Biking for the Environment: Joining the Protest Against Coal Fired Power Plant Project in Maasim

Jump off from the Davao Redemptorist Monastery

Davao-Gensan

with biking priests of Marbel diocese: Frs. Cristito Holoro, Rodrigo Gigoni & Giovanni Oncog before jump off Gensan-Maasim

bikers entering Maasim followed by a caravan from various parishes and POs


bikers with the parishioners of Maasim opposing the Coal Fired Power Plant project


members of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (or GKK) joining the protest march

delegation from various parishes of Marble diocese

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez at the interfaith rally, with Muslim leaders, pastors, lumad leaders and the army commander, Colonel de Leon.

Yesterday morning at 8:15, after celebrating the 6 am mass, I and 5 others biked from Davao to General Santos City. A Redemptorist seminarian (Clint Jan) biked part of the way while 2 other seminarians (Ryan and Natz) were on the support vehicle. Eugene, the Singaporean Redemptorist seminarian escorted us on the motorbike. This was the first leg of the "Bike for the Environment" to support of the protest against the Maasim Coal-Fired Power Plant Project led by the diocese of Marbel and in collaboration with other NGOs, People's Organization and other Christian and Muslim groups. It took us over nine hours to bike the 148 km distance. We were met by Fr. Giovannie Oncog and proceeded to the parish of Our Lady of Good Voyage for dinner. We slept at the Passionist retreat house.

Early this morning at 6:30 we continued the second leg of the journey - Gensan to Maasim. Three priests joined us (Frs. Giovannie, Cristito and Rodrigo). A protestant pastor (Ricky) was also part of the group. Seven other members of the GS MORBA (General Santos Matutum Offroad Bikers Association) joined us. They could only muster this number since it is a working day. It took us over two hours to bike the 45 km distance. We stopped 3km before the town and waited for a while for the convoy of vehicles from various parishes before we proceeded to the parish church at the head of the caravan. We were welcomed by the parish priest and the members of the Redemptorist Mission Team who have been helping in stregthening the Basic Ecclesial Communites in the parish.

I concelebrated at the fiesta mass presided by Bishop Gutierrez together with over 20 priests of the diocese. After the mass the people marched to the town plaza for the interfaith rally agains the coal fired power plant project. There were so many people - from the 48 Basic Ecclesial Communities of the parish and delegations from other parishes of the Marbel diocese, from other Christian denominations, Muslim groups, lumad groups, etc. I was amazed to see parents bringing their children, carrying placards and streamers. There were four speakers during the rally: a Lumad leader, a Muslim ustadz, an Aglipayan priest and Bishop Gutierrez. The rally ended with a cultural presentation of the parish youth. Then this was followed by a festive meal. What an extraordinary fiesta celebration! This is the first time that the people in the parish with the suppor of the diocese and other groups have come out in full force to oppose the coal power plant project. The mayor and his council who supports the project must be nervous now.

After lunch, we placed our bikes on our support vehicle and drove back to Davao. We reached the monastery at past seven.

newslinks:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090913-225003/Priest-bikers-vs-coal-fired-power-plant

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090915-225239/Hundreds-march-vs-coal-fired-power-plant

http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6970&Itemid=50

Noynoy Aquino's Spiritual Retreat

I heard that Noynoy Aquino arrived here in Davao this morning and flew to Zamboanga this evening where he will be undergoing a retreat at the Carmelite monastery. Since the death of her mother (ex-president Cory Aquino) last month, there has been a growing clamor for him to run for president. Mar Roxas' withdrawal from the presidential race the other day and his support for Noynoy's candidacy has increased the pressure for Noynoy to heed this clamor.

Before Cory's death I never imagined Noynoy as a presidential contender (he wasn't really impressive as congressman and as a senator). Besides, I wasn't excited or interested about the coming elections. I didn't bother to register. I wasnt' planning to vote (I planned to leave for my sabbatical in Rome before the elections). The bottom line: I have lost faith and hope in our political system. What's the use of voting when it is still the traditional corrupt and power-hungry politicians who will run and only those who have the most money and popularity will win? A very wealthy senator under investigation in the senate for anomalies is leading the surveys, followed by an ex-president convicted of plunder. Besides the other traditional politicians several religious personalities have expressed their intention to run for president - Fr. Ed Panlilio, Eddie Villanueva, Mike Velarde.

