The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus CBCP Monitor. Vol. 19. No. 10
May 11-24, 2015
KC holds 10th National Convention Hundreds of members of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines gathered together with their families to attend the 10th Knights of Columbus National Convention held at the SMX Davao Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City from May 1 to 3, 2015. “You will all be Brothers: Our Vocation to Fraternity” was the theme for the said convention.
¬Filipino Brother Knights received a congratulatory message from the Supreme Knight Carl Anderson through a video message. Part of which, was reiterated by Deputy Supreme Knight Logan T. Ludwig during his speech at the convention. “Mabuhay! In behalf of the Supreme officers and directors I offer you a special word of greetings as you gathered for your 10th National Convention. Your convention overlaps for a very special meeting in Rome convened by Pope Francis in anticipation for the canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra, a shining example for the Knights of Columbus everywhere. I have very much hope to travel in Mindanao, yet, I have been asked in behalf of the Knights of Columbus to deliver one of the major addresses in this very important meeting. So I must be in Rome,” said Anderson. Inspired by the example of Pope Francis, the Knights of Columbus gave more than 70 million volunteer hours of service and $170 million to charitable causes. These efforts made a difference on the lives of millions of people, according to Anderson. “Each of you makes an important contribution to our church and communities. By working together, we again achieved records in charitable giving, we continue recruiting more men to our beloved Order, and we have provided prot’’’ection thru our insurance programs,” he added.
Mindanao Deputy, Bro. Balbino Fauni (standing, center) together with the other officers of the Order of the Knights of Columbus during the 10th Knights of Columbus National Convention held from May 1-3, 2015 at the SMX Davao Convention Center.
Sales Growth Anderson cited that last year 2014, was the 14th consecutive year of insurance sales Convention, C3
KCFAPI Employees A Physical and Spiritual Encounter with the visit the Correctional Abandoned/Outcast Institution for Women
Patients of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital with KCFAPI employees during their visit at the Dermatology and Leprosy Services Center of the said institution in Caloocan City in line with KCFAPI’s Year of the Poor Activities. TEAM LOVE BANK. KCFAPI employees headed by the VP – MIS, Underwriting & Admin. Services Group, Mr. Ronnie Infante visited the inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City in line with the Year of the Poor Activities.
AT the start of the Year 2015, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) organized a project dubbed as “Year of the Poor activities”. The project, spearheaded by KCFAPI EVP, Ms. Ma. Theresa G. Curia aims to engage employees towards evangelization in line with
the theme of the Catholic Church: “Year of the Poor” by way of activity projects that will benefit the needy and the less privileged sector of our society. In view of this, there will be monthly themed activities from April to August 2015. For the month of April, the project Correctional, C3
9th Gathering of KC Priests
Last April 29 to May 1, 2015, the 9th Gathering of KC Priests was successfully held at the Rivier Retreat House in Davao City with the theme: “Priestly Renewal in Pope Francis’ Vision of the Church of the Poor”. A total of twenty-two priests attended the Gathering with fourteen from Luzon, one from Visayas and seven from Mindanao. The Program for the Gathering focused on the Messages given by Pope Francis himself at different venues during his Papal Visit to the country last January 2015.
THE six sessions lined up each saw a 15-minute film showing of the Pope’s actual homily/message immediately followed by a 45-minute reflection by the assigned Priestspeakers:
1. The Challenges of building modern society on solid foundations - (Fr. Julius Cuison – Archdiocese of LingayenDagupan); Priests, C3
WAY back during the time of Jesus Christ, people with leprosy were shunned as outcasts and looked upon as cursed. Because of social condemnation, they were avoided and forced to live in recluse without any support or means of livelihood. It was only through God’s unconditional love and care of the sick and their faith in Him that they were given hope to live. To this day, it is but sad to know that despite the progress in modern science and medicine, there are still people in our society who view our brothers and sisters with lepers in the same manner as before. On the morning of April 25, 2015 a group of 7 employees namely, MM, Greg, Eva, Marichu, Jerome, Gemille and Manny, gathered at the KCFAPI home office to embark on a trip to the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. Their objective, to visit abandoned patients stricken with leprosy and confined at the said hospital with the hope to at least bring out a smile from their faces. Despite minor setbacks in its preparation the group, led by Ms. Marianne Gatdula of the Underwriting Department, pushed on with quest accompanied by Rev. Fr. Benjamin D. Fajota of the Archdiocese of Manila. After two hours of travel under the scorching summer heat and traffic, the group finally arrived at the doorsteps of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival, the group was met by the nurse-on-duty, James, who briefed the employees about the hospital and their patients at the Dermatology and Leprosy Services Center as well as hospital safety
guidelines. The group learned that the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital is one of the few existing hospitals in the country (and the only one in Luzon) that mainly treats patients with Leprosy. In passing, the hospital will also be celebrating its anniversary from May 17-20, 2015. Nurse James also informed the group that most of their patients were abandoned by their families and are of senior age. After the briefing, we were led to one of the dorms where the in-house patients were gathered. Upon stepping into the dorm we were met with patients of various conditions. Some were rendered blind, some had amputated legs, arms, or fingers, while some had skin blemishes and other manifestations, but it was their warm smiles and eager greetings that immediately melted our hearts. At that instance our exhaustion and stress from the preparations and travel were forgotten and in a way we felt rejuvenated. As we were setting up for the Eucharistic celebration our interaction with the patients deepened our familiarization with them that it opened our hearts on their thoughts and ideas. The celebration itself was quite an experience, despite the discordant singing from our brothers and sisters we felt that they sang with heart and soul which gave deeper meaning to the mass. We felt God’s Spirit reign down upon us that day. The reality we faced then so overwhelmed us that during the mass Fr. Fajota went out of his way and approached each
