The 5th National Catholic Charismatic Congress organized by the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Philippines will be held in the Archdiocese of Cebu on May 28-31 this year.
Themed “Spirit-filled Communities Growing Together as the Body of Christ”, the congress is expected to draw thousands of participants from various Charismatic communities and prayer groups all over the country.
The four-day event will feature praise and worship, talks and workshops, Baptism in the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost and testimonies of healing.
A talk on “Growing Together as the Body of Christ” will be given on the first day. The second day will feature “Maturing in the Word and the Eucharist.” The third day will have two conferences, “New Challenges for the CCR-Philippines” and “CCR Communities in Transformational Development.” The last day of the Congress, being Pentecost Sunday, will fittingly feature a talk titled “The Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ.”
With Cebu International Convention Center as the site, the upcoming Congress adds to a hosts of activities set to enliven the jubilee celebration of the archdiocese.
The Metropolitan archdiocese of Cebu is set to mark its 75th anniversary as an archdiocese on April 28.
The Charismatic congress will be an occasion to celebrate the Pentecost of the Nations, a worldwide project of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service (ICCRS), and one of the main objectives of the event. It will also serve as a triduum for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday; and a time (Kairos) of praying and reflecting on growing together as Spirit-filled Catholic Charismatic Ministries.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The country’s situation challenges us, says bishop
Speaking before an assembly of roughly twenty thousand people inside the huge amphitheatre of the Araneta Coliseum today, Imus bishop Luis Antonio Tagle said the state of our nation today presents a challenge to us whom we call ourselves apostles.
He said the example of St. Paul’s life dare us to practice the qualities that embody what a true apostle is all about.
Tagle, one of the speakers in today’s celebration of the Pauline year at the Araneta Coliseum said a person can only be considered a true apostle if he or she has the revelation of Jesus Christ, cares for the Church and suffers for the Church.
Citing the three points as true marks of an apostle, Tagle said Paul was able to preach Jesus only because he has experienced the revelation of Jesus himself.
He said the same revelation, the presence of Jesus, should also be seen in the life of Christians.
The bishop also cited how the Apostle collected money to support the early Christian communities he founded even as he was accused of using the money for himself.
As his various letters would attest, Paul had suffered all kinds of harm because of his concern for the churches he founded, said Tagle.
A true apostle does not only suffer for oneself but more for others, for the Church, he said.
Peppered with anecdotes drawn from his own experience first as a priest, then as a bishop, Tagle electrified the audience of religious, lay leaders and students with his rhetoric.
He urged the crowd to develop a sense of transcendence and turn to God in times of difficulties and called on everyone to perform their mission in life in the best way they can.
He said the example of St. Paul’s life dare us to practice the qualities that embody what a true apostle is all about.
Tagle, one of the speakers in today’s celebration of the Pauline year at the Araneta Coliseum said a person can only be considered a true apostle if he or she has the revelation of Jesus Christ, cares for the Church and suffers for the Church.
Citing the three points as true marks of an apostle, Tagle said Paul was able to preach Jesus only because he has experienced the revelation of Jesus himself.
He said the same revelation, the presence of Jesus, should also be seen in the life of Christians.
The bishop also cited how the Apostle collected money to support the early Christian communities he founded even as he was accused of using the money for himself.
As his various letters would attest, Paul had suffered all kinds of harm because of his concern for the churches he founded, said Tagle.
A true apostle does not only suffer for oneself but more for others, for the Church, he said.
Peppered with anecdotes drawn from his own experience first as a priest, then as a bishop, Tagle electrified the audience of religious, lay leaders and students with his rhetoric.
He urged the crowd to develop a sense of transcendence and turn to God in times of difficulties and called on everyone to perform their mission in life in the best way they can.
Nuncio addresses mammoth crowd at Araneta Coliseum today
St. Paul the ApostleApostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams has addressed a mammoth crowd of about twenty thousand including around 85 bishops, priests and religious at the Araneta Coliseum today in celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul.
In his introduction, Papal nuncio archbishop Edward Joseph Adams stressed the importance of the celebration as the church commemorates the bimillennium of the Apostle’s birth.
The nuncio cited that it was the grace of conversion the Apostle received that led to his becoming a great missionary of the Church.
The Church has nothing to pass on to the Christian believers but that light that Paul experienced during his conversion, he said.
For his part, Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) Chair and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes gave a spirited homily that was warmly applauded by the faithful.
Echoing the exhortation of Paul to the early Christian communities he founded, he likewise urged Filipinos to live a life in imitation of Christ.
He took a dig on the issue of corruption, a perennial problem in Philippine society.
“Corruption has become a way of life for us,” he said. “Dapat tayong mga Filipino mahiya dahil sa corruption” (We should be ashamed of corruption plaguing our society), Bastes added.
The ECBA chairman said that while the Apostle was not ashamed to preach the gospel, “we Filipinos should be ashamed with our way of life”, referring to the issue of corruption.
Bastes said the ecumenical gathering is an inspiration for all believers especially for Filipinos as it shows that it is possible to heal a wounded nation like the Philippines.
We have the compass to heal our wounded nation in its economic, social and spiritual aspects, he said.
He cited the “one bible” campaign as one way of healing the division that exists between Christians.
ECBA and Philippine Bible society (PBS) have jointly spearheaded a five-year bible campaign dubbed “May they be One” that aims to put a bible in every Filipino home in five years.
