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CBCP
VOLUME 19
NUMBER 19
CBCPMONITOR.COM
Church condemns
Lumad killings
By Roy Lagarde
CBCPMONITOR@CBCPWORLD.NET
Redemptorists push
probe on 68 extrajudicial killings
under PNoy
THE Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.)
in Baclaran, Paraaque City
has recently joined the growing multi-sectoral clamor to
end what it decries as the
military-backed harassment
and extrajudicial killing of
Indigenous Peoples (IP) in
Mindanao, demanding that an
independent and transparent
probe on all alleged 68 cases
of extrajudicial killings under
the Aquino administration be
made.
Redemptorists, A6
WHATS INSIDE
Marriage - between a man
and a woman is under attack,
Pope Francis says, A3
On the killing of
voiceless and defenseless
Lumads, B1
CBCP President and Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas delivers a homily at a Mass to formally elevate the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Padre Pio to the
status of national shrine in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Sept. 14. In a CBCP decree issued last month, the bishops hope the shrine will further foster a spirit of prayer
and repentance among the devotees. FR. LEONIDO C. DOLOR/ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA
Catholic Social
Media Summit
Filipino pilgrims attend the blessing of the mosaic of St. Pedro Calungsod
in St. Peters Basilica on Nov. 21, 2013. CNA
Children dead
The Manila archbishop lamented that it took children
to die and get washed ashore
in Turkey for the refugee
crisis to catch the worlds
attention.
Emotions of the world
were stirred by the picture
of the boy that came out
It is regrettable but we have
to thank that picture since it
moved many people, said
Tagle.
The head of the Philippine
bishops migrant ministry
A2 WORLD NEWS
Vatican Briefing
You need to work toward an honest economy,
Pope tells bankers
Pope Francis on Sept. 12 met with members of Italys largest credit union, encouraging them to promote an economy
that is rooted in honesty, and to promote a globalization of
solidarity. Concern yourself with the relationship between
economy and social justice, keeping the dignity and value of
the person at the center, the pontiff said to representatives of
the Banca di Credito Cooperativo (BCC) of Rome. Increase
the economy of honesty. You are asked not only to be honestthis is normalbut to diffuse honesty, and help it take
root in all areas. (CNA)
Pope Francis warns of grave consequences if climate
change is ignored
The environment is facing serious threats such as climate
change and global warming, Pope Francis has saidadding
that finding solutions is a matter of justice since its often
the poor who are most affected. We must not forget the
grave social consequences of climate change. It is the poorest
who suffer the worst consequences, the Pope said Sept. 11.
Therefore the issue of climate change is a matter of justice; it
is also a question of solidarity, which must never be separated
from justice, he said, adding that the dignity of each person,
as peoples, communities, men and women, is at risk. Pope
Francis directed his address to the 300 participants in a meeting organized by the Foundation for Sustainable Development
titled: Environmental justice and climate change. (CNA)
Marriage between a man and a woman is under attack,
Pope Francis says
Pope Francis told couples to defend Gods design for the family
as the union of a man and woman for the procreation of children, and urged them to be merciful to those whose marriages
have failed. Today the familyas God wants it, composed of
a man and a woman for the good of the spouses and also the
generation and education of childrenis deformed by powerful contrary projects supported by ideological colonization,
the Pope said Sept. 10. The Pope asked couples to commit to
activities aimed at welcoming, forming and accompanying
young couples both before and after marriage. Francis address
was directed to members of the Equipes Notre Dame (Teams of
Our Lady, END), who are present in Rome for an international
meeting titled: Here I am Lord, send me. (CNA)
Churches, families must be places of welcome, Pope says
Pope Francis Wednesday spoke of the bond which must exist
between families and the Christian community, stressing that
the Church, in following the Gospel, must always keep its
doors open. Churches, parishes, and institutions whose doors
are closed should not call themselves churches, the Pope said.
They should call themselves museums! The Church, in living out the Gospel, must welcome people with doors open,
always, he said. The Popes remarks on the family at his Sept. 9
General Audience are the latest in a series of weekly catecheses,
beginning last year as part of the lead-up to the World Day of
Families in September, as well as Octobers Synod of Bishops
on the Family. (CNA)
Was the last synod rigged? Tell-all book lets the
reader decide
A new book about the 2014 Extraordinary Synod on the Family alleges evidence of a hidden agenda pushed by a handful
of bishops in positions of influence. I felt it was important
to investigate what happened, because Id heardand many
people had heardabout these accusations and allegations of
manipulation during the last synod, said Edward Pentin, author of The Rigging of a Vatican Synod? And as a journalist,
I felt that our task is to search for the truth, uncover the truth
in the name of justice, he told CNA in a recent interview.
A long-time freelance reporter in Rome, Pentin covered the
2014 Synod on the Family and afterward spoke with numerous sourcessome anonymous, some who are namedwho
were connected with the synod and who alleged that a hidden
agenda was at work. Pentin is the new Rome correspondent
for the National Catholic Register, which like CNA is owned
and operated by EWTN. (CNA)
Is this the miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa?
The Vatican is studying the case of a Brazilian man inexplicably
cured of brain abscesseswhich could be the miracle that leads
to the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Pope
Francis voiced his desire to canonize Mother Teresa during the
Jubilee Year of Mercy which will begin on Dec. 8, the Feast of
the Immaculate Conception, as a sign of mercy for the world
in service to the poor. Father Caetano Rizzi, who works in
the Vaticans congregation for saints, told CNA that the Pope
wants to beatify and canonize men and women that were a
sign of mercy for the world in this Jubilee (Year), and Mother
Teresa is a model, because of that theres a certain urgency
in her process. The possible miracle that would bring about
Mother Teresas canonization occurred in 2008. A man from
Santos, Brazil, whose identity has not been divulged in order to
maintain the discretion needed to conclude the investigation,
was unexpectedly cured from eight abscesses in his brain that
required an operation. (CNA)
Faith leads to freedom, pope tells prisoners, others in
Angelus address
The Christian journey is not a pursuit of earthly success,
but of obeying Gods will, knowing that at the end of time
one will be with God, Pope Francis said. Before reciting the
Angelus prayer Sept. 14, Pope Francis told people in St. Peters Squareand a group of about 50 inmates from Romes
Rebibbia prisonthat the Christian journey leads to real
freedom, freedom from selfishness and sin. The inmates
were treated to a special morning at the Vatican, touring the
Vatican Gardens and museums, arriving in the Sistine Chapel
to listen to the popes Angelus address. Antonio Paolucci,
director of the Vatican Museums, led the tour. One of the
inmates, identified only as Carmine, told Vatican Radio,
We were welcomed so beautifully, which usually does not
happen in society. At the Vatican, he said, we were treated
like important guests. This was moving for all of us. It was
something indescribable. (CNS)
CBCP Monitor
in Europe to respond to the needs of the refugees streaming into Europe and, throughout
his papacy, has consistently called upon the
world to protect refugees and other persons
on the move.
