AsIPA - A General Assembly of Asian BEC practitioners

Since last week, October 20 until today, some 225 delegates from 18 countries in Asia met here in Davao for the AsIPA general assembly. AsIPA stands for Asian Integral Pastoral Approach in building Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) or Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as promoted by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).

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This gathering shows that BECs are spreading all over Asia - not just in the Philippines. There were delegates from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Hongkong, Myanmar, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, etc.

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Archbishop Adams, the papal nuncio to the Philippines, presided at the opening mass at the San Pedro Cathedral on the first day. The first day was devoted to the delegates' sharing on the experiences of BECs in their respective countries. On the third day, Bishop Chito Tagle was the main speaker on the theme on the BECs as Eucharistic Communities. Two bishops from Africa who started the Lumko Institute spoke about the methods of Gospel sharing. On Friday evening, I gave talk on the history of the BECs in the Philippines. This served as a background before the delegates went on a weekend exposure in the BECs in the archdiocese of Davao and in the diocese of Tagum. On Monday, there was a sharing and processing of their experiences. I was part of the committee that drafted the statement which was discussed on Monday afternoon and finally approved on Tuesday afternoon. The closing mass was celebrated at 5 pm Tuesday afternoon and followed by dinner at the Mergrande Seaside resort. Today, the delegates went on sight-seeing.

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This is the statement of the Assembly:

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FINAL STATEMENT OF 5TH AsIPA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Held at Regional Major Seminary, Davao, Philippines
From October 20th - 28th 2009.

“Do this in Memory of me (Lk.22:19):
Bread Broken and Word Shared in SCCs/BECs”


1. Preamble

1.1 The 5th AsIPA General Assembly gathered 225 participants from 17 countries at the Regional Major Seminary, Davao city, Philippines from October 20th to 28th 2009. As we are gathered here we remember that this is the land where some 40 years ago the seeds of BECs were first sown. We also respectfully remember the BEC leaders who were martyred during the Martial Law for their prophetic commitment.

1.2 Linking with the previous assembly in Trivandrum which discussed the sacraments in BECs and continuing the reflections of the 9th FABC Plenary Assembly on, “Living the Eucharist in Asia” and the Synod on the Word of God in Rome, this assembly took the theme of “Do this in Memory of me (Lk.22:19): Bread Broken and Word Shared in SCCs/BECs”. We shared how the Word and the Eucharist were lived in the BECs and we were challenged as to how BECs can become catalysts of integral evangelization.

2. Asian Realities
2.1 One of the tangible results of BECs is the interest in the Word of God and many members own a Bible and make efforts to know the Bible better.
2.2 One of most visible fruits of BECs sharing and living the Word is the growing sense of belongingness in the community.
2.3 Being guided by the Word of God, BECs in participating countries are growing in their commitment to reach out to those in need in the neighbourhood and are enabled to read the signs of the times and respond in the light of the Gospel.
2.4 These BECs have become centres for formation and evangelization which has led to greater participation in the life and mission of the Church.
2.5 Although the participation in the Eucharistic celebrations have increased because of the active involvement of BECs; in many areas the communities are not able to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist regularly due to the lack of ordained ministers.
2.6 In some countries especially in the cities, due to the heavy schedule of work and travel, many BECs have a low attendance for Gospel Sharing or the Eucharist.
2.7 For AsIPA practitioners the different Gospel Sharing methods were as central as the Eucharist in leading them to a Christ experience. The participants also acknowledged the various methods and approaches used in different Asian countries to break the Word of God in the BECs.
2.8 The experience of the various Gospel Sharing methods and the Eucharistic celebrations during this Assembly made us aware of the social and political realities in the region and how the BECs are a sign of hope.

