The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus CBCP Monitor. Vol. 19. No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2015
2015 Organizational Meeting of State Deputies in New Haven SUPREME Knight Carl Anderson, Deputy Supreme Knight Logan Ludwig and Supreme Director Alonso Tan meet with the leaders of the Philippine jurisdictions (from left to right): Visayas Deputy Anthony Nazario, Mindanao Deputy Reynaldo Trinidad, Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito Ocampo and Luzon North Deputy Jose Reyes, Jr. During this private briefing, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson congratulated the Philippines for the tremendous membership growth. He likewise expressed his gratitude to all the bishops for the support they are giving to the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. He also reminded the leaders of the Philippine jurisdictions regarding their role which is to work closely with the clergy to promote Knights of Columbus in every diocese and to faithfully respond to the call to serve and evangelize. The 2015 Organizational meeting of State Deputies was held from June 3- 7, 2015 in New Haven, Connecticut USA.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.KOFC.ORG
KC Philippines Foundation Supreme Council Scholar Graduates Magna Cum Laude
ANOTHER scholar of the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc., Ms. Katrina B. Baliling graduated with distinction. Ms. Baliling graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology with the Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy last April 7, 2015. She also received a Special Achievement Award as 1st runner up in the Philippine Final Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) 2014 Global Business Challenge awarded during the graduation rites. Scholar / C3
Luzon North and South Jurisdictions hold Turnover of Fr. Willmann Housing Project held District Deputies’ Meeting HUNDREDS of participants together with the new State Officers led by Former Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap attended the 2015 Organizational Meeting of District Deputies of the Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction. The said event, with a theme “Answering the Call to Evangelize” was held last June 27-28, 2015 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel. Deputy Supreme Knight Logan T. Ludwig (of the Supreme Office) earlier announced during the 10th Knights of Columbus National Convention held at the SMX Davao Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City, that the Luzon Jurisdiction will be divided into two – the Luzon North Jurisdiction and Luzon South Jurisdiction. Hence, during the 2015 Organizational Meeting of District Deputies, the new set of officers for the Columbian Year 20152016 were recognized as follows:
State Program Director Vicente Ortega State Squires Chairman Raymund Gubat Ceremonial Director Diogenes Francia State Treasurer Joven Joaquin State Advocate Rene Samiento State Warden Victor Pulangco State Auditor Joven Dy
Luzon South Jurisdiction: Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo
Luzon North Jurisdiction:
Secretary Bonifacio Martinez
Luzon North Deputy Justice Jose C. Reyes Jr.
Membership Director Conrado Dator Jr.
Secretary Pascual Cabrero
State Program Director Elmer Eroles
Membership Director Jose Cuaresma
State Squires Chairman Vicente Duroy
Team Generous - God’s Little Angels IT is said that in the eyes of the father and mother their child is always an angel. The father and mother nurture their baby with all the love they could give and there is no better reward for the parents than to see their child grow-up to be a loving person. But that is not always the case for some children in our present world where economic difficulties and moral decay had forced children into a life without experiencing the love of their parents. For a child left under such circumstance, what chances does he or she have to life under the care of a loving family. On the morning of June 21, 2015, KCFAPI’s Team Generous stepped into the compound of the Concordia Children’s Services in Sta. Mesa, Manila. We were gathered in a room and briefed about Concordia Child Services
The 2015 Organizational Meeting of District Deputies of the Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction, with a theme “Answering the Call to Evangelize” was held on June 27-28, 2015 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel.
Ceremonial Director Efren Mendoza State Treasurer Danilo Sanchez State Advocate Antonio Fidelino State Warden Isagani Maghirang State Auditor Ruben Gutierrez Moreover, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, Assistant State Chaplain celebrated a mass on the second day of the event and led the oath taking of State Officers, District Deputies and Conferment of Jewels. He also tackled about the
free masonry. The immediate Past Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap on the other hand, delivered his report and valedictory address, gave out recognition and awards and facilitated the ceremonial turn-over of the gavels. Yap expressed gratitude to all District Deputies (DDs) and new set of officers for The North and South Jurisdictions for accepting their positions as their new challenge. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, for your never ending support. You’ve played a crucial role in making all of our achievements possible,” Yap said.
Team Love Bank visits NOH School for Crippled Children
The awarding/turnover ceremony of the housing project of the Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation, Inc. dubbed as the “K of C BAHAYNIHAN: A Fr. Willmann Housing Project” was held last June 19, 2015 at the Brgy. Marasbaras, Tacloban City.
The BAHAYNIHAN structures, which showcase the unique features of Lego bricks, provide sturdy, permanent housing to selected Yolanda victims whose previous residences built on their personallyowned residential lands were totally destroyed by the Super typhoon. The project, which was started last December 4, 2014, completed construction of six simple yet typhoon-resistant houses for six Yolanda victims. In line with the initial construction schedule, the project was originally targeted to provide visible evidence of the Knights of Columbus’ committed assistance for calamity victims in time for the historic visit of Pope Francis to Tacloban last January 17, 2015 but this was not met due to different operational concerns encountered during the actual construction. It is called BAHAYNIHAN because these structures represent a partnership among: 1) the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc., 2) the beneficiaries who will pro-
vide minimal equity contribution and 3) Lego Builders, Inc. as the contractor. These three parties worked together to show their commitment to complete the project regardless of hurdles and limitations met. Present during the event were officers of the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. (KCPFI) led by its President, Alonso Tan, Foundations Trustee/Immediate Past Luzon Deputy and KCFAPI President Arsenio Isidro Yap, KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia, KC Foundations Executive Director Roberto Cruz and Foundations Trustee and KCFAPI Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III. Early this year, the K of C Philippines, the largest Catholic fraternal service organization in the country urged its members and other lay organizations to actively live out their charity by donating for typhoon victims relief packs, rehabilitation and livelihood. (Yen Ocampo)
Team KCFAPI CARES: Caregiver and a Friend “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” – Psalm 147:3 Members of Team Love Bank headed by Mr. Ronulfo Antero G. Infante (in light green polo) together with the students of NOH School for Crippled Children during their visit to the institution last June 24, 2015.