During the wake and funeral of Cory, I became aware that "people power" was not dead and buried. It was on the rise again. I also became aware of the unfinished EDSA revolution. When Conrad de Quiros started writing about Noynoy as a presidential candidate that can continue the legacy of Ninoy and Cory, I dismissed this as one his wild ideas that deserves to be ignored. Alex Magno (who became a Gloria apologist and whose columns I stopped reading long time ago) wrote about the "game-changer" and the emergence of Noynoy as a viable candidate. Listening to Noynoy's interview with Pia Hontiveros and Tina Monzon Palma convinced me that here is the one that we can believe in and that carry the hope of many of our people. What impressed me most about Noynoy is that he indeed embodies the values of his parents: selflessnes, decency, integrity, sense of duty, service. He is not corrupt. He is not ambitious. He does not see himself as a "messiah. He consults people and he seeks their active participation in the proces of change. Unlike the other politicians, he is not seeking the presidency but rather, it is the presidency that is seeking him. The fact, the Mar Roxas would give up his presidential aspirations and support Noynoy reveals not only Mar's decency and selflessness but also his faith in Noynoy's capability to lead the people in reforming and changing Philippine society.

There are many who doubt his ability to lead, due to his lack of experience. But what kind of experience do the other candidates boast of - experience of corruption and patronage politics? Many doubt whether he will win because he does not have the money and the machinery. But what he has is the trust of people. If "people power" is still alive, then that is enough. He will have a lot of volunteers. It will be the people who will give him money for his campaign He will also get the youth vote.

As Noynoy starts his retreat/discernment tomorrow, I will pray for him. I pray that he will have the courage to respond to the call of the people that he continue what Ninoy and Cory and many of the older generation started - the unfinished revolution of EDSA. He should not expect to hear God's voice telling him that it is God's will that he will be president. All he need to listen to is the voice of people who believe in him.

We priests are not supposed to engage in partisan politics. We cannot endorse any candidate. We cannot dictate to the people who to vote for. We cannot campaign for any candidate. But if someone comes to me and asks me who to vote for, I will whisper the name of the one who I believe carries the legacy of EDSA. I have also set aside a little amount from my allowance as a donation for his campaign (I have never done this for any candidate before).

We have been looking for our own Obama. I think we have have found him.

Of course, all of these could just be the product of the imagination or wishful thinking of a few dreamers who misread the recent events. We will find out in May whether it will be politics as usual or people power is really alive.

NoyPI ako.

Triathlon Training

This morning after celebrating the Mass with the PDDM sisters, I biked to the archbishop's residence where I swam for 20 minutes on the 18-meter pool. Completing one lap was very difficult - I had to rest for a couple of minutes between each lap. And to think that I have to able able to swim non-stop for an equivalent of 56 laps in the open sea to participate in the triathlon (1 km swim, 30 km bike, 7.5 km run). After the swim, I biked for 17 km before returning to the monastery. In the afternoon, I ran for 45 minutes (uphill repeats) in Ladislawa. I then had a 30 minute workout in the gym (back and triceps).

One of my goals this year is to finish the full marathon (42.2 km) in November. I run only 3 times a week (1 long run, 1 speed work, 1 hill repeats) but I also do some cross training (biking on non-running days). Joining a triathlon crossed my mind only recently when I realized that I can easily do the biking and running portions. If I can only learn to swim long distance, then I should be able to finish a triathlon (the sprint or olympic distance but not the ironman). I think I should be able to join the triathlon after running my comeback marathon - either this November late this year or March next year (depending on the progress of my swimming capability).

