Bag-ong Lamdag - June Issue

Are we for ajust war or a just peace in Mindanao? see on page 2 Volume III, Number 12 [email protected] | [email protected] April 17 - June 17, 2015 Highlights of the 42nd Cfla Annual Grand Reunion Fr. Garry Igot, SSJV by Marie Ninia Estillore The Christian Family and Life Apostolate (CFLA) of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro convened the 42nd CFLA Annual Grand Reunion on April 25, 2015 at San Isidro Labrador Parish, Naawan, Misamis Oriental. CFLA workers of Vicariate 1 (Lugait, Manticao, Tuod, Naawan, Initao, and Libertad) hosted the one-dayevent. Every CFLA worker looks forward to this annual gathering of all CFLA workers of the entire archdiocese for the update, fellowship, and renewal of commitment of continuously serving the families of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. This year, the Grand Reunion was attended by almost a thousand CFLA workers from Vicariates 1-10. The farthest delegation with 26 couples came from Camiguin, Vicariate 10. They had to be in Cagayan de Oro City a day ahead and thanks to the initiative and support of the CFLA Office and CFLA Workers of Vicariate 5, accommodations were given them by Saint Augustine Cathedral and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Camaman-an. The CFLA Annual Grand Reunion officially started with the Holy Mass attended by 15 priests coming from the different vicariates and was presided by Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. Included at the procession were all the images or icons of the patron Saints of the vicariates with their respective CFLA workers and some children as they sang the GOZOS of Birhen sa Kota signaling the start of the liturgy. The team of Birhen sa Kota presented the historical background and overview of the devotion called “Sabadohan” bringing it to the archdiocesan level. Archbishop Ledesma in his homily pointed out the importance of families and the present challenges of the apostolate. He acknowledged the initiatives, the efforts, the wholehearted sacrifices and sincerity manifested by the CFLA workers of the archdiocese since the start of the caravan just to attend the CFLA Annual Grand Reunion. The presence of a number of attending priests during the Holy Mass was a very touching sight and gesture of unity. This also gave all CFLA workers a hope that together we could continue serving life in our respective parishes. It also revives the implication of the baptismal call for every religious and CFLA worker in facing the great challenge for an integral evangelization of all Filipino families. After communion, there was a brief tribute to the late Fr. Joe Sweggman. His biography was told and a video presentation shown recounting his life as a missionary and Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma SJ.D.D with Oro Clergy pastor in the archdiocese. Being the director of CFLA for a few years, Father Joe’s passion and enthusiasm to defend life, marriage and the family was fondly remembered. Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla, JCL gave a talk on: “Lay Identity & Mission.” He pointed the importance of knowing and understanding the meaning of the word lay, who are the lay people, their roles and functions in the Church’s mission. He also presented the history of the Church and how it evolved. Father Parilla also highlighted Vatican Council II (19621965) as a means of spiritual renewal. It focused on the study and the value of the sacred scriptures, lay participation and empowerment, and the renewed vision of the Church towards unity. The CFLA workers were also enlightened as he emphasized the need for a lay spirituality that is integrated, Eucharistic and associative. There was sharing of insights and experiences through the guide questions in small groups and in the plenary session. Fr. Parilla challenged them to a personal discernment of God’s call and one’s contribution to the Church’s mission. The CFLA workers then dispersed to their respective vicariates for lunch. While they brought their own food, the vicariates represented were given a whole lechon each. The lunch was festive and the much-needed break was an opportunity to establish new fellowship among CFLA workers. Adding to the joyful spirit of the gathering was the sophisticated sound system provided by MORESCO 1. The afternoon program began at 1:00 PM with the opening remarks of Fr. Ronnie Valmoria, parish priest of San Isidro Labrador of Naawan. This was followed by the message of Fr. Garry Igot, Archdiocesan CFLA Director who emphasized Pope Francis’s words at the Wednesday General Audience in Rome: “’It is not good for man to be alone.’ From the story of creation in the book of Genesis, God allowed man to enjoy the Garden of Eden and have dominion over creation… While Adam was sleeping, God took a rib from the side of Adam and He created the woman Eve. She perfects Adam’s life who exclaimed: “This at last, bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”. Eve, the woman, was created to be Adam’s partner.” Fr. Garry stressed that the presence of persons is what matters most. Each CFLA workers make life beautiful and not lonely. “You are bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” – you are my partner – stewards of the family. HIGHLIGHTS OF/6 Archdiocesan Youth Congress 2015: Team Kalakbay Launch by Laarni Joyce S. Quiñones Dubbed as “Living our Baptism into his Marvelous Light “cf. Peter 2:9, the Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Council (AYCC) once again held its annual Archdiocesan Youth Congress (AYC) 2015 on May 4-5, 2015 at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bugo as the host Parish. A total of 93 coordinators and youth leaders all over the archdiocese attended the congress. One of the highlights of the congress was the Team Kalakbay of the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate (TK AYA) Launching. This is the latest initiative of the Vicariate coordinators and representatives for a total youth empowerment. According to the TK AYA Youth Orientation (YO) module, it is a group of youth leaders that focuses on transforming the young people in the Archdiocese to become God-centered leaders in order to contribute to welfare of the society. TK AYA has 5 modules for the training of youth members namely: Youth Orientation (YO), Leadership Training Seminar (LTS) Phase Participants of the Youth Congress I, Leadership Training Seminar (LTS) Phase II, Facilitating the Facilitator (FF), and the Team Building Series (TBS). The activities, inputs and contents in the TK-AYA modules were also given to parishes and youth-based organizations in the past years which provided great impact to the well-being of the young people today. The program of activities were designed to transform youth to become an effective servant youth leaders in the future. Mr. Joed Brymon Llauderes, AYC’15 program head and the AYCC Youth Leader encouraged the delegates to be a part of the team as he discussed the overview of the program. He then gave the first talk entitled “Imago Dei” which means “The image of God”. The talk aims to rediscover a person’s design as male or female, as well as dealing with persons who identify themselves as homosexuals. This was followed by an opening Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Julius Clavero, SSJV and was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Roberto Balsamo Jr., SSJV, the Archdiocesan Youth Director, Fr. Roy Barros, Vicariate Youth Director of St. Francis of Assisi and Fr. Euleterio Datoy, Vicariate Youth Director of St. John Paul II. Meanwhile, the delegates surprised their foster parents as they offered flowers, while singing “Thank you” song and giving tokens during the tribute. The second day started with BEC Prayer Session with each of the participants’ foster family. An In-depth talk about Leadership of the Laity (LOL) was given by Ms. Ninia Marie A. Estillore, AYCC Internal Youth Leader. LOL focuses on the biblical principles to which leadership styles can be applied and advice about some things every youth leader should avoid. Sr. Roxan Sarmiento, the AYA Coordinator and the overall chairman of the congress, gave the third talk, “Mission Oriented Youth Ministry.” She opened the following missions to the delegates: to make the youth grounded in their faith towards mission for new evangelization; to discern the role of the youth and its significance in Church’s mission today and to discover where and how the youth can get involved for the good of the church. The congress ended with a closing Mass presided by Fr. Remel Mag-usara and concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Rey Manuel Monsanto, Vicariate Youth Director of St. Jerome. 2 LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 Archbishop’s Page Are we for a just war or a just peace in Mindanao? Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ  (Homily at the Baccalaureate Mass, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City, 26 March 2015) O ver the past two months, the country has been filled with apprehension because of the Mamasapano incident that happened in the central part of Mindanao. There have been many voices, statements and columnists’ opinions in mass media about the incident. But I think it is only Xavier University that has come out with an institutional stand that indeed we are for peace by inviting to its graduation convocation the peace negotiators and the people behind the peace process related to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. So I would like to congratulate Fr. President, the Board of Trustees and the entire academic community for this institutional stand that indeed here in Cagayan de Oro, in Xavier University, we are honoring those who are striving to complete the peace process in Mindanao. The underlying question that has been raised in all these discussions is: “Are we for a just war or a just peace in Mindanao?”  In that sense we can first reflect on the points that moral theologians have pointed out if a party wants to engage in a just war. I. Three prerequisites The first requirement is to have a noble intention, a good intention, whether it is the defense of one’s country, or to redress some injustice or to carry out the development of a particular region. A just war therefore requires a moral justification. A second requirement for a just war is that it is the last resort. There should have been earlier attempts to resolve whatever conflict there is. It is the last resort because there are no other means available except to engage in war itself. The third requirement for a just war is that there are prospects for a greater good to arise rather than a greater evil as a consequence of engaging in the war. In all these, we ask ourselves, are we ready for a just war in Mindanao? In fact, in one TV interview, when Boy Abunda