and its resident children by Ms. Nerie Lopez (“Lola Nerie”, as she is commonly called), who is also the supervising care giver and resident nurse. Founded in 1983, the institution serves as shelter for children from various areas in Metro Manila who were abandoned, neglected, orphaned including those surrendered by their parents. The compound Team Generous / C3
TEAM Love Bank composed of employees from the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) visited the NOH School for Crippled Children in Banawe, Quezon City. This is in line with the Year of the Poor Activity Project of the Association which is a monthly outreach program for the less privileged sector of
our society. During the group’s visit last June 24, Team Love Bank headed by Mr. Ronnie Infante was welcomed by the school Principal Marisa F. Duka. In her welcome remarks, Principal Duka thanked KCFAPI for organizing activities such as the Year of the Poor that provides help for the Team Love Bank / C3
CHILDREN are God’s gift, they were born to enjoy life and give hope, love, and joy to the world. Team KCFAPI Cares headed by Group Coordinator Bro. Gari M. In contrast, there San Sebastian and Team Leader Bro. Roberto T. Cruz visited the are children who patients of WARD 9 - Department of Pediatric of the Philippine at an early age General Hospital (PGH) last June 24, 2015. battle for their lives against sickness and dis- chosen the patients from WARD ability. Alas, their hearts are 9 - Department of Pediatric of broken, their wounds are deep, the Philippine General Hospital and their hopes and dreams tend (PGH) along Taft Ave., Manila to be lost. as beneficiary for the month of Team KCFAPI CARES has Team KCFAPI Cares / C3
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July 6 - 19, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 14
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap
Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Chairman’s Message
Curia Settings
The Cross
A Journey in Retrospect IT was sometime in June of 2007 when then newly appointed Luzon Deputy Bro. Alonso Tan called on about forty or so former state officers and officials and a few incumbent, former District Deputies and a strong delegation from Council 1000. I was an incumbent official of outgoing Luzon Deputy Bro. Rodolfo Magsino. I didn’t know Brother Tan then and I didn’t know why he called on me to attend this meeting. From the looks of the personalities present, it seemed that he’s going to have a complete new set of state officers. He first met with all of us and announced to all the membership and service program directors who among us he would like to serve under his term. He then called about ten of us in a separate room. My heart was pounding because I was elated on the possibility that I am among his top ten. My mind race hoping that I could land in the top 5 so I could prove my mettle and have a very good chance of being lined up as among future Luzon Deputies. My hope to land in the top 5 was dashed when he called me first. I’ll be top 10 not 5. To my surprise he suddenly announced that I will be his State Secretary, the number 2 guy with the greatest chance of being the next Luzon Deputy. Probably, even the other 9 were caught by surprise as I was among the lowest ranking officers from the group and as I have stated earlier, I didn’t personally know Brother Alon. Was it fate or did he know me better than I knew him then? Barely a year into his term, he confided to me that I will be his choice to succeed him. I was very glad that my time has come. I asked him if we could keep this between ourselves so I wouldn’t be put in a very embarrassing situation should he change his mind three years later. I was so elated that I wanted to shout and tell the world that I’ll be the next Luzon Deputy. But I kept my silence and excitement at bay. When I was finally appointed as Luzon Deputy by our Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in April of 2011, I immediately assessed the potentials of my team. I kept all those who had performed well and replaced those who do not seem to have the time to serve in the State Office. I thought I knew everything, having served as State Secretary for 4 years, having been a very active knight for 36 years who already served as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, District Deputy and who has served for 10 years in the State Office occupying various positions. I was wrong and I found out when I attended the organizational meeting for State Deputies in New Haven that the task is enormous and demands a lot of time and attention which I did not experience when I was still the State Secretary. On June 30, 2015 my term as Luzon Deputy would end together with my counterparts from the Visayas Bro. Rodrigo Sorongon and from Mindanao Bro. Balbino Fauni. The three of us did our jobs well and brought honors to our respective jurisdictions. Brother Fauni will have 3 Circle of Honor (COH) Awards under his belt one of which a Pinnacle Award, the first for Mindanao. Brother Sorongon will also have 3 COH but the last two being Pinnacle Awards also a first for the Visayas. I would be having my fourth consecutive Circle of Honor award, two of which Pinnacle Awards. I would be the first state deputy from the Philippines to achieve four consecutive COH and probably among the very few if not the only one in the entire Order and the Knights of Columbus. All the records that the Luzon Jurisdiction had achieved in the last four years would stand for a very long time. It would be very difficult to match. It would be very difficult to surpass. It’s almost an impossibility. Only Luzon could match and surpass it in the near future but since Luzon is now divided into two, chances are, it won’t happen in the near future. Luzon had achieved so many firsts in this Columbian Year. It had breached the 10,000 mark on Gross Recruitment and has already reached 12,013 as of June 15. The same thing with Net Recruitment at 11,248 and is expected to reach 10,000 on Net/Net Recruitment on or before June 30. As of June 15 total Gross Recruitment for the last four years is already 40,027, Net Recruitment at 36,263 and Net/Net Recruitment at 30,328 bringing Luzon’s membership to 169,527 from 139,199 four years ago. This