patient to give them the Holy Communion. After the Eucharistic celebration we gave a short video presentation and talked about Fr. George J. Willmann and his works which most of the patients intently listened to. This was followed by a short entertainment by our very own, Bro. Jerome, with the song “Who I am” which wooed the hearts of the patients. Not to be outdone, the patients later on treated us with a presentation. Nanay Adela gave us a soulful rendition of “Tanging Yaman” while Tatay Manuel treated the audience with memorable Kundiman songs that kept everyone in a jovial mood. After awhile the group distributed merienda packages and other giveaways to the patients, not only in one dormitory but to all patients in the adjacent dorms who could not join in the affair. This gave us an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with other patients like Nanay Nora, from Nueva Ecija, who was silently seated beside the door. During our short conversation I learned that ever since she was dropped off at the hospital by her family 3 years ago she was never been visited again nor had she heard any news from them. As we rounded the other dorms to distribute food, each ptient we approached had nothing but smiles and gratitude for the gesture. As final part of the event, Ms. Gatdula introduced to the patients representatives from Alysons’ Chemical Ent., Inc. After orienting the audience on how to make (home-made) liquid dishwasher, the representatives proceeded to
explain the steps in making liquid dishwasher, to the delight and enthusiasm of the patients. After some clarifications the patients expressed their keen interest to pursue their newly learned skills as an income generating activity. Later on Nurse James intimated to us that this was the first time in their hospital that patients were taught of a livelihood program. He added he will raise to the hospital officials the idea of its potential financial help to their patients. It was almost four ‘o clock in the afternoon when it was time to wrap things up and bid farewell to our brothers and sisters at the dorm. But before we could say a word one of the patients spoke out to express his heart felt gratitude for our visit and was later on followed by other patients. The gesture moved us that when it was our turn to say our piece some of us gave them an emotional farewell and thanked them for what they have shown us. Looking back at what we experienced, what we thought would be a trip to a place of sorrow, misery and hopelessness for the patients of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital would turn out to be a moment of God’s hand touching the hearts of not only our brothers and sisters ostracized by society but our hearts as well who personally witnessed how these people carried on their lives with zest and camaraderie anchored by their deep hope and faith in God. Truly it was a spiritual journey for us as it made us realize how God reaches out not only to the sick but also to the poor in spirit. (KCFAPI News/Gemille Isabel Gloria)
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May 11-24, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 10
Alonso L. Tan
Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Chairman’s Message
Curia Settings
The Cross
Labor for Life LET me start by greeting all mothers a Happy, Happy Mothers’ Day!!! Thank you so much, Mothers, for giving us life to experience all the unique adventures in our earthly lives and for being there to guide us through each of them. This month of May likewise commemorates Labor Day in recognition of all those hard-working breadwinners. We salute all dedicated workers who sacrifice their time, effort, convenience and for many, even their valuable family time – just to be able to earn a decent living for their families. Unfortunately, our country is beset with an obvious disparity in the distribution of wealth - the bulk being owned and controlled by only a few. Thus, many Filipinos have no choice but to slug it out in a limited and highly competitive labor market. Many breadwinners are forced to accept blue-collar jobs offered in other countries or make the most of dirty, low-paying, menial jobs locally. In industrialized countries, jobs are mostly automated, orderly and clean. Locally, however, the ordinary laborer, primarily the underprivileged, is forced to take on demeaning, dirty and at times, shameful jobs. Thus, aside from sacrificing his time, effort and convenience, the ordinary worker at times also needs to give up his personal pride. Let us therefore acknowledge this month the efforts of our poor workers who continue to give up a lot for the survival and well-being of their family. Many of our countrymen, including fellow KC brother-knights, are engulfed in the common race to improve their financial status. As a brotherhood of Catholic men, the Knights of Columbus can help our less-fortunate worker-neighbours better prepare for life’s contingencies by providing them thru KCFAPI with hope and affordable insurance protection. Just as Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ brought hope and relief to the depressed WWII captives during the war by saying daily Masses to them and giving them catechism and inspirational talks, the K of C thru KCFAPI, for its part, offers long-lasting help and protection to the family even after the loss of a brother-Knight who is also the breadwinner. In our own personal way, let us try to show appreciation for a hard-working employee or labourer with a simple smile or a short greeting. Hopefully, our smile or greeting at that instance will help lighten the load that he/ she is forced to carry in support of his/her family or loved ones. VIVAT JESUS!
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap
President’s Message MY mother Carlita Generoso was born on November 4, 1927 in Quezon City by “komadrona”. She’ll be 88 on her next birthday. She’s now very frail and almost bed-ridden. She could no longer stand nor sit on her own. She has to be prepped up on her chair to eat, to bathe and everything. Her mind wanders a lot nowadays. Although she seems to recognize us and is aware of our presence, she could no longer remember our names. I’m the only one she recognizes and know by name whenever she’s lucid. She asks for me whenever I’m not around. However, to her, I have different personalities. I am her son. I am her brother. I am her husband. Maybe because from among us siblings, I am the one she had spent the most time with. We shared the same office for almost forty years, conversing a lot each day. Sharing views on different matters, personal, social, business, religious and even matters that are trivial. We quarrel too, whenever our opinions are poles apart. Let me tell you her story and at least two miracles that she had experienced. Yes two, not one. How lucky or bless can one get? She graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a degree on Pharmacy. She first worked as an over-the-counter pharmacy clerk at the Far Eastern Drug Company, maybe the Mercury Drugstore of that time. There she met my father who fell in love with her upon seeing her for the first time. My mom refused to marry my father until he converts into her Catholic faith. They got married on February 14, 1954. I was born the following year and a brother a year and half later. My parents resigned from their employment in the early months of 1958. Soon thereafter they founded two separate companies. My mother with her elder sister and mother organized the Leitz Pharmaceutical Laboratory, producing over-the-counter medicines. My father founded the Alysons’ Chemical Enterprises, a trading firm of chemicals. Their businesses were thriving when disaster struck our neighborhood. A fire broke from a chapel behind my mom’s laboratory and gutted several dozen houses including our house, lab, my grandparents’ and an aunt’s house. Slowly they picked themselves from the ashes and soon started to be ahead. They also begun to be active in church. My mom joined the Mother Butler Guild and my father the Knights of Columbus and even joined the Cursillo movement. My mom had a laparotomy in the mid-sixty’s. It was an emergency operation as she was in extreme pain and the doctors could not find anything wrong with her. It was supposed to be an open and close operation as she was found to have an advanced stage of stomach cancer. The main surgeon opined that since they had