As I grow older, I am amazed at what I am capable of accomplishing physically. I may not have the speed but I have the endurance and this is what matters. I am more concerned about finishing well rather than winning. Starting this October, I will qualify to compete in the 55-59 age category. There are not too many participants in that category and I should do well and finish near the top. If I can can continue joining marathons and triathlons when I am over 70, I'm sure I can be a winner in my age category. When I am really too old to run (90-95 years old?) I can probably compete in the wheelchair division.

The Joy of Running - (How to feel young as you grow older)

I am here in Cebu to attend a gathering of "Senior" Redemptorists which starts tomorrow. Redemptorists who are between 50-64 years old will be attending the conference where we will be discussing about issues and concerns that affect those of us who are entering old age.

Honestly, I don't feel I belong to this group. The word "senior" is often associated with "senior citizens but I really don't feel that old - even if I will qualify to get a "senior citizens" card 5 years from now which will entitle me to 20% discount on food and medicine, etc. There are many things that I can do which many people of my age (or even those much younger) cannot do any more. Take for instance, biking around the country for 2 months or running marathons (which I will be doing this November.)

This morning, I ran up and down the mountain of Busay (as far as Babag). It was raining the whole time yet I was enjoying the run which lasted for 3 hours and 45 minutes. It was a very smooth and relaxed run and I didn't even feel exhausted. It was the same feeling I experienced when I was running this mountain 20 years ago. I expect to be doing this 20 years from now.
I read in the internet about a 20-year study on runners and non-runners. The results show that the runners have less disease and live longer than non-runners. Running is the fountain of youth.

I have 3 more months before the Philippine International Marathon (Run for Pasig River) and my training is on schedule. I am getting leaner and more fit. My pace is getting faster and my runs longer. My waist line has shrunk from 37 inches to 31 inches. And I don't feel old.

9th Day Requiem Mass for President Cory Aquino

At noontime today, after the regular monthly meeting of the priests (Presbyterium) we celebrated the 9th day requiem mass for our beloved President Cory Aquino. The mass was presided by Archbishop Fernando Capalla. Since Sunday of last week each parish had been celebrating requiem masses for Cory. Today, we gathered as a local Church to say goodbye to her. Many of the lay faithful who attended wore yellow dress, shirts or ribbons. All the priests wore a yellow stole, pinned with blue ribbon. The blue ribbon signified our belief that she is now with God in heaven, united with her husband Ninoy.

We don't normally do this for any Philippine president who dies. We did this for Cory and for what she personified.

In his homily Archbishop Capalla preached about the need to look at Cory's life and death through the third eye- the eye of faith, and the third ear - to listen with the heart. He spoke about how Cory has been an instrument of healing and reconciliation.

The prayer of the faithful expressed it all:

"For our country and our people, as we thank God for giving us a president whose faith helped us restore democracy after the people power revolution of 1986, that we may work together for the healing of our people through sincere repentance and mutual forgiveness, without which there is no future for our country, let us pray to the Lord."

In Memoriam, Cory Aquino. (Yellow - the Color of Mourning)

Yesterday during the 4:30 pm mass, I wore a yellow stole over the white chasuble instead of a green stole. It was un-liturgical but I thought it was appropriate since we were remembering Cory Aquino. Archbishop Capalla sent us a fax message last Saturday evening announcing the death of Cory and asking all the churches in the diocese to celebrate requiem mass for her for nine days. Before and after the mass, I wore my yellow t-shirt. I met Archbishop Capalla last night during dinner in Saint Aphonsus' parish and he was also wearing a yellow shirt.

This morning, I went out biking in Samal island wearing my yellow jersey. When I came back I wrote this poem.

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Yellow – the Color of Mourning
(In Memoriam – Corazon Aquino)
Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR

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Yellow ribbons fill the trees and posts all over the land.
Many of us wear yellow shirts or arm bands as we wipe the tears in our eyes.
Why is yellow the color of mourning, not black?
What is it that we mourn for?

