The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus CBCP Monitor. Vol. 19. No. 16
August 3 - 16, 2015
133rd Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention to be held in Pennsylvania The members of the Knights of Columbus all over the world will gather on August 4 - 6, 2015 for their 133rd Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “On behalf of the Host Committee for the 133rd Supreme Convention, it is my pleasure to extend to you and your family an invitation to join us in Philadelphia, PA. We are excited to have you join us for this celebration and look forward to seeing you. The convention promises to be informative, productive, and fun. We welcome you to “The Cradle of Liberty,” says Bro. Stan Glowaski, Pennsylvania State Deputy. He added that the convention committee has been working diligently to make the participants feel welcome and at home in the Keystone State. The Philadelphia Downtown Marriott will be the hotel headquarters for the week. Philadelphia is the Historical capital of the United States and the epicenter of Liberty, with hundreds of historical sites and attractions that keep visitors coming back for more. (KC News)
Led by Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, the Philippine delegates to the 133rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 4-6, 2015, pose for a souvenir photo after the traditional States Dinner. PHOTO BY JOSE CUARESMA
Seed of Hope Fund
Team Generous - Children of the Streets
Team Generous together with the kids at Jose Fabella Center The officers of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) headed by KCFAPI Chairman Arsenio Isidro G. Yap (6th from left) and Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan (7th from right) during the turnover of One Million Pesos representing interest earned in 2014 on the P10Million CBCP Seed of Hope Fund established by KCFAPI in 2008 for the priority projects of the CBCP. His Excellency, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, President of CBCP and Archbishop of Lingayen – Dagupan receives the check together with His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila and His Excellency, Most Rev. John Du, Archbishop of Palo, Leyte and CBCP Treasurer.
NOW on its 7th year, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) turned over to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) its donation in the form of Seed of Hope Fund which is intended to support the special projects of the CBCP. This year, KCFAPI handed over to His Excellency, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, President of CBCP and Archbishop of Lingayen – Dagupan a check amounting to One Million Pesos representing interest
earned in 2014 on the P10Million CBCP Seed of Hope Fund established by KCFAPI in 2008. The turnover of the Seed of Hope Fund was led by KCFAPI Chairman Arsenio Isidro G. Yap and Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan together with some of the officers and board members of KCFAPI. On hand to witness the said event, were His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila and His Excellency, Most Rev. John Du, Archbishop of Palo and CBCP Treasurer.
Warriors of a Kind
The turn-over was held last July 13, 2015 at the Pope Pius Catholic Center in Manila during the bishops’ plenary assembly. As a Catholic fraternal association, KCFAPI recognizes the various social and spiritual undertakings of the Church in the Philippines. The CBCP Seed of Hope Fund is just one of the many financial endeavors KCFAPI provides to the CBCP and to the Catholic Church in general in pursuit of its corporate social responsibility. (KCFAPI News)
WE see them every day on our way to work, knocking at car windows begging for food to fill their hungry stomachs. Sometimes we see them gathered in a dark street corner scrounging for food from waste bins. It’s an everyday sight we take for granted yet we are indifferent of the dire situation these children face every day. Driven from their home in the provinces by poverty and desperation their families set off to the city hoping for a better living opportunity. We arrived at the Jose Fabella Center on the morning of July 11, 2015, a compound managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provides temporary shelter for stranded children, vagrants, mendicants
Team KCFAPI CARES: Goes To The Heart Of The Street Dwellers
Children of the Child Haus, together with the members of Team Generous and celebrity “Mader Ricky” Reyes (center).
They are the children of underprivileged families who are still in their early years, some barely a year old, some are toddlers while the others are kids in their teenage years. At an early stage in their life
the child, and parents, already faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge before them. They are but a few of the thousands of children from all over the country Warriors, C3
and street dwellers. A DSWD staff led us to a room where the street children were gathered, they were kids ranging from 1 to 12 years old, some of them accompanied by their parents. We were told that the children at the center are also taught the basics of reading, writing and mathematics during their stay. As we were setting up the projector for our presentation the kids could not hold back their excitement. It was a real treat for them to see a video presentation. For some, it was their first ever experience. Finally, with the aid of another DSWD staff, (referred to as “Kuya Eric” by the transients) we got the children settled in their place. The video presentation began with the Team Generous, C3
Team Love Bank: Home Is Where the Heart Is
Nanay Rosa and her family together with the members of the Team Love Bank
Ephesians 1:11-12 “In Him we were all chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we,
who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.” As we celebrate the Year of the Poor, let us take a glimpse of the countless needy along the street KCFAPI Cares, C3
THIS piece could be a tad mushy that you would think it is too deceitful because a grown-up wrote it. Have you noticed which part of the society being mushy is generally accepted? The children.
