Bag-ong Lamdag April 13- May 14, 2016

Vol. 4 No. 8 April 13-May 14, [email protected] | [email protected] on page 2

Christians in Politics A Right and a Responsibility

Abp. James TG Hayes Foundation, Inc. Launched

March 28, 2016 was a red-letter day because it was the 73rd birthday of Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, and the Abp. James TG Hayes Foundation, Inc. was launched at Xavier Estates and Country Club, Cagayan de Oro City.

The Abp. James TG Hayes Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization

CDO diocesan clergy attend 40th DCM convention in Kidapawan

A delegation of 21 CDO diocesan priests led by Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc, SSJV and Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, SSJV attended the 40th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao (DCM) Convention hosted by the Diocese of Kidapawan on February 15-17, 2016.

Twelve bishops and archbishops and more than 450 diocesan clergymen from all over Mindanao attended the convention held at JC Complex in Kidapawan City.

Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD of the Diocese of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental was the event’s resource speaker, delivering a talk on the convention’s theme, “DCM: Reflecting on

James Sia

Sr. Teresita c. Espina, FSP

Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ.D.D with SPC Sisters

established in memory of Abp. Hayes to continue his vision of providing health care to the poor. The foundation will help create an endowment fund to sustain the charity services of Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital (MRXUH) for indigent families. The current out-patient and in-patient Social Services Department has limited space. Other services like dental care, maternity pre-

natal check-up and obstetrics procedures have inadequate facilities.

The event was attended by Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, the chairperson of the Maria Reyna Xavier University

Hospital Board of Trustees, Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, Xavier University President, and Mr. Manny Boniao, President of Abp. James TG Hayes Foundation. More than 400 guests and friends came to

continue Abp. Hayes’ dream. The assembly was

entertained with songs and dances by Lourdes College Strings, Xavier Philharmonia, and Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe.

Day of Recollection for City CandidatesBy Ivy-Ann Ruaya Sumagang

On March 23, 2016, Holy Wednesday, all city candidates were invited for a ‘Day of Recollection’ from 8:30 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. It was facilitated by Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ,DD, Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV and Fr. Satur Lumba, SSJV, at the Patrick Cronin Hall, St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral compound, Cagayan de Oro City.

There were only 23 city candidates out of 75 candidates running for the city’s public office came for the recollection. These

23 candidates came from the two active parties and the independents, by which 13 came from the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP), 5 from the Liberal Party (LP), 5 were the independent candidates, and no one from the PaDayon Pilipino (PDP) came to join the said activity.

After the recollection, the candidates were encouraged to sign a ‘Covenant of Peace and Commitment’ as a sign of solidarity with the people of Cagayan de Oro to whom they owe the mandate of public service should they get elected. Upon signing the said covenant, candidates had committed

themselves to the seven points written in relation for a CHAMP. It was witnessed by Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D., Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro.

The Archdiocese through the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in making its part for a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful (CHAMP) 2016 elections has been concretely making initiatives and intervention in reaching out and make this important engagement inclusive, giving emphasis to its value as essential to all. the Family as nourished by

the Word and the Eucharist”. Bishop Buzon exhorted Mindanao clergymen to continue faithfully ministering to families, as the Catholic family is the source of future priests.

“Let us be true to our vocation. Be true to God who calls us and true to our people,” the bishop said.

Msgr. Cabunoc, who represented the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro as vicar general, remarked that the annual convention is “very life giving” to diocesan priests, as it provides the opportunity to bond with other Mindanaoan priests to discuss concerns, as well as to unwind and enjoy.

Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, D.D. with City Candidates

Archbishop’s PageLAMDAGApril 13-May 14, 2016

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This year, the Easter season coincides with the official start of the electoral campaign period for local candidates. We are also approaching the final month before national and local elections. Christians once more are challenged to exercise their right – but much more their responsibility – to be involved in “the difficult yet noble art of politics” (Vatican II, GS 75).

I. Gospel valuesOver the past decade, the Catholic bishops

have made three calls to voters: (1) to form circles of discernment; (2) to engage in principled partisan politics; and (3) to exercise

their right and duty to vote for candidates who work for the common good.

Forming circles of discernment, in Basic Ecclesial Communities or any other grouping, is one way to ensure that the individual can listen to other perspectives and arrive at a more balanced and collective decision regarding pressing issues and choice of candidates.

Engaging in principled partisan politics means that Christian voters should first clarify their own principles in the light of Gospel values. Then they can enter the process of discernment and form their choices of individuals as well as of political parties. For this is the essence of elections for political office: that the voter ultimately casts his ballot on election day by making partisan choices.

Some church-affiliated organizations and volunteers choose a non-partisan stand as neutral workers for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) or the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL). In effect these groups work with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as referees to ensure what PPCRV has dubbed as Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful (CHAMP) elections.

On the other hand, other Catholic laity may choose to exercise their right to adopt a trans-partisan or partisan stand in the choice of candidates. This resonates with the third call to support and vote for candidates who work for the common good.

What then is the common good? The social teachings of the Church describe it as “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily” (Vatican II, GS 26). Indeed, this constitutes the first of five principles enunciated by the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (no. 351) for the participation of Catholics in political life.

“a) that the basic standard for participation be the pursuit of the common good;

b) that participation be characterized by a defense and promotion of justice;

c) that participation be inspired and guided by the spirit of service;d) that it be imbibed with a love of preference for the poor; ande) that empowering people be arrived at both as a process and as a

goal of political activity.”The over-all values that underpin these principles are solidarity and

participation of all individual citizens and various groups in public life (PCP II, no. 353).

II Five C’s in choosing candidatesCandidates for public office need to be evaluated according to some

objective criteria since their decisions and actions, if elected, can have far-reaching effects for or against the common good of the community. Indeed, Pope Francis himself has pointed out that “politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.” (italics added)

How then can we discern if a national or local candidate can and will work for the common good? Within their circle of discernment, voters can adopt an evaluation process based on five C’s that can give us a more balanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.

The first C is Conscience. Is the candidate a person of moral integrity? Is he or she God-fearing and maka-Dios? Does he have a moral compass? Does he follow the dictates of his conscience that tells him what is morally right and morally wrong? Does he respect human rights and the dignity of every person, including crime suspects, indigenous people and rebel groups? Is he transparent and accountable in public transactions? Are there charges of corruption against him? Of vote-buying and other election malpractices?

Integrity comes from the root word meaning “whole,” whereas corruption denotes cor-rumpere or a fragmented heart. Pope Francis has observed that “corruption is a sinful hardening of the heart that replaces God with the illusions that money is a form of power.”

The second C is Competence. What is the candidate’s educational background? How is his health situation (physical, mental, etc.)? What is his record of service – both in government or in private life? Does he have enough years of experience for the office he is running for?

In the same way that we ride a plane with the assurance that the pilot is adequately trained and experienced, so also we have to scrutinize the competence of those who offer to pilot the ship of state or our local community.

Competence or capability should not be based on popularity alone, or on name recall. We do not go to a medical doctor simply because of his name or title. We make sure that he has the needed credentials for his profession. How much more do we need to scrutinize candidates who purport to heal not only individuals but the social ills of society.