Like grown up children we mourn for the death of a mother
whom we had forgotten or ignored in her old age.
Her passing away made us realize
how much she had done for us, how she brought out the best in us long time ago.
We remember the widow still in mourning who bravely led us as we peacefully deposed the corrupt dictator that ruled the land.
We were not afraid of the tanks and the soldiers whom we embraced as brothers.
Yellow was the color of our struggle and our victory.

Yes, that was the moment when we were so proud to be Filipinos.
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Sadly, that was the last time.
Now we live in shame, seeing what has happened since then.
Driving away the dictator was the easy part.
We failed to build a nation that is truly democratic, just, peaceful
and free from corruption.
What we and she fought against are still with us
even after we drove away another corrupt and abusive president.
Sadly the other woman installed by people power is no better
than the dictator and president that we deposed.
Until the end, the mother that we have forgotten continued to remind us and our leaders what we fought for and what we failed to do.

Gentle, compassionate woman,
beloved president
mother of the nation,
we thank you as we say goodbye.
We do not only mourn at you passing.
We mourn for ourselves and our nation.
As we wear yellow ribbons, armbands or shirts in your memory,
may we be reminded of the unfinished EDSA revolution.

Dinner with the Biking Archbishop

I just came back from Zamboanga this morning after a meeting at the Silsilah Harmony village yesterday. I stayed at the Archbishop's residence last night and had dinner with Archbishop Romulo Valles. When he was still bishop of Kidapawan, the archbishop used to join the Bike for Peace together with his other priests and other bikers of North Cotabato. He also accompanied me on the first day and the second to the last day of my 21-day Mindanao Bike-Tour for Life & Peace in 2006. So naturally, during dinner last night, we talked mostly about biking - reminiscing our biking adventures in the past. We also talked about the recent Tour de France.

A Failing Grade for President Macapagal-Arroyo

I read in the newspapers Melissa Roxas' account of her abduction and torture by alleged military men who accused her of being involved with communists. This brought back memories of my own harrowing experience 36 years ago under the Marcos dictatorial regime. On Sept. 21, 1973 - one year after the declaration of martial law - I was picked up by intelligence agents, tortured for a week, and detained for seven months in a military camp in Cebu. I was just one of the many victims of human rights violation. My confrere, Fr. Rudy Romano, was less fortunate - his body has never been found. When Marcos was deposed and democracy was restored, I expected that torture would be a thing in the past.

I am very upset that this practice continues even today under the presidency of Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo. The military under her command continues to use the methods of the former dictator to supposedly protect democracy. In one of her previous State of the Nation Address, she even praised General Palparan who had been accused of torture and extrajudicial killings in his counter-insurgency campaign. Another practice that was prevalent during martial law which continues today is the summary execution of suspected criminals. During martial law the perpetrators were the "secret marshalls." Today we have death squads who are allegedly sponsored by local government officials. The president has failed to ensure the rule of law and the respect of human rights in this country. She has also failed to solve the insurgency problem and bring about peace. She has failed to stamp out corruption at all levels of government including the military. She herself has been accused of corruption and cheating in the last election. She is no better than the late dictator.

If I were asked to give a grade for her 9 years as a president, I won't hesitate to give her a failing grade. I was filled with hope and euphoria when she took over as president following EDSA II. Now I only feel revulsion.

This coming Monday she will be delivering her State of the Nation Address. I hope it will truly be her last - unless she follows the late dictator and succeeds in prolonging her stay in power by changing the constitution. If she harbors these intentions she should beware. She will face the wrath of the people. She will share the same fate as Marcos. I will be one of those who will strive to end her rule even if it means going through what I experienced 36 years ago.

Launching the Human Rights Watch Report on the Davao Death Squad: Commemorating 10 years of Campaign against summary execution

The Human Rights Watch book on Davao Death Squad "You can die anytime"

Archbishop Fernando Capalla with Fr. Antonio Samson, SJ - Ateneo de Davao President


Atty. Manny Quibod - Ateneo College of Law dean and spokesperson of CASE



Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ - reciting his poem "Sanayan lang ang Pagpatay"

Yours truly (Fr. Picx, CASE spokesperson) giving the closing remarks.

