tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329016382024-03-14T21:08:56.938+08:00Web Journal of Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsRFr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-79829347082670870542023-07-01T09:49:00.009+08:002023-07-01T09:53:47.870+08:00A Synodal Church: Dream or Reality?<p> <span> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 35.4pt;">The
26th Synod of Bishops will soon be held with the theme “Towards a Synodal
Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The process of preparing for the
synod is unprecedented since it involves listening not just to the bishops but
to the faithful all over the world - at the parish, diocesan and regional
levels. It is more inclusive and participative.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
purpose of the consultation and the synod which is found in the preparatory
document (PD 32) is “not to produce documents but to plant dreams, draw forth
prophecies and visions, allow hope to be nourished, inspire trust, bind wounds,
weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another,
and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts,
give strengths to our hands.” A clearer purpose can be found in PD 1 of the
preparatory document:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Pope Francis invites the entire Church to
reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: it is precisely
this path of synodality which God expects of the Church Millenium. This
journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s renewal proposed by Vatican
II is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on
a journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn from her
experiences which processes can help to live in communion, to achieve
participation, to open herself to mission. Our journeying together is, in fact,
what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the Church as a
pilgrim and missionary People of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Relying
solely on the collated report and synthesis of the consultation based on the
process of spiritual conversation, sharing of stories, feelings and dreams is
not enough. A critical assessment and analysis of the current state of the
Church (from the local to the universal level) is also needed so that concrete
steps can be adopted to make the Synodal Church a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
questions that must ultimately be answered by every local Church and the Synod
of Bishops are: what does it mean to be a synodal Church? To what extent are we
living the vision of the Synodal Church? What more can we do to become truly a
Synodal Church? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This
requires reviewing the vision of the Church in Vatican II and its reception in PCP
II which is the ecclesiological basis and frame of reference of a Synodal
Church. Based on this review of the vision, a critical assessment must be made on
how the Church has truly been experienced as communion, participation and
mission. Then proposals are put forward
based on the results of the evaluation which can be the basis for pastoral
planning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is not enough to listen to the voice of the lay faithful coming from the
mandated organizations and renewal movements. The voice of the poor and
marginalized need to be listened to. The Basic Ecclesial Communities, clergy,
religious and theologians must also be heard. The bishops should listen and
share their observation and analysis from a broader perspective. This cannot be
done only during a pre-synodal consultation. This is a long, tedious, continuing
process which requires wider participation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
process should involve clarifying and owning the vision of the Church of
Vatican II which has been appropriated by PCP II: The Church as Communion and
Pilgrim People of God that participates in Christ’s prophetic, priestly and
kingly (servant mission). This is the ecclesiological vision that is the basis
of the Synodal Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">An
assessment has to be made regarding the reality of communion in the Church –
the sense of belonging, sharing and participation among the leaders and members
of the Church - with each other and with other Christian denominations. How far
and deep is the communitarian dimension experienced in various levels of the
Church (BECs, parish, diocese, local, universal, etc.)? What has been achieved
so far? What is lacking or leaves much to be desired? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What
are the structures of communion and participation that have emerged and how
operational are they? (Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Council, Parish
Assembly, BECs, diocesan synod or pastoral assembly, parish/diocesan
commissions, stewardship program, etc.). How inclusive and participative is the
clergy’s style of leadership at the parish and diocesan level? What is the extent of the laity’s
participation in decision-making, planning and implementation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Participation
is intimately linked with mission – the prophetic, priestly and kingly/servant
mission that is carried out in within and beyond the boundaries of the Church –
local and universal. Mission is not merely carried out in distant places where
the gospel has not yet been heard and the Church not yet implanted. The Church’s
mission is carried out everywhere: in the home, neighborhood, parishes,
communities, the workplace, educational institutions, in the cyberspace, in
pluralistic societies that have become secularized and de-Christianized, in places
where the Church membership is aging and shrinking while former colonies and mission
territories in Africa, Asia and Latin America are more vibrant and have become
the center of the Church’s gravity and growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is need to assess the active participation of everyone especially the laity –
not just the clergy and the religious - in the prophetic mission – the mission
of evangelization, catechesis, in being a conscience in society which involves
denouncing sin and evil and calling people to conversion. This involves proclaiming
the message of peace, justice, the sacredness of life, the integrity of
creation and other social and moral teachings of the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
liturgical celebrations should also be evaluated. How meaningful,
participative, inculturated and inclusive are these? Do our liturgies deepen
our communion with the triune God and with one another and inspire us to
fulfill our prophetic and social mission?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Active
participation in the Church’s social mission as kingly/servant people should
also be assessed. What are the existing communal processes and concrete action
that address the problems that we face (e.g. poverty, injustice, violence, the destruction
of the environment and climate change, etc.)? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is important to appreciate the achievements and best practices/processes that
have helped in enhancing communion, participation and mission. At the same time
there must be recognition of the lacks and weaknesses. These can be the basis
for pastoral planning at various levels so as to continue the journey as a
synodal Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Synodality
is not just journeying together and listening to each other. It involves acting
together in carrying out the Church’s mission as a community. Synodality should
be experienced at all levels – in the home, neighborhood, BECs, parish,
diocese, national, regional and universal. Over sixty years ago, St. John XXIII
convened Vatican II to reform and renew the Church. With this synod, Pope
Francis is continuing the process of post-conciliar reception and
implementation in rapidly changing situation emphasizing the need to make the
vision of a renewed Church a reality by being a Synodal Church. This is the
collective task of all members of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-22270706817547961342023-01-16T06:14:00.000+08:002023-01-16T06:14:02.930+08:00The Philippine Situation and Challenges for the Church's Mission<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Philippine Situation and Challenges for the Church’s Mission</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fr.
Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we discern how we should carry out our mission at
present and in the years to come, it is important to look at the big picture
and the long view as well as the challenges the Church is facing in the
Philippines. This can help us come up with strategic directions and policies
for our respective dioceses, parishes, congregations and organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first part of this paper is an overview taking
into consideration the various aspects and dimensions of the Philippine
situation: the pandemic, economic, ecological, demographic, political,
cultural-religious, and ecclesial. The second part focuses on the challenges
for Church’s mission: (1) communion & solidarity, (2) prophetic
evangelization & education, (3) worship & liturgy, (4) social action.
The last part is devoted to participation of the laity in the Church’s mission
in partnership with the clergy and religious.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The content of this paper is my own opinion as a
theologian, human rights advocate and a hermit. My assessment of the situation
is based on my research, observation and synthesis of various views of experts
in their own field. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> An Overview
of the Situation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Pandemic<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After three years since the outbreak of the pandemic,
everything appears to be going back to normal as the case infections and
fatality rates go down. Majority of the population have been vaccinated.
Restrictions have been lowered. No more lockdown or community quarantine. There is less emphasis on social distancing
and the wearing of facemask is no longer strictly enforced.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The WHO is reminding everyone that the crisis is not
yet over. New variants of the virus have
emerged. China – the origin of the virus
which adopted a Zero Covid policy for the last three years is being hit with
three waves or “tsunami” of the infections after easing restrictions. The
Chinese National Health Commission in an internal document reported 248 million
cases of infection in less than three weeks in December 2022 and 37 million in
a single day a few days before Christmas. There are fears that new variants of
the virus which is highly contagious, virulent and resistant to vaccines could
once again spread throughout the whole world like in 2020. The Philippine
government has not restricted flights from China. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is still no DOH secretary which sends a message
that addressing the pandemic and new variants is not a priority. This is
alarming as the pandemic is far from over. Like in the past, the government has
not taken steps to prevent flights coming in from China. The public health
system has not been overhauled which makes the country incapable of dealing
with any new outbreak. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Economic</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The pandemic
and the war in Ukraine have a disastrous long-term impact on the global economy.
The cost of energy, fertilizers, metals, and food continue to rise and are
become scarce. While another Great Depression predicted by many economists have
not yet come to pass, what is most probable is long term recession and stagflation
– a stagnant economy with little or no growth accompanied by high inflation.
The Philippine GDP has grown by 7.6 percent during the last quarter of this
year but the inflation rate is over 8.1 percent compared to 3.1 in December
2021. The rising prices of basic commodities, declining purchasing power of the
peso and the lack of jobs affect the majority of Filipinos. The inequality, the
inflation and huge debt makes any figure of a rise in GDP meaningless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The national debt has ballooned (P13.5 trillion) and
continue to rise rapidly due to government misspending, corruption and the weakening
of the peso against the dollar. The agricultural sector is being severely hit
due to rising prices and scarcity of fertilizers (Ukraine and Russia are the
major sources of grains and fertilizer).
This could bring about a food crisis and hunger in many nations
including the Philippines. The other factors affecting agriculture and food
security is the climate change (droughts, super-typhoon, floods) and the
conversion of arable land into subdivisions. The reliance on imports of rice
and other agricultural products have further weakened the agricultural sector. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deglobalization has accelerated due to the pandemic
and the War in Ukraine that is disrupting the global supply chain, the
reshoring of production and manufacturing in the US and Europe. Developed
countries are adopting protectionist and self-sufficient policies.
Deglobalization prevents poorer countries raise their standard of living and
raise the cost of goods. China and other less developed countries like the
Philippines can no longer expect influx of foreign investments and the opening
of new factories. As the neo-liberal and global capitalist economic order is unraveling,
a new economic system is emerging based on renewable energy and
digital/information technology. This new industrial revolution will continue to
evolve rapidly within this decade with the exponential growth of new
technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics, 3-D printing, etc.). The Philippines and other less developed
economies are at the losing end of the emerging new economic order unless they
are able to adapt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Philippine government lacks competence to address
strategically the economic crisis and rapid changes in the global economy. The
financial and economic managers recycled from previous administration operate
in outmoded neoliberal model and policies (export-oriented/import dependent economy). There is no functioning Department of
Agriculture secretary (BBM appointed himself) and there is no coherent plan to
address the looming agricultural/food crisis. The president and his allies are
pushing for the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund (Maharlika Investment Fund)
which many oppose because the country does not have surplus fund or revenues.
This can lead to more debts and vulnerable to plunder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The number of Filipinos who rate themselves poor has
increased. The SWS 2022 national survey reported that 50 percent of households
consider themselves poor, 30 percent at the borderline and 20 percent not poor.
More and more Filipinos are unemployed and underemployed. No economic progress
is expected within this decade. Each one will have to fend for themselves
without expecting the government to come to their aid unless civil society
groups and the private sector step in to help those in need. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Philippines will continue to depend on OFW
remittances to keep the economy afloat as there are still enough young people
that can supply labor shortage in Europe and North America due to aging and
shrinking population there. This is
resulting in brain-drain as the best and brightest continue to go abroad in
search for a better future. The dream of many Filipinos is to find work in
foreign lands rather than stay home where wages are low and job opportunities
are lacking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ecology<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable
countries to the effects of climate change. Extreme weather patterns
(super-typhoon, flooding, drought) continue to be felt. The rising sea levels
due to climate change will inundate cities and towns in the decades to come
unless the rise in temperature is kept below 1.5 degrees C to pre-industrial
level. There seems to be a lack of awareness and concern about the ecological
crisis among many people and the
government. The Duterte administration has been remiss in addressing climate
change and the environmental degradation. Although the Philippines made a commitment
in the UN-COP to reduce GHG emissions by 50 percent by the end of the decade
and carbon neutrality by 2050, no program and concerted efforts have been made
to achieve this goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In his speech before the UN, President Marcos Jr (BBM)
expressed concern about the climate change crisis. His appointment of a
competent secretary of DENR – Toni Yulo-Loyzaga is a good sign that the climate
emergency can be addressed under his administration. However, the government still lacks a
strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change, to lessen dependence on
fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy.
There are plans to revive the Bataan Nuclear plant – a project of the
late Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. Meanwhile, mining which is being carried out by
companies owned by politicians or businessmen close to them continues which
contribute to the destruction of the environment. While coal-fired powerplants
are being closed down in various parts of the world, many of these are still
being built and operated in the country which contributes to GHG emissions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the bright side, there are some business
corporations that are beginning to invest in renewable energy such as solar and
wind. More and more people are also adopting solar energy as the prices of
electricity continues to rise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Demographic<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The population of the Philippines has breached 110
million. The average women’s fertility rate is 2.4 which is over the 2.1
replacement level. This is good news
since most of the countries in Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle
East and Asia are facing a demographic decline and their population are aging
and shrinking. The fertility rates of these countries are way below replacement
level and this can lead to depopulation and consequent economic crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The advantage of the Philippines at present is that over
52 percent of the population are young (between 18-40) and Filipinos can
continue to fill up the shortage of labor in other countries. Thus, overseas
migration and brain drain will continue and increase as opportunities for
employment within the country are scarce. Internal migration -- from the rural
areas to urban areas will continue. Over 50 percent of the population are
living in the urban areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In less than 10 years, the fertility rate could go
below the replacement level. Even now, the families are getting smaller. Within the next twenty years, the Philippines
will also experience an aging and shrinking population like the rest of the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Political
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There have been changes in the political landscape
with the election of Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr (BBM) after what many consider as a
successful disinformation campaign and massive vote-buying. The alleged
electronic manipulation of the election results has still to be proven as a
writ of mandamus has already by filed in the Supreme Court for COMELEC to show
the transmission log due to the unbelievable 20 million votes that were
reported within the first hour after the close of the balloting. In the absence
of hard evidence, Leni Robredo did not file any protest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With a landslide victory, BBM has a supermajority in
the House of Representatives and the senate which gives him total control of
the legislative branch. Like the Marcoses and Dutertes, most of the members of
the legislature as well as the governors and mayors belong to traditional
political dynasties whose primary interest is to maintain power and their
business interests. Many were elected not for their competence but their
influence and popularity. Many are
involved in graft and corruption to perpetuate themselves in power. The
Uniteam, the coalition of traditional political parties that supported
Marcos-Sara candidacy, lack cohesion. There is no ruling or dominant political
party with a clear legislative agenda that would benefit the common good. BBM has not asserted his power in the choice
of senate president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> BBM style of
leadership is primarily laissez-faire or hands-off. He lacks the will to control
or dominate (unlike his father or his predecessor). He appears more of a figurehead than a
leader. He doesn’t have any strategic vision and direction for the country. All
he cares about is redeeming the family honor, basking in the glory of his
position and squandering the resources of the country for a lavish lifestyle.
He prefers partying and traveling than do serious work. Lacking competence and
experience in governance, BBM has to depend on those around him in making key
decisions. His secret weapon is his wife, Liza, who many consider as the brains
and power behind the throne. He also listens to the advice of former president
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo especially in foreign relations and economic matters.
The other members of the family, Imee and Imelda, don’t have much influence (he
vetoed Imee’s pet bill – the Bulacan Economic Zone).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BBM’s appointment in key positions in his
administration appears to be erratic. In less than one hundred days he sacked
his executive secretary Victor Rodriguez, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles
and COA head Calida. He sacked the BIR head and appointed Romeo Lumagui (the
husband of his wife’s trusted aide) thereby assuring that the agency could
reassess the P203 billion estate tax the Marcoses owe. He appointed Remulla as
secretary of the Department of Justice whose son was arrested for smuggling
illegal drugs but was immediately acquitted after three months (meanwhile,
ex-senator Leila De Lima continues to be detained five years after being
falsely accused in the drug trade without any evidence). He appointed himself
as secretary of the department of agriculture. He appointed Sara Duterte
secretary of education even without any competence and experience in the field
of education (she wanted to be defense secretary). He appointed a retired PNP
chief who doesn’t have any expertise in health as undersecretary of DOH. He
sacked the AFP chief of staff General Bacarro who was supposed to have a fixed
term of three years and re-appointed former chief of staff General Centino. This
is causing discontent among top officers in the AFP and led to the resignation
of acting secretary of defense Gen. Faustino who learned about the change of
chief of staff in the news and social media. He was replaced by ret. General Galvez.
National Security adviser Clarita Carlos also resigned and was replace by ret.
General Ano. Galvez and Ano held key positions in Duterte’s cabinet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although BBM promised to continue Duterte’s policies
during the campaign to gain his support, there have been major changes
especially in the War on Drugs and in foreign relations. The bloody campaign
against illegal drugs is being replaced by the new campaign called BIDA (Buhay
Ingatan Droga Ayawan) which focuses on drug rehabilitation and going after drug
lords. This is going to be difficult since there are many PNP officials
involved in the illegal drug trade according. In order to cleanse the PNP DILG
secretary Benhur Abalos has asked for the courtesy resignation of all the PNP
generals and colonels – a move supported by BBM which can lessen the influence
of Duterte in the PNP. Although there
are still extrajudicial killings in some parts of the country (173 cases during
the first six months of BBM’s presidency), these do not indicate to be an
integral part of this administration’s War on Drugs unlike the time of Duterte. Top ranking PNP officers associated with
Duterte (the Davao Group) and linked with implementing EJK have not been
assigned to key positions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> BBM has junked
the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court. This is not an assurance that Duterte is safe
from investigation and prosecution by the ICC. The government’s request for a
deferral of the ICC investigation of Duterte’s war on drugs is an indication
that the Philippines will follow the judicial process of the Hague and will
abide by the decision of the pre-trial chamber. This seems to be in line with BBM’s
efforts to impress and convince the UN, EU and the US that the Philippines is
committed to uphold human rights and other international agreements. UN
rapporteurs on child trafficking and extrajudicial killings are allowed to
enter the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another significant change is in foreign relations.
Unlike Duterte, BBM has not shown fierce loyalty and subservience to China and
Russia. Nor has he shown antipathy to the US and the EU. In fact, he is moving
closer to the US and has allowed the continuation of the Balikatan Exercises.
He has met with US President Joe Biden. In line with its priority to contain
China’s influence, the US continues to woo the Philippines and has provided
military aid assuring the country of upholding the mutual defense treaty. At
the same time, BBM has assured China of continuing friendship which he
manifested in his meeting with Xi Jinping at the height of the tsunami of
infection in China. He is open to a joint oil exploration in the West
Philippine Sea while insisting respect on the Hague’s arbitral ruling that
affirmed the Philippine’s territorial claim covered by country’s exclusive
economic zone. He is also bound by the recent Supreme Court ruling that only
the Philippines has control and supervision in exploring its natural resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The recent changes appear to widen the rift between
BBM and Duterte which started during the campaign period when Duterte insinuated
that BBM is a weakling and an addict. Although Duterte has not publicly
criticized BBM after the elections, his minions are doing so in Quiboloy’s SMNI
TV station and in social media. This became evident in the investigation of the
killing of the journalist Percy Lapid which led to the suspension of alleged
mastermind Bilibid director Gen. Bantag (a Duterte appointee) and the
appointment of retired Gen. Catapang (former President Noynoy Aquino’s close
friend). Criticism of BBM is also coming
from some Marcos Vloggers and loyalists who call his wife Liza “ahas sa Malacanang” for the appointment of many “Dilawans” to various key positions in
government. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So
far, there is no political party acting as genuine opposition. The PDP-Laban
wing of Duterte has been talking about exercising the role of fiscalizer – a
veiled threat of becoming an opposition party. The lone opposition figure now
is Risa Hontiveros although Koko Pimentel is the senate minority floor leader.
The Pink Movement that supported the candidacy of Leni Robredo has dissipated
and reduced to an NGO (Angat Buhay Foundation). Robredo has not exercised
leadership in the political sphere after losing in the election. She prefers to
focus on continuing the social-economic programs for the poor and the needy.
She has not ruled out engagement in the political arena in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The government remains stable for the moment. There
are few protesters out in the streets. The influence of progressive and leftist
organizations appears to have declined although some have retained seats in
congress (Bayan Muna). Red-tagging persists but not on the same intensity and
scale as the previous Duterte administration. The CPP/NDF/NPA continue to wage
armed struggle. Even with the death of senior leaders including Joma Sison, the
armed insurgency continues to drag on although the chance of victory is
farfetched. The possibility of resumption of peace negotiations is still
remote. This is not part of the
government’s agenda. The TF ELCAC (Task Force to End Local Communist Armed
Conflict) which has P20 billion budget has focused on red-tagging and pouring
money to local government units (the budget has been reduced to P6 Billion for
the coming fiscal year). The economic and food crises if not addressed will
only lead to more unrest and intensify the insurgency.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During his campaign, BBM promised to unite the country
and bring back the golden era of his father.
If he is unable to unite and lead the country to surmount the multiple
crises – pandemic, economic, food, climate change – many of the people,
including those who supported him, will be angered and feel they have been
duped. The idea of BBM as a would-be dictator seems out of character unless he
transmogrifies into one. There will be no need for him to declare martial law
or impose authoritarian rule as long as there are no crises that can
precipitate social unrest and the resurgence of a revolutionary movement that
would threaten his family’s hold on power.