The third C is Compassion. Does the candidate show an option for the poor and marginalized? Is he maka-tao? Is he willing to work for social justice to address the social problems of mass poverty and inequality – e.g., by pushing for asset reforms? Does he protect the rights of minority communities – particularly indigenous people, Muslims, and other marginalized sectors? Does he work for the empowerment of the poor, instead of just giving dole-outs? Finally, the candidate should not be seen as elitist or pro-rich and powerful.

The fourth C is Companionship. Who are the candidate’s supporters and advisers? Are they persons of integrity with a sound reputation? Does the candidate belong to a political party? What is its platform for governance? Are these simply promises or a concrete program of government?

Does the candidate belong to a political dynasty or is he beholden to traditional politicians (trapos)? Research findings have pointed out a disturbing correlation between the presence of political dynasties and poverty incidence, violence and corruption. The Philippine Constitution has also indicated the need to control political dynasties.

The fifth C in evaluating candidates is Commitment. Does the candidate manifest sincerity, decisiveness, and political will in his leadership style? Questions of loyalty to country in terms of citizenship and residency requirements have to be addressed. Where was the candidate during the Martial Law years and what was his stand then and now? Is he maka-bayan? What is his stand on key issues today such as protection of the environment, peace-building, and anti-poverty programs?

These then are the five C’s – Conscience, Competence, Compassion, Companionship, and Commitment – that can give us a more realistic profile of each candidate. The candidate can be rated for each C along a scale from “very poor” to “very good.” On their part, each candidate will likely highlight only his strong points in some of the five C’s. Yet, for voters, it is imperative to weigh all the five C’s in a candidate’s profile to arrive at a more balanced view of whom to vote for. For the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), this is the meaning of One Good Vote – by the individual and for ever-widening Circles of Discernment.

Christians in Politics – A Right and a Responsibility

Antonio J. Ledesma, SJArchbishop of Cagayan de Oro

Easter Message

Archdiocesan News LAMDAGApril 13-May 14, 2016

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Kasal ug Bangkite alang sa 129 ka Magtiayonmag-ampo nga ang Ginoo mahimong sentro sa ilang pag puyo isip banay sa Dios,” matod niya.

Gidasig niya nga molambigit sila sa mga kalihokan/programa sa mga Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (BEC), sa mga Kapilya ug sa Parokya sa kinatibuk-an. “Sama nga kamo gidasig sa Simbahan aron madawat ninyo kining maong Sakramento, gidasig usab kamo sa pag- amoma sa inyong tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya aron mabati sa inyong mga anak ang inyong pagka gamay nga Simbahan,” matod niya.

Nagpasalamat si Fr. Guinit sa regalo nga gihatag ni Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD ang mga rosary beads ug guides para sa mga bag-ong kinasal. Gipadayag usab ang dako nga suporta sa Local Government Unit sa Magsaysay pinaagi ni Hon. Mayor Rey B. Buhisan atol sa pag saulog sa Civil Registration Month sa Local Civil Registrar (LCR) diin sila naghatag og libre nga rehistro sa marriage license alang sa mga kabos ug ang ilang tabang sa giandam nga bangkite human sa kasal.

Usa ka gatos ug kawhaan ug siyam (129) ka magtiayon ang bag-o nga midawat sa Sakramento sa Kaminyoon diha sa santos nga misa nga gipangunahan ni Rev. Fr. Julian S. Guinit Jr, SSJV, ug ni Rev. Fr. Rymond A. Ratilla, SSJV niadtong Pebrero 20, 2016, sa San Roque Parish, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

Ang maong kalihokan gipahaom sa parokya isip kongkretong tubag sa dakong hagit sa Simbahan niining pagsaulog sa Tuig sa Kalooy (Year of Mercy) ug ang gisaulog sa tibuok Simbahan sa Pilipinas, ang Year of the Eucharist and the Family aron matabangan ang mga nagpuyo-puyo (live-in) og kadtong mga nakasal sa sibil (civil marriage).

Diha sa iyang homiliya, si Fr. Guinit, nagpahinomdum sa mga magtiayon nga ang Sakramento sa Kaminyoon nga ilang nadawat usa ka tawag sa Dios (vocation) ug pamaagi sa ilang pagpuyo sa pagka-balaan. “Ang katilingban nga matoohon maglaom ug

By Ms. Victoria C. Guerta

“Love of my Life”, A CFLA POST VALENTINE DINNER

It was right and fitting to start the celebration with a Concelebrated Mass whose main Presider was the Archdiocesan CFLA Director, Rev. Fr. Garry Igot, SSJV with Msgr. Boy Salvador, SLD,SSJV; Rev. Fr. Daniel D. Coronel, SSJV ; Rev. Fr. Harren Salon, SSJV and Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV also graced the occasion. Father Garry had pointed out in his homily the importance of really understanding the meaning of the sacrament of marriage where God must be the center in the lives of every couple and family. Based on his own experience as a priest, 90% of the couples he had interviewed who wanted to avail the sacrament of baptism for their children are out of wedlock. It would show that the sacrament of marriage is devalued. This eventually weakens family life. People tend to be exaggeratedly individualistic and secularized which would result to distortion of family relationships. He emphasized further that every couple and family are confronted with various challenges thereby faithfulness of each other is vital to sustain the marriage which relies on the Gospel value. Everyone is being reminded that FAMILY is a GIFT from GOD, the place where God reveals His power and saving grace.

The night affair was highlighted by the Renewal of Vows. There was blessing of the rings and symbolically the couples had to put the ring on their fingers again to remind them that their love of each other is eternal. Each wife was given a flower by the husband to express their affection. It was a moment of truth on how they feel for each other and have been retold of their solemn vow during their wedding “That for better or for worst, for richer

or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.”

After the mass, a short program followed and the blessing of the give-away was done. Then almost everybody went to the dance floor to join the non-stop dancing from modern to sweet music. While the program was going on, there was a secret selection of three (3) couples who will stand out from the crowd to become bearers of faith, hope and love. After a period of time, surprisingly the three (3) couples were selected who had shown teamwork, versatility and projected the sweetness and affection for each other during the entire evening. Mr. Ponte and Ms. Gratch Redoble were unanimously chosen as the Bearers of Faith. Mr. Melvin and Ms. Christine Fabello were selected as Bearers of Hope and Mr. James and Ms. Kayee Salagantin were chosen as the Bearers of Love. Each couple received Gift Certificates worth one thousand five hundred (Php 1,500.00) each, a Dinner Ticket good for two (2) at Boy Zugba Restaurant and an additional and Special Prize, a Complimentary Certificate for the Bearers of Love, for an overnight stay with free dinner and breakfast at Luxe Hotel, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. After the proclamation, symbolic slicing of cake, wine toasting and lighting of the unity candle were done. As a homage to the selected couples, a dance number from the Capitol University Professional Dancers were shown and it followed by the rendition of a song number from the Musical Priest Father Harren Salon which made the occasion worth memorable.

Everyone went home carrying with them the spirit of grace, unity and happiness in their hearts.

Continuation

Team Kalakbay Leadership Training Seminar

Following the mantra “We help BUILD the future. We transform YOUNG leaders for a BETTER tomorrow because we, the youth of today, are the FUTURE.” Joed Brymon Llauderes, Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Council Coordinator, led the training program on February 26-27, 2016. This inspired and encouraged the youth to understand their real importance and contribution in the Church.