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao led the faithful in praying the Jubilee prayer to St. Paul asking God “That we too may turn from sinful ways and be converted so that we may attain peace in our hearts in our families in our country, and in the world.”
A plenary indulgence was granted by the cardinal at the end of the Mass to all those who participated in the celebration.
The Pauline event was organized by the Pauline congregations in the Philippines in regard of the Holy Father’s counsel to make the Apostle Paul more known in this year’s celebration of the bimillennium of his birth.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Taizé: An icon of unity and hope in a divided world
(photo by: Sabine Leutenegger CH Wil)In a world divided by ethnic strife and differing religious and cultural backgrounds, the Taizé community becomes an icon of hope, a promising sign that reconciliation is possible to happen among divided Christians and separated peoples.
Taizé’s way of life is a metaphor of what a real community is all about. The members, numbering almost a hundred today, and from different nationalities and religious backgrounds live together as a community, bound by the monastic vows of obedience, poverty, celibacy and to live in community with the brothers.
Against the backdrop of boiling conflicts and rising casualties spawned by the Second World War, Brother Roger, a Protestant, founded the monastic community in 1940, motivated by the intuition that Christians should be ferments of peace in humanity. Many years later, Brother Roger described his spiritual journey thus:
“Marked by the witness of my grandmother’s life, following her I found my own Christian identity by reconciling within myself the faith of my origins with the Mystery of the Catholic faith, without breaking fellowship with anyone.” (Letter from Taizé, 2008)
‘Pilgrimage of trust’
Taizé, that small village in France, through the years, has become a hub of spiritual activity where young adults from across the globe come in greater numbers to take part in weekly meetings. These young people join the brothers in their prayers and participate in group reflection and sharing on the word of God.
The Taizé prayer, which is consisted of singing the psalms, chanting short prayers, reading and meditating the Scriptures punctuated with long moments of silence, have touched the hearts of young people in search of deeper meaning in life. Through singing and silence, young people are led to reflect deeply on the Scriptures and allow the word to speak into their hearts.
Brother Andreas had participated in these meetings prior his joining the community in the early 90’s. Coming from a politically-divided Germany, his first experience of Taizé meeting in 1989 as a young man left an impressive mark on him.
“In this meeting (1989 Pilgrimage of Trust), we were supposedly to bring together young Christians from West and East Germany, which was a big sign of unity and hope for the country. I got to know what Taizé is all about, how this community managed to bring people together beyond the borders of what exists in humanity,” he said.
“The pilgrimage of Trust is an invitation for young people to find their way as Christians called in today’s society,” said Brother André, from Indonesia.
Brother André had first attended a weekend retreat organized by the brothers in his native Indonesia in 1993, as a young professional. He went to Taizé in 1996, stayed with the community to discern his vocation and eventually joined the group.
“The pilgrimage is not limited in one week in Taizé. [We] encourage them [participants] to go back to their countries and to live as witnesses to the world bringing peace and reconciliation to this world which is so often marked by division,” said Brother André.
Spirit of reconciliation
The Taizé’s spirit of reconciliation has spread out of its confines since its foundation, reaching out to as many people as possible through international youth meetings in various continents.
Each year, the community organizes a European meeting in coordination with local parishes and church communities. In 2005, after Brother Roger’s death, the community had expanded its reach to other continents with meetings organized in Asia (Calcutta, India in 2006), Latin America (Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2007) and Africa (Nairobi, Kenya in 2007).
An international youth meeting was organized in Manila in 1991 attended mostly by young people from the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries. But since the 1970s, the brothers had already been visiting the country; and had invited Filipino youth to participate in international meetings in Taizé for a three-month period every year.
Another meeting is set to happen in Manila in 2010 with trust, peace, and reconciliation as central themes. The aim is to “support young people in their search for God and in their desire to commit themselves in the Church and society.”
Meeting young people in various gatherings they organized here last year, Brother Andreas observed the inherent ability of Filipinos to cope with difficult situations they encounter in life.
“I think it’s a treasure that you have here. Your faith is very alive. But we should also be [aware that we] are called to work for a better society. These are two things [we have to remember], how can the people keep their relationship with God, and [how] can we reach out to others,” he said.
Simple lifestyle
Although their ministry gets them to travel around the globe, the brothers’ lifestyle is marked with simplicity. They earn their keep by working just like ordinary people in the world. Some brothers live in small fraternities in other countries among the poor in Bangladesh, Senegal, Brazil, New Zealand and Korea.
“[Work] is something very strong in my community,” said Brother Andreas. He explained that Brother Roger made it very clear from the beginning that the community should not accept donations but rather live by the produce of its work.
The community has a pottery workshop that churns out items for sale in Taizé. Brothers who had no knowledge of pottery discover their innate artistry within the workshop halls.
“We have the pottery, print, music, some brothers write books,” Brother Andreas said. “The brothers who never knew pottery before, now have to learn it,” he added.
An incarnation of Jesus’ prayer
By its very being, the ecumenical community has truly become an incarnation of Jesus’ priestly prayer, “May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you.” (cf. John 17:1-26)
The profound understanding of being called to become a sign that points to God as love was never lost on Brother Roger even early on as revealed in his writings.
“Since my youth, I think that I have never lost the intuition that community life could be a sign that God is love, and love alone. Gradually the conviction took shape in me that it was essential to create a community with men determined to give their whole life and who would always try to understand one another and be reconciled, a community where kindness of heart and simplicity would be at the centre of everything.”