3. Theological Insights

After listening to each others' the sharing of our experiences and from the talks these are the insights that we gained:

3.1 “Do this in memory of me”
Both the Word and the Bread as sources of eternal life are integral parts of the memory of Jesus that BECs celebrate in the Eucharist and keep alive in their communities. (cf.FABC 9, 2009,Final statement)

3.2 “Word Shared”
The BECs gathers for the regular sharing of the Word of God, for “human beings do not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God”(Mt.4:4). The faith of the community is born out of and strengthened by listening to and sharing the Word of God which nourishes their faith and deepens the bond of communion, building up the community. (Eph 4:15-16)

3.3 “Bread broken”
“The Eucharistic community is constitutive of the invisible communion with God in Jesus and the Spirit and the visible communion of all people” (Ecclesia de Eucaristia. 35). The one bread and one cup of wine made from many grains of wheat and grapes crushed, is symbolic of the many members of the body of Christ unified in the Eucharist and of the gathering of all the people in the Kingdom. The breaking of the bread celebrates, deepens and fosters communion manifested in the spirit of unity, participation and sharing in the BECs. The Eucharist makes present the total self-giving and sacrificial love of Jesus (Jn.10:17) so that we may have life in abundance (Jn.10:10).

3.4 “Mission”
At the recently concluded 9th plenary assembly, the Asian bishops stated “we are convinced that meaningful, contemplative, experiential and prayerful celebration of the Eucharist has the potential to render the Christian communities of Asia powerful witnesses of Jesus, witnesses who are bearers of his presence, his love, and his healing power”.(cf. Final Statement). The Breaking of the Word and the Bread challenges the BECs to share all the diverse charisms and gifts given by the Spirit and use them to build up the body of Christ (Eph.4:11-12) and carry out their mission.


4. Challenges
4.1 The presence of the large number of passive and un-churched members in our parishes is a huge challenge to the BECs.
4.2 Impelled by the Word of God, the BECs are called to get involved in the social transformation
4.3 The Church is challenged to face the reality of finding ways and means of making the Eucharist an integral part of the life of the community.
4.4 The coordination of the efforts for forming, strengthening and sustaining BECs in the countries is a demanding task.
4.5 The spirit of the new way of being Church challenges BEC and other Church leaders to exercise a non dominating and facilitative style of leadership.
4.6 The BECs are called to integrate faith and daily life in the Eucharistic celebration so that our lives become sources of healing, unity and reconciliation.
4.7 The BECs nourished by the Eucharist should become ‘Open Doors’ for faith seekers.

5. CONCLUSION

5.1 The Assembly gained a deeper understanding of the significant role BECs can play both in celebrating Eucharist meaningfully and living it out in their daily lives.

5.2 We are deeply grateful to Archbishop Fernando Capalla and his local team of organizers for their generous hospitality and hard work to make the Assembly a success.

5.3 Finally we raise our hearts in gratitude and pray to the Almighty Father through Jesus his Son and the Spirit that we may be continually led to grow as communities sharing the Word and breaking the bread. May we be given the grace to die as a grain of wheat to give new life in and through BECs. ‘THY KINGDOM COME HERE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD”

Silsilah Intensive Seminar on Christian-Muslim Dialogue

I got these photographs from Nor yesterday through e-mail.

Immediately after the National Clergy Discernment last week, I rushed back to Davao to give a talk on "Muslim-Christian Dialogue: Christian Perspectives." This intensive seminar was organized by Silsilah and was participated by Christians and Muslims, mostly young people.

Running for Over Six Hours: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Long-Distance Runner

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

At 10 am, a few hours after celebrating the morning mass in the parish church, I started my long-distance run. I wore a long-sleeve quick-dry cycling jersey instead of my running singlet to protect me from the sun. I carried my hydration pack - with a bladder filled with 2 liters of water, 2 bananas, 5 extra-joss packets, 1 small bottle of peanut butter. After 15 minutes of walking I started running slowly, taking 1 minute walking break every 3-4 minutes. After running for an hour along the busy city streets, I began to ascend the Sto. Nino shrine hill. After 2 hours I was running up the mountain of Langub and Magtuod where there was no more traffic. At around noon-time the temperature must have reached 35C - running became agonizing. I stopped for few minutes to eat banana and peanut butter and drink extra-joss. I reached the juncture of Magtuod after running for 3 hours and rested for 15 minutes. At 2 pm, the sky became cloudy as I started my descent. I could see the winding Davao river below, the Davao gulf and the far-away houses and buildings. Instead of following the shorter route back, I followed the route that brought me to Waan, running along the bank of the river and then to Tigatto and headed back to the city. I noticed that after 4 hours of running I felt very fresh and strong. I didn't hit the dreaded "runner's wall" that marathoners experience after running 3 hrs. I was experiencing the second wind and the "runner's high." I noticed that I was running faster and more relaxed. There were tears in my eyes as I savored the pleasant, beautiful feeling - being aware of the trail, the trees, the mountain and the act of running. I reached the monastery at around 5 pm after running for over six hours. I didn't feel exhausted, I didn't feel any pain or ache in any part of my body. I felt I could still run another 2 hours. I don't know how far I ran but it was probably longer than the marathon distance. This was going to be my last long-distance run before the Philippine International Marathon three weeks from now. It gave me the confidence that I can finish the marathon, although I am not sure if I can do it in less than 5 hours. I don't care about the time, I will just run to finish it and enjoy the whole experience.