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From 2 to 5 pm this afternoon, we gathered at Finster Hall in the Ateneo de Davao to launch the New York-based Human Rights Watch report/book on the extrajudicial killings in Davao and other parts of Mindanao. This is part of the activities to commemorate 10 years of campaign against summary execution.

The event opened with a prayer, followed by the opening remarks of Atty. Manny Quibod (dean of Ateneo College of Law and CASE spokesperson). After him, Atty. Carlos Zarate gave a presentation on the highlights of the 10-year campaign against summary killings. Then the book was launched - with a showing a video presentation about the book, the reading of the statement from the HRW and the presentation of the book to representatives from various sectors: City Council, Academe, Religious, families of victims, and CASE.

There were 3 "discussants" who shared their thoughts and reflection on the book. One represented Atty. Angging Librado of the City Council, one from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and for the families of victims - Clarita Alia who lost 4 sons to the DDS.

I then gave the closing remarks and Archbishop Capalla led the closing prayer - the Oratio Imperata.

Below is the text of my closing remarks:

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Closing Remarks:10th anniversary of campaign against summary execution
and launching of the Human Rights Watch Report
Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR

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We marked today the 10th anniversary of the campaign against summary execution by launching the Human Rights Watch Report on the DDS entitled: “You can die anytime.”

After 10 years what has been achieved?

First the bad news. We note that number the victims has reached over 900. It would appear that we were not really successful in putting a stop to the killings over the years.
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The question is, why has the number of victims reached over 900?
Fr. Bert’s poem gives us an insight of the mind of those who order and carry out the killings: “sanayan lang ang pagpatay.” They get used to killing. They are no longer bothered by their conscience.

I may also add, “sanayan lang ang makabalita o makarinig o makakita ng mga pagpatay.” People get use to hearing or seeing the killings. They are no longer disturbed by it, others even approve of it. Many prefer to remain silent. Thus, the culture of “impunity” as CHR chair De Lima calls it.


In spite of the deafening silence and seeming approval by many , the voices those who continue to condemn and oppose these killings still resounded. Among them
the CASE (Coalition Against Summary Killings)
the archdiocese under the leadership of Archbishop Capalla who wrote
the pastoral letter “Thou shalt not kill” several years ago, and ordered the Oratio Imperata to be read in all the churches since the beginning of Lent.
the priests and pastors who condemned the killing in their homilies,
the lay faithful who put up the streamers that appeared in all the churches.

Like voices crying out in the wilderness, we continued to function as conscience of society – promoting the value of life amidst the culture of death.
Our efforts and prayers have not been in vain.

The good news is that since the investigation of the Commission of Human Rights started and the Human Rights Watch report was first released 3 months ago, the number of killings attributed to the DDS has subsided. (have they relocated?). We heard from insiders that the DDS have received an order from the top to stop the killings for the meantime

A few nights ago, “Ramon” a former member of the DDS, one those interviewed by the Human Rights Watch and also one of the witnesses who met the Commission of Human Rights finally affixed his thumb mark on the sworn statement the revealed all he knew about the DDS.
What impressed me about Ramon is that he was no longer afraid to tell the truth. He has broken the culture of silence. He has become aware of his conscience.

What we hoped for and prayed for have partially come true.

Yet , just because the killings appeared to have stopped, we should not be complacent.
We have to continue the campaign that the truth will fully be revealed, and the perpetrators be held accountable for these serial mass murder and justice may be served.
We need to work for a society that is truly compassionate -- that respects life, that seeks the lost, that promotes healing.

We hope that there will be more Ramons who will courageously stand up as witnesses and reveal the truth.
We hope there will be no more mothers like Clarita who grieve for their sons or daughters.
As we end this event marking the 10th anniversary of the campaign against summary execution and launching the HRW report, we express our gratitude to the sponsors, the guests, the discussants and all of you who are here.

Consultation on the Mindanao Peace Process

As the fighting between Government forces and units of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rages in s0me areas in Central Mindanao, convenors and members of the A'immah-Pastors-Priest Forum (APPF) came together yesterday and today to participate in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Peace Process conducted by Konsult Mindanao.