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Archbishop reminds inmates there is hope behind bars
In a Mass held at the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) shortly before Christmas, the inmates received a boost of hope from Palo Archbishop Jose Palma who reminded the inmates that despite their very sad condition, there still is hope, and that God is very loving and merciful.
“Do not despair, for there is hope in the Lord. This is the message of Christmas!” declared the archbishop.
Such was the reason he sent his only divine son Jesus Christ to the world, to save us from death, he added.
He said that one may not at once understand God’s plan for our lives but there is an assurance that if we follow it, it will always be for our own good.
Palma presided the Eucharistic celebration in a makeshift tent inside the Maximum Security grounds last December 23, 2008. Fr. Abraham Palaña, parish priest of Abuyog and Fr. John Paul Pedrera concelebrated in the Mass.
The newly organized Inmates’ Choir and Servant Leaders, composed entirely of inmates sang and prepared the venue for the Eucharist.
Modest gift packs were distributed to the inmates at the end of the Mass.
The Volunteers In Prison Service (VIPS) unit of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (CBCP-ECPPC) in the Archdiocese of Palo organized the affair in coordination with the Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) management.
Prison volunteers have been frequently visiting the LRP since 1999 but it was only in 2008 that the VIPS apostolate in the LRP had become a regular ministry.
The LRP Personnel led by Jail Superintendent Richard W. Schwarzkopf, Jr. participated in the Mass.
Supt. Schwarzkopf welcomed Palma and hosted a sumptuous brunch and informal meeting with him after the celebration. They discussed the possibility of having a chaplain assigned to LRP.
Due to scarcity of available priests in the archdiocese, holy Masses and other sacraments and pastoral services are seldom held in prison facilities. The penal institution currently houses 1,233 prisoners.
Seeing the urgency of the situation, the archbishop promised to look into the matter.
The long distance travel from the city to the prison also hinders the volunteers, who all come from Tacloban, to implement the Integrated Pastoral Program of the CBCP-ECPPC at LRP.
But they look forward to organize soon a VIPS unit in Abuyog to be able to respond to the holistic needs of the inmates with the help of the parish priest.
“Do not despair, for there is hope in the Lord. This is the message of Christmas!” declared the archbishop.
Such was the reason he sent his only divine son Jesus Christ to the world, to save us from death, he added.
He said that one may not at once understand God’s plan for our lives but there is an assurance that if we follow it, it will always be for our own good.
Palma presided the Eucharistic celebration in a makeshift tent inside the Maximum Security grounds last December 23, 2008. Fr. Abraham Palaña, parish priest of Abuyog and Fr. John Paul Pedrera concelebrated in the Mass.
The newly organized Inmates’ Choir and Servant Leaders, composed entirely of inmates sang and prepared the venue for the Eucharist.
Modest gift packs were distributed to the inmates at the end of the Mass.
The Volunteers In Prison Service (VIPS) unit of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (CBCP-ECPPC) in the Archdiocese of Palo organized the affair in coordination with the Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) management.
Prison volunteers have been frequently visiting the LRP since 1999 but it was only in 2008 that the VIPS apostolate in the LRP had become a regular ministry.
The LRP Personnel led by Jail Superintendent Richard W. Schwarzkopf, Jr. participated in the Mass.
Supt. Schwarzkopf welcomed Palma and hosted a sumptuous brunch and informal meeting with him after the celebration. They discussed the possibility of having a chaplain assigned to LRP.
Due to scarcity of available priests in the archdiocese, holy Masses and other sacraments and pastoral services are seldom held in prison facilities. The penal institution currently houses 1,233 prisoners.
Seeing the urgency of the situation, the archbishop promised to look into the matter.
The long distance travel from the city to the prison also hinders the volunteers, who all come from Tacloban, to implement the Integrated Pastoral Program of the CBCP-ECPPC at LRP.
But they look forward to organize soon a VIPS unit in Abuyog to be able to respond to the holistic needs of the inmates with the help of the parish priest.
Friday, January 16, 2009
RP to host Taize international youth meeting
A worldwide assembly of young people in search of God and the desire to commit themselves in the Church and society called “Taize pilgrimage of trust on earth” will have its international meeting in Manila on February 3-7 next year.
Brother Alois, the Prior of Taize community in France has made the announcement during the 31st European meeting organized in Brussels from December 29, 2008 to January 2, 2009.
The brothers have asked the coordination of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to facilitate communication with the local bishops in organizing youth meetings in preparation for the 2010 gathering in Manila.
“Since last year, they have been visiting bishops, laying down the plans for the pilgrimage of trust. They have conducted retreats for the regions, engaging young people to a retreat. Part of that is to make them aware that there is a preparation for 2010, which would be in the first week of February,” said ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegondo Garganta.
At least, three brothers, Andreas, Andre and Ghislain were around sometime last year and have visited several dioceses and met with different youth groups. While they were around they led regular prayer meetings on Tuesday evenings at the chapel of the Little Sisters of Jesus in Mandaluyong and every Thursday noon at the CBCP chapel. On Monday evenings they joined the prayers led by a group of young people at the EDSA shrine.
The brothers are expected to come again at different times during the year to oversee the preparations, Garganta said.
He explained that the commission provides a linkage to the different youth ministries in schools and youth groups all over the country.