What happens when his term of office ends is anyone’s guess – another
Marcos succeeding him or Duterte II (Sara) which can prolong the long dark
night. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cultural/Religious<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The state of the mind and soul of Filipinos defy
generalization. On the one hand,
majority of Filipinos are deeply religious as shown by the large numbers that
attend religious activities – e.g. masses, novenas, processions, fiesta
celebration, etc. They believe in God and in miracles. They expect divine
intervention in everything. For many, what happens – good or bad - is the will
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Secularism, which has spread and influenced Europe and
North America, has failed to gain a foothold in the country. The Philippines
has the third largest Catholic population in the world. It holds the record of
the largest number that attended a papal mass – seven million in Manila during
the visit of Pope Francis in 2015. Yet a year later, the majority voted into
office a mass murderer with messianic pretension, who cursed the pope and the
Church and threatened to kill bishops and priests. Many believed that his
election was God’s will. Six years later, the majority elected into office the
son of a dictator who promised to bring back the golden age of the Philippines
even after being warned by religious leaders of the historical revisionism and
the lies being spread in social media by their trolls. He won 61 percent of the
vote while the more competent candidates failed to get elected. Members of political dynasties as well as
celebrities and actors were chosen as usual.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If the election was indeed clean and there was no
manipulation of election results in spite the allegations by some, one is
tempted to conclude that majority of the Filipinos as either gullible or
stupid. Or they are too poor and short-sighted that they were willing to sell
their votes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This brings up the role of digital information and
communication technology in shaping the minds and hearts of Filipinos. The social media platforms, such as Facebook,
YouTube, Tiktok were used by Trolls in spreading lies and disinformation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another factor is the state of education in the
Philippines. The Word Bank assessment in 2018-19 reported that 80 percent of
Filipino students are below minimum proficiency level and amid the pandemic 90
percent could neither read nor write. Besides lacking in quality, the type of
education has failed to inculcate competence, values, critical thinking and
discernment. The current secretary education, Sara Duterte, is incompetent to
address the poor quality of education. Her priority is to impose mandatory ROTC
and teaching school children how to brush their teeth (toothbrush drill) while
getting unnecessary confidential fund. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Catholic education and evangelization programs appear
to be ineffective in inculcating moral values – in discerning good and evil,
truth and lies – and acting and living according to Christian values. Of
course, there are Filipinos who are compassionate, competent and kind, who
struggle for goodness, truth and justice to prevail but they are a minority. Many of them are discouraged and sometimes
feel hopeless. Others keep on fighting in their own way amidst the darkness,
hoping to make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Catholic Church in the Philippines<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In terms of numbers, the Church in the Philippines has
over 85 million members – the third largest Catholic population in the world. However,
most of the members are nominal and seasonal. 15-20 percent are regular
church-goers and the percentage of those who really live as genuine disciples
of Christ are even less. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are over 10,000 priests which is very low
compared to the total number of Catholics. This shortage is being remedied by
the active participation of lay people in parishes, lay organizations,
movements and associations and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). The formation of BECs in dioceses all over
the country remains a pastoral priority of the CBCP and every Trinity Sunday is
observed as BEC day. However, the
involvement of men in BECs is still lacking which gives the impression that
these are mother’s club that gather’s regularly for bible-sharing. There is little involvement of BECs in social
action, justice and peace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The involvement of young people in the youth ministry
in most dioceses and parishes remains vibrant.
The National Youth Day is regularly observed. However, most of the
activities are simply fun-filled, lacking in serious evangelization and
inculcation of moral values and social awareness. There is little involvement in social issues. They are easily duped and manipulated by lies
and disinformation in social media. Majority of young people supported the
candidacy of Duterte in 2016 and BBM in 2022.
This calls into question how effective the Church’s youth formation and
evangelization program is.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The tension between the Catholic
Church and the present administration is not palpable in spite the critical and
prophetic stance of the CBCP against the efforts of BBM in disinformation and
historical revisionism during the campaign period. The results of the election
reveal the Church’s declining influence in the political arena in spite the
endorsement by many priests, religious and lay movements of the candidacy of
Leni Robredo. The last election once
again proved that there is no such thing a Catholic command vote unlike the
Iglesia Ni Cristo. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike Duterte, BBM appears to avoid an antagonistic
stance vis-à-vis the Church. Lines of communication and dialogue between the
government and CBCP have been opened. So
far, the Church is on a wait and see attitude.
The CBCP is expected to adopt a policy of critical cooperation with the
Marcos government without abandoning its prophetic stance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the campaign, a significant number of clergy
and religious were active in what others regard as partisan politics. It
remains to be seen if they will continue to be involved beyond the election in
the broader social concerns especially in addressing issues such as corruption,
human rights violation, poverty, climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In view of the ecological crisis, the local Church is
seriously heeding the call of Pope Francis to implement the Laudato Si action
plan which was launched by the Vatical Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development. Many of the dioceses and religious communities are taking steps to
address climate change (e.g. lifestyle
changes, adopting solar energy, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The local Churches has been involved in the
preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on the theme of synodality. The focus for the post-synodal period will be
on how to concretely live out what it means to be a synodal Church. The synodal
theme of communion, participation and mission echoes the ecclesiology of
Vatican II and PCP II. This is a reminder that the local Church has to continue
the reception and implementation of Vatican II and PCP II.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Challenges for the Philippine Church’s
Mission</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Promoting
communion and solidarity</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a fragmented and deeply divided society the
individualistic ethos is incapable of addressing the multiple crises. The
Church’s mission of promoting communion and solidarity at all levels within the
Church and in society at large is of vital importance. This is what Pope
Francis emphasizes in Fratelli Tutti - to consider one another as brothers,
sisters and friends filled with love that impels us to universal communion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communion should be experienced within families, in
the neighborhood and communities, in society and among nations. It should be
promoted among various religious traditions, races and classes. It has an ecumenical,
interreligious, intercultural dimension. It has ad-intra (within the Church)
and ad-extra (outside the Church) character.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communion begins at home and extends beyond it. The
family should not be isolated from other families. They need to link up with
other families and individuals within the immediate neighborhood and local
community. Forming or revitalizing a network of small communities/Basic
Ecclesial Communities (BECs), cells or family groupings becomes necessary. The
parish must become truly a communion of BECs. The model of the Church as
described in Acts (2:42-46, 4:32-35) must be experienced once again. The sense
of belonging, sharing and the spirit of stewardship must be inculcated as the
communitarian dimension is emphasized. This is the antidote to isolation and
individualism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The communion and solidarity of the parishes with the
dioceses and wider levels (national, regional, universal) will take on a new
form. This is also the case among religious institutes and communities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In promoting communion and solidarity we should be
aware that we are living in the digital era. We stay connected with one
another. We can develop or join virtual communities and ecclesial movements
that have local, national and global reach through the digital information and
communication technology and social media.
With the development of more advanced and cheap technologies all these
can be possible even in areas that are remote and distant. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The new digital technology and social media make it
possible for regular and direct communication and consultation instantly
overcoming physical distance. Leaders and members can be more interconnected.
Church leaders should not be isolated but should continually be in touch with
each other and the people they serve. Online meetings and assemblies are
possible. The clergy should continue to communicate to the faithful and listen
to them. A more participative style of leadership is possible avoiding a
top-down model. This can be done at all levels – at the local, national, regional,
universal level. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communion involves sharing of resources needed to
address the various crises the world is facing. Communion always includes
participation in mission. This means synodality –journeying together.
Synodality involves participation in the decision-making process -- in
governance. It also means participation in mission – the prophetic-evangelizing
mission, the priestly mission, and the kingly-servant mission. This synodality
– communion and participation in mission – must be realized not only at the
universal level but at the local level -at the diocese, down to the parish, BECs
and Christian families.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prophetic
Evangelization<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The prophetic and moral dimension of evangelization
and catechesis should be given emphasis. It is not enough to proclaim joyfully
God’s liberating love and the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. What
matters is inculcating how each one should live as followers of Jesus, in
knowing and doing what is good and rejecting sin and evil. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The central message should focus on the following
themes: God’s love for the world – for
humanity and all living creatures. We are called to be in communion with the
Triune God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and with one another and the
rest of creation. We are all interconnected. We all have the responsibility to
love, share, care for each one and for all things. We are called to conversion
– this means rooting out selfishness, greed, hatred and violence. This requires
responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth and promoting
justice, peace and integral ecology. We are also called to live a simple and
sustainable lifestyle. The social teachings of the Church as well as the papal
documents (e.g. Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti) should be
studied and propagated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christian formation and education should emphasize
servant-leadership, participative ethos, creativity rather than
submissiveness. Evangelization requires
speaking out against social evils and proclaiming the coming of a new world, a
new reality. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a world where people often subjected to lies and
disinformation there is a need to use digital information and communication
technology/social media for evangelization, catechesis and education. This
means online evangelization seminars and catechesis (webinars).
Bible-study/bible-sharing groups can meet online. Mass media communication
should go digital and linked with social media. Each diocese and parish must
develop their capabilities and come up with quality video-material that can be
shared through social media in line with their respective evangelization and
catechetical programs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Face-to-face interaction should still be promoted in
smaller scale observing physical distancing and appropriate safety measures as
the pandemic continues. BEC/family-groupings can be the setting for
evangelization and catechesis as well as Gospel-sharing. All these require a dialogical process as
well as emphasizing story-telling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Theologians should address the theological questions
arising from the pandemic, economic and the ecological crisis. They can share
the fruits of their reflection online and engage in dialogue with other
theologians, Church leaders and the faithful. They can also give on-line
lectures or webinars when face-to-face gathering is restricted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Worship
and Liturgy<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The liturgy and other para-liturgical and devotional
practices should deepen the bond of communion and solidarity among the
faithful. Full and active participation should constantly be emphasized as well
as creativity and inculturation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In order to avoid a split-level type of Christian
faith, the liturgy should also be the occasion for prophetic evangelization and
catechesis. Social issues related to justice, peace, human rights and the
ecology should be integrated in the liturgical celebration. The liturgy should
lead the faithful to social action that will transform society, address the
various crises that we are facing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The pandemic has accelerated the use of digital
platform and social media in the liturgy. This should be continued even as we
encourage people to be physically present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Social
Action<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Church continues her mission as a servant
community in a situation where the majority suffer due to the effects of the
pandemic, economic and ecological crisis. How this is to be carried out
concretely depends on the local situation. The See-Judge-Act method is
recommended. Concrete action should flow from analysis of the situation (the
specific problems and issues that the local Church/community is facing), and
the moral judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The priority continues to be the promotion of integral
development – working for justice, peace and the integrity of creation. In face of economic recession or depression,
each local Church down to the parish and BEC levels should address the problem
of increasing poverty, unemployment and lack of food security which can lead to
hunger and even starvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since government efforts to address these problems may
be lacking, the local Church in collaboration with civil society organizations
has to promote sustainable development and initiate or support
poverty-alleviation programs. Credit unions/cooperatives as well as
micro-finance programs should be introduced or promoted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the pandemic Community Pantries and “Kindness
Centers” with feeding programs and food banks proliferated in many parishes.
This should be multiplied and expanded. This is difficult to sustain in most
parishes with dwindling incomes and resources. Parishioners should be
encouraged to share their time, talent and treasure. Besides giving food, what is more important
is to promote local food production such as gardening and communal farms.
Families and communities should be taught to engage in natural/organic farming
or sustainable agriculture and link up with consumers through social media and
e-commerce which bypass middle-men. Parishes and BECs within dioceses with
livelihood projects and income-generating programs can engage in alternative
trade, organizing networks of production and marketing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The social action program of the Church should be
geared towards promoting and supporting the growth of cooperatives and of
medium/small scale/cottage industries which are community-based or at the
grassroots (parish and BEC levels). It should also focus on skills training,
capability building and local capitalization. It should address the problem of
unemployment and labor displacement due to the economic crisis as well as
disruptive technologies brought about by the new industrial revolution. A
program for enterprise building and job-placement can be initiated. There are
parishes with pious wealthy members who are engaged in business or industries
that can be tapped. The principles and best practices of the Economy of
Communion (initiated by the Focolare movement) and the Economy of Francesco can
be adopted and further developed. It
should be an economy motivated not primarily by profit but by sharing with the
needy and promoting a culture of giving while ensuring business to grow in a
free market economy. It should be an economy based on solidarity and the
principle of stewardship, living in practice the ecclesiology of communion and
in particular the communion of goods where the members are of one heart and
mind and no one in need (cf. Acts 4:32-35). It should emphasize sustainability
and respect for the environment. This requires the advice and technical
assistance of grassroots-oriented technocrats and entrepreneurs as well schools
of business and management in Catholic Universities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We should continue to promote integral ecology
according to the spirit of Laudato Si. As a response to ecological crisis,
emphasis should be given to the reduction of carbon foot-prints. This involves
participation in the Greening movement, tree-planting, micro-gardening (family-community
levels), waste-management, biking, walking, etc. adoption and promotion of
alternative sources of energy (solar, wind). We should consider adopting solar
energy in our houses, rectories, churches and promote this in our parishes. A
healthy and simple lifestyle should be promoted which besides reducing carbon
footprints can strengthen the immune system against diseases and viruses
(plant-based diet, caloric restrictions, intermittent fasting).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While acting locally we need to link-up with each other
at various levels – national, regional, global. The Vatican Dicastery for the
Promotion of Integral Development in collaboration with the Laudato Si Movement
as well as the Sowing Hope for the Planet Campaign are promoting an action plan
for the years to come as a concrete response to Laudato Si.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In view of the continuing armed conflict and a
possible escalation of social unrest due to the economic and food crisis, we
should continue to promote peace and nonviolence. No matter how difficult it
is, we have to find ways to convince the government and the CPP/NDF/NPA to
resume peace negotiations that will lead to a final peace agreement. The Zones
of Peace should be promoted in our parishes and BECs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To carry out our mission of promoting justice, peace
and integrity of creation we need to make full use of digital technology and
social media. This is a means for letting us see what is happening all around
us – the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, the effects of the pandemic
and the ecological crisis, the injustices and inequality, the violence. This
allows us to analyze, reflect and make judgment on what is happening from the
perspective of the Christian faith and the Church’s moral and social teaching.
This enables us to share our stories – of what we are doing and should be doing
– and support each other and express solidarity as we act together to transform
and heal the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lay
Partnership in Mission<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vatican II emphasized active participation of lay
people in the life and mission of the Church. This has been affirmed by PCP II.
This is once again being given attention in the 2023 Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Lay
participation in mission is not limited to lay people who work full-time as lay
missionaries and pastoral workers. It also
applies to all lay people in liturgical celebration, in prophetic
evangelization & education, and in social action - working for justice,
peace and integrity of creation. Sharing their time, talent or expertise, and
personal resources lay people should be tapped to volunteer their services to
carry out the various programs of the dioceses, parishes & BECs. The spirit
of volunteerism should be promoted. Lay people can be encouraged to do this in
a part-time basis. Retirees can spend more time being active in the parish and
in the mission. A program for young graduates (following the model of the
Jesuit Volunteer Program) should be implemented where they can engage in mission
& parish work for a couple of years before pursuing their chosen
career. This can be a good time to use
whatever learning & skills they have acquired in the service of the
Church's mission. This can help deepen their faith and love of the poor. For
some, this can also help in awakening vocation to the priesthood and
religious life. Partnership of the local Church and religious congregations
with vibrant lay renewal movements and organizations is necessary for this.
Emphasis on participation of lay people can make up for dwindling vocations and
fewer priests and religious. This means doing away with clericalism. We
focus on training and ongoing formation of volunteers who will be filled with
missionary dynamism. We also have to focus on leadership formation – of the
clergy, religious and lay people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Final
Words<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We continue to live amidst this long dark night. This
can last for a decade or more. The worst is yet to come as we face multiple
crises – pandemic, economic, political, demographic, ecological, moral. There
are no competent leaders in the political arena who can lead us out of these
crises. We cannot expect change from the top. It will come from below. This
will require initiative and active participation at all levels of society –
including the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As church people and as religious, it is not enough to
be missionaries of hope. We cannot continue to operate in a maintenance mode.
We have to carry out our mission more effectively. This includes promoting
communion & solidarity, prophetic evangelizing, meaningful worship, and
social action that leads to social transformation in the context of multiple
crises we are facing. This requires strategic thinking and acting. As we fulfil
our mission, we are full of hope and become light in the midst of darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-38378312387618384992022-04-21T20:11:00.000+08:002022-04-21T20:11:53.951+08:00Philippine Presidential Race 2022: Trends and Post-Election Scenarios <p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Presidential
Race: Trends and Post-Election Scenarios</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fr.
Amado L. Picardal, CSsR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For
the last six years, the Philippines has gone through a dark period under a
despotic regime comparable to the Marcos era. Duterte’s War on Drugs has
claimed the lives of over 34,000 Filipinos – mostly poor people accused of
being drug users, human rights defenders and members of militant groups tagged
as communists. He is now facing investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal
Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. The spiral of violence continues since
the breakdown of the peace negotiations between the government and the National
Democratic Front. Lumad communities have been subjected to militarization and
their schools shut down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over
3.68 million have been infected by COVID19 and over 59,000 have died. The
government failed to effectively address the pandemic crisis in spite the huge
Bayanihan budget due to incompetence and corruption which involve the president
and his friends as the finding of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee reported. So
far 60 percent has been fully vaccinated and the case infections and mortality
rate has gone down. Restrictions have eased although one cannot really be
certain that the pandemic crisis is over. There are rising cases in other
countries especially like China. Another wave with new variants cannot be ruled
out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
pandemic has affected the economy severely with more Filipinos becoming poorer
due to the militaristic approach, long community quarantine, unemployment and
bankruptcy. From P6.1 trillion six years ago, the Government’s debt has reached
P12 trillion. The Philippines faces great difficulty in coming out from the
economic crisis and adapting to the rapidly changing global economic system
based on the emergence of a new industrial revolution based on renewable energy
and the digital information and communication technology. The Russian invasion in Ukraine which
threatens to involve the NATO and escalate into a wider war has triggered an
economic crisis related to the energy crisis as well as food crisis considering
that Ukraine and Russia are the main sources of gas, oil, grains and
fertilizers. The global economy will continue to face recession in the years to
come. The ecological crisis is not being seriously addressed as the government
continues policies that harm the environment and continuing dependence on
fossil fuel. Unless the target of reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 and carbon
neutrality by 2050 are reached, humanity faces extinction. The Philippines is
not doing something substantial to implement the international agreements to
address climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
press has been under attack while false news proliferate in social media
carried out by trolls of the government. The CBCP in a pastoral letter
denounced the lies, disinformation and historical revisionism carried out by
those in power and those who want to succeed Duterte especially Ferdinand
Marcos, Jr. Church leaders who came out
against human rights violation (EJK) and corruption by those in power have been
harassed and three priests have been killed and others hunted by the death
squad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the elections draw near, we are at a critical juncture which will determine
whether the reign of darkness will continue for the years to come or our
country will finally see the light. In the midst of the crises the country is
facing, the country needs leaders who are competent, compassionate, self-less
capable of inspiring everyone to work together for the common good and
effectively address the crises we face. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Political Trends<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
his term is about to end, President Duterte’s power and influence has waned.
The administration party does not have any presidential candidate. The PDP-Laban has splintered. Other political
figures and parties allied with him have gone their own way. He still has
influence over the outcome of the
elections. The COMELEC is made up of his appointees – four from Davao, two fraternity brothers and one former lawyer of
Marcos Jr. His friend Dennis Uy is the owner of F2 logistics which is handling
the delivery of ballots, SD cards, counting machines, etc.. He can use whatever
influence he has left to ensure that the next president can protect him from
accountability – especially from investigation of the International Criminal
Court..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
are many who are running for president –
four of them were Duterte allies and enablers who are vying for his support.
(Isko Moreno, Ping Lacson, Manny Pacquia and Marcos Jr) and one consistent
opposition figure (Leni Robredo). With less than a month left before the elections,
the presidential race is becoming a two race between Marcos Jr and Vice-President Leni
Robredo. In this article, I would like
to focus on both candidates - their character, qualities, the state of their
campaign and the post-election scenarios if they win. I will also discuss a
scenario that is being talked about which appear farfetched but cannot be ruled out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
is the son the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Although he claimed that he
has a BA degree from Oxford University and an MA from Wharton School of business
this was later proved to be false. His father was worried about his lazy and
carefree attitude. He has no track
record of good governance as governor of Ilocos. Being an absentee governor, he relied on his
vice-governor to fulfil his responsibility. Ilocos Norte remains a 3<sup>rd</sup>
class province. He proudly claimed the
windmills of Bangui as his project although this was actually initiated and
funded by a private company. As senator,
he has no impressive record of legislation. He was one of those implicated by
Napoles in the pork barrel scam and asked by COA to return P10 million pesos.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
co-administrator of Marcos’ estate, Marcos Jr. blocked government efforts to
recover the billions plundered by his father.
The estate tax which was is now equivalent to P203 billion remains unpaid. The Supreme Court had ruled
the BIR assessment as final and unappealable. His mother, Imelda Marcos who is
the co-administrator of the Marcos estate, was convicted by the Sandigan Bayan
of seven counts of graft which is on appeal at the Supreme Court. She posted
bail while facing 42 years in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even
before the 2016 elections, Marcos Jr allegedly hired the political consulting
firm Cambridge Analytica to assist him. This
includes rebranding the Marcos image. Through lies, deceit and disinformation
using social media and trolls and funded by ill-gotten wealth he is trying to make
people believe that: a: the Marcos dictatorial rule was the golden era of the
country b. the Philippines deteriorated
after the ouster of his father and c. he will bring back the golden era with his
victory. At the same time, his trolls continue to spread lies about his principal rival Leni Robredo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Marcos
Jr was able to convince Sara Duterte to run for Vice-President which brought many
of Duterte’s supporters to his side. So far, he has not received Duterte’s
endorsement Duterte has publicly stated that he would not endorse Marcos Jr. He
considers him a spoiled brat and a weak leader who relies on his father’s
achievement, He even insinuated that Marcos Jr
is a cocaine addict. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Marcos
Jr is backed by a coalition of political parties and traditional politicians
most of whom had been charged and imprisoned for plunder: Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo, Estrada, Revilla, Enrile, et al.. In spite being convicted for failure to file
income tax returns, Marcos Jr. has been favored by the Comelec in the
disqualification case. The case will eventually reach the Supreme Court for a
final ruling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Aside
from a promise of another golden era for the Philippines, Marcos Jr has not
presented a clear vision and concrete program of government should he win. His constant message: unity is the answer to
all our problems. He avoids debates
believing that he can protect his big lead based on the surveys. His
supporters believe that the country will prosper when he brings back the hidden
wealth (Tallano gold, Yamashita treasures), pay the country’s debts, and distribute the gold to the people.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
spite being considered the front- runner, he has difficulty drawing large
crowds in his rallies and campaigns. He has to rely on “hakot” and giving
P250-500. His campaign is focused on the
poor (DE class) many of whom he believes can be bought. and those who are
gullible and easily duped by lies and disinformation. Thus, far his reliance on social media and ground
campaign by barangay leaders have bore fruit with his high survey results. However, he lacks volunteers who can carry out
the ground campaign in the last months of the election.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the most recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia, Marcos Jr remains at the top
although there is a decline in his numbers. This downward trend is causing
alarm to his campaign strategists and has resulted in more intense negative
campaign and dirty tactics against his
closest rival. A lead in surveys months before the elections does not guarantee
victory as previous elections have shown.. In 2016, Marcos Jr. was the frontrunner in the VP
election surveys but lost to Leni Robredo . It remains to be seen if he can
keep the lead this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leni Robredo<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> She is the incumbent vice-president and
regarded as the leader of the opposition. She graduated from UP with an economic degree
and became a lawyer while being the wife of Naga mayor (later DILG secretary) Jesse
Robredo and raising two children. She worked for the Public Attorney’s Office
and later for an NGO (Saligan) offering free legal services to poor clients and
organizations. After the death of her
husband , she was prevailed upon by supporters to run for representative even
without money. She defeated a wealthy and powerful politician who was the
patriarch of the political dynasty that ruled Camarines for decades. She was
elected vice-president in 2016 defeating her four male rivals in spite of
having 2 percent ratings at the start of
the campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the eyes of many, she has shown integrity, compassion and servant-leadership
especially during the pandemic. In spite being portrayed as elitist, she has proven
her love for the poor. She has a clear strategic vision and concrete platform
to address the crises the country is facing. She is inclusive and consultative.
