the attempt or the determination to do what is undone,to undo what was done, to do certain things better, not to do some thingsat allor the likes.

Any or all thesenotwithstanding the saying that promises are made to be broken, resolutions are good only the moment they are made, andother such rebuttals against the intent of self-renewalconstitute the meredecisive option, to be a better person, which already has its merit.

The truth of the matter is that a New Year is a propitious occasion, agood opportunity, a timely chance for people of good will to make astrong and decisive effort at self-renewal: to be better individuals; to

be responsible fathers, mothers, parents; to be dependable sons anddaughters; to be kind neighbors; to be helpful and generous to others;to be honest, truthful, and upright; to have a word of honor; to live a

better life and to do a better job; to be God fearingand so many other laudable acts that make for reasonable and salutary resolutions. Thatis why even but the sincere venture to do better, already deserve some

praise and applause.

For those who are graft and corruption incarnate, those lying and cheating personi ed, for those who are under the illusion that they are the bestthere can be or under the delusion that they are the paragon of not onlygoodness but also greatnessthese are characters who see neither anyrelevance in self-renewal nor feel any need of self-improvement. They

instead exude greatness unlimited, consciously or unconsciously look down on everybody else as pitiful people who need and clamor for themas their saviors and redeemers.

Between someone altogether morally rotten and ethically putrid butlooks at himself or herself as immaculate and saintly, and other somehowungodly and un-neighborly but still has the sense of unworthiness andsinfulnessthe latter has the prospect of being a better person, whoretains the hope of conversion. That is why there is the usual reality thatunconsciously bad people become even worst gures, while deliberatelygood people become better individuals.

In the Philippines today there are a rather good number of us, especiallythose holding public trust, who are in dire need of conversion from viceto virtue, from corruption to honesty, from greed to probity. This NewYear is a season of renewal that can become a good opportunity for everyone to radically or even but gradually become the blessings notthe curses, the benefactors not the exploiters of peopleand to be assetsnot the liabilities of society.

The wages of greedTRUE enough, the wages of greed are far worse and more widespreadthan the evils of war. This was the thought of the Holy Fathers ChristmasMessage which was propounded in his traditional message for the WorldDay of Peace on New Years Day.

Poverty, among others, is the by-product of greed. Interestingly, as early as1951 the Philippine Bishops in their Joint Statement at the close the HolyYear already painted the gruesome face of poverty in the country.

Grinding poverty is a blighting disease. It eats away the very core of man.It makes him an inferior producer, unskilled in the technical arts whichaugment public prosperity. It makes him an inferior citizen, incapable of offering a mans full contribution to the social and political well-being of the communityIt makes him in the full and awful sense a poor man,subnormal, subhuman. He is too poor to help himself, so poor that others

pass him by, wrote the Philippines bishops ve decades ago.

And yet making every Filipino become even poorer has been the craftmastered by most politicians in this part of the earth. Ah, greed, its themoving force that goads people to le certi cates of candidacy all theway up to Malacaang. Its the very stuff that drives voters to sell their luck, too. Perhaps, its likewise the force that makes honorable menwant to change the charter.

Amidst poverty, which in this country is as endemic as corruption, everygovernment program is suspect and ultimately becomes a sham. In truth,even the higher values of freedom and democracy become preposterouswhen the only other option is to survive the mortal clutches of paucity.

Hell has three gates: lust, anger, and greed, says Bhagavad Gita. If wekeep electing people who are congenitally driven with the latter, then weare perpetually condemned to suffer the wages of greed.

Requirements of PeaceA JUST and lasting peace, we realize, is neither the fruit of four days of

people power nor of seventeen years of revolution. It is not the work of one leader no matter how respected, how sincere and peace loving.

Peace is the fruit of justice (cf. Is. 32:17; Jos. 3:18) patiently, consistently,and unceasingly pursued. It is the work of everyone.

The task of forging a just and lasting peace is as delicate as that of nourishing love between persons. It requires the building of trust upontrust, the healing of wounds, the humbling of oneself for the sake of theother, the respect for the others dignity, the sacri ce of narrower interestsfor the broad interests of the common good. For peace is not simply thecessation of con ict and hostilities, though this is necessary.

Peace is from the heart. We cannot build peace by way of force andviolence nor by way of manipulation and deceptionand injustice.

Peace has to be built on the values of the Kingdom of God, on Gospelvalues and on the authentically human values of justice and truth, of freedom and love. It is only on such a foundation that we can buildgenuine and lasting peace. That is likewise the only environment inwhich peace can ourish.

--The Fruit of Justice is Peace, A CBCP Pastoral Statement , 1987

EDITORIAL

Opinion

Pinky Barrientos, FSPAssociate Editor

Melo M. AcuaManaging Editor

Laurence John R. MoralesOnline Editor

Roy Q. LagardeNews Editor

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com-munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial andbusiness of ces at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.

Email: [email protected] Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor

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CBCP MonitorP r o t a g o n i s t o f T r u t h , P r o m o t e r o f P e a c e

ISSN 1908-2940

L A Y O U T

B Y L A U R E N C E J O H N R

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Pedro C. QuitorioEditor-in-Chief

Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD

Pastoral Companion

Housing our

homeless God

Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD

By the Roadside

Cagayan de Oro at 75

Roadside / A6

DURING the past year 2008, we celebrated the 75th anniversary ofthe creation of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro. In 1933, Cagayan deOro became the second diocese in Mindanao (next to Zamboanga)

and included the northern provinces of Surigao, Agusan, Bukidnon,Misamis Oriental, Lanao, Misamis Occidental, and the island ofCamiguin.

Today the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro is only one of the 21ecclesiastical units in Mindanao, which include ve archdioceses,12 dioceses, three prelatures, and one apostolic vicariate. Its terri-tory has been reduced to the two provinces of Misamis Oriental andCamiguin and one municipality in Bukidnon. Nonetheless, with its50 parishes and 8 chaplaincies, two seminaries, and 115 diocesanpriests, the archdiocese remains among the larger ecclesiasticalunits in Mindanao.

Most Rev. James Hayes, S.J., became the rst bishop of Cagayan deOro. The city street that now bears his name connects all the majorinstitutions that he startedLourdes College run by the RVM sisters,Ateneo de Cagayan (now Xavier University) under the Jesuits, MariaReyna Hospital administered by the St. Paul of Chartres sisters, andon Seminary Hill San Jose de Mindanao Seminary and the Discalced

Carmelite Sisters Convent.When Cagayan de Oro was elevated as the rst archdiocese of

Mindanao in 1951, Archbishop Hayes continued to serve until his

retirement in 1970a span of 37 years that included his incarcera-tion during the Japanese occupation and the painstaking period ofreconstruction after the war.

He was succeeded by Archbishop Patrick Cronin, a Columban,who served from 1970-1988. During this period, the parishes admin-istered earlier by American and Filipino Jesuits were for the mostpart turned over to the Irish Columban priests and some diocesanpriests. This enabled the Jesuits in turn to take care of the newlyopened parishes in Bukidnon.