The executive secretary noted the positive effect of the brothers’ meeting with the youth.
“There are a lot of good things that are happening as a result of their contact with our young people, especially in terms of their activities in prayer. It gives our young people the opportunity to focus more on the significance of prayer, and from that our young people [develop] somehow a way of looking at life. If they are students [or] young professionals, they become more intimate with prayer,” said Garganta.
The response of the youth has been very good in terms of participation according to Garganta. Most of their stories after their retreat tell of their unique and life-changing experience. It helps them to focus and appreciate the value of prayer and to continue to do the habit of praying.
“Taize experience”
Filipino youth have been invited to Taize to participate in the international meetings and live with the community for a three-month period. The three-month “Taize experience” has been going on annually since the 1970s when the brothers first visited the country.
The commission facilitates and recommends the youth who will go to live in Taize for three months. The first batch of delegates goes before Lent. A second group leaves before Advent.
Garganta said it is a continuing program between the commission and the Taize community that every year at least two batches of 3-5 delegates are sent, or depending on the number of participants the brothers would want the commission to send.
“We prepare them, interview them, and give them orientation. We select those who will be sent to live there for three months,” the priest said.
Those who have lived in Taize come back to the country and continue to live in the community where they originated.
But they are not expected to start or build another community. Instead they are expected to give witness to their experience through a prayerful life and service rendered to the Church and society.
Taize is not a movement, explained Bro. Andreas, one of the brothers who visited the Philippines last year. He said Taize’s late founder, Brother Roger, was very precise in making it known that Taize is not a movement.
“The young people that we meet, we make sure to send them back to the local Churches,” said Brother Andreas.
“It is more of witnessing, group gathering together, doing the Taize prayer,” Garganta said.
The young priest is very optimistic of the forthcoming meeting. Noting that it will happen few months before the national mid-year elections, he expects the pilgrimage of trust will become a source of renewal for 2010 and even beyond.
“We look forward that this pilgrimage of trust will influence our young people in terms of becoming more mature, in making most of the opportunities especially now that we are preparing and looking forward to 2010 elections,” Garganta said.
“We expect our young people to contribute a lot in terms of living up their vocation as young Christians [adept in] selecting leaders capable of leading the country towards real transformation,” he added.
The Taize Community
Back in 1940, an international ecumenical community was born in a small French village named Taize. Founded by Bro. Roger, the community now with members comprising almost a hundred is composed of Catholics and from various Protestant backgrounds, from around 30 nations.
The ecumenical spirit behind Taize’s way of life has made it become a “parable of community”, a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples in today’s modern world.
Through the years, young people all over the world have been going to Taize to take part in weekly meetings and experience the brothers’ way of life. They join the community for prayer three times a day and participate in group reflection and sharing on the word of God.
2010 Meeting in Manila
Next year’s meeting in Manila will be a new phase in the “Pilgrimage of trust on earth” began by Brother Roger. The pilgrimage has the over all theme of “inner life and human solidarity” and aims to support young people in their search for God and commitment to the Church and society.
In a letter to Brother Alois, ECY Chairman Joel Baylon conveyed his pleasure to have Manila host the 2010 meeting.
“We are grateful for this great blessing for the Church in the Philippines to welcome young pilgrims and to gather them for a week of reflection, silence, sharing and witnessing in faith. We believe that young people are called to bring the Good News of God’s love by living simple yet upright lives, by reaching out to be of service to others, by communal action on behalf of justice and truth,” the Masbate bishop said.
He extended his invitation to the pilgrim participants saying: “Affirming your struggles and your dreams as young people in your search for the truth and in your commitment to live the spirit of communion in the Church and in society, we invite you to journey with us and share your own stories of hope and reconciliation.”
The bishop said the Church in the Philippines looks forward to the auspicious event with eagerness.
“And we look forward to share with you our life, with all its joys and hopes, and especially those found in our treasure, the Filipino youth,” he added.
Arjen, a Mindanaon who is currently staying in the Taize community was delighted at the announcement of the venue of next year’s meeting. Addressing the thousands of participants gathered in the halls of Brussels Expo, she said:
"Like other young people, we too have dreams and struggles. And we want to search for the truth to be found in living in the spirit of Christ. The Pilgrimage of Trust will give us a boost. It will help us to deepen our faith and our commitment to live in communion, in the Church and in our society. It will also help us to unite not only Filipinos but other young people who are involved in their places. On this journey, we would also like to share with you our life, our joys and our hopes. We wish to share our faith with you and then open new paths of hope together. We need support from you young Europeans, and that is why we would like to invite you and to welcome you, the young people of Europe, for the Pilgrimage of trust in the Philippines."
Held annually, the recently concluded European gathering had assembled 40,000 young people all over Europe.
The upcoming meeting in Manila will be the 5th of its kind in Asia after gatherings held in Chennai, India in 1985 and 1988, Manila in 1991 and Kolkata, India in 2006.
Brother Alois, the Prior of Taize community in France has made the announcement during the 31st European meeting organized in Brussels from December 29, 2008 to January 2, 2009.
The brothers have asked the coordination of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to facilitate communication with the local bishops in organizing youth meetings in preparation for the 2010 gathering in Manila.
“Since last year, they have been visiting bishops, laying down the plans for the pilgrimage of trust. They have conducted retreats for the regions, engaging young people to a retreat. Part of that is to make them aware that there is a preparation for 2010, which would be in the first week of February,” said ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegondo Garganta.