Why? You already know it, you’ve grown too much that you gradually leave behind the knowledge of what matters most. As Monsieur Antoine de Saint-Exupery puts it, Team Love Bank, C3
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August 3 - 16, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 16
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap
Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Chairman’s Message
Curia Settings
NEW BOARDS LAST July 3, the Founder Members Committee (FMC) met for a caucus meeting to discuss some issues and legal matters that need to be resolved and agreed upon before the different stockholders meeting could commence. At around 1 PM during the Stockholders Meeting of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), I was informed that I was elected as its new Chairman. In the same meeting the new set of the Board of Trustees of KCFAPI were also elected. This was immediately followed by an Organizational Meeting and KCFAPI elected its new officers for the Columbian Year (CY) 2015-2016. Elected President was Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. the new Luzon North Deputy. Other wholly owned subsidiaries of KCFAPI also had new set of trustees and officers including its two foundations. Alonso L. Tan is the new Chairman of Keys Realty which also operates the Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels and yours truly as its new President. Mace has a new Chairman, Teodoro O. Arcenas, Jr. Mace retained Joseph P. Teodoro as its President having performed well the past three years at the helm. On the other hand Kompass retained its Chairman Hilario G. Davide, Jr. and elected a new President, the new Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo. I had to give up the presidency of Kompass as I was given bigger roles to play as new Chairman of KCFAPI and new President of Keys Realty. Former Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. is now the new Chairman of the two foundations, KC Philippines and Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc., a position formerly held by Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Alonso L. Tan, however, was retained as President of the two foundations. Also last July 1, the four new state deputies took over from their predecessors. Anthony P. Nazario and Reynaldo C. Trinidad are the new Visayas Deputy and Mindanao Deputy, respectively, succeeding Rodrigo N. Sorongon and Balbino C. Fauni. I have two successors since Luzon got too big and was divided into two. Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. is the Luzon North Deputy and Ramoncito A. Ocampo is the Luzon South Deputy. There are also changes in the structure of KCFAPI. It will have two ViceChairmen. Anthony P. Nazario will be the Vice Chairman for the Visayas and Reynaldo C. Trinidad will be the Vice Chairman for Mindanao. Their positions will become effective after the approval of the SEC of the change in our by-laws. The rationale for this is to give the two state deputies a more direct hand in the promotion of the KCFAPI Benefit Certificates (BC) and improve the availment of said BCs in their respective jurisdictions. The two foundations also had changes in its structures and composition of its trustees. Both foundations would have the same number of trustees and the same set of trustees. This would synchronize the operations and programs of both foundations and would prevent confusions from among its members. The KC Philippines Foundation’s by-laws would have to be amended to increase its board seats from nine to fifteen equaling the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities number of trustees. Hence the other six elected as trustees of KC Philippines would only take effect upon the approval of the amendments of its by-laws. Although there are more than one membership across companies, it is my hope that their action would be better synchronized and more coordinated in their different functions in the different boards. It is also my hope that with these changes, synchronized decision making will be achieved. With the different talents, varied experiences and unquestionable dedication and loyalty of these men they call knights, I sincerely believe that KCFAPI, its wholly owned subsidiaries and two foundations are headed to a new golden era. The members of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines and their families will be given the opportunities to avail of the many benefits that are being offered and will still be offered by KCFAPI and its wholly-owned and majority-owned companies. At the same time, all our members who have availed of and will still avail of these opportunities are assured that part of their insurance contributions or investment on our products from the wholly-owned and majority-owned companies will be for the benefit of our scholars in the two foundations. I look forward in working and coordinating with the new team in plotting the future course of KCFAPI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned companies and two foundations for the good of the Order, for the good of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. Vivat Jesus!
Jose C. Reyes, Jr.
President’s Message The Knights of Columbus’ 133rd Supreme Convention in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA is the chosen site of the 133rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus. It is the historical capital of the United States of America and the Cradle of Liberty where we can find the famous Liberty Bell. The host State Deputy, Stan Glowaski, is inviting Knights of Columbus officers and members from various parts of the globe to participate in this year’s convention and see also the tourist attractions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Ladies Appreciation Luncheon will be held on August 4, 2015, hosted by the ladies of the Officers and Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council to thank the wives of the State Deputies for their support to their husbands. This will be followed by the Opening Business Session which will be presided by the Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson who will address the delegates and will most likely reiterate Pope Francis’ call to serve the poor – “a kind of charity work that evangelizes”. The traditional State Dinner will be held in the evening with the participation of all the delegates and their ladies. The Business Session will continue on August 5. The main event is the Awards Session. Each fraternal year, the Supreme Council recognizes individual knights, as well as councils, assemblies, states or juridictions and Squire Circles for outstanding achievements related to membership growth and retention, insurance sales, and charitable works. Among the awards to be given are the International Family of the Year Award, Century Club Award, Membership Recruitment and the International Service Awards. This year, our outgoing Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap will again be awarded for our outstanding performance in membership growth in the Knights of Columbus and the Columbian Squires. The Final Business Session on August 6 will begin with a Memorial Mass and will be highlighted by the approval of resolutions submitted for consideration by the various Knights of Columbus jurisdictions. This international gathering of Knights of Columbus members and their families will definitely be an opportunity to fervently pray for the canonization of our beloved founder, Venerable Servant Fr. Michael J. McGivney. He continues to be the great inspiration to the members of the Knights of Columbus, including members of the clergy. Likewise, the Knights of Columbus, as an organization, will pray for the global increase of priestly vocations and for a genuine response to God’s call for holiness among its members. The Knights of Columbus in the Philippines will ensure that we will put into action this year’s theme of “Answering the Call for Evangelization” in all its programs and projects. The official Philippine delegates for this year’s Convention are Mindanao Deputy Reynaldo Trinidad, Visayas Deputy Anthony Nazario, Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito Ocampo and Luzon North Deputy, yours truly. Other delegates include Raoul Villanueva, Bonifacio Martinez and Joseph Teodoro.
