All Souls Day in the Philippines

Bus stations, domestic airports and highways started to get busy as travelers go home to their respective provinces to pay respect to their deceased loved ones. As a Christian country, Catholic, if I may, All Souls Day is a kind of religious observance devoid of social impact except for the short family reunion.

If there is a common observation on the first day of November by different cultures and languages, it is the giving of respect to the departed members of their families.

By now, tombs in the now-manicured cemeteries are repainted with the name of the deceased re-inscribed. Some keep vigil in the cemeteries camping beside the remains of their loved ones or sleeping on top of the grave.

This is where disrespecting the dead starts.

The unscrupulous bring along with them their music players and play loud music; play cards, drink spirits and even loosen up through dancing while others engage in "chismis" (idle talk).

What the Spanish friars taught us about All Souls Day centuries ago is still true today that we go to the cemetery to do a Christian act of piety by praying for the dead who may still be in purgatory and perhaps to remember the years when they were still around sharing with us their love. In case they are now with the Lord, we ask them to pray for us who are still struggling in this so-called vale of sorrow. The lighted sacramental candle before the tomb symbolizes Christ who is the light of the world.

Personally, if my recollection is true, I only went to the cemetery once when I was a boy to see how the day is celebrated. The priest prays the for every tomb or grave and sprinkles holy water.

I was asked if a grave unintentionally missed by the priest is included in the prayers. My answer is an absolute “yes”. Everyday around the world at the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass, the priest prays "Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone into their rest with the hope of rising again.    Bring them all and all the departed into the light of your presence . . . " 

In that prayer, ALL (un-categorized) of the dead are included; no one is left behind.

So, why still go to the cemetery and do what is done on a day like this?

There is nothing wrong in giving respect to a pious practice done throughout the centuries. What is wrong is disrespecting the dead by doing the enumerated things earlier said instead of praying.

I hope that All Souls Days is observed the way it should be by going to Mass or offering a Mass for the dead. -30-

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Photo: Catacombs of Naples, Italy
Additional reading material: 
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101030-300627

Halloween in the Philippines: Should it be Observed?

For one who is always online, a busted computer is a pain in the back. The past weeks, I was locked inside my cocoon having no chance to read my favorite internet sites. My old and reliable computer is around eight years old but I still love it until its motherboard was busted. I went out to internet cafes braving the heat and other inconveniences searching better motherboards in the market today. I am lucky that it is available here. I dismantled my CPU (tower), did the delicate work and hopefully, everything is normal although I have not yet tested the full capability of my “new” computer.

It’s Halloween. Despite the economic crunch no one can stop the country in celebrating the Western introduced-fun of wearing creepy make ups, costumes and the like. As night falls, kids prowl the streets knocking at doors for their “Trick or Treat”.

I have no recollection when we were teen or young adult that there were merriment/celebrations as practiced today. Of course, in school, we learned what Halloween is and its origin --- totally un-Filipino.

Anyone familiar with The Philippine Music Horizon, a music book for elementary schools, there is a Halloween song there which runs, “On the night of every Halloween, we visit the graves of friends now unseen . . .” I believe that ghost and paranormal stories associated with the dead gradually sculpted the icon of Halloween we have today.

No one can stop us, Filipinos, to have fun on Halloween here in the country but if we are truly nationalistic in hating everything that has something to do with colonial mentality, “Why a hell that we celebrate Halloween in the Philippines?” is a valid question that makes the hair stand on its end.

There is a recent article of a student in one of the dailies saying that at first, she had problems with the English language but eventually, she was able to perfect it and develop her own accent. Years later, she realized that there’s no reason for her to speak English, a vestige of colonial mentality and from then on, she reverted to her unflinching love to her mother tongue.

We fully respect such glow of nationalism and way of thinking although we do not necessarily agree. I am sure that on the 31st, she stays at home and put a sign on her door disallowing kids to have their trick or treat and just sleep peacefully on her palm mat on the floor. No radio, TV, VCR, internet, phone, cell phone, iPod, guitar, soft drinks, coffee and chocolate to name a few --- these are original products of the United States, Japan or Spain --- countries that inflicted us suffering and brutal rules.

While some parts of the country are busy having their Halloween fun, I will remember members of my family who have gone to their rest with a lot of nostalgia reminiscing how they loved us who are still struggling on earth. I know that they continue to love us through their prayers.