already opened her up they might as well try their best. She was given five years to live, the first year being critical whether she could survive it or not. Her stomach was completely removed. Her esophagus was directly connected to her small intestines making it very difficult for her to swallow. It has now been fifty years since her operation and she’s still alive. Was the surgeon extremely good? Did she get lucky? Or was it a miracle? Sometime in early 2000, she started to lose her eyesight. She had her eyes examined by her doctor and was told that it was irreversible. She was suffering from macular degeneration. She went to the United States to consult with other specialists there only to be told that it was irreversible and she would eventually lose her eyesight. The fate that she would suffer scared her a lot especially when she could no longer read large marker pen written six inches tall letters and left her confined at home. My mom is a fighter and would never give up. She prayed a lot. She prayed harder. After about a year in such a condition, her vision started to improve contrary to what doctors were telling her. She visited her doctors here and in the US and were amazed at her inexplicable recovery from a certain blindness. Did she get lucky a second time? Or was it another miracle? Why is mom so blessed? Is it because she prays a lot? Is it because she gives to charities even when she has no money for it? She could have been dead fifty years ago. She could have been blind for at least ten years by now. Prayers, Charities and her strong Faith spelled the difference. I pray that somehow I’m also blessed as I pray to our Lord that He allows my mother to enjoy the last remaining years of her life without pain. Am I blessed or not? Or is it my mom who’s blessed? Even if she’s losing control of her faculties or not, I’m glad she’s not in pain and has a cheerful disposition. I offer this piece to all the mothers who had brought their children into this world no matter what they would have to suffer and endure just to raise us their children and be the person that we are today. Without their sacrifices, we could not attain the successes we are enjoying today. Tell your mom that you love her and that you appreciate what she has done in your life before it’s too late. Before she could no longer remember who you are. Happy Mother’s Day.
Womanhood MOTHER’S Day is highly significant for most of us. After all, nobody can come into the world without a mother. For this article however, please allow me to dwell on Womanhood. A chunk of time is admirably set aside for the whole world to give credit to one half of the earth’s inhabitants. For how can we not give honor to somebody who spent 9 months nurturing us even before we had any consciousness about anything? In the last fifty years, the cause of respecting and giving importance to the role of women has taken dramatic leaps. Writers, thinkers, and media, undoubtedly have contributed immensely to the growth of the people’s awareness of this issue. Even theologians, both men and women, have written extensively on the theology of the woman. Unfortunately, only a few of us have access to the literature. Even our popes have been quoted and misquoted on this topic. I wonder if anybody can claim at all to be an authority on the subject. The field is so rich, so vast, so complex and even mysterious. My only credential on why I can write about it is that I am a woman. From the little that I know, one topic which has tickled my imagination is when they say that all persons have the feminine and masculine dimensions in their very persona. The female gender exhibits, obviously, the feminine dimension to a greater degree. The men, on the other hand, have more of the masculine dimension. What happens if some persons have developed the other side of them in a very significant degree, hand in hand with what is basically theirs? Well I think these are the people who are more grounded, more integrated and have better rounded personalities. So we see men who are very caring, inclusive and who have no prejudices against women. And some women, despite their femininity are very decisive, assertive,
less emotional, have the right and left brains developed. They usually make good leaders, facilitators, conflict solvers. They see a wider spectrum of sides on the issues that they are studying. Usually also, these people reach out better to others in ministry. I suspect that when Pope Francis urged us to think better, love better and do better, the ones who have a balance of the feminine and masculine in them are able to accomplish the mandate better. I think the feminine dimension is not just about the biological parts or roles of women in society. When we honour womanhood we do not compare women with men. Neither do we like to prove that they are better than the latter. We do not advocate choosing women over men. Upholding womanhood or the feminine, is not just paying attention to the details of being woman. Giving importance to the female gender means that we like to give all elements of society equal chances and opportunities for development. It is making sure that nobody is discriminated, taken for granted, or taken advantaged of. In this outlook, we recognize that there are complementary roles for all sectors of society. Children have their share of making the old people tender and loving. The old are inspired by the hope and enthusiasm of the young. On the other hand, young people learn from the wisdom of the old. And they are led to appreciate what the older generations have done for them to reach where they are now. Similarly, men and women, and all the different variations of options of becoming human, undertake various roles in society to make our world a better place to live. Humans and non-humans have symbiotic roles for existence. The past influences our present, and the now should look into the future so we don’t get stuck on the present.
Womanhood is all about recognizing complementary roles in life. It is giving a chance to everybody and taking care of the welfare of each one. It is recognizing that we depend on each other and that we do not exist for ourselves alone. We cannot survive on earth if there was only one group of beings. It is a call to be more inclusive in our thinking; not to be competitive; to be peace makers and peace builders; to be non-violent. In this stance we see the flourishing, side by side, of mercy and compassion, justice and peace, vision and action. Being inclusive is giving everyone a chance to be useful, giving all a chance to develop themselves so that one day they can contribute to the running of society. If we eliminate one sector, we shall be the poorer for it. If we recognize the importance of everyone and everything, we do not only glorify God, who is the Creator of all. We also benefit from the contributions of many. We learn from many sources, and by mutually sharing our resources, we enhance our gifts and capabilities. We improve the human race. Indeed, when we honor womanhood we facilitate equal opportunities for all. We recognize that tender loving compassion coexists with justice and the laws. We honor varieties of gifts in the whole of creation and therefore, we give glory in various ways to the Creator, who is Father and Mother of the Universe. Womanhood speaks of openness, wide horizons, big hearts that embrace many, complementariness, completeness in outlook and vision. It is a call to everyone, to both men and women to develop the feminine dimension in each one. All of us should be pregnant with ideas, creativity, love and service. We should give birth to new approaches, better ways of doing things and developing our world as agent of the Kingdom. So our advocacy is not just about women. It is all about womanhood.