Archbishop Jesus Tuquib became the third archbishop of Cagayande Oro in 1988-2006, duplicating his predecessors term of 18 yearsof service. During this period, the diocesan clergy increased notablyin numbers and gradually took over the running of the parishes.Today only three parishes and a chaplaincy are run by priests ofreligious congregations.

Archbishop Tuquib was instrumental in the construction of the St.

December 28 Memorial of the Unborn

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Love LifeTHE Feast of the Holy Innocents on December28 was also the Feast of the Holy Family be-cause it fell on the Sunday after Christmas. Ido hope that the babies, born and unborn, werenot forgotten during the celebration of familiesthat most parishes organized on that day.

I am always happy whenever I see aMemorial to the Unborn in front of parishchurches here in Metro Manila or in the prov-inces. As I go around the country to conductpro-life seminars, the Diocesan Family andLife Ministers or organization leaders whoinvite me never fail to point out to me themonument that they have put up, often inpartnership with the Knights of Columbusin their parish.

The practice of putting Memorials to theUnborn started in the United States decadesago, when abortion got legalized in thatcountry in 1973 through the Roe v. WadeSupreme Court decision. I got to know aboutthis when my father, who reached the rank ofGrand Knight in our parish in Cubao, wouldpass on to me the Columbia magazine ofthe US K of C. I would then show it to ourpro-life leaders to get ideas on the designsof the memorials or the words such as InLoving Memory of our Unborn, or Let thechildren come to me or In Memory of theAborted Babies.

The pro-lifers relate to me that they seelighted candles or owers laid in front of the

memorial every now and then. They believethat these are left by women who have ex-perienced abortion or miscarriage. Indeed,part of the healing process of post-abortedwomen is to nish the grief of the loss of theirbaby and offering owers or candles andnaming their baby is an important step.

The memorial is also an important gather-ing place on the Feast of the Holy Innocentsfor the Mass or prayer service for the unborn.Usually, the local pro-life groups or Familyand Life workers would organize that andinvite the other parishioners to join. Too badthat December 28 falls during the Christmasholidays so students are not around for theactivity, unless the parish youth groups arethe ones invited. The activity is often verysigni cant, not only to the women, but to allthose who participate.

I encourage all parishes to erect a Memo-rial for the Unborn in their church year, nomatter how simple. If it is well kept and notallowed to deteriorate, the memorial cantruly serve as a testimony to our belief thatevery human life is sacred from the momentof conception. That principle is so important,especially nowadays when the Catholic

Church is battered with criticisms from thepro-Reproductive Health Bill advocates, abill that when passed into law, is the gatewayto the legalization of abortion.

Women who come to me for counseling

after an abortion or multiple abortions,living through a hell of guilt, depression,addictions, or failed relationships, say theyfeel cheated that they were not told thetruth about the effects of abortion and theywere led to a decision that they regret for life.Many parents, teachers, church leaders, evenpriests and sistersthink that their fellow-Christians know that abortion is wrong andcannot imagine why anyone would abort.But the reasons why women abort or whysome people lead women to abort are sovaried and complicated that it is about timeall of us got involved in pro-life awarenesscampaigns in order to stop this devastationgoing on in our society. I am always lledwith awe whenever I re ect on the gift of lifeto me, to you who are reading this now, toeach one of us. And I am lled with sorrowwhenever I get to know of another abortion,or the thousands of abortions happeningeveryday. And my question often isArewe doing enough? Maybe participating inan activity for the unborn like what was doneon December 28 might not be enough to stopabortionbut it is the beginning. And surelya few more babies and their mothers wouldhave been saved that day.

Those who wish to get copies of Prayers for the Unborn or Mass for the Unbo rn cancall the Pro-life office at 911-2911 or emailus at [email protected]

IT was uncanny (to say the least). I was with a group of parishioners,members of the Parish Pastoral Council and a few high school teen-agers from one of our parish youth choirs. We were caroling for achurch project that had run out of funds. My presence was calculatedto encourage generosity. I even decided to wear my clerical. And itproved to be a smart move. In more than one instance a homeowneror a member of a family would, upon hearing our voices, decide wewere worth only twenty pesos (thank God that was the minimum)but, on seeing me, would apologize profusely for what apparently intheir mind was almost an unpardonable sacrilege (the twenty-pesoevaluation of our singing, I mean). Then the twenty peso bill wouldpromptly be taken out of our sight and in its place would appear a

ve hundred or one thousand peso bill.That together with big smiles and offers of a beverage or snack.

Naturally Im not saying we were given the same reception or treat-ment in all the homes we went to. But it soon became clear to mewhy our group was ecstatic when I decided to come along. A priestspresence may not necessarily work miracles but something close toone is often enough. For instance, a remark from a member of ourgroup almost bowled me over. Receiving a response from this fam-

ily is like squeezing juice out of stone, she mused. Now that theysee a priest with us, they seem so hospitable and giving.

In all this I would never forget coming to a rest house on a streetcorner. The manager seemed to me to be just patiently tolerating ourpresence and singing with a smirk. Apparently my presence evenabsolved our singing de ciencies. I dont even recall how muchshe adjudged our singing to be worth. But, as we were leaving, Isaw a sign hanging by the main door. SORRY. NO MORE ROOMINSIDE. What a strange coincidence, I said within her hearing.Did a man named Jose and a pregnant woman named Maria comebefore us?

I dont remember any more what the managers answer was.To be honest, it mattered little to me, as we both knew I asked

the question in jest. Something else arrested my mind in its tracks. Ifound myself marveling at the thought of how Gods Son came intothe world homeless, like the thought came to me for the rst time.Maybe, I thought, if Jesus came as a Roman Catholic priest with aRoman collar, I strongly suspect (I could be wrong, o f course, giventodays views on priests) he would not be met with SORRY, NO

Companion / A6

Illustration by Bladimer Usi


5/20

A5 Vol. 13 No. 1January 5 - 18, 2009

CBCP MonitorOpinion

Fr. Melvin P. Castro

Speaking of Mary

Nicolo F. Bernardo

Lifeguard

New Year, new wine,old wineskins

Jose B. Lugay

Laiko Lampstand

If Aristotle says Happy New Year

By Juan L. Mercado, guest columnist

TIME magazine titled a recent cover story Hail, Mary. Itdevotes eight pages to Jesus of Nazareths mother. A Mary forAll was how the Economist bannered an earlier report. Lifemagazine led off with: The Mystery of Mary. And shortlythereafter, Time did a two-page spread: Mary, So Contrary.

Whats going on here?After centuries of sullen neglect Christians of all denomi-nations are nding their own reasons to venerate Mary, Timereports. Families, pastors and theologians, notably within U.S.Protestant churches, are re-discovering the Virgin.

Harvard University minister Peter Gomes pinpoints this trendin a joke about a Protestant pastor at heavens gates. Ah, Pro-fessor, I know youve met my Father, Jesus says in making theintroductions. But I believe you dont know my mother.

New appreciation of Mary stems from the very arena in whichProtestants historically pride themselves most: careful and fullreading of Scriptures.

