THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Office on Women (CBCP-OW) has recently organized a three-day seminar-workshop for Women’s desk in Cagayan de Oro archdiocese to train diocesan coordinators in the task of assisting women and children in crisis situations.
The various problems women and children experienced were discussed in the program. Strategies were also laid out on how to address the issues. The 3-day seminar likewise trained the potential counselors with sufficient knowledge and skills on basic counseling, networking, net bonding and organization.
Dr. Zenaida Rotea, M.D. CBCP-OW executive secretary and Catholic Women’s League (CWL) National consultant discussed the “Dignity and Equality of Women,” providing a global, regional and local perspective on the current plight of women. She also spoke on the various types of violence inflicted on women, such as, physical, social, emotional and psychological.
Marita Wasan from Pro-life Philippines gave a talk on “Sexuality of the Youth,” explaining how media play a great role in influencing the sexual behavior of young people today.
On the third day, Rotea discussed with the participants strategies focusing on the problems of women especially in the areas of education, family/migration and poverty.
CBCP-OW teamed up with Catholic Women’s League (CWL) in organizing the training seminar.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
General assembly of chaplains and prison volunteers slated
AN upcoming 7th general assembly of the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) Chaplains and Volunteers in Prison Service (VIPS) will provide opportunities to 250 delegates in prison ministry to share and learn from their experiences in prison pastoral work.
The event slated on November 27-30 will be held at the Bukal ng Tipan Training Center in Taytay, Rizal and will center on the theme, “Discovering the Face of Christ among the Prisoners.”
ECPPC executive secretary Rodolfo Diamante said in a statement that the assembly hopes “to provide a forum where the chaplains and volunteers can address the concerns and issues in the prison ministry.” At the same time, it is also an occasion for VIPS “to assess, recommit and evolve a plan for the prison ministry and to give theological and pastoral updating.”
Resource persons for the event are Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ who will talk on the theme of the assembly; and Sr. Hazel Suarez, R.C. who will speak on Dialogic and Team Ministry.
People involved in criminal justice system both from Church and government will direct workshops centered on various topics such as Restorative Justice, Caring for the Caregivers, Children in Conflict with the Law and International Instruments affecting the field of Corrections.
Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo diocese will preside the Eucharistic mass at the opening of the summit, while Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto Princesa and ECPPC chairman will close the assembly on November 30.
Other mass presiders of the 4-day assembly include Bishop Francisco San Diego of Pasig diocese and Msgr. Juanito Figura, CBCP secretary-general.
The event slated on November 27-30 will be held at the Bukal ng Tipan Training Center in Taytay, Rizal and will center on the theme, “Discovering the Face of Christ among the Prisoners.”
ECPPC executive secretary Rodolfo Diamante said in a statement that the assembly hopes “to provide a forum where the chaplains and volunteers can address the concerns and issues in the prison ministry.” At the same time, it is also an occasion for VIPS “to assess, recommit and evolve a plan for the prison ministry and to give theological and pastoral updating.”
Resource persons for the event are Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ who will talk on the theme of the assembly; and Sr. Hazel Suarez, R.C. who will speak on Dialogic and Team Ministry.
People involved in criminal justice system both from Church and government will direct workshops centered on various topics such as Restorative Justice, Caring for the Caregivers, Children in Conflict with the Law and International Instruments affecting the field of Corrections.
Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo diocese will preside the Eucharistic mass at the opening of the summit, while Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto Princesa and ECPPC chairman will close the assembly on November 30.
Other mass presiders of the 4-day assembly include Bishop Francisco San Diego of Pasig diocese and Msgr. Juanito Figura, CBCP secretary-general.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
PBS to convene 1st Philippine Bible Forum
THE Philippine Bible Society (PBS) will hold a first ever Bible forum in the country on November 19-20 at the PBS Ministry Center, UN Avenue, Manila centered on the theme, “The Bible in the 21st Century Philippine Context”.
Plenary speakers in the forum is led by Prof. Takamitsu Muraoka, professor emeritus of Hebrew Language and Literature of Leiden University, the Netherlands; Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, National Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV); social anthropologist Dr. Melba Maggay, and Dr. Agustin B. Vencer, Jr, vice-president of DAWN Ministries.