Michael P. Cabra
My Brother’s Keeper Mother: Underinsured yet the most priceless in the family MOM’S value is priceless, but if you have to put a peso figure on the things she does for the family, her worth would be up this year over last. From ‘yaya’ to cook to household financial manager, mother does a little bit of everything. I believe the value of the tasks a typical mother does is much higher than last year. On the contrary, based on studies, if you paid a man to do tasks like cooking, helping with homework, and cleaning up, the salary would be even higher. A man putting in the same hours at the same tasks would earn 8 percent more. The imbalance is reflected in life insurance. Among individual policies sold to married couples, the amount of coverage on women is substantially lower. Many families couldn’t afford to pay for the services that a mom does for free. That’s why it’s important to consider what a parent provides when deciding how much life insurance to buy. It’s no secret that moms shoulder a lot. Based on statistics,
she shops, cooks and cleans for the family 90% of the time. As what most insurance analysts say, ‘Both parents should be insured whether they don’t work outside the home’. Besides replacing lost income, life insurance can also can be used to pay for the services a parent provide the family, such as childcare. To calculate how much life insurance to avail, consider all that a parent does for the family and how much it would cost to replace what that parent provides. Let us not assume our in-laws or own parents will pick up the task if one of them passes away. They might not have the physical capability or time to assume that responsibility, no matter how devoted they are to their grandchildren. Mothers tend to be underinsured. According to LIMRA (Life Insurance Management and Research Association), a global research and consulting group, about 57 percent of women have life insurance - roughly the same portion as men -- either through
a group policy at work or an individual policy they own. But married couples are less likely to buy individual coverage for wives than husbands, and the amount of coverage purchased for women is about 69 percent of men’s coverage. Two-thirds of single moms have life insurance, but among women with coverage, only one-third of single moms say their families could cover expenses over a significant length of time should they die, according to LIMRA. Calculating how much to purchase depends on a family’s circumstances. Besides paying funeral and other final expenses, loved ones can use life insurance proceeds to replace lost wages, help pay off a mortgage, pay for the kids’ college education and assist with the daily expenses of running a household. If you’re wondering what to get Mom for Mother’s Day, simple gifts, time spent with family, and maybe a little pampering are the way to go. Based on surveys, 61% of moms say they prefer home-
made presents from the kids, and 17% of moms don’t want gifts from their children. Asked to name the favorite gifts they’ve ever gotten from their kids, cards and artwork top the list, followed by breakfast in bed. Most moms want to spend time with their families on Mother’s Day. 69% said spending the day with the whole family was their favorite way to enjoy the holiday. Only 7% each said by themselves or with their husbands without the kids. Almost 18% said with the kids, without the spouse. As far as the best possible purchased gifts, a day at the spa and a weekend getaway with the family topped the list. Gift cards, a weekend getaway with her husband, dinner at the best restaurant in town and chocolates followed closely. Thinking about a vacuum cleaner or electronic gadget? Think again. Household appliances and electronics are the least popular choices. Happy Mothers Day to all Moms out there!
Roberto T. Cruz
Touching Base with the Foundations
A Kiss for Mom ONCE again we give recognition to the most important woman in each of our respective lives – Mommy, Mama or simply Nanay. Without her, we would not be here. She is the workhorse of the house, the unsung heroine who does multi-tasking activities even if she is stereotyped to be a subservient partner to her “macho” husband. The man is the presumed breadwinner while the wife “only” cooks, cleans the house and takes care of the children. She is considered as the weaker sex, helpless and dependent on her husband’s money. Yet aside from the regular house chores, Mom painstakingly carried each of her children for nine months in her womb, breastfed them, acted as chaperon to school, attended parent-teacher meetings, tutored them, dressed them up and even prepared the needed materials for their numerous school projects. How important is Mom for the children? The mother’s role in a family is so important because so many things are linked to her actual success or failure as a mother. The children’s individual characters are said to reflect the kind of upbringing given them by the mother. This, in turn, reflects her own character, her biases, values, beliefs and principles. In some families, if the ancestral mother wrongly brought up her kids, the problem is passed on to the succeeding generations and it becomes an endless chain
of faulty upbringing. The question then becomes: how will the improper system of upbringing be set right? It is important that we all have tangible models of good mothers who will guide us especially during difficult times. It is the mother who is expected to form and strengthen the child’s foundation. But we observe that the amount of challenges that need to be hurdled by the family is partly determined by social status – the poorer a family, the more difficult and varied the challenges become – primarily moneyrelated – food, clothing, education, safety and social acceptance. But don’t get me wrong because even the rich face the same challenges. Though the father is commonly presumed to be the main breadwinner, the mother is expected to have solutions to most, if not all, of the problems. Throughout various stages in our life, children experience different surrogate mothers. Teachers act as mothers in school. Young tots cling to their Yaya as a substitute mother whenever Mommy is not around. Even grandmothers at times take on the maternal role when lola is more hands-on in rearing her apos. Occasionally, even friends become surrogate mothers especially during those instances when children have “tampo” against their own Mom. Nowadays, with the internet and social media, one does
not even need physical contact to find a surrogate mom who can comfort him/her during bad times. It is said that we reap what we sow. The children will give back as much as they received from their parents – the amount of love, attention and guidance given them. The true test of such reciprocity comes when the mother advances in age and loses her productivity, her strength and in some cases, even her memory. Will the children patiently care for her just as she took care of them when they were small, defenseless and naive kids with many questions? For the Collegiate scholars as well as the seminarians and priest-scholars, the Foundations act as their parent during their scholarship grants. Like a mother who nurtures her children in need, the Foundations help fulfill the educational dreams of our scholars without expecting any repayment after. However, the Foundations hope that its graduate-scholars fully appreciate the new horizons opened to them by the Foundations. Any expectation of reciprocity would then focus on the ability and commitment of each scholar-graduate to cascade similar forms of assistance given them to others presently in need. Don’t forget to kiss your mother during Mother’s day and tell her that you love her. Congratulations to all Mothers!!!