Mary stood by the Cross. And she gures in a skein of ap -pearances longer and more strategically placed than any othercharacter in scriptures, Princeton University professor of NewTestament literature, Beverly Gaventa, points out.

She is present in all key situations: at Jesus birth, at his deathand in the Upper Room, Gaventa writes in Personalities of theNew Testament. Whether in Egypt, Nazareth or Cana, thereisnt a gure comparable to her.

The new thinkers are exploring the implications of Marysexcruciating presence at the cruci xion. (She) witnesses almostsingle handedly Christianity through its darkest moment.

There are critics, Time notes. Southern Baptists Conven-tion leaders complain their colleagues are guilty of over-reaching.

That would baf e Muslims. Mary is Islams most honoredwoman, the Economist notes. (Shes) the only one to have anentire chapter named after her in the Koran. Christians andMuslims alike see in Mary an af rmation that there is no limitto proximity of God that any human can attain, the report as-serts. Surely, that is reason enough, for people of any faith, tofeel reverence for historys foremost Jewish mother.

The Economist cites the wisdom texts in Jewish and Chris-tian scriptures and the Eastern Churchs lesser-known Gospel by James. It reviews studies by Methodists Hebrew scholar Marga-ret Barker to Jaime Moran, religion and psychology writer.

Muslim and eastern Christians cherish the story of Maryschildhood in a place of supreme holiness. Both name Marysguardian as the priest Zechariah or Zakariya.

Catholics would tell you, rather rmly, that Mary is not agoddess, the Economist notes. She is not worshipped butrather venerated: a human being with a unique role in pray-ing for and protecting the human race. That hews closely toMuslim belief too.

The wisdom texts speak of a woman clothed with the sun.And down the centuries, heart-stopping turns of phrasehave been applied to Mary, the Economist notes. Our taintednatures solitary boast was the way one poet put it.

Shortly after Vatican II, a period of Marian silence descend-ed, recalls Catalino Arevalo, SJ, of Ateneo University. We, inthe Philippines, did not go through that phase.

Churches in former communist Eastern Europe have notexperienced the eclipse of Mary either, notes this Filipinotheologian. What strikes a mainland China visitor, who getsin contact with Catholics there, is that veneration of Mary hasnever been stronger.

That Marian silence and de-christianization of Europe ledthe German theologian Karl Rahner to write: Many Catholicstoday are going through a winter of belief.

Once known as Christendom Europe built the Continentsloveliest cathedrals from Chartres to Notre Dame. Now, Europe

suffers from a vacuum of faith, Los Angeles Times notes. TheGallup Millennium Survey reveals barely 20 percent of WestEuropeans attend church services once a week.

When the new springtime of faith comesthe cult of Marythe Mother of God, will return, Rahner added. In fact, it willbe its surest sign. Its form may perhaps be different, but ifChristian tradition is valid, it will return.

That was in 1968. Today, Rahners comments resound in es-says by, among others, Lutheran Carl Braten: I cant predictexactly how the (Mary re-discovery) will happen. Some of itwill be good, and some may be bad. But I think its going tohappen.

Some 38 years after Rahner wrote of this second spring, Fr.Arevalo notes, this appears a remarkably prophetic text.

This comeback of Our Lady is seen on the dateline of storiesfrom new Marian shrines: Medjugorje in Yugoslavia; Akita in Japan; Kibeho in Rwanda and Cuenca in Ecuador. News ac-counts fueled renewed interest in the Marian movement.

Then, there was Pope John Paul II. No pontiff in the entirehistory of Catholicism has had so strong and articulates a devo-tion to Mary. He willed that her logo be carved on his plain

cedar cof n.If Karl Rahner was right, then perhaps the current coverstories may be more signi cant than they appear, Fr. Arevalosays. Are they buds of the the new springtime of faith, which,Rahner foresaw, is about to begin?

Our Solitary Boast

PHILIPPINE media presented the most sig-ni cant and memorable events for the year2008. As expected, they highlighted the mostsensational news, mostly disasters of the year,

the aborted Cha-Cha initiative of Congress,the failed peace talks in Mindanao, the payolascandal in the Court of Appeals, the attemptedand failed impeachment of the President, thecorruption scandals: NBNZTE, the fertilizerscam, the insertion of budget funds for infra-structure to favor vested interests resultingin the resignation of the incumbent SenatePresident, the world economic crisis. To capit all was the case of the Euro generals whosetrip to Russia included smuggling throughcustoms, millions of dollars without declaringthem. To add insult to injury, most of the gen-erals attending the session on internationalsecurity were soon-to-be retired generals! Itis an obvious misuse of the peoples moneyfor private gain!

All Filipinos, including those residingabroad, wish our country well. They havenot lost hope that the coming year will bea better year for the country despite theexpected fallout of the ill effects of the eco-nomic crisis in our country. They still hope

that despite the seemingly insurmountableodds in arresting corrupt practices, Godwill provide the youth of our country,which comprise 40 to 50% of our popula-

tion to come forward and be counted andchange the way we govern our politicalsystem from pervasive graft and corrup-tion to clean, transparent and honest gov-ernance! Some advocacy groups go aroundto tell them: Pinoy, Kaya Natin Ito!

The real danger once we convince ouryouth to get involved in politics and con-sequently get elected, is the system aptlydescribed in the bible, New Wine, NewWineskin. (Mark 2: 21-22):

And nobody puts new wine into oldwineskins; otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and the wine is lost and the skinstoo. No! New wine into fresh skins!

The technical explanation of this burstingwine skin phenomenon is explained by thefermentation process of any fruit juiceinthis case, grape juice with the addition ofyeast. When fermentation is completed andthe wine is transferred to another containerfor aging, the yeast is retained in the originalcontainer. Wineskins were the containers

mentioned in the bible. When new grape juice is added to this used wineskin, thegreat quantity of remaining yeast causesvigorous fermentation that evolves carbon

dioxide. The closed wineskin will burst afterreaching a certain internal pressure. We seethis phenomena in champagne, a carbonatedwine, which is bottled before the fermenta-tion is completed.

Our political system has accumulatedbad yeast of corruption through the years.A newly elected young and idealistic politi-cian will be immersed in this environment.Unless he immediately has a hand in chang-ing the system, he will be the rst victimof the system in ferment with corruption,and ambitious power grabbing of vestedinterests. All is not lost however, if institu-tions like the Church can establish schoolsand teach the young adults on the moralguidelines and ethical behavior before en-tering politics. If some lay persons who areevangelized for social transformation showenough courage to get involved in train-ing the youth, there will still be hopethechange in political governance that we needfor the New Year.

ON THE eve of December 31, people wished each other a very fa-miliar greeting. Amid the sparks and glows of that festive night, werepeated a ritual we do every year, hopeful of the coming momentand euphoric of the passing season.

So what do we really mean when we greet others happy NewYear? What is to be happy? Or do we even mind to think aboutwhat we are too used to say on a new year? One philosopher triedto expound this question of happiness, and his treatise may yetserve us a genuine New Years wish.