She is backed by a movement that emerged spontaneously made up of various
opposition groups, classes and sectors including clergy, religious and laity. A
bulk of her support come from the middle-class, the youth, and urban poor
organizations, peasants, labor, etc. She also has the broad support of groups regarded
as rightist (Magdalo), left of center
(Akbayan) and the left (Makabayan bloc). She is endorsed by various universities,
civic groups, the business sector. This so-called Pink Movement is capable of
coordinated nationwide mobilization. They are conducting a highly-organized
people’s campaign with energetic supporters/volunteers who are engaged in
social media and ground campaign (barrio to barrio, house to house, face to
face). They are self-financed or crowd-sourcing which make up for her lack of
funds. She represents the new style of politics different from the traditional
patronage politics. There are massive attendance in rallies held all over the country even in
areas considered as bailiwicks of Marcos Jr-Sara Duterte tandem (Northern Luzon, Mindanao, NCR). In these
rallies there is consistent message of good governance that can bring progress
and hope for the future. Besides being projected as the leader that can bring
light amidst the darkness and inspire others to do the same, two other
archetypal figures are emerging: the loving mother and the warrior woman –
Urduja. To most, she is just simply Leni – approachable, full of charm and
charisma, competent and indefatigable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With
the momentum of her campaign, a bandwagon effect has started. Politicians
allied with Duterte and his daughter Sara
are supporting her – Escudero, Salceda,
Andaya, Rufus Rodriguez, Evardone, et al – and are promoting a Robredo-Sara
Tandem (RoSa, KaLeSa). She also received the support of the Lakas-CMD chair
Jose de Venecia and his son who is deputy majority leader in the House of
Representative allied with Duterte, Even Partido Reporma of Pantaleon Alvarez,
former ally of Duterte who earlier backed Lacson has declared support for
Robredo. The volunteer groups of Isko
Moreno – Ikaw Muna Pilipinas - have also
shifted their support to her. Many governors and mayors are supporting her - even those competing locally for the same
position. These defections to her side
continue especially since the start of the campaign for local elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the poll surveys, Robredo has climbed to the second place overtaking Moreno,
Pacquiao and Lacson. There is a
significant upward trajectory and surge in her numbers. This could be due to the
massive crowds in the rallies and the house to house campaign of her army of
volunteers. It looks like the spirit of
people power has started to manifest in these campaign in spite the harassment
and red-tagging. Unlike the surveys, the social media analytics (Google Trends,
Facebook Analytics, etc.) which analyze searches
and social media engagements are showing that as of March, Robredo leads in
most regions. Still, there are many who doubt if she can overtake Marcos Jr
whose lead in the surveys remain wide. Many think that it would take a miracle
for her to win. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Post-Election Scenarios<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Robredo Presidency</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Her
“miraculous” victory is met with euphoria and rejoicing among the majority of
the Filipinos. She reaches out to the supporters of other candidates. Although
feeling cheated, there is no strong reaction from supporters of Marcos Jr who
files a series of election protests and demand a recount.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She
appoints people of competence and integrity in the cabinet and other government
positions, she mobilizes the Pink Movement and Civil Society to assist in carrying
out her program of government. She focuses on addressing the pandemic crisis
like what she had been doing as vice-president but this time in a grander scale
– stopping the spread of the epidemic, assistance to those most affected, etc. Appropriate
policies and systems that address the pandemic, economic and ecological crises
are implemented, Good governance with grassroots participation becomes the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
rule of law is upheld. Those responsible for plunder and murder are held
accountable. The DOJ initiates investigation on abuses and crimes committed
during the previous administration. The government cooperates with the
International Criminal Court in the investigation of the Extrajudicial
Killings. System of transparency is put in place to prevent corruption. The peace
process with the NDF is resumed and a final peace agreement is reached that
addresses the roots of armed conflict. Since she was elected with the support
of Church people there is close Church and state collaboration for the common
good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She
faces the problem of lack of support from the Senate and House of
Representatives if few of her allies win . She has difficulty in passing
legislative agenda for reforms and good governance. She also has difficulty
with local governments units dominated by traditional politicians and political
dynasties. The Pink Movement can bear pressure on local government officials
and promote good governance at the local and grassroots level. New leaders of
the same mold as Robredo emerge and are supported that will challenge the
traditional political elite and dynasties. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Marcos Jr Presidency </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(Two
probable scenarios )<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario A<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
elections turn out to be credible, fair and honest. The losing candidates
concede but Marcos Jr does not get the full support and respect because of a
general feeling that his victory was achieved through lies and disinformation
funded by his family’s ill-gotten wealth. For the next six years, the efforts of Marcos
Jr. focus on the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the restoration of his family honor and dynasty,
stop all efforts to recover ill-gotten wealth and payment of estate tax,
protection of Imelda from serving her sentence for graft.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the continuation of the policies and style
of governance of the Duterte administration characterized by incompetence,
corruption, violence and impunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
pursues the War on Drugs and the Pro-China policy as well as total war against
the revolutionary movement. He appoints his
vice-president Sara as Defense Secretary to help carry this out. The death
squads are allowed to continue to operate with impunity targeting not just drug
users but also those who have been red-tagged. The ICC investigation continues
and includes Sara who was mayor of Davao when the Davao Death Squads were
active. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While
uniting the traditional corrupt political elite, Marcos Jr is unable to unite
the nation behind him. Lacking in leadership experience and competence, he is
incapable of addressing the pandemic, economic and ecological crises
effectively. Being contented with the
honor and glory of being the president he remains carefree and lazy and
continue to practice an absentee and laissez-faire style of leadership. He depends
on others to do the hard and dirty work and relies on the advise of his wife
Liza thus, earning the title of conjugal
rule. He is unable to do away with corruption in government. He does not have
the trust, confidence and respect of many Filipinos, He is unable to go to the US for fear of
being arrested. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Crony-capitalism becomes rampant and he is unable to attract foreign investments
due to lack of investors’ confidence. The economy deteriorates and he is not
able to fulfil his promise of bringing back the golden era of the Philippines. There is no Tallano gold
and those who voted for him and the majority of Filipinos remain impoverished
and feel scammed once again. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leni
Robredo does not disappear from the scene. She continues to serve in her own
capacity even without government position. She provides leadership to the
opposition and the Pink Movement that shifts to peaceful, nonviolent
resistance. Every self-serving decision of
the Marcos Jr administration is challenged and resisted. His non-payment of P203 B estate taxes as
well as non-implementation of the Sandigan Bayan conviction of Imelda for
plunder is raised. There is a threat to nonpayment
of taxes. There is demand for accountability including investigation of
corruption and extrajudicial killings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the economic crisis deepens, the people have to fend for themselves. Civil
Society groups, the members of the Pink Movement and Churches respond by
sharing their resources, time and
expertise to deal with the bleak situation.
They promote a sharing and collaborative economy. Instead of relying on
the government, they come up with concrete socio-economic programs and projects
that address hunger and unemployment, alleviate poverty, and address climate
change. They promote renewable energy,
circular economy, sustainable and regenerative agriculture. They implement the
agenda and platform of the Pink Revolution even if outside the government. They
make use of the digital information and communication technology and help the
country to adapt to the emerging new industrial economic revolution. They exert effort to change Philippine
society from below. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Marcos Jr resorts to authoritarian style of governance copying his father’s and
predecessor’s playbook, resistance increases. The political and economic situation
deteriorates There is heightened social
unrest, division and tension. The NDF-CPP-NPA become stronger as many –
especially the youth- who are disillusioned with the situation and the
political-economic system join the armed revolutionary movement fighting for
radical change. Peace remains elusive as resistance to his rule grows. There is
no peace negotiations as the government and the revolutionary movement
adopt a hardline stance. There is
constant effort to oust him. The Church exercises a prophetic/critical role
judging the Marcos administration as built on lies, deceit and corruption,
having no moral basis to govern. A segment within the military is restive and
does not support the repressive rule and pro-China and anti-US policy. The
question: will he be able to finish his term or will history repeat itself?
Will there be a peaceful transfer of power or a long dark bloody night? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario B</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Due
to unchecked disinformation campaign, vote-buying and rigging of election by
the administration aided by COMELEC, Robredo and other candidates do not
concede. The result is unacceptable to the millions of people who want change
and pinned their hopes on Robredo presidency. This triggers sustained vigorous
protest and civil disobedience spearheaded by the Pink Movement waging active
nonviolent struggle with Robredo providing leadership. This spreads nationwide
with the support of the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
situation becomes volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Duterte declares
a state of emergency until Marcos Jr is sworn into office. This leads to
greater reaction. An insurrectionary mood prevails. Duterte orders a crackdown.
NPA operations increase. Due to civil
disobedience the entire country is paralyzed. A segment of the military refuses
to carry out repressive measures against the people. This can either be quickly
resolved through People Power like 1986 – with history repeating itself - or to
a long dark night of authoritarian rule and determined struggle to oust the
ruling regime and usher in a new political-economic system. Whether there is a
peaceful transfer of power or a bloody one remains to be seen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sara Duterte Presidency<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(These
two scenarios, although seemingly farfetched and dismissed as conspiracy
theory, cannot be ruled out. Questions have been raised why the COMELEC failed
to come out with a timely decision on the disqualification case against Marcos which
could prevent the Supreme Court from coming up with a final ruling before the
elections. Duterte’s allies are also making sure that Sara wins as
vice-president by promoting a ROSA (Robredo-Sara) tandem. This has brought
suspicion that this is part of a complex maneuver by Duterte to ensure his hold
on power by proxy and defend him from the ICC investigation. There are two scenarios:
a, Marcos Jr victory, b. Robredo Victory).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario
A:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Marcos Jr is declared winner by the COMELEC. Sara Duterte
is also declared winner as Vice-President. Before or after being sworn in, the Supreme Court
decides to disqualify Marcos Jr.. Sara is proclaimed as the new president.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario B</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">: Robredo wins the
presidency with Sara as vice-president. Robredo has no support in the Senate
& House of Representatives dominated by Duterte allies. They maneuver to impeach and oust
Robredo. Sara becomes president assuring
the continuity of Duterte hold on power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whether
scenario A or B, both trigger widespread protest and civil disobedience spearheaded by
the Pink Movement waging active nonviolent struggle. This spread nationwide
with the support of the Church. The situation becomes volatile, uncertain,
complex and ambiguous. This leads to greater reaction. An insurrectionary mood
prevails. NPA operations increase. Due
to civil disobedience the entire country is paralyzed. This can either be
quickly resolved through People Power like 1986 or to a long dark night of authoritarian
rule and determined struggle to oust the ruling regime. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Final Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
future is unpredictable. We find ourselves in an uncertain, complex, ambiguous
situation. Nothing is certain. We will be surprised how things will turn out.
This is how many felt at the beginning of 1986 before the Snap Election that Marcos Sr called confident of his
victory. What happened in EDSA in Feb 22-25,1986 was totally unexpected. It was
not in any of the scenarios. It seemed miraculous. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
already we are seeing a glimpse of what can happen no matter what the outcome
of the election may be. What we are seeing so far is the emergence of a new
kind of politics that gives hope for the future – beyond May 9. A substantial
number of ordinary citizens from all walks of life, most of them young people,
fed up with the traditional style of politics, who are actively involved in the
fight for good governance. They are people full of hope, with integrity,
decency, kindness, compassion, self-discipline, creativity and joy. They
represent the best version of the Filipino. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They
look for and support servant-leaders who can inspire them to share their time,
talent and resources to work for a better Philippines. They are developing a
sense of solidarity, communion and what sociologist Victor Turner calls
“communitas”. We can already see and experience this in the massive rallies.
They are organic and self-organizing making use of the digital information and
communication technology to connect to each other, fight false news and
disinformation, and go out into the streets, and far-flung communities
voluntarily to make a difference. The spirit of EDSA People Power is once again
here and will not easily go away.This is the face of transformative politics
that will replace the traditional transactional-patronage politics dominated by corrupt and
self-serving political elites and dynasties. Assuming that this is not just a
temporary phenomenon but a genuine social movement, the struggle – the Pink Revolution – will not
end on May 9 –whether with a victory of Robredo or Marcos Jr or a Daughterte presidency.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Under
a Robredo presidency, their active support and participation can be relied on so that there will be
genuine transformation and good governance. From among them will emerge new
breed of servant-leaders chosen and supported by an awakened citizenry that
cannot be bought and dominated by traditional politicians. They can change the
prevailing political culture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Under a Marcos
presidency, the Pink Movement will resist the continuation of the corrupt and
authoritarian style of governance and any efforts of impunity, human rights violation,
etc. They are capable of carrying out
massive protest and even another people power uprising when necessary. The
struggle for good governance and genuine social transformation continues. This
time it will come from below rather than from the top. This is the new paradigm
of social change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According
to Italian sociologist Vilfredo Pareto, based on his studies of institutions
and groups, it only takes at least 20 percent to make a difference. Arnold
Toynbee in his study of the history of civilizations and nations also wrote
about the role of “creative minorities” in initiating social change. Whether
the number of those in the Pink Movement is enough to win this coming election
remains to be seen. What is certain is that in the long run, this is enough to
effect genuine social transformation. This
is the source of hope, the light in the midst of darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-86181041543049460792020-05-22T21:00:00.002+08:002020-05-22T21:00:49.003+08:00The Church’s Mission in the Time of the Pandemic and Beyond<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Church’s Mission in the Time of the Pandemic and Beyond<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in a period of uncertainty. We
cannot predict the future. We can only take into consideration various
scenarios – especially the worst-case and the best-case. What is certain is
that many people all over the world are severely affected by the pandemic and
we are facing a more catastrophic crisis – climate change. So how can the
Church carry out her mission at present and in the decades to come? This is
what every local Church and religious communities should answer based on their
particular context. What follows are some general ideas and suggestions that
might be helpful and can be taken into consideration. What is important is to
think strategically, always assessing developments and trends – the external
threats/opportunities and the internal strengths/weaknesses – being creative
and coming up with fresh ideas and bold action. The Church can only survive and
thrive when she is able to adapt to the changing situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Immediate
and continuing task: caring for a wounded world<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Caring for the victims of the pandemic and
the consequent economic crisis is a priority for the Church in collaboration
with civil society and government institutions. The Church must mobilize its
resources in supporting relief and humanitarian efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This requires supporting those in the
frontlines – the medical workers who are engaged in caring for the sick and the
dying. In concrete this will take the form of providing accommodation, food,
transportation during lockdowns and quarantines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This also means providing psycho-spiritual
care for the bereaved and front-liners who may be suffering from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder. This can take the form of on-line counselling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since the poor are the most vulnerable
especially under lock-down and beyond, the Church (especially at the parish and
grassroots level) should respond to their basic needs both material and
spiritual. The most immediate is providing food assistance and encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To avoid dependency and passivity everyone
must actively be involved in the process of addressing their needs and
problems. This can only be sustained through the spirit of communion – of sharing
and participation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Digital
information/communication technology/social media should be used for this
purpose – in identifying those in need, inviting volunteers and contributions,
distribution centers, networks and delivery, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">New
forms of communion and solidarity</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The continuing threat of pandemic requires
physical distancing – this will be the new normal. There will be restrictions
on large gathering/assemblies. International and domestic travel will be
limited. The trend is towards doing things locally – including economic production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More
time will be spent at home. Most of the face-to-face encounter takes place at
home and in the community. The new mantra: work at home if you can, go to the
office or workplace only if it is really necessary. The same is happening in
education. There will be more on-line learning and home-schooling. This will be
the opportunity for promoting the family and household as the domestic church.
Parents will spend more time with their children. This is the time to
experience the loving communion and sharing within the family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, the family should not be isolated
from other families. They need to link up with other families and individuals
within the immediate neighborhood and local community. Forming or revitalizing a
network of small communities/Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), cells or
family groupings becomes necessary. The parish must become truly a communion of
BECs. The model of the Church as described in Acts (2:42-46, 4:32-35) must be
experienced once again. The sense of belonging, sharing and the spirit of
stewardship must be inculcated as the communitarian dimension is emphasized.
This is the antidote to isolation and individualism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The communion and solidarity of the
parishes with the dioceses and wider levels (national, regional, universal)
will take on a new form. This is also the case among religious institutes and
communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In promoting communion and solidarity we
should be aware that we are living in the digital era. We stay connected with
one another. We can develop or join virtual communities and ecclesial movements
that have local, national and global reach through the digital information and
communication technology and social media. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Online meetings and assemblies are now
possible. With the development of more advanced and cheap technologies all
these can be possible even in areas that are remote and distant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communion always includes participation in
mission. This means synodality –journeying together. Synodality involves
participation in the decision-making process -- in governance. It also means
participation in mission – the prophetic-evangelizing mission, the priestly
mission, and the kingly-servant mission. This synodality – communion and
participation in mission – must be realized not only at the universal level but
at the local level -at the diocese, down to the parish, Basic Ecclesial
Communities and the Christian families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a world that is becoming decentralized
and fragmented, those in pastoral leadership must employ new ways of exercising
leadership and governance. The new digital technology and social media make it
possible for regular and direct communication and consultation instantly
overcoming physical distance. Leaders and members can be more interconnected.
Church leaders should not be isolated but should continually be in touch with
each other and the people they serve. Online meetings and assemblies are
possible. The clergy should continue to communicate to the faithful and listen
to them. A more participative style of leadership is possible avoiding a
top-down model. This can be done at all levels – at the local, national,
regional, universal level. Strategic thinking and acting is required – of
seeing the big picture and the long view.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Evangelization
and Christian education in the pandemic and the ecological crises</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How can the Good News and the Christian
message be proclaimed in the time of the pandemic and the ecological crises? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The central message: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love for the world – for humanity and
all living creatures. We are called to be in communion with the Triune God –
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and with one another and the rest of creation.
We are all interconnected. We all have the responsibility to love, share, care
for each one and for all things. We are called to conversion – this means
rooting out selfishness, greed, hatred and violence. This requires responding
to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth and promote justice, peace and
integral ecology. We are also called to live a simple and sustainable lifestyle.
The social teachings of the Church as well as the papal documents (e.g. <i>Evangelii
Gaudium, Laudato Si</i>) should be studied and propagated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christian formation and education should
emphasize servant-leadership, participative ethos, creativity rather than submissiveness.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evangelization requires being prophetic
– to speak out against social evils and proclaim the coming of a new world, a
new reality. The local Church has to monitor, denounce and resist human rights
violations and abuses – including totalitarian state control that diminishes
freedom in the guise of containing the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since physical distancing is the new
normal and large gathering is restricted, we have to use digital information and
communication technology/social media for evangelization, catechesis and
education. This means online evangelization seminars and catechesis (webinars).
Bible-study/bible-sharing groups can meet online. Mass media communication
should go digital and linked with social media. Each diocese and parish must
develop their capabilities and come up with quality video-material that can be shared
through social media in line with their respective evangelization and
catechetical programs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Face-to-face interaction should still be
used but in a smaller scale observing physical distancing and appropriate
safety measures. BEC/family-groupings can be the setting for evangelization and
catechesis as well as Gospel-sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All these require a dialogical process as well as emphasizing
story-telling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even with less face-to-face encounter,
spiritual counselling and direction can be carried out using digital technology
and social media (WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Zoom, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Theologians should address the theological
questions arising from the pandemic and the ecological crisis. They can share
the fruits of their reflection online and engage in dialogue with other
theologians, Church leaders and the faithful. They can also give on-line
lectures or webinars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Worship
and Liturgy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Due to physical distancing, large
gathering for liturgies and worship will not be possible for quite some time.
Dioceses and parishes will have to think of how regular Sunday Masses in parish
churches can be celebrated with these restrictions. It could mean limiting
attendance for each Mass and adding more scheduled Masses. It could also mean
celebrating small group Masses – BEC/neighborhood/family groupings, etc. This type
of can be celebrated once every two or more months for each small group –
depending on the availability of priests and the size of the parish. A Mass for
a particular a family/small-groupings/cells can be broadcasted live so that
other groups who are not physical present can still virtually participate and
make spiritual communion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Family liturgy/worship should be developed
and promoted. The Christian family as domestic church is a worshipping and
praying community. Following the Jewish practice, family-centered rituals
around the table can be adopted. Family rosary, bible-service and sharing can
also be practiced by each household.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Celebration of Sunday “priest-less liturgies”
or liturgies in the absence of the priest with or without communion services
should be promoted in BECs, cells and family groupings for communities that
cannot have regular Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. These are usually led
by lay liturgical leaders. The proliferation of permanent deacons to serve
these communities should be considered especially for those who are already
exercising leadership in these small communities. This can be the context for
the ongoing study and consideration about the possibility of including women in
the diaconal ministry by the commission created by Pope Francis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have to emphasize the Vatican II
teaching on the priesthood of the faithful. This means not only active
participation in the liturgy but also living a life of prayer and self-sacrifice,
and active charity. We have to accept that there are situations when it is not
possible to participate regularly in Sunday Eucharist. We must de-emphasize the
mentality that it is mortal sin to miss Mass on Sundays and holy days of
obligation which unnecessarily create a sense of guilt and anxiety for those
unable to do so due to unavoidable circumstances. There is more to sharing in
Christ’s priesthood than attending Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While the Mass is the summit and fount of
Christian life, its daily/weekly celebration is not the only expression of the
priestly character of the Christian community. The real presence of Christ is
not exclusively manifested in the Eucharist but also in other community prayer
and worship when the faithful gather in Jesus’ name and in the Word that is
proclaimed and shared. What matters most is not the frequency of the
celebration of the Eucharist but how it is celebrated with a community that
truly lives a life of communion with Christ and with one another in their day
to day life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
role of the ordained minister is to lead and enable active participation of the
lay faithful in the Church’s priestly mission. But we have to avoid clericalism
that posits that only the ordained minister alone can make the Church a truly
priestly/worshipping community and that the Eucharist is the only form of
prayer and worship. The Church will continue to survive without
frequent/regular Sunday Mass in communities due to the shortage of priests or
restrictions imposed by circumstance (e.g. pandemic, persecutions, etc.). A
life of holiness among the members as well as the capacity for self-sacrifice
and martyrdom that accompany participation in communal liturgy characterize the
fullness of priesthood of the faithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Social
Action<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Church continues her mission as a
servant community in a situation where the majority suffer due to the effects
of the pandemic and the creeping ecological crisis. How this is to be carried
out concretely depends on the local situation where the Church is situated. The
See-Judge-Act method is recommended. Concrete action should flow from analysis
of the situation (the specific problems and issues that the local
Church/community is facing), and the moral judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The priority continues to be the promotion
of integral development – working for justice, peace and the integrity of
creation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In face of economic recession or
depression, each local Church should address the problem of increasing poverty,
unemployment and lack of food security which can lead to hunger and even
starvation. Many will be driven to indebtedness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since government efforts to address these
problems may not be enough, the Church in collaboration with civil society
organizations has to promote sustainable development and initiate or support
poverty-alleviation programs. Credit unions/cooperatives as well as
micro-finance programs should be introduced or promoted to avoid loan-sharks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the pandemic “Kindness Centers”
with feeding programs and food banks have proliferated in many parishes. This
should be multiplied and expanded. This is difficult to sustain in most
parishes with dwindling incomes and resources. Parishioners should be
encouraged to share their time, talent and treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides giving food, what is more important
is to promote local food production such as gardening and communal farms.