The Cross
Father Michael McGivney, A Saint Of Compassion And Of Fun FATHER Michael is a saint. I think we can say that of the Founder of the Knights of Columbus; after all, he is now called a Venerable by the Church. We pray that soon we can hear him be proclaimed a Blessed. This proclamation, is of course, a gift from the Divine Spirit. However, it somehow depends also on how we, the followers of Venerable Michael, live our daily, domestic, professional and ecclesial lives. Perhaps it is not presumptuous to believe that the burden of proof of his sainthood is in the hands of the Knights of Columbus members now. He deserves indeed to be called a saint if we, the followers, can manifest some indicators of following his teachings and life. Then, we can prove that his life is not put to waste. I do not intend to prove how saintly his life was from his spiritual achievements. I would like to dwell now on the social dimension of his saintly life. We always hear that a relevant faith is a faith that does justice. Saint James would say that faith is completed by good works. So if we preach love for God, it is incomplete if we do not do actions that prove our love for our neighbours. Genuine Love for God is a test of saintliness. However, it becomes real and convincing if it is translated into love and good works for our neighbour. Of course we do good to others if we give fish and food to the hungry. But if we make people share also their food and fish to others, it is even more beneficial for the kingdom. Then our sharing to others becomes fruitful because we enable them also to share. The act of sharing is thus multiplied. But Venerable Michael did more than that. He urged the members to become equipped so that they can continually share to others. Generations after him were enabled to put up councils that helped them to support each other materially so that eventually none of
their members will go hungry. And much more than this, their service to the Church should not limit their capacity to provide for their families financially. It was such a good idea that this material security would extend also to their families. And very significantly, even if after the members die, their families will continually feel their love, protection and support. This salvation from difficulties of earthly life is part of the salvation that members of Christ have been promised. Helping the members become materially equipped enables them to help others who are in need whether they are members of the Knights of Columbus or not. We see that the help given by KC are not exclusively directed only to the members. We are gathered to do common activities for the communities around us. In fact, many members help others whether through KC or through their own personal contacts and with their own means. This is really multiplication of the Bread. Our help, moved by the spirit and teaching of our Founder, come in many forms and shape. We offer livelihood projects, medical missions, sports, entrepreneurial training, etc. We offer books, health and safety services and facilities; we volunteer to actually and physically be present to those who are in need. We send material help and invite resource persons. But we also go personally where we are needed. And many times our help are not only dole-outs but also training for livelihood. Most importantly, we offer even fraternal financial benefits to the grieving. We do not go only where there are needs or where disaster victims beckon. We also organize occasions of fun and family bonding. There are family days, council events and dances, and even fun runs. We see each other on cultural and personal occasions
and anniversaries. As such we are bonded in sorrow and in joy. This creates our unity, our fraternity and of course we share our love for each other. Many times we do not realize that we are bonded when we do things together. But we do not do things only because we foresee the benefits. We get together because we feel the call to do things for each other and for others. These make us feel good. Good works and play are their own rewards. When we are happy or fulfilled in what we do, this is faith and charity in operation. We do not do things with vested interests. We do them because they are good and we know it is the spirit of Jesus who calls us. Just like Father Michael did all things in communion with Jesus. We inherited from Father Michael our common activities of helping and of fun. In fact he was called Father Fun. Father Michael lived his life in a holistic way and he did everything without calling attention to himself. In fact he would always say, that it was only by God’s grace that he was able to do, to think, to initiate whatever was in his hands. God’s grace made him whole. Only by God’s grace can we do anything. Whether in good works or in fun, may Venerable Michael unite all of us. Whether what we do is for the present need or for the long time benefits of the members, may we do all these in God’s grace. Move us, Father Michael, to do things not only for the good of the members but also for the society and the Church as a whole. Let your spirit of service and awareness of God’s grace be always with us. May your attention to the details of the material and spiritual well-being of the members of KC and of others, always be with us, Venerable Michael. Only by God’s grace... onwards to the building of your Kingdom here on earth....