To those who celebrate, have a fun and safe Halloween. -30-

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Photo Courtesy:  Wikipedia
Additional reading material:
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101030-300627

Cardinal Vidal Willing To Be Jailed

Before the international image of our Lady of Fatima in a farewell Mass, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cadinal Vidal said that if and when the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill becomes a law, he will not remain silent opposing it “even if it means dragging me to jail”.

The rite participated in by an estimated 10,000 devotees when asked if they are willing to be incarcerated in saying no to the "RH Law” most answered a resounding affirmative.

I am not sure where the Cardinal gets his idea that a law cannot be criticized. I know that he was one of those who fought the evil of Martial Law and fascist dictatorship.

This country is predominantly Catholic and if I were in the government, there is a good reason for me to be apprehensive if continuous protests mar the streets. That show of defiance may not be sanctioned by the Church. Individual protesters and organizations can clog the streets on their own volition. Expected too are the factions that support the law (if enacted).

After the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, demonstrations and protests took their daily pace that culminated in a People’s Power. I am not saying that Mr. Aquino will be forced by the people to leave his office but frequent demonstrations and show of defiance weakens the government and our institutions.

If people are really serious that they are willing to go to jail in accordance with their belief and conscience, I am not a prophet or a seer but the global family of nations of any religious persuasion will recognize the jailed as heroes. That is regardless whether what they believe is correct or not. The point is that they have the courage and to suffer if necessary to say NO to something against their conscience.

Who can forget the picture of one brave soul facing a tank in Tiananmen Square stopping it? Some said that he is stupid or crazy but others see him as a hero that despite his being alone, he was there fighting for freedom.

Priests, nuns, bishops, archbishops, a cardinal, defenders of life and the integrity of the family, their Muslim ally against artificial contraception included could be in jail but the prison cell is not soundproof. Their voices will be heard even louder.

Pro and anti RH Bill opinions are here to stay that fire up emotions. I just don’t like that time when there is a clash of the titans: government vs. the Church. It is easy to weigh down who the victor is when a clash involves weapons but when the “war” is about principles those on the side of truth cannot be vanquished for truth sets us free. -30-

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Photo Courtesy: Benshan Photoworks

La Naval and Our Lady of Fatima

October is the month of Mary in the Philippines where cities and towns celebrate their traditional La Naval. It is a historical fact throughout the centuries that Mary’s powerful intercession is always available when sought. That was felt in the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and here in 1646 when Dutch and English privateers wanted to erase Catholicism and change it to Protestantism.

By tradition, congregational praying of the rosary is held everyday somewhere in every Diocese and Archdiocese this month as a show of respect to a mother who knows our daily struggles, despairs, defeats, frustrations, fears and tears. She feels what we feel for she was once like us.

When pregnant, in the middle of the night, she escaped together with Joseph for the safety of her Son. She knows the feeling on how to be homeless, unwelcome, persecuted, poor, effects of social injustices and cruelty of man against man.

When everything fails or come to an end, an ever-loving Mother is always around to help and love. That is a motherly instinct.

Today, October 13 is also the 93rd anniversary of Mary’s last apparition in Cova da Iria, Fatima before the three Portuguese shepherds, Lucia, Jacinta and Franciso

In these difficult times of the Catholic Church of the Philippines where her moral teachings are under attack, we invoke Mary’s intercession that once more, she arms us with sufficient weapon to enlighten our minds on pressing issues that attack the integrity of the family and the dignity of life.

Prayers work. They can move mountains. With my personal unflinching love, trust and confidence in you, Mommie Mary, amidst the sufferings, I lean on your shoulder in total defeat and surrender seeking for your comfort and affection. After all of “these”, I will run to you, smiling with open arms and sincerely cry “Thank you!”

Ora pro nobis Sancta Dei Genitrix -30-

Rescate En Vivo

Estoy viendo en vivo el rescate de los mineros atrapados en Mina San Jose, Chile por medio de internet.  Cuatro son restacados --- faltan 29.

Estos son hombres valientes apustando sus vidas para sus familias  por amor que diariamente, hay comida  en la mesa, ropas para los niños y boveda de la casa.