Similar FGDs have been conducted in various areas of Mindanao among various sectors to gather ideas and recommendations for the peace panel of the Government and the MILF. This is part of the effort initiated by the Bishop's-Ulama Conference to facilitate grassroots consultation that can aid the peace process.

We had an animated sharing and discussion about our vision of peace, recommendation for the peace process and what we can commit/sacrifice for the peace process.

This is what I shared regarding my vision of peace in Mindanao:

Muslims, Christians and Lumads living together as neighbors, friends and brothers/sisters rather than enemies.

The battlefields will be transformed into rice-fields

The tanks will be turned to bulldozers

The only blood shed will that be of chickens and cows for feasting, only the sound of fire-crackers will be heard

The land and its resources will be shared by everyone, and no one will wallow in poverty.

Some Recommendation for the Peace Process:

Immediate resumption of the peace negotiations without preconditions.

Transparency of the peace process. It should not be done secretly, outside the country.

The government peace panel should not be dominated by people from Manila or Luzon, nor by former military men. Mindanaoans should be adequately represented.

Recognize that Mindanao has become the homeland of Muslims and Lumads as well as Christians. Any discussion on ancestral domain and boundaries have to take this into consideration.

Search for New Paradigms/framework other than the "Ancestral domain claim" that can lead genuine and lasting peace.

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Effect of Uphill Running on my Blood Pressure (or how to bring down blood pressure without medication)

This morning I measured my blood pressure before my uphill run. It was very high: 176/108. I didn't take any medication. I decided to bring along my blood pressure monitor and see if my hill running will bring the pressure down.


After running uphill for 15 minutes, I measured again my blood pressure. Now it is 113/60! No medication can have that instant lowering effect.

I continued with several uphill intervals. I measure again my blood pressure 30 minutes after the beginning of my run. Still very low: 111/66.

I headed home, this time mostly downhill. I increased my pace for the last 500 meters. Upon reaching the church grounds I measured again my blood presure: 116/71 after running for a total of 40 minutes.

Nine minutes after I stopped running and was resting, I once again measured my blood pressure. My post-run reading: 128/87.

I am amazed at the effect of an intense uphill running on my blood pressure. Normally, an intense activity - like running uphill - should bring the blood pressure up. In my case, the already high blood pressure goes down. It would seem that the more the intense the exercise, the lower the blood pressure. I remember an article about the Tarahumara Indians whose blood pressure were measured after a day's run. Instead of going up, their blood pressure went down. So it seems that like those running braves, running has a lowering effect on my blood pressure. The lesson for me: instead of taking hypertension medication, I should just go out and run.

Celebrating 50 years of Redemptorist missionary presence in Iligan

I am here in Iligan attending the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the coming of the Redemptorists to the city. In June 1959, when I was five years old, our family moved to Tibanga, some 3 kilometers from the city center. During that year, the Redemptorists also arrived and rented a house near our home. Since the new church had still to be constructed, they celebrated mass in a nearby school - St. Mary's. I suppose, the presence of the Redemptorists in our neighborhood had an influence on me. I remember imitating the priests when I "played mass" with my siblings at home. During summer time, I attended catechism classes at the Redemptorist church. I became an altar boy when I was in grade six. When I decided to become a priest I naturally applied to the Redemptorist. My first assignment as a newly-ordained priest was with the Iligan Redemptorist community. So I am proud to say that I am the first product of the Redemptorist presence in Iligan.

The anniversary mass was presided by Bishop Galido - the bishop of Iligan. Two Redemptorist bishops concelebrated - Bishop Ireneo Amantillo (bishop-emeritus of Tandag) and Bishop Manny Cabajar (of Pagadian). Both of them were former superiors of the Iligan Redemptorist community.

Happy golden anniversary! I hope I will still be around for the diamond jubilee celebration.