Archbishop Kurtz said, I express my solidarity with the Holy Father, the bishops of Syria,
the Middle East, and Europe, and all people
who have responded to this humanitarian crisis
with charity and compassion. I also encourage
the U.S. government to assist more robustly
the nations of Europe and the Middle East in
protecting and supporting these refugees and in
helping to end this horrific conflict, so refugees
may return home in safety.
The same day that the archbishop wrote,
president Barack Obama announced that over
the next year, the United States will take in
10,000 Syrian refugees.
The Catholic Church in the United
Stateswith nearly 100 Catholic Charities
agencies and hundreds of parishes assisting
refugees to this country each year, and with
Catholic Relief Services providing humanitarian aid to refugees in the Middle East and
Europe stands ready to help in this effort,
the archbishop said.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph flee the terror of Herod. They are the
archetype of every refugee family, Archbishop
Kurtz reflected. Let us pray that the Holy
Family watches over the thousands of refugee
families in Europe and beyond at this time.
Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas also wrote
about the refugee crisis on Thursday, saying that the refugees fleeing Iraq, Syria, and
other Middle Eastern nations must leave
their homes due to political instability, war,
Sick and elderly persons at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes. ELISE HARRIS/CNA.
Christian families displaced by the violence in Indias Odisha state in 2008. AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
CBCP Monitor
NEWS FEATURES A3
Vatican City - August 5, 2015. Pope Francis blesses a newly married couple during the Wednesday general audience in Paul VI Audience Hall on August 5, 2015. CNA
Face of mercy
He further urged the new
Pilgrims with the flag of Angola, Africa at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peters Square with Pope
Francis on June 10, 2015. CNA
A bishop reads a newspaper in the Vaticans Synod Hall before the Friday session of the Synod on the
Family, Oct. 10, 2014. CNA
a violent environment.
We must have the courage to
enter into contact with these families, he said, adding that it must
be done in a discreet but generous way, materially, humanly or
spiritually, in those circumstances
where they are vulnerable.
Pope Francis closed by encouraging couples to instruments of Christs
mercy toward those whose marriages
have failed, and stressed that married
fidelity is a gift from God.
Mercy has been shown to every
one of us, Francis said. He added
that couples who are united and
happy can better understand the pain
and the suffering caused by betrayal,
abandonment and a lack of love.
It is necessary, therefore, that
you bring your witness and your
experience to help Christian
communities to discern the real
situations in which these people
find themselves, to welcome them
with their wounds, and to help
them to journey in faith and in
truth, he said.
Nor must you forget the unspeakable suffering of the children
who experience these painful
family situations: you can give a
lot to them.
Pope Francis asked those present to pray for the upcoming
Synod on the Family, and for all
their reflections on the vital cell of
our societies within the difficult
current cultural context. (Elise
Harris/CNA/EWTN News)
A4 OPINION
CBCP Monitor
EDITORIAL
NOT the government, for sure. Because, to follow the logic of President
Benigno Aquino III in a forum last September 9, the government has no
campaign to kill anybody. Disputably, though, this maybe the same logic
that can be applied to the massacre of Chinese tourists at the Quirino
Grandstand in August 2010 when the new Malacaang boys were running
the show. That was why, the leadership did not see the need to apologize,
despite foreign pressure. And, by some stretch of imagination, the same
logic maybe used in the Zamboanga siege in September of 2013 when
the president with his boys encamped to watch the war games with the
MNLF. Well, perhaps at the Mamasapano, too, where some sectors are
reportedly now looking for an alternative truth.
According to human rights groups, it appeared that the President was
trying to exonerate whoever are behind the summary killings of the Lumads
in Surigao del Sur. The CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas calls
this disturbing. In a statement released September 11, the Archbishop
said, We are disturbed profoundly by reports that national leaders have
been quick to exonerate the militia group of wrong-doing. This alarming
eagerness to deny culpability does not augur well for truth and justice.
Such declarations inspire credence only after a reliable and trustworthy
investigation by impartial and competent persons shall have taken place.
If made before any such investigation, they disturbingly suggest a refusal
to hold accountable those to whom the Administration so eagerly extends
its mantle of protection.
But while the national leadership seems to be somewhere else, local leaders
and advocacy groups are very much aware who are harassing and killing
the Lumads. In fact, on January 30, 2015, a Peace Dialogue was held in
Surigao del Sur attended by the PNP, AFP, the Provincial Government, the
LGU of Lianga, Religious groups, and Lumad leaders. In that dialogue, the
perpetrators were identified. They are members of the Magahat/Bagani, a
paramilitary group headed by Datu Calpito Egua, Marcos Bocales, Marcial Belandres and Bobby Tejero. This gathering agreed to immediately
dismantle and disarm this paramilitary group and file criminal charges.
Of course, nothing happened after that except more harassment and more
killings of the Lumads.
The priests of the Diocese of Tandag in a pastoral statement issued on
September 8, believes that there are powerful hands that maneuver behind
the paramilitary group Magahat/Bagani. Otherwise, these killings would
have already ceased and court cases filed months ago. The priests say in their
statement, One can see and understand that only those community of
Lumads who firmly stand to protect the forest and reject mining activities
and anything that destroys nature were obviously the ones being hounded
and intimidated supposedly by the aforementioned notorious group.
Gathering all these, we can say that all this could be a work that has been
extensively planned. Our indigenous people who, ever since, have been one
with Nature, have lived in and survived out of their land of heritage, are
now victims of those who are hungry and greedy for power and wealth.