Michael P. Cabra
My Brother’s Keeper
August 2015: Venerable Month of a Revered Man THIS month of August we celebrate the Birth and Death of a venerable man, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. He was born August 12, 1852 and died August 14, 1890 at an early age of 38. Fr. McGivney founded the Order of the Knights of Columbus, with only a small group of his church people. His primary objective is to help strengthen the faith of the men of his community while providing future benefit to the family members that they may leave behind. He was born to live the faith among his congregation and help sustain the life of the remaining family members whom one day they may leave behind. As a Brother Knight, how close is your personal purpose with that of Fr. McGivney’s
principle? Strengthening the faith of our fellow Catholics may appear easy just by living the Word of God and following his commandments, but giving life to the family of the departed Brother Knight is indeed challenging. It may be the main responsibility of the Fraternal Counselor of your area or the Insurance Promotion Chairman of your Council but do you even know their names? For once, let us not assume that they may not be doing their work. Rather, they may just be busy attending to Brother Knights who give priority to the future financial needs of their family. Providing for the future of the widowed and the orphaned is not the sole obligation of a Brother Knight. It is a con-
certed effort of all members of the Order. It is the task not only of the Council Officers neither of the Fraternal Counselors alone. Each of us has a major role to play in informing and reminding all Brother Knights the great importance of Fraternal Benefits exclusive from KCFAPI. CMBP will not suffice. It is just an assistance for memorial expense. No more, no less. The amount of personal insurance coverage should be at least tantamount to a Brother Knight’s present human economic value. To know the average economic value, just multiply the monthly net income by twelve months then multiply it further by five or ten years. It depends on how much comfort or financial assistance
one wants to leave behind to his loved ones. The higher the insurance protection one has, the higher the level of his peace of mind and the lesser the stress he will experience during his lifetime To be recognized as Venerable like Fr. McGivney is extremely difficult. Strengthening the faith of our fellow Brother Knight may require great effort for some but providing financial assistance to the widows and orphans the same way Fr. McGivney did is not that complex at all. Simply contact your Council’s Fraternal Counselor for an appointment and remind your other Council Members to do the same. Who knows, becoming venerable is not that difficult at all.
Roberto T. Cruz
Touching Base with the Foundations
In The Footsteps Of Fr. Michael J. McGivney FOR the Order of the Knights of Columbus, the month of August allows us to look back at the life of our Founder, Venerable Servant of God Fr. Michael J. McGivney because not only was he born August 12, 1852 but he also died August 14, 1890. Despite his relatively short life of only 38 years, Fr. McGivney was able to fight for and give strength to the Catholic faith at a time when it was greatly threatened by different elements. Growing amidst severe poverty made worse by the early death of his own father, Fr. McGivney stopped attending school at age 13 in order to work in a spoon-making factory to help in the survival of his family. But his vocation made him resume his studies when he reached 16, eventually entering the seminary two years thereafter and ending up at St. Mary’s College. By 1877, he was ordained a priest in an
environment where Catholics were discriminated on and widely disadvantaged. His diocesan mission faced a lot of tension and defensiveness as his parish, composed mostly of blue-collared workers, was financially burdened. He had to nurture and guide them, not only through discrimination and poverty, but also kept them from joining secret societies as well as guarding the youth from falling prey to alcoholism. His main instruments were catechism classes and giving them more aid and support when needed most during times of death or sickness. Fr. McGivney is known for his piety and compassion – the same virtues championed by His Holiness Pope Francis during his visit to our country last January 2015. In the same mold, our very own Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ also pursued these when he established various organizations – including our two Foundations
- to help the Filipinos he was able to deal with. With the scholarship grants, both collegiate and religious (Theology and Licentiate/Doctorate), awarded to poor but deserving individuals, KCPFI and KCFGJWCI are able to inject a valuable dose of HOPE and AMBITION into the lives of these people who are able to achieve more for themselves, their families and their communities once they complete their studies. The role of our two Foundations is simply to open the doors of OPPORTUNITY for the selected underprivileged and position them along the challenging road towards SUCCESS, an ENHANCED LIFE and more importantly, PERSONAL DIGNITY. For the past forty years, the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. and the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. have been able to bestow on
324 collegiate and 211 seminarians and priests scholar-graduates the lifeline that enabled them to realize their dreams/mission in life. Truly, the Foundations, with the financial backing of Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) and the support of the Order of the Knights of Columbus have faithfully continued the virtues of piety and compassion that Fr. Michael J. McGivney as well as Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ unselfishly provided during their respective lives. Today we call on our own scholar-graduates to continue the mission of helping others in their own respective ways. Only they can determine how they will do this. But surely God knows the kindness, charity and compassion that they are or will be giving to others in need – following the footsteps of Fr. Michael McGivney and Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ.