Families and communities should be taught to engage in natural/organic farming or
sustainable agriculture and link up with consumers through social media and
e-commerce which bypass middle-men. Parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities
within dioceses with livelihood projects and income-generating programs can
engage in alternative trade, organizing networks of production and marketing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the radical restructuring of the world
economic order that is becoming de-globalized, a more localized and
self-sufficient economic system is emerging. This is the effect of the
decentralization and localization of supply chains in the aftermath of the
pandemic crisis as well as the acceleration of the 4<sup>th</sup> industrial
revolution with the proliferation of digital-based manufacturing, 3-D printing,
robotics, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, etc. The trend is towards local
manufacturing and production for domestic consumption rather than for exports.
New skills and competencies will be required with new enterprises and jobs
generated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The social action program of the Church
should be geared towards promoting and supporting the growth of cooperatives
and of medium/small scale/cottage industries which are community-based or at
the grassroots (parish and BEC levels). It should also focus on skills
training, capability building and local capitalization. It should address the
problem of unemployment and labor displacement due to the economic crisis as
well as disruptive technologies brought about by the 4<sup>th</sup> industrial
revolution. A program for enterprise building and job-placement can be
initiated. There are parishes with pious wealthy members who are engaged in
business or industries that can be tapped. The principles and best practices of
the Economy of Communion (initiated by the Focolare movement) can be adopted
and further developed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be an
economy motivated not primarily by profit but by sharing with the needy and
promoting a culture of giving while ensuring business to grow in a free market
economy. It should be an economy based on solidarity and the principle of
stewardship, living in practice the ecclesiology of communion and in particular
the communion of goods where the members are of one heart and mind and no one
in need (cf. Acts 4:32-35). It should emphasize sustainability and respect for
the environment. This requires the advice and technical assistance of grassroots-oriented
technocrats and entrepreneurs as well schools of business and management in
Catholic Universities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We should continue to promote integral
ecology according to the spirit of Laudato Si. As a response to ecological
crisis, emphasis should be given to the reduction of carbon foot-prints. This
involves participation in the Greening movement, tree-planting, micro-gardening
(family-community levels), adoption and promotion of alternative sources of
energy (solar, wind), waste-management, biking, walking, etc. We should promote
a healthy and simple lifestyle which besides reducing carbon footprints can
strengthen the immune system against diseases and viruses (plant-based diet,
caloric restrictions, intermittent fasting).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While acting locally we need to link-up
with each other at various levels – national, regional, global. The Vatican
Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Development in collaboration with
Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) as well as the Sowing Hope for the
Planet Campaign are promoting a roll out plan for the years to come as a
concrete response to Laudato Si.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To
carry out our mission of promoting justice, peace and integrity of creation we
need to make full use of digital technology and social media. This is a means
for letting us see what is happening all around us – the cry of the earth and
the cry of the poor, the effects of the pandemic and the ecological crisis, the
injustices and inequality, the violence. This allows us to analyze, reflect and
make judgment on what is happening from the perspective of the Christian faith
and the Church’s moral and social teaching. This enables us to share our
stories – of what we are doing and should be doing – and support each other and
express solidarity as we act together to transform and heal the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Final Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through
the centuries the Church has found herself facing numerous crisis worst than we
have now. This is not the time to be afraid and to panic. Our Lord Jesus Christ
has promised us that He is always with us and will not abandon us. The
Spirit-filled Christian Community has survived and thrived even in the worst
situation and continued to fulfil her mission. What matters most is to believe
and trust in the Triune God, to be filled with hope and give hope to others,
and to be filled with love and express this concretely to others as we strive
to heal this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-17453386201207345372020-05-07T19:23:00.004+08:002020-05-07T19:23:56.116+08:00Summary Strategic Assessment of the Global Situation: Threats & Opportunities/Future Scenarios<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
current global situation brought about by the pandemic is characterized as
volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). There is fear, panic and
uncertainty in face of an invisible enemy. The virus which started in Wuhan in
December 2019 has spread rapidly all over the world and has created an
unprecedented global crisis. It is not just a health crisis but an economic,
political and social crises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Compared
to the last devastating pandemic - the 1918 Spanish flu -- the rate of infection
and fatality of COVID-19 is relatively low. But the reaction and impact are
unprecedented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything has shut down
– whole countries and states are on lockdown or quarantine. The damage and
changes that follow will depend on how long this pandemic last and the direction
those in leadership will make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is uncertainty when the lockdown will completely be lifted and when the health
crisis be over. It could take years to contain and totally defeat this virus.
Like in the past, the virus with its various mutations will continue to be a
threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second or third wave cannot be
ruled out unless the vaccine and cure is found and made available. Thus, there
will be a gradual and calibrated lessening of the lock-down and community
quarantine. Social/physical distancing will have to be observed. Large
gatherings will be avoided. This could become the new normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
are facing a great uncertainty. We cannot be sure what will happen next. This
is a global crisis. The longer this crisis persists, the worst the
repercussions and the more radical changes can be expected. We hope for the
best and prepare for the worst. Everybody hopes that the pandemic will end
soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the health crisis subsides
the global economic crisis will continue to exacerbate. The shutdown of the
economy has led to economic recession and could lead to a global economic
depression if the trend continues. Many companies and businesses are going
bankrupt and closing down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millions have
lost their jobs and do not have enough to eat. According to IMF, 260 million
people are facing starvation especially in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Trillions
of dollars have been lost in the stock-market. The global neo-liberal
capitalist system is collapsing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is disruption of the global supply chain and less demand and consumption which
makes economic recovery difficult. The so-called V-shaped recovery where the
economy can quickly bounce back to normal has been ruled out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thus,
an economic crisis and a political crisis can be the consequence of the health
and humanitarian crisis. How governments and civil society respond to this
crisis will determine what kind of world will emerge. For better or for worst,
the political and economic crisis could lead to new economic and political
systems and configurations accompanied by cultural and social changes. As the
saying goes, a crisis is not only a time of danger – it is also a time of
opportunity. The greater and deeper the crisis, the greater the opportunity for
radical and long-lasting change. This is what happened in Europe after the
Black Death in the 14<sup>th</sup> century. This could happen once again in our
lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Times
like this requires strategic thinking and acting on the part of those in
leadership position in various institutions whether government, ecclesiastical,
religious, etc. This means looking at the big picture and the long view. One
the most important things that needs to be done is to assess the present
situation – the threats and opportunities, the strengths and weaknesses. Since
it is difficult to predict or forecast what will happen, building scenarios
could be helpful. These can be the basis for strategic directions and plans. No
planning can be done without going through this process. It is not enough to
dream of what kind of world we want to have after this pandemic. We also have
to look at what is happening and what could happen. This should be done at both
the global and local levels. This paper is an initial or preliminary attempt to
do this from a global perspective. Hopefully, this can spur further efforts to
understand the situation and the possibilities for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Threats
and Weaknesses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
coronavirus continues to spread all over the world as the number of cases and
fatalities increase. Even with an apparent containment and decreasing rates of
infection, a second and third wave cannot be ruled out unless a cure or vaccine
is found and made available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
situation worsens as many governments with inept leadership are incapable of
dealing effectively with the health crisis as well as the consequent economic
crisis. This paves the way for increasing authoritarian rule from the national
to the local levels. A virtual martial law is imposed to enforce the lock-down
or quarantine. Abuse of authority and violation of human rights are prevalent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
economic recession and possible depression can result in the breakdown or
collapse of neo-liberal globalized capitalist economic system. De-globalization
is underway. The disruption of supply-chain and the slow-down or stoppage of production
as well as the decline of consumption and demand makes it difficult to recover.
This leads to bankruptcy, shut-down of businesses, rise of unemployment,
increasing poverty, and food scarcity. The pandemic manifests the widening gap
between the haves and the have-nots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
developing economies in Latin American, Asia and Africa will suffer the most
even if the rate of infection and fatality is lower than the developed
countries. East Africa is facing not just the pandemic but also the locust
plague. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Europe which has been on a
long-term recession before the pandemic is not spared from the economic crisis.
Italy, Spain, France and Great Britain are being hit hard. While the German
economy appears to be stable it cannot be sustained in the long run since it is
50% export-oriented. The collapse of the oil industry is affecting not just
Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia but also Nigeria and Venezuela. China, which is
touted as the second largest economy is not spared from the economic crisis as
production slows down and the demand for its products decline. With capital
flight, rising unemployment, and inability to take care of a billion citizens
who remain poor the ruling Communist Party tries to tighten its hold on power
as anti-China sentiments spread globally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All
over the world, there is growing apathy and feeling of helplessness and
hopelessness of so many people, on one hand and a growing anger and social
unrest especially from the lower class on the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
ecological crisis continues and more zoonotic viral diseases (e.g. the
coronavirus which has been traced to bats and pangolins) are expected to appear
due to the continuing destruction of the eco-systems and the wildlife-human
contact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
realization of the lethal impact of viruses can lead to their development and
future utilization as biological weapon more destructive than nuclear arms. If
this comes to the hands of rogue states like North Korea and extremist groups
like ISIS and Al-Qaeda could make use of this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is an absence of a coordinated, global response to the health and economic crises.
The United States which has the status of the sole global superpower maintains
an isolationist (America-first) stance, unwilling to exercise leadership at the
global stage. It sees NATO as irrelevant after the dissolution of Soviet Union
and is only interested in keeping the threat of Russian expansion in check by
propping up Ukraine and Poland economically and militarily. The European Union
fails to maintain a united approach to the crisis leaving each nation-state to
fend for itself and resurrecting national borders. G7 is history and G20 does
not function. The United Nations, the Security Council and the World Health
Organizations cannot address the crisis and thus the absence of international
coordination and solidarity. The dream of an interconnected global political
and economic order is threatened by fragmentation and the resurgence of
nationalism and protectionism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A
spiritual crisis could accompany the health, economic and political crisis. As
people make sense of the tragedy and grieve over the countless suffering, death
and devastation of the pandemic, theological questions will emerge: Where is
God in all of this? How could God allow this to happen? Is this God’s
punishment? Does God really answer our prayers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Opportunities
and Strengths<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several
countries in the European Union led by Germany has pledged to raise $8 billion
for the development and distribution of vaccines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each
nation-states/government are acting to contain the spread of the virus and
address the immediate needs of the people and the economy (e.g. release of
state funds, aid, stimulus rescue package, etc.). Inept and authoritarian
political leaders and systems responsible for the spread of the virus are
unmasked and will be held accountable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Effective
and democratic leaders and political systems are emerging. Countries like
Taiwan and Sweden are successful in containing the virus without draconian
measures and resorting to authoritarian rule. In the long run, the citizens
will be more discerning in choosing competent and compassionate servant leaders
with clear strategy for addressing crisis that society face (health, economic,
ecological, etc). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Church
and civil society groups are mobilized to give aid to the poor who are mostly
affected and to front-liners. This crisis in bringing out compassionate
response. Big business corporations are engaged in charitable contribution. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>International Financial Institutions like Asian
Development Bank, World Bank and IMF have expressed willingness to write off
debts of developing countries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is maximization the use of digital communication and information technology
(remote work, online meetings, online masses, etc.).</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
digital-based commerce and industry survives and thrives. This can lead to the
acceleration of the 4<sup>th</sup> industrial revolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
UN and the pope’s global appeal for ceasefire has been heeded in some areas as
warring parties are unable to carry out offensive in places where the virus has
spread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is less GHG emission due to the shut-down of factories and less use of vehicles
– a temporary reprieve for global warming with less demand for fossil fuel and
the collapse of the oil industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since
the situation is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, it is very
difficult to forecast what is going to happen in a post-pandemic world. It is
better to build scenarios which may or may not happen. Seeing worst-case and
best-case scenarios can be helpful in helping develop flexible strategies and
responses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario
1: Short-term Pandemic followed by Rapid Recovery<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
pandemic ends before the new year 2021, with the rapid discovery and production
of vaccines as well as coming up with effective cures. The cases and fatality
rates are kept to a minimum. The lock-down and quarantine is lifted all over
the world. There is a short-term economic recession and a U-shaped economic
recovery is on the way by the first or 2nd quarter of 2021 due to successful
government-led recovery program. Full economic recovery is achieved in three
years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is rapid growth of digital-based commerce, communication, etc. (Amazon, Zoom,
etc). China’s status as global hub of manufacturing is reduced as anti-China
sentiments grow with effort to hold it accountable for the spread of the
coronavirus. The process of decentralization of supply chain starts with the
withdrawal factories and investments from China and transfer to Vietnam,
Thailand, Philippines, India and Mexico. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
transfer of the manufacturing hub to Mexico is beneficial to North America and
prevents future disruption of the supply chain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
election of a new US president who is more competent and compassionate can pave
the way for the US to exercise global leadership in coordinated international
response to the health and economic crisis. This will benefit the developing
countries and preserve stability in the various regions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tensions
arise as China continues to expand and consolidate its influence in the South-China
Sea by ongoing military build-up in the disputed islands. However, it is unable
to attain regional hegemony as it fails to fully recover economically. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
release of GHG as fossil-fuelled industries and vehicles goes back to normal
and even doubled to make up for loses. Climate change and ecological crisis
continues as the governments are unable implement the Paris agreement regarding
the reduction of GHG emission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With
the containment and disappearance of the virus, the authoritarian/totalitarian
control is eased in many countries while it remaining entrenched in other
countries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario
2: Long-Term Pandemic (Economic-Political Depression)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
pandemic continues to spread, no effective cure and vaccines have been
discovered and developed. The virus keeps coming in waves for several years,
number of cases and fatalities continue to rise. The pandemic continues to be a
threat for the next 4 to ten years or even longer with intermittent quarantine
or lock-down and disruption of economic activities. More zoonotic pandemics are
expected due to the destruction of eco-systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
global recession turns into economic depression. Bankruptcy, unemployment,
growing poverty and widespread hunger. Collapse of various the following
industries: oil, airline, tourism, hotel, restaurants, malls, small-business.
Economic depression is accompanied by political depression as US is unwilling
and unable to exercise global leadership and the major powers fail to get their
act together. The European Union fails to address the economic crisis
collectively and European unity unravels as each nation-state assert
self-determination. Italy, Spain and France are hard hit by the depression with
the ranks of the unemployed and poor grows. Germany’s economy is heavily
affected as the lack of demand and consumption from its European neighbors
weaken its export-oriented economy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Russia
continues to decline due to the collapse of the oil industry, ongoing
corruption and aging population. Tensions in the South China Sea continues as
China asserts its dominance and hegemony in the region and US Naval forces
conduct freedom of navigation exercises. This could trigger skirmishes with
neighboring countries (e.g. Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia) or war if China try
to occupy Taiwan. At the same time, power struggle erupts within Chinese Communist
Party due to ineptitude of preventing the pandemic as various countries strive
to hold China accountable. China loses its role as the global manufacturing hub
and fails to recover economically as US, Europe, Japan and other countries
distance themselves and isolate China. Dissent and social unrest grow that
threaten the collapse of Chinese autocratic regime and the consequent
fragmentation into regions. China’s aging population, inequality, and
export-oriented economy prevents it from attaining its ambition to be a
superpower. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Justifying
the continuing threat of the virus, authoritarian and totalitarian regimes all
over the world continue to rise and consolidate to enforce social order.
Surveillance and control of all aspects of life is maintained. Human rights and
civil rights – including religious rights – are violated to justify the defence
of the populace against the virus. The spiral of violence continues as
resistance grows. This can lead to rebellions and civil disobedience as the
government fails to address the health as well as the economic crisis and
starvation effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Greater
government intervention can lead to either a fascist/state capitalist model or
a social-democratic model. Inept authoritarian regimes fail to address the
multiple-crisis and collapses. This can lead to the emergence of more
competent, compassionate leaders and political systems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Meanwhile,
there is acceleration of the 4th industrial revolution (digital-based economy,
e-commerce, 3-D printing, local manufacturing, remote work, etc.). New normal:
online-education, meetings, conferences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
long-term threat of the pandemic and intermittent lockdown and lessened GHG
emission gives a chance for the environment to rest, slowing down climate
change. There is change in lifestyle and patterns of consumption due to frugal
living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scenario
3: Utopian/Best-Case Scenario: Emergence of a New World<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
pandemic and its long-term impact accelerate the collapse of the global
neo-liberal capitalist economic order. Vaccines and effective cure to the virus
are produced and distributed world-wide. A new multi-polar political-economic order
capable of responding to the pandemic and ecological crises emerges. As the
de-globalization of the economic system continues, new forms of
interconnections and international cooperation emerges. No nation exercises
global hegemony, each one focusing its primary efforts in rebuilding its
economic-political and social institutions and systems. Developed nations who
are first to recover from the crisis provide humanitarian and economic aid to
less fortunate nations who are hard hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nation-states adopt a system of mixed-economy
accompanied by strong government intervention to promote social justice
following the social democratic model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incompetent
and corrupt politicians who have been unmasked during the crisis are replaced
by new leaders who are more competent and who are more concerned about the
common good. There is state intervention to jump-start the economy, address
poverty and hunger, and ensure universal health-care, food security, creation
of new jobs with job-security, support for small-scale industries, actively engaged
in planning for rebuilding the economy and redistribution of wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the break-down of the supply-chain
dependent on China as manufacturing hub of the global neo-capitalist economic
system, nationalist and self-sufficient policies are adopted. The acceleration
of the 4<sup>th</sup> industrial revolution with the development of 5G,
robotics, 3-D printing, enhanced digital communication and e-commerce radically
change the economic system. There will be no need for off-shore manufacturing
hubs and centralized/ distant supply chains. Domestic manufacturing for local
markets and consumption will flourish. Decentralized, small-scale,
community-based industries will be promoted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Universal health-care system will be instituted. The economy will be
geared towards preparation for the next pandemic crisis as well as the
ecological crisis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a
centralized, globalized economic system, it will be an interconnected,
net-worked based system using latest digital information and communication
technology brought about by the 4th industrial revolution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
oil industry which has collapsed during the pandemic fails to recover fully
with the lessened demand for fossil-fuels and rapid development of renewable
sources of energy and new methods of manufacturing. This means that large scale
distribution of energy is replaced by new community-based power grid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An economy of communion will be promoted concerned
not only with growth and profits but also sharing with one another and with the
poor and the needy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
physical distancing and avoidance of large gathering become the new norm, new
patterns of social interaction develop (local/small communities, online/virtual
communities).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
I have attempted to do in this paper is to provide an initial assessment of the
global situation and prospects for the future based on my research, monitoring
the news and scouring YouTube Webinars and interviews by experts during the
lock-down. This is by no means exhaustive will continue to be developed and
deepened. Making an ongoing assessment of the global and local situation is the
task of every institution including the Church and religious institutes at
various levels. This as the basis for setting strategic directions and plans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Background Readings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Frank Snowden, <i>Epidemics and
Society</i>, Yale University Press: London, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Joshua Loomis, <i>Epidemics: Impact
of Germs & Their Power over Humanity</i>, ABC-CLIO: CA, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Joshua Gans, <i>Economics in the
Age of Covid-19</i>, MIT Press: London, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">George Friedman, <i>Flashpoints:
The Emerging Crisi in Europe</i>, Anchor: New York, 206<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">George Friedman, <i>The Next 100
Years: A Forecast for the 21<sup>st</sup> Century</i>, Doubleday: NY, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ian Bremmer, <i>Every Nation for
Itself: Winners and Losers in a G-Zero World</i>, Penguin: NY 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Peter Zeihan, <i>DisUnited Nations:The
Scramble for Power in an Ungoverned World<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">George Magnus, <i>Red Flags: Why
Xi’s China is in Jeopardy</i>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Klaus Schwab, <i>The Fourth
Industrial Revolution</i>, World Economic Forum: Geneva, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Christiana Figueres et al., <i>The
Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisi</i>s, Knopf: NY, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Luigino Bruni (ed). <i>The Economy
of Communion</i>, New City Press: NY, 2002<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-20029155432308822132020-03-27T05:52:00.000+08:002020-03-27T05:52:05.308+08:00At the center of Catholicism and the epicenter of the Corona-VirusJust a year ago I was in Brazil after living as an exile in the desert of Arizona. I could only stay in the US for a maximum of six months so I moved to Fortaleza. I could only stay in Brazil for three months so I came back to the Philippines at the end of June and resumed my life as a hermit in Lipa. I could only stay for six months there because my superiors were concerned that the death squad would find me. Our superior general recommended me for the vacant position of executive co-secretary of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Union of Superiors General in Rome. I arrived here in Rome before Christmas and started my work in January. I didn't expect that after over two months I would find myself at the epicenter of Wuhan Corona-Virus also known as COVID-19 which started in China in December and has spread all over the world.<br />
As of today, the number of cases in Italy has reached 80,589 cases and 8,215 dead (including 60 priests and 1 bishop). Italy is now considered as the epicenter of this pandemic. The virus has spread to 190 out of 195 countries. This is the worst pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918. It is going to get worst. Italy is on total lock down as so many countries all over the world - including the Philippines. I haven't been to the office for two weeks but I continue to do some work in my room. I don't know how long this will take but things are getting worst and I have to prepare for the long haul.Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-10278607739298119682019-05-04T09:20:00.001+08:002019-05-08T09:04:15.465+08:00Elections 2019: Can My Vote Make a Difference?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Can my vote make a difference? This is the
question that those who will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be voting
this coming elections often ask. The answer is: yes, of course. It may be one
vote but when added together will either plunge this nation deeper into a
crisis or shed light amidst the darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What is really at stake? At the national
level – a senate that can either be the rubber stamp of a president wants to
continue his phony war on drugs through extrajudicial killings, a pro-China
policy, tolerance of corruption and rabid anti-Church stance or a senate that
can function as an independent branch of government capable of checking total
control and abuse of power. This is no longer a matter of making a political
choice but rather a moral choice – between good and evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
victory of the administration’s candidates will lead this nation to a
bottomless pit that will have long term consequences long after this president
will be gone. This will mean the persistence of self-serving, incompetent and
corrupt political leaders incapable of bringing about progress, peace and
justice in the land. This will mean condemning this nation to perpetual poverty
and subservience to the Chinese empire. This could ultimately lead to the
growing radicalization of a people who have lost hope in the political and
economic system and who will come to the realization that the only way out is a
bloody revolution that will liquidate the ruling class and dynasties as a means
of social transformation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many
Filipino voters are easily influenced by the popularity of candidates who are
entertainers or members of political dynasties, who are easily manipulated by
trolls in social media and by poll surveys, and who can be bought for a few
hundred pesos, cans of sardines and kilos of rice. Voters are easily fooled by
candidates with messianic complex who promise change in a matter of months. It
is easier to run for office than to apply for employment that requires college
degrees, NBI clearance, civil service eligibility, etc. Thus, democracy becomes
a farce that populist demagogues can exploit to get into power and perpetuate
themselves in power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">To be able to make a difference for the
good of all, we need to change the way we vote and influence other to do the
same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
will require much discernment. We should know the candidates – what they stand
for, their track record, their competence. This requires listening to our
conscience – to discern between those who are good and those who are evil or
instruments of evil. This also means listening to our Church leaders who have
time and time again provided guidelines on how to vote without dictating who we
should vote for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
should reject candidates who are incompetent, dishonest, immoral, corrupt,
greedy, who support the phony war on drugs, extra-judicial killings, the
violation of human rights, martial law, all-out war, the pro-China policies,
anti-God and anti-Church stance of this administration and efforts to impose a
dictatorial rule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
have to vote for those who are competent, pro-life, pro-poor, pro-labor,
pro-environment, pro-independent foreign policy, pro-God and who defend
democracy, the faith and the Church. We should vote for those who genuinely
love our country and have the vision and strategy to bring about genuine
progress, justice and peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We are voting for the future of our
nation. Each good vote is a lighted candle in the dark. For those who made a
mistake in the last elections by unwittingly supporting a pseudo-messiah, this
is the time to redeem yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
fail once again to vote intelligently and morally, we will be blamed for being
complicit to evil and perpetuating this darkness for decades and decades to
come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Filipino is like a carabao – who can patiently suffer much abuse but will
finally reach a breaking point, go amok and go after its masters. A time will
come when those oppressed for a long time will rise. Those responsible for the
people’s suffering will pay. Change will ultimately come – whether it will be
peaceful or violent will defend on us and how we vote at this moment of
history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-27420445608289393852019-04-16T21:53:00.003+08:002019-04-16T21:56:03.159+08:00Holy Week Reflection<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">During
the Holy Week we will once again be reflecting on Christ’s suffering, death and
resurrection. Our thoughts often focus primarily on how he suffered and died.