Again, who are behind the killings the Lumads? Sadly, its not so easy to
take President Aquinos word for it.
Monitor
CBCP
Pedro C. Quitorio
Ronalyn R. Regino
Editor-in-Chief
Design Artist
Nirvaana E. Delacruz
Gloria Fernando
Associate Editor
Marketing Supervisor
Roy Q. Lagarde
Mercedita Juanite
News Editor
Kris Bayos
Features Editor
Circulation Manager
Marcelita Dominguez
Comptroller
Pastoral Companion
Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ
POPE Francis recent encyclical, Laudato
Si, enjoins all of us to care for our common
home, the earth. More directly, we are also
challenged to care for our common home, the
city of Cagayan de Oro. During fiesta time, we
celebrate the gift of family, renew friendships,
and strengthen the bonds of community.
During the time of Typhoon Sendong, affecting the entire city, we showed how we could
all work together to help dislocated families
who lost their houses and loved ones. A home is
not only a house where a family lives; a home is
built by the love that is shared by all members
of the family. So, too, with our community;
our City of Golden Friendship is built by the
spirit of solidarity and concern for the common good. It is in this light that we can look
at three challenges confronting our common
home mentioned in Pope Francis encyclical.
Lately, a Peoples Council of concerned
citizens, including residents of affected sub-
Candidly Speaking
YES, we need to empower the family, especially the parents, so it can fulfill all its duties
and responsibilities, especially the most basic
ones that are related, more than anything
else, to the spiritual life of all members in
the family.
The family is not just some collection of
parents and children whose main concern is
meeting the material or emotional needs of all
its members, or some generic human needs.
The family is a human family, not just an
animal family, and as such it has a nature
that corresponds to the dignity of our human
nature, that gives primary importance to the
spiritual dimension which essentially distinguishes us from the other animals. Thus, our
Catechism defines it as:
A man and a woman united in marriage
form a family together with their children.
God instituted the family and endowed it
with its fundamental constitution. Marriage
and the family are ordered to the good of the
spouses and to the procreation and education
of children.
Members of the same family establish
among themselves personal relationships and
CBCP Monitor
OPINION A5
Living Mission
Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM
at the very least, the poor are not discriminated against because of their poverty, and
they will not be deprived of their right to
receive in abundance the help of the spiritual
goods of the Church, especially that of the
Word of God and the sacraments from the
pastors (128).
The comprehensive document of PCP-II
observes: The Church of the Poor is one
that will be in solidarity with the poor. It
will collaborate with the poor themselves and
with others to lift up the poor from their
poverty (130).
As the Second Vatican Council taught:
The Church encompasses with her love all
those who are afflicted by human misery
and she recognizes in those who are poor
and who suffer the image of her poor and
suffering founder. She does all in her power
to relieve their need and in them she strives
to serve Christ (LG 8).
The Church of the Poor means, in the
words of Pope John Paul II, that: Before
todays forms of exploitation of the poor,
the Church cannot remain silent. She also
reminds the rich of their precise duties.
Strong with the Word of God, she condemns
the many injustices which unfortunately,
even today, are committed to the detriment
Protect Them,
They are Our Brothers!
THE plight of the refugees from
Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan
needs our prompt attention and
action. They are our brothers, regardless of difference in religion,
color, or race. The refugees are
an international concern. According to the United Nations,
220,000 people have been killed
and 11 million have been displaced since 2011. No less than
Pope Francis announced that
he will give temporary housing
in the Vatican to at least two
refugee families. He asked every
European parish, monastery, and
shrine to do the same.
The picture of the lifeless body
of a 3-year old Syrian boy lying
dead on the seashore became
viral in social media. It caused
public outcry and touched the
heart of every individual. His
family took the boat, braved the
rough seas, fleeing war, death,
and hunger. Reports said that
almost 350,000 refugees arrived
at the European borders between
January and August this year.
His Eminence Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle requested everyone to give assistance to the
refugees, both financially and
spiritually. They left their country and crossed borders to reach
the safest place where they can
live peacefully.
It will be remembered that
at the peak of Vietnam War
in 1969, more than 12 million refugees (2 million died
and 3 million wounded), the
so-called boat people, left
Vietnam to avoid persecution
by the Communists. Some of
the boat people found their
way to the Philippines, where
the government accepted them
and housed them in Bataan and
Palawan. The Philippines volunteered to process the papers
Duc In Altum
Never Forget
Never Again
FORTY three years ago President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial
Law. He abolished congress, suppressed press freedom and other civil
liberties and violated the rights of the people. Thousands of opposition
leaders and student activists were imprisoned. Suspected subversives and
criminals were subsequently arrested or executed (salvaged) without due
process. His justification for his dictatorial rule: to save the republic,
reform society and build a new societyang Bagong Lipunan . He
emphasized discipline and one of the slogans was: sa ikakaunlad ng
bayan, disiplina ang kailangan.
Through farcical referendum and plebiscite, Marcos enacted a new
constitution which provided a legal basis for his dictatorial rule, with a
subservient judiciary and parliament. He tried to replace the oligarchy
with his cronies who controlled all sectors of the economy. Thus, he
monopolized political and economic power. He was a ruthless, repressive and corrupt dictator, who enriched himself while majority of his
people wallowed in poverty. Many of those in the military and the police
became corrupt as well and engaged in torture, extrajudicial killings and
forced disappearances.
I was one of the victims of the Marcos dictatorial rule. In 1973, on
the first anniversary of Martial Law, I was arrested, tortured and imprisoned for seven months. My crime: producing and distributing leaflets
that denounced the dictatorial rule. I was just an 18-year old college
seminarian studying at a University in Cebu and involved in student
activism. After I was released from prison and continued my priestly
formation, I was constantly haunted by a recurring nightmare reminding me of the terror and pain I experienced. During that dark period,
priests that I personally knew were among the victims: Fr. Godofredo
Alingal, SJ the parish priest of Kibawe assassinated for his prophetic
denunciation of military abuses and Fr. Rudy Romano, CSsR, a fellow
Redemptorist who was abducted and made to disappear by military
intelligence agents. There were BEC leaders and pastoral workers who
were arrested or killed by military and paramilitary units. A few months
before the end of the Marcos era, my mother was murdered and robbed
by a gang composed of members of the Philippine Constabulary (PC now known as PNP-SAF) who were later killed in a shootout with the
police after another robbery attempt. Everything seemed so hopeless
at that time until the miraculous EDSA People Power which was for
me a manifestation of Gods liberating action in history.