What helped me run this long was the easy pace and the walking breaks every 3-4 minutes (the Galloway method). I also used the chi-running method, focusing on my running form (slight lean forward, landing on the mid-foot, awareness of my core, body scanning).

This has been the longest run (in terms of time) that I have ever done in my life. My last long run one week ago was 3 hours 50 minutes. My longest training run 22 years ago was 50 km in 5 hours. My most enjoyable run was 26 years ago which I recorded in my diary:

Wednesday. November 16, 1983
Early this morning I went out for a long-distance run with Fr. Manny. This was one of our occasional "running-meeting" -- mixing meeting and exercise -- a good preparation for the difficult times ahead when we will always be on the run. After 13 kilometers, Manny headed back to Hinatuan while I continued running to Tagongon before turning back. It was a beautiful run across the rough and mountainous terrain and passing through a cliff overlooking the winding Hinatuan river. I could smell the sweet aroma of the pines from the nearby forest. The soft breeze behind me was so refreshing. I felt one with nature and with creation. I became aware of God's presence. I felt I could run forever. The words of Isaiah crossed my mind: "But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall soar with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary." I was able to run 40 kilometers in 3 hours and 40 minutes. I think I'm ready for the Third Manila International Marathon.
For me the religious and missionary life is like a marathon. What is important in not the speed but the endurance and perseverance. To sprint or to run hard all the time can easily burn out the runner and he may not reach the finish line. The runner needs to know himself -- his capacity, potentials and limitations. The pace in which one runs the marathon must be based on these factors. The more relaxed the runner, the faster he can run and the longer he will endure. In the marathon, the runner does not run against others. He runs with others. In the process, he discovers his full potential and ultimate limits. In the end, what is most important is to run the full distance and reach the finish line (despite the discouragement, the cramps, and the exhaustion). St. Paul, who must have been a runner in his youth, wrote:

"But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of the preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God. As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim 4:5-7)

I hope this text will be etched on my tomb as my epitaph when I am gone.

National Discernment of Priests on their Prophetic Role

I am here in Manila participating in the National Discernment of Priests on their Prophetic Role which started yesterday. Some 250 priests representing the dioceses and religious congregations from different parts of the country and 14 bishops are attending this gathering. I am one of the convenors of this gathering and one of the resource persons in one of the workshops. The president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines - Archbishop Angel Lagdameo - presided in yesterday's opening mass. The papal nuncio - Archbsishop Adams - presided this morning mass and gave a really prophetic homily.

This is the text of the talk I gave this morning in one of the workhop groups:

Discerning Today’s Priority Issues or Social Concerns in the Light of our Prophetic Role
Rev. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD

As we, the clergy, try to exercise our prophetic role, we are confronted with so many issues and concerns. But we cannot attend or respond to all these issues due to our own limitations (in terms of time, resources & capability).There is therefore a need to discern the priority issues or social concerns that need to be acted on.T he question: what are these priority issues and social concerns and how do we go about discerning these?
At the outset, I would like to make it clear that what we consider as priority concerns may depend on where we are – not just the national, but also the regional and local context.Of course, we may also discover that we consider as primarily local or regional issues are actually national and even global in nature. After all, everything and everyone is interconnected.
What I would like to do is to share with you my own experience of discerning priority issues and concerns as I tried to exercise my prophetic ministry over the years.
Then I would like to share some insights on how discernment may be done.