The meeting shall include sessions where invited speakers will discuss various practical topics in relation to the bible and how it influenced our lives. Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano will present a paper on the topic A Stranger No More: Leaving Home with the Book of Ruth; Pastor Philip Flores, on God’s Message, not just Good Message: The Pastor and his Bible, Fr. Francis Lucas, on And the Word was made Flesh: Communication and Spirituality; Pastor Eric Maliwat, on Bible, Heart Language, and the Media, and Fr. Luke Moortgat on Kerygma: Bringing the Good News to the Houses, Slums, and Streets.
Likewise, noted biblical scholars and theologians will present and discuss their papers in the forum. Methodist Bishop Daniel Arichea, Jr. will speak on Revisiting Gospel and Culture and their Relevance for Faithful interpretation of the Scriptures; Dr. Jose M. de Mesa on “Hamartia and Pandaraya”: A Contextual Co-Relation; Dr. Jonathan Exiomo, on Some Implications of Post Modernity to a Dichotomic Worldview of “Interpretation and Application” in Biblical Studies; and Fr. Gerardo Tapiador, SSL, In the Light of the Risen Lord: A Biblical Theology on Cremation.
Other speakers will come from the academe: Dr. Madeline Vega of the Asian Theological Seminary and Dr. Rebecca Cacho of St. Scholastica’s College Department of Theology.
The upcoming forum aims to put the Bible at the center, and to highlight its relevance in the life of modern-day Filipinos.
Plenary speakers in the forum is led by Prof. Takamitsu Muraoka, professor emeritus of Hebrew Language and Literature of Leiden University, the Netherlands; Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, National Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV); social anthropologist Dr. Melba Maggay, and Dr. Agustin B. Vencer, Jr, vice-president of DAWN Ministries.
The meeting shall include sessions where invited speakers will discuss various practical topics in relation to the bible and how it influenced our lives. Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano will present a paper on the topic A Stranger No More: Leaving Home with the Book of Ruth; Pastor Philip Flores, on God’s Message, not just Good Message: The Pastor and his Bible, Fr. Francis Lucas, on And the Word was made Flesh: Communication and Spirituality; Pastor Eric Maliwat, on Bible, Heart Language, and the Media, and Fr. Luke Moortgat on Kerygma: Bringing the Good News to the Houses, Slums, and Streets.
Likewise, noted biblical scholars and theologians will present and discuss their papers in the forum. Methodist Bishop Daniel Arichea, Jr. will speak on Revisiting Gospel and Culture and their Relevance for Faithful interpretation of the Scriptures; Dr. Jose M. de Mesa on “Hamartia and Pandaraya”: A Contextual Co-Relation; Dr. Jonathan Exiomo, on Some Implications of Post Modernity to a Dichotomic Worldview of “Interpretation and Application” in Biblical Studies; and Fr. Gerardo Tapiador, SSL, In the Light of the Risen Lord: A Biblical Theology on Cremation.
Other speakers will come from the academe: Dr. Madeline Vega of the Asian Theological Seminary and Dr. Rebecca Cacho of St. Scholastica’s College Department of Theology.
The upcoming forum aims to put the Bible at the center, and to highlight its relevance in the life of modern-day Filipinos.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Hapag-asa, feeding children with hope for a better future
MALNOURISHED children can now look forward to a hearty meal and balanced diet to nourish their frail bodies.
An integrated nutrition program for the poor and malnourished children dubbed HAPAG-ASA was launched by Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation just recently.
The program has two major components: supplemental feeding and education classes.
The feeding program targets malnourished children between 6 to 12 years old. Each child enrolled in the program is given Vitameal-enriched meals. This is a scientifically prepared rice and lentil meal filled with protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals. Local ingredients, such as rice, chicken, and potatoes are mixed with the food to make it more appealing and palatable to children.
Consisting of 120 feeding sessions, the children are fed once a day, five days a week for six months.
According to nutrition experts this regimen will reverse the devastating effects of malnutrition on children. Although brain damage caused by malnutrition is irreversible, the nutritious meal however, will restore the children’s health and give them a future.
HAPAG-ASA aims to feed 120,000 malnourished children nationwide. Around 50,000 are currently enrolled under the program.
The first batch of 120,000 children was enrolled in 2005. It saved around 76,000 from malnutrition and health-related illnesses.
Although admittedly small in scope in the face of millions of children experiencing hunger in the country today, HAPAG-ASA, nonetheless acts as a beacon of hope to the country’s hungry children.
Studies by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that 3 out of 10 Filipino children, ages 0 to 5 years are suffering from chronic malnutrition.