The Cross
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August 3 - 16, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 16
Memory and Martyrdom By SK Carl A. Anderson ON June 13, I made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, N.Y., where I presented a grant on behalf of the Knights of Columbus for the renovation and upkeep of the historic site. In place of my monthly column, I would like to share some of the remarks I delivered on that occasion: There are special places around the globe where the spiritual history of the world unfolded. These places are holy ground. We think of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, built atop the burial place of our first pope, or Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared and changed the course of evangelization for an entire hemisphere. Today we think of Auriesville, N.Y., where the blood of martyrs brought forth within a single generation a lily—St. Kateri Tekakwitha—
from the people who had spilled that blood. What happened here was a fate every missionary to the New World knew was not just a possibility, but a probability. As St. Isaac Jogues wrote to a Jesuit colleague in France, “I shall go, but I shall not return.” Martyrdom for these brave men was not an abstraction. And yet they came. Places like Auriesville are spiritual heritage sites. They are holy places where people changed the spiritual future of our nation. The history of America is incomplete without the memory of such places. Here, the New World was made truly “new” because the Gospel message was proclaimed, sometimes by preaching, other times by living, and in the end by dying. When we remember what the missionaries did on this continent, we encounter an immense truth.
As St. Irenaeus tells us: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” But what does it mean to be “fully alive” in this way? It means to live a life that overflows with such love of God and love of neighbor that no evil on earth can triumph over it. St. Isaac Jogues returned here even after he had been brutally tortured, his fingers bitten off, made to run the gauntlet. Little wonder the Mohawks called him “the indomitable one.” But what impressed his former captors most? That he loved them. Across the country, we learn a similar lesson from Blessed Junípero Serra, the Apostle of California, whom Pope Francis will canonize this September in Washington, D.C. When Native Americans murdered one of his Franciscan confreres, Father Serra successfully argued against the death penalty for those responsible. Such
a punishment, he said, was not consistent with the witness to the Christian faith. The New World was made truly “new” because the Gospel was proclaimed by preaching, by living, and in the end by dying. We live on a continent that met Christ through the tireless, selfless work of missionaries, and this encounter—more than any other attribute—is what unites our continent. The example of these heroic missionaries calls out to us to live lives of Christian witness. These champions of the first evangelization reach across time to inspire us to take up a new evangelization. As Pope Francis has written: “All of us are called to offer others an explicit witness to the saving love of the Lord” (Evangelii Gaudium, 121). Today, we honor the French Jesuit martyrs of this place as supreme examples of that saving love.
The Gentle Warrior Part II of Chapter Two of “The Gentle Warrior” series CHAPTER TWO --------.--------The Ateneo de Manila
THE city itself was so rich in history! The place where he was living was so rich! When Jose Rizal was marching down from Fort Santiago to the Luneta, to be executed, the Jesuit faculty of the Ateneo
in the Ateneo de Manila, in the classrooms where George taught! He never graduated. He dropped out of class to join the revolution. He was killed in that battle above the clouds when he was twenty four years old. Rizal slept in the dormitory, where George was Prefect. Rizal ate in the dining hall. Rizal was prefect of the sodality, of which George was now the moderator. The history of the school went right back to the sixteenth century. San Agustin was built in 1585. And at about that time the Ateneo became the Ateneo Municipal — the government grade school of Manila. The original seal of the Ateneo was the official seal of the City of Manila. Every day, when he walked over the worn stones in that old school, George Willmann was knee deep in history. (To be continued on the next issue.)
KCFAPI Cares, C1
corners, the homeless families and street children. Let us find our deeper calling to be compassionate in every sense of the word. But can compassion change the lives of the poor? Team KCFAPI CARES thought so and came up with something, it may not be life changing, but more or less uplifting by reaching out to poor neighbors, giving them a bucket of hope through our outreach program dubbed as the Care for the Street Children and Homeless held last July 19, 2015 at KCFAPI 3rd floor Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Building. The said activity was spearheaded by the ever supportive team leader of Team KCFAPI CARES, Sis.