Launching of the Year for Priests: Priestly Ministry

The Year for Priests starts today but we lauched it here in Davao yesterday to coincide with the 34th anniversary of Archbishop Capalla's episcopal ordination. The opening mass was held at the San Pedro Cathedral at 5:30 pm after the holy hour which started at 4:30 pm. After the mass the clergy went to the Archbishop's residence for dinner.

I am glad that Pope Benedict XV has declared the Year for Priests. This will highlight the importance of us priests in the life and mission of the Church. This is also a time to reflect on the identity and ministry of the priest. The other day, a journalist sent me an e-mail asking me what it means to be a priest especially here in Mindanao. I sent him a brief description of my understanding of the priestly ministry which I have tried to live over the years:

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Priestly Ministry in the Philippine Context

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1. Ministry of Pastoral Leadership and Communion

Following Christ the Good Shepherd, the priest is called to be the shepherd or the servant-leader of the Christian community.This means forming and leading the Christian community (in the parish and in the local communities/Basic Ecclesial Communities -BECs).The priest is also called to promote communion (sense of unity and sharing) among the laity and with them. This means becoming close to the flock.Pastoral leadership is to be exercised in the spirit of service, and not in terms of power, privilege or prestige. A participative and collaborative style of leadership is to be adopted, rather than the authoritarian or laissez-faire style.This ministry is grounded on a spirituality of pastoral charity and communion.

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2. Prophetic Ministry

The priest shares in Christ's prophetic office. The ordained ministry is a ministry of the Word - of proclaiming the Word and and witnessing to the Word.This involves the task of preaching, evangelizing, and catechesis.This involves prophetic denunciation - of becoming a conscience in society and denouncing the sin and evil (including injustice, oppression, the culture of death & violence, corruption, the destruction of the environment, etc). This also means calling people to repentance and conversion.This also involves prophetic annunciation - announcing the Good News of the Kingdom, of salvation and liberation, of justice and peace, and of life.The prophetic ministry of the ordained forms the Christian community/BECs into a prophetic community - the community that listens to the Word, proclaims the Word and lives the Word, that acts as conscience of society and denounces sin and evil.The prophetic ministry is rooted in a spirituality nourished by the Word.In exercising his prophetic ministry, the priest must be ready to risk his life.

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3. Liturgical/Sacramental Ministry

The priest exercises leadership in the liturgical/sacramental celebration of the Christian community. He enables the laity to actualize their common priesthood by promoting full and active participation in the liturgical celebration.He forms the parish and the BECs into truly priestly/worshipping community.The community that celebrates what it lives and lives what it celebrates - a life of communion with God and with one another, of unity and sharing, of self-sacrificeThe liturgical/sacramental ministry requires a spirituality nourished by the Eucharist and deepened by prayer and contemplation.

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4. Social Action Ministry

The priest ministers to people who are poor, hungry, oppressed, victimized and dehumanized. He cannot be blind to their suffering. Social action is therefore a constitutive dimension of the priestly ministry. This is exercised in the context of the community. Thus, the priest has to form the Christian community/BECs into ministering/servant communities that address the problems that they face (poverty, hunger, injustice, violence, corruption, environmental destruction, violation of human rights) and work for social transformation that will bring about justice, peace and development.In carrying out this ministry, the priest must avoid being subservient to political ideologies and parties. He must avoid involvement in partisan politics.This ministry requires a spirituality rooted in compassion. It also requires a simple lifestyle, immersion in the life of the poor, solidarity with the poor, and forming the Church into truly the Church of the Poor.

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In the context of the Mindanao situation where there is large number of Muslims, the priest must be involved in inter-religious dialogue (Christian-Muslim dialogue). This means befriending Muslims (especially the Imams and the Ulamas), working together with them to achieve peace, justice and development, praying with them, and identifying common or similar beliefs. The priest must also encourage lay people in the parish and in Basic Ecclesial Communities to get involved in this dialogue of life and faith.

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PCP II considers the BECs as the realization of the vision of a renewed Church. It is a new way of being Church that requires a new way of being priest. This can be done by living out the four dimensions of the ordained ministry.