It seemed a long time ago and many have forgotten or are
ignorant about the dark period of the history of our country. Nowadays,
there are many who believe that Marcos was the greatest president of
the Philippines and who question the heroism of Ninoy Aquino whose
death later became the inspiration of the People Power. These are the
people who are too young and ignorant to know what really happened
or old enough to be instruments or collaborators of the Marcos dictator
and who benefited from his rule. These are the same people who are
clamoring for his son to run for the highest office. Some are supporting the candidacy of a politician who has the reputation of being as
corrupt as the former dictator and is being investigated for plunder.
Others who are fed up with the judicial system and rule of law are
clamoring for a strong mananother dictatorwho will instill
discipline, rule with an iron hand, abolish congress, ignore human
rights and civil liberties and unleash the death squads all over the
country to stamp out criminality. They want history to repeat itself.
This is our fatal flaw. Our collective memory as a nation is as short
as our noses. Ferdinand Marcos is long dead but his legacy lives on.
Graft and corruption is imbedded in our political, economic and
judicial systems. There are government officials as well as those in
the military and police who think and act as if they are above the
law, who use their positions to enrich themselves, and who violate
human rights. Forced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings continue.
Those of us who witnessed, who suffered and who survived that dark
period have an obligation to remind the nation and the new generation of the evil of the Marcos dictatorial rule and its persistence in our
time. We will continue to cry out: We will never forget. Never again.
Heres a poem I wrote which sums up what I and many went through
under detention:
A Prisoners Psalm
From this dark and damp cell
I cry out to you -Lord, can your hear my groaning?
I cry to you all day long,
I call out to you in the night
But you are so distant or
absent.
My throat is sore, I cannot
scream anymore
Day and night they ask me all
sorts of questions,
they strike, punch and kick me
when I do not answer.
My fingers are swollen, I cannot clench my fist
My ribs are broken, I cannot
stand erect
My whole body is enflamed, it
is getting numb.
I was thirsty and they forced
me to drink rum.
to loosen my tongue and reveal to them the truth.
They stripped me off my
clothes and my dignity.
They are preparing the machine that will electrify my
body.
And now I dread the sound
of footsteps and the opening
of the door.
I prefer this darkness than face
the glaring light.
They said only I can end my
suffering
if I confess to them everything
and betray those
who oppose this dictatorial
regime.
How much longer, do I have
to suffer?
How much longer can I hold
on?
How much longer can I main-
tain my sanity?
Will I ever see again the sky
and the sun?
Will I ever see again the faces
of those I love and serve?
Or will they make me disappear forever?
Lord, do not abandon me?
Deliver me from these kidnappers and murderers
who are trying to maintain
peace and order.
Deliver me from these mercenaries in uniform
whose obsession is to defend
national security
the security of this bloodthirsty and power hunger
dictator
the security of his cronies and
their big business interests
the security of his alien lords
and their bases and investments.
O, Lord my God,
I know you are neither blind
nor deaf.
Your mercy and compassion
endure forever.
You have always been a subversive God you depose the mighty from
their thrones and raise the
lowly.
I cry out now to you: subvert
this dictatorial regime!
Let your Spirit fill the hearts
of those who are struggling
to build a kingdom of justice,
peace and freedom.
From this dark and damp cell
I cry out to you, Lord can you
hear me?
Into your hands I commend
my broken body
and my wavering spirit.
A6 LOCAL NEWS
Confab, A1
New heights
From their website down to the smallest
details in the program agenda, Paguirigan
expressed pride over how CSMSv4 organizers are striving to bring the event to
new heights, ensuring all aspects of the
event are being attended to.
The focuses of the summit are also as
timely and important as they can get, she
said, adding that in forming their agenda,
they have considered only what will be for
the best of every person online.
From gaming, online marketing,
crowdsourcing, content management, and
mobile technology, Paguirigan explained
CSMSv4 strives to cover all the cyberspace
skills and know-hows needed to transform
one into an effective online evangelizer.
Ultimate Power Source
Moreover, the CSMSv4 program team
head only had words of praises for the
people invited to speak at the event, noting the diversity of their backgrounds and
fields of expertise, coming from different
sectors and industries.
The best and most awaited part I
personally am giddy about is the keynote,
Lumad, A1
CBCP Monitor
Nullity, A6
Not divorce
Villegas, however, clarified
that recent reforms in the
trial of marriage cases do not
change the Churchs teaching
on indissolubility and unity
of marriage.
He said while the Pope has
opted to simplify and speed
up the process for the declaration of marriages null and
void from the beginning, the
doctrine about the sacredness
of marriage and family life
remains unchanged.
The teaching about the
indissolubility and unity of
marriage remains, Villegas
said. The declaration of
nullity of marriages is not
divorce.
More cases
With the said reforms, re-
Redemptorists, A1
Senseless killings
In the name of God, the author of all
life, the Redemptorist Vice-Province of
Manila, is moved by the demand of justice
and Christian moral ethics for the defense
and protection of the weak and powerless,
issues this strongest opposition and denunciation for this continuing and escalating
senseless killings, says the Redemptorist
Churchs Permanent Commission on
Social Mission Apostolate in a statement.
In particular, the Redemptorist priests
and brothers of Baclaran denounce the
summary execution of Lumad leaders
Dionel Onel Campos, Aurello Bello
Sinzo, and Emerito Emok Samarca.
Immediate, total end
They express horror that the victims were
brutally slaughtered in front of their own
people in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del
Sur on Sept. 1, 2015 by Magahat/Bagani
Forces, a paramilitary the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) itself had trained.
We hold the government of the Philippines responsible for these crimes, and we
demand for the immediate and total end
of these killings, they explain.
68th victims
According to the Redemptorists, Campos, Sinzo, and Samarca collectively are
the 68th victims of extrajudicial killings
of indigenous peoples under the current
Aquino regime.