Carmelita Ruiz and her team members together with Bro. Noel Lacanilao of the Cofradia del Sto. Niño de Cebu, who provided the group with kind assistance. Team KCFAPI CARES was able to feed more than a hundred street children of Intramuros who were likewise given entertainment thru fun games that brought them joy and comfort for the day. To serve and to care, this gesture transformed each participant to become a chosen people whose hope is in Jesus Christ, whose immeasurable compassion inspired the participants to share their time and effort to give hope to these homeless families and street children of Intramuros,
Manila so that they may come and see the goodness of God at work. The Care for the Street Children and Homeless is just one simple voice about caring for others hoping that it echoes and multiplies just as how our Lord Jesus Christ was able to feed the five thousand, with just five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-15). It is a miracle, but on the second thought, it is the power of sharing through the compassion of Jesus Christ that started it all, and they had more than enough to eat. God’s grace is indeed sufficient for us all. We just need to care and share. Care to serve and share what God has blessed us with. Every day is our chance to give back the goodness of
God. Team KCFAPI CARES aims to support this endeavor of looking after our neighbors in need, and eventually transforming their lives to something they have been longing for: to live with dignity. As we take this common road, where street dwellers – homeless families and street children have undeniably increased in number, let us find within our hearts to cheerfully walk with them, and be one in building not only a place they can call home, but a family, one with Jesus Christ who provides us abundantly, and expects nothing in return but to Care for the Street Children and Homeless. (Blenda A. Porillo)
Team Love Bank, C1
“Only the children know what they are looking for.” A house or a home? When you say homeless, what is it that you typically connote it with? They have no shelter, a place to live in, a four-walled structure with a roof, an infrastructure…that’s it. A house, then. So why not call them houseless? Why homeless? Because it’s a custom. Try to understand beyond it and you will spot the difference. For the month of July, the Year of the Poor project focused on the homeless. And Team Love Bank directed its efforts on Nanay Rosa and her family, a resident homeless of Intramuros, Manila. The 29th of June was marked on the calendar as the day that two different perspectives of the family and the team will converge. To start off, Nanay Rosa has been living with her daughter, her son-in-law, and with her nine grandchildren. Their humble abode is composed of a groundsheet, cardboards, and iron sheets and not to mention the borrowed sturdy stand of a MERALCO lamppost. They managed to provide for their needs through Nanay Rosa’s begging and her son-in-law muscling the pedicab day and night. The team’s outreach program started by fetching the family. First they brought Nanay Rosa and her daughter to a salon to be beautified and pampered. At the same time, the children were entertained through a film-showing. Afterwhich, they were brought together
and served with a delectable dinner feast joined by the team. The team shared the story of Father Willmann and how the people, mainly the children, on the streets had always been a special part and cause of his life. Words of love, wisdom, and gratitude befell among the parties as these events ensued through the night. And it didn’t just end there for the team gave them gifts, clothes and toys alike, and set up a sari-sari store for the family as their additional livelihood. The smiles on their faces, their eyes glistening with unspeakable joy, especially of the kids, were priceless. And those were enough for the team to see that they’ve provided the family hope and a chance to progress, joy and newfound friends. That even for one swift moment they felt that they belong to the society and are not ignored. For one day, Nanay Rosa had a new found, bigger family. Yet there is one unexpected gift that came upon the team. A gift that surpassed all they’ve given. Nanay Rosa and her family, particularly the children, taught them one thing people nowadays had always overlooked. A lesson that no grown-up could easily recognize in one whiff of fate. Long before even the team came to their life, they ate, they clothed, they worked, they smiled, they laughed, and they had a place to live in. The children have their grandma to tell them stories, their parents to take care of them, their siblings and friends to play with. The
be “missionary disciples” (120). If we answer this call, then the most enduring shrine to the martyrs of this place will not be made of bricks and timber. It will be those pilgrims who leave this place renewed with a spirit of missionary discipleship. Vivat Jesus!
New KC PriestScholars announced
By James B. Reuter, SJ
were on their roof, watching the procession. When Father Balaguer was visiting Rizal in prison, he would walk home to the Ateneo in the evening, and after supper he would tell the Jesuit community, in the recreation room, what happened in the cell of Rizal during the day. When Dewey was sailing across the China Sea toward Manila Bay, on the night before the battle, Admiral Montojo went to confession to his regular confessor, in San Ignacio. When the Admiral was leaving, the Jesuit community stopped him at the door. They said: “What are our chances for tomorrow?” Admiral Montojo, who had long moustache, for which he was famous, shook his head, ruefully. He said: “None. We are just going through the motions.” And Gregorio del Pilar was a student
We are pleased to join with our brother Knights of Columbus throughout New York to help renovate the shrine of these great martyrs. Soon, a spiritual son of St. Ignatius Loyola will visit our country. Pope Francis reminds us that “every Christian is a missionary” and that all of us are called to
kids never complained about not having a proper house, because after all they were always home, and never less than it. As a cliché goes, “Home is where the heart is”. And that’s where their hearts always felt alive. Even if they don’t have a television, a refrigerator, or a smartphone, those purely innocent sweet smiles of the children show that just by having the people you love most around you is one palace of a home. You see as we grow old, we tend to consider every tad of insignificant stuff as significant. Let’s try to see things again as a child, a different sort of throwback. Let’s hear it from Monsieur Antoine one more time, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Because you know, no matter how grand your house is if it’s just a structure adorned with shiny and techie stuff but you are unhappy, therefore, you are definitely homeless. But whether it’s grand or shabby or you’re simply a streetwanderer, as long as you surround yourself with what should be valued most in life then you are absolutely at home. Anyone who has a house can be homeless but anyone who is at home minds not whatever house they’re in or have none at all. Now ask yourself, do you have a home, or are you homeless? “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” – Antoine de SaintExupery (Concha Luz F. Angeles)
BRO. Alonso L. Tan, Supreme Director of the Knights of Columbus and President of the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc., recently announced the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Religious Scholarship Program beginning School Year 2015-2016. The Foundation offers scholarships for diocesan-seminarians taking their studies at Theology level and Licentiate/Doctoral Studies locally. Named scholars for diocesanseminarians in Luzon are: Jeffrey C. Abing (Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan), Michael BJ F. Masangcay (Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro), Adrian E. Lazo (Diocese of Novaliches), Ricky B. Velasco (Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna), Peter Wilson M. Reynoso (Diocese of Lucena), Michael Jaime C. Sibal (Diocese of Tarlac), Solomon Geslani, Jr. (Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan), and Lito L. Abella (Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan). One scholar selected from Visayas is Juledrix A. Tamondong (Diocese of Borongan), while the scholars from Mindanao are Jonas A. Awayan (Diocese of Cagayan de
Oro), Marvin P. Megallos (Diocese of Tagum), and Jarold Mick B. Toldo (Diocese of Surigao). The following are the new priestscholars for local Licentiate / Doctorate Studies: Rev. Fr. Julius S. Cuison of the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan, Pangasinan who will be pursuing his Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the University of Santo Tomas and Rev. Fr. Dennis B. Beltran from the Diocese of Imus for his Licentiate in Sacred Theology Major in Missiology at the Divine Word School of Theology. For the school year 2015-2016, a total of thirty (30) seminarians and priest-scholars from various archdioceses/dioceses will be supported by the Foundation which is named after Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ (1897-1977) who is considered the Father of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines and founder of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). Inquiries about the scholarship program may be coursed thru the Foundation office at Gen. Luna St., Intramuros , Manila with tel. nos. 527-2223-27 local 220 & 221.