The youth training/seminar began at 6:00 PM of February 26, 2016 with great anticipation and enthusiasm. Supported by their parish priests and religious organizations, the youth participants underwent training so that they too could introduce the training to their fellow young people in the parishes. The goals of the training are: learning to appreciate and understand the Word of God through the understanding the Holy Bible; encountering Christ through a series of activities and sessions; developing skills in facilitating

and dealing with the youth organization or group for personal growth, community involvement; bringing Christ to others with creative facilitating skills; and maximizing the learning’s that are taught inside the Church and sharing it to the community.

On the last day, the participants underwent workshops that allowed them to think and create their own ways of delivering and showcasing their role as a facilitator and a leader in the Church, and an agent of change in the community. Clearly satisfied and excited, the youth together with Sr. Jane A. Umbina, CM, the coordinator and Rev. Fr. Joseph T. Montemayor, SSJV, Youth Director, built not just friendship but a new home and a new family which they now call the Chosen38. Fortunately, Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma,SJ.,DD delivered his inspirational message, broadly specifying that the youth must have involvement in the government and educate themselves on the political system in preparation for the upcoming election.

Bulan sa Social Action Gilunsad

Sa Marso 5, 2016 gilunsad ang bulan sa Social Action sa Patrick Cronin Hall, San Agustin Cathedral nga pinangunahan ni Fr. Satur Lumba, ang Director sa Social Action nga gitambongan sa mga Social Action Directors sa mga parokya sa arkidiyosesis.

Diha sa iyang mensahe gipahinumduman ni Fr. Lumba ang asembliya nga sa panahon sa kwaresma ilang buhaton ang paghatag ug limos, (almsgiving), pagpuasa (fasting) ug pag-ampo (prayer). Nga diha sa

p a g k a m a i n a m p o o n mamunga unta kini ug pagkamaggihatagon. Kinahanglan ang kaugalingon nga limpyohan pinaagi sa pagpangompisal.Nag-ingon siya nga mag-let go sa mga butang nga babag sa gugma sa Dios, nga dili maghulat ug 11th hour o deadline nga buhaton ang maayo nga magdala kanato

sa gingharian sa Dios. Gikinahanglan ang pagpaubos (humility) ug ihalad ta ang atong kahuyang ug kasaypanan aron madawat ang iyang kalooy ug pasaylo. Ang pagbag-o sa kinabuhi dili overnight nga panghitabo. “Patagon ang garbo, kon dunay kasuko, kayugot, magreconcile usa kanila aron mahimong kahimut-an sa Dios,” matod ni Fr. Lumba.

Giapod-apod ang mga donation boxes alang sa Alay Kapwa alang sa tanang parokya

Lolit T. Bacarrisas

Ma. Marlowe Chloee Alaba

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A Vision of a Church in PoliticsRev. Fr. Raul B. Dael, STL

One can never become an authentic Christian unless he/she is able to integrate love of God with love for one’s own country. This Christian tenet which I have learned from my Jesuit

and diocesan priest-formators as a young seminarian still burns within me twenty three years into the priesthood. Over the years I have reflected on the church’s role in Politics especially in the light of Vatican II and the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines. The Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, inspired me even more to reflect on the relationship between the Church and civil society. I believe that good governance is anchored on moral principles more than technical knowhow thus the Church has a role to play in it. In view of the upcoming May 2016 elections I would like to focus on three recurring points in my reflection which I state in the form of interlocking dream statements.

Empowering the YouthI dream of a Church that truly believes in the role of the youth in nation building and forms

them according to the moral and social teachings of the church. The Church ought to recognize the inherent goodness of young people and help direct their energy and passion towards love for God and neighbor. The Church ought to trust in their capacity to lead and be led. David was a young man when he slew Goliath and became the king of Israel. Being the majority the young people are a force to reckon with. Compared to their adult and middle-aged counterparts, young people are freer when it comes to the choice of candidates during elections because they are less indebted to political patrons. It is another story of course when, as Sangguniang Kabataan members, they are identified with a particular political party or politician. Yet my experience shows that even with the latter, when young people are given opportunities to get in touch with what is deepest in their hearts, they are able to make wise judgments and responsible decisions.

Twenty years ago, as Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental, I had a privileged encounter with the youth which I will never forget. The context was the 1996 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. I was informed by some concerned citizens that there was massive vote buying going on. I found it hard to believe that vote buying at SK elections could happen even in a very poor town like Binuangan. We made an investigation, we found out that it was true.

My prophetic role challenged me to discern on what to do to counter the blatant corruption and manipulation of our young people. It was timely that the SK elections took place on a Monday. I took advantage of the Sunday Mass at the centro to evangelize and to conscienticize. During the homily, I tried to convince the people to preserve the sanctity of the ballot. I appealed to the parents, municipal officials and politicians not to interfere in the SK elections so as to avoid suppressing the freedom of the youth in choosing qualified and committed candidates from among their ranks. I appealed to the young people as well to resist the temptation to sell their votes and to preserve their integrity and the sanctity of the ballot.

The Power of Ritual

Towards the end of the Eucharistic celebration, I asked all qualified voters to stay. Almost all of them cooperated. I spoke to them again regarding the sanctity of the ballot, their right of suffrage and the call of their Christian faith. Despite the reports on massive vote buying, I remained conciliatory and non-condemning in my appeal. I challenged them to make an act of commitment to the ideals of truth, honesty and integrity.

After a few minutes of silence I asked those who were ready to make the commitment to stand and form a single line. I was very surprised to see all of them stood from their seats, and made a long line which extended almost up to the highway. We sang BAYAN KO throughout the ritual with passion and conviction. I stood at the center of the church and asked each one to approach me and place their hands on my open, extended hands as a sign of their commitment not to sell their votes. No words were uttered. The commitment was communicated through singing of Bayan Ko, through tears and through locking of our hands. As a sign of my reverence for their courage and sincerity, I kissed the hands of every young person who approached me. After everyone was done we closed with a prayer of commitment. I then sent them off in silence, confident that I have done my part and that the Lord will look after the rest. I was so moved by the experience. I spent the rest of the day thanking God for his inspiration.

Human Dignity and the Sanctity of the BallotI dream of a Church that seriously believes in the sanctity of the ballot and strongly opposes

any form of corruption and vote buying. I believe that the right to suffrage is not only a legal right but a sacred right as well. It springs from the inherent dignity of every human being. The right of suffrage gives voters the God-given freedom to choose and to decide on who to vote for. It is a right that equalizes the rich and the poor. The vote of the unschooled farmer or the poor laborer is as valuable as the vote of the rich businessman or the highly educated professional. The sanctity of the ballot is tied to the sanctity of human dignity that is priceless.

The event with the youth in my former Parish made me realize more deeply the power of a Parish Priest to inspire and influence people. Before that day ended, I received news that the young people whose parents had received money from candidates had asked them to return the money. That said enough. The young people who made their commitment after the Mass became bold campaigners for truth and honesty. It was the young convincing the young to vote wisely. Never before have I seen such courage and dignity among our young people.