Thus, we urgently appeal to all Christians, other denominations, and people
of moral principle and good will, to rally
with us in support of our call to STOP
THE KILLINGS OF INDIGENOUS
PEOPLES IN THE PHILIPPINES! the
Redemptorists add.
IP rights violation
Aside from the need to end what they
assert are the widespread militarization of
IP communities and blatant violation of
IP rights as well as an independent and
transparent investigation of the 68 extrajudicial killings under the Aquino regime,
the Redemptorists urge government to do
as follows:
Justice for the 168 extrajudicial killings
under the Arroyo regime and all victims of
human rights violations. Arrest, prosecute,
and punish all perpetrators of human rights
violations.
Presidentiables, A6
Atmosphere of friendship
While waiting for Tagle who
came from a Mass in Makati
City, the three officials had the
chance to talk to each other
about many things except
politics.
They talked about traffic
that its getting betterthings
like that. There was nothing
earth-shaking or anything
about politics, according to
De Villa.
It was very friendly, she
added. It was very touching
CBCP Monitor
A7
Spate of kidnappings alarms Pangasinan youth set new record at Marian vigil
Batangas archbishop
LIPA CityA Catholic archbishop has
expressed alarm over a spate of kidnapping
incidents in Batangas province.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles has
recently alerted his priests and Catholic
school administrators against the recent
abductions of school children.
The news of kidnapping of children in
the province, most especially in Batangas
province, is very alarming, said Arguelles in
a text message to school officials on Sept. 5.
Please alert everyone, especially parents, elders and schools about this serious
danger, he added.
The Catholic Educational Association
Refugees, A1
Between 4,000 to 5,000 came to celebrate Marys nativity at the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupans Marian Youth Vigil held from Sept. 7 to 8 at the Virgen
Milagrosa University Foundation stadium. SABINS STUDIOS
diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
Youth Ministry). The official
face was a winning entry from
the University of Luzon Campus Ministry.
The Youth Ministers Next
Door will be an online weekly
program wherein youth ministers will share their reflections
on timely issues concerning
their fellow youth. The videos
will be uploaded in Facebook
and Youtube.
Birthday songs for Mary
The young people also
prayed a living rosary and
sang a birthday song to Mary
while waiting for the clock to
strike twelve.
Dr. Ma. Lilia Posadas-Juan,
the university president and
interview.
He lamented that injustices directed
to indigenous peoples (IP) and their
communities continue to take place
despite laws that protect their rights.
Death threats
Francisco went on to share that he
himself and the Dumagat communities
he has been serving for almost a decade
now have been exposed to similar harassments which he believes stems from
the desire to grab anew lands originally
belonging to IPs.
We have received death threats
from armed thugs wearing bonnets.
There have been efforts to intimidate us. But thankfully, we have so
far not had face-to-face encounters
with them, he said.
Vested interests
According to him, people he refused
to identify but who he confirmed have
vested interests, resent the fact that the
IPs of that part of Sierra Madre were
able to reclaim their ancestral land
which they now call Punduhan ng
mga Dumagat.
That is why we need to be extra
careful, Francisco added.
InterAksyon.com reported that
Magahat on Tuesday morning killed
execution style Emerico Samarta,
school director of the Alternative
Learning Center for Agricultural and
Livelihood Development (Alcadev)
in Barangay Diatagon and cousins
Dionel Campus and Aurelio Sinzo in
Lianga town, Surigao del Sur. (Raymond A. Sebastin/CBCP News)
Pastoral Companion, A4
of drug-trafficking is another
form of pervasive pollution
that threatens the well-being
of our residents, whether in
guarded subdivisions or in
slum areas. The majority of
city jail inmates, we are told,
are there for crimes related
ultimately to drug addiction.
Once more, we appeal not
only to law-enforcing authorities but to all of us to be vigilant in detecting and reporting
instances of drug trafficking.
On a larger scale, the peace
process in Mindanao needs
our understanding of its historical context and a re-examination of our biases and
prejudices. Notwithstanding several changes being
introduced in Congress to the
draft Bangsamoro Basic Law,
ultimately the crafting of a
meaningful BBL accepted by
both sides still offers the best
chances of winning a just and
lasting peace for Mindanao.
We are all stakeholders in this
process.
Candidly Speaking, A4
A8
CBCP Monitor
Hundreds of young people attend a seminary on ecology on Sept. 4, 2015 at the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary (ICMAS) Gymnasium.
Everyones concern
The seminars main speaker,
Yolando Velasco, a United Nations
Officer on Climate Change based
in Germany, discussed the perils of
climate change, saying, Climate
change is not the main problem
because climate does change. The
ICMAS
THE Augustinians in the Philippines are calling on all Filipino college students nationwide
who have a passion for writing to join the
450 Kaplag National Essay Writing contest
in honor of the Holy Child of Cebu.
Themed Santo Nio and the Dawn of
Christian Faith in the Philippines, each participant must write an essay in English which
will highlight the significance of the revered
image of Santo Nio de Cebu in the history
of the Philippine Church and nation as well
as in the New Evangelization.
It must also look back to the contributions
of the Augustinian Order to the development
of Philippine history and culture.
The contest is open to all bonafide students
of tertiary schools in the country.
Deadline for submission of entries is on or
before Sept. 30, 2015.
Mechanics are as follows:
All entries must be submitted in manuscript
form, typewritten (Times New Roman, 12,
regular) in short bond paper (8 in x 11
The Order of Friars Minor (OFM) in the Philippines has committed to bringing Pope
Francis latest encylical to more people at the grassroots level.
ties, he shared.
Almazan went on to invite
Franciscan communities to come
out with activities which will have
the Care of Creation as the main
theme.
Ecological conversion
Moreover, he expressed hope
that the ongoing celebration will
bring about authentic ecological
conversion and that the example
and spirituality of St. Francis of
Assisi will provide the faithful
with an interior impulse which
Gods beloved
Dubbed Beloved: A Journey of Love,
Bandojo said the fundraising concert for the
Cenacle Sisters will feature performances by
the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Hangad, Bukas
Palad Music Ministry, and Himig Heswita as
well as guest appearances by music legends
Noel Cabangon and Basil S. Valdez.