Warriors, C1
who have been diagnosed with cancer or with other ailments and had taken refuge at the Child Haus while undergoing treatment from various hospitals. Established in 2003, the “Center for Health Improvement and Life Development” (more often referred to as “Child Haus”), serves as temporary shelter for children with cancer or related ailments who are undergoing treatment at government hospitals in Metro Manila. The center also offers various programs for the children during their stay at the center. Since its establishment, Child Haus continues to be the home for over 12,000 children who underwent treatment. On the morning of July 19, 2015 we stepped into the Child Haus premises. At first the sight of frail looking children donning masks and their parent’s look of deep concern provoked an atmosphere of dreariness for some of us. But as we intermingled with them their upbeat response revealed their yearning to live a normal healthy life someday. It dawned upon us that these are children who in their early years are already locked in a battle of life and death. Yet despite their condition they still carry the innocence of a normal child seeking for the simple joys of life. The thought of their situation
inspired us more to share some light moments with them. The program kicked off with a talk by Ms. Annie Nicolas about the life and works of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ followed by a video presentation and a few games with the kids, and their parents. The event was highlighted with a mass celebrated by Fr. Anthony Dabu with an inspiring homily not only for the sick but for everyone. After the mass, the kids were treated with a meal and given gift packages. For their part, the Founder of Child Haus, celebrity Ricky Reyes, who is more fondly called “Mader Ricky” graciously thanked the employees of KCFAPI for sacrificing their time and effort to bring a moment of happiness to the children and with an invitation to continue the endeavour with them. Looking back, the children at Child Haus showed bravery and determination in facing their greatest challenge in life. We may not feel the real pain and struggles they undergo each day yet the smiles they manage to bring out reminds us that these children need all the support they can get, in prayers and deed. In their own way they are warriors in a battle for a normal life in this world. (Greg Asis)
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life and works of Fr. George J. Willmann followed by a short talk by Ms. Eva Dawal about Fr. Willmann and what he stood for. The enthusiasm of the children grew as they danced side by side with KCFAPI employees to the tune of the “Superbook Salvation Poem”. This was followed with an inspirational talk by our very own Atty. Neil Rapatan who shared his life changing moments to the kids and to inspire them to pursue a decent and self fulfilling way of life as the children attentively listened to his story. Later on, when some of the kids were asked of their dreams for the future, each expressed an aspiration of having a successful career or profession. Soon after it was time for fun games and meals with the children. For a
while the children’s thoughts were away from the everyday hardships they had to endure. Time passed by and it was time to give out to the kids gift packages containing shirts, school supplies and slippers. The excitement and gratitude was evident in their smiles as each child opened his gift package with much gusto. Upon discovering its contents, the kids immediately took off their worn out slippers to put on a new pair of slippers. The visit to the Jose Fabella Center was a learning experience for us. In a short span of time with the children we realized, it was not a matter of giving them joy and comfort for a day, it was a matter of planting the seeds of hope in their minds that they may have a chance of a brighter future. (Greg Asis and Gemille Gloria)
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August 3 - 16, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 16
The Cross
Great Walled City Run 2015 kicks off The Area Managers of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) gathered last July 8 to 10, 2015 at the KCFAPI main office for their annual Area Managers’ Mid Year Meeting. The activity was led by the new KCFAPI President, Justice Jose Reyes Jr. and KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia. (KCFAPI News)
KC Seminarian-Scholars Ordained To The Sacred Order Of Deacons REV. Raisun John Romana Placino and Rev. Vic Eclevea Tabernilla, two of the seminarian-scholars of KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc., were ordained as Deacons last May 11, 2015 by Most Rev. Emilio Z. Marquez, D.D., Bishop of Lucena at the Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel St. Alphonsus Regional Seminary, Brgy. Isabang, Lucena City. Rev. Raisun John is the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Pedrito and Asuncion Placino. He was attracted to the vocation of priesthood when he joined the Knights of the Altar upon his transfer to a Catholic school on his third grade. In 2001, he enrolled at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary in Sariaya, Quezon for his secondary education then at the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Seminary for his Philosophy studies. Meanwhile, Rev. Vic is the youngest child of Angelito and Sozima Tabernilla. He finished his elementary schooling at Tayabas West Central School. He joined the Knights of the Altar from elementary until his secondary education at Luis Palad National High School. Rev. Vic also finished his Philosophy studies at the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
JOIN the fun run dubbed as “The Great Walled City Run 2015” on September 6, 2015 at the historical Intramuros, Manila. This is in line with the 57th founding anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the insurance arm of the Knights of Columbus in the country. The fun run will have a 5K race category for a Php500.00 registration fee and a 10K race category for Php700.00.