Making a DifferenceThe consequence of this bravery was short of a miracle. The poor but deserving SK

candidates won the election and those candidates who resorted to massive vote buying lost! That was the single good news proclaimed in the town for days and weeks. This was for the people of the town a historic event. This was the first time that the sons and daughters of landlords were defeated by the sons and daughters of their tenants. Furthermore, this was also the first clean and honest election in the history of the town after the Marcos regime. This event boosted the confidence of the poor but promising youth leaders. Most of all, it boosted the confidence of all the young voters in their capacity to reflect and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Our

youth leaders in the Parish and the Barangays will one day be the next political officials. Do we prepare and empower them enough now?

Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, says, “I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots – and not simply the appearances – of the evils in our world! Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good”. He adds, “It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare. Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society” [EG 205].

Formation in Good GovernanceInspired by the Pope’s challenge, I dream of a Philippine Church that forms potential

leaders through a Diocesan Institute of Good Governance. If we believe with Pope Francis that Politics too is a lofty vocation, then the Church must dialogue with Politics. The lack of proactivity and commitment on the part of the Church when it comes to its role in Politics and Good Governance is unfortunate. While I feel proud of the Church’s initiatives like the creation of circles of discernment among lay people to guide them in their choice of political candidates, the holding of recollections for candidates, the calling of candidates’ forum before the elections and campaigning vigorously for clean and honest elections, I feel these are not enough.

If the Church prepares candidates to the priesthood for spiritual leadership in the Christian community through a long, expensive and rigorous formation process, might it not also create the same venue for the formation of its lay leaders for political leadership and good governance? The church possesses a treasure of social and moral teachings and spiritual values that, if practiced or lived out, will benefit the whole of society. The Church, too, has the expertise when it comes to the formation of conscience and the process of discernment which are necessary ingredients for responsible leadership. In this dreamed institute, serious dialogue between Church and Politics can happen. It has to be made clear , however, that on the part of the Church, this is collaboration, not imposition; formation, not incursion; service, not invasion.

The creation of a Diocesan Institute of Good Governance is a venue for the holistic formation of potential civil servants. The Church can tap interested and potential political leaders from among its lay volunteers especially those coming from the Basic Ecclesial Communities as well as other Religious Denominations. This is a way of democratizing political leadership and preventing political dynasties. In this way the poor but competent lay leaders are given the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills in discernment, leadership, politics and good governance anchored on sound Christian social and moral principles generally acceptable in a pluralistic society. It will also boost the confidence of the ordinary but qualified lay people to run for public office as a vocation. The church of the poor also becomes the government of the poor. This paradigm shift calls for an on-going and life-long formation process in political education, and not only a seasonal Church-effort during elections.

A Vision Beyond SightThe Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has issued a number of excellent

election-related pastoral letters and exhortations while priests continue to remind the people about the sanctity of the ballot and the evils of vote buying and political patronage every time there is election. Yet our people continue to make the same mistake as if the exhortations fall on deaf ears. The oft repeated remark “Wala man sab kay kapilian sa mga kandidato kay pareho ra man sila tanan” (We have no choice from among the candidates because they are all the same anyway) is the easy excuse of people who have lost the ability to imagine and discern. Some have stopped dreaming of a nation whose leaders do not let them down. The Church cannot simply continue criticizing the government or political leaders and castigating the electorate without providing meaningful and creative alternatives. It is the poor who will gain from this direction. Easier said than done; true, but our Lord wants a kind of faith that can move mountains.

Again, let me quote Pope Francis, “Any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without creative concern and effective cooperation in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will also risk breaking down, however much it may talk about social issues or criticize governments. It will easily drift into a spiritual worldliness camouflaged by religious practices, unproductive meetings and empty talk” [EG 207]. These strong words from a visionary and heroic leader like Pope Francis inspires me to dream some more: for a Church whose vision stretches far and wide into the cramped barangay halls, the city councils, the chambers of congress and the senate, the courts of justice, the military headquarters and the halls of Malacañang palace. The one who has no vision perishes (Proverbs 29:16). May we, as a nation, have a vision of the future where the poor and the lowly gain equal opportunities for leadership both in the church and civil society.

Hoping with the Woman of FaithEvangelization is what the Church is about, it is the Church’s expertise, but evangelization

without formation is weak and ineffective. Forming potential political leaders from the grassroots through a Diocesan Institute of Good Governance is evangelization at its best. When I look back at my experience with the young SK voters of Binuangan twenty years ago, I cannot but remain hopeful despite the enormity of the challenge. If a short and simple but heartfelt ritual of commitment could do much to influence the young SK voters, how much more a well-intentioned, systematic and holistic formation program? We should not stop dreaming. The Church has only to trust in the power of God and to be bold in faith like Our Lady in her Magnificat who proclaimed,

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.

(Luke 1:51-53)

April 13-May 14, 2016

San Jose de Mindanao Seminary Celebrates 60 years of Silent Existence

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Fr. Raul Ricacho, SSJV

Silently standing at the hills of Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro, overlooking the sea of Mindanao is San Jose de Mindanao

Seminary, home for the future servant-leaders of the local churches of Mindanao, the “heart of the Archdiocese”, a living witness of the growth of the faith in this part of the world for the past six (6) decades.

Sixty years had passed since this institution open its door for those young men who aspire to become “alter Cristus.” It was in the afternoon of October 15, 1956, the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, that the Seminary building was blessed by the late Rev. Fr. Amancio Borja, SJ. and received its first taste of the holy banquet, the Holy Eucharist, the following day, October 16. 1956, presided by the late Rev. Fr. Theodore Daigler, SJ. the first rector of the Seminary.

Six (6) seminarians composed the first batch upon its opening namely, Jesus Alenton, Carlos Gallardo, Bartolome Llenas, Jose Manguiran, Rodolfo Roa and Mario Yamson. Out of these six young aspirants, only Jose Manguiran, now a retired Bishop of Dipolog and Rodolfo Roa, a retired Vicar General of the Archdiocese, remain to witness the 60th jubilee year celebration of the Seminary and can testify about the genesis of the Seminary’s existence.

Through the years, from six seminarians, San Jose de Mindanao Seminary has embraced, nurtured and guided a total of 1,129 seminarians and bear fruits with 147 priests and 2 bishops, namely, Bishop Jose Ricare Manguiran, bishop emeritus of Dipolog and Bishop Jose Araneta Cabantan, the current bishop of Bukidnon (It is very interesting to note that the two bishops have the their first name with the patron saint of the seminary).