The Cross
C3
May 11-24, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 10
Our Missionary Heritage
Thanks to the faith and sacrifice of so many, Catholic institutions ave served countless neighbors in need By SK Carl A. Anderson IN his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis called for a new missionary spirit among Catholics. This challenge has particular resonance for Knights of Columbus, especially throughout North America and the Philippines where we have benefited in so many ways from the devotion and sacrifice of countless missionaries. The great Catholic institutions of these countries were built by men and women filled with a great missionary spirit. In the United States, though many of these missionaries confronted the obstacle of anti-Catholic bigotry, they nonetheless seized an opportunity offered by our nation’s commitment to the free exercise of religion—an opportunity offered nowhere else on earth. And with that opportunity they
constructed an unprecedented network of institutions to provide for the health, education and welfare of millions—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—for whom the government did not provide an answer. These institutions, though, were not intended to simply fill a gap left by the limitation of government. They were not, as Pope Francis has reminded us, merely NGOs, that is, volunteer non-governmental service organizations. Their mission was greater. These Catholic institutions gave witness to the transcendent dignity of each human being they served, especially those whose dignity the government often neglected. Pope Benedict XVI addressed this missionary spirit when he spoke at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City during his 2008 visit to the United States. On that occasion, he stated that “faith and a spirit of constant conversion and
self-sacrifice [was] the secret of the impressive growth of the Church in this country.” Pope Benedict then went on to observe: “We need but think of the remarkable accomplishment of that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McGivney, whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus, or of the legacy of the generations of religious and priests who quietly devoted their lives to serving the People of God in countless schools, hospitals and parishes.” These “missionaries” and the institutions they built offered something that government could not—the promise of the Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae). This was not a promise spoken about on Sunday mornings; it was a promise lived out in the day-to-day life of the poor and suffering. You and I are called not only to sustain these Catholic institutions,
but also to sustain the promise they represent. Pope Benedict challenged us to be faithful to this great Catholic missionary heritage: “In the finest traditions of the Church in this country, may you also be the first friend of the poor, the homeless, the stranger, the sick and all who suffer.” We must preserve the free exercise of religion, which allows us not only to make that promise, but also to keep it. The autonomy of our religious institutions is not extrinsic to the missionary nature of Christianity; rather, it is essential. Today, people too often view our faith communities in a “legalistic” or “institutional” way that fails to understand their true spirit. In Father McGivney’s day, people too often viewed Catholics through the lens of prejudice and bigotry. He had a simple answer: Live the principles of charity, unity and fraternity in ways people can see
The Gentle Warrior
Deogracias Fajota (Archdiocese of Manila) • Vice President for Luzon – Fr. Ruben Buela ( Diocese of Legazpi) • Vice President for Visayas – Fr. Ray Bernard Martinez ( Diocese of Capiz) • Vice President for Mindanao – Fr. Reynaldo Mission ( Diocese of Marbel) • Secretary – Fr. Julius Cuison (Archdiocese of LangayenDagupan) • Treasurer – Fr. Felix Labios (Diocese of Iba ) •Auditor – Fr. Reynaldo Retardo ( Diocese of Tagum) As a fitting end to the 9th Gathering, the KC Priests concelebrated the Opening Mass of the 10th KC National Convention at the SMX Convention Center Lanang, Davao City with Davao Bishop Romulo G. Valles presiding together with Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro.
Knights of Columbus App He encouraged the Filipino Brother Knights to recruit more. “To do the great work of our Order we must grow the membership of the Order. I ask every Brother Knight to commit asking at least three Catholic men to join us in this fraternal year,” said Anderson. To help explain the benefits of the membership, the Supreme Council developed a new app, designed for both iPhone and iPad to give an overview of the charitable works dedicated to the Church and Fraternal benefits. This app will look at who the Knights of Columbus are: “Why join the Knights of Columbus?” or if you’re already a member and looking to answer that question for others, this overview explores who the Knights of Columbus are and what they do in the areas of Charity, Faith and Security for families. “The greatest fraternal benefit that we could offer the world is the opportunity to offer the Christian brotherhood with men and their families, men that take Christian life seriously”, according to Anderson. “We live up to Pope Francis’ decision to Fraternity, that each person becomes
Program Proper Aside from the presence of the officers of the Knights of Columb u s Fr a t e r n a l A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) and its wholly-owned and majority-owned companies, the three-day convention was graced by some prominent individuals like Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who gave the welcome address. The three Knights of Columbus State Deputies, Bro. Arsenio Isidro G. Yap (Luzon), Bro. Rodrigo N. Sorongon (Visayas) and Bro. Balbino C. Fauni (Mindanao) rendered their accomplishment reports from 2010 - 2014. Members of the clergy also participated in the convention, among them: Zamboanga Archbishop Most Rev. Romulo T. Dela Cruz, DD, Cotabato Archbishop Most. Rev. Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, DD, Davao Archbishop Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, DD and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media Director and KCFAPI Spiritual Director, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III. (KCNews/Yen Ocampo)
punishment. Convicts were brought back into the social mainstream adjusted and rehabilitated with a better outlook in life. Last April 25, 2015, the Group headed by KCFAPI Vice President-MIS, Underwriting & Admin. Services Mr. Ronnie Infante visited the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. In cooperation with the Spiritual Directress of the Institution Lulu Santos and Jail Warden Loreta Vargas, fourteen employees of KCFAPI set foot in the heavily guarded institution and provided entertainment to the inmates. It came not as a surprise when a sup-
posed ordinary outreach program turned out to be something special considering that the group is composed of a combination of young and talented individuals. Evangelization through music was the game plan that was used by the group. It started with an orientation regarding the life and works of KCFAPI founder, Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ followed by a short musical showing the life of a teenager who lost his way but was able to regain the proper path in life. Using the hit songs from famous Filipino musicians such as Alapaap by Eraserheads, Sugod by Sandwich, Beer by Itchyworms, Blue Jeans
by APO Hiking Society and the classic hit Anak by Freddie Aguilar, the inmates were treated to a live musical performance from the team. The presentation was greeted with cheers and a handful of applause from the 30 women audience showing their appreciation and love. To end the presentation, the group members handed out small tokens consisting of toiletries and snacks to more or less 40 inmates of the correctional. As a farewell to the group, the inmates showed their dance routine, which they have been practicing for several weeks already. (KCFAPI News/Eddon Jose Sarmiento)
CHAPTER TWO --------.--------The Battleground
Part XIX of Chapter One of “The Gentle Warrior” series CHAPTER ONE: Training Major March stood over the body of General del Pilar and said to Lieutenant Quinlan: “Bury him here with full military honors, and place a cross over his grave with this inscription: General Gregorio del Pilar, Killed at the Battle of Tirad Pass, December 2, 1899. An Officer and a Gentlemen.” George thought: “These Filipinos are men! Greater love than this no man hath, that he lay down his life for his friends!” He volunteered for the Philippines, He asked his family to pray for this – his four sisters, and his brother. His father. They prayed, with all their heart. He was chosen.