It was a painful death. It showed how he was falsely accused, unjustly
condemned, betrayed and meted capital punishment and abandoned by his
disciples. Why did he suffer and die? It is not enough to say: “because of our
sins.” His passion was the consequence of his prophetic mission – of announcing
the Good News of the reign of God – a good news of liberation, of justice, of
peace. This mission also involved speaking out against evil in all its
manifestation. For this, those in power reacted violently. His crucifixion
symbolized the reign of sin and evil manifested in the culture of death. It was
an apparent victory of darkness – of evil. Yet ultimately the cross became the
symbol of self-sacrificing love that overcomes sin and darkness. Good Friday
was not the end of the story. It was followed by Easter Sunday – his rising
from the dead, the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil. His
resurrection was the inauguration of the reign of God that grows steadily
through the centuries in spite the apparent persistence of evil. His
resurrection is an assurance that evil will not reign for ever and ever. This
what we believe, this is the source of our hope. This is what we celebrate this
Holy Week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We
Filipinos can easily identify with the suffering and death of Jesus. This is
why we continue to observe Holy Week at a time when darkness and evil seem to
reign, when the poor continue to suffer because of poverty, when thousands of
people have been murdered extrajudicially, when those in power perpetuate the
culture of death and mock God and religion, with the support of a multitude
lacking in conscience and ignorant of what they are doing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In
face of these, when we feel helpless and hopeless, full of despair and anguish,
let us always remember the message of Holy Week. There is an end to evil. Light
overcomes darkness. Let us continue to hope and to struggle against evil and
darkness. We will overcome.</span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-4443191484399699082019-02-21T23:32:00.003+08:002019-02-21T23:32:58.724+08:00EDSA - an Unfinished Revolution?<br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thirty-three
years ago, a corrupt dictator – Ferdinand Marcos- was deposed in a matter of
four days without bloodshed. It was an event that was totally unexpected. It
happened three years after the assassination of Ninoy Aquino which consequently
heightened the resistance against the dictatorial regime. It happened two weeks
after a snap election which was denounced by the CBCP as fraudulent. It was
triggered by bungled coup attempt and the call of Cardinal Sin for the people
to come to EDSA to prevent loyalist troops from going after the coup plotters
holed up in Camp </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crame</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
and Camp Aguinaldo. It came to be known as the People Power revolution which
installed as president Cory Aquino – the widow of Ninoy Aquino. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">many,
it was indeed a miraculous event. It was our Exodus. It was a manifestation of
God’s intervention in our country’s history. God was revealed as liberator, on
side of the poor, who “cast the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the
lowly.” It was time when we were proud to be Filipinos. EDSA was touted as our
gift to the world, a proof that it was possible to peacefully end despotic
regimes. Thus, it became an inspiration for non-violent resistance all over the
world. Several years later, we witnessed the collapse of the Iron Curtain, the
emergence of democratic regimes in Eastern Europe, in Latin America and in
South Africa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Yet,
over three decades later, we look at our country and ask, was it really a
revolution? Did EDSA change and transform our country?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marcoses</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
are still around </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">around</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. has received a hero’s burial. Imelda Marcos is still
scot-free in spite of being convicted by the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sandigan</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Bayan. It is believed that the Marcos billions financed the vice-presidential
candidacy of Bongbong Marcos and the senatorial candidacy of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Imee</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Marcos who is being endorsed by Rodrigo Duterte out of gratitude for
having<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>supported his presidential
candidacy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">have
a president who idolizes the former dictator and has followed his example by
exercising hegemony and total control not just over the executive branch but
also the legislative and judiciary branches of government. He has imposed
perpetual Martial Law in Mindanao. He acts as if he is above the law and can
say anything he likes. The extrajudicial killings already claimed that lives of
over 30,000 people in less than three years – casualties on the so-called War
on Drugs and the counter-insurgency war. This has surpassed the EJK that took
place in 14 years of the Marcos dictatorial rule. Peace remains an elusive
dream in spite of the peace agreement with the MILF and the BOL. The peace
negotiations with the NDF/CPP/NPA which started 32 years ago have not prospered
and have once again collapsed and this has led to the escalation of the armed
hostilities. We continue to be led by corrupt and incompetent politicians whose
only concern is to enrich themselves and their families and perpetuate
themselves in power, making a mockery of the anti-dynasty law in the
constitution. The opposition has been intimidated and emasculated. Those who
dared to stand up to the president – like Leila </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">DeLima</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
and Antonio Trillanes III have been harassed and arrested by false charges. The
media is constantly under attack while false news proliferate in the
cyberspace. The clergy – including bishops - continue to receive death threats
and three priests have already been assassinated. Meanwhile, majority of
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people remain poor. The prices of
goods continue to rise. The poor are victims of violence, injustice, violation
of human rights. They are the most vulnerable to calamities due to the
destruction of the environment and climate change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Looking
back over the years after EDSA, we realize that there was no genuine
revolution. There was a restoration of democracy – but only in form but not in
substance. What was restored was elitist democracy – with a self-serving
political class motivated by wealth, power and privilege – perpetuated by an
electorate most of whom lack conscience and intelligence, easily fooled by
empty promises, that can easily be bought and that can be captivated by
candidates who are popular (boxers, entertainers, actors) even if they are
incompetent. Fifteen years after EDSA, there was another EDSA II which ousted a
corrupt and incompetent president. But things remain the same. Why is this? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">lack
genuine selfless leaders who have integrity, principles and competence. We lack
compassionate and courageous servant-leaders, with vision and wisdom, capable
of inspiring everyone to work for the common good and with a program of
transforming our political and economic system and structures and bringing
about genuine justice, peace and progress. But we cannot blame everything on
the kind of leaders that we have. We deserve the leaders we have elected. They
reflect who we are – the worst version of ourselves. Change and revolution
begins in each one of us. What is required is a moral revolution. To be able to
recognize good and evil within and outside ourselves, to overcome our
selfishness and greed, to undergo a process of conversion, to reject all forms
and manifestation of evil, to become more honest and compassionate. We need to
undergo a process of purification.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">believe
that EDSA was our Exodus – it was a moment in our history that we as a people
experienced God’s liberating intervention. But as the biblical story reminds
us, the people of God had to journey across the desert for forty years before
reaching the promised land. Why did it have to take that long? Because
liberation from Pharaoh’s oppressive rule was the easy part. The inner
liberation – the spiritual-moral liberation takes time. Structural revolution
or transformation has to be accompanied by moral, inner revolution and
transformation. The present authoritarian regime that came to power with the
promise of change – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">pagbabago</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
- will not last, it will surely come to an end. But unless we undergo inner
change as a people, we will have more of the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">was
a time when we were proud to be Filipinos. Now many of us are ashamed to be
Filipinos. I hope that someday, we will be proud once again of who we are.</span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-61269365038348439702019-01-23T01:21:00.003+08:002019-01-23T01:21:59.922+08:00A Great Catholic Nation?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">For
over a month, we have once again witnessed
apparent display of faith which has led many, including Pope Francis, to
conclude that the Philippines is a great Catholic Nation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">For
nine days leading to Christmas, the churches were overflowing with the faithful
for the Misa de Gallo or </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Simbang</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">
Gabi. A couple of weeks later, millions of devotees attended the procession of
the statue of Jesus </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Nazareno</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> –
black Nazarene – which lasted for over 20 hours. On the third Sunday of
January, millions again attended the procession of the child Jesus – the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sto</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">.
Nino – in Cebu and other parts of the country. We should not forget that around
this time four years ago, an estimated seven million faithful attended the Mass
presided by Pope Francis<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Luneta</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> – a
world record that remains unsurpassed. We are also impressed by the devotion to
the Blessed Virgin Mary - especially to the Mother of Perpetual Help whose
novena is held every Wednesday in </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Baclaran</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> and
in most of the churches all over the country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Is </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">the
Philippines really a great Catholic nation? What is the quality of the faith of
the Filipino Catholics? </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Let
us remember that the Catholic majority – including many priests and religious –
voted into office and continue to support a president who cursed the pope, who
is trying to destroy the Church, who calls God stupid, who regards the doctrine
of the Trinity and the crucified Christ silly, who tells his audience not to go
to church and build their own chapel, who encourages them to rob and kill
bishops, who is disrespectful of women, and who is waging a war on drugs and on
“enemies of the state” which has resulted in over 30,000 extrajudicial
killings. This is the same Catholic majority who elected senators and
representatives who are crafting laws that lower the age of criminal liability
to nine years old and wants to bring back the death penalty. Majority of our
politicians, government bureaucrats, police officers and military personnel are
Catholics (many of them are products of Catholic schools and universities)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yet many are complicit to the corruption,
injustices, violence and criminality that continue to spread like cancer in our
society.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">So,
what kind of faith do majority of Filipinos really have that gives an
impression that we are a Catholic nation? The kind faith that is most prevalent
is the faith that is expressed in participation in the liturgy, in novenas, in
processions, in devotions to the saints, in fiestas. This is associated with
popular religiosity which is often seasonal and occasional – it comes out
during the advent and Christmas season, the Lenten and Easter season, and the
feasts of the patron saints. This is an important manifestation of faith - the
faith that is celebrated and that expresses a deep trust in the Triune God, in
Mary and the saints who can intervene miraculously and make their lives better.
This is the kind faith that enables them to believe and hope that God will
never abandon them. In its extreme, this is the kind of faith that makes them
passively wait for miracles to happen. But this can be a one-sided kind of
faith unless is it accompanied by knowledge and adherence to the truths of the
faith – not just the dogmas, but the moral and social teachings grounded on the
Word of God as interpreted and taught by the Church. This faith has also to be
lived daily and shown in one’s behavior and action – expressed in love,
service, compassion, respect for the rights of others, truthfulness, honesty,
etc. Without this, faith is dead. This is the kind of faith that is often
absent in majority of the faithful. This explains why the so-called great
Catholic nation is a nation where evil continues to reign - a nation governed
by corrupt, greedy and incompetent politicians, a nation where there is so much
injustice, poverty and violence, where the culture of death reigns. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">While
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">respecting
and appreciating popular piety and religiosity, we should not romanticize it
nor should we be satisfied with it. It is a faith that needs to grow and
mature. It should not remain superficial, nominal or seasonal. There is still
much to be done in terms of evangelization and integral faith formation, in
doctrinal and moral catechesis, and in awakening the conscience of the
faithful. Above all, our processions should symbolize our journey and march for
freedom and liberation, for life, for justice and peace. We have done this
before and we can do this again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Meanwhile</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">, we
should stop calling the Philippines a great Catholic nation. We do not deserve
it. Besides, there are also Christians of other denominations, Muslims and
other religious groups. </span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-86979443607850642182018-12-10T16:26:00.001+08:002018-12-10T17:11:23.687+08:00Lamentation from the Land of the Mourning<br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">With
tears in my eyes and a heavy heart</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I
look at my land with despair.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
streets, shanties and farms have become killing fields </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">as
widows and orphans multiply.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
ruler promised to wage war on drugs,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">on
poverty and on corruption - in 3-6 months!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">But</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">th</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">e</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">casualties
were the poor-- users, lumads, farmers and their defenders</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">murdered
by death squads with or without uniform</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">killed
by bullets or hunger and they could not even afford </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">to
bury their dead and feed those left behind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The
prices of everything </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">continue
to rise.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Rice,
vegetable, fish, meat, medicine, tuition fee, oil & fare.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Except
the price of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">shabu</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> - they have gone down, thanks to the drug lords,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">the
Bureau of Customs and the president and his friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
phony war on drugs have successfully killed over 20 thousand </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> yet tons of drug continue to flood the
streets.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is busy filing
false charges </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">against
the enemies of the president abetted by </span></span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-indent: 0in;">congress and </span><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-indent: 0in;">and the supreme court while plunderers are set free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">We
are governed by incompetent politicians</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">whose
qualification is their fame and wealth -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">political
dynasties, actors, boxers, drug lords</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">whose
only concern is to multiply their wealth</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">and
perpetuate themselves in power.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">They
craft laws to benefit only themselves and their families</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Those
who maintain law and order are criminals</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">– </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">they </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">lie, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">steal,
murder, peddle drugs, kidnap.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">With
tears in my heart and a heavy heart</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I
grieve for friends I lost </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">– some</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">of</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">the</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">m</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> priests, nuns, parishioners,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">and
even </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">relatives-
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">who
supported this cruel </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">dictato</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">r</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">and
allowed this slaughter to happen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">As a
people our collective IQ is so </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">low that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">we
allowed </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">an </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">incompetent
corrupt criminal </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">to
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">lead
this nation. </span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">He
mocks our beliefs, calling our God stupid</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Telling
us</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">to</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">stop</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">going</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">to</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">church</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">and</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">kill</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">our</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">bishops</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">In </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">spite
of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">all</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">this,</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">so </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">many
continue to put their trust in him.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">How
stupid can we be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">What
happened to the heroic people </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">who
deposed a mighty, corrupt and brutal dictator?</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">What
happened to the courageous people</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">who
deposed an immoral & corrupt president</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">What
can this generation be proud of?</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">No,
God has not abandoned us.</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Rather,
this stupid generation put its trust on the false messiah.</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">full
of despair grasping for hope,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I
long for the day when we will rise up again</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">and
put an end to this reign of evil.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-76216436452340198182018-12-06T13:02:00.003+08:002018-12-06T13:02:55.369+08:00Duterte's War Against the Church<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">"Kill
your bishops, they are useless fools. All they do is criticize." This is
what President Duterte told his audience in a speech in Malacañang on Dec. 5,
2018. He also said that 90 percent of priests are gay and the Church should
therefore not moralize. Earlier on, he falsely accused Bishop Pablo David of
stealing from the church's offerings and suspected him of being an addict. He
threatened that if he catches him involved in drugs, he will behead him. In
another speech, Duterte told Catholics to stop going to church and build their
own chapels at home. Statements like
these are unprecedented which no previous president in the Philippines or
elsewhere in the world have ever done. These are statements that one does not
expect from any sane government leader, not even in non-Christian countries,
how much more in a great Catholic nation. No amount of spinning can justify
this statement as just a joke. After inspiring the police and death squads to
commit extrajudicial killings, Duterte is inciting people to murder bishops.
This deserves condemnation and should be added to the complaint against him in
the International Criminal Court. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">It
appears that Duterte has stepped up his war on the Catholic Church in the
Philippines which he regards as the enemy.
He already started doing this before being elected when he called Pope
Francis son of a whore for the traffic caused during the papal visit in 2015.
As president he continued his tirade against the Church calling her the most
hypocritical institution that is full of shit. He vowed to destroy the Church
by exposing the abuses of the clergy. At one time he falsely accused Bishop
Teodoro </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Bacani</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> of
having two wives. He declared that the Church will be irrelevant within thirty
years. In several speeches he declared that he doesn't believe in the God of
the Catholics - whom he called a stupid God due to the creation story in the
bible which he considered ridiculous. He has been distributing copies of the
book "Altar of Secrets." His
attack on the Church appeared to take a violent turn when three priests were
killed one after another and while one was wounded. Another priest was able to
evade an assassination attempt. The president's latest statement against Bishop
David and other bishops indicate that the leaders of the Church, especially
those critical against him are fair targets for assassination. Being a priest
or bishop will not keep one safe from the death squads. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">What
has become obvious is that Duterte is waging a war against the Church. The
question is why is he doing this? Many
people believe that his controversial statements are simply a way of diverting
the people's attention from the real issues raised against him: the failed war
on drugs - in spite of the extrajudicial killings that has reached of over
27,000 victims, the unchecked entry of tons of drugs into the country and the
suspicion of the involvement of his own family, the worsening poverty, rising
prices, rampant corruption, the sell-out to China, the collapse of the peace
process with the NDF, etc. His failure to address these problems has revealed
his gross incompetence, greed and brutality. Others would see his behavior and
statements as signs of physical and mental sickness worsened by drug abuse. He
has admitted to using fentanyl – an opioid more addictive and powerful than
heroin - and marijuana. Others would say that he is just joking. Others believe
that his hatred for the Church stem from adverse childhood experiences: of allegedly being molested by a priest and
of being physically abused by his mother (who was very pious and close to
priests and nuns). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Duterte's
war on the Church may also be traced to a mixture of fear and anger vis-a-vis
the Church which he believes has a capacity to resist him and bring him down.
This is based on his awareness that the Catholic Church had a vital role in
bringing down the Marcos dictatorship and also the Estrada presidency. Since
becoming president, the Church - through the CBCP and various religious groups
– has criticized the culture of death, documented EJK, provided assistance to
families of victims, given sanctuary to witnesses and assisted in the filing of
complaints to the International Criminal Court. The CBCP came out with several
statements critical of the extrajudicial killings and upholding the value of
life. The latest CBCP statement of concern in support of Bishop David could
have led him to urge Catholics to kill their bishops. Instead of just venting
his ire on Bishop David he has widened his target. The threat of violence is
meant to intimidate the leaders of the Church, to instill fear in their hearts
so that they will remain silent and will not be a threat to his authoritarian
rule.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">How
should the Church leaders and the vast majority of the faithful respond to the
attacks against the Church? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">There
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">is
no need to be afraid. The Lord has promised that no power on earth can destroy
the Church. For the last two thousand years the Church has survived crisis and
persecutions and outlived kings and emperors who tried to destroy her. </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">no
way should this be seen as a struggle between the Church and State. The Church
should not be seen as an institution defending its interest or asserting its
power. It is not a question of which one is more powerful. The Church must be
prepared to become a powerless, persecuted Church. It is time for Catholics to
make a choice: to remain members of the Church or obey the president (stop
going to church, build your own chapel, kill your bishops) - in other words,
join the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Iglesia</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">ni</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">
Duterte. The time for appeasing Duterte is over. Dialogue with someone who
intends to destroy the Church is futile. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">When
it comes to cases of clerical abuse, the Church should not be defensive or
engage in cover up. Those who are guilty of sexual abuse, financial anomalies
and corruption should be held accountable. The prosecution of these cases will
not weaken the Church but rather purify and strengthen her. The Church should
continue her mission as prophet and humble servant - speaking truth to power,
promoting the gospel values of the sacredness of life, of justice and peace and
of compassion. The clergy should inspire the lay faithful to be actively
involved in the defense of life and human rights, in the peaceful struggle
against corruption and injustice, in the work for the common good and the
transformation of society. The leaders of the Church, especially the bishops
and priests, should be prepared to act as compassionate and courageous good
shepherds, ready to offer their life as they prevent the slaughter of the flock
especially the poor. They must be ready to embrace martyrdom if necessary. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Meanwhile,
instead of engaging in a word war, the Church should just continue praying for
Rodrigo Duterte – that he will repent and undergo conversion after finally
listening to his conscience, that he will experience inner healing, that he
will reconcile with the Church into which he was baptized, that he will become
compassionate, that he will fulfill his promises, that he will make amends for
whatever wrongs he has committed, that he will be ready to face judgment from
either the International Criminal Court or the Divine Judge whom he called
stupid. And when the time comes, let him rest in peace. Amen.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"></span></span>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-7435933687506120072018-10-14T05:53:00.001+08:002018-10-14T06:31:36.849+08:00St. Oscar Romero: Bishop and Martyr<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">On
March 24, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was shot to death by a
right-wing death squad while celebrating the Eucharist. Since then, the people of El Salvador and
many others from various parts of the world have revered him as a martyr. After
more than three decades, Rome has finally officially recognized his martyrdom.
