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a brief portfolio by group 2 - 12 stem 3

12 STEM 3, Fr. Juan sabater ALAESTANTE, PAOLO MIGUEL DILAG, LOURDWIN DAVE ESPIRITU, MARIA CASANDRA GUTIERREZ, JOSE MANUEL MOSQUITO, MA. FATIMA NAVARRO, DALE ARVI PLATERO, HARRY GRANT SAGISI, MARGA IZZABEL

table of contents I. Introduction

II. Magisterial Documents Fides et Ratio Ad Extremas Anni Sacri Annum Sacrum Diuturnum Dei Verbum In Plurimis

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

III. Reflection

IV. References

V. Surprise!

introduction “Walang masamang maniwala” is the most predisposed quotation about superstition. Superstition is one of the most widespread hoaxes in the Filipino community and it is evident that present-day Filipinos are still heavily inclined toward superstitions as it started way back during our ancestors when animism was practiced and various objects such as humanoid figures were being worshipped. It is believed that these ancestors, including their supernatural beliefs and practices during that period, have deployed a major influence in the everyday lives of many Filipinos in the present day (De Guzman et al., 2019). As such, superstition has been chosen by the members due to the following reasons: (1) what do magisterial documents say about superstition and (2) if superstitious beliefs by any means are justifiable based on the magisterial documents.

fides et ratio october 16, 2008

According to Fides et Ratio, faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit soars to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth, in a word, to know himself, so that men and women may come to the fullness of truth about themselves by knowing and loving God. Wherein, there is a common source in the search for meaning, which has always compelled the human heart. However, it was far different from the definition of superstition. It refers to a superstitious, irrational, abject mental attitude toward the supernatural, nature, or God. That is why, the mission of the Church is to proclaim that Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6). Moreover, the desire for the truth is inherent in human nature. The task of philosophy emerges as one of the most noble of human tasks: increasing knowledge of the truth.

ad extremas june 24, 1893

In accordance with this magisterial document of Pope Leo XIII, it was mentioned that there are a few people who are deprived of the truth and are imprisoned in the darkness of superstitions. However, we were later introduced to two important people: Apostle Thomas and Francis Xavier. Francis Xavier holds the title of the "Apostle of the Indies", and played a great contribution in converting the Indies. Knowing that the people are captive by superstitions, Xavier dedicated himself to a praiseworthy calling. He was able to convert Hindus to the true religion since the Hindus used to believe in myths and vile superstitions of the Brahmans. Likewise, he was able to renew Christian mysteries and institutions that were introduced by Apostle Thomas, a founder/preacher of the Gospel to the Hindus. As a result, numerous priests strove untiringly to preserve and promote the said Christian mysteries.

2 3

anni sacri march 12, 1950 *also known as Catholicae Ecclesiae As explained in the document Anni Sacri by Pope Pius XII that tackles the council’s propaganda against atheism throughout the world, the root of evil is solely evident every time that a lie is substituted to the truth as it will always result to dispute and chaos just as what we have discussed about atheism, that man is a matter that does not have a spiritual dimension, that can be equated to how believing in superstitions easily neglects a man to think of how Catholics were taught to believe in the sacred teachings and not in presumptions that lacks any validity at all. Religion is dismissed as unimportant by many, and is outright forbidden in family and social life as a relic of ancient superstitions by others; public and private atheism is exalted to the point where God and His law are abolished, and morality is no longer grounded. The media also frequently denigrates religious feelings while not hesitating to broadcast the most heinous obscenities, agitating and causing immeasurable harm to vulnerable childhood and deceived youth, thus it could be arguable that atheism in relation to the belief of superstitions is correlated deeply to the extent of not considering the truth manifested by the teachings of Christian faith. 4

annum sacrum may 25, 1899

Annum Sacrum discusses that Jesus Christ, as the redeemer and the Supreme Lord of all beings, does not limit His empire to those who are Catholics, believers of the Almighty God, those who have been baptized with Holy water, and those who are struggling in the darkness of superstition, but rather, he extends it even to those individuals who are deprived of the Christian Faith, as the infinite love of Christ is for all and sundry. Apropos of the atheistic impacts brought by the power of superstition, this document also talks about the giving of life to those who sit under the shadow of death and those who have not yet been shined by the light of the Christian truth and the consecration of the non-believers to the Sacred Heart of the Lord, which would symbolize as an act of devotion and stewardship.