San Jose de Mindanao Seminary is the first founded College Seminary in the entire Mindanao Archipelago. This important institution was erected by the order of the late Archbishop T.G. Hayes, S.J. whose vision is to have native clergy in Mindanao. Since then, the Seminary offered a very vibrant and dynamic kind of formation being infused with diverse spirituality: Jesuits, Columbans, Redemptorists and Diocesan Spirituality. These are the rectors who have served and ensured the continued existence of this holy institution:

1. Rev. Fr. Theodore Daigler SJ. - 1956 -19592. Rev. Fr. Estanislao Lagutin, SJ. - 1959 - 19703. Rev. Fr. Jesus Alenton - 1970 - 19724. Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Roa - 1972 - 19755. Rev. Fr. Brendan Kennedy SSC - 1975 - 19796. Rev. Fr. Ireneo Amantillo CSsR - 1979 -19807. Rev. Fr. Brendan Kennedy SSC - 1980 - 19838. Rev. Fr. Rey Manuel Monsanto, JCD, SSJV - 1983 -19849. Rev. Fr. Abelardo Cabillan, STL, SSJV - 1984 -198610. Rev. FR. Colombus Villamil, SSJV - 1986 -198811. Rev. Fr. Robinson Montalba, STD, SSJV - 1988 - 199512. Rev. Fr. Cirilo Isnani, STL, - - 1995 - 200013. Rev. Msgr. Abelardo Cabillan, HP, STL, SSJV - 2000 - 200314. Rev. FR. Ronald GAdrinab, STL, SSJV - 2003 - 200515. Rev. FR. Othelo Polinar, STL, SSJV - 2005 -201316. Rev. Fr. Roberto Balsamo Jr. SSJV - 2013 -201417. Rev. Fr. Gil Escalante, SSJV - 2014 - present

It is also worth noting that the sixth rector of this seminary, Rev. Fr. Ireneo A. Amantillo, CSsR became the first bishop of the Diocese of Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

The opening salvo for this whole year round celebration was held last March 10, 2016, the first day of the nine-day novena for St. Joseph the husband, at the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral with the Holy Eucharistic celebration presided by no other than the “Unang Bunga” of the Seminary, Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, together with his remaining classmate, Msgr. Rodolfo C. Roa, and some alumni priests, ex- seminarians (UTUS), the religious, the benefactors and friends of San Jose Seminary.

Rev. Fr. Gil Escalante, the present Rector of the Seminary, together with the other formators namely, Fr. Eddie Magtrayo, Fr. Doroteo Rabuyo, Fr. Ronald Ledesma, Fr. Noel Carbayas and Fr. Raul Ricacho with the 37 Seminarians wish to celebrate this momentous occasion with hearts and minds lift to God in gratitude and thanksgiving for all who have laboured and toiled for the good of the Seminary: to Archbishop T.G. Hayes, Archbishop Patrick Cronin, Archbishop Jesus B. Tuquib and Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, to all the formators and professors, to all the seminary personnel and to all the benefactors and friends of the seminary for their generosity, dedication, sacrifices and love that keep the wheel of seminary formation continually running.

Lastly we sail forward with the celebration thanking God for our Patron, St. Joseph who has been the icon in seminary formation, and for Mama Mary whose motherly care nurtures the seed of our vocation. Through them all our lives are offered to be “DOMINO CHRISTO SERVITE.”

Bp. Jose Cabantan, DD

Bp. Jose Manguiran, DD

Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ,DD

Abp. Jesus B. Tuquib, DD

Abp. Ledesma with the current formators and seminarians

April 13-May 14, 2016

LAMDAG6 Features

SAKSAK-SINAGOL NI PEPOYE

LAMDAG

Bag-ong Lamdag is a newsletter published monthly by the Social Communications Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, whose aim is to link the various parishes, ministries, and apostolates within this archdiocese. For inquiries and feedback, send us an email at [email protected]. You may visit us online and leave a comment at lamdagcdo.blogspot.com.

Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DDEditorial Consultant

Writers

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Teresita Espina, FSPManaging Editor

Lay-out and Graphic DesignBanny E. Briones

Fr. Rufino Cabatingan, SSJVF. Fermin Tan, Jr., SSJVFr. Steve Olario, SSJV

Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV, STLFr. Raul Ricacho, SSJV

Sr. Mary Juelar, FIJames Sia

Association of Pauline Cooperators Grace Fernan

Lolit T. BacarrisasRita Pagaran

Reziel Ann CagalawanIvy-Ann Ruaya Sumagang

Victoria C. GuertaMa. Marlowe Chloee Alaba

(ESTORYAHEEEH!) KINAPLO LANG!BASAHON: ANG GINOO MIPILI

SA IYANG MGA TINUN-AN

“Akong pakan-on ang tanang gigutom bisan kadtong mga busog ako pa gihapong pakan-on aron wala nay gutomon. Akong paimnon ang mga giuhaw lakip na ang wala uhawa aron wala nay uhawon. Akong hatagan og balay ang walay balay bisan ang aduna nay balay ako pa gyung balayan aron ang tanan adunay kapasilunganan. Akong sininaan ang mga hubo ug ang mga nakasinina na akong hubuan aron ako na pong sininaan. Wagtangon na nako ang druga, mga adik, mga tulisan, mga kawatan, mga kriminal, mga kurakot ug ilabina gyud ang mga gapamatay ug tawo aron maangkon na ang kapahulayang dayon.” ESTORYAHEEEH!

Nakahunahuna ako nga ang tawo aduna gyuy maayong katuyuan kon unsa pud ang iyang mahimo alang sa uban. Ang mga patsada nga mga pasalig alang sa kaayohan sa tanan usa lang ka kasagaran nga gahunahunaon sa tawo aron makita pud niya ang maayong dangatan sa iyang maayong hunahuna. Ang nakaapan lang kay kon dili kini mahitabo mao nga makaingon kita nga: KINAPLO LANG!

“Ako pud ipasiminto ang tanang dalan lakip na tong nasiminto ng daan simintohon pa nako ug dugang aron ang sakyanan maayo ang dagan. Ang daut nga dalan akong ayuhon ug ang maayo pa nga dalan akong gub-on og dayon ayuhon. Akong tambalan ang mga masakiton ug kadtong walay sakit akong pasakitan aron ako na pong tambalan. Akong ipagawas ang naa sa bilanggoan ug ako ra pud suguon aron dakpon ug mobalik ra pud sa sulod gihapon. Wagtangon pud nako ang buhis sa mga gagmay ug sweldo aron ang mga dagko ug sweldo mopaus-os na pud sila sa ilang sohulan og wa na dayon buhis ug wa na pud dayon mangolikta ug buhis og kita mabuhi na lang dayon sa donasyon. Akong ipapahawa ang gabuot nga kita moasenso daw ug kita na dayon ang magnegosyo aron kita na lang ang magbahinbahin ug ang makaangkon sa yutang atong natawhan. ” ESTORYAHEEEH!

Alang kanako dili gyud kita makasiguro kon unsa ang mahitabo sa unahan sa mga maayong plano ug pasalig kon kini makatabang ba gayud sa kinabag-ang katawhan. Ang mga plano ug pasalig kasagaran mga nindot gyud kini paminawon ug hunahunaon apan lagi ang utlanan niini wa gyud bisan usa nga makasiguro nga kini mahitabo ba gyud.Basin sa katapusan makasinggit na lamang kita og: KINAPLO LANG!

“Akong hatagan og tubig ang tanang walay tubig ug akong hatagan ug koryenti ang walay koryenti aron sila matubigan ug makoryentihan. Ang tanang suba akong himoan og tulay. Ang walay suba ako pong himoan ug suba aron makahimo pud ta ug tulay. Akong hatagan og trabaho ang walay trabaho ug ang dunay trabaho ako pa gyung dugangan ang ilang trabaho aron kon masakit na sila sa sobrang trabaho nan ang walay trabaho mao na dayon ang mopuli sa pagtrabaho. Akong ipatuman ang pamaagi sa hustong dalan ilabina sa mga piang, bakol ug buta aron dili sila mapandol ug masukamod sa hustong agianan.” ESTORYAHEEEH!