The program is currently being implemented in the Archdiocese of Manila, dioceses of Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Cubao, Daet, Paranaque, San Pablo, Antipolo, Imus, Puerto Princesa, Malolos, and in 20 other dioceses in the provinces.
Non-government organizations (NGOs), foundations and local government units (LGUs) have likewise took the cause and adopted the program.
Meanwhile, parents of malnourished children are also beneficiaries of the program in the form of education classes. Seminars on topics of Spiritual/Value formation, Health and Nutrition, Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods, and livelihood/skills training are given to parents to equip them with skills that would help improve their lives.
Pondo ng Pinoy is circulating a poster to create greater public awareness on the program. The campaign poster features the famous “Hapag ng Pag-asa” painting of Mr. Joey Velasco accompanied by a bible verse: “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” (Mt. 25:35).
An integrated nutrition program for the poor and malnourished children dubbed HAPAG-ASA was launched by Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation just recently.
The program has two major components: supplemental feeding and education classes.
The feeding program targets malnourished children between 6 to 12 years old. Each child enrolled in the program is given Vitameal-enriched meals. This is a scientifically prepared rice and lentil meal filled with protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals. Local ingredients, such as rice, chicken, and potatoes are mixed with the food to make it more appealing and palatable to children.
Consisting of 120 feeding sessions, the children are fed once a day, five days a week for six months.
According to nutrition experts this regimen will reverse the devastating effects of malnutrition on children. Although brain damage caused by malnutrition is irreversible, the nutritious meal however, will restore the children’s health and give them a future.
HAPAG-ASA aims to feed 120,000 malnourished children nationwide. Around 50,000 are currently enrolled under the program.
The first batch of 120,000 children was enrolled in 2005. It saved around 76,000 from malnutrition and health-related illnesses.
Although admittedly small in scope in the face of millions of children experiencing hunger in the country today, HAPAG-ASA, nonetheless acts as a beacon of hope to the country’s hungry children.
Studies by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that 3 out of 10 Filipino children, ages 0 to 5 years are suffering from chronic malnutrition.
The program is currently being implemented in the Archdiocese of Manila, dioceses of Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Cubao, Daet, Paranaque, San Pablo, Antipolo, Imus, Puerto Princesa, Malolos, and in 20 other dioceses in the provinces.
Non-government organizations (NGOs), foundations and local government units (LGUs) have likewise took the cause and adopted the program.
Meanwhile, parents of malnourished children are also beneficiaries of the program in the form of education classes. Seminars on topics of Spiritual/Value formation, Health and Nutrition, Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods, and livelihood/skills training are given to parents to equip them with skills that would help improve their lives.
Pondo ng Pinoy is circulating a poster to create greater public awareness on the program. The campaign poster features the famous “Hapag ng Pag-asa” painting of Mr. Joey Velasco accompanied by a bible verse: “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” (Mt. 25:35).
Friday, October 19, 2007
CBCP head appeals for prayers to end violence in Myanmar
CATHOLIC Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo sent a letter to all bishops in the country requesting them for prayers and Holy Masses to reach a “peaceful and non-violent solution to the situation in Myanmar.”
Lagdameo said Filipinos can easily empathize with the Burmese people because of the Philippines’ own experience of repressive rule during Martial Law regime.
“Having ourselves experienced what it is to be under Martial Rule and participated in the peaceful restoration of our democracy, we can understand as well as sympathize with the monks, people and bishops of Myanmar,” said Lagdameo.
Earlier, FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences) Secretary General and Cotabato archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI sent a letter of solidarity to Most Rev. Paul Zinghtung Grawng, President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) assuring him that member Episcopal Conferences have been urged to offer prayers and holy masses to avoid further violence to take place.
“We pray that the problems in your beloved country would be resolved through peaceful dialogue for the sake of the common good,” Quevedo said.
CBCM issued a statement on September 26 saying the Church has been praying for peace and development, and urging people to also offer prayers and sacrifices. The statement further stated that “priests and religious are not involved in any party-politics, and in the current protests,” but Catholics “are free to act as they deem fit.”
Demonstrations led by Buddhists’ monks have been escalating in downtown Yangon and other places since last month against rising inflation, corruption and continued suppression of democracy.
Myanmar has been under military rule for more than 45 years.
International condemnation poured forth as military government violently clamped down on protests that led to arrests and deaths of thousand of demonstrators.
Latest reports said hundred of monks have been executed and bodies dumped in the jungle.