diuturnum june 29, 1881

St. Augustine said: "Let us learn what He said, which also He taught by His Apostle, that there is no power but from God. The magisterial document, Diuturnm by Pope Leo XIII tackles that believing in superstitions is a complete abolishment of teachings of God and will also confuse one’s knowledge about the true concept of reality. It will also affect a person’s perspective of natural form and true beauty. With the help of the gospel, it will be a doorway to finding the truth. In conclusion, Diuturium wants us to understand that superstitions are contrary to the Church’s teachings and should not be combined with our religion. God is the way and is only the truth.

dei verbum

november 18, 1965 The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum, which was later solemnly promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965, clearly outlines the Catholic Church's doctrines regarding Sacred Scripture. Catholics believe that God did not merely leave them to figure out who they are and what their lives are about on their own, and that Divine Revelation is the Word of God spoken in the words of man. Christians can communicate with God through Scripture, which allows them to share in God's nature. The teaching of Dei Verbum underlined the unity of Scripture and tradition in the revelation of God's word. But it never explored the role of historical criticism in the interpretation of God's word in tradition, which is confirmed in God's revelation in the biblical word. The ultimate goal of this document is to assist those who are in search of the truth in strengthening their faith. God's word is a free gift of faith, and faith develops through the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as people study, reflect, and put their beliefs into action. This is why sacred Scripture and Church Tradition are inextricably linked and vital to the development of one's faith.

In Plurimis may 5, 1888

It was once believed that slaves were born only for the benefit of their owners. Believing that as a slave, your master owns all you own, even your body. This great work tells us about the futility and extraneousness of superstitions, and how it all leads to nothing, or even worse, agony. The text, on the other hand, informs us about the benefits of not believing in superstitions. The majority of mankind was toiling in this pit of suffering, and they were all the more pitiful because they were enslaved by superstition, while in the fullness of time and according to God's will, they would be freed, The virtues of Christ the Redeemer were poured forth on mankind as light beamed down upon the globe.

reflection Filipinos are known to be culturally and traditionally inclined. It explains how we tend to show our care to our loved ones in different manners even in the smallest ways––that per se is the Filipino spirit of compassion of how we go beyond ourselves for others to thrive and survive. This is one major factor as to why we have superstitions. There is always a fine line between believing in superstitions and not obeying it to prove otherwise. It is the fear that instills one’s mind into believing it, hence the saying, “wala namang mawawala kung maniniwala.” We know believing in such is illogical, but we are pressured to believe in superstitions to fit in the social norm; an example of social conformity. As such, we depend too much on superstitions because we are convinced that doing so will have an effect to control the uncontrollable. In the end, it is the man versus the mind.

We have to admit that belief in superstitions is evidently practiced in our country, despite the fact that more than 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic (Miller, 2022). I am sure as well that most of these superstitions are introduced to us by our families, especially the elderly, which brought us to the point of confirming that phrase and neglecting what was instilled to us from the day we were born, our faith in the teachings of the Catholic religion. As what we have discussed about people abiding by these superstitions or non-factual based phenomena, one’s respect for the divinity and highness of God the Father is somehow being affected duly because of displaying fear and lack of trust in His will. For example, you have the urge to say “tabi tabi po” when crossing a strange, forested, and spooky road just to be assured that no elves or other spiritual beings will be disturbed by your presence because the moment that they are, you will have to face certain consequences. But you forget to just pray and ask for His guidance to help you on your way right? This is how superstitions alter an individual’s faith, they let fear shadows the light of the truth and it causes a narrowminded understanding by putting His teachings out of the equation.

“H’wag kang matutulog kapag basa buhok mo.” “Magpagpag ka muna bago tayo umuwi.” “Kumain ka ng pancit, ‘nak. Pampahaba ng buhay.” These are some of the common superstitions that we usually hear in a Filipino household. Apart from that, there are other superstitions that we believe in: Friday the 13th, a black cat that passed by, the number 666, and so much more. It’s crazy to think that we are still deprived of myths and superstitions; we sometimes think that something wrong will happen after we believe in them. To sum up the explanations from the magisterial documents my group mates and I have provided, let us not put ourselves to the test, and may we continue to strengthen our faith dedicate ourselves to God.