In his Nicomachean Ethics, the classic Aristotle says that hap-piness is the nal end (telos) of all mans pursuits. So while ourPresident may wish for a stronger republic this year, her criticsfor her ouster, and the poor man for better economy, all ends aresought to make one happy. Para masaya, so a popular Filipinopun goes. Or kung saan ka masaya as some will say. A wish tohave a happy year is a catch-all, for to be happy is that for whichwe pursue our goals.

Much as people have different values, so people have differentviews of what can make them happy. Aristotle acknowledges this.For instance, a child may see it good to spend for toys, but not sofor an old man.

Happiness has been associated with the pleasures of life, to passivemerry-making, like basking under the sun, celebrating the goodtimes, or resting like a couch potato. A happy New Year wouldtherefore mind of a year free from troubles and hurdles. In this case,happiness has come to mean prosperity, or even sensuality.

But this understanding of happiness, Aristotle explains, falls shortof satisfying our core humanity, for these delights may only gratifyour animal appetites.

Aristotle explains further. Is happiness simply to be well and

healthy? For an ill man that seems to be. After all, one is happierif one is healthier. But since everybody gets sick and everybodygrows old, then one cannot always be happy for one is not alwaysat the prime of ones health. Old and ill people cannot experiencebliss in this case. And in this case our happiness is determined bythe state of our body.

Should happiness mean riches? If that is so, argues Aristotle, thenthe richest people suppose to be the happiest. But then the oppositeeven seems truer.

Should happiness mean honor? If ones happiness depends onothers recognition, or the satisfaction of the populace, then oneshappiness would depend on others will.

How about power? Ah, says Aristotle, that might even be fartherfrom the truth. For power could isolate one or leave him to the vicis-situdes of politics and economics.

So what is happiness? Happiness (eudaimonea) for Aristotle isnot about any kind of having or sensing. All thesehealth, beauty,riches, honor, and power are immediate goals that make us happy,but these are not what can ultimately make us happy. Happiness, henoted, is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. What

is that? Activity, soul, and virtue, these are Aristotles key terms tounderstanding happiness.

First, happiness is an activity (energia), not mere potentiality orpassivity, or being at rest like sleeping or cowering to negativityor defeat. The state of eudaimonea occurs when a person uses all hispowers, talents, and being to the fullest extent, and things are goingwell as he could make possible. He crafts his life closest to perfection.(To Christians, perfection is God, and fullness of life is in Him).

On this note, a person who limits his possibilities, let us say, by

the luck of the year (following the Chinese calendar), is not freeto self-actualize, and therefore cannot be happy. Also, a personwho swears a resolution during the new year but does not ful llit may make a happy dreamer, but never a happy person. A happyperson, to borrow a popular clich, is alive, well, and kicking. Heis determined to actualize his potentials, excel in his skills andgifts, and outdo his limits. The outcome produces a feeling of self-ful llment and self-realization that one can owe to oneself, not toluck or benefaction.

Again, a happy person is one who excels in his function. Whilepeople have different functions and interests in life, they have a com-mon functionthe function of reasoningthat separates them fromother species and makes them man. Humans excel at reasoning,and we thrive in situations where we use this capacity.

This explains why Aristotle stipulated that happiness is an activityof the soul, of reason. A person who engages in activities thatexercise his intelligence, his craft, must be happy. His spirit soars.(Christianity will later on extend this to happiness as beatitude.)

Finally, a happy person has the disposition (hexis) to virtue(arete), a man of character (ethos), of moderation. Among thecharacteristics of man, it is being virtuous that lasts with the person,

says Aristotle, not the ability for any sport, to ex muscles, to modellooks, or to squeeze brains.It is virtue that assures man a happy life. Why? Not because mis-

chance will not befall him, like what happened to Job. But becausewhatever the tide of fate, he is sure to endure, to make the best ofcircumstances, and to bear things gracefully. A virtuous man willnever commit dishonorable and ignoble acts, and as such, he nevermeets misery or despair. He has spared himself already of the suf-fering he himself could cause by his vices or loss of bearing. Further,he does not give himself to pleasurable excesses that often lead totragic consequences.

That is why happiness means a celebration of the dignity of humanreason, a media noche of virtues from which right choices, honor,friends, wisdom, and pleasure eventually ensue. A man who hasthis happiness, this active and rational disposition to virtue, willnot only be happy for the year, but for all his years to come. It is ahappiness that endures the wear and tear of all seasons, because byhis own, he knows how to make himself happy.

As this year begins, this author wishes everyone a new life, andan Aristotelian Happy New Year.

Entrusting the New Year to Our Lady

AT the last day of the Octave of Christmasthe Church marks the Solemnity of the DivineMaternity of Mary which happens to be NewYears Day as well. Unfortunately, peopletend to think it is a Holy Day of Obligationbecause it is New Years Day. Nonetheless,by that happy coincidence, we usually do goto Holy Mass. The Holy Father, of venerablememory, Paul VI has also designated thatsame day as World Day of Peace.

Hence, a lot of things to celebrate that day.This Season of Christmas is always an op-portune moment to re ect on the key role ofOur Lady in the salvi c plan: not of her owndesign but by Gods. And yet her constantconsent is needed.

This month of January also marks theSolemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord, theFeast of the Baptism of Christ, and of course,in the Philippines, the Feast of the Sto. Nio.And for us, in the Diocese of Tarlac, as is inthe Archdiocese of Lipa and in the Dioceseof Bacolod, the Feast of St. Sebastian on January 20.

And speaking of January 20, the House ofRepresentatives resumes its session that daywith, according to what we know thus far, thecontinuation of the interpolation on HB 5043:Reproductive Health Bill. Attention to ourFamily and Life Workers and Advocates!

Apparently, however, the legislators have alot of other pressing matters on hand suchas the Charter Change and the extension and/

or revision of CARP. And certainly, 2009 is theyear before the 2010 elections (well, hopefullythere will be elections).

A lot of liturgical celebrations, and a lotof social-political-moral concerns as well.To whom do we entrust all these? To OurLady, of course. As our Bishops meet fortheir regular Plenary Assembly, we prayfor them, as our concerns will be doublytheirs. At times, we, the faithful have a lotof impressions, mis-impressions I shouldsay, about how our Bishops think anddecide, speak and act. We think all toohuman often that we forget they have thegrace of of ce.

We cannot and we should not expectthem to please us nor give-in to all ourno-matter-how-good-intentioned requests.They have the best of intentions as well butthey act and decide given their deepe r andmore extensive seeing of things. They maynot be perfect, but in Gods design theyare tasked to lead and govern, to teachand preach, to admonish and correct, toencourage and build. Sine nihil episcopo,as they put it. Nothing without the bishop.That is how we act as Catholics, alwaysin communion and in obedience to ourbishops.

It may sound too medieval to modernears. Yet since the beginning of Christianity,episkopoi, the elders have been there. Theymay have not worn miters nor episcopalrings. But with that concept of elderstheepiskopibrought with it the hierarchicalstructure of the Church. In fact, the Apostles

we consider to be the rst Bishops of theChurch.Around the end of the rst century AD,

the Churchs organization becomes clearer inhistorical documents. Ignatius of Antioch inparticular, writes of the role of the episkopo(singular form of episkopos) or bishop orelder: their role already was very importantand being clearly de ned.