He was beatified on May 23, 2015 and will be canonized on October 14, 2018. Why
is Oscar Romero honored as a saint? What is the meaning of his
martyrdom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Traditionally</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">,
the recognition of martyrdom was reserved for those put to death in “odium
fidei” or in hatred of the faith during times of persecution. There were times
in the past when Christians were hated on account of their faith. They were
persecuted for being Christians. Many were given the choice of renouncing their
faith and thus save their life or hold on to the faith and lose their life. The
focus of martyrdom was their suffering and death which was seen as the
consequence of confessing and holding on to their faith. Those who persecuted
them were mostly non-Christian rulers who rejected the faith and who were
filled with hatred for the Christian faith and those propagating it. This was
the case during the first three centuries of Christianity and during the period
of missionary expansion in Asia. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
circumstances of Romero’s death was different. El Salvador was governed by a
repressive regime made up of Christian Democrats who were controlled by the
military. Many believe that Romero was assassinated for defending the rights of
the poor and for denouncing the injustices and repression carried out by the
regime. There were doubts whether he was really murdered in odium fidei. This
was one of the reasons for the slow progress of his cause. In 2014, when asked
about Romero’s martyrdom, Pope Francis commented:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">“What
I would like is a clarification about martyrdom in odium fidei, whether it can
occur either for having confessed the Creed or for having done the works which
Jesus commands with regard to one’s neighbor. And this is a task for
theologians.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Thus,
in Feb 2015, when asking Pope Francis to recognize Romero’s martyrdom, the
Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirmed: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">“He
was killed at the altar. Through him, they wanted to strike the church that
flowed from the Second Vatican Council. His assassination was not caused by
motives that were simply political, but by hatred for a faith that, imbued with
charity, would not be silent in the face of the injustices that relentless and
cruelly slaughtered the poor and their defenders.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">While
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">the
congregation broadened the understanding of odium fidei to justify Romero’s
martyrdom, there is a need to explore further the meaning of his martyrdom.
This is necessary so that the martyrdom of many others – clergy, religious, lay
faithful, members of Basic Ecclesial Communities - who were murdered in El
Salvador and in other places in Latin America and the Philippines may be
recognized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I
propose that in looking at martyrdom there is a need to clarify and deepen the
understanding of the faith. Faith is not simply a set of divine truths or
Church doctrines that we profess, affirm or hold on to. This faith is not only
expressed through the celebration of the sacraments and devotion to the saints.
It is also shown by giving witness to the faith through acts of love, justice,
mercy and compassion. The love of one’s neighbor especially the poor and the
oppressed is a concrete expression of this faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the faith that does justice. This is
the faith expressed in liberating praxis. This is the kind of faith<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that Archbishop Oscar Romero and the Church
of El Salvador tried to live. This kind of faith was considered subversive – a
threat to National Security. The persecution in El Salvador and the martyrdom
of Oscar Romero and others can be seen from this perspective – in hatred of a
faith that is integral and liberating.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There
is another framework for understanding Romero’s martyrdom that goes beyond
odium fidei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can use the framework of
Vatican II – the so-called Triplex </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Munus</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">.
The prophetic, kingly/pastoral and priestly mission of Christ, the Church, the
clergy and the lay-faithful. Like Jesus, the cross – martyrdom – is the
consequence and expression of faithfully carrying out the three-fold mission
within a hostile environment.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
martyrdom of Romero may be seen as the consequence of exercising his prophetic
mission. Romero denounced the sinful situation in his country perpetuated by
those who monopolized wealth and power. He became the voice of the voiceless.
He denounced the oppression of the people especially the poor, the injustices,
the poverty, inequality, the spiral of violence, the idolatry of the National
Security ideology. He called people to conversion – especially those who were
responsible for the social evils. He also preached the Good News of the kingdom
– of liberation, of justice and peace to all especially to the poor. Romero
gave hope to those who found themselves in a helpless and intolerable
situation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
martyrdom of Romero can also be regarded as the consequence and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the ultimate expression of his loving service
as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the pastor, the good shepherd of the
flock, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as ransom
for many. He was the shepherd who had the smell of the sheep. He ministered to
them – especially to the poor who were the majority. He did not run away upon
seeing his flock being attacked by wolves – the forces of the repressive
regime.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">His
martyrdom at the hands of the death squads while celebrating the Eucharist can
be regarded as the ultimate expression of his priesthood. He did not only offer
the body and blood of the risen Christ on the altar, he also offered his own
body and blood in memory of Him who died on the cross and rose from the dead.
He sacrificed his own life following the example of Christ. This is what
priesthood ultimately means.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Thus,
Oscar Romero lived to the full what it means to be a follower of Christ. Like
Christ he suffered and died to fulfill his mission as prophet, pastor and
priest. He walked the way Jesus – the way of the cross. He embraced his own
cross – the cost of discipleship. Shortly before he gave up his life,
Archbishop Oscar Romero said:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">“As
a pastor, I am obligated by divine commandment to give my life for those I
love… For that reason I offer to God my blood for the redemption and
resurrection of El Salvador… Martyrdom is a grace that I don’t believe I merit.
But if God accepts the sacrifice of my life, may my death, if it is accepted by
God, be for the liberation of my people and a testimony of hope in the future.”</span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-19234289553117456352018-10-09T00:46:00.003+08:002018-10-09T00:46:48.062+08:00Cancer Treatment: A Holistic Approach<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18pt;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">ancer
is one of the most difficult disease to cure or heal. So far, no effective
treatment for cancer has been found – especially when it has metastasized or
spread to other vital organs. Standard medical treatment such as chemotherapy,
surgery and radio-therapy does not always work. They are very expensive and
there is no guarantee of a cure. These can only extend the life of a patient
for a few months or years. That is why for many, being diagnosed with cancer is
like being handed the death sentence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">is
a cure for cancer so elusive? The problem comes from lack of understanding of
what cancer truly is and what causes it. The dominant paradigm is that cancer
is purely a physiological ailment that requires medical treatment. It is the
invasion and spread of malignant cells in the body. These cells may come from
the food and substances that are considered carcinogenic -- including smoking.
Thus, it is necessary to wage war on these cells – search and destroy – using
whatever means necessary: chemical/laser warfare, surgical strikes, etc. Only
doctors (especially oncologists & surgeons), nurses and medical technicians
can be relied on in this war against cancer. The patient must have the will to
fight cancer. Oftentimes it ends in death which is considered a defeat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">regard
cancer as purely a physiological and medical problem is most likely one of the
main reasons why it is difficult to cure cancer. It is based on a dichotomy
between the body and the mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A more
revolutionary approach to cancer treatment promoted by oncologists such as Drs.
Carl Simonton and Bernie Siegel is to regard cancer as a psycho-somatic disease
that requires a more holistic approach to healing. Instead of looking at a
particular part of the body or an organ that is affected by cancer, it is
helpful to understand the person as whole - the joyful and sorrowful mystery of
his/her life, the frustrations, anger, grief, alienation, shattered dreams,
failed relationship, etc. It is important to know his/her story. The body is
affected by the state of the mind and the soul. Thus, the question that should
be asked is: what has been happening to this person before the onset of cancer.
One of the findings in studies conducted among patients is that stress caused
by sense of loss, anger, guilt and anxiety, a feeling of helplessness and
hopelessness can lower the body’s natural defense or immune system and
contribute to the growth of malignant tumors and cells. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
question that also needs to be asked is: what are the benefits of having
cancer?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">For
some, it is experiencing the loving care and concern which is lacking in one’s
life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">It
could also be a means of escape from an intolerable situation, the inner pain
or hurt that one has been carrying. It can be an honorable exit, a subconscious
suicide. The mind has a powerful effect on the body – it can contribute to
sickness as well as to wellness or healing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thus</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
in dealing with cancer patients, there are three dimensions of healing that we
should look at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>physical (body),
psychological (mind) and spiritual (soul). All these are connected and they
influence each other. That is why healing must be holistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A more holistic approach can mobilize the
power of the mind and of belief. That is why psycho-therapy, counseling,
meditation, visualization, prayer and other eastern modalities can be helpful
in this. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">healing
of cancer patients can no longer be left just to medical practitioners - the
doctors and nurses -- and drug companies. Psychologists, priests, spiritual
healers and other practitioners of alternative medicine should also be
involved. This requires humility on the part of those in the medical profession
and openness to collaboration with others in the healing process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">physical
disease may be a symptom for the need for inner healing. Forgiveness and
reconciliation form part of the healing process. The healing of the mind and
soul may lead to the healing of the body. But even if it does not lead to
physical healing, the inner healing itself can already be considered as an
achievement. Death, if it comes, will no longer be seen as a defeat.</span></span></div>
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<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-25267407627626578982018-09-24T23:53:00.003+08:002018-09-25T00:12:13.761+08:00Servant-Leadership<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
theme of the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Life focuses on
“Servant-Leadership.” This theme is
based on Vatican II emphasis that the clergy should “exercise leadership
and authority in the spirit of service following the example of Christ who came
not to be served but to serve and lay down his life for his sheep.” (Lumen
Gentium 27)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">There
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">are
several texts in the Gospels where Jesus’ teaching on leadership can be found.
The first is from the Gospel of Matthew (20:25-28) which has parallels in other
Gospels:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But Jesus summoned them and said, you know
that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make
their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather,
whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to
be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to
be served but to serve and to give his life for the ransom of many.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">In </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">this
text, Jesus criticizes the usual way of exercising leadership which is the use
of authority motivated by the drive for power, prestige and privilege.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus offers another way of exercising
leadership that he prescribed to his disciples -- humble service. He refers
himself as the model: “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to
serve.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the heart of Jesus’ teaching
of leadership is servanthood – servant-leadership. This is manifested in a
symbolic way at the last supper when he washed that feet of his disciples.
After doing this he says: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">“If
I, therefore, the master and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash
one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done
for you, you should also do.” (John 13:14-15)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">This </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">text
sums up what Jesus’ life signify and what his death on the cross the following
day mean. Jesus’ washing the feet of the disciples must have been a shocking
and confusing act for the disciples. It is a demeaning act. Only servants do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ washing of the feet is a
symbolic act to dramatize his view of leadership – humble and loving service.
This should be the underlying motivation in the exercise of leadership. Jesus
presents himself as the model and asks his disciples to follow his example. St.
Paul in the letter to the Philippians also highlights this:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">“If
there is encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the
Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind,
with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of
selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important
than yourselves, each looking not for his own interests, but everyone for those
of others. Have among you the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself taking the form of a
servant, coming in human likeness and found human appearance, he humbled
himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on the cross.” (Phil 2:1-8)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Society
tends to regard leadership as a high position. The leader is placed on a
pedestal. He looks down on his followers who look up to him. He looks at those
below him as his subordinates who should obey him. He occupies the top position
and is served by those below him. Thus, leadership is viewed from a vertical
perspective – top to bottom – like a pyramid. This is not how Jesus regards
authority and leadership. Christ the King is Jesus the servant. He came to
serve and not to be served. The ultimate symbol is the washing of the feet. He
lowered himself and knelt to wash the feet of his disciples. To be a humble
servant. This is what servant-leadership is all about. A leader should not look
at himself as above the rest, occupying the dizzy heights and feeling lonely at
the top. To occupy a leadership role is not to ascend to a high, exalted
position but to be humble and lower oneself. It is a descent, not an ascent,
for a servant is not higher than those he serves. Thus, like Jesus this
requires kenosis: self-emptying. This requires emptying oneself of pride and
superiority complex -- of thinking of oneself as god-like. This also requires
emptying oneself of the drive to dominate and hold on to the trappings of
power, pomp and privilege, of selfishness and self-centeredness. Humble and
loving service – this is what is required of a servant-leader. This is what is
means to be a good shepherd.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">emphasis
on servant-leadership does away with the sense of entitlement, privilege and
prestige that is often associated with the position of leadership and
authority. The leader should not expect or demand special treatment. The leader
must always remember that, like Christ, he is sent to serve and not to be
served. As servant, he is not greater or higher than those he serves.
Leadership is not a position of honor or glory but of humble service – a
position of responsibility. There is no room for vain-glory or pomposity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Servant-leadership
is carried out vis-à-vis the Christian community – the Church – whether at the
parish or the diocesan level. The pastor is called to be the shepherd and
servant of the flock. His responsibility is to gather and lead the Christian
community and to lead it in the spirit of service. Community building and
formation is essential that is why it is necessary to form Basic Ecclesial
Communities that makes up the parish. The goal is to lead a community whose
members live in communion and participate in Christ’s mission as a prophetic,
priestly and servant community. In doing so it becomes a community of
missionary disciples and an expression of the Church of the Poor. Thus,
leadership is always service to the community of God’s people, for the good of
the community. The focus of the leader’s attention is the community and not
oneself or one’s personal gain. The poor in a special way are the objects of
the servant-leader’s loving concern. The shepherd loves and serves the flock
more than himself and is willing to give up his life for his flock. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Church
for a long time has been plagued by clericalism. This is the view of the clergy
as a privileged elite class in the Church that is placed on a pedestal and
wields control and power. This is often accompanied by careerism – of
constantly striving for higher position in the Church. The emphasis on
servant-leadership can overcome clericalism and careerism in the Church. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Servant
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">leadership
– this is what the Church needs, this is what society also needs. Emphasis on
this can overcome the dark side of leadership.</span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-56541720116275588742018-09-10T04:12:00.001+08:002018-09-10T11:01:43.954+08:00The Silence of the Shepherds<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">As the death toll of the government’s war
on drugs reach over twenty-five thousand after two years, one of the questions
frequently asked is: “why are many priests silent?” Day after day, the mass
media report and show images of extra-judicial killings of suspected users and
pushers perpetrated by police and by death squads. Yet, many if not most of the
members of the clergy – with a few exceptions - remain silent even as the
CBCP came out with several pastoral letters
the one of which was supposed to be read in churches all over the Philippines.
So, how can the silence of many priests be explained? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Based on my own personal observation and
from what I have heard, there are many reasons for this. For many priests who
view their priesthood exclusively in sacramental or cultic terms, speaking
out or denouncing evil perpetrated by those in power is not part of the
priestly ministry. They think their sole duty is to say Mass and administer the
sacraments. They regard their ministry as purely spiritual and reject any
involvement in the temporal sphere – especially on issues that they think are
political in nature. So the extra-judicial killings, the abuses, corruption and
criminality within the government and the police are not their concern. After
all, there is separation between Church and State.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">There are priests who are not aware of
these killings, the abuse of power and the injustices. They live in their own
world of comfort and luxury -- within the ambit of the church and the rectory.
They do not know and do not care about what’s happening around them. They are
far from their poor flock. They are blind and deaf to the suffering and evil
around them. So naturally they are dumb
– they cannot and do not speak out. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">There are priests who support these
killings or turn a blind eye. They think that this is acceptable for the common
good. This is the only way to solve the problem of drug addiction. Our country
needs a strong leader who can save our country. They believe that he has the
political will to bring about change in our land – to bring peace, to eradicate
poverty, eliminate corruption and protect the environment. That is why they
campaigned and voted for the president and continue to support him. They were
even proud to show pictures of their iron fist salute (complete with baller) on
Facebook. These priests are often annoyed and angry when the CBCP comes up with
pastoral letters that they judge as critical of the present government. They
believe in the official reports that those killed fought back and the
government has nothing to do with the death squads. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: 0in;">There are priests who are afraid that if
they speak out, the president will hit back - below the belt - and expose the
sexual abuses of the clergy and be called hypocrites. Others are afraid that
they could be in the hit list of the death squads and martyred if they speak
out.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">So there many reasons why many priests –
even many bishops -- are silent. Perhaps, these could be the same reasons why
many religious and lay-faithful are also silent. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">If this continues, the bodies will
continue to pile up and reach over 70,000 victims by the end of Duterte’s term.
The other problems – such as poverty and corruption will not be addressed. As
the CBCP letter reminds us: “to consent and keep silent in front of evil
is to be an accomplice to it.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Let us pray that someday the priests who
are silent will be able to see the evil around them, find their voice and have
the courage to exercise their prophetic ministry – to form the moral conscience
of their flock so that they may recognize and denounce the manifestation of
evil and the culture of death and to announce the Gospel of life and freedom.
Let us pray they may become good shepherds, ready to offer their lives for the
flock. </span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-84403161634313460412018-08-30T23:44:00.003+08:002018-09-10T10:43:31.437+08:00The Dark Side of Leadership<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nowadays,
we often hear of government leaders who are incompetent and who use their
position of leadership for their self-interest: they are corrupt, despotic,
immoral, power-hungry, materialistic, abusive, and who are more concerned about
their image or status. This can be found also in the police and military
organization as well as the corporate world.
Sadly, this kind of leadership may also be found in the Church. The
scandals that rock the Church are not just about sexual abuse or misconduct,
but also the self-serving way leadership is exercised. Pope Francis in a homily
on June 15, 2014 acknowledged the presence of corruption not just among
politicians and businessmen but also some members of the clergy: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“We
hear too much talk of a prelate who has become rich too and left his pastoral
duty to care for his power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the
corrupt politicians, the corrupt businessmen and the corrupt clergy, are to be
found everywhere – and we have to tell the truth:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>corruption is precisely the sin that the
person with authority – whether political, economic or ecclesiastical – over
others has most readily at hand. We are all tempted to corruption. It is a
‘handy’ sin, for, when one has authority, one feels powerful, one feels almost
like God.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
great temptation of those having authority is to “feel powerful and almost like
God” -- that one is above the law and can do anything he likes. Jesus warned
his disciples about this kind of leadership: “you know that the rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them
felt. But it shall not be so among you.” (Mt 20:25)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Many </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">of
these problems and scandals may be caused by the failure to recognize and
overcome the dark side. There is a dark side of leadership which has to be
brought out into the open, into the light. The dark side which is often toxic
and destructive brings out the worst version of the self.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From
a psychological perspective, the dark side is often associated with personality
disorder and abnormal behavior which has roots in the unconscious. Among the
manifestations are narcissism, insecurity, bipolar disorder, obsessive
compulsions, despotic behavior, aggression, uncontrolled anger or intermittent
explosive disorder, addictive behavior, sexual abuse, etc. More often, the
underlying causes of such disorder is complex – some involving childhood
psychological trauma, abuse, rejection, etc. Christian tradition often
associates the manifestation of the dark side with the so-called seven deadly
sins or cardinal sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.
Every human being, including priests, are prone to these “capital vices.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dark side is associated with the four
cravings or basic temptations that try to dominate the life of each human
being, especially those in leadership position: (1) the craving for sensual
pleasure; (2) the craving for material possession; (3) the craving for power
and influence, (4) the craving for popularity, fame and glory. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One
basic temptation for a leader is to gratify one’s sensual desire. The leader
has at his disposal whatever he wants and he can easily indulge in addictive
behavior – whether it be food, alcohol, gambling, drugs or sex. The leader can
spend a lot of time in the casino, cockfighting arena or the mahjong table. In
order to deal with the pain – whether physical or psychological – he can become
a drug addict (which is a form self-medication). Another temptation is to
indulge in illicit sexual behavior/misconduct (whether heterosexual or
homosexual) – keeping a mistress/or concubine, including abuse of minors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
leader has access to huge amount of money. The big temptation is to use his
position to accumulate wealth and material possessions. The dark side of
leadership becomes evident when this becomes his main motivation. His heart is
full of greed and avarice. He needs more to maintain a luxurious lifestyle – a
palatial home, the latest fleet of cars, clothes, gadgets, etc. This is also
necessary to maintain his vices and addiction – to drugs, alcohol, gambling,
sex or in seducing minors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For
many politicians and government officials, a leadership position becomes a
source for accumulating wealth and material possessions. This is also a means
for gaining and maintaining political power. This is often associated with
patronage politics. No wonder, many will run for office – as local government
officials (barangay leaders, mayors, governors), as representatives and
senators, as presidents. There is money in public office and government
bureaucracy. Running for office requires huge amount (campaign staff,
advertisement, vote-buying, etc.) and once in office, he needs to recoup his
expenses and generate funds for re-election. The temptation of wealth and
material possessions can also lead many police and military personnel to engage
in criminal activities (kidnapping, hold-up, extortion, drug-pushing, gambling,
etc.). The temptation of wealth is the main source of corruption in the
government. It is like cancer that metastasize or spread in all levels – from
the highest to the lowest. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When
a person occupies a position of authority and leadership, he often feels
powerful. Traditionally, this power is associated with the capacity to impose
his will and dominate others. He makes decisions and expects to be obeyed. He
can threaten and coerce others to do his bidding, to demand respect and even
fear. He can even have the power of life and death over others. He can get away
with murder. This power comes with perks and privileges. He has at his disposal
the wealth and resources that comes with the office. Power tends to be
aphrodisiac. Sexual abuse can be an assertion of power. He thinks he is the
law, that he is above the law. This is the biggest and most destructive
temptation of leadership – the drive for power. How to come to power, how to
exercise power and how to perpetuate himself in power. When this becomes the
dominant motivating force, the dark side of leadership is fully
manifested. Lord Acton’s popular dictum
is correct: power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. A
person who is narcissistic and lacks a sense of remorse and guilt and who
thinks of himself as god is most dangerous when he is in a leadership position.