Me junto a los miles de las Americas y del mundo esperando por el mejor hasta todos estaran restacados.

Suertes a todos!

Rep. Lagman On His Reproductive Bill

Finally, the good representative of Albay speaks.

The first part of his article in the PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER is clear. Everybody understands it. However, the second part, “Smear Offensive”, he brings out interesting issues about the Reproductive Health (RH) bill which I want to comment.

The Bill is not anti-life:

How is one convinced that it is not anti-life when what we are talking is the prevention of pregnancy through the use of artificial method? So, what, rhythm method also prevents pregnancy?

I agree that natural family planning prevents pregnancy but the sex act involved, naturally done without paraphernalia is open to the transmission of a new life while the artificial method, things (condom, IUD) stop the transmission of life.

The bill does not interfere with family life:

How believable is Mr. Lagman in saying this when a contraceptive undermines a marital relationship? Sex and responsibility go together otherwise what differs us from lower forms of animals? What is a family that does not know how to be responsible?

The bill will not promote contraceptive mentality:

The bill does not prohibit pregnancy: How sure is Rep. Lagman that his bill will not promote contraceptive mentality especially among the teens who know that they don’t get pregnant if they use condom? How sure is he that those aspiring to be in the flesh business don’t use condom to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs? If it does not prohibit pregnancy, why does it encourage the use then of contraceptives?

Humanae Vitae is not an infallible doctrine:

That is correct but it does not mean that the encyclical is wrong in its moral teaching. Mr. Lagman even said that Paul VI supported a minority report that eventually became the basis of his encyclical. The legislator from Albay, a lawyer, knows that truth and moral issues cannot be decided by a majority vote like in a beauty contest. If Mr. Lagman is familiar with the encyclical, if he is honest to himself, he agrees that all Paul VI prophesied came true on the use of contraceptives.

This is a case where any one says whatever s/he wants by using technical or ambiguous terms; anyway, who among the 100-million Filipinos are well informed on burning issues of our times? Who among us still remember our Logic and who among us have sufficient knowledge on Ethics or Moral Theology?

The more that we are dumb, the easier for our legislators to legislate.-30-

Ilocos Sur Hymn, Will It Help?

One news* (Its URL cannot be linked.) article from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) says “that the mandatory singing of the Ilocos Sur hymn is one way of promoting the cultures and traditions of the province” according to Vice Gov. DV Savellano.

Intuitive minds should ask how could simply singing the provincial hymn promotes cultures and traditions of the province?

Every day since 1898 when we got our independence from Spain, Lupang Hinirang is a staple in public schools and government institutions. Since then, is it accurate to say that Filipino ethnic cultures and traditions have been promoted? If so, going to other parts of the country would no longer stop our inquisitive minds asking why what we feel and see in Leyte is different from Ilocos Sur. Do the people of Tawi-Tawi know that when Ilocanos talk, as if they are fighting because of their intonation or tone when they are simply bantering?

As an optimist, I hope that by singing the Ilocos Sur hymn everyday, the province and its people realize and carry on their glorious past when it was still under Spain. At that time, we were pious, hard-working and dedicated to our families. Except for piety that now appears to be lukewarm, we are still the way we used to be in the present environment of modernity. In those years, we suffered the brutality of a foreign power but  we were united and valiant fighting an unwanted regime that plundered our wealth. Many of our ancestors died in plotting to fight a well-oiled army but they showed us courage, determination and will to be free. In those years, life was simple but they practiced "tagnawa, padigo, bayanihan " systems and a lot more from history books which are now things of the golden past.

I am reluctant to cite the Ilocos Sur today and the recent past because I respectfully disagree with a lot of things. These days some play the role of the three classical monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. That is the sad plight of politics challenging us to mature politically or suffer the consequences of our follies and apathy.

It is a good idea if the honorable Mr. Savellano spells out the meaning of his quote. -30

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Suggested additional reading material from this blog:
http://sapientiaaedificat.blogspot.com/2010/09/ilocos-sur-hymn-now-requirement.html

 See www.pia.gov.ph and search for the press release of Mr. Freddie G. Lazaro dated 2010/09/22.

Viva Mineros Chileanos

Mientras esperamos por la salir de los mineros chilieanos atrapados, rogamos por  un rescate exitoso.