Work Is Service & Ministry JULY starts the new Columbian Year for the Order of the Knights of Columbus. Normally, this would mean new Leaders not just for the Order but for the Association, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). The year starts as we welcome the new Deputies of the Order: Bro. Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. – Luzon North Deputy, Bro. Ramoncito A. Ocampo –Luzon South Deputy, Bro. Anthony P. Nazario – Visayas Deputy and Bro. Reynaldo C. Trinidad – Mindanao Deputy. We also welcome our new set of Board of Trustees headed by Chairman, Bro. Arsenio Isidro G. Yap., immediate past Luzon Deputy and President of KCFAPI. At the start of Columbian year, a new year and a new beginning, we welcome the possibility of refocusing our life, and professional direction. Let me begin by sharing what I find is inspiring for me at the start of a new episode of life. What meaning do I attach to my work? Why do I work? • Do I work because this is my source of livelihood? Do I see this as my ladder to being rich - to be successful? • Or is this my way of developing myself to the maximum and show how good and talented I am? Or is it because that is the way I can outshine the others? • Or perhaps this is a good way to occupy my time, meet other people and thus beat boredom. The truth is, beyond the above reasons, there are other meanings which I have learned or have read from the wisdom of many people. I find them quite challenging, even inspiring and I hope I can internalize them more. 1. Our work is our way of serving; it is a ministry; 2. It develops the Jesus image
in us; and importantly, 3. This makes us co-creators.
Work is ministry. We like to do our best to excel in our work. We give our best in our performance and we strive for excellence. We do not cheat in terms of the use of company time and in the management of material and human resources. We do all these things in the name of service, in the name of ministry. Our work is a service to people with whom we work and to those people for whom we work. If we work for a company, an establishment, or for a group of financiers,-- doing our best at work is the best service that we can offer in gratitude. Our best is an appropriate way of showing our gratitude and the most significant way of making the company profitable. Our good work will ensure that the company will continue to exist and will give work and service to others. We do justice to the good idea that started the work where we are involved in and this is service. When we do our best at work we inspire each other in the team. When we work seriously and with dedication, we honor and respect and therefore, serve our colleagues who also put in their serious efforts. Thus when we succeed, we are able to serve the team because the contribution of other people is not put to waste. But most importantly we work hard for the people who have sought or paid for our merchandise or our service. Our work serves the people who depend on our merchandise for food, medicine, services and the like. They benefit from our good work for they get what they expect, what they deserve. And they feel good and honoured that their trust was not defrauded.
When we strive for excellence we produce excellent result, output, and outcomes. This, of course, serves the general public who look up to us in our field. When we tell our clients what we offer, they trust that we are telling the truth. And they patronize or come to us for help. Consistently producing the best merchandise is not aimed merely at maintaining our good image in society and to keep the income flowing. The best reason for doing this is to make the clients feel secure that coming to us, they will be safe and they will get quality merchandise or service. People feel good when they are not cheated as they patronize our merchandise or service, and that they get their money’s worth. It is indeed a way of serving others when we give them a feeling of security, satisfaction and sense of being respected because they are not cheated.
Work is an image of Jesus the Worker Jesus learned his trade from his father, Joseph the Worker. Although he was also a dreamer and a visionary -- he was also a Worker. He was a carpenter, and a preacher. And he did what he was sent to do with passion and compassion. His preaching was meant to be of service to his listeners in his work of bringing the good news and sense of wellbeing to them. He served them by telling them the truth, leading them to a good life in obedience to the Father. This is ultimate service to be able to lead people to the Truth, the Good and the Beautiful. He was both The Message and the Messenger by his life and even his death. And although we do not have written evidence, he must have been also a good, responsible, trustworthy Carpenter. He must
have delivered good craftsmanship, delivered on time and I am sure he did not overcharge nor steal from his clients. He was his earthly father’s son from whom he inherited or learned his good work ethics and skills.
Work makes us Co-creators After God created the world, He has continually sustained it with his Bounty and Providence. But the physical and material sustainability of the earth is actually done by the work of human hands. So whatever we do, puts the ideas of God into operation. Our talents, our skills and our creativity continue the act of creation. All that we have and all that we do come from the gifts of God to us humans. We are the thinking species and we continue life on earth. We are Co-Creators of God whenever we start anything new, whenever we continue what was begun by those who went ahead of us and whenever we stop or change whatever is not good in the running of the world. Through our work, we make the world a better place to live in and we improve what others have begun. This is how we help build God’s Kingdom on earth. Our work is our proof that God’s gifts in us bear much fruit. And we hope that they are fruits that will last and will guarantee that the world will continue as God has planned. I pray that the evil in men and women may be touched by God’s Spirit so that they will not annihilate God’s work by their cheating, corr uption, stealing and violence to Creation and to other humans. May we offer to the next generation “the work of our hands, the fruits of the earth” and our good hearts made to the image and likeness of God, the Creator.
Bro. Michael P. Cabra
My Brother’s Keeper
Chairman’s Message / C3
Charity, Life Insurance and Evangelization
Sir Knight Jose C. Reyes, Jr.