at the deck of the ship, waiting for one they loved; a couple of agents dashing up the gangplank, against the traffic, waving papers; everybody busy; all of them noisy; but all of them smiling! Calesa drivers were calling out to him from a distance, but the Jesuit Brother who was guiding him said: “We have our own calesas.” The group of American Jesuits who came on the boat were ushered into the tiny carriages. When George sat down in the calesa, he saw the broad belt tighten around the belly of the horse, and he felt very sorry for that little horse. Their bags and boxes and trunks were loaded into other carriages. They started out from the pier, heading for the Ateneo in a little caravan. A little boy, selling newspapers, standing in the street and looking up at him, with big eyes. George made a gesture, trying to convey to the boy that he had no Philippine money. The boy smiled. A flash of white teeth. Bright brown eyes. The policeman at the intersection, waving them on, smiling, saluting the Jesuits as they passed. A mother wheeling her baby, in a baby carriage. A little girl, carrying her baby sister on her hip. Caratelas in the streets, the tiny horses trotting happily along. The music of their hooves on the cobblestones. (To be continued on the next issue.)
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2. The Poor is at the center of the Gospel – (Fr. Benjamin Deogracias Fajota - Archdiocese of Manila) 3. The family threatened by the growing effort to redefine the very institution of marriage – ( Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III – Diocese of Borongan ) 4. When I saw the catastrophe from Rome, I felt I had to be here – (Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III – Diocese of Borongan ) 5. Marginalized people weep – (Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J. Cruz – Diocese of Caloocan ) 6. It was a frail child who brought God’s goodness, mercy and justice into the world – (Fr. Reynaldo Mission – Diocese of Marbel) During the second day, April 30, 2015, the KC Priests were updated about the current thrusts and directions of the K of C Order, the KC Foundations and KCFAPI with the following talks:
• Cause for Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ – by Bro. Roberto T. Cruz – KCPFI and KCFGJWCI Executive Director for Special Projects and the Museum • Cause for Fr. Michael J. McGivney – by Sis. Ronalin R. Regino – Promotions Coordinator • The K of C Order, KCFAPI, KC Philippines Foundation and KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. – by Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. – Chairman of both Foundations and KCFAPI Corporate Secretary Each complete day began with the Priests’ Morning Prayers and ended with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration being concelebrated by all KC Priest-Attendees. During the April 30 Mass celebration, with his spouse, Sis. Ofelia as witness, KC Foundations Chairman Justice Jose C. Reyes awarded
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a neighbor who cares for others; that’s charity, that’s unity, that’s fraternity and that is the Knights of Columbus way. Let us go forward in the next fraternal year committed to being witnesses to the love of Christ in every corner of the society,” he ended.
Part I of Chapter Two of “The Gentle Warrior” series
When George went down from the gangplank, at the pier in the Port Area, from the SS President Grant, he was impressed by the sunny cheerfulness of the people. Not only the people were sunny. The whole dock was sunny! It was bathed in brilliant sunlight, the brass rail of the ship gleaming, little flames of sunlight dancing on the hood of the only car on the dock, heat waves shimmering up from the warm boards on the pier. There were cargadores carrying heavy sacks of sugar, but they were calling to each other, helping each other, laughing. A little girl was at the foot of the gangplank, looking up at him with bright brown eyes, and holding out a necklace of small white flowers. A Filipino family was welcoming their son, who had come with George on the ship. His mother was hugging him, weeping. George could see her tears, in the sunlight. Even the tears were beautiful. George was thinking: “Tears of love!” Remembering his own mother, who wept on the steps of Saint Andrew’s, when he carried his valise up the stone stairs, and disappeared through the great wooden door. There was a crowd of people on the dock, vendors selling things; baggage boys carrying suitcases; some families standing in little groups, looking up
way of life. As we prepare to welcome our pope to the United States later this year, let us strive for a record of accomplishment that we can all be proud of. Vivat Jesus!
growth. The insurance arm of the Order has now $97 billion of life insurance in force, and later this year, will reach the 100 billion milestone. “…we also received the A++ superior ranking from AM Best and we’re again included in the Fortune 1000 list. These records are testament to nearly 1500 field agents and general agents. These highly trained and dedicated Brother Knights work hard towards our vision in protecting our future.” “Second year in the row, the Knights of Columbus has been certified as the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. We are proud of these achievements and now these accomplishments must be the foundation on which we build the future,” said Anderson. He acknowledged the sales force as more Catholic families than ever are protecting their financial future with their top rated insurance products. International Events Supreme Knight Anderson was proud to announce that the Knights of Columbus has three international events in which it will play a larger role in the coming year. “I would like to draw your attention to these three international events -Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles 2015, World Meeting of Families 2015 in Philadelphia with Pope Francis, and the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland,” Anderson stated. He reminded his fellow Brother Knights that they must stand shoulder to shoulder with Pope Francis in bringing the witness of charity in every corner of the society. Pope John Paul Shrine The Knights of Columbus celebrated the opening of the permanent exhibit of Saint John Paul II in Washington, DC. This Shrine and its world-class exhibit expresses in a very concrete way that the Knights of Columbus is committed to the call of Saint John Paul II for new evangelization. “This Shrine will remind us that there will always be a John Paul II generation,” said Anderson.