Los mineros nos enseñan nunca perder la esperanza y que  hay  siempre ayuda que se lluvia desde las gentes y paises de benevolencia.

Que el dia tan feliz viene muy proximo cuando  Vds. se regresaran a tus familias con manos abiertas y de ahi, se sienten otra vez el amor y cariño de una familia completa.

Desde aqui en Filipinas, me compartio mi temprano felicidades a Chile y el pueblo chileano.

Viva a Vds!

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!

In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving Day is a bold red-lettered day where family members from far and near reunite, share the latest among them, fondly reminisce the past and bond together. The climax of the day is the turkey dinner, with cranberries, wine and yam. Before the sumptuous meal, a prayer is traditional in giving thanks to the Lord for all the gifts and blessings He bestowed.

Friends in the US and Canada told me that Thanksgiving Day is observed more than Christmas. Every fourth Thursday of November, families are busy preparing the turkey, baking, cooking and expecting relatives and friends. Malls and big groceries are closed --- virtually the country stands still where most celebrate the day.

On Christmas Day, the atmosphere is the same but lesser in impact. Not all are Christians in the US (and Canada).

Here at home, there was a time when dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared September 21 (Martial Law anniversary) as thanksgiving day. Is there a good reason for the dehumanized nation to be thankful for the horrible crimes of the brutal military rule?

Some Metro Manila elite celebrate Thanksgiving the day US celebrates on the fourth Thursday of November.

What for?

I am not saying that giving thanks to the Lord is not good or be discouraged but the history of the great American holiday has nothing to do with the Philippines. The Pilgrims left their homeland in Europe and headed to the New World to escape religious persecution and find a better life. After arriving in Plymouth, the pilgrims endured the fury of weather in a strange land with unfamiliar customs and people. At the 11th chapter of their storied emigration, the Indians welcomed them in their midst and showed them how to live in the land they now share.

“The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. He did not succeed but he did establish a settlement in Northern America. In 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now called Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving the long journey . . . This is considered the first Canadian Thanksgiving.” (1)

I have a very special one in Canada. I tell her later tonight to give thanks to the Lord, the source of all that is good and ask for more blessing and grace. At this early, she asked me how to roast her turkey. I have to dig up my recipe files for that.

To Canada and its citizens, Happy Thanksgiving Day! Bonne Action de Grâce!

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(1) Excerpt from Manila Bulletin editorial, October 10, 2010 edition.

Noynoy and Rico: That’s What Friends Are For

Interior U-Sec. Rico Puno went public and showed a cut of the pie of his friendship with the president. For two decades, the two are not just friends but close friends going together at the shooting range and supposedly attending socials as well.

The embattled secretary does not enjoy right now the approval of the people because of his believed involvement in receiving jueteng  payola to which he vehemently denied. On the other hand, Archbishop Cruz says otherwise. For sure one of them is dishonest. Who? I have no intention to answer that. I only want to remind that one of them is a politician and the other is a man of cloth although both of them are sinners like us.

Fond in singing, I can imagine the president singing Dan Hill’s line to Mr. Puno.

You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I'd rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I'm only just beginning to see the real you.

The president promised a transparent government and if I may go further, patterned after the manner the US government is ran. And if astrology is to be believed, Aquarians (the president is) are choosy in finding their friends who should be trusted and considered as a brother. Once the friendship is sealed, an Aquarian is a faithful friend that no matter what, “friendship does not fade or stink.”

I based that from my personality. Mr. Aquino and I share the same month, day and year of birth.

What I don’t understand about the president is his inflexibility in not giving an ear to what others say that one of his closest is a bad egg. Allegation remains an allegation but I doubt if there is a sane and respected person that fabricates a story besmirching the reputation of somebody whether inside the Congress or in the waters of public opinion. Mr. Aquino is correct is asking for evidence before we expect him to do something but why don’t we hear something that U-Sec. Puno and the rest of the named names in the  jueteng scandal are investigated if this government is really transparent?

As friends, I understand the pain both sides feel when Mr. Puno is fired by the president, an act that he must to restore the severely damaged people’s trust in his government. And if they are indeed friends, if Puno is gone from office in a way or the other, they can still enjoy their  sisig and fried lumpiang ubod and they can still go to the shooting range.