Plainly therefore we ought to regard thebishop as the Lord Himself (Epistle of Igna-tius to the Ephesians 6:1).

Therefore, as the Lord did nothing withoutthe Father, [being united with Him], eitherby Himself or by the Apostles, so neitherdo ye anything without the bishop and thepresbyters (Epistle of Ignatius to the Mag-nesians 7:1).

I hope and pray that given especially thecultural context of our country where thebishops pronouncements are given greatimportance, we will pray a great deal forthem. And that interest groups would sparethem.

And since we are entrusting all our con-cerns and this entire New Year to Our Lady,providentially, the International PilgrimVirgin Statue (IPVS) of Our Lady of Fatimawill return to the Philippines from 01 to 21February 2009. She will tour the Philippines,albeit limited in some arch/dioceses only.Ill write in this column next issue her entireschedule in the Philippines. You can alsocheck the website www.pilgrimvirginstatue.com for further information regarding themiraculous Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of

Fatima.May we have a blessed New Year! AveMaria Purissima!


6/20

A6 Vol. 13 No. 1January 5 - 18, 2009

CBCP MonitorLocal News

more politicians are likely to make their presence felt in the comingesta by adding their lot to the unsightly banner extravaganza,

the group lamented.After the esta last year, the eco group took photos of the littered

streets and provided the of ces of Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales andAuxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo with pictures to stir up churchaction on our societys alarming throw-away culture, especially infaith-inspired festivities.

To minimize trash at the upcoming Quiapo esta, the group pro -poses the four basic steps outlined by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin

when he exhorted the faithful to make the 2003 World Meeting ofFamilies in Luneta a zero waste celebration of life.These are: 1) minimize the creation of waste by using as few

resources as possible at the various events, 2) avoid using plasticand disposable items, 3) separate discards into biodegradable andnon-biodegradable, and 4) put them into their proper containersto facilitate recycling and make simpler the work of cleaners andcollectors.

Let us honor the Black Nazarene by blending the maroon withgreen towards an eco-friendly Quiapo esta, said the group as itreleased a nine-point Green Tips for the devotees to consider.

A green esta, the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out, ts well withthe bishops plea for every citizen to eliminate wasteful consump-tion as written in their recent pastoral letter Upholding the Sanctityof Life. (CBCPNews)

Go Green / A3

John Vianney Theological Seminary build-ings on Seminary Hill. SJVTS had earlierbeen established by a consortium of bish-ops of the CABUSTAM (Cagayan, Butuan,Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay) subregion toserve the growing needs of the Church inMindanao for the formation of its clergy.

It is with this historical context that wecelebrated the diamond jubilee of the arch-diocese. The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Ed-ward Joseph Adams, was the main celebrantof our esta Mass in honor of St. Augustineon August 28th. Earlier he visited some ofour older parishes like Sagay in Camiguinand Jasaan.

During the last quarter of this year, sixdistrict assemblies were held to follow upthe archdioceses pastoral plan and get

MORE ROOM AT THE INN.But Gods homelessness wasnt a phenomenon that

happened on Christmas Day for the rst time. I couldnthelp remembering the words of David in the second bookof Samuel read on the Fourth Sunday of Advent of YearB: Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the arkof God dwells in a tent! (2 Sam 7:2). David was feelingdownright ashamed at the utterly incalculable injusticeof the situation: he, a human king, living in a splendidpalace of cedar while the God of hosts, Creator of theuniverse, was dwelling in a tent. Even then God washomeless. And he didnt seem to mind. He was more intomaking Davids house impregnable. Davids generousthought was answered by a generosity whose immensitycould only be measured by eternity. The homeless Godwho owns all homes made David a promise that hasimpacted you and me. Your house and your kingdomshall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand

rm forever (2 Sam 7:16).To say that God cannot be outdone in generosity is

an understatement.That Davids offer was met by Gods No, thank you

and Ill give you a better offer response staggers theimagination. Even when Solomon nally nished thetemple of Jerusalem Gods homelessness was scarcelyresolved. In truth, God continued to look for a home.

Then came the Annunciation. As the archangel Gabrielslowly made clear to a simple barrio lass named Marythe outlines of Gods request that she become the motherof his Son, after her famous hesitation (But how canthis be since I do not know man? (Lk 1:34), she let goof her other famous declaration: I am the handmaid ofthe Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word(Lk 1:38).

At last God found a home. His real home: His ownpeople best represented by the best of the human race,our tainted natures solitary boast (Wordsworth), awoman named Mary. And her generosity was met with areturn that cannot be paralleled. She not only shared herSons Resurrection by her own Assumption into heaven(Fourth Glorious Mystery). She was also crowned Queenof Heaven and Earth (Fifth Glorious Mystery). Even

Marys supreme generosity couldnt equal Gods.And so, why do we hesitate till now to house ourhomeless God?

Roadside / A4

Companion / A4

on the relationship between the existing ecological crisis and faith,he added.

He noted that the advocacy on climate change has slowly pro-gressed in 2008 simply because of the lack of felt signs of urgencybecause the effects of climate change are very slow but steady andpeople ably adapt to these slow changes.

Unfortunately, when people realizes its worst effects, addressingit is already dif cult or nothing can be done anymore, he added.

A sought-after speaker in academic, professional and religiouscommunities, Tuazon remarked that the response he got from his au-dience were overwhelming but not sustained. (Melo M. Acuna)

Climate change / A1

ing, he said it will make life at least bearable for both the poor andthe rich.

He added other traits of old like simplicity of choice, a cut-downon unnecessary purchases and the ever-reliable bayanihan spirit willassure that we will be able to cross the impending crisis.

Rosales also called on the Filipino faithful to tone down celebrationexpenses by simply making do with what we have.

The cardinal said everyone should never lose hope among believ-ers because our greatest guarantee is Christs own Paschal Mystery,the model for all human passages.

He added Jesus Christs triumph alone assures us that wealso will be able to go across any and all barriers, sin and death,

included.Mabuhay ang mga taong may Pananampalataya. Mayroon siyangpag-asa, the prelate concluded. (CBCPNews)

Crisis / A1

integrity.This is straight from the heart. I know the good director from afar and

my perception is that he is a straight, square and upright fellow. I have beenfollowing him from a distance, so truth to tell I believe General DionisioSantiago more than the whole DOJ (Department of Justice), said the Arch-bishop who heads an anti-gambling group.

He admitted though that he might be wrong in his perception. But youasked me so I answered, but I think Im right, he a dded.

I do not know him personally and he does not know me personally, andyet I have been watching him from afar and in all instances I had no doubtas to his credibility and integrity, Cruz said.

The former AFP chief of staff and Bureau of Corrections director was thelone guest at the CBCP-CMN sponsored The Forum.

I say this in the open without any reservation because the man reallyremains objective, the prelate further said.

In a succeeding interview after the forum, Cruz said he has other sourcesthat are in the know how drugs have become big business in the countrytogether with gambling.