President’s Message Answering the call to evangelize LAST June 4, 2015, the newly elected and appointed State Deputies gathered for an orientation-seminar in the headquarters of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the first international activity that Luzon is represented by two State Deputies. As part of this important activity, our Supreme Knight, Carl A. Anderson, rallied behind Pope Francis’ call to serve the poor. This call of our beloved Pope Francis echoes the call of Jesus taken from Luke 4:16-21 that He came “to bring glad tidings to the poor, give sight to the blind, set free the oppressed and proclaim liberty to the captives.” Thus, the Luzon North and South Jurisdictions have chosen the theme, “Answering the call to evangelize” for this year. It is broad and consistent with the call of Jesus Christ to all of us Christians. Yet, the response of each Knight of Columbus member should be specific and with concrete results. Our Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has repeatedly reminded us that it is our moral obligation to invite every eligible Catholic gentleman to join the Knights of Columbus. But it should not stop there. We should make known to them what Jesus Christ wants us to do and that is, to evangelize our brother knights so that they will know more about God and consequently, love Him more. It is when we are filled with the Holy Spirit that love overflows and enables us to share the good news to others. Let us show the “Jesus” in us so that people will easily accept our invitation to join the Knights of Columbus, to be active members of K of C, to offer availment of KCFAPI benefit certificates to others, to be donors to our K of C projects, and to help in various ways to make K of C succeed in fulfilling its mission. In the past years, the Knights of Columbus has been generously giving time and treasure to victims of disasters in Luzon as well as in other parts of the country. However, we also have brothers and sisters in our areas of responsibility who need to hear and see God in their lives. They might have needs that are not material but more emotional and spiritual. This is an opportunity to make them feel our presence and concern through prayer and companionship. Remind them that they are never alone because God is always with each one of us. That even in their difficulties, they too can help others in more difficult situations, and in so doing, they will feel that their burdens are light after all. Sometimes, our brother Knight, our next door neighbor, or a family member can be blinded by envy; hence, they lose sight of what they have and the many blessings they have received which are not always material things. We need to help them see God’s gifts from the smallest to the biggest such as the gift of family, the gift of community such as the K of C and the gift of life itself each day we wake up. Let us be sensitive to the needs of our loved ones at home and beyond. There are many people who are oppressed by illness, vices, temptation, stress and other burdens that make them feel away from the Lord, or even forgotten by God and man. These are the people who need our help in the form of consoling words to give them hope. Even a visit, a text message, a hand to hold or any form of assurance that their suffering is not unending. Assure them that God’s light is brightest during dark days and all they have to do is open their heart to see God’s light even from afar. Finally, God has given us the task of helping those who are captives of money, power, work and achievements. Let us help them overcome their captivity to worldly things that are of no true and lasting worth. May God bless our plans and our activities all for the glory of God.
ANOTHER Columbian Year (CY) has ended (CY 2014-2015) and a new one has just started (CY 2015-2016). The theme for this new Columbian year is ‘Answering the Call to Evangelize’. For Knights of Columbus members it is Practicing a Charity that Evangelizes. This same calling was the message that Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori brought to state deputies and state deputy-elects through their addresses to the 2015 Organizational Meeting of State Deputies last June 5, 2015. Charity, Life Insurance and Evangelization has one thing in common for every member of the Order. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Order, Charity is owning a benefit certificate. As what Fr. Michael McGivney always says ‘Charity begins at home’. And home is where the heart is. Literally, home is our physical body. Figuratively, home is also our family, our loved ones. Charity begins with our
physical body by availing a personal life insurance plan. Availing a benefit certificate is charity to oneself because in case of disability or old-age we have something to support ourselves with financially without depending on others and putting the weight on them. Possessing a benefit certificate is also a charity to our loved ones because in case of our early demise or premature death we have a financial legacy to leave behind. Having a benefit certificate is the best confirmation how much a Brother Knight loves his family. Life insurance claims provide physiological necessities for oneself or the living family members. Physiological needs include basic needs like food, shelter and clothing. Based on Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a person’s basic need must be met before self-actualization can be achieved. Self-Actualization is a person’s motivation to reach his/her full potential. Evangelization belongs to the
third level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which is Love and Belongingness. Therefore, for one to evangelize or become an effective evangelist he/she must experience the previous levels. Unfortunately, very few individuals, especially here in the Philippines reach this level due to poverty. To have more evangelists in the future, more Brother Knights and family members should own a life insurance policy. As we inch into CY 2015-16, toiling for the theme ‘Answering the Call to Evangelize’, may we always be reminded of the primary objective of our Order, that is, ‘To render pecuniary aid to its members, their families and beneficiaries of members and their families. Before we further increase the number of our members and continue conducting charitable works for our organization, let us all be mindful of the safety and protection of our existing members and ensure more evangelists in the near future. Again, charity begins at home.
Bro. Roberto T. Cruz
Touching Base with the Foundations
Hopes for a New Columbian Year FOR the members of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, July signals the entry of the new Columbian Year 2015-16 as well as a new set of KC Officers. For our two Foundations, the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. (KCPFI) and the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. (KCFGJWCI), July likewise means the start of the new school year for our scholars, both Collegiate and the seminarians and priests. Probably, the most anxious here would be the new crop of incoming freshmen who will be receiving their first scholarship grant check from either foundation. Each check released to them by the Founda-
tion represents a step closer to the realization of their personal dream to improve their personal life and attain their profession or vocation in life. As we have new ‘freshmen” coming in to start their grants with us, the Foundations have also acquired a matching new batch of graduates who will now be going out to the world, armed with the education given by KCPFI or KCFGJWCI, to meet the challenges of their daily lives. It is important for these two groups to spread awareness about Fr. George J.Willmann, SJ and to promote his Cause. Particularly for the graduates who have already fully benefitted from the
scholarships given them, it is now their chance to truly give back to Fr. Willmann for all his sacrifices, devotion and love for the Knights of Columbus and its family. The graduates can spread awareness about Fr. Willmann in their offices and families (for the Collegiate scholars) and in their assigned dioceses and congregations (for the seminarians and priests). For the incoming KC Officers for the new Columbian year who will soon be assuming their respective positions, whether elected or appointed, we pray that their thrusts will supplement the Foundations’ efforts for the Cause of Fr. Willmann. We must never forget that without Fr.