Pres. Aquino must put friendship second to his obligation to the Filipino people. Anyway, we understand that when stressing out from a hard day's work,  the two sings . . .

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

That’s what friends are for indeed! -30

Pray for Peace, Pray the Rosary

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior
For He has looked with favor on his lowly servant

From this day, all generations will call me blessed
The Almighty has done great things for me
And Holy is his Name 
(From Canticle of Mary or Magnificat)

                                    

Mary said that after accepting the message of an angel that she bears the Word to become flesh. As a Catholic, I revere/honor Mary. Had she not said “Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.” (Be it done to me according to your word.), salvation would be impossible. Had she said “NO”, there would be no Christ to redeem us.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. In my younger days, I remember that for the whole month, the image of our Lady visits different houses at night where the rosary is said. I used to join my grand mom I fondly called Mamang and my aunt for the nightly prayers and ever since, I was in loved with the rosary.

To this day now that I am almost a senior citizen, I always make it a point to pray the 20 decades of the rosary everyday. As if my day is not complete or as if I am missing something if I don’t pray the rosary. Once I leave the house, there is always a rosary in my pocket and whenever I travel, in a desperate need, have an abandoned, forgotten, unloved and rejected feeling, I pray it in English, Spanish, Latin and Ilocano to break the monotony. In times of trouble, fear decision-making and danger, the rosary gives me strength reminding me that there is a Mother who can intercede for all of our needs.

Exactly one year ago, I was down with a severe stomach virus that I was not able to eat anything but water for two weeks until there was a time that when I use the bathroom, I only flush water as if it came straight from the faucet. Whenever I moved, there was an excruciating pain. So I stayed on bed always praying the rosary. I was scared to leave the house and ask for medical help thinking that I could pass out in the street.

Despite that, I cannot explain why I did not lose my strength or became weak --- everything was normal except that I was not able to eat. I was reading, surfing the internet, taking showers, etc. but I was constantly praying my rosary. My nights were spent communicating with God that every time I change my position, I sought the mercy of God through Mary. Little by little, my appetite came back and to end the story, I profusely thanked Mary for her intercession but until now, I cannot explain how I survived for two weeks or so without any solid food or why I was not weakened by the virus despite not taking a prescription medicine.

For years, I have been praying for a rebellious loved me but last September; three days after the 15th, Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, I was surprised when the loved one had a serious talk with me and admitted her mistakes and oh well, I thought she was rebellious!

If you are a Catholic and pray the rosary regularly, I am sure that in the past, even without being aware of it, an unknown hand has helped you profoundly. I am not saying that this Marian devotion is the only way to receive grace and blessing but it greatly helps.

All of the Popes from Pius V in 1566 up to Benedict XVI are devoted to the rosary. And does anyone remember when John Paul II went to Fatima placing the bullet that almost killed him into the crown of Mary? He said that the Virgin saved him.

Remember sometime in the past how the rosary probably changed your life. Coincidence? Think twice and review how things went on.

May this month of October remind us again how loving our Mother. She said to Juan Diego and to us . . .

"Do not let anything afflict you, and do not be afraid of any illness, or accident, or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Do you need anything else?"

Pray the Rosary. Pray for peace and pray for God’s mercy! -30-

Sec. Hillary Clinton Pays Tribute to Pinoys

At the signing of the $434-million US Millenium Corp. grant to the Philippines graced by US State Sec. Hillary Clinton and Philippine Pres. Noynoy Aquino at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, Mrs. Clinton paid tribute to Filipinos when she extemporaneously said in part:

"I know how smart the Filipino people are. I know how hard they work. I’m not sure there’s any group of people anywhere in the world that work harder than Filipinos.”

That is the punch line of Sec. Clinton’s unrehearsed message that resounded not only at home but globally. The former First Lady knows who are the Filipinos in America and their achievements in their chosen fields especially in the medical.

Despite the yearly exodus of Filipinos leaving their country, families and loved ones in search for a better future, I sincerely believe that 90% of them, if there’s only a way, refuse to leave their Motherland. Despite the sickening greed creeping and the appetite to accumulate wealth (and power) among our politicians, Filipinos in general prefer to live a simple life in a nuclear family with strong ties.