According to her, it is about time all people
reclaim their identity as Gods beloved.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale at The Cenacle
Retreat House and Spirituality Center, 59
Nicanor Reyes Street , Loyola Hts., QC;
Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.
(JesCom); Tanging Yaman Store, Sonolux
Building, Seminary Drive , Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Hts., QC; and at
the Tanging Yaman Kiosk, 5th Floor Mega
Atrium, SM Megamall.
Tickets are priced at Php 300, Php 500,
Php 1,000, and Php 2,000.
Reservations
For inquiries and ticket reservations, interested parties may call the Cenacle Retreat
House (Philippines) at Telefax (+632)
434-69-43; Smart (+63) 947-1943-494;
and Globe (+63) 917-9932-204.
They may also contact the Jesuit Communications (JesCom) office at telephone
numbers (63 2) 426 5971 to 72 local 113.
(Raymond A. Sebastin / CBCP News)
PASTORAL CONCERNS B1
NCCP
CBCP Monitor
NCCP
B2 PASTORAL CONCERNS
CBCP Monitor
CNA
Sky Ortigas
CBCP Monitor
FEATURES B3
II. Communion
Taking up the Holy Fathers directive to
religious to be experts in communion
and prophetic witnesses living by Gospel
values, we commit ourselves to living the
inclusive love and solidarity that Jesus
taught and lived by:
Promoting a genuinely open and
fraternal life in our communities,
appreciating the uniqueness of persons and cultures, and helping all
persons to grow up to Gods dreams
for them;
Appreciating multiculturalism as a
value, not as a burden; learning the
richness of the cultures and settings
where people come from;
Treating our colleagues, employees
and domestic help as treasured
partners, creating the atmosphere
and the structures for competent lay
persons to work with us with justice
and respect;
Promoting unity and healing where
We need to persevere in our dialogue
with the poor, with peoples of other
cultures and religions, as well as with the
youth and faith-seekers.
We trust in our brothers in the hierarchy
as well as our co-workers among the laity
to regard us as equal partners in responding to the signs of the times. We need a
profound prayer life and contemplative
eyes to see Christ in the faces of the poor
and the marginalized.
Commitment
We, consecrated men and women, are
being challenged anew to turn our eyes
towards the world, to share the joys and
hopes, the griefs and anxieties of women
and men of this age, especially those who
are poor. . . who are afflicted [discriminated
against, and marginalized]. (GS, No. 1)
Pope Francis has sounded the call for us,
consecrated persons, to wake up the world
and shine with the radiance of joy.
We recognize that we often appear as
FABC-OCL
Religious Inclusiveness
In the
Philippines,
because of the
separation of
church and
state, the state
is not under
the control of
the Catholic
Church. It is
not under the
control of the
INC, nor even
of Islam.
B4 PASTORAL CONCERNS
CBCP Monitor
outside ourselves.[160]
234. Saint John of the Cross taught
that all the goodness present in the realities and experiences of this world is
present in God eminently and infinitely,
or more properly, in each of these sublime realities is God.[161] This is not
because the finite things of this world
are really divine, but because the mystic
experiences the intimate connection be-
Laudato Si
Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis on the Care of our Common Home
Kris Bayos
CBCP Monitor
STATEMENTS B5
CNA
To My Venerable Brother
Archbishop Rino Fisichella
President of the Pontifical Council
for the Promotion of the New Evangelization
Vatican City - April 11, 2015. Cardinals gathered at St. Peters Basilica on April 11, 2015 during the Convocation of the Year of
Mercy, where Pope Francis publicly proclaimed a Jubilee for Mercy, which will begin December 8th and end in November 2016.
experience of freedom.
I have asked the Church in this
Jubilee Year to rediscover the richness
encompassed by the spiritual and cor-
CNA
Vatican City - July 15, 2015. The Modern Slavery and Climate Change briefing at the Holy See Press Office on July 15, 2015.
B6 REFLECTIONS
CBCP Monitor
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mark 9:30-37 (B) September 20, 2015
Bo Sanchez
SOULFOOD
Question: Are You
Wealthy?
GRUMPY Grandma Gladys was the crankiest old woman
in town.
One day, she announced to her family, I want a pet. Its
gotta be perfect!
Boy, did her family have a hard time looking for a pet for her.
A nephew gave her a cat.
Too clingy, she complained and returned it.
A niece gave her a turtle.
Too slow, she complained and returned it.
A granddaughter gave her a parrot.
After a few days, she returned it and said, It complains
a lot!
Finally, they hit a pot of gold when they found a very special
dog that was a genius. The pet shop owner even told them, I
dont even know how intelligent this dog is! He keeps surprising me everyday. The family was so excited, they gave the
dog to Grandma Gladys, hoping that it will finally give the
old woman a happier disposition in life.
The next day, the family saw Grandma Gladys playing
chess with the dog!
They were amazed, they said, Aunt Gladys! That must be
the smartest dog in the world!
She smirked, Nah, Im returning him to you too. Hes
lost 3 of the last 5 games.
No matter what you do, this Grandma will never be happy.
The choice is ours: To be thankful or complain-full.
I believe this choice even affects your wealth
So Many Are Poor
The story above is pure fiction.
Let me now tell you a true story.
This lady is a multi-millionaire.
But completely and absolutely poor.
If youre confused, keep reading.
This wealthy woman has 5 helpers, 1 gardener, and 2 drivers.
Maid #1 is my personal assistant, she explained to me
one day. I cant live without her. She holds my cell phone.
She budgets for the house. More importantly, she gives me a
foot massage every night. Maid #2 cleans the house. Maid
#3 does the laundry. Maid #4 cooks. And Maid #5 is the
assistant of Maid #1.
By chance, I met her one morning and she blurted out,
Brother Bo, I feel so stressed! Life is so difficult. Why is God
doing this to me?
Why? What happened? I asked. I imagined the worst.
One of my maids is taking a vacation, she cried, and
shes been away for a week now. So instead of five maids, Im
down to four. Oh my gosh, I dont know what to do anymore!
My life is in such a mess.
Wow. Poor woman. I mean, having four maids is such a
tragedy, right? No human being should ever go through such
a trial. I wanted to console her
I wish I could say that I exaggerated the story to make
you laugh.