Experiences of Discerning Priority Issues & Concerns

Personal Experience 1: Anti-logging Campaign, San Fernando Bukidnon

In 1987, I was part of the Redemptorist Mission Team that was sent to San Fernando, Bukidnon to assist the Scarboro Fathers in strengthening the BECs in the parish.
Upon arrival we immediately noticed that the people were complaining about the long droughts and the flash floods caused by the denudation of the forest. During the bible-reflection sessions and liturgies, we reflected together with the people the roots of the problem which was the ecological imbalance brought about by logging.We preached about this and made people aware of their responsibility to protect the environment. We also conducted ecology seminar.
Thus, we organized and mobilized the BECs, together with the POs to stop the destruction of the forest. We emphasized the use of peaceful, extralegal means – like conducting human barricades along the roads and highways.We were able to get the support of the whole diocese led by Bishop Gaudencio Rosales and also civil society groups and the local government. The CBCP also came up with a pastoral letter on the environment and expressed support for the people of San Fernando.After 2 years, a total log ban was declared by the national government for the whole province of Bukidnon. Some BECs became involved in the reforestation project. The local clergy were deputized by the DENR to arrest illegal loggers within their parishes.

Personal Experience 2: Campaign against Extra-judicial Killings

In the late 1990s, a few years after I was assigned in Davao as professor of theology, I was confronted by the phenomenon of extra-judicial killings carried out by the DDS (Davao Death Squads).
Most of the victims of these killings were suspected petty criminals – drug addicts, drug pushers, thieves, gang members.Everyone believed that these killings were sponsored by the Mayor, with the involvement of some police officers in line with the campaign against criminality.In his public pronouncements, the mayor would often declare that the victims deserved to be killed because they were criminals. This was necessary to make the city safe from drug addicts, pushers, thieves and gangs.
Surprisingly, many people accepted these justifications and supported these killings.
I decided respond to this issue by writing an article entitled: “Summary Killings: a Moral Perspective.” This was published in the local papers.I also joined the Coalition Against Summary Execution and later became one of its spokesperson.
I was able to convince our religious community to make a stand against the killings. Through our preaching , symposium and prayer rallies we encouraged the local Church, the parishes and lay people to exercise their prophetic role.
The archbishop wrote a pastoral letter and an Oratio Imperata was read in all the churches. I also worked with other diocesan priests who were concerned about this problem.
We collaborated with the CHR in the investigation and encouraged former members of DDS to surface and give testimony.
So far, the killings have subsided as the CHR continues its investigation.

Personal Experience 3: Biking for Life and Peace

Since 2000, I have been concerned about a number of social issues. Foremost among these are: the ongoing armed conflict (NPA & MILF vs GRP), the destruction of the environment, summary killings, abortion, corruption.
After reading John Paul II’s ‘Evangelium Vitae’ I became more aware that all these are connected and are manifestations of the culture of death. There was a need to proclaim the Gospel of Life and Peace. I asked myself what I could do.
So I decided to bike across the Philippines, around Mindanao and around the Philippines. I preached the Gospel of Life & Peace in many churches all over the Philippines.
I started by biking alone but along the way some local bikers joined me – even some priests & bishops.
I also organized the annual bike for peace during the Mindanao Week of Peace , with over 500 bikers participating.
Lately, I and several others, including 3 priests, biked for the environment and joined the protest against coal –fired power plant in Maasim, Saranggani which was spearheaded by the diocese of Marbel with the participation of BECs, POs and NGOs and people from other denominations and religions.

The Process of Discerning Priority Issues & Concerns

In discerning priority issues & concerns, I have often used the process popularized by Cardinal Cardijn – the founder of the JOC or YCW. There are three stages: see, judge, act. It is a similar to Lonergan’s method: experience, understanding, judgment, decision.
Let us briefly discuss these three stages.

See

This means becoming aware of the reality around us (environmental, social, political, economic, cultural, etc.) - the lights and the shadows.
We have to look at the local, national, global realities.
This includes awareness of the problems that beset the people to whom we minister to – in the BECs, the parish, the diocese.
(reading the newspapers is not enough,
we have to be close to the people and be immersed in their situation,
we need to listen to them - to their cry and lamentation).
The priority issues are those that directly affect their lives – a matter of life and death. These could be:
The destruction of the environment (logging, mining, coal-fired power plant, aerial spray)
injustices and exploitation
economic policies & systems that are anti-poor and favor the elite and foreign investors
violation of human rights
The ongoing armed conflict
Extrajudicial killings
Patronage politics, corruption
Draconian & anti-life population control policies
Most of these issues are interconnected
We need to gather data and to make an analysis.