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
leader is often placed in the limelight. He is the focus or center of attention
– especially from followers and the media. Honor, fame, popularity and prestige
tend to accompany the position of authority and leadership. The dark side is
evident when seeking fame and being conscious of one’s image become the
underlying motive of the leader’s behavior and decisions. He is full of vanity.
This can also be accompanied by a sense of entitlement and the expectation of
being given a VIP treatment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
biggest temptation that a leader faces is to use his position as means for
satisfying these drives, to allow himself to be dominated by one or all of
these drives. The account of the temptation in the desert was symbolic of
Jesus’ struggle and rejection against this type of leadership – motivated
primarily by self-gratification, wealth, power and privilege. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Thus,
everyone occupying leadership positions are subject to one or more of these
diabolical temptations. This is part of
the fallen, sinful nature of human beings.
At the core of all these is selfishness, greed and pride. The dark side
is associated with ignoring or breaking God’s commandment and falling into sin.
When he does this, the leader makes himself a god – failing to recognize that
he is only a creature and there is someone greater than himself to whom he is
accountable. He thinks that he is above the law and does not have to follow or
observe the law – whether it be the divine law or the laws of society. He can
easily lie, cheat, steal or use coercion or violence to get what he wants –
whether it be sensual pleasure, wealth, power or fame. He does not respect the dignity and rights of
others. He does not listen to his conscience or has a dull conscience. He lacks
moral compass and becomes immoral. Sexual misconduct or abuse come easy. For
him, there is nothing wrong with cursing others or even God. He lacks a sense
of remorse and guilt. He becomes cruel and corrupt. Having a hardened heart, he
does not care if others suffer as a
consequence of his acts and decisions. All he cares about is himself. This kind
of leader can be encountered in the political and economic arena. This can also
be found in the religious sphere. The dark side of leadership is responsible </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">for
the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">reign
of evil in the world -- for the corruption, violence, injustice, poverty,
inequality, tyranny, violation of human rights, the destruction of the
environment, etc. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
Church has been wracked with scandal and weakened due to her leaders who have
been dominated by the dark side. This should never be allowed to happen again.
There is indeed a need to confront the dark side of leadership in the society
and the Church. The Church must exercise
a prophetic role vis-à-vis the political and economic leaders and systems
dominated by the dark side. In order to be credible, this prophetic role must
also be exercised within the Church and directed to Church leaders. The clergy
must listen to the prophetic voices within the Church – whether priests,
religious or laity. There have been saints who by their witness of life have
been a conscience to the Church whose leaders have succumbed to the temptation
of wealth, power and glory and failed to become good shepherds. There is a need
to develop a corporate culture among the clergy where everyone is encouraged
and inspired to live up to the high standards of the priesthood and those whose
behavior is inappropriate or sinful can be corrected or held accountable. Such
culture, while compassionate, should be intolerant of any wrong-doing. They
should never cover-up the misconduct and immoral deeds of their fellow priests.
Ultimately, the only way to overcome the dark side of leadership is to live in
the light, to undergo a constant process of conversion and to become humble,
loving, compassionate good shepherds and servant-leaders, following the example
of Jesus.</span></span></div>
<br />Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-46837199006026976702018-08-26T20:38:00.000+08:002018-09-10T10:41:38.846+08:00Coming Down the Mountain, Evading the Death Squad<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Two
weeks ago (August 11) , I almost became
a victim of extrajudicial killing and the 4th priest to be killed under the
Duterte Regime had I stuck to my routine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">For
over four months, I have been living a quiet life as a hermit on top of the
mountain overlooking the city of Cebu, spending my time in silence, solitude,
prayer and writing. I usually go down to the Redemptorist monastery in Cebu
twice a month to bond with my fellow Redemptorists, check my email and FB, get
my food supplies and go to the coffee shop nearby before dinner. At first, I
didn’t realize this routine would put my life at risk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Since
2017, I was receiving information that the death squad was going to target
priests and that I was on top of the list. When the three priests were killed,
I was certain that I could be next. I even received an email message accusing
me of being a drug addict. Before I left Manila last March to start my life as
a hermit, I received a text message from a reliable source confirming that I
was indeed going to be targeted for assassination by a death squad. When I
asked him if they knew where I was my informant told me that they were still
looking for me. I anticipated that if they knew that I was in Cebu, the first
place that they would put under surveillance would be the Redemptorist
Monastery in Cebu. I still felt confident that they won’t find my hermitage in
the mountain.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; text-indent: 0in;">On
August 6, I went down to the Redemptorist Monastery in Cebu to attend the
community recollection and meeting. By chance, I met the gardener who
told me that several days before (on August 2) while working in the church
ground, a man on motorbike with another companion asked him: “Do you know, </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; text-indent: 0in;">Picx</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; text-indent: 0in;">
Picardal? Is he here?” He denied that I was around. He was suspicious because
they did not take off their helmets and kept watching the monastery. He
remembered that a month earlier, on July 7, two men riding in tandem also asked
him the same question. On those two occasions, I recalled that I was in the
monastery a day before so they just missed me. Upon realizing this, I became
more cautious and careful not to follow my usual routine of going out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Then
on the evening of August 11, the security guard informed me that there were six
men on three motorbikes with full-faced helmets near the entrance of the
monastery and the church between 5 pm to 6 pm that afternoon. That was usually
the time I would go out to the supermarket and the coffee shop. I immediately
concluded that they were the death squad and I was the target. Had I gone out,
there would have been no escape for me. I recognized<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their modus operandi – that’s what I learned
from a former member of the Davao Death Squad when we were documenting the
extrajudicial killings years before. It was a close call. </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">thank </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">God for protecting me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I am
not out of danger yet. Some of our priests and staff noticed that men riding in
tandem continue to keep watch outside the monastery for several days after
that. So my superiors told me that it would be dangerous to go back to the
hermitage and so I have to move to a more secure location and avoid public
exposure. They are determined to complete their “project”, otherwise, they won’t be paid.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: #93c47d;"></span></span><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Why
am I being targeted by the death squad? Who is behind this “project”? The only
explanation is because: I preached and
wrote against the extrajudicial killings for the last 20 years – since I was
assigned in Davao and up to now. I was the spokesperson of the Coalition
Against Summary Execution which monitored these killings and assisted the
Commission on Human Rights (headed by Leila De lima) and the Human Rights Watch
to investigate the killings. I also posted the Collated Report of these
killings carried out by the Davao Death Squad (1998-2015) which was included in
the complaint submitted to the International Criminal Court by Atty. Jude </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Sabio</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">. I
also helped provide sanctuary to former members of the DDS who will be the witnesses in the ICC case. I
was one of the </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">convenors</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"> of
the Network Against Killings in the </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">PhiIippines</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">.
I granted interviews to the media
– both local and foreign. I have also gone around the country and in the US to
give talks on EJK and the Church’s response. The media labeled me as one of the fiercest critic of
the president but all I intended to do is to be a conscience of society. So, I am not surprised that the president is
mad at me. Many years before, when I was in Davao, someone warned me that I
should be careful because the mayor was angry at me. He lambasted me three
times in his TV program “</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Gikan</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">sa</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">
Masa, Para </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">sa</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">
Masa.” I was confident at that time that he wouldn’t order the DDS to kill a
priest – after all I am not a drug addict or pusher. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Has
President Duterte finally ordered my hit? Or is it just some zealous henchman
trying to please him? My source informed me that that the order came from </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Malacanang</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">. But I cannot confirm it. I do not have the
complete answer. All I know is that there is a death squad determined to kill
me. Whatever happens to me – whether the
order came from him or not -- the blame will be placed on him for under his
regime the culture of death has claimed the lives of over 25,000 people. This
regime has nothing to gain in creating a martyr so those behind the project
should think twice before carrying out their evil plan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">I
always knew that my life would be at risk and I have accepted this as a
consequence of fulfilling my prophetic mission. I am not afraid of death. I am
ready to accept martyrdom if they catch up with me, but I do not seek it nor do
I make myself an easy target. Thus, I have decided to temporarily vacate my
hermitage up in the mountain and continue to spend my life of silence,
solitude, prayer and writing in a more secure location. I will continue to
speak out against evil in society through my writings and will fast and pray
that the Lord will deliver us for evil. Meanwhile, I ask my friends to pray for
our country and to pray for my safety. Someday, I hope I will be able to go
back to my sacred space in the mountain of </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Busay</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"> where I intend to spend the remaining
years of my life as a hermit. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"></span></span>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-85115880513897061632018-08-19T11:12:00.002+08:002018-09-10T10:44:35.043+08:00The Challenges the Church in the Philippines Faces<br />
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">If we
want the Church to survive and thrive we need to constantly look at the big
picture and the long view. This requires
looking at the external opportunities and threats as well as our internal
weaknesses and strengths. The question that we need to answer is: What are the
challenges the Church is facing today and in the coming decades and how can the
Church respond to these challenges? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
first challenge is that of globalization. All the nations and economies of the
world are now interconnected. Globalization has been brought about by advances
in technology – through means of communication and travel. The world has indeed
become a global village. Globalization has brought economic progress to many
underdeveloped countries. The Asian region (especially South-East Asia) has
been the fastest growing economy with high GDP (gross domestic products). But
this growth has not been inclusive, benefiting only the local economic and
political elites and the transnational corporations. Poverty remains a problem.
The poor has been left behind – including the indigenous peoples. The gap
between the rich and the poor has widened.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
economic system has resulted in ecological and environmental degradation due to
mining, logging, coal-fired power plants and dependence on fossil fuels. The
Philippines have become one of most vulnerable countries to the calamities and
disasters brought about by climate change and global warming. Super-typhoons
like Yolanda and floods are becoming the new normal. The poisoning of the land,
air and seas are affecting the livelihood and health of the people.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Globalization </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">has
made possible the flow of migration – from the underdeveloped countries to the
more developed economies, and from the rural areas to the urban areas. In short
term, this has been beneficial economically to families with OFW and has kept
the economy afloat. The Philippines has one of the most number of migrant
workers. Filipinos can be found in almost all parts of the world – the Middle
East, North America, Europe and in Asia-Oceania (Japan, Korea, Australia). With
the lack of national industrialization and agricultural development and better
job opportunities abroad will perpetuate and increase foreign and domestic
migration. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">What
is the effect of globalization and a neo-liberal capitalist system on culture?
Through technology, the liberal values of the dominant Western (European and
North American) culture are influencing the local culture. Among these values are – consumerism,
materialism, secularism, autonomy, independence, sexual permissiveness,
privacy, individual rights, personalism, equality, liberty, etc. Those who are
easily influenced by these values are the young people and those living in
urban areas. These values can easily be assimilated due to technology (the
internet, social media, movies, TV, </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">etc</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">). Thus, there is an emerging youth
culture that transcends national and regional borders. Young people from all
over the world can share the same values, the same taste for clothes, music,
food, and the kind of relationships that they want to have. This development
can lead to a generation gap and tension. Young people and even older ones
influenced by this liberal culture can be in conflict with authority figures –
within the family, village, religious community and society. If not handled well, this could lead to
either alienation or rejection of family values, religion and even rebellion
against those in authority. The younger generation may not be as religious as
their elders. If they find religion meaningless or irrelevant, they will be
searching for other meaningful forms in other religions or will adopt the
secularism of the West.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">These
cultural and economic developments are also affecting the family. The families
are getting smaller as more and more younger people – including women – are
focused on their career and marrying late or never marry at all. A
contraceptive mentality contributes to this. The OFW phenomenon is also
weakening the family. Oftentimes, one or both parents are abroad, leaving
behind their children. Lack of parental care can lead to problematic young
people. This can lead to being influenced by gangs or by drugs. The weakening
of the family and the more secular values of young people can also affect
vocations to religious life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Looking
at the political terrain, authoritarian rule is back. Although democracy had
been restored after the Marcos dictatorial rule, President Rodrigo Duterte
appears to be following the footsteps of his idol– Ferdinand Marcos. He
controls not just the executive branch but also the legislative and judicial
branches thereby weakening the system of check and balance. Due to the absence of genuine political
parties and the prevalence of political dynasties, it has been easy for
politicians to switch party and join the supermajority for their own vested
interest. Both judiciary and congress
have become rubber stamps to Duterte’s political agenda. Duterte has been able
to carry out his bloody “War on Drugs” with impunity which has resulted in over
20,000 extrajudicial killings of suspected users and pushers – most of them
poor. He was able to declare Martial Law in Mindanao and to extend it with the
support of Congress & Supreme Court. He threatened to declare Martial Law
in the entire country and establish a revolutionary government. There won’t be need for it with the way he
has established political hegemony, weakened the rule of law and violated human
rights. Meanwhile, the change he has
promised remains elusive: the drug problem and criminality remain unsolved,
there is still much corruption in government, poverty has not been alleviated,
taxes have increased, the price of basic commodities has increased, there is no
peace and poor continue to suffer. Meanwhile, Duterte continues his tirade
against the Church which he regards as a threat to his rule. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">What
is the long-term consequence of this political situation? This could lead to an
economic crisis. There are less foreign investments coming in due to the
political uncertainty and Duterte’s pro-China policy. His “build, build, build”
policy can lead to debt-servitude to China and increase the national debt. The
European Union (EU) has threatened to withdraw the </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">GSP –
</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">the
duty-free privilege for Philippine goods that enter the EU – due to the lack of
respect for human rights and rule of law.
The political situation has become unstable and the economic crisis
could worsen the political crisis and vice-versa. The International Criminal
Court has started a preliminary examination on the complaint against Duterte on
“crimes against humanity.” There is a growing resistance to the regime as more
and more people become disenchanted and angered by what is happening. Even
beyond the Duterte regime, the Philippines will continue to deal with weakened
political institutions, with political dynasties, with voters who are easily
bought and continue to elect incompetent popular and wealthy candidates.
Poverty will still be a major problem. The environmental crisis will worsen.
The economy will continue to benefit only a few. More and more people will
resort to violence if the problems of society persist and no peace agreement is
reached as the next generation could become more radicalized. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">What
are the strengths and weaknesses of the Church vis-à-vis this situation? Since
the time of Martial Law under Marcos and over the succeeding years, the
Catholic Church, under the leadership of the CBCP, has exercised a prophetic
role. The Church has been instrumental in the ouster of the brutal dictator
Marcos and the corrupt president Estrada. Will the Church continue to exercise
her prophetic role under this regime? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">To
their credit, the AMRSP (Association of Major Religious Superiors in the
Philippines) and individual religious order came out with statements condemning
the extrajudicial killings. The LAIKO –
the national network of lay associations and movements – also issued statements
against the culture of death. The CBCP has already issued three pastoral
letters – affirming the right to life (even of addicts) and condemning
EJK. But do these statements represent
the position of many Catholics? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Meanwhile,
the majority of the clergy remain silent vis-à-vis the abuses of this regime –
especially the extra-judicial killings, the Martial Law in Mindanao and the
authoritarian rule. On the other hand, many dioceses and parishes have
initiated community-based drug rehabilitation programs to address the problem
of drug addiction and to prevent extra-judicial killings. Some priests and
religious have also started documenting the violation of human rights and set
up a network of sanctuary for the witnesses who will be presented in the
International Criminal Court. A few priests are preaching against the abuses of
the regime and together with some religious they are participating in protests/
prayer rallies. In reaction to all these, Duterte has criticized and cursed the
Church – branding her as a hypocritical institution and calling the God we
Catholics believe as stupid. He falsely accused some of the bishops and
priests. Three priests have been murdered so far. Other priests have been
placed on a hit list. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">The
questions that will continue to haunt the Church in the years to come are: What
possessed this so-called Christian nation to elect this man in spite the fact
that our churches are full every Sunday, hundreds of thousands or even millions
attend our processions (especially </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Sto</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">. Nino and </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">Nazareno</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">) and the record numbers attending the
papal Mass (seven million). What happened to our formation/evangelization
programs? How come the Church seems to be unsuccessful in forming the
conscience of our people – including the clergy? Ultimately, the question that needs to be
answered: how far has the vision of a renewed Church as promoted by Vatican II
and PCP II been owned and internalized?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Thus,
the challenge for the Church in the Philippines is how to live the vision of
the Church not just as communion and as a priestly people, but especially as a
prophetic and servant Church, ready to accept suffering and martyrdom. The
other challenges related to this: how can the Church truly become the Church of
the Poor in face of the continuing problem of poverty. What more can the Church
do in alleviating poverty? What can the Church do to help tackle the problem of
environmental destruction, climate change and the resulting calamities and
disasters? How can the Church promote peace amidst the spiral of violence and
continuing armed conflict? How can the Church defend human rights – especially
the right to life. How can the Church effectively help in stopping the killings
and start the healing? How can the Church sustain and expand the efforts at
ecumenical and interreligious dialogue – a dialogue of faith and life
especially with Muslims - that can contribute to peace and development?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">In
fulfilling her mission, the Church faces the challenge of how to get more and
more lay people to get actively involved not just in the liturgical celebration
but also in the prophetic and servant mission. This is very urgent as number of
ordained ministers remain very low – around 10,000 priests for over 90 million
Catholics. With smaller families and more young people who are either
secularized or pressured to follow another lucrative career due to family
obligation, we cannot expect a dramatic increase of vocations to the priesthood
or religious life. Thus, the Church will depend heavily on the active
participation of the laity – not just as individuals but as part of BECs and
lay organizations and associations and renewal movements. Their involvement in
the parish and the diocese as well as in society in general is vital. The
dynamism of the Church should not be dependent on the clergy but on the lay
faithful who are committed and competent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Speaking
of lay participation there is a need to address the problem of the active
involvement of men. While the Church at the diocesan and parish levels are led
by male ordained ministers, majority of those who are involved in church
activities are women – except the extra-ordinary lay ministers of communion who
are men. The same thing is happening at the grassroots communities – in the
BECs. While the priest-less liturgies in the chapel are presided by men, the
rest of the leaders of the community and the majority of the active members are
women. On the bright side, this is a welcome development for women who are
demanding for a greater role in the Church. This is already happening at the
grassroots. But we should not forget the men. There is a need to come up with
evangelization and formation programs designed for men and to focus on
promoting masculine spirituality suited for them. This is to be done without
neglecting the women and their needs. Perhaps, programs that are more social
action-oriented (prophetic-servant mission) might be attractive to men, rather
than just focusing exclusively on liturgy and bible-sharing. Men needs more
action and less talk. They need to become more aware that whatever they are
doing will contribute to the welfare of the community and society. Male-bonding
often takes place in the midst of praxis rather than just sharing their
feelings. If ever they are going to share their problems, it will often be with
other men they regard as friends. Thus, besides encouraging them to take active
part in their community, it is important that they come together regularly as
men to deepen their fellowship – prayer, sharing, planning, celebrating. Those
who are married should be made aware of their responsibility as fathers, husband
as well as co-leader of the Christian family – the domestic Church. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
family remains a cause for concern. How to develop truly Christian families is
a challenge for the Church when the family as an institution has been weakened
due to migration, reduced size, and the influence of a globalized culture and
technology. Family evangelization programs need to be developed as well as
marriage-enrichment programs for couples. Pre-marriage/pre-Cana seminars needs
to be updated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">In
promoting communion and carrying out her mission – especially the prophetic
evangelizing mission, the Church must make use of technology – whether in mass
media and social media. The cyberspace or the internet is helpful in developing
communion – connecting the members of the Church with one another and with
their pastors no matter how distant they are physically. The Church needs to
avail of technology to not just in imparting the teachings and doctrines of the
Church but in the formation of conscience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The
participation of young people in liturgical celebrations and youth activities
at the parish and diocesan levels remain high. But we cannot be complacent as
the globalized secular and materialistic culture continue to influence young
people. Formation/Evangelization programs for young people that will include
formation of conscience and involvement in the prophetic and servant mission of
the Church should be emphasized. The Church should not forget to address young
people’s need for meaning and direction as well as appropriate spirituality.
Hopefully, from among them will come the future priests and religious, as well
as lay leaders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Finally,
the Church must address the issue of leadership in the Church which is a
reflection of the crisis of leadership in society. The quality of leadership is
very important if the Church is to survive and thrive and if society is to be
transformed. So far, the models of leadership have been inadequate and so is
the leadership-formation for clergy, seminarians, religious and lay people.
Many of the clergy who are ordained are not prepared to exercise leadership
roles in the parish and diocese although they may have adequate theological,
spiritual and liturgical formation. Many continue to associate leadership
primarily with power, privilege and status – influenced by the prevailing
dominant cultural models. Thus, they turn out to be incompetent figureheads, or
petty tyrants, or bureaucrats, or administrators operating in a maintenance
mode. Worst of all, some become involved in sexual misconduct and corruption,
lacking in conscience, failing to exercise with integrity ethical leadership.
This is the kind of leadership that will weaken the Church and block Church’s
renewal. Thus, the model of leadership promoted by Vatican II and PCP II must
be imbibed – leadership motivated by humble and loving service
(servant-leadership), being a compassionate good shepherd with the smell of the
sheep. This leadership style is more participative, consultative, collegial or
collaborative and inspired by vision (the vision of a Church renewed) – hence,
visionary leadership. This type of leadership demands scrutinizing the signs of
the times – viewing reality from a broader perspective – looking at the big
picture and the long view. This type of leadership is more concerned with
building up the Church as a living community rather than in building expensive
churches or cathedrals. To avoid maintenance mode, this requires planning and
strict implementation yet characterized by flexibility. This kind of leadership requires courage --
the courage to speak out, to confront the wolves that threaten or wound the
flock and to accept suffering and martyrdom if required. Without this kind of
leadership, the vision of a renewed Church of Vatican II and PCP II will remain
an empty dream -- forgotten beautiful documents relegated to the archives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">We
should not expect that we can fully achieve the vision of a renewed Church in
our own lifetime. It is a continuing effort, an ongoing journey. The Church,
after all, is constantly reforming and renewing herself – ecclesia semper </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">reformanda</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";">.
Like the Kingdom of God, it is an “already-not-yet” reality. Hence, we must
always be patient and do what we can. After all this is the work of the Spirit
and we should rely on the guidance and the dynamism of the Holy Spirit. Vatican
II was seen as a new Pentecost. It was just a new start. Those who started have
already gone before us and it is our duty and obligation to continue what they
started just as we hope the next generation will continue to do so. There is no
turning back.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face";"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-51152343952701296982018-05-12T13:09:00.000+08:002018-05-12T13:09:15.939+08:00Responding to the Call to Solitude<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: white;">It’s
been a month since I started another
phase of my life – a life of solitude and silence as a hermit after so many
years of active ministry. I am living
the life that I have always longed for.