At least, three brothers, Andreas, Andre and Ghislain were around sometime last year and have visited several dioceses and met with different youth groups. While they were around they led regular prayer meetings on Tuesday evenings at the chapel of the Little Sisters of Jesus in Mandaluyong and every Thursday noon at the CBCP chapel. On Monday evenings they joined the prayers led by a group of young people at the EDSA shrine.
The brothers are expected to come again at different times during the year to oversee the preparations, Garganta said.
He explained that the commission provides a linkage to the different youth ministries in schools and youth groups all over the country.
The executive secretary noted the positive effect of the brothers’ meeting with the youth.
“There are a lot of good things that are happening as a result of their contact with our young people, especially in terms of their activities in prayer. It gives our young people the opportunity to focus more on the significance of prayer, and from that our young people [develop] somehow a way of looking at life. If they are students [or] young professionals, they become more intimate with prayer,” said Garganta.
The response of the youth has been very good in terms of participation according to Garganta. Most of their stories after their retreat tell of their unique and life-changing experience. It helps them to focus and appreciate the value of prayer and to continue to do the habit of praying.
“Taize experience”
Filipino youth have been invited to Taize to participate in the international meetings and live with the community for a three-month period. The three-month “Taize experience” has been going on annually since the 1970s when the brothers first visited the country.
The commission facilitates and recommends the youth who will go to live in Taize for three months. The first batch of delegates goes before Lent. A second group leaves before Advent.
Garganta said it is a continuing program between the commission and the Taize community that every year at least two batches of 3-5 delegates are sent, or depending on the number of participants the brothers would want the commission to send.
“We prepare them, interview them, and give them orientation. We select those who will be sent to live there for three months,” the priest said.
Those who have lived in Taize come back to the country and continue to live in the community where they originated.
But they are not expected to start or build another community. Instead they are expected to give witness to their experience through a prayerful life and service rendered to the Church and society.
Taize is not a movement, explained Bro. Andreas, one of the brothers who visited the Philippines last year. He said Taize’s late founder, Brother Roger, was very precise in making it known that Taize is not a movement.
“The young people that we meet, we make sure to send them back to the local Churches,” said Brother Andreas.
“It is more of witnessing, group gathering together, doing the Taize prayer,” Garganta said.
The young priest is very optimistic of the forthcoming meeting. Noting that it will happen few months before the national mid-year elections, he expects the pilgrimage of trust will become a source of renewal for 2010 and even beyond.
“We look forward that this pilgrimage of trust will influence our young people in terms of becoming more mature, in making most of the opportunities especially now that we are preparing and looking forward to 2010 elections,” Garganta said.
“We expect our young people to contribute a lot in terms of living up their vocation as young Christians [adept in] selecting leaders capable of leading the country towards real transformation,” he added.
The Taize Community
Back in 1940, an international ecumenical community was born in a small French village named Taize. Founded by Bro. Roger, the community now with members comprising almost a hundred is composed of Catholics and from various Protestant backgrounds, from around 30 nations.
The ecumenical spirit behind Taize’s way of life has made it become a “parable of community”, a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples in today’s modern world.
Through the years, young people all over the world have been going to Taize to take part in weekly meetings and experience the brothers’ way of life. They join the community for prayer three times a day and participate in group reflection and sharing on the word of God.
2010 Meeting in Manila
Next year’s meeting in Manila will be a new phase in the “Pilgrimage of trust on earth” began by Brother Roger. The pilgrimage has the over all theme of “inner life and human solidarity” and aims to support young people in their search for God and commitment to the Church and society.
In a letter to Brother Alois, ECY Chairman Joel Baylon conveyed his pleasure to have Manila host the 2010 meeting.
“We are grateful for this great blessing for the Church in the Philippines to welcome young pilgrims and to gather them for a week of reflection, silence, sharing and witnessing in faith. We believe that young people are called to bring the Good News of God’s love by living simple yet upright lives, by reaching out to be of service to others, by communal action on behalf of justice and truth,” the Masbate bishop said.
He extended his invitation to the pilgrim participants saying: “Affirming your struggles and your dreams as young people in your search for the truth and in your commitment to live the spirit of communion in the Church and in society, we invite you to journey with us and share your own stories of hope and reconciliation.”
The bishop said the Church in the Philippines looks forward to the auspicious event with eagerness.
“And we look forward to share with you our life, with all its joys and hopes, and especially those found in our treasure, the Filipino youth,” he added.
Arjen, a Mindanaon who is currently staying in the Taize community was delighted at the announcement of the venue of next year’s meeting. Addressing the thousands of participants gathered in the halls of Brussels Expo, she said:
"Like other young people, we too have dreams and struggles. And we want to search for the truth to be found in living in the spirit of Christ. The Pilgrimage of Trust will give us a boost. It will help us to deepen our faith and our commitment to live in communion, in the Church and in our society. It will also help us to unite not only Filipinos but other young people who are involved in their places. On this journey, we would also like to share with you our life, our joys and our hopes. We wish to share our faith with you and then open new paths of hope together. We need support from you young Europeans, and that is why we would like to invite you and to welcome you, the young people of Europe, for the Pilgrimage of trust in the Philippines."
Held annually, the recently concluded European gathering had assembled 40,000 young people all over Europe.
The upcoming meeting in Manila will be the 5th of its kind in Asia after gatherings held in Chennai, India in 1985 and 1988, Manila in 1991 and Kolkata, India in 2006.