Through the magic of modern technology, I read the frustrations, aspirations, victories, defeat and loneliness of Pinoys from all corners of the world, far and near. They have to do something like leaving their families for a while telling them that “everything will be fine, in God’s grace, I’ll be back and we will be better off”.

Whether we like it or not, the Philippines is our country. If we believe the report of Pres. Noynoy he gave on his first 100 days in office, there is reason for us to have a guarded optimism.

There’s no question that Filipinos in the States are “smart” as proven by their academic achievements or as reflected by their life styles. Although declining rapidly, we should be thankful with our English capability that gives us an advantage in “being with and living with” a foreign culture. I heard proud parents bragging their kids as scholars, topping a board exam, on the dean’s list and so forth.

(“Smart” in the US is “intelligent” or “bright” in our lingo and never as “cunning” or “crafty”.)

These are the people who left this nation draining the brain of the country. Too bad, opportunities here are scarce or if there are, “it is not what you know but whom you know”. The brain drain has been felt years ago when some PhD and MA holder-authors spiced their works with grammatical errors. Observe some of our legislators speaking on TV. At times, they are lost in expressing themselves in English and thus, they resort to “actually”, “I mean” or “you know” then they switch to Taglish.  But so long as our officials remain apathetic to our needs; so long as they put forth their personal interests ahead of our own, this country is not getting any better.

How accurate is Mrs. Clinton in saying that we are hard-working. I know a lot of friends in the US working two jobs. After signing off from a day’s work, they go home and tend the family; take hours of rest then leave for the other job. Some have given up socializing and limited their route to work, Church and home. They brought along with them the Filipino spirit of “God and Family” and their poverty from home that make them life-battle tested in the land of plenty and of opportunities.

The top US diplomat who claims to have a lot of Filipino friends knows our aspirations as a people and as a nation. We are struggling and in despair asking  with a blank face “When will all of these sufferings come to an end?”

I honestly believe that the United States is sincere in helping us through their multi-faceted aids. Our doubt is on the part of our officials on whether they are serious in helping us or not. If they don’t; we have the right to demand our due for we elected them into office to care for us and not for themselves.

When Mrs. Clinton came here in 2009, she wowed us not only with her diplomatic skills but with her charisma as well. Does anyone remember when she went to Malanday National High School in Marikina looking to be a celebrity that she was mobbed by the students? Does any one remember how up to date she is about sports and our artists in the persons of Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco? What I can’t forget that Hillary (if I can call her that way) said in response to a question how she and Bill spend their free time, she said that they are just like ordinary people that they go to the movies once in a while.

That shows that life is fair. In the privacy of Bill’s and Hillary’s home, they have also their struggles and even aspirations like us who live an ordinary life or a sub-human life in the Smokey Mountain, along the "esteros" (filthy river banks) or under a bridge in Metro Manila. The difference? Setting aside the wealth of their country, their leaders and government, though not perfect, mean business in looking at the needs of their citizens even under the microscope if necessary. Whereas, here at home . . . do I still have to say something?

Sec. Clinton’s quote should challenge us more to strive better in our academic endeavors and our day to day activities. We should be inspired  to get better always (excelsior semper) for it is only through that that this country gets better. For sure, frustrations, challenges and failures are along the way but if you saw the movie  An American Tail, a 1986 animation, at the end of the tunnel, dreams come true.

Yet, no matter what, this country is the land of our birth.  It is she that nurtured us.  It is here that we spent our childhood with fond memories and it is here that we learned the value and meaning of life --- that sometimes, life is very cruel that one has to leave his wife, his children, his hometown and loved ones with bitter tears and agonizing  sobs only to find a better life somewhere out there. -30-

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Thank you to my very close friend Analyn Abellana  (at the left side of Mrs. Clinton in glasses) who lives in Reno, Nevada for  giving me the permission to use her picture with Sec. Clinton.

For additional reading material, please visit:
http://secretaryclinton.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/secretary-of-state-hillary-clinton-in-philippines/

"Catholic Church, Stop Meddling!”

The persisting rumble ignited by the artificial family planning issue gets uglier. In the process of an ecumenical Mass at the Manila Cathedral attended by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Adams, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, high ranking Church officials and counterparts from different faiths, a Jose Rizal-looking guy named Carlos Celdran unfurled his “Damaso” protest placard suggesting the hypocrisy of the clergy. 