Willmann, we would all not be in the positions we are now in at the Knights of Columbus. And as we belong to the KC family, we must constantly follow the examples set by Fr. Willmann himself. This month of July, we welcome our incoming scholars for both Foundations. To you and to our successful graduates, may you all optimize the life-long impact you will create in your life. Finally, we also welcome our new KC leaders, led by our four new State Deputies who will now steer us all to be a more effective organization of Catholic brothers. A Meaningful and Relevant New Columbian Year to all!
The Cross
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July 6 - 19, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 14
The Enduring Call to Love By SK Carl A. Anderson IN 1980, St. John Paul II convened the first Synod of Bishops during his pontificate and chose for its theme the Christian family. Following the synod, he wrote the most important document on the pastoral care of marriage and family in the history of the Catholic Church: his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio (On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World). John Paul II began Familiaris Consortio with a magnificent vision of the human person. He wrote: “God created man in His own image and likeness: calling him to existence through love, He called him at the same time for love…. God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being” (11). In his first encyclical, Redemptor Hominis, written in 1979, the pope had already identified the fundamental pastoral and cultural challenge facing Christians in our time: “Man cannot live without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself, his life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him, if he does not encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does not participate intimately in it” (10). In short, St. John Paul II saw that all the so-called “social issues” related to procreation, marriage and the family relate to our vocation of love. A decade later, Professor James Davison Hunter of the University of Virginia popularized the term “culture wars”—a term that continues to be a way of understanding the conflict between religious and
secular approaches to social issues. But John Paul II never used such language. Although he often spoke about a “culture of life” and a “culture of death,” for him the question was always one of witness, dialogue and openness to others. A Christian’s vocation to love always applies to those with whom one might disagree. John Paul II wrote in Redemptor Hominis that “the Church’s consciousness must go with universal openness, in order that all may be able to find in her ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’” (4).
Pope of the family During the first five years of his pontificate, St. John Paul II instituted seven major initiatives to strengthen Catholic marriages and families. The first was his series of 129 Wednesday catecheses on human love. Begun in 1979, these addresses have come to be known as the theology of the body. The pope, however, chose another title for the series: “Human Love in the Divine Plan.” In addition to the synod in 1980 and the publication of Familiaris Consortio the following year, the Holy Father also established both the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Finally, in 1983, he promulgated The Charter on the Rights of the Family and presented a more pastoral approach to the Church’s law on marriage through the revised Code of Canon Law. The key to understanding St. John Paul II’s theology of human love is that there can be no authentic “theology of love” abstracted and divorced from the Creator’s design of the human body and human sexuality. The body has a meaning in the Creator’s plan for the vocation and redemption of every human person. Likewise,
the body has “meaning” that is not only biological, but also theological and spiritual. In Familiaris Consortio, John Paul II put it this way: “Man is called to love in his unified totality. Love includes the human body, and the body is made a sharer in spiritual love” (11). Elsewhere John Paul II explained that in the Creator’s design there is a “language of the body,” which each person is expected to speak truthfully as part of the marital communion of spouses. One of the extraordinary aspects of John Paul II’s theology of love is the way it reintroduces the idea of natural law. It does so by reintroducing an understanding of the Creator’s design for his created order through an experience that everyone shares—namely, the search for authentic love and communion. John Paul II knew that without a connection between human experience and the design of the Creator for human action, issues of procreation and marriage could easily be reduced to the latest sociological studies or public opinion polls.
Confronting secularism Fifty years ago, Protestant theologian Harvey Cox argued in his book The Secular City that Christians must find a new openness and acceptance of secularism as Western societies transition from a Christian to a secular culture. Cox wrote that to avoid becoming “a prisoner of his own past,” man must understand that “God comes to us today in the events of social change.” He added that the question of what it means to be a Christian will “be answered by events that take place in the future.” This view has obvious implications for the way Christians respond to changes in society’s views of personal morality and family
structure. Such an approach has done very little—if anything at all—to reverse the decline of many mainline Protestant denominations that appear to have adopted it. In their rush to avoid being “prisoners of the past,” they have in a way become “prisoners of the future.” But this is only one response to the problem of secularization. Writing from a Nazi prison cell shortly before his execution, another Protestant theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, put the problem starkly: “We are proceeding toward a time of no religion at all…. How do we speak of God without religion?” Bonhoeffer’s question continues to resound today, especially in his native Germany and elsewhere in Europe. But Bonhoeffer’s greatness lies not in the question he asked, but rather in the fact that he asked it from a prison cell. Bonhoeffer answered his own question in the simple but profound act of his witness—a witness that led to his death. St. John Paul II spent his entire life confronting secular atheism— often in its most virulent and violent forms. The claim of these totalitarian systems was essentially the same: The answer to man’s problems will come in the events of social, economic and political change, whether realized by Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich or Marx’s workers’ paradise. John Paul II responded to the challenge of secularism on many levels. But most notably he responded to this challenge in his prophetic ministry to married couples and families.