Even as a young priest over 37 years ago, I was already attracted to
this kind of life. But through the years, I could only spend a month each year
alone on top of this mountain for rest, prayer, contemplation, reading,
writing, running & biking, playing my flute & violin, practicing
tai-chi, preparing dinner after fasting intermittently. It was my way of coping
with the stress of missionary and pastoral ministry. I considered this as part of the rhythm of my
life – the contemplative dimension. This kept me from burning out. I came down
from the mountain fully recharged to continue my pilgrim, missionary journey –
evangelizing the poor, building Basic Ecclesial Communities, resisting a
dictatorial regime and struggling against logging companies</span><span style="color: white;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Being
on top of this mountain has enabled me to have a closer encounter with my
deeper self and with the One to whom I have offered my life. I have never felt
alone or lonely. The mountaintop interlude has given me the opportunity to look
at a big picture and a long view of my life and ministry. I have tried to live
seriously the traditional image of the Redemptorist: Apostle abroad, Carthusian
at home. This has been part of my effort to integrate the active and the
contemplative dimension of my life as a religious priest which I try to do
every day but which I need to do on extended periods. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">In
the midst of my busy life and hectic schedule, I always looked forward to going
up to this sacred space. But I could never get enough of this. I planned to
spend my Sabbatical Year here every ten years of my life. I also made a promise
to spend the final phase of my life on this mountain. I built a bamboo
hermitage which I could only occupy for three months since I was asked to do
higher studies in Berkeley and Rome. When I came back, I spent the next sixteen
years in Davao engaged in teaching, pastoral ministry, interreligious dialogue,
life and peace advocacy and denouncing the killings perpetrated by the Davao
Death Squad. Throughout those years, I continued my annual mountaintop
interlude. I could only spend five months here during my Sabbatical due to my
pastoral and academic responsibilities. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">And
now after over six years working at the CBCP
- promoting BECs all over the country
and denouncing extrajudicial
killings and authoritarian rule under the new regime over the last two years, I
can finally fulfill the promise I made long ago. Last month, after Biking for
Life & Peace from Manila to Mindanao,
I came up to this mountain to begin living as a full-time hermit. I am occupying the room in the rest-house
which I have been using annually after a typhoon destroyed the bamboo hermitage
I built years ago. In due time, I will
be rebuilding with my own hands the hermitage in the woods. This will be my
home for the next 10 to 20 years or more, God willing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Some
people – especially friends, confreres and fellow human rights activists – are
asking why I am doing this now when there is still much I can do in my ministry
and in the struggle against the forces of evil in society.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">I
just feel that now is the right time to answer the eremitical call. I am
already a senior citizen and I want to do this before I am too old to live
alone and take care of myself. I believe that this is where the Lord wants me
to be at this time of my life. I won’t be active any more in organizing, giving
talks or joining rallies anymore. I will
continue to struggle and speak out against evil in a different way – through
prayer, fasting and writing. Echoing Mk 6:9 St. John Paul II affirmed: “Jesus
himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first
and the most effective weapons against the forces of evil.” Mahatma Gandhi said
something similar: “My religion teaches me that whenever there is distress
which one cannot remove, one must fast and pray.” </span></div>
<span style="color: white; text-indent: 0in;">Coming
up this mountain reminds me of the prophet Elijah whose life was threatened by
King Ahab and Jezebel. He was weary and discouraged. It was amidst the silence
and solitude on top of the mountain that he felt God’s presence and gave him
courage to face death. (1 Kings
19:1-14). I did not come here to escape
or hide from those who intend to end my life prematurely because of my
prophetic stance – just like what they did recently to Fr. Mark Ventura. I came here to fulfill a promise – to answer
the Lord’s call to spend the remaining years of my life in solitude, silence
and contemplation. I came here to enter
into a deeper communion with Him and to prepare myself for my final journey
fully aware of my mortality. I am
encouraged by the words of a Carmelite hermit – Fr. Cornelius </span><span style="color: white; text-indent: 0in;">Wencel</span><span style="color: white; text-indent: 0in;">:
“The solitude of the desert teaches a person to be at peace even in the face of
death… The mere choice of solitude is an experience of kenosis and death. The
hermit, with his childlike heart, approaches death fearlessly. He accepts it
with quiet understanding and patience. He does not try to avoid death, to run
away from it, or to forget the inevitable necessity of dying… By dying in
Christ and rising in Christ, touching the mystery of Christ’s Passover, the
hermit becomes a prophet sent to the people of today.”</span>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-16995431288245546932018-03-14T06:47:00.000+08:002018-03-14T06:56:59.510+08:00Bike for Life and Peace: Pre-Departure Statement<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, here at the Shrine of Our Mother Perpetual
Help, I start my 1,500 km Bike for Life & Peace across Southern
Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Northern Mindanao. This is the fifth bike advocacy
I am doing. In 2000 I biked for peace
across the Philippines. In 2006 I biked for life and peace around Mindanao. In
2008 I biked for life and peace around the Philippines. In 2014, I did a
climate ride from Manila to Mindanao. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> During this ride,
I will be fasting during the daytime and preach in the parish churches where I
will stay overnight. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />
1. Stop the killing, start the healing<br />
2. Resume the peace talks between the Government and the National Democratic
Front<br />
3. End Martial Law in Mindanao.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: bold;">Stop the killing. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is the appeal of
the CBCP which echoes the cry of so many people in our land. Since the start of
the War on Drugs under the </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duterte</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> administration, over 16,000 have died, many of them
suspected drug users and pushers, most of them poor. The miserable condition
of the families of those who were killed have worsened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; text-indent: -0.38in;">EJK has been a strategic component of this war on drugs
which has been proven to be ineffective. I join my voice to the appeal of the
church and civil society for respect of human rights - especially the right to
life - and the rule of law. The solution to the drug problem should focus on
healing, on the rehabilitation of addicts. The problem of poverty, violence,
dysfunctional families, psychological trauma and alienation that breed
addiction should be addressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: bold;">Resume peace talks.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> President </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duterte</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> promised that a
peace agreement with the NDF will be reached during his term. There have been
progress especially in the
substantive talks regarding social and economic reforms that would
address the roots of armed conflict. The collapse of the peace talks attributed
to NPA tactical operations that claimed the lives of civilians and subsequent
declaration of the government of the communists as terrorists have made peace
elusive once again. I join my voice to
the clamor to resume the peace talks and come with a comprehensive peace
agreement. There can be no military solution to the age-old insurgency problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: bold;">End Martial Law in Mindanao</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">. The basis for the
declaration of Martial Law was the </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Marawi</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> siege. The forces of </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maute</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">- ISIS have already been defeated. Yet Martial Law has
been extended all over Mindanao even in the absence of actual invasion and
widespread rebellion, simply on the basis of the threats of ISIS resurgence or
expansion and the ongoing communist insurgency. Martial Law will lead to
further human rights violation, the escalation of the armed conflict and the
spiral of violence. It closes the avenue
to peace and will fail to address poverty, injustice, the destruction of the
environment and underdevelopment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Extrajudicial Killings, total war and martial law will
not solve the basic problems of our people. Thus, I make this appeal to
all concerned -- especially to President </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duterte</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">, government officials, the police and military:
Stop the Killing start the healing. Resume Peace Talks. End Martial Law
in Mindanao.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Someday we will face the judgment of God. We will have
to give an account for our deeds and behavior. The basis for judgment will not
be how much power and wealth that we have accumulated but how much good we
have accomplished for the people. We will be judged by our love, mercy and
compassion for the poor and the weak, by our respect for life, by our efforts
to bring about peace, justice and progress in the land.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">will probably be the last long-distance advocacy `ride
that I will do. I am already a senior
citizen - I will be 64 this year and I am starting the final phase of my life
-- a life of solitude, silence and prayer as a hermit. I know that my
bike advocacy will not make a lot of difference. I am just a tiny voice or a
mere point of light in the dark. But I believe and hope that even small acts
that we do will add to the collective efforts to awaken the conscience of the
nation and bring about goodness and decency in our country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am doing this fully aware of the risks and the danger
I am facing. I am aware that I too can be a target of extrajudicial killing. In
my youth, I was almost “salvaged” having undergone torture and imprisonment
under Martial Law. I will not cower in fear. I will not back down. I believe that there is still goodness and
humanity within each one no matter how sinful. Even hardened killers can
change. I have seen this in the former members of the DDS that I have met and
who have gone through a process of conversion. I pray for the day when we
recognize each as siblings and friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> So as I bike and
preach the Gospel of Life and Peace, I put my trust in God to whom I have given
my life. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fr. Amado L. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Picardal</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">, </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">CSsR</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 14, 2018</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-80550608849241230682018-02-25T10:35:00.001+08:002018-02-25T11:21:07.841+08:00Lamentation from EJK Land<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.2pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.38in;">The </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.38in;">bullet-riddled corpses
sprawl on the sidewalks,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> the dark alleys or inside the shanties </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> waiting to be laid to rest in public cemeteries </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> or dumped in common graves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> The inconsolable widows & orphans or shocked fathers and
mothers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">cannot not afford to bury them </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> for the police are making a killing out </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> of the killings or mass murder </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> ordered by the blood-thirsty ruler </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.38in;">from the city of Davao.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.38in;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">The </span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">slums beside dumpsites,
railways, waterways & cemeteries </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">beyond the posh villages &
subdivisions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> have
become killing fields </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> day by day, night after
night </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> as the poor wait in fear & trembling </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> for the executioners in uniform </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> or masked hit-men riding in tandem </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> imported from or trained in Davao.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">Why do brutal, corrupt &
incompetent men</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> lord over this land like criminals? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">Why do pious men and women
who fill the churches Sunday after Sunday </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";">and join processions in
masse </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">or attend the Pope's </span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">Mass </span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">in millions </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">keep silent or approve of
this and say </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">those addicts & enemies
of the state deserve </span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">to die</span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">? </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">Where is mercy and
compassion </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">for those wounded by
neglect, abuse, </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> isolation and loneliness </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> in need of healing and conversion? </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">Where is justice for those
unjustly punished </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> without due process, </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">deprived of human rights
& dignity </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">while drug lords go
scot-free </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">just because they are
relatives, friends or partners?<br />
</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">O Lord, we believe that you
will deliver us</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> from evil as you did in times </span><span style="font-family: "garamond";">past –</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">especially at EDSA.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> But how long must we wait?</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> How many more lives have to be wasted? </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">When will the people stand
up and rise empowered by your Spirit? </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">In this dark night we toll
the bells</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> and light our candles full of despair </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">and hope. <br />
</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.2pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 7.68pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-71814573297082284902017-12-25T07:16:00.001+08:002017-12-25T07:21:27.646+08:00My Last Christmas in Baclaran - Time to Say Goodbye<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is will be my 7th and
last Christmas here in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baclaran</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. My resignation from
CBCP takes effect on Dec 31, but I have already started saying goodbye during
the National Gathering of BEC Directors and Coordinators on Nov 27-30 in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tagbilaran</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, during the CBCP
Employees' Christmas Party on Dec 13, and during the formal turn-over to Msgr.
Gabriel on Dec 18, two days before the start of the Christmas break of the CBCP
offices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">haven't said goodbye
yet to my </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Redemptorist</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> confreres here in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baclaran</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. That will happen
when I come back from the U.S. in February. I will be leaving for Chicago on
the 2nd week of January to give a talk in DePaul University on “Extra-Judicial
Killings in the Philippines and the Church's Response” on January 25. I will also give a talk on EJK in Columbia
University before I fly back to Manila. Then I will send my clothes and books
to Cebu and ride my bicycle across Southern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Northern
Mindanao up to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Iligan</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and from there take
the boat to Cebu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was appointed as
CBCP-BEC Executive Secretary over six years ago I decided to come to Manila on
foot. Thus, I ran-walked for Life & Peace from Davao to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aparri</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> covering over 2000
km in 56 days. My appeal was to put a stop to EJK in Davao & other cities,
resume the peace process, put an end to mining & illegal logging. As I
begin a new chapter of my life I will be biking 1,500 km for life and peace. My
appeal will still be the same: stop the killing (EJK) all over the country,
stop the war and resume the peace process, stop destroying the environment
(stop mining, illegal logging & coal-fired power plants). The biking
priest rides again! I biked for life & peace around Mindanao in
2006 and around the Philippines in 2008. I did the Climate Ride in 2014 – from
Manila to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Iligan</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> via Davao. This is
probably my last ride. I am already 63 yrs old.
I will be starting a different mode of existence as a hermit - living a
life of solitude, silence, prayer and writing till the end of my days. I have
planned this a long time ago. I already received the permission of my
superiors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">of my friends and
confreres are asking if this is the right move at this time especially with
what is happening in our country. I should be more actively involved in
the resistance against an evil, dictatorial, brutal and corrupt </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duterte</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> regime. Am I fleeing
the world or escaping from reality? Have I given up the fight? I have
done my best. Through the years I have been part of a group
that monitored, exposed and opposed the activities of the Davao Death
Squad. I have biked and ran for life and peace. I have helped the Commission on
Human Rights and the Human Rights Watch
investigate the killings. I have
been featured in various local and international documentaries on the killings.
My summary report on DDS has been widely circulated and is now part of
the documentation submitted to the International Criminal Court. I helped set
up a network of clergy and religious that provide sanctuary to key witnesses of
the EJK including former members of DDS </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have been a </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">convenor</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> of the Network
Against Killings in the Philippines. I have joined various prayer and
protest rallies. Now, I am witnessing a growing movement of resistance to this
authoritarian and brutal rule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">time has come for me
to shift to less active and more contemplative mode of existence as a hermit in
a mountain far from the city. This does not mean that I will cease being
prophetic. I will continue to speak out, using my laptop computer. I will continue to
write in my blog, my regular column, my articles and books. My voice will
echo from the wilderness to cyberspace. Above all, I will continue to
resist evil through prayer and fasting. As St. Paul writes: “For our struggle is not
with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the
world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.
(Eph 6:12).” In the struggle to exorcise evil in society, there is another
weapon that Jesus recommends to his disciples: “This can only come out by
prayer and fasting. (Mk 6:9)” I believe
that just as in the past God did not abandon his people but empowered them in
their struggle against darkness, God will again do so now and in the future.
Thus, day and night I will be praying. I will fast, eating daily – eating only
at night. This how I expect to live in the remaining time I have left on earth.
This is what I look forward to this
coming new year 2018.</span>Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-56629022918280727122017-12-22T21:56:00.000+08:002017-12-22T21:56:47.748+08:00Priesthood and Martyrdom<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Over </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14,000 Filipinos have become victims of extrajudicial
killings since the beginning of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duterte’s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> reign. In recent times, the targets have not
only been the poor – mostly suspected of being drug users and pushers -- but
also those tagged as leftists and
enemies of the state. Human
rights activists have constantly been threatened. What is alarming is that
religious leaders have also been added to the hit list as shown in the recent killings of a Protestant pastor
and a Catholic priest – Fr. Tito </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paez</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> - a 72-year old
priest of the diocese of San Jose, Nueva </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ecija</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, priests have once
again become targets of the death squads. This is reminiscent of the Marcos
dictatorial era. We can still remember
Frs. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Godofredo</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alingal</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zacarias</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agatep</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, Rudy Romano, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tulio</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Favale</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Around the same
period, in countries under dictatorial regimes like El Salvador, priests were
also victims of extrajudicial killings. Among them were Fr. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rutilio</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Grande, the six
Jesuit priests led by Fr. Ignacio </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ellacuria</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, and Archbishop Oscar Romero. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">Romero’s </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">beatification as a martyr is Rome’s recognition of a martyrdom that is a consequence of
fulfilling the prophetic mission -- of
denouncing social evil and the culture of death, of injustice, oppression,
violence, etc. and announcing the Gospel of love, peace, justice and
liberation.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Under </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the present </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duterte</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Regime, with its
authoritarian and repressive character, lack of respect for human rights and
due process, and enmity towards the Church, Fr. Tito </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paez</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> might not be the
last priest-victim of EJK.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, priests need not fear the death squads if
they live a one-sided, one-dimensional model of ministry. There is nothing to
fear if they simply say Mass and administer the sacraments, if they preach
platitudes and remain blind, deaf and silent in the midst of evil – while
majority of the people live miserable lives, victims poverty, injustice,
violation of human rights. During this
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, we priests are being reminded and
challenged to live our priestly vocation to the full – to a heroic degree, and
avoid mediocrity.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">We </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">need to go beyond the cultic model of priesthood and
live according to the broader and integral model of the ordained ministry as
promoted by Vatican II and PCP II.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">means avoiding being
in-ward looking and living luxurious lifestyle and operating on a maintenance
mode. This requires leaving our comfort zones, and go out to the peripheries –
among the poor, the marginalized and alienated from the Church. This requires
pastoral and missionary dynamism. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">are called to be
renewed servant-leaders -- good shepherds -- forming and leading truly genuine
Christian communities in our parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities –
communities that live in communion and actively participate in mission. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">are called to be
prophets that denounce evil in all its form and announce the Good News of
salvation and liberation, of peace and justice, of life and human dignity and
human rights. We are called to be the conscience of society, calling people to
conversion, and enabling our communities to be truly prophetic.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 5.28pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">We are called to act and mobilize our communities to
make the kingdom of God a reality. This means enabling our communities to
become agents of social transformation, that works for liberation and total
human development, peace and justice, and that defends the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">environment.a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We are called to embrace evangelical poverty, make an
option for the poor and the enable the poor to actively participate in the
Church’s life and mission.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> As priests, we are called not just to preside in and
celebrate the Eucharist but also live the Eucharist in our day to day life – a
life of communion with God and our flock, a life of prayer and thanksgiving, a
life of total self-giving and self-sacrifice. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “Do this in memory of me.” Our priesthood is expressed
not just in our celebration but also in giving up our life in martyrdom –
following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Martyrdom is the consequence of a prophetic ministry and
the supreme expression of priesthood and of being a servant-leader and good
shepherd. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This is how Fr. Tito </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paez</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> lived and this is how he died. As priests, not all of
us will be required to give up our life
in martyrdom – that is a grace not given to all. But what matters most
is how we live our priestly life and ministry to the full.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901638.post-67036157759256962152017-11-25T15:10:00.002+08:002017-11-25T15:10:40.095+08:00From the Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities to the Year of the Clergy & Religious<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 6.48pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities is about
to end and we are about to begin the
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons (or Religious).</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 6.48pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">focus of this year
has been building up the parish into a
network of small communities – of Basic Ecclesial Communities.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 6.48pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> There </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">have been a lot of
efforts made in forming BECs as agents of communion, participation and mission.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 6.48pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">should continue even
beyond 2017. </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 6.48pt; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greek word “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paroikia</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">” from which “parish” is derived is associated
with “sojourner” - journeying together.
Thus, the parish and the BECs within it
may be regarded as a “journeying community” – a pilgrim community. This is what
the Church is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">journey towards a new
way of being Church continues . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Focusing </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">on the Clergy and Religious in 2018 does not mean
forgetting the themes of the previous
years: the parish &BECs, the family & Eucharist, the poor, the laity,
integral faith formation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> All </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">of these are
interrelated and should be linked with the Clergy and Religious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">sub-theme for 2018 is
the Renewed Servant-Leaders of New Evangelization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> This </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">is apparently drawn from PCP II where the discussion on the
Clergy and Religious is placed in part IV – Agents of Renewed Evangelization. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">section on the clergy in PCP II provides a holistic vision of the ordained ministry
based on Vatican II: the clergy are servant-leaders of the Christian Community
which by nature and mission are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Prophetic and
Evangelizing Communities</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Priestly &
Eucharistic Communities</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Kingly, Servant
Communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">can be correlated
with part III of PCP II document which affirms that renewed integral
evangelization has three components:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Renewed </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">catechesis, renewed
worship, renewed social apostolate.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">vision of the
ordained ministry based on the ecclesiology of Vatican II and PCP II has five constitutive
dimensions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ministry
of pastoral leadership and communion
(building up the parish as communion of communities & BECs)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> A </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">prophetic ministry -
a ministry of evangelization, integral faith formation, of denunciation
of evil and formation of conscience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">A </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">liturgical/sacramental
ministry - presiding over the priestly, worshipping community, promoting active
participation in liturgical celebration</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">A </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">ministry of service,
of social action –working for integral development & liberation, justice
& peace, promotion of human rights, environmental advocacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">A </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">ministry to the poor
in the Church of the Poor.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">five dimensions may be applied to the religious,
consecrate life to a certain degree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">Pope </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">John Paul II , in
Vita </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">Consecrata</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">, affirms that
religious life has often been the bearer of the communion model of the Church
and that religious are experts of communion and should be engaged in the
promotion of communion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">apostolic, missionary
character</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">of religious life should be
constantly</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">emphasized. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">Religious </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">communities are
called to be prophetic communities and must take the lead in the work</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">of evangelization, integral faith formation,
formation of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.38in;">conscience, of denouncing
and resisting evil in society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Religious </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">should take the lead in promoting active participation
in liturgical celebration, in prayer and contemplation as an integral part of
the Christian life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Religious </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">should also take the
lead in social action – in works of charity, development, in justice and peace,
in the defense of the environment, in the promotion of human rights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Religious </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">must take the lead in making the Church of the Poor a
reality as they embrace evangelical poverty and a simple lifestyle, in the their love and option for the poor
and in enabling the poor to actively participate in the Church liberating
mission.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the Clergy and
Religious exercise their role as servant leaders in the Church that is
called to be a community of missionary disciples , they must do this in active collaboration with the lay
faithful who also share in the Church’s mission by virtue of their baptism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">coming year , 2018,
provides an opportunity for the clergy and religious to reflect on their life
and ministry and assess how they have lived up to the holistic and mission-oriented vision of the
ordained ministry and religious life provided by Vatican II and PCP II</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is high time to go
beyond a narrow, cultic and exclusively spiritualist view
of the ordained ministry and
religious life characterized by maintenance mode and lacking in missionary
dynamism.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
Fr. Picxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14926583006868263617noreply@blogger.com0