By James B. Reuter, SJ
1. The Philippines
so as to overcome self-centeredness, greed and cynicism. Pope Francis similarly challenges us today with even greater determination to be, in his words, “neighbors who care for each other.” This is truly the Knights of Columbus
the Foundation’s gift of chalice each to five KC Priests who due to the distance of their respective diocesan assignments, still had not yet received their chalice since the completion of their scholarship grants with the KC Fr. Willmann Charities, Inc. and/or their ordination to the Priesthood. These included: Fr. Julius Cuison, Fr. Renato Alegre, Fr. Ramelle Rigunay, Fr. Reynaldo Mission and Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J. Cruz. To cap the Gathering, the KC Priests tackled business matters during which they first amended the Constitution and By-Laws of the KC Priest-Scholars Association (KCPSA). This was immediately followed by the election of the new set of officers for the KC Priest-Scholars Association. Elected to their new posts were: • President - Fr. Benjamin
KCFAPI gives BRO Award The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) recognized its outgoing Board Members in a separate program last May 1, 2015 during the 10th Knights of Columbus National Convention. Tagged as BRO Award, which means “Board of Trustees’ Grand Recognition Program for Outstanding Leadership and Performance”, awardees were Juan Abraham O. Abando, KCFAPI Independent Trustee; Alonso L. Tan, KCFAPI Chairman and Supreme Director; Rodrigo N. Sorongon, KCFAPI Board Member and Visayas Deputy; Balbino C. Fauni, KCFAPI Board Member and Mindanao Deputy; and Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, KCFAPI President and Luzon Deputy. Presenters were KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia, KCFAPI Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III and Deputy Supreme Knight Logan T. Ludwig as Guest Presenter. Major changes for Luzon Jurisdiction The Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction will soon be divided into two – Luzon North and Luzon South Jurisdictions. The announcement was made by Deputy Supreme Knight, Logan T. Ludwig as special guest and as official representative of the Supreme Knight Carl Anderson during the 10th Knights of Columbus National Convention. He named the following as the new set of deputies effective Columbian Year 2015-2016: Luzon North Deputy – Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Luzon South Deputy – Ramoncito A. Ocampo Visayas Deputy – Anthony P. Nazario Mindanao Deputy – Reynaldo C. Trinidad
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will focus on people who were abandoned or those considered outcast of our society. In a society where a person once branded and labeled as a convict, it would be next to impossible for that person to regain his social standing in life. It is for this reason that Team Love Bank composed of employees of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) opted to help those who are in prison. The group, fueled by the faith that even though the hands of justice had penalized them, reformation from the inmates is not far behind. Not losing hope that even
though they made some mistakes in their past, a second chance is still in order. This is the very essence of our criminal justice system that incarceration is not to punish the individual but rather to reform the person. Tracing the history of the institution as far back as 1931 when women prisoners were transferred from the Old Bilibid prison to its current location in Welfareville in Mandaluyong, its old name was changed from “Women’s Prison” to “Correctional Institution for Women”. This was in keeping with the emerging trends in penology, which emphasized correction rather than
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May 11-24, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 10
The Cross
Catholic group defends Justice Reyes against bribery allegation A CATHOLIC men’s fraternal organization has dismissed as “reckless” allegations of corruption leveled by administration ally Senator Antonio Trillanes VI against Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. The Knights of Columbus (K of C), the country’s and the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization of men, said the charges were an “imprudent imputation” after Trillanes accused Reyes of accepting P25 million to halt Makati Mayor Junjun Binay’s suspension. The 336,000-strong Philippine K of C, in a resolution, believes that the senator’s claim is only meant “to smear and destroy name, honor, and integrity” of Reyes and of the Court of Appeals “and even the Philippine Judiciary itself ”. Among the signatories of the resolution is former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Associa-
Justice Joey Reyes
tion of the Philippines, Inc., that serves insurance needs of KC members in the country, and Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, Spiritual Director of the KCFAPI. As an active member in Church organizations such as Knights of Columbus, and Couples for Christ and Lay Minister of the Holy Sacrament, they said Reyes leads an “exemplary life of Christian virtues and values.” “He is a man of strong moral fiber, lives a simple life and is without vices, and has never succumbed to corruption,” they said. They added that Reyes’ various positions in the private sector such as being Trustee and Secretary of the KCFAPI, belonging to the five biggest mutual benefit associations in the country, Chairman of its two (2) foundations, the KC Philippines Foundations that help fund collegiate scholars and Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. that supports seminarians
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING FULL AND UNQUALIFIED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN COURT OF APPEALS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JOSE C. REYES, JR. AND DENOUNCING AND CONDEMNING THE RECKLESS ACCUSATION OF BRIBERY AGAINST HIM BY SENATOR ANTONIO TRILLANES IV KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES,INC. (KCFAPI) BOARD OF TRUSTEES and the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS (K OF C) LUZON, VISAYAS AND MINDANAO JURISDICTIONS
and licentiate of priests are visible proof of public recognition of his integrity, independence and ethical principles. They also said that the Judicial and Bar Council has even nominated Reyes more than twice for appointment to the Supreme Court. Copies of the resolution were provided to SC Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereño and CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes, Jr. Other signatories of the resolution include the KC State Deputies: KCFAPI President Arsenio Isidro Yap of Luzon, Rodrigo Sorongon of Visayas and Balbino Fauni of Mindanao; Alonso Tan, KCFAPI Chairman and KC Supreme Director; Raoul Villanueva, Treasurer; Rogelio Garcia, Trustee and Juan Abraham Abando, Trustee. Reyes earlier denied Trillanes’ claim and accused the senator of trying to intimidate the judiciary through “harassment”. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)
Manila Council 1000 celebrates 110th founding anniversary
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING FULL AND UNQUALIFIED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN COURT OF APPEALS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JOSE C. REYES, JR. AND DENOUNCING AND CONDEMNING THE RECKLESS ACCUSATION OF BRIBERY AGAINST HIM BY SENATOR ANTONIO TRILLANES IV WHEREAS, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has accused Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. and Justice Francisco Acosta, Chairman and a member, respectively, of the Sixth Division of the Court of Appeals of committing the crime of bribery for each having received P25 Million in to consideration for the grant and issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), later upgraded to a Writ of Preliminary Injunction, prevent the enforcement of a preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman against Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, Jr. WHEREAS, Senator Trillanes IV then filed with the Senate a resolution urging its Committee on Justice and Human Rights to investigate the alleged bribery, supposedly in aid of legislation.