(Padre Damaso, a Spanish Franciscan who had a daughter named Maria Clara is one of the fictional characters of the national hero’s NOLI ME TANGERE. The anticlerical novel exposes the abuses of the Spanish clerics when the country was under Spain’s colonial rule.)

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman is more unkind in his words as he sides with Celdran when he reminded that “Damaso” was just an “apt reminder” to Church officials of the “abuses and inequities of the clergy during the Spanish colonial regime when the Church wantonly interfered in secular activities and dictated on civilian authorities.” He goes on further saying “The message of Celdran is that ‘Father Damasos’ have survived the Spanish era and continue to bedevil government up to today,”

The Philippines during Rizal’s time is different from the Philippines today although somewhere along the line, there are indeed similarities. Rizal’s depiction of the abusive friars during his time is based from what he saw. At some point, Rep. Lagman is correct in saying that “Damasos” are still around in the persons of arrogant, self-centered and abusive priests. In fact, “Damasos”, are always in our midst for priests are also human like us who are sinful and imperfect. 

The point where I don’t agree with Lagman and countless fellow citizens is the issue on “interference in secular activities and on civilian authorities”.

When did the Catholic Church interfere in our secular activities and when did it dictate civilian authorities on what to do or what to legislate and what not to legislate?

If what is in the mind of Mr. Lagman is the Church’s opposition to artificial contraception and the Reproductive Health bill, I have not yet read or heard the Church/clergy telling us directly that we must not use artificial contraceptives. I have not yet heard the Church/clergy telling or compelling our legislators to enact or not to enact a particular law. I have not yet heard members of the Church castigating a politician or an ordinary citizen as a womanizer, gambler, corrupt, murderer, thief, etc. The Church/clergy has no intention to make us robots by telling us what to do and what not to do. It merely says what is wrong in our dispositions and actions with the intention to correct.

Whenever issues on morality and social justice are at stake, the Catholic Church cannot and will not remain silent or cowed. Contraception and artificial family planning, jueteng, graft and corruption, inequality in the justice system and neglecting the poor to name a few are all moral issues. In a country like the Philippines, if the Church remains silent who will take the side of the poor and the oppressed?

It’s true that there are some members of the clergy who are worse sinner than some of our politicians. Some have bad examples and they are indeed a disgrace. However, let me stress clearly that the clergy is not the Church --- they are a part of the Church.

The Church as a teacher of faith and moral issues cannot be shut up nor be threatened when the message of the Gospel is twisted or taken for granted

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We want to do a lot of things good and bad. It is easier to do bad than good for that is the human impulse. It is easier to go against the Decalogue than to forgive. Can we imagine if there are no laws governing the country? In that case, there would be chaos and anarchy. In the same manner, when the Church does not have laws, anybody can do anything like probably what was done in Sodom and Gomorrah.

We may not agree with the teachings of the Church but that does not mean that our perspective is right and that the Church is wrong. There are a lot that we cannot understand on what the Church is saying but it is not correct to say that because we don’t understand them, they are wrong. If we believe that there is an Almighty who calls Himself “the Way, the Truth and the Life”, anything that that Being says must all be true even if we don’t understand or like what He says.

Thus the Church is always around to meddle to show us what is morally right and wrong. The issue on artificial family planning falls on that. -30-

Excommunication Threat to Aquino: "Not True"

I said in the last entry of my blog, immediately before this article that:

". . . [I]t is not enough to take the face value of the words and teachings of the bishops or even the Church. It is wise to ask “Why are they saying that and how did they come to that point?

It is “puzzling” that a day after Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) head Bishop Nereo Odchimar broached the “possibility” of Mr. Aquino’s excommunication, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said that the threat is not true and blamed the media for the controversy.

Cardinal Rosales may have been polite in his words but he knows that artificial family planning is morally wrong per Church precepts. No "harm" has been made yet and he could just be holding his horse.

Did the good cardinal tell a lie? 

No, he didn’t.

Did Bishop Odchimar tell a lie?

He didn’t either.

So, what’s the controversy?

 

Pres. Aquino is under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Cardinal Rosales since the Palace is in Manila. The cardinal can impose excommunication to the president if the former deserves so but a daily said “the threat is not true”.