Gambling is already pervasive but drug is becoming more pervasive and

to show how pervasive [it] is, the raid on drug manufacturing house in LaUnion [has generated large quantities]. Its also possible that we are exportingdrugs already as we export people, the prelate added. (CBCPNews)

Integrity / A1

faithful to become agents of hope and poverty alleviation.With the advent of the New Year 2009, everybody wants to think

positively, and hopes that the New Year will be, as everybody greets,Happy New Year or Prosperous New Year. Prayerfully, 2009 willbe as we wish and dream it will be: happy and prosperous. Butespecially for whom? Lagdameo said.

Will the New Year 2009 be a better year for the poorest of thepoor because they are better looked after by Society, the Churchand Government? Only the future will tell! In 2009, will someone beless poor, less hungry, better educated, because of what I shall havedone? A challenging and appropriate question to ask if we want tobecome agents of hope for 2009, he said.

Government must do its partWhile the Church helps the poor live decent lives through its

social action programs funded from charitable contributions, gov-ernment agencies must do likewise with funds allotted fo r povertyalleviation, as directed by acts of justice, honesty, compassion andcharity, Lagdameo said.

In his New Years message, Lagdameo made a stinging rebuke onthe governments failure to address the plight of the poor saying thattheir miserable condition is not natural but man-made.

The extreme poverty of the poorest of the poor is neither naturalnor normal: it is man-made and can be overcome or eradicated byacts of justice, honesty, compassion and charity, he said.

He said it is unfortunate that although Gods blessings are un-limited and countless, they become limited through sel shness,injustice and corruption.

Gods countless blessings have been and are obstructed orhindered from reaching their respective targets, Lagdameo la-mented.

He also said it brings to us the message of hope.The message of hope is carried in the feast of the Epiphany as we

are taught to be wiser, just like the Three Wise Men who searchedand nally found Jesus. We can hope in our search, to nally comeacross Him and evade what will endanger our spiritual life after wehave found Him, Occiano said.

Explaining the rich symbolisms of the gifts, he said, the gift ofIncense portrays the priestly role of Jesus, Gold tells us of His kinglyrole while Myrrh symbolizes the suffering which He would undergoin His act to save us from sin.

When asked on what the wise men would possibly expect in returnwhen they presented the gifts, he answered that they did not lookforward to being reciprocated with what they offered.

It was not a matter of having an exchange of gifts just whatwe do now that if one gives something to someone, he expects toreceive in return; what is important is the gift which we shouldgive to Jesus after He has given us graces and blessings, he stated.(Elmer Abad)

Magi / A1

Call / A1

Rosales to help and support her office in their advocacy and crusade to givefreedom to old prisoners.

I am appealing to Catholic church leaders to look into the plight of oldprisoners at the National Bilibid Prisons and other penitentiaries and thosewho are being incarcerated at city and provincial jails for more than fiveyears with or without trial because of the rule that there should be restorative justice in our country, Rueda-Acosta said.

The time has come for Filipinos to realize that we are past physical, psy-chological, mental torture against prisoners, she said.

I believe Catholic church leaders could help us in our advocacy so thatwe could help one another in giving freedom to those unlawfully incarcer-ated, said Acosta. If a sentence has been served by an inmate he should bereleased otherwise there would be injustice against [him], she added.

In another development, Acosta expressed hopes that former PresidentCorazon Aquino will forgive the 12 soldiers who were convicted for thedeath of her husband just as she has already forgiven former President Joseph Estrada.

Patawarin na rin niya ang mga sundalong humihingi ng tawad sa kanya nanabilanggo ng dalawamput limang taon na (I hope she may find the wisdomto forgive those soldiers who have been asking for her forgiveness and havebeen languishing in jail for the past 25 years), she added. (CBCPNews)

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Armed con icts affecteconomic situation inMindanao, says prelateTHE armed con icts in some areas of Min -danao had taken its toll on the economicsituation of some places in the region, aMindanao prelate said.

Surigao Bishop Antonieto Cabajog hasdescribed 2008 as a challenging and tryingyear because local business had sufferedfrom the stigma of being part of Mind-anao.

Though we are far from areas wherearmed con icts have occurred, [still] peoplehave second thoughts of doing business andvisiting Surigao del Norte because were partof Mindanao, Cabajog said.

The bishop also disclosed that the nationalgovernment has seriously considered theircall for a moratorium on reckless min-ing practices in Surigao provinces wheremountains are literally moved to Japan forprocessing.

He said he and the members of the dioce-

san clergy have livedsimple lives and bythe grace of God, wehave survived.

The prelate saidif one is to base hisviews on how Su-rigaonons celebrat-ed Christmas, onewould believe thereis no economic crisisas in other highly-developed coun-tries.

For my Christmasmessage I called onmy ock not to losehope and change willbe more meaningful if one starts with onesself, he said.

Asked of his projections for 2009, he said

Migration to goon despite globaleconomic crisis,

says bishopEXODUS of Filipino workers will go on despite the global economic crisis, as requirements for highly-skilled workers stillremain, says prelate.

CBCP Episcopal Commission for Migrant and ItinerantPeoples and Maasin Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB saidthat while everybody will be affected by the so-called economicmeltdown, overseas migration will continue because of povertyat home.

In an interview with CBCPNews, the prelate said therecent Global Forum on Migration and Development heldin Manila during the last quarter of 2008 revealed thatmigration has indeed become a significant factor in de-velopment.

Migration requires both national and international attentionbecause it is an important issue considering human lives anddignity are concerned, the prelate said.

He said Filipinos in the medical profession can easily nd jobs in Europe and the Middle East.

Asked of the plight of Filipina domestic helpers in the MiddleEast and other highly developed countries, Cantillas said thebrokers and agents should be looked into by government andother concerned agencies because they dont care about thedomestic helpers conditions.

He added these brokers and agents are least troubled of thedomestic helpers quali cations and wages because they aresimply concerned of their cuts and commissions.

The bishop said theCatholic Church willalways be there to helpmigrant workers intheir various needs.

Just like a moth-er, looking after herchildrens welfare,our mission goes be-yond pastoral care,

he said.He disclosed thatas migrant workerscontinue to increase,the problems broughtabout by migrationlikewise increases.(CBCPNews)

he will underscore the need for everyone todo more and never forget to trust in God.(Melo M. Acuna)

Corruption defrauds the poorThe CBCP president cited studies done showing how graft and

corruption had defrauded the poor of basic services.The realities: according to one study, for every 100 pesos of our

national budget, 40 pesos go to debt servicing, 15 pesos for educa-tion, 1 peso and 40 centavos for health services, and only 18 centavosfor housing. For every 100 pesos, sadly 43 pesos and 42 centavosbecome the object of greed, fraud, plunder and corruption. Recentlyit was said that the 23 million poorest of the poor have increasedto 27 million, most of whom are victims of their neighbors greed,Lagdameo said.

But Lagdameo conceded that even amidst human negativities,

accidents, dehumanizing poverty and broken promises, still peoplehave many countless blessings to be happy and thankful about.With God hope springs eternal, he said.

A better year for the poor?The prelate said only the future can tell if 2009 will be a better

year for the poorest of the poor while issuing a challenge on whateveryone can do to become agents of hope for them.