The path of Christian witness Today, both our culture and our Church are confronting new questions about what it means to be married and, in particular, what it means to be married as a Christian.
The Gentle Warrior By James B. Reuter, SJ Part II of Chapter Two of “The Gentle Warrior” series CHAPTER TWO --------.--------The Ateneo de Manila
GEORGE Willmann arrived at the old Ateneo in Intramuros after the school year had started. He was assigned to teach in College. The Dean of the College made up for lost time by assigning George to teach English, Latin, History, Religion, Economics and Political Science. George was twenty-five years old. He was physically fit. He accepted the teaching assignment with enthusiasm. He was accustomed to hard work, because of his two years with that Bank on Wall Street in New York.
He was Moderator of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Director of the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League, Moderator of the monthly magazine, and Moderator of the Alumni Association. His classes in English and in Latin were an adventure. The Filipino boys were excellent in languages. Almost all of them were tri-lingual, at least. They spoke Spanish at home, English at school, and Tagalog in the street. But because they were fluent in language, and not embarrassed when they made mistakes, George was running into all kinds of new words in their English compositions. He would be working up to midnight, correcting the papers. Once when he was prefecting the study hall of the boarders, a young Tagalog boy came to him, in all innocence, and said: “Father, could I have permission to leave the study hall for a few minutes? I want to kwan my kwan.” George looked at him, and said, slowly: “You want to….what?” The boy said, happily: “I want to kwan my kwan.” George shook his head and said: “You’re not going to do anything like that
while I am prefect of the study hall! Go back to your desk.” The boy pleaded: “But I really have to kwan my shoes!” George said: “Your shoes?” The boy said, eagerly: “Yes! I have to shine my kwan.” George said: “Oh! Why didn’t you say that in the first place?” The boy answered: “But I did! I asked permission to kwan my kwan!” That was when George discovered that “kwan” meant anything. It could be a noun, or a verb, or an adjective, or an adverb. George learned from the boys. To update his History he read in the library, during all his spare time — whatever spare time he had. This is how he learned so much about the Philippines — it was Spanish; it was Malay; it was Chinese; it was Muslim. He learned, little by little, to distinguish the Spanish mestizos from the pure Malays; how to recognize a Chinese mestizo by his accent; how to tell the difference between an Ilocano, a Cebuano, an Ilonggo, a Waray-Waray, a Pampangueno, and a Bicolano, or a pure Tagalog from Malolos in Bulacan. (To be continued on the next issue.)
Team KCFAPI Cares / C1
June – Care for the Sick and Disabled. The patients are children who are suffering from different illnesses like Pneumonia, various infections, even the life threatening cancer, etc. from ages zero to fourteen years old. Our team aimed to let them know about Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ who cared for the young, the sick and to give them hope, love and joy in our own little way. On June 24, 2015, Manila day at exactly 9:00 in the morning, we held a short program that started with the distribution of Holy Rosaries and Fr. Willmann’s prayer cards to the patients, followed by welcome remarks of Ms. Cecilia Tubig, the
assigned head nurse of ward 9 and a prayer led by one of the team members, Bro. Basil Occeño. The team leader, Bro. Gari San Sebastian, introduced Team KCFAPI CARES and the objectives of the program. Furthermore, as part of the team’s objectives, Bro. Roberto Cruz, the assigned leader for the month, brought in the life and works of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ to the children and their families, nurses, and doctors. After which, our team started to share happiness with the kids and guardians via a game called “Batang Henyo”. Despite their medical conditions and the burden their families experienced, they still participated
and enjoyed the game. The program did not end there, the team continued to bring hope by giving gifts (prizes and personal hygiene kits) and by showing inspirational video clips to uplift their spirits. After these fun activities, lunch was served and the program concluded as we prayed together to God, our loving and merciful Father through the intercession of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ to heal each and every patient in the ward. At first, it was really challenging and difficult to show gladness because of the sorrow that each of us felt when everyone saw the situation of each patient. Nevertheless, as God’s Protectors, we showed
the tougher and joyful side which helped each of us go through the activities and bring enjoyment to everyone. On the other hand, their laughter served as music to our ears and their eagerness to fight against their illnesses brought great hope to us. Indeed, it was a life-changing experience, our team was very grateful that even for a short period of time, we made them happy. Truly, God can heal our broken hearts and wounds, learning from the different forms of life that keep inspiring us to live His gift of life. These and more is all about KCFAPI that cares! (Jennefer Bautista)
Scholar / C1
Ms. Katrina was born on April 21, 1994 at Iligan City. She is the loving daughter of Sis. Cerenia B. Baliling, a public school teacher and Bro. Wilfredo L. Baliling of Council 12550 Bahayan 6 Luinab, Iligan City. She took her primary education at Iligan City East Central School and her secondary education at
Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School. During her elementary and high school days, she was a consistent honor student and was very active in many extra-curricular activities. She had a chance to be the school’s representative for editorial writing during the Division
Schools’ Press Conference where she placed as second overall winner. Currently, Ms. Katrina is busy reviewing at the CPA Review School of the Philippines in Manila. Congratulations to Ms. Katrina and to all the KC Scholar graduates! (Christopher Camila)
These questions have been brought into sharp focus by recent legal decisions in the United States and other countries. They are questions that will be addressed by the World Meeting of Families in September and by the Synod of Bishops in October. In an increasingly suspicious and hostile culture, married Christians will find it difficult to witness to the Creator’s design for marriage and family in their daily lives. Will Christian spouses find the theological, spiritual and pastoral resources necessary to help them live this way? Will Christian parents find the catechetical resources to help them transmit this way of life to their children? In many places today those resources are not sufficiently available to the faithful. These questions, too, will need to be addressed. For John Paul II, human love in the divine plan can never be divorced from the redemption of human sexuality. That may appear to be an impossible task in today’s culture, but we are told that if we have faith—even as small as a mustard seed—wonderful things will happen.