If it is unlikely that Aquino is excommunicated why did Odchimar mention “possibility”?

Canon 1329, Sec. 2 of the Code of Canon Law rules:

“Accomplices who are not named in a law or precept incur a latae sententiae penalty attached to a delict if without their assistance the delict would not have been committed, and the penalty is of such a nature that it can affect them; otherwise, they can be punished by ferendae sententiae penalties.”

If and when the president gives the green light for the distribution of condoms, pills, etc., or  if he signs  a bill into law  promoting the use of artificial family planning, the president is excommunicated  latae sententiae. In that circumstance, no one excommunicates the president but himself --- automatically after an offense is committed.

What’s wrong in using condoms and pills?

The following URL explains everything:

http://www.freewebs.com/catholicbirthcontrol/

Pres. Aquino’s Excommunication Getting Closer

One of my latest entries in this blog deals with excommunication and its possibility to be imposed upon the president. The DAILY INQUIRER carries today a story about the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), a collegial body, reminding the president on the prospect of his excommunication.

If the status quo remains unchanged - and it looks like that; I foresee Pres. Aquino and  those who call themselves "Catholic" (especially public figures) promoting or espousing abortifacient  family planning  to be excommunicated.

We understand the willingness of Malacañang to have a dialogue with the bishops on artificial family planning as indicated by the president but so far it’s a wishful thinking. It's apparent that each party firmly holds their ground and therefore any dialogue is just a waste of time.

CBCP President and Tandag, Surigao del Sur Bishop Nereo Odchimar and I agree that population is not the issue vis-à-vis poverty. The bishop was just civil in not mentioning government inefficiency, mismanagement and apathy as the radical causes of Philippine poverty.

Asked on the possibility that Pres. Aquino is excommunicated if he insists that the government distributes  contraceptives, Odchimar said that there is a "possibility". That is automatically translated into “yes” the moment the government starts doling out condoms.

The involvement of the Catholic Church on moral issues such as artificial birth reminds us the role of the abusive friars played during Spanish times. The Church does not condone their un-Christian acts. We are living in a different epoch. Contrary to angry comments alleging that we are going back to those sad years when clerics ruled over our lives and  we blindly followed them out of fear of damnation; that is not the case. No one is obliged to believe what the clergy and the Church are saying or teaching. From the times of Jesus, not all that He taught believed in Him and He did not force them to believe in Him.  Warning from the clergy saying that one goes to hell if s/he does not follow Church teaching is up to the individual to take that seriously or not.  What should be taken seriously is the fact that priests went to school for eight years to study Philosophy and Theology and bishops for some more years for their doctorate degrees.  If university professors are  credible  as authority in their fields, there is no valid reason for the clergy not to be trusted as well when they speak on moral and faith related issues.

The Philippines is known as a  deeply Christian nation aside from having a corrupt government (which the president is trying to clean up). If we are  a committed  Christian, it is not enough to take the  face value of the words and teachings of the bishops or even the Church.  It is wise to ask “Why are they saying that and  how did they come to that point?”.  We keep an open mind  and ask for enlightenment from the  well-informed instead of relying on our hunch and guts. Selectiveness in following  Church teachings that only satisfy our whims and caprices indicates infidelity or lukewarmness.

The issue of sexual abuse on the part of the clergy as brought out by some pro-contraceptives factions has nothing to do with the contraceptive issue. Such unguided argument  is rife in getting even with the Church whose hierarchy  has consistently condemned such abuses. What’s at stake is the immorality of human hands playing  God on the procreation of life and not the sins the clergy commits.  Only God has the power to decide if and when a new life is created or not.

"If the Church is persistent in saying that contraceptives are wrong and immoral," condom advocates argue, "time will come when they realize that such teaching (artificial contraception ban) is wrong." If they mean past errors of the Church such as the trial of Galileo Galilei for his heliocentric theory, that  has nothing to do with a moral issue.  It is purely in the realm of science

If protests hit the streets, not only anti-contraception factions are going but anti-Aquino  and  disgruntled groups as well. The Aquino administration is very young. Hopefully, issues will be resolved for the sake of the country and for the people long suffering from different hardships.

We wish Pres. Noynoy Aquino to give his equal  due to "Caesar" and God respectively.  At this point  it is very evident that he is only focused  to Caesar!-30-