Sorry. This is a true story.
Question: Are you wealthy?
ENCOUNTERS
MARYS intercessory role as
channel of all graces coming
from God has withstood the
test of time and there are several Churches with the title of
Mary Mediatrix of all grace as
patroness. The Philippines is
also launching the Movement
for the Dogmatic definition
of Marys universal mediation
of grace.
The litany of the Holy Rosary
contains many titles of Our Lady
such as Holy Mother of God,
Mother of the Church, Virgin
most powerful, Virgin most
merciful, Ark of the Covenant,
Gate of heaven, Refuge of sinners, Seat of wisdom, Comforter
of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen
of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Prophets, Queen of all
Saints, Queen of Peace, etc. This
Mary Mediatrix
Raymond A. Sebastin
John Bridges
CBCP Monitor
Laudato Si / B4
SOCIAL CONCERNS B7
Laudato Si
Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis on the Care of our Common Home
and care for this world in which
we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power
and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
Raymond A. Sebastin
She treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart ... and now
understands the meaning of all things. Hence, we can ask her to
enable us to look at this world with eyes of wisdom.
246. At the conclusion of this
lengthy reflection which has
been both joyful and troubling,
I propose that we offer two
prayers. The first we can share
with all who believe in a God
who is the all-powerful Creator,
while in the other we Christians
ask for inspiration to take up
the commitment to creation set
before us by the Gospel of Jesus.
A prayer for our earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
Rosary, B2
Abortion, B2
Justice, B5
institutional processes.
I address to everyone a pressing invitation to make every
effort, so that when seeking
at the table the way to resolve
the unique and complex socioenvironmental crisis, the voice
of the poorest may be heard,
among the nations and people:
this is also a duty of environmental justice.
Facing the emergency of
climate change and with our
sight turned to the crucial
meetings that in the forthcoming months will address itthe
approval of the objectives of
Sustainable Development by
the United Nations at the end
of this month and especially
the COP 21 of Paris at the beginning of DecemberI hope
that this dialogue will become a
genuine alliance to be brought
to really significant global en-
vironmental agreements.
In this endeavor, you can
count on my personal support
and that of the whole Church,
beginning with the indispensable help of prayer. Henceforth, I offer to the Lord our
common effort, asking Him
to bless it so that humanity
will finally listen to the cry of
the earthtoday our Mother
Earth is among the many excluded that cry to Heaven for
help! Our Mother Earth is an
excluded one!also the cry of
the earth, our Mother and Sister, and of the poorest among
those that inhabit her, and to
look after them. In this way,
Creation will come ever closer
to the common house that the
one Father has designed as gift
for the universal family of his
creatures. I ask Gods blessing
for you all. Thank you.
CBCPMonitor
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B8 ENTERTAINMENT
Moral Assessment
CBCP Monitor
Brothers Matias
Lolo Kiko
Bladimer Usi
Abhorrent
Disturbing
Acceptable
Wholesome
Exemplary
Technical Assessment
Poor
Below average
Average
Above average
E
xcellent
TWENTY THREE-year-old
Cole Carter (Zac Efron) dreams
of becoming a big time disc jockey
to live out his passion and use his
talents in electronic music mix.
He hangs out with his friends;
Ollie (Shiloh Fernandez), Squirrel (Alex Shaffer), and Dustin
(Johnny Weston) who also have
their respective dreams in life.
The four of them work part time
in a realty funding recovery business to earn and save up money
to realize their dreams. While
pursuing his niche in electronic
music, Cole meets seasoned DJ
James Reed (Wes Bently) who
believes in his talents and generously shares his resources to Cole.
During mentorship between the
two musicians, Cole meets Sophie
(Emily Ratajkowski), the assistant
cum girlfriend of James and gets
attracted to her who in turn also
gets attracted to him. Expectedly,
James gets appalled at discovering
what Cole and Sophie are doing
behind his back. Realizing the
results of his action, Cole wants
to make amends with James. He
consoles himself in the company
of his friends who give their usual
support to him.
We are your friends is about
passion for music of a struggling
young musician, not necessarily about friendship as the title
implies. The sub plots relating
to friendship theme seems to
complicate the plot which could
have been predictable given the
focus in the character of Cole. It
also fails to highlight each of the
character of the friends. There is
much to be desired in the editing
as some of the scenes are unnecessary and prolonging. The lighting is not maximized to further
convey emotions. Nevertheless,
meaningful lines and scenes with
reference to the details in the art of
electronic music and sensational
effects to body movements are
informative and serve as saving
grace of the film. Likewise, the
actors did well in their portrayals
to the credit of the director. The
sound effects particularly on the
portion of composing the desired
music piece of Cole adds value to
the music theme of the film. The
production design is also commendable.
WE ARE
YOUR FRIENDS
DIRECTOR: Max Joseph
LEAD CAST: Zac Efron, Wes
Bently, Emily Ratajkowski
SCREENWRITER: Max
Joseph/Meaghan Oppenheimer
PRODUCER: Tim Bevan , Eric
Fellner , Liza Chasin
EDITOR: Terel Gibson, Oliver
Courson & company
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Randall
Poster
GENRE: music/drama
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Bret
Pawlak
DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Bros.
Pictures
LOCATION: USA
RUNNING TIME: 95 mins
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT:
MORAL ASSESSMENT:
MTRCB rating: R16
CINEMA rating: V18
THE GIFT
Buhay Parokya
CBCP Monitor
C1
The CFC International Council with Fr. Ramon Mascolino of the Galilee Center in Tagaytay during the discernment weekend
MM Central A Holds
Senior Couples Retreat
YOUNG CFC, C2
BOHOL, C3
30 young couples.
Immediately thereafter, around 5,000
members of CFC Bohol and the family
ministries gathered at the venues open
field for the praise parade, honoring Our
Lady of the Assumption. Vic Abarquez,
Bohol provincial area head and his wife,
Tetet, and the members of the Area Governance Team (Amit and Menchu Yu,
provincial area director; Dionisio Neil
and Marissa Balite, ANCOP head; Efren
and Dolly Apalisok, Pastoral Formation
Office; Derie and Doods Deligero, Family Ministries; and Nito and Aida Flores,
Mission Support) led the praise parade.