In the days ahead, some pundits may see Catholics engaged on a new front in the “culture wars.” And some critics of the Church will claim that this engagement is motivated by hostility or animus. But that was not the way of St. John Paul II, just as it is not the way of Pope Francis. Christians cannot take up their vocation of love in regard to marriage and at the same time ignore their vocation of love in regard to their neighbor. We must remember the words of St. Augustine in The City of God, that “among our most declared enemies there are now some, unknown to themselves, who are destined to become our friends.” On this path of Christian witness, the words of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) are a guiding light. Canonized by St. John Paul II in 1998, this great 20th-century witness and martyr declared, “Do not accept anything as the truth if it lacks love, and do not accept anything as love which lacks truth! One without the other becomes a destructive lie.” Vivat Jesus!
Team Love Bank / C1
disabled adding that they will forever be thankful for visiting the school and bringing joy and laughter to the students. Meanwhile, the NOH students gave Team Love Bank a different kind of welcome as four disabled students in their wheelchair together with two other students performed a dance number to the tune of All About That Bass by Niki Minaj to the delight of the members of the group. Mr. Rick Jayson Mariano of Team Love Bank then introduced to the children the life and works of Fr. George J. Wilmann, SJ. Sharing to the kids the journey of Fr. Wilmann as an American national with a Filipino heart, he cited numerous instances when Fr. Wilmann showed his love for the Filipino people and how he established the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. There were more than 100 children who were treated with a musical play, snacks, fun games and prizes. This is the biggest number of beneficiaries that the Team was able to visit in their
monthly outreach activity. In their previous outreach programs with the Year of the Poor Activities, Team Love Bank went to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong for the month of April. For the month of May, the Team went to Hospicio de San Jose to bring joy to the orphaned and abandoned children. During those months, the number of beneficiaries and participants range from around 30-40 individuals. This time, the group tried to outdo itself by gathering 100 students of the NOH School for Crippled Children. It was a success that the team was able to accomplish its goal during their visit to the school, that is to entertain the students and to show them that even in their difficult condition, there are people who are willing to help and show them support. Towards the end of the activity, Team Love Bank presented to the children the different board games requested by their faculty which are intended to incorporate fun in learning. (Eddon Jose Sarmiento)
Team Generous / C1
currently takes care of 25 infants and toddlers. Most cases referred to them are infants abandoned at a very fragile age (some as early as a few hours from birth) and discovered in damp public areas such as train stations and public toilets. As described by Lola Nerie, some of these infants were found with umbilical cords still attached. Some are children given away by their parents out of poverty. Also under their care is a child who was orphaned when her mother passed away while giving birth. The mother never had the chance to hear her baby’s first cry. As soon as we stepped into the play area toddlers, around 15 of them ranging from 1 to 2 years old, greeted us with hands stretched out for us to carry them. We realized that these kids are going through childhood without the loving arms of a loving mother and father, something they desperately long for. The next few hours were exhausting having to tend two or more children at a time, but the sound of their laughter and the joy in their faces were enough
to keep our spirit and energy high. After spending time of playing, it was meal time for the children. Each one in the group had the opportunity to feed one to two children who enjoyed a hearty meal. For us KCFAPI employees, the time with the children was an experience worth remembering and an eye opener. Despite the fun fare with the children, the look in their eyes shows their innocence, oblivious of their past. But what is most apparent is their instinctive tendency to seek the love and care of a parent through the people they meet. A priest once said that children born under unusual circumstances are special in the eyes of God, we believe so. The children of Concordia Child Service and all other children with similar situation should be given all the love and warmth they deserve and more importantly our support especially prayers. They are after all, God’s little angels. (Greg Asis and Gemille Gloria)
Chairman’s Message / C1
represents 9.03% of the total membership of the Knights of Columbus at 1,875,646. Luzon is the largest jurisdiction in terms of membership with 169,527 distant second is Texas with only 102,960 and Mindanao at third with 98,526. Among the proud achievements of Luzon is the acquisition of an Ultrasound machine which has already examined 4,105 pregnancies in 65 areas in an effort to educate and catechize pregnant women and prevent them from contemplating abortion. Another is the Annual “Walk for Life” that we knights conduct on the closest Saturday to March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, and make a statement that we value and will protect life in all its stages
from conception to its final moments. Also the extended help to victims of typhoon Yolanda in the form of cash, relief goods, 4 motorized bancas and 4 chainsaws. The motorized bancas are able to produce a 500 to a thousand pesos income per day for each of the 4 recipients. The chainsaws are able to produce 15,000 worth of coco-lumber each per day and are shared to the different parishes of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar. I’m pretty confident that the two new Luzon Deputies, Bro. Jose Reyes, Jr. for the North and Bro. Ramoncito Ocampo for the South would continue and be able to carry on the programs that have put Luzon in the record books of the Knights of Columbus.