Madaris Gurus, Catechists to train become teachers and models of dialogue
A seminar-workshop aimed to foster friendship and promote dialogue among gurus and catechists will be held on January 16 to 18, 2009 at the Oasis of Dialogue Training Center in Harmony Village in Pitogo, Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The seminar for religion teachers - madaris (plural of madrasah) gurus and catechists - is organized by the Inter-Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL) of Silsilah Movement.
The three-day activity will feature small group discussions; general assembly forums; and shared experiences of prayer and reflection with Christian and Muslim clerics as lecturers.
Seeking not only to build friendships among the gurus and the catechists, the seminar also aims to share with the participants the experience of promoting dialogue.
The movement sees that sharing of stories and experiences as religion teachers can contribute to the spread of an orientation towards interreligious dialogue.
Silsilah believes that the religion teacher’s own style and attitudes create a great impact on the formation of the attitudes of young people.
The seminar-workshop likewise seeks to make the participants become “aware of the ongoing dialogue between Muslim and Christian religious leaders and scholars” which has developed in the last several months.
A document called A Common Word, signed by 138 Muslim scholars and addressed to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders proposes a challenge to everyone to be open “to the concept and practice of love of God and love of neighbor according to the fundamental teachings of Islam and Christianity”.
Trained in the promotion of dialogue, Gurus and catechists will not only be teachers but models as well of what it is to live a dialogical style of life, according to Silsilah.
Formation of religious educators is a key component in the Movement’s mission of promoting dialogue among peoples of various faiths.
The participants will give their own assessment at the end of the three-day activity to make the seminar more effective in the pursuit of dialogue as well as to formulate plans in improving it in view of forthcoming seminars of the same concern.
The seminar for religion teachers - madaris (plural of madrasah) gurus and catechists - is organized by the Inter-Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL) of Silsilah Movement.
The three-day activity will feature small group discussions; general assembly forums; and shared experiences of prayer and reflection with Christian and Muslim clerics as lecturers.
Seeking not only to build friendships among the gurus and the catechists, the seminar also aims to share with the participants the experience of promoting dialogue.
The movement sees that sharing of stories and experiences as religion teachers can contribute to the spread of an orientation towards interreligious dialogue.
Silsilah believes that the religion teacher’s own style and attitudes create a great impact on the formation of the attitudes of young people.
The seminar-workshop likewise seeks to make the participants become “aware of the ongoing dialogue between Muslim and Christian religious leaders and scholars” which has developed in the last several months.
A document called A Common Word, signed by 138 Muslim scholars and addressed to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders proposes a challenge to everyone to be open “to the concept and practice of love of God and love of neighbor according to the fundamental teachings of Islam and Christianity”.
Trained in the promotion of dialogue, Gurus and catechists will not only be teachers but models as well of what it is to live a dialogical style of life, according to Silsilah.
Formation of religious educators is a key component in the Movement’s mission of promoting dialogue among peoples of various faiths.
The participants will give their own assessment at the end of the three-day activity to make the seminar more effective in the pursuit of dialogue as well as to formulate plans in improving it in view of forthcoming seminars of the same concern.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Bible week celebration campaigns for unity among peoples
The Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in tandem with Philippine Bible Society and other partner organizations is spearheading a week of biblical celebration in observance of National Bible Week, January 19-25.
Themed “May they be one” (Ps 133:1, Jn 17:21), the Bible week celebration enjoins all Filipinos “to read and study God’s word to promote spiritual, moral and social stability in the country.”
Fr. Oscar Alunday, SVD, CBCP-ECBA executive secretary, in a letter sent to the different dioceses, has urged diocesan biblical apostolates to celebrate bible week in the spirit of the Pauline jubilee year.
“In response to the Holy Father’s desire for a solemn celebration of the Jubilee Year, we shall have a daily continuous oral reading (COR) of the letters of St. Paul (Romans to Hebrews) during the Bible Week,” he said.
Among the various activities lined up for the different dioceses in line with the week-long celebration are bible enthronements in parishes, schools and offices, bible symposia and biblical workshops for bible studies, and bible sharing.
As Ecumenical week is also celebrated on Jan. 18-25, Alunday likewise recommended in his letter that prayer and work for Christian unity and communion be done during bible week.
“During the Bible Week, create occasions for prayer and work for Christian unity and communion,” he said. “May they be one (MTBO) is also our prayer as we work and join the five-year nationwide campaign (2009-2013),” he added.
The five-year bible campaign dubbed “May they be one” launched last September 30, 2008, aims to put a bible in the home of every Filipino family in a five-year period.
The bible crusade hopes to encourage Filipinos to read and live the Bible that could effect transformation in the country, touted to be one of the most corrupt in Asia.
The observance of National Bible week will culminate with a liturgical-ecumenical-biblical celebration led by Philippine bishops at the Araneta Coliseum on January 25 at 8 a.m.
Celebrated annually by the Church and other partner organizations, the National Bible Week is also empowered by Presidential Proclamations 44 and 1067 mandating government institutions to observe the yearly event.
Themed “May they be one” (Ps 133:1, Jn 17:21), the Bible week celebration enjoins all Filipinos “to read and study God’s word to promote spiritual, moral and social stability in the country.”