Lagdameo said Filipinos can easily empathize with the Burmese people because of the Philippines’ own experience of repressive rule during Martial Law regime.
“Having ourselves experienced what it is to be under Martial Rule and participated in the peaceful restoration of our democracy, we can understand as well as sympathize with the monks, people and bishops of Myanmar,” said Lagdameo.
Earlier, FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences) Secretary General and Cotabato archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI sent a letter of solidarity to Most Rev. Paul Zinghtung Grawng, President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) assuring him that member Episcopal Conferences have been urged to offer prayers and holy masses to avoid further violence to take place.
“We pray that the problems in your beloved country would be resolved through peaceful dialogue for the sake of the common good,” Quevedo said.
CBCM issued a statement on September 26 saying the Church has been praying for peace and development, and urging people to also offer prayers and sacrifices. The statement further stated that “priests and religious are not involved in any party-politics, and in the current protests,” but Catholics “are free to act as they deem fit.”
Demonstrations led by Buddhists’ monks have been escalating in downtown Yangon and other places since last month against rising inflation, corruption and continued suppression of democracy.
Myanmar has been under military rule for more than 45 years.
International condemnation poured forth as military government violently clamped down on protests that led to arrests and deaths of thousand of demonstrators.
Latest reports said hundred of monks have been executed and bodies dumped in the jungle.
Monday, October 15, 2007
LAIKO holds 15th Biennial National Convention
AROUND 200 lay leaders nationwide participated at the 15th National Biennial Convention of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, the Secretariat of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity.
The lay leaders were representatives of all LAIKO affiliated Diocesan Councils on the Laity, National Lay Organizations and Lay Leaders of the different archdioceses and dioceses in the country.
The convention was held at Angels’ Hills Retreat House and Formation Center, Tagaytay City, on October 12-14, 2007.
The meeting explored the theme: “A Path to Unity”.
A statement from the LAIKO secretariat said the three-day summit aimed to “build and experience UNITY among the Laity with the Hierarchy,” emphasizing that “it is a gift from the Holy Spirit that has to be prayed and worked for.”
The convention participants elected new board members of LAIKO for 2008-2009. The elected President of LAIKO, who will assume office in January 2008, automatically becomes the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECLA).
ECLA Chairman and Antipolo bishop Gabriel Reyes presided the Eucharistic celebration on the first day of the convention.
Bishop speakers include San Fernando, Pampanga Auxiliary bishop Roberto Mallari who spoke on Petrine and Marian Profile; Calapan Vicar Apostolic Warlito Cajandig, on Benedict VXI’s Apostolic Exhortation ‘Sacramentum Caritatis’; and Malaybalay bishop Honesto Pacana, SJ who expounded the topic “Who is my Brother?”
Other speakers came from the laity. Cindy Alesanko on ‘Deus Caritas Est’ and Unity; LAIKO Executive secretary Ernie Burdeos on Reciprocal Love; while Emma Melgarejo shared her insights on Mary: the Model Lay Person.
The lay leaders were representatives of all LAIKO affiliated Diocesan Councils on the Laity, National Lay Organizations and Lay Leaders of the different archdioceses and dioceses in the country.
The convention was held at Angels’ Hills Retreat House and Formation Center, Tagaytay City, on October 12-14, 2007.
The meeting explored the theme: “A Path to Unity”.
A statement from the LAIKO secretariat said the three-day summit aimed to “build and experience UNITY among the Laity with the Hierarchy,” emphasizing that “it is a gift from the Holy Spirit that has to be prayed and worked for.”
The convention participants elected new board members of LAIKO for 2008-2009. The elected President of LAIKO, who will assume office in January 2008, automatically becomes the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECLA).
ECLA Chairman and Antipolo bishop Gabriel Reyes presided the Eucharistic celebration on the first day of the convention.
Bishop speakers include San Fernando, Pampanga Auxiliary bishop Roberto Mallari who spoke on Petrine and Marian Profile; Calapan Vicar Apostolic Warlito Cajandig, on Benedict VXI’s Apostolic Exhortation ‘Sacramentum Caritatis’; and Malaybalay bishop Honesto Pacana, SJ who expounded the topic “Who is my Brother?”
Other speakers came from the laity. Cindy Alesanko on ‘Deus Caritas Est’ and Unity; LAIKO Executive secretary Ernie Burdeos on Reciprocal Love; while Emma Melgarejo shared her insights on Mary: the Model Lay Person.
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