Judge

This means making moral judgments on the priority issues and concerns in the light of our faith
A critical perspective is necessary. We cannot assume that everything is alright.
We have to see the evil and sin in the situation, structures and systems.
We need to see the victims and the victimizers
The Sacred Scriptures and the Social Teachings of the Church should be used as basis for making moral judgment.

Act

We need to discern and choose the appropriate and creative means and course of action.
Prophetic action often involves denouncing & announcing:
Denouncing – the evil in the situation/system
Announcing the Good News (sacredness of life, liberation, peace, justice, integrity of creation, etc).
Preaching in the pulpit is what we can easily do. It is the ordinary locus for prophetic activity.
But that may not be enough. We have to use other means to reach out to the people –
- Seminars and symposia
- protest marches and prayer rallies in the streets and plazas, in front of government buildings.
- Symbolic action that can draw attention to our advocacies, fasting, die-in, biking, running, caravans, etc.
We need to maximize the use of mass media and other means of communication – TV, print, radio, internet
We need to use peaceful, nonviolent means and reject any form of terror and violence.
In exercising our prophetic ministry, we must be open to work with other groups – POs, NGOs, movements – on specific issues & concerns.
But we have to be independent from them and resist any attempt of control or cooptation.
To be prophetic is not just being critical of acts perpetrated by those in government and military
It also means being critical of means used and acts perpetrated by social movements and political parties that violate the rights of people and that lead to more harm than good.


Forming prophetic communities that participate in the discernment process

The prophetic mission is not the monopoly of the clergy. The Christian community – at the diocesan, parish and BEC level – is called to a prophetic community and must therefore be involved in the process of discernment and praxis. Echoing Vatican II, PCP II reminds us that the Church is prophetic people and the priest presides over a prophetic community.
Thus, it is not enough that a priest becomes prophetic, he must animate the community – at the parish and the BEC level – to be truly prophetic.There may be times when a priest has to exercise the prophetic ministry alone, especially when most of the clergy and lay people, are not yet convinced of the need to exercise their prophetic role.
However, he must eventually influence or convince others to make a prophetic stance.
Finally, we must remember the consequence of being prophetic – to be rejected, to be persecuted. We must be ready to suffer and give up our life. This means martyrdom if necessary.

Registering for the Philippine International Marathon

Yesterday, I went to the Mall of Asia and filled up the registration form for the Philippine International Marathon (Run for Pasig River). For a while, I was debating within myself whether I should register for the full marathon or just run the 10 km race. This was after I read about the 5 hour cut-off time for the marathon. My training had been hampered by a calf strain and I was able to resume doing long slow distance run last week (3 hrs 20 min). I know that I can run the full distance next month but I am not sure if I can do it in less than 5 hours. Besides, I haven't reached my target weight which could allow me to run a 4 hour marathon. After much thinking, I decided to register for a full marathon and told myself that I will just run to finish it even if I don't make the cut-off time. I will just carry a hydration pack in case the water stations are gone. I won't mind if the finish line is closed and the race officials have gone home by the time I reach Quirino grandstand - what is important is finishing the race no matter how long it takes. It's been 14 years since I ran the marathon and finishing it is already an achievement.

Early this morning, I did a long run along the Diosdado Macapagal avenue, around the Mall of Asia, up to Luneta and back to Baclaran via Roxas boulevard. I finished at around 10 o'clock after running for 3 hrs 50 min. I felt sluggish, which confirmed my suspicion that it will take me more than 5 hours to run the marathon. And to think that in the 1980s, I could run this in 3 hrs 33 minutes. Is old age catching up with me? We'll see. I intend to run more marathons after this and I still hope that someday, I will break my personal record and run a sub-3:30 marathon. I also dream of run/walking from Davao to Iligan sometime soon.

Three more weeks to go and I am already excited. I will finally make my marathon come back. After that I intend to run at least one marathon a year until I reach my 85th birthday - then I will join the wheel-chair division.