Fr. Oscar Alunday, SVD, CBCP-ECBA executive secretary, in a letter sent to the different dioceses, has urged diocesan biblical apostolates to celebrate bible week in the spirit of the Pauline jubilee year.
“In response to the Holy Father’s desire for a solemn celebration of the Jubilee Year, we shall have a daily continuous oral reading (COR) of the letters of St. Paul (Romans to Hebrews) during the Bible Week,” he said.
Among the various activities lined up for the different dioceses in line with the week-long celebration are bible enthronements in parishes, schools and offices, bible symposia and biblical workshops for bible studies, and bible sharing.
As Ecumenical week is also celebrated on Jan. 18-25, Alunday likewise recommended in his letter that prayer and work for Christian unity and communion be done during bible week.
“During the Bible Week, create occasions for prayer and work for Christian unity and communion,” he said. “May they be one (MTBO) is also our prayer as we work and join the five-year nationwide campaign (2009-2013),” he added.
The five-year bible campaign dubbed “May they be one” launched last September 30, 2008, aims to put a bible in the home of every Filipino family in a five-year period.
The bible crusade hopes to encourage Filipinos to read and live the Bible that could effect transformation in the country, touted to be one of the most corrupt in Asia.
The observance of National Bible week will culminate with a liturgical-ecumenical-biblical celebration led by Philippine bishops at the Araneta Coliseum on January 25 at 8 a.m.
Celebrated annually by the Church and other partner organizations, the National Bible Week is also empowered by Presidential Proclamations 44 and 1067 mandating government institutions to observe the yearly event.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bible campaign gains worldwide awareness through the synod
An ecumenical endeavor of ECBA and Philippine Bible Society (PBS) with the cooperation of other Christian churches, the bible campaign dubbed “May they be one” (Ps 133:1, Jn 17:21) aims to disseminate five million low cost bibles to poor Filipino families in five years.
“May they be one” (MTBO) campaign was launched last September 30, 2008 at the Manila Cathedral in a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams. The event was concelebrated by a number of bishops led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, chair of Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and President of the Philippine Bible Society’s Board of Trustees. Bishop Bastes was the head of the Philippine delegation to the World Synod of Bishops in Rome held last October 5-26, 2008.
Based on a report made by Bishop Bastes, the project generated a worldwide interest when he presented it in three separate events during the 12th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in Rome.
He first presented the MTBO campaign to an international group during a dinner reception organized by Rev. Miller Milloy, general secretary of United Bible Societies for Catholic prelates, and representatives from United Bible Societies and the Catholic Biblical Federation and Catholic prelates attending the synod.
Bishop Bastes also cited as significant the signing of a joint statement on Partnership in the Biblical Ministry between the Catholic Biblical Federation and United Bible Societies. The signing, which took place during a press conference at the Vatican Press Office on October 14, was organized by Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Catholic Biblical Federation.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of Pontifical Council for Promotion of Christian Unity spoke of the ecumenical movement started by the Vatican Council, which developed with the collaboration of many Christian churches especially in the area of biblical pastoral ministry.
In the same press briefing, Rev. Milloy showed his appreciation on the fruitful partnership of UBS and Catholic Biblical Federation in the work of bible translation and distribution which made possible for Christians to understand and live the word of God in the tradition of their own Church.
“Therefore the Bible Societies’ services to the Catholic Church may now include the provision of Bible editions in which the books are presented in the order of the Catholic biblical canon, and in which helps for readers to gain understanding of the meaning of the text [that] reflect the Catholic Church’s teaching and tradition,” he said.
During the General Assembly, in his few minutes of intervention, Rev. Milloy again commended the MTBO “as a model of cooperation of a national bible society with the Catholic Church.”
Given the chance to speak up in a period of “free intervention” Bishop Bastes followed up Rev. Milloy’s talk with further explanation of the aim of MTBO and the collaborative effort of the Catholic Church and PBS in organizing the National Catholic Family Bible Quiz and the publication of Catholic Bible Reading Guide. The prelate also took the chance to ask churches and bible societies of richer countries to support the biblical ministry of poor countries. He likewise thanked UBS and PBS for their collaboration with Catholic Church in the common task of spreading the gospel.
During an individual photo session of Synod participants with the pope, Bishop Bastes gave the pontiff a special “papal” edition of the MTBO bible. He likewise gave another “papal” edition to Cardinal Walter Kasper. The Cardinal had written an endorsement of the MTBO project.
Bishop Bastes had given away ordinary editions of the MTBO bibles to several friends and Church dignitaries not merely as a souvenir and but also a reminder for them to help in the biblical fund-raising campaign. Recipients of the bible include Rev. Milloy, Bishop Paglia, Mr. Alexander Schweitzer (CBF General Secretary), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigma (former member of the Executive Committee of the CBF), Ms. Teresa Wilsnagh (new member of the EC-CBF), Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ, (Bishop Bastes’ neighbor at the Synod hall), all Filipino Synod participants, SVD’s in Rome, personnel at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino and some others.
“May they be one” (MTBO) campaign was launched last September 30, 2008 at the Manila Cathedral in a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams. The event was concelebrated by a number of bishops led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, chair of Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and President of the Philippine Bible Society’s Board of Trustees. Bishop Bastes was the head of the Philippine delegation to the World Synod of Bishops in Rome held last October 5-26, 2008.
Based on a report made by Bishop Bastes, the project generated a worldwide interest when he presented it in three separate events during the 12th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in Rome.