Will the New Year 2009 be a better year for the poorest of thepoor because they are better looked after by Society, the Church andGovernment? In 2009, will someone be less poor, less hungry, bettereducated, because of what I shall have done? asked the prelate.

Lagdameo explained the reason for rejoicing at any time especiallyduring Christmas season is not due to what has been done for orreceived from others.

The fundamental reason for our rejoicing always is that in JesusChrist, God and Man, God has become God with us-Emmanuel,in the midst of many human negativitiesand broken promises,he said. (With reports from Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

feedback from the lay delegates. This processculminated with an Archdiocesan PastoralAssembly in mid-December attended byabout 400 delegates from all the parishes.We reviewed our ad intra ministries focusedon Catholics and ad extra ministries directedtowards any one in need.

At the closing Mass, plaques of apprecia-tion were given to three religious congre-gationsthe Jesuits, Columbans, and RVMSistersfor their collective contribution inbuilding up the local church of Cagayan deOro over the past 75 years. (We should notforget however that the Augustinian Recol-lects were the early evangelizers of Cagayande Oro and surrounding areas from the 17thuntil the mid-19th century.)

Other highlights of this jubilee year were

the creation of two shrines. The first shrinewas dedicated on August 2nd to the HolyEucharist in a city parish run by the BlessedSacrament Fathers. The second shrine wasdedicated to the Divine Mercy in Brgy.Ulaliman, El Salvador, on September 8th.With its imposing 50-foot statue overlook-ing Macajalar Bay and surrounding areas,the Divine Mercy Shrine has become apopular site for pilgrimages from all overMindanao.

The most recent signs of the growth ofour local church were the ordinations offour deacons and of a priest in the past twomonths. May the threefold blessing thenof the yuletide seasonLight, Love, andfullness of Lifebe with the archdiocesethroughout its next seventy- ve years.

Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB

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A7 Vol. 13 No. 1January 5 - 18, 2009

CBCP MonitorDiocesan News

News BriefsCleric to govt: Spend money on education than gunsSAN FERNANDO, Camarines SurThe government shouldgive more importance to education to solve the problem ofpoverty, than spending money on armaments, said Fr. ApolinarNapoles, spokesman of the Libmanan prelature. He said provid-ing quality education to Filipinos will help uplift their lives and

help solve the issue of poverty. (Elmer Abad)Seminary Rector calls for total renewalOZAMIZ CityThe Rector of Saint Marys Theologate SeminaryFr. Severo Caermare has called on the government for totalrenewal to restore the good image of the Philippines from itsshameful reputation as the most corrupt country in Asia. In hishomily for the feast of the Epiphany at the Immaculate Concep-tion Cathedral Parish here, he said that as being the only Catholiccountry in Asia, it is likewise shameful to be acknowledged asthe regions most corrupt nation. (Wendell Talibong)

Faithful urged to begin 2009 with deepened relationshipin ChristDAVAO CityDavao Archbishop Fernando Capalla has calledon the people to begin the year 2009 with a deepened relation-ship in Christ, who remains to be the hope amidst suffer-ings. He said the most appropriate thing to do is to re ect andstrengthen the relationship of the people to God who enteredinto time and space by becoming human in Jesus Christ. (MarkVentura)

Family members should treat each other as Godsblessings, priest saysNAGA City The family should be considered a wealth tobe treasured and a blessing from God, a priest said. Let usconsider our family as our wealth as we anticipate the NewYear with enthusiasm while we thank the Lord for giving usthe family of Jesus whom we can look upon as our model. TheHoly Family was obedient to God and they were always oneuntil the end, said Caceres church historian Fr. Rex AndrewAlarcon. (Elmer Abad)

Prelate underscores important role of families in societyNAGA CityOn the feast of the Holy Family, Caceres Arch-bishop Leonardo Legaspi, OP, stressed the importance of therole played by families and its effects on society. The prelatesaid that as families are considered the basic units of society,they play a tremendous role in what transpires now in ourcommunity. (Elmer Abad)

Priest says instead of resolution make New YearsprayerDAVAO CityA young priest here has reminded the peoplethat instead of making New Years resolution, it is but ttingand proper to make New Years prayer. Fr. Marbendear Mor-allas, editor-in-chief of Davao Catholic Herald said many ofthe resolutions are recycled of the last year and it is alwaysdiscouraging to realize that many of those repeated resolutionsare until now unful lled. (Mark Ventura)

Prelate notes need of collaboration with religiouscongregationsOZAMIZ CityArchbishop Jesus Dosado, CM, has urged con-stant dialogue between superiors of religious congregations andthe local bishop for an effective collaboration especially in pasto-ral matters. Constant dialogue between Superiors of Institutesof Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and Bishopsis most valuable in order to promote mutual understanding,which is the necessary precondition for effective cooperation,especially in pastoral matters, he said. (Wendell Talibong)

Bishop pushes for farm investments for 2009DAGUPAN City If the government is serious in exploitingthe countrys agricultural potential, it should do the obviousand pour in more investments for agricultural modernization.Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said this will alsohelp address the problem of food security still facing millions ofpoor Filipinos. Agricultural development is the answer to thenational predicament. Green revolution is the call of the times.Food is wealth. It brings contentment. It means health and wellbeing, Cruz said. (CBCPNews)

Priest: Arroyo not serious with peace effortsDAVAO City He is not leaving all the issues behind, asRedemptorist priest Amado Picardal started the year with afrank comment that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is stillnot serious with peace efforts in Mindanao and has become alame-duck president. He said Arroyo is still a major factor inthe delay of the peace process which has been stalled last yearand resulted to a new era of violence. President Arroyo is amajor factor herself. She is not serious about pursuing peacenegotiations. (Mark Ventura)

Prelate says conscience a good guide in times of crisisMATI CityThe Bishop of Mati has once again noted withemphasis the signi cance of conscience for the people to invokeespecially in confronting various societal issues today. BishopPatricio Alo said that in using the conscience it must be guidedby Gods word and His will. (Mark Ventura)

Sto. Nio devotees call for peaceOZAMIZ City The Cofradia del Seor Santo Nio de Cebu-Ozamiz Chapter of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parishhas intensi ed its call for cessation of hostilities and peace toprevail in Mindanao as it prepares for the arrival of the pil-grim image of Seor Santo Nio from Cebu. Various religiousactivities are lined up for the archdiocesan celebration to beculminated with a solemn high mass on January 25, the feastof the Sto. Nio. (Wendell Talibong)

Environmentalists hail 25-year mining ban in Palawan

ANTIPOLO City Kalikasan Peoples Net-work for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)lauded the move of the Palawan provincialgovernment to post a 25-year moratorium onmining, saying that local government units(LGUs) now see how evil the revitalizedmining program of Macapagal-Arroyo is.

The Board Resolution was passed latelast year.

Kalikasan-PNE national coordinator Cle-mente Bautista Jr. said, in a statement sentto CBCP News, that its great the number ofLGUs joining the list of banning large-scalemining in their areas is getting longer.