55 years: Age is Just a number

Yesterday was my 55th birthday. I ran for two hours in the morning. During breakfast, Judge Renato Fuentes was looking for me (he thought I was going to say mass in the morning) but I was still out so he just left my birthday gift.

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After lunch, I went to the LTO office to renew my driver's licence, it took 3 hours to get the whole thing done. I then rushed to the Archbishop's residence to attend the final meeting in preparation for the AsiPA (BEC) international gathering. I didn't stay very long because I had to go home to hear confession and celebrate the 5:30 pm mass. Then in the evening, the "centennial group" composed of community friends came bringing food for the potluck birthday party.

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How does it feel to be 55 years old? Well, I don't feel that old. I can still run for more than two hours. Thirty-three years ago, I was a chubby, chain-smoking seminarian who could not even run for 30 minutes. I stopped smoking, started running and losing weight 30 years ago and I continue to do so now. There are many things I can do at my age which I wasn't capable of doing when I was half my age: biking ultra-long distance around the country, scuba diving, run marathons, lift heavy weights in the gym and eat once day only. I intend to do these things even when I reach 65 or even beyond 70 - God willing. It is inactivity, over-eating and lack of exercisethat can weaken the body.

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Even if the body eventually grows old, the mind and heart does not grow old. Yes, we gain wisdom but retain the youthful feeling.

Peace Forum (Brokeshire College)

A Peace Forum was held at the Brokenshire College here in Davao as one of the activities for the peace week observed by the college. There were two speakers invited: a Muslim scholar and religious leader (Aleem Jamal Munib) and yours truly. ALeem Jamal gave a talk on peace from Islamic perspective. I gave a talk on peace from a Christian perspective. After the talks, the open forum followed with the students asking questions and each of us giving answers from our respective religious perspectives.

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What struck me while listening to Aleem Jamal was that there were so many things Muslims and Christians hold in common especially about the theme of peace. Aleem Jamal started his talk with the the greetings "peace be with you" (which is the english translation of the Arabic aSalaam' Alaykum) and I also started mine with the same greeting which echoes Jesus' greetings to his disciples during his post-resurrection appearance (shalom aleichim in Hebrew). Aleem Jamal also spoke about the theme of the love of God and the love of one's fellowmen and the golden rule which is found both in the Qur'an and the Bible.

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Aleem Jamal reminded the audience that Islam is a religion of peace. When asked about Jihad he corrected the popular misconception of Jihad as referring primaly to Holy War. He said that terrorism perpetrated by extremist groups such is Abu Sayaf, which targets innocent civilians, does not represent Islam. He said that Jihad means striving for peace, justice and freedom and defense against oppression. The greater Jihad is the struggle against evil within oneself. These are ideas that are similar to Christians themes of struggling against sin and evil within oneself and in society. I am reminded of what Pope John XXIII said: "what unites us is greater than what divides us."

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In my talk, I emphasized the mission and responsibility of Christians to be peacemakers (echoing Jesus' sermon on the mount - Blessed are the Peacemakers). I started by talking about the situation of unpeace - the spiral of violence and the culture of death. I then asserted that peace must begin within each one, in the homes, in the neighborhood, and extends to the region and nation. Echoing Paul VI, I emphasized that peace is not just the absence of war. Peace involves justice, reconciation, healing and forgiveness. It is brought about by dialogue. The sources of conflict must be addressed and the injustice corrected. The fruits of peace are development and harmony. I ended my talk by quoting Isaiah and by sharing my own version of Isaiah's vision of peace:

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"He shall judge between the nations

and impose terms on many peoples,

They shall beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks

One nation shall not raise the sword against another

nor shall they train for war again." (Isaiah 2:4)

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This is my own vision of peace which I shared during the focus group discussion for the Konsult-Mindanaw:

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Someday we will live together as neighbors, friends

and brother/sisters rather than strangers and enemies.

The battlefields will be transformed into rice-fields.

The tanks will be turned to bulldozers

The only blood shed will be that of chickens and cows for feasting.

The only explosions will come from fireworks in the sky.

The land and its resouces will be shared by everyone

and no one will wallow in poverty.

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.

-

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

-
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.
.
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.

-

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:

-

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

.

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.
.
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.

.

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.