He first presented the MTBO campaign to an international group during a dinner reception organized by Rev. Miller Milloy, general secretary of United Bible Societies for Catholic prelates, and representatives from United Bible Societies and the Catholic Biblical Federation and Catholic prelates attending the synod.
Bishop Bastes also cited as significant the signing of a joint statement on Partnership in the Biblical Ministry between the Catholic Biblical Federation and United Bible Societies. The signing, which took place during a press conference at the Vatican Press Office on October 14, was organized by Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Catholic Biblical Federation.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of Pontifical Council for Promotion of Christian Unity spoke of the ecumenical movement started by the Vatican Council, which developed with the collaboration of many Christian churches especially in the area of biblical pastoral ministry.
In the same press briefing, Rev. Milloy showed his appreciation on the fruitful partnership of UBS and Catholic Biblical Federation in the work of bible translation and distribution which made possible for Christians to understand and live the word of God in the tradition of their own Church.
“Therefore the Bible Societies’ services to the Catholic Church may now include the provision of Bible editions in which the books are presented in the order of the Catholic biblical canon, and in which helps for readers to gain understanding of the meaning of the text [that] reflect the Catholic Church’s teaching and tradition,” he said.
During the General Assembly, in his few minutes of intervention, Rev. Milloy again commended the MTBO “as a model of cooperation of a national bible society with the Catholic Church.”
Given the chance to speak up in a period of “free intervention” Bishop Bastes followed up Rev. Milloy’s talk with further explanation of the aim of MTBO and the collaborative effort of the Catholic Church and PBS in organizing the National Catholic Family Bible Quiz and the publication of Catholic Bible Reading Guide. The prelate also took the chance to ask churches and bible societies of richer countries to support the biblical ministry of poor countries. He likewise thanked UBS and PBS for their collaboration with Catholic Church in the common task of spreading the gospel.
During an individual photo session of Synod participants with the pope, Bishop Bastes gave the pontiff a special “papal” edition of the MTBO bible. He likewise gave another “papal” edition to Cardinal Walter Kasper. The Cardinal had written an endorsement of the MTBO project.
Bishop Bastes had given away ordinary editions of the MTBO bibles to several friends and Church dignitaries not merely as a souvenir and but also a reminder for them to help in the biblical fund-raising campaign. Recipients of the bible include Rev. Milloy, Bishop Paglia, Mr. Alexander Schweitzer (CBF General Secretary), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigma (former member of the Executive Committee of the CBF), Ms. Teresa Wilsnagh (new member of the EC-CBF), Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ, (Bishop Bastes’ neighbor at the Synod hall), all Filipino Synod participants, SVD’s in Rome, personnel at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino and some others.
RP bishops to lead celebration of Pauline Year at Araneta Coliseum
A liturgical-biblical-ecumenical celebration to commemorate the bimillennium anniversary of the birth of the Apostle Paul will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on January 25, feast of his Conversion, to be led by the country’s Catholic bishops.
Centered on the theme “I am not ashamed of the Gospel”, the half-day multi-events celebration event will start at 8 a.m.
Aside from the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25 is also National Bible Sunday, both a Church and civil celebration. Another occasion that adds to the importance of the event is the observance of Ecumenical Week or Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that is traditionally celebrated the week before January 25.
The annual plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines also falls on January 24-25 this year.
Activities lined up during the celebration will be the solemn enthronement of the Bible with ecumenical service by the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo, to be assisted by Christian Bishops and Pastors. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams will address the assembly.
His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, archbishop of Manila, will lead the Eucharistic celebration to be concelebrated by the Archbishop of Cebu, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, and other bishops. Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD will give the homily during the Mass while Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao will lead the assembly in praying the Jubilee prayer.
Other highlights of the celebration are inspirational talks by Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle and Charismatic preacher Bo Sanchez of Shepherd’s Voice Foundation, Inc.
Celebrated artists and musicians will also lend their voices to inspire the audience with their music in this once in a lifetime event.
Organized by Pauline congregations in the Philippines and lay Pauline collaborators headed by Judy Roxas Araneta and former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, the Pauline event, which is free to the public aims to deepen the knowledge and devotion of Christians in the country to the Apostle Paul.
Centered on the theme “I am not ashamed of the Gospel”, the half-day multi-events celebration event will start at 8 a.m.
Aside from the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25 is also National Bible Sunday, both a Church and civil celebration. Another occasion that adds to the importance of the event is the observance of Ecumenical Week or Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that is traditionally celebrated the week before January 25.
The annual plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines also falls on January 24-25 this year.
Activities lined up during the celebration will be the solemn enthronement of the Bible with ecumenical service by the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo, to be assisted by Christian Bishops and Pastors. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams will address the assembly.
His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, archbishop of Manila, will lead the Eucharistic celebration to be concelebrated by the Archbishop of Cebu, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, and other bishops. Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD will give the homily during the Mass while Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao will lead the assembly in praying the Jubilee prayer.
Other highlights of the celebration are inspirational talks by Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle and Charismatic preacher Bo Sanchez of Shepherd’s Voice Foundation, Inc.
Celebrated artists and musicians will also lend their voices to inspire the audience with their music in this once in a lifetime event.
Organized by Pauline congregations in the Philippines and lay Pauline collaborators headed by Judy Roxas Araneta and former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, the Pauline event, which is free to the public aims to deepen the knowledge and devotion of Christians in the country to the Apostle Paul.
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