Blessing of the New SATMI building and opening of the new school year

Blessing of the new SATMI building

Opening Liturgy for School Year 2009-2010, presided by Fr. Ben Ma

provincial superior of Cebu Redemptorist province

the student choir/band


the theology students, faculty and staff

orientation by Fr. Brendan Kelly, the SATMI director

Yesterday, we blessed the new building of the St. Alphonsus' Theological & Mission Institute (SATMI) and had the opening liturgy for the school year 2009-2010. This morning we had the orientation for our theology students and after the break classes started.

The student population is slowly increasing. We have now 46 students coming from various countries (Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Africa), the Shri Lankans will be coming next semester. For the first time, students belonging to the Redemptorists of Manila vice-province are studying with us. The Franciscans of the Third Order Regular have also started studing here.

Six 3rd year students will be sent for their missionary immersion program in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

This first semester I am teaching two courses: Ecclesiology and Sacraments. I am also handling the theological synthesis of the fifth year students. I'm just glad that I am teaching fewer courses this year. This will give me a chance to finish my book projects. I can also have more time for my advocacies.

Parish Youth Encounter

BEC youth representatives

Fr. Picx - the singing & rapping priest

youth games



Fr. Bebot Gaspe - the new parish priest

youth leaders

Yesterday, from 2 pm to 9 pm, over 300 young people coming from the various Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in the parish gathered at the covered court for the Parish Youth encounter. This is part of the series of activities for the coming fiesta of the Mother of Perpetual Help Parish. Besides the usual games and cultural presentations the young people spent time in listening to some talks and in celebrating the Eucharist which was presided by Fr. Nestor Gaspe - the newly-installed parish priest.

I was assigned to give a talk on the Blessed Virgin Mary. I was aware that it would be difficult to give a talk about Mary to young people, especially at 3 in the afternoon - they would easily fall asleep and their attention span was short. So instead of the usual lecture, I gave them a "concert" - this meant singing to them and rapping. I opened with a song from the beatles "Let it Be." I know that the Beatles did not compose this in honor of the blessed mother but the lyrics are appropriate, especially the opening lines: "When I find myself in time of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom let it be." After showing a video clip from the movie "the Passion of Christ" which showed Mary with Jesus, I proceeded to "rap" the story of Mary based on the Gospel and the Acts on the apostle. I ended singing a "modern" Marian hymn "To Mary." There a very good response from the young audience, the sang with me and also clapped and danced with the rhythm of the rap. They were very attentive and nobody fell sleep. They continued to enjoy themselves the rest of the afternoon playing games. After the mass and dinner, they had cultural presentations.

DADITAMA BEC Congress

Since last Monday afternoon up to noontime today (June 1-4), 97 delegates coming from the dioceses of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati gathered at the Mergrande Beach Resort in Davao for the DADITAMA BEC congress. Besides the lay leaders, priests and sisters, 5 bishops attended the congress - Archbishop Fernando Capalla (Davao), Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz (Tagum), Bishop Patricio Alo (Mati), Bishop Jimmy Afable (Digos), Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando (Davao). I was invited as an observer as a consultant of the CBCP-BEC national office.

The theme of the congress:

"The vocation and mission of the BECs in the present challenges of the times"

The objectives were the following:

1. Clarify the trends and the challenges they pose to the BECs

2. Review the ecclesiological foundation, canonical norms and leadership role (bishops, priests, lay leaders) in relation to the vision and mission of BECs.

3. Come up with recommendations for the sustainable growth of BECs.

The three resource speakers were:

Msgr. John Macalisang, STL, Ph.D (the global and national trends and how they affect the BECs)

Fr. Bong Lunas, STL (ecclesiological foundation)

Bishop Jimmy Afable, DD (canonical norms).

The talks formed part of the basis for the workshops that came up with their assesment of the BECs and the recommendation for their sustainable growth.

This morning, at the last part of the congress after the synthesis and recommendations were presented, I was asked to share my observation and reflections with the delegates.