Kon gusto sa tawo nga siya isipon sa uban nga maayo siyang tawo, nan siya moestorya gyud og kaayohan alang sa tanan. Kon gusto siya hangaron sa uban, nan iya gyung himuon nga makasalig ang uban nga aduna gyud siya’y mahimong talagsaon nga mga butang alang sa kalipayan sa tanan.Maayo lang lagi unta mahitabo kini alang sa tanan,kay kon dili maglingolingo ug makapaniti kita sa paghonghong na lang nga: KINAPLO LANG!

“Akong ipadaghan ang mga eskwelahan ug ipadaghan pud nako ang kabataan nga maoy moeskwela sa daghang eskwelahan aron daghan ang adunay nahibal-an. Akong ipadaghan ang mga ospital ug ako pud ipadaghan ang sakit aron kon daghan ang masakit nan mapuslan ang daghang ospital. Akong ilibre ang tanan: libreng tuli, libreng ibot sa ngipon, ilong, simod, mata, kulangot, buhok, ingak ug uban pa. Ilibre na pud nako ang uban pang panginahanglanon aron lipay ang tanan: libreng sine,libreng sakay libreng ligo, libreng kasilyas, ,libreng sabaw, kasal, bunyag, pari,doktor, abogado, enginer, titser, panday, asawa, bana, uyab ug uban pa. Basta libre ang tanan kay sakto ang akong amahan mao nga atong buhion ang iyang mga kagahapon.” ESTORYAHEEEH!

Nakapamalandong ako nga ang Ginoo sa Iyang pagtudlo, sa Iyang pagpanghatag, sa Iyang pagtabang, sa Iyang paghimo, sa Iyang pagpasalig wala man siya nagKINAPLO LANG. Iya kining gibuhat gyud. Iya kining gitinuod pagbuhat. Iya gyud kining gipakita. Iya kining gipadayon pagbuhat. Iya kining gibarogan nga ang tanan Niyang gisulti ug gipasalig Iyang gibuhat na, ginabuhat pa ug siguradong Iya pang buhaton alang sa tanan.

Kon ang tawo diay moawat lang sa Ginoo sa unsa gyuy nahitabo sa iyang mga gisulti ug pasalig alang kanato nan, usa gyud ka makahuluganon ug malipayon nga kinabuhi ang anaa kita karon. Nasayod ang Ginoo kon unsay dakong mabuhat sa Iyang mga pinili nga mga tinun-an alang sa Iyang simbahan. Ang nakaapan lang kay aduna gyuy mga tawo nga molahi sa iyang kaugalingong pamaagi sa kinabuhi nga makalipay kaniya lamang nga dili na gyud pud kini pamaagi sa Ginoo. Ang tawo maayo ug adunay siya’y kaakuhan sa pagbuhat usab og maayo alang sa kadaghanan. Ang giya sa Ginoo lamang maoy iyang gikinahanglan. Ang tawo angay untang mangayo sa kanunay ug mosunod sa Iyang giya. Kay kon ingon niini nato buhaton ang tanan natong ginaplano ug ginasulti sa katawhan mamahimo na dayon kita nga usa ka tinuod nga gingharian sa Dios.

KAY GISULTI SA GINOO UG IYANG GIBUHAT!ISULTI UG BUHATA USAB ANG IYA SA GINOO.... “Akong higugmaon ang Dios ug ang akong isigkatawo!”

MATAG PANAHON SA KUARESMAKITA GITAWAG SA PAGPUASAMASUBSUB NGA PAG-AMPO UG PAGSIMBAPAGTABANG O PAGLIMOS SA MGA IGSOON TA.niadtong Martes Santoang kaparian sa panumpa nagbag-otabangan ta sila sa pag-ampoaron sa Ebanghelyo makapuyo.GIBUHAT KITA SA GINOOARON MAKAUBAN SA PARAISOAPAN ANG YAWA NASINA AMIGOBUOT NIYANG PAKYASON KINING HAMILING PLANO.maong gitintal ang atong unang ginikanankay gusto niya ang laraw sa Dios walay katumananapan tungod sa gugma ang Dios mianhi sa kalibutannagpakatawo ug nagpakamatay alang sa atong katubsanan.ANG SA KRUS NGA KAMATAYONUSA KA PAG-ABLI SA PULTAHAN SA KINABUHING DAYONDINHI ANG YAWA WALA NAGMALAMPUSONSA IYANG TINGUHA NGA ANG DIOS PAKYASON.apan ang yawa dili modawat sa kapildihanmaong mianhi siya sa kalibutanaron tintalon ang tawo sa pagkadautankay kon ang kalag mawala sa Dios kini nga kasakitan.PASALAMAT KITA ADUNAY MGA SAKRAMENTOSAMA SA PAGKOMPISAL AMIGOANG GINOONG DIOS NAGPAABOT KANIMOPAUBOS AYAW PADAUG SA GARBO.sa dihang ang pari nagpasayloang Ginoong Jesus man ang naghimousa ka higayon iyang gisultian ang mga disipulohangtud sa katapusan sa kalibutan ako mag-uban kaninyo.NGANONG ANG YAWA WALA MAPASAYLOKAY SIYA PUNO SA GARBOSA DIOS WALA MANGAYO OG PASAYLOHOY! NGANONG GISUNOD MO SIYA KRISTIANO.ang matag kalag sa Dios bililhonmaong dili siya gusto ang kalag mamatay sa dayonnga mentras wala pa moabot ang kamatayonang kadautan iya nang wad-on.ANG DIOS DILI GAYOD MAGMALIPAYONKON SA TAWONG DAUTAN MOABOT ANG KAMATAYONSaksak-sinagol Saksak-sinagol KAY NAGPASABOT KINI IGSOONANG IYANG KALAG MAHIUBAN SA YAWA SA KASAKIT NGA DAYON.ug kini dili gusto sa Ginookay tinguha niya maluwas ang matag tawohinungdan nga kita iyang gibuhat ug siya nagpakatawoaron sa paraiso kita mahiadto.BUSA KON ADUNAY TAWONG DAUTANAYAW TINGUHA ANG IYANG KATAPUSANHINOON IAMPO ANG KAUSABANANG YAWA RA ANG GUSTO SA IYANG KAPUKANAN.kinsay gusto ang dautan patyonang yawa lang igsoonkay mahadlok siya aduna unyay konbersyonang kalag di na hinoon niya maangkon.BUSA KON GUSTO KITA ANG MGA DAUTAN PUOHONSA YAWA KITA NAGMASINUGTANONANG DIOS MAOY ATONG SUNDONANG KAUSABAN SA MGA DAUTAN MAOY KANUNAY TANG AMPOON.busa sa pagpili og pangulopilia ang mahadlokon sa Ginoonagsunod sa Ebanghelyousa ka tawong buotan dili hambugero ug bisyoso.

April 13-May 14, 2016

LAMDAG7Archdiocesan News

Christ in Youth, our Hope of Glory

During the catechesis of Bishop Robert Barron, I looked at myself to see if I am in the process of being a saint. It helped me to keep thinking about who I am with the Lord, and how I handle life with Him. Making God as the center of my life gives me happiness, love and peace in my heart. Accepting and recognizing myself as a sinner makes me a strong person. Despite the brokenness I felt in my life for the past few years, I sought God and He healed me. He makes me stronger and better. Thinking of others before yourself is a wonderful gift from God that could be shared to everyone.