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July 6 - 19, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 14
The Cross
Knights of Columbus seminarian-scholars Conferment of Dr. Ruperto P. Somera, Ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood PhD, DBE, DBA, CPA, FRI(Rs), FRIAcc, FRIBA, FRIFC, FRIM, FIAABRE, FTM ROYAL INSTITUTION of Singapore has conferred to Dr. Ruperto P. Somera as Honorary Fellow during the 5th Global Congress and Conferment Ceremony held last June 6, 2015 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila. This is the most prestigious and the highest award ever conferred by the Institution in recognition of Dr. Somera’s contributions and achievements as one of the most outstanding Philippine government officials and a very successful accountant, financial consultant, educator and public administrator. Dr. Ruperto P. Somera during the Conferment Ceremony In the citation held last June 6, 2015 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila. read by Dr. Clarke Slemon, Chairman of Royal InstiDr. Somera is presently the tution-Singapore, he mentioned Treasurer of KC Philippines Founthat the Honoree is an exemplary dation, Inc., Knights of Columbus nation-builder in his own right, Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, a social engineer revving up the Inc., and the newly elected Vice engine of growth in many fields Chairman of Mace Insurance where he is a major player. Agency, Inc.
THE Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in the Philippines celebrated their 77th Founding Anniversary coinciding the 118th Birthday of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ last June 28, 2015. Present in the event were Fr. Jerome Cruz, CYO National Chaplain and International Chaplain of Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI), together with Fr. Loui Atanacio of the Diocese of Antipolo in coordination with the Knights of Columbus Council 1000 led by Grand Knight Jun Florendo.
Rev. Fr. Remejun Dagon with Mindanao Deputy Balbino C. Fauni
DURING the month of May, two scholars of the KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. were ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood in their respective Dioceses. Last May 5, 2015, the community of Sto. NiĂąo Cathedral witnessed Rev. Fr. Magdaleno G. Villarica III as he pledged his perpetual vow of celibacy to Most Rev. Warlito I. Cajandig DD, Bishop, Apostolic Vicar of Calapan. Fr. Bong, as he is fondly called, was born on September 14, 1986 to Mr. Roy and Mrs. Perla Villarica of Victoria Oriental Mindoro. He graduated from his Philosophy degree at Saint Agustine Seminary in 2008. Thereafter, the seminary formators recommended that he continue pursuing his priestly formation. He was then selected during the school year
Rev. Fr. Magdaleno G. Villarica III
2009-2010 as one of the scholars of the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. for a five-year course in Theology at Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City. Bishop Cajandig ordained him to the Sacred Order of Deacon last November 18, 2014. Meanwhile, May 25, 2015 marked the ordination of a second KC seminarian-scholar in the person of Rev. Fr. Remejun Dagon. The ordination was held at the Mary Mediatrix Parish with Most Rev. Romulo T. Dela Cruz DD, Parish Priest as mass presider. Fr. Jun is the eldest son of Mr. Rene and Mrs. Mercedita Dagon. Born on February 18, 1985, Fr. Jun finished his primary education at Dimakanit Elementary School in 1998.
Inspired by their Parish Priest, he entered the Notre Dame of Tulunan (administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena) for his secondary studies which he completed in 2002. Afterwards, he continued his studies at St. Francis Xavier College where he earned his Bachelors degree in Philosophy in 2007. Upon the recommendation of then Diocesan Administrator Rev. Fr. Armando C. Angeles, Fr. Jun was able to continue his Theological Formation at the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary thru a scholarship grant by the Foundation starting school year 2007-2008. Fr. Jun was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon last June 28, 2014 by Most Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valle DD, at San Pablo Cathedral, Davao City. (Christopher Camila)
Turnover of Chapel Project held in Iloilo THRU the generosity of brother knights from Concepcion Council No. 10768, the first ever Catholic Chapel was finally built in the island of Salvacion, Concepcion, Iloilo. Headed by Immediate Past Visayas Deputy Bro. Rodrigo Sorongon, Bro. Anthony Nazario (now the Visayas Deputy) and Former State Membership Director Noeni Nepomuceno, brother knights crossed the wavy seas of Concepcion, Iloilo to witness the turnover ceremony for the newly constructed chapel. Reminiscing the first Mass in Limasawa and baptism of the natives, Parish Priest of Concepcion Rev. Fr. Bernabe Tutana, celebrated the first Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
in this Catholic chapel of Bgy Salvacion, Concepcion, Iloilo. Meanwhile, Bro. Nepomuceno spearheaded other training projects and livelihood programs for the neighboring island barangays in Concepcion, Iloilo thru the help of the Extension & Development Center of WVSU-Iloilo, together with KofC councils in Concepcion, along with the support from the Local Government Unit under Mayor Milliard Villanueva. Apart from the recently conducted training/seminar on vegetable and fish processing, more training programs are envisioned to take place in the island barangays and other areas in the Visayas Jurisdiction. (VizNews)
Brother Knights from Concepcion Council No. 10768 together with Immediate Past Visayas Deputy, Bro. Rodrigo Sorongon during the turnover ceremony of a Chapel in Brgy. Salvacion, Concepcion, Iloilo.
KCFAPI Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group Gari M. San Sebastian gives orientation to the new batch of fraternal counselors during the June FST Training.
BE STRONG. The Mambusao Council No 5614 launched the wheelchair project for Brian Jade Bernas, a paralyzed victim of a gunshot inflicted by a thief. Incidental to the celebration of the 117th Independence day of the Philippines, Visayas State Officers, headed by the incumbent Visayas Deputy Anthony Nazario, turned over the wheelchair to the recipient at the municipal gym of Mambusao, Capiz.