Registration fee includes a dri-fit shirt and race bib for the 5K category while the 10k category runners will get an additional finisher’s shirt and medal. Organizers are seeking for collaborators who can partner with them. Inspired by the founder of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines, Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ’s charity and care for the most needy, the proceeds from the event will go to aid the charitable activities of the two foun-
dations – KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. and KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. The foundations have been providing assistance to the victims of different natural calamities as well as scholarship grants to poor but deserving students and religious scholarships for those with priestly vocations. Interested parties may contact RJ Mariano or MM Gatdula at telephone numbers (02) 527-2223. (KC News)
Mindanao Jurisdiction holds District Deputies’ Meeting
Seminary. Both Rev. Raisun John and Rev. Vic were selected as scholars of the Foundation during the school year 2010-2011 for a five-year course in Theology at Saint Alphonsus Regional Seminary. Another KC Seminarian-Scholar who was likewise ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons was Rev. Benigno J. Bonode. He was ordained last June 9, 2015 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Boac, Marinduque by Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit, Jr. D.D. Rev. BJ, as he is fondly called, is the eldest son of the six children of Mr. Samuel Bonode and Mrs. Susana Jandusay. His interest in priestly vocation began when he received his first communion. Joining their parish as an altar server, he entered Mount St. Aloysius College Seminary to complete a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. As recommended by Rev. Fr. Mario E. Baldeo, rector of the said seminary, he entered St. Alphonsus Regional Seminary to pursue theological studies in 2010. He was a Fr. Willmann Charities scholar from school years 2011- 2015. (Christopher Camila)
FBG holds Fraternal Service Training Program
KCFAPI-FBG Manager Michael P. Cabra together with the FST participants.
THE Fraternal Benefits Group of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) held a two-day Fraternal Service Training (FST) program last July 21 – 22, 2015 at the KCFAPI training room in Intramuros, Manila. Participants were from Metro Manila Dragons and South Western Luzon Stars. The FST program aims to impart knowledge about the products being offered by KCFAPI and their advantages to the members and their immediate families. Aside from the product specifications, the
program also provides information regarding basic insurance processes and strategies on conceptualization of new marketing strategies in order to help them achieve their goals and improve their sales performance. Speakers were KCFAPI Fraternal Benefits Service Department Manager Michael P. Cabra and FBG staff, Jennefer Rose C. Bautista who taught the participants on how to file application forms. For more information on the next FST, please contact the KCFAPI-FBG department at telephone number (02) 527-2243. (FBG News)
“New Mindanao Deputy Bro. Reynaldo Trinidad and Membership and Program Consultant, Bro. Vince Pacis with KCFAPI Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group, Gari M. San Sebastian and FBSD Manager Michael Cabra during the District Deputies’ Orientation and Organizational Meeting held last July 10 to 12, 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City.
THE Mindanao Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines conducted their first of two batches of District Deputies’ Orientation and Organizational Meeting last July 10 to 12, 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City. During the first day of the event, Brother Knights paid a courtesy call to His Excellency, Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. They also had a
meeting with the New State Officers, Diocesan Coordinators, Assistant Diocesan Coordinators, new Mindanao Deputy Bro. Reynaldo Trinidad and Membership & Program Consultant, Bro. Vince Pacis. Items tackled during the DD’s meeting include: organizational structure for Mindanao Jurisdiction, Plans and Programs for CY 2015-2016, Duties and Responsibilities of District Deputies, Membership
Plans, among others. The event was graced by the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group Bro. Gari San Sebastian and Fraternal Benefits Services Department Manager Bro. Michael Cabra. The event culminated with a Holy Eucharistic celebration and installation of the new set of officers. (MindaNews)
The Fraternal Benefits Group of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) led by Vice President for FBG Gari San Sebastian and Fraternal Benefits Services Manager Michael Cabra during their Product Knowledge Training held last July 17, 2015 in Davao. The event was participated in by the Eastern and Southern Mindanao fraternal counselors. (FBG News)