Included in the list of issuing resolutionsof giving, even a temporary halt to the large-scale mining activities, are the provinces ofCapiz, Western Samar, Northern Samar,Eastern Samar, Marinduque, Mindoro Ori-ental, and North Cotabato.

The Palawan government has a lot ofreason to post a moratorium in large scalemining, Bautista explained.

Aside from the environmental degrada-tion, insigni cant contribution to local andnational economy, health hazards and mas-sive displacement of people due militariza-tion and con scation of lands, are enoughreasons for Governor Joel Reyes and hiscolleagues at the Provincial Board, to postthe moratorium, he said.

Growing resistance at the grassroots levelThe Philippine Misereor Partnership Min-

ing Advocacy (PMP-MAC), in their nationalgathering held at Tagbilaran, Bohol, reportedthe increasing number of sites of strugglefacing social and environmental threats ofmining.

PMP is a network of church-based groups,non-governmental organizations, and

peoples organizations working for totalhuman development. Due to growingconcern of ill effects of large-scale mining,PMP had embarked its mining advocacycampaign (MAC) in 2006 with the aim ofstrengthening the calls of the bishops, themining-affected communities, and most es-pecially the indigenous peoples, to confrontthe aggressive promotion of mining under

the Mining Revitalization Program of thecurrent administration.In a statement, PMP-MAC project coor-

dinator OJ Acaba said, that from 11 originalsites of struggles, it grew to 16.

The province of Benguet; Didipio town inNueva Vizcaya; Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija,Cabangan in Zambales; Oriental Mindoro,Rapu-Rapu in Albay; Baler; Manicani Islandin Samar; Tandag in Surigao del Sur; Matiin Davao Oriental; and Tampakan in SouthCotabato. In 2007, six new sites were added:Kabankalan and San Carlos, in NegrosOccidental, Dinapigue in Isabela; Vitali inZamboanga City and Tubay in Surigao delSur, were the 11 original sites of struggle thatthe PMP-MAC is helping.

More mining tenements under PGMAadministration

Under PGMAs administration, moremining tenements and applications havebeen approved at an unprecedented rate ascompared to the number of Certi cates ofAncestral Domain Titles (CADTs) issued.Large portions of these are within the an-cestral domains of the indigenous people.This gure increases every day thats whyit is not surprising the number of sites ofstruggle grows, too, Acaba stated.

As of September 2007, there were 42 priori-ty mining projects of the administration, now

operating on different stages: The First TierPriority Mineral Development Projects in itsConstruction and Development, IncludingOperating Projects with Expansion include:Carmen (Toledo) Copper Project; DidipioCopper-Gold Project; Masbate (Aroroy) GoldProject; Iligan Ferronickel Smelter Project;Manticao Ferronickel Smelter Project; Pala-wan Nickel Expansion Project; Canatuan

Silver-Gold Expansion Project; Masara GoldExpansion Project.The Final Feasibility and Financing Stage

include: Tampakan Copper Project; ItogonGold Project; Siana Gold Project; Nonoc Nick-el Project; and Boyongan Copper Project.

In Advanced Exploration Stage are thefollowing: Acoje PGE/Nickel Project; ColetCopper-Gold Project; Agata Project (Copper-Gold, Nickel); Balabag Project; RunrunoGold Project; and Pujada Nickel Project.

The Second Tier Mineral DevelopmentProject include: Amacan Copper-Gold Proj-ect; Batong Buhay Copper-Gold Project;Diwalwal Direct State Development Project;Far Southeast Gold Project; King-king Cop-per-Gold Project; Mindoro Nickel Project;Akle Cement Project.

In its Advanced Exploration Stage are thefollowing: Archangel Gold Project; BatotoGold Project; Celestial Nickel Project; DelGallego Gold Project; Hixbar Copper-GoldProject; Lobo Gold Project; Nalesbitan GoldProject; Panag Gold Project; Tagpura CopperProject; Tapian, San Francisco Project; VistaBuena Mining.

Already in its Operating Stage are Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project; Padcal (Sto.Tomas II) Copper Expansion Project; TeresaGold Project; Berong Nickel Project; andACT (Adlay-Cadianao-Tandawa) NickelProject. (Noel Sales Barcelona)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITYWith nearly 30,000 individuals affectedby the recent oods, Social Action Center Director Fr. Jose Cabantanhas appealed for food, clothing and medicines.

He called on Catholics and concerned citizens to help the displacedvictims.

In a telephone interview, Cabantan said he has already issued theappeal through public service announcements to be read before theend of every Mass this Feast of the Epiphany.

I have already called on residents to donate and share food,clothes, medicines and other related materials for and on behalf ofthe ood victims, the SAC director said.

He said San Antonio parish under Msgr. Tex Legitimas alreadyresponded and sent relief goods to Barangay Macasandig, one ofthe most affected barangays in the city.

Cabantan also acknowledged the immediate response of theYouth Apostolate of the Immaculate Conception parish in Aluba,Macasandig to the ood victims.

Rotary International under Rhia Rita Abalos said they have re-ceived commitments from the Chinese community for immediateassistance.

Cagayan de Oro Social Action Centerappeals for help

Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Criselda Dayon also called fordonations, either in cash or in kind for the ash ood victims.

Among the barangays affected by the ash ood are BarangaysMacasandig, Consolacion, Gusa, Balulang, Carmen, Barangay 13,Barangay 15, Barangay 17, Barangay 7, Tablon, Barangay 6 andIndahag.

According to the latest City Disaster Coordinating Council bul-letin, Barangay Macasandig is affected the most with almost tenthousand persons displaced while eight persons are still missing asof 6 p.m. Sunday. (Maryann Alasay Zamora)

ILIGAN CityIligan bishop ElenitoGalido has strongly condemned therecent bombing in the city which killedsix civilians and wounded 45 others,saying that terror and fear showed itsugly face again.

In his pastoral statement titled ACall to Prayer and Communal Actionduring this Christmas Season, the prel-ate said that our hearts are lled withsadness even as we nd ourselves indeep anxiety over the recent events hap-pening in Iligan, our beloved city.

Bombs exploded in Unicity and Jer-rys Store at downtown Iligan City earlyafternoon of December 18, 2008 whenthousands were doing their Christmasshopping.

The bishop lamented that many ofthem will be spending the Christmasseason with the wounds in icted by

Bishop condemns Iligan bombing; calls for prayersthe bombing. Families of the victimswill be sharing [the] anguish and angerof those directly affected in the midstof the Christmas celebrations whichis supposed to be characterized by joyand laughter.

He added that many residents stillharbor the pain of armed hostilities andinternal dislocation that occurred lastAugust and will nd it dif cult to thinkof this Christmas season as a time forreconciliation, harmony and peace.

So far, no one has claimed respon-sibility for the bombings. But it is to beexpected that many will have their ownsuspicions [on] who could be behindthese dastardly acts. These in turn willfeed into deeply-rooted biases and

prejudices which are not helpful in ourefforts towards long-lasting peace, thelocal ordinary said.

He mentioned that the local churchof Iligan condoles with the families ofthose who were killed or wounded dur-ing these bombing incidents.

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