In the end, God has given me hope

in keeping my life fruitful with His love and service to His people. A hope that strengthens me as a youth servant to the young, one who strives hard to obey and love His commandments. A hope that could bring unity to the world and deeper understanding of His greatness. And a hope that could help me share the importance of the Eucharist and the appreciation that Jesus is here with us through the Eucharist. Lastly, the event also reminded me to pray eagerly for God hears and listens always. That patience is really a virtue. That each one of us is bread to be shared to others, and taken to fulfill the special task God has given us. Keep moving forward for God guides our way!

Balik-lantaw sa 51st International Eucharistic Congress

Miangay usab ko sa paambit ni Most Rev. Tomas Menamparampil, SDB, DD nga nag-ulohan, “Eucharist as Mission, Mission as Dialogue”. Morag lawom tan-awon ang title niya pero sa pagkatinuod sayon ra baya. Pananglitan miingon siya nga inig human ug Misa moingon ang Pari, “Ete Missa est”! it means the Mass is ended, go in peace! Mao na sa English ug sa binisaya, “tapos na ang Misa…”. Sa ato pa inig kahoman sa Misa atong dad-on ang tanan nga maayo nga atong natagamtam ug nadawat sa Misa ug isangyaw ta sa uban. Ug nganong Dialogue man? Kay ato man kining ipalambigit diha sa matag adlaw natong pagpanginabuhi, sama sa negosyo, politika, pamilya, trabaho-an ug uban pa. Dili sayon mao man gani nga kini ang atong Misyon, apan dili imposible! Posible kaayu ug mismo si Kristo naghubad niini diha sa

matag adlaw niya nga pagpakiglambigit! Sa tinuod lang pod sayon sultihon apan di sayon buhaton! Nanginahanglan kita sa kusog gikan sa Espiritu Santo nga mao ang magbag-o sa nawong sa dagway sa yuta.

Unsaon nato pagdugtong ang Mission ug Dialogue? Buot pasabot pakiglambigit ug pakig-suod sa tanang matang sa katilingban, reliheyon, politika, ekonomiya ug pamatigayon apil na ang pamilya ug ilabina sa kabatan-on ug mga kabos ug uban pa. Dili mahimo nga ang Ebanghelyo ni Kristo alang lamang sa mitoo na kaniya kon dili usab bisan sa kadtong wala pa makaila kaniya o kaha niadtong mibiya kaniya. Nakadumdum ko sa sulat ni Pope Paul VI nga gi-uloha’g Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975), diin iyang giingon nga isangyaw ang Maayong Balita sa tanang hut-ong sa katilingban (strata of human society). Kining pagsangyaw masinati diha sa pagkiglambigit o Dialogue sa nagkalain-

Fr. Steve Olario, SSJV

Reziel Ann Cagalawan

The IEC has given me a great inspiration

Rita Pagaran

Having attended the 51st IEC in Cebu was a dream come true. Every time I heard about this kind of gathering, I always wished I could be a part of it. I have been working in the parish since 1975, the same year that Pope Paul VI declared a Holy Year.

I was a teenager back then and my utmost priority to complete my day was to attend the Holy Eucharist. I truly believe that Christ is present in it. The IEC has given me a great inspiration. It has helped me to become a Eucharistic person in mind and heart. This is where my everything lies, whenever and whatever I may be. When I became a Lay Liturgical Minister in the parish and a catechist in our community, I do everything that I could for the love of God and to be able to share my spiritual life with others.

Most of my time is devoted to the Church and my community. I love my work so much that I find it so difficult to refuse some requests and invitations. When I’m confronted with difficulties, struggles and crisis, Christ has always been there for me. He has allowed me to suffer, so I can also

share with His pain on the cross. There may be times when I asked God, “Why? Why am I suffering like this?”

I know it is irreverent but these are honest questions that I ask the Lord. Then I came to realize that through the daily Eucharist, my life changed. Here I get to listen to and accept the Word of God and be open to His will. He Himself was not an exception; He suffered on the cross because of my sins.

There were also numerous times that I had conflicts with our priests, and sometimes, it tempted me to escape and withdraw the services I’m rendering to the Church as a sign of protest. But later on, I realized that God allowed this to happen so that I will be humble. Leaving the Church for such a lame reason is a sign of spiritual immaturity. I also realized that the priests assigned to the parish usually come and go. But I have to stay because I belong to my parish and I know God will always protect me. Conflicts like this also gave me the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and get reconciled.

As Rev. Fr. Timothy Radcliffe said: “It is in the darkest moment that God comes to us in ways that we may never anticipate; so, do not be afraid of crisis.” This struck me a lot because it also affirms Psalm 90: “Our life span is 70, and 80 for those who are strong but all these are emptiness and pain.” Why will I keep complaining and refuse to accept when this has been in the scriptures for so long? Nevertheless, I have to face it with a conviction of heart. My vulnerable heart is touched by Christ whenever I am nourished by His body and blood in the Holy Eucharist. He has made me stronger as I continue to cling to and trust in Him. I can truly affirm that Christ is my hope and glory.

The Eucharist is the source and very center of life

Sr. Mary A. Juelar,F.I.

The 51st International Eucharistic Congress was indeed a great gathering of people from different parts of the world who share the same faith and who believe in the same God present in the Eucharist. It was my first time to attend an International Eucharistic Congress and as a pilgrim, I wish to share my spiritual reflections from two different resource speakers who happened to be my favorites.

The Eucharist (is the) source and very center of life. (We have to) stretch out our hand as if we starved for it - “Do this in memory of me” - to starve for the “Bread of Life”. -Most Rev. Robert Barron, D.D.

lain nga matang sa mga tawo, kultura o kahimtang.

Usa sa inilang Obispo sa New York, si Timothy Cardinal Dolan mihisgot usab sa kalambigitan ni Maria diha sa Eukaristya, nga nalangkob sa kinabuhi ni Hesu Kristo mismo. Sama nga si Maria nagasunod sa kinabuhi ug ministeryo ni Hesus, ug saksi si Maria sa mga bililhong yugto sa iyang kinabuhi labina sa katapusang mga higayon

Si Cardinal Tagle naghisgot sa pagpakiglambigit sa sa Eukaristya ug Kultura! Bibo kaayu ang iyang mga hisgotanan kay haum man kaayo sa panahon karon. Ang materialismo ug walay pakabana nakapahimo sa tawo nga layo na hinoon sa iyang isigkatawo. Nakadugang pod mao ang pagka-linga sa tawo sa Social Media ug bisan gani ang pag selfie naka usab gayod sa dagan sa utok sa tawo karon.