According to what is mentioned in Fides et Ratio, God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth, in a word, to know himself, so that men and women may come to the fullness of truth about themselves by knowing and loving God. As members of the church, we must only consider what is truly important, which is that we have only one God. We should not let irrelevant activities, such as superstition, overcome us and result in the loss of our faith. Moreover, knowing the truth is also knowing God. The best way to better understand Him is through daily study and prayer. He is and only knows what is good for us. Lastly, Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6) and no one should take that away.

reflection Believing in superstition has been one of our trademarks as Filipinos. Superstitions are prevalent in Philippine provinces, particularly among the elderly. However, since each of us has our own opinions and beliefs, even those who belong to the younger generations, including us, generation z, still believe in superstitions. Certainly not all and sundry, but I couldn’t deny the fact that I am actually one of those youths who’ve been believing and afraid to oppose superstitions, especially if I am with my family in our province or simply when I am with elder people. Yes, it is vital to respect the opinions and beliefs of others, but should we just let them and ourselves be consumed by the dark effects of this practice, which would no doubt be in contrast to the teachings of the Church, and disregard the importance of seeing God as the center of our life. Respecting God also means that we love Him.

Religious superstition has also caused significant harm. There are both religious and non-religious good people, as well as religious and non-religious evil people. But it takes faith to persuade otherwise good people to behave badly because faith is the justification people employ for believing something when there is no demonstrable reason to do so. According to the Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum, learning more about God helps us understand the purpose of our human existence. The way the early church lived set an example. It became necessary, over time, to be inspired by the Holy Spirit in order to write down God's word. The Word is God's free gift of faith, and faith develops through the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as we study, contemplate, and put our beliefs into action. This is why sacred Scripture and Church Tradition are inextricably linked and vital to the development of one's faith.

Having faith in the notion has been one of our brand names as Filipinos. Strange notions are predominant in Philippine regions, especially among the elderly. Notwithstanding, since every one of us has our own viewpoints and convictions, even the people who have a place with the more youthful ages, including us, the Generation Z, actually put stock in notions. Surely not one and all, yet I was unable to deny the fact that I am really one of those adolescents who've been accepting and reluctant to go against superstitions, particularly assuming that I am with my family or when I'm with my grandparents. Indeed, it is crucial to regard the sentiments and convictions of others, yet would it be a good idea for us we just let them and ourselves be consumed by the dim impacts of this training, which would presumably be rather than the lessons of the Congregation, and dismissal the significance of considering God to be the focal point of our life. Regarding God likewise implies that we love Him.

As the description of our chosen social issue says, superstition is one of the most widespread beliefs in the Filipino community. It is something we can frequently hear from our parents and grandparents. They would often say “walang masamang maniwala” in contrast to what they say, there is something bad about believing these superstitions. It confuses one's thinking on what and who to believe. According to the Magisterial Document Anni Sacri, there comes a point where atheism abolished the Laws of God; if we don’t stop believing in different superstitions, this too might happen again.

references Ad Extremas (June 24, 1893) | LEO XIII. (1893, June 24). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_lxiii_enc_24061893_ad-extremas.html Anni Sacri (March 12, 1950) | PIUS XII. (1950, March 12). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_pxii_enc_12031950_anni-sacri.html Annum Sacrum (May 25, 1899) | LEO XIII. (1899, May 25). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_lxiii_enc_25051899_annum-sacrum.html De Guzman, A. A., Luna, M. L., and Lacorte, J. L. (2019). Level of practice of superstitious beliefs among the students of callejon national high school: Basis for scientific literacy campaign. Tonyo’s Journal. 1(1), 21-35. Dei verbum. (n.d.). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vatii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html Diuturnum (June 29, 1881) | LEO XIII. (1881, June 28). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_lxiii_enc_29061881_diuturnum.html In Plurimis (May 5, 1888) | LEO XIII. (1888, May 4). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_lxiii_enc_05051888_in-plurimis.html Miller, J. (2022). Religion in the Philippines. Asia Society. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-philippines To participants in the International Congress promoted by the Pontifical Lateran University on the 10th anniversary of the Encyclical Fides et Ratio (October 16, 2008) | BENEDICT XVI. (2008, October 16). The Holy See - Vatican.Va. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.vatican.va/content/benedictxvi/en/speeches/2008/october/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20081016_x-fides-et-ratio.html

one last roar On behalf of Group 2 of 12 STEM 3, Fr. Juan Sabater, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to Ms. Kimberly Florendo, our Theology III and IV adviser for guiding us all throughout our journey as graduating senior high school students of San Beda University-Manila 2021-2022. You truly are one of the reasons why we've reached this far. May you continue to be that ray of sunshine, Ms. Florendo!

a brief portfolio by group 2 - 12 stem 3