WHEREAS, Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. is a highly respected citizen and jurist, who rose to become a Justice of the Court of Appeals through sheer merit and possession of the highest degree of integrity, honesty, competence, probity and independence; and the Judicial and Bar Council has even nominated him more than twice for appointment to the Supreme Court. WHEREAS, Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. is a devout Catholic who is active in Church organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus and Couples for Christ; and serves as a Lay Minister of the Holy Sacrament, which truly manifest his deep spirituality and fear of God; he is a man of strong moral fiber, lives a simple life and is without vices, and has never succumbed to corruption. WHEREAS, as just among the visible proofs of public recognition of Justice Reyes’ integrity, honesty, competence, probity and independence, high moral and ethical principles and deep spirituality, are his holding of various positions of trust and confidence in the private sector, such as, inter alia, Trustee and Secretary of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), belonging to the biggest five mutual benefit associations in the Philippines, that exclusively serves the insurance needs of the members (as well as members of their families) of the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines which as of today has a total membership of 336,360 spread all over the Philippines under its Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Jurisdictions; Chairman of the two foundations of the KCFAPI, namely, the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. and the KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. which, among other things, provide scholarship programs, including scholarship for seminarians, many of whom are now Catholic priests in active service of the Catholic Church; and as Director of the Keys Realty & Development Corporation, a KCFAPI wholly-owned corporation which also operates the Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels and Crematorium. WHEREAS, the Trustees/Directors, Officers and Staff of the KCFAPI and of the foregoing foundations and company, as well as all the State Deputies and Officers representing the 336,360 members all over the Philippines in its three Jurisdictions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, know and can fully attest to the fact that Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. has led and continues to lead an exemplary life of Christian virtues and values who follows the path of righteousness and justice; his integrity, honesty, competence, probity and independence as a justice constantly inspire all of them. WHEREAS, the accusation of bribery made by Senator Trillanes IV against Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., without even any offer of a semblance of truth, is a reckless and an imprudent imputation, which remains clearly malicious and merely serves to smear and destroy the name, honor, and integrity of Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. as well as of the institution he is faithfully serving - the Court of Appeals - and even the entire Philippine Judiciary itself. NOW, THEREFORE, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc., through its Board of Trustees, and the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines, through the States Deputies of its Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Jurisdictions, have resolved, as they hereby resolve, to: I
EXPRESS, and to let the public know of such expression, its full and unqualified trust and confidence in Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., Chairman of the Sixth Division of the Court of Appeals, who is an exemplary Catholic gentleman of utmost integrity, honesty, competence, probity and independence and who is serving the Court of Appeals for the cause of truth and justice with utmost commitment, dedication, loyalty and fidelity.
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DENOUNCE AND CONDEMN Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for recklessly and imprudently accusing Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. of the crime of bribery and hastily filing with the Senate a resolution for the investigation by its Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the alleged bribery, allegedly in aid of legislation.
Let copies of this Resolution be provided Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., the Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Maria Lourdes A. Sereno, and the Honorable Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals Andres Reyes, Jr. Adopted this 16th day of April 2015 in the City of Manila. ALONSO L. TAN Chairman
RAOUL A. VILLANUEVA Trustee-Treasurer
JUAN ABRAHAM O. ABANDO Trustee (Independent)
HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR. Vice Chairman
BALBINO C. FAUNI Trustee & Mindanao Deputy
ROGELIO V. GARCIA Trustee (Independent)
ARSENIO ISIDRO G. YAP Trustee-President & Luzon Deputy
RODRIGO N. SORONGON Trustee & Visayas Deputy
MSGR. PEDRO C. QUITORIO III Spiritual Director (NOTE: JUSTICE JOSE C. REYES, JR., Trustee-Secretary, took no part out of delicadeza)
Speaking during the 110th Founding Anniversary of the first Knights of Columbus Council in the Philippines, (Council 1000), former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. urged the public to pray for peace in Mindanao.
THE KNIGHTS of Columbus Manila Council 1000 celebrated their 110th founding anniversary last April 23, 2015 at their council chamber in Intramuros, Manila with Honorable Hilario G. Davide, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as Guest of Honor and Speaker. Davide, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) lauded Council 1000 for their membership growth for the past eleven decades of Columbianism in the Philippines. “What is important is you have two multiplier effects. First one is your family, because your immediate family automatically became a member of the Knights of Columbus by affinity and second is your children, who also became members of the Knights of Co-
lumbus and they will become the strong foundation of your council,” Davide said. He also urged the public to pray for peace in Mindanao. “The true measure of love is love without measure and the little things we can do in this life could mean a moment of great transformation,” Davide added. Meanwhile, the incumbent Manila Council 1000 Grand Knight, Brother Jun Florendo thanked those in attendance, including the KCFAPI Chairman and Supreme Director and Past Grand Knight of Council 1000, Brother Alonso Tan. “Our warmest thanks to our Worthy Past Grand Knights, Worthy Council Officers, Council Staff, Worthy member-Knights, my family and friends for attending this momentous event. Vivat Jesus,” Florendo cited. (Yen Ocampo)