Daghan pa nga mga mamumulong ang nindot kaayu nga mibatbat nga mao usab ang hinungdan nga daw dili na nako gusto mahoman ang maong Kongreso Eukaristiko! Alang kanako nakahatag kini kanako og kusog ug kadasig bisan lang gani sa paghuna-huna nga halos kanamo nga tua didto nahigugma gayod ni Hesus diha sa Eukaristya! Makadasig kaayu nga paminawon ug palandungon nga daghan sa mga tawo nga mibatbat sa ilang kasinatian sa Eukaristya sa ilang kinabuhi. Bisan gani si Paul Ponce nga nagtrabaho sa Circus natandog pod sa Eukaristiya. Protestante, Buddhist ug uban pa misaksi usab sa ilang

mga kasinatian. Sa pagkatinuod, sa pangutana

kung unsa ang akong nakutlo sa maong Kongreso, ang akong ika-ingon mao nga nagsige pa ko’g kawot ang akong utok ug naghan-ay sa mga kasinatian didto. Hilabihang lawoma nga di nako mabatbat ang tanan. Usa lang ang mas tin-aw, nga ang maong panghitabo nakapadasig ug nakahagit kanako sa pagkamatinud-anon sa akong pagpangalagad diha sa Altar sa Ginoo. Sayud ko nga layora ako sa pagkamatinud-anon sa pagMisa. Ang Kongreso Eukaristiko sa Sugbo mao ang magpagpahinumdom kanako sa akong saad isip Pari ni Kristo ug tighatag sa iyang mga Sakramento. Gihagit ako sa pagsangyaw pinaagi sa Dialogue sa Kultura ilabina ang mga kabag-ohan diha sa mga kabatan-onan. Mao gani nga mikuyog usab ko sa bul-og sa Social Communication/Media aron ma- enkwentro nako ilabina ang mga kabatan-onan. Kinahanglan bukhon nako ang akong mata sa kamatuoran nga komplikado ang panahon karon ug dapat pod nga lu-ag ang akong panglantaw sa kinabuhi mismo. Tinuod medyo demanding gyud ang pagka pari o reliheyoso o pagka-Misyonario. Ang Pari nga sama kanako kinahanglan magma-igmat sa pagpaniid sa palibot niya aron mas makahuloganon ang iyang pagkapari.

Sa pagkakaron, maningkamot ko pagpuyo sa Kinabuhi nga Eyukaristiyanhon. Bukas ang mga mata nga mangandoy ug motoo nga si Kristo gayud mao ang akong paglaum ug himaya, Amen!

April 13-May 14, 2016

Now a days it is very startling to know that even in Catholic schools, very few go to mass on Sundays. I have great difficulty explaining to people especially my students that the Eucharist is the source and the very center of life. In my class, every Monday I check my students, if how many of them go to mass on Sunday. A couple of hands l see. One reason I supposed is a question of a deep relationship with

Jesus which I believe is not yet inherent in them. This is a challenge for me not only for my students but for all people I work with in my apostolate. How can I show them that the Eucharist is a source and the very center of life when even to stretch out their hands at communion time they don’t do it as if they don’t starved for

Him. I experienced this hunger for Eucharist when I was a missionary in an Islamic country. When I reached my mission land, there were no priests in the area, We are not a parish. On Sundays we have to cross a river for an hour to go and attend the mass in one parish which is very far from our place. This hunger for the Eucharist lasted for six months. For six months, rain or shine we have to cross a river for a Sunday mass. We have no

daily masses, until the Don Bosco Fathers from India arrived to start their mission. We started our mission together with a daily Holy Eucharist. “Our sharing in the Eucharist the Body and Blood of Christ is also a sharing in His mission” (COQ).

Living the Eucharist means loving the poor - Orlando Cardinal Quevedo

For Cardinal Quevedo, living the Eucharist means “practice what you preach, and have genuine love for the poor and oppressed. “ In the Eucharist, we are sent by the spirit of Jesus on mission – a mission to the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized- to all who are needy and in

need of love and service.” A life of love and service flows from a deep experience of the love of Jesus through the Eucharist. This is an experience I have in my mission work in Bangladesh where there are so many poor people and life’s situation is very difficult, but in spite of all this, I still love to be of service to them. My daily reception of the Eucharist is “to live the life of Jesus” and living the life of Jesus is “magis” to serve the poor, the least and the last.

Finally, we were reminded that the Eucharist is communion, the deepest kind of union, and communion with Jesus is “with his very being, a being of others”.

Holy Doors in City and Provincial Jails Opened

Rev. Fr. Lourdesio P. Balacuit

“There is one thing in common between those who are inside the prison cells and the free men and women outside, we are all sinners. There are those who are inside the jails who are innocent while the real criminals, who deserve to be here, live freely outside. All the more, we are all in need of the mercy of God.”

This is part of the homily of Rev. Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV at the mass celebrated on the occasion of the opening of the

Holy Door in Cagayan de Oro City Jail of Lumbia on February 22-23. He added that in the here and now, the City Jail is no longer a facility intended only for criminals but a place where renewed people gather through the mercy of God. He strongly commended the volunteers in Prison Services for the effort in helping the prisoners; who carry out the task not as social workers, but as Christians who allow themselves be God’s channels of mercy.

The said event is part of the year-

long celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. On the first day, inmates of the three different compounds of Cagayan de Oro City Jail attended a recollection conducted by the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission headed by Msgr. Florencio Salvador, Jr. He reminded them of the importance of God’s mercy in their journey of reformation. The next day started with individual confession of around 700 inmates, followed by the Eucharist presided by the Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, D.D., and concelebrated by some members of the clergy of Cagayan de Oro, and finally the opening of the Holy Door of the City Jail Catholic Chapel. The said chapel was built to fulfill the dream of the late Fr. Francis Chapman so that as the priest leaves after celebrating Mass, the chapel will be a living reminder to the inmates that God is with them and remains with them.

The celebration was made meaningful and colorful with the help of partners in the mission: CID of the Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro for their medical/dental services, free haircut and foot massage, provisions of tents and chairs; the volunteer lawyers of Public Attorneys’ Office for their counseling and legal

services; Franz Beauty Salon and the parishes for their solidarity in sharing food for the inmates; the officers and staff of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology headed by J/Supt. Ferdinand Pontillo and J/Ins. Grace Manaya, and the untiring effort of the volunteers in prison services of the Archdiocesan Prison Ministry of Cagayan de Oro.

The Holy Door of Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail was also opened a week later by Msgr. Florencio Salvador, SLD, with the clergy of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. In his homily, he reminded everybody that the meaning of the said celebration for priests is that the inmates help the priests to feel more the mercy of God, while for the inmates, it means that side by side with the ugliness brought by sin, the face of God is also there. Msgr. Salvador was amazed to know that the Misamis Oriental Jubilee Door has no lock on either side; he reflected that it symbolizes the heart of God which is open for sinners 24/7.

Pope Francis has a big heart for prisoners and the opening of the Holy Door of Cagayan de Oro City Jail and Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail is part of the archdiocese’s way of responding to the challenge of this Year of Mercy, “Be merciful as the Father.”

Chrism Mass, St. Augustine CathedralMarch 22, 2016

Pagbag-o sa Parianong Panaad uban ni Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma ug mga kaparian ug pagdihog sa mga Santa Lana

Si Msgr. Florencio Salvador, ang homilist sa Chrism Mass

Mga kalihukan sa Semana Santa ug sa Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw sa Dios

Huwebes Santo – Si Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma naghugas sa mga apostoles.

Biernes Santo –Hinuklog (Street Play), San Isidro Labrador Parish, Medina, Misamis Oriental

Si Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc uban sa mga kaparian atol sa Pasko sa pagkabanhaw sa Ginoo