The parade culminated with the Prayer
of Consecration led by Neil Balite, with
the celebration of the Holy Eucharist immediately following. The Most Rev. Leonardo Y. Medroso, DD, JCD, Bishop of
the Diocese of Tagbilaran, concelebrated
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with Fr.
Martin Lupiba, Diocesan Family and
Life Commission head; Fr. Lito Geangan,
The Young CFC Program has become a creative way of bringing former single
members back into community life as marriaed couples. Photos by Antz Zabala
and Mark Eusebio)
Love More, Bohol!, clockwise from top: a concelebration of love on CFC Bohol's 23rd year; the colorful
praise parade; a powerful praisefest to end the night; The Most Rev. Leonardo Y. Medroso, DD, JCD,
Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
C2
Teaching Night
Michael Ariola
CBCP Monitor
CFC Chairman Joe Tale speaking before the Metro Manila Mission
Core at the Teaching Night
YOUNG CFC, C1
SENIORS RETREAT, C1
CFC Family Ministries Director Jimmy Ilagan (center, standing) flanked by the International Coordinators, Ministry Core Teams
of the various Family Ministries
The future of humanity passes by way of family. (Familiaris Consortio, November 1981)
Quoting John Paul II from his apostolic exhortation on the role of the Christian family in the modern world, Familaris Consortio, Family Ministries
Director Jimmy Ilagan reiterated the call for a more
unified family evangelization and mission among the
Family Ministries of Couples for Christ.
In a meeting with the Family Ministries international coordinators, core members and area coordinators last August 20 at the CFC Global Mission
Center, Ilagan urged the group to be guided by
principles of unity, uniformity, interdependence and
accountability as the ministries strive to live out the
vision and mission of the community.
Ministries, imbued with the spirit of unity, to transcend national, racial and cultural differences, and
unite their efforts if their work is to come to fruition.
One army
Network of families
such retreats for senior couples, the first one being held
last May 16-17 at the St. Paul Center for Renewal in
Alfonso, Cavite. Central A graduates of that initial retreat, excited to share what they experience, organized
an echo in close coordination with the proponents
of the program, for their Sectors own Mission Core
members. Though limited in room accommodations,
the team, led by Raffy and Maggie Chavez, was even
able to accommodate participants from Central B,
with some participants on a live out arrangement.
One of the many encouraging realizations in the
Zenaida A. Gimenez
Editor-in-Chief
Michael C. Ariola
IC Oversight
Deomar P. Oliveria
Layout Artist
Evangeline C. Mecedilla
Circulation Staff
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City.
Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23
Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856
www.couplesforchristglobal.org
cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com
facebook.com/CFC.Global.Mission
@CFChrist
CBCP Monitor
C3
New Appointments
CFC Family Ministries Director Jimmy
Ilagan recently announced two new appointments in the Family Ministries.
Edythe Avendano has been appointed
Handmaids of the Lord International Coordinator, effective January 1, 2016. She will
be replacing Didi Galsim, who has served in
HOLD for many years, and who continues
to inspire sisters and brothers everywhere
with her commitment and dedication to
the spiritual welfare of the Handmaids of
the Lord.
Edythe, together with her husband Fil,
started serving in HOLD in 1994. Her
present responsibilities include being the
HOLD Metro Manila Missions Coordinator, member of the HOLD International
Fr. Tirkey obtained permission for children with parents or guardians to take them to the house where he was staying. He assured the
parents that he would take care of the children, feed them, and give
them an education. Those without guardians were also put under his
wing. The parents or guardians were free to come and visit the kids
and see for themselves how they were being cared for.
Fr. Tirkeys ministry for the children met several challenges including being suspected for his motives. The priest persevered, and now
several of his kids are already enrolled in formal education at a nearby
government-run school.
The children are doing well in school. They are intelligent, love
reading, writing, and Math. More so, they picked up well the
values exemplified by Fr. Tirkey. They grew to be responsible doing
the chores assigned to them with joy. The childrens life- changing
experience did not fail to inspire the neighbors. People started to
be supportive of the ministryand have offered to help the priest in
looking after the children, whose number grew to 27 in a short span
of time. What was very inspiring was that these school children are
from families that had never stepped inside a classroom. One parent
who saw her son reading at Mass in English burst into tears. Now
my son will have a future, she said.
When Liz and I last visited the hostel, the kids were so happy to see
us. Fr. Tirkey proudly showed us the childrens annual exam results
in school. Amazingly, the kids have an average mark of over ninety
percent, with a couple of kids at seventy-five percent. The struggling
kids were confident and were determined to do better.
The childrens knowledge and skills, including their creative abilities, are further broadened through various trainings and workshops
organized at the hostel.
Fr. Tirkeys kids are ANCOPs CSP scholars. Their stories are truly
inspiring and confirmation that through ANCOP, the childrens lives
can be transformed. Through education and a loving, caring environment, the children can look forward to a bright future. (Francis
Almeida, CFC ANCOP Toronto/India)
ANCOP visits Visayas, clockwise from top: the Cawayanan Community chapel; future home partners;leaders
of CFC with ANCOP Coordinators from Manila; houses almost ready for their occupants.
BOHOL, C1
CoFC Southern Leyte directors, managers, officers and staff putting their heads together, from top: CoFC
Southern Leyte ready to take on the challenges for 2016; Chairman Nanding Duenas moderating the
proceedings; formulating strategies.
C4
GODS MASTERPIECE
Singles for Christ Canada together in defending God's masterpiece, the family, through their own families and for the families that will be entrusted to them
in the future.
CBCP Monitor
Left: CFC HOLD of South Africa in immaculate white show off the colors of love onstage. Right: Ladies in fancy hats shout "Hats off to love!
CFC India has been very blessed with abundant harvest for the past years after the presence of the
community was restored in this beautiful country.
The new Youth for Christ members passionately in love with Love Himself!
The latest harvest from South America, from top: abundance for Peru CFC Parejas Para Cristo: the more
senior members ready to serve the new members; mission team led by Glen Santayana of CFC Florida;
reinforcement from a brother, Justo Estrada.