directly asked a Muslim congresswoman what Muslim communities would feel in case of an all-out war, she simply said that all-out war had already been tried before and failed. So perhaps we can go to the other side. Are we for a just peace? And what are the requirements also for a just peace? The first one is still a noble and good intention. If we work for a just peace, it should not be for our selfinterest alone. It should not be for our own political or economic gain but it should be for the development of Mindanao as a whole. It should be to redress injustices that have been there over the past generations. Indeed, for our Muslim brothers and sisters, as summarized by Cardinal Quevedo, there have been three kinds of injustices that they have suffered. First is the loss of their ancestral domain here in Mindanao over the years and over the generations. The second is the denial of their cultural identity, now that they have been minoritized in Mindanao. And the third is that they have lost even their right to self-development and selfdetermination. And so, if we put ourselves on the side of the Muslim community, these are the injustices that we are asking to be redressed in terms of a just peace. The second requirement for a just peace is perhaps not to say that this is our last resort but that this should be our  first  resort: to seek for a peaceful solution to the problems of Mindanao. If we look closely at the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that has been expanded into a Comprehensive Agreement and now translated into the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law awaiting legislation in congress, we can say that this path towards a just peace is still alive. It awaits the consensus among all of us. It awaits the consensus of people not only in Mindanao, but especially also of people in Luzon and the Visayas who may not be truly aware of the situation of our communities here in Mindanao. And so this is the challenge: to present the prospects of a just peace not as a last resort but as the first resort that we can hope for. On the other hand, the BBL may also be viewed as our last resort for peace, before the drums of war, as some quarters suggest, start beating again. The third requirement for a just peace, like that of a just war, is that there should be a greater good that could come out of this than the evil that would persist. Even now, as we condole with relatives of the victims of Mamasapano, i.e., both Christian and Muslim militants who died in the encounter, we can truly say that there would be a much greater good if we continue along the path of peace. This can be the best legacy for those who died in battle. This too is the resolve of many of our Christian and Muslim communities: to work for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.  It has been said, “When you resort to war, you lose all your humanity.” In our conversation with Mr. Mohagher Iqbal yesterday at the bishop’s house with peace advocates, media people, and other concerned citizens, the general sentiment was: “We cannot afford another war in Mindanao. We have already suffered so much and we must work for the higher interests of the country which is to have a just peace for all.”   II. Six values for peace It is with these sentiments that we can recall what the bishops and ulama of Mindanao had proposed as the result of a widespread consultation that was held six years ago. Different sectors throughout Mindanao were consulted, including Muslim, Christian, and indigenous people representatives. Commissioned by the BishopsUlama Conference, the Konsult Mindanaw report was subtitled, “People’s Platform for Peace in Mindanao.” There were 6 S’s  that were outlined as factors for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. The first S is SINCERITY – sincerity on both sides. This precisely is the challenge we now face after Mamasapano and the loss of trust in each other by both parties. Can we regain that measure of sincerity between the parties that are in conflict? The second  S is for SECURITY: not to rely on arms but to rely precisely on law and order in our communities. This is what the Bangsamoro Basic Law envisions: to arrive at a situation of security for all. The third value is SENSITIVITY, i.e., to be sensitive to different cultural traditions, that we are indeed a tri-people community in Mindanao, and that we should respect and appreciate the different cultural traditions in our communities. Indeed, in a university like this, you are challenged precisely to appreciate the diversity of traditions that are represented here in your own student body. The fourth value is SOLIDARITY, a sense that we are one community on this island of Mindanao, that we are indeed one people despite different traditions, and that we can all live together in peace and development. This again is the challenge for our schools, peace centers, social movements, and the mass media itself – to promote this sense of solidarity despite the incidental conflicts that may arise. The fifth value is SPIRITUALITY, and here foremost is the challenge to our churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship, that we as the people of Mindanao can invoke our spiritual values to promote peace. In fact in our bishopsulama dialogues over the past years we have always stressed that both Islam and Christianity are religions of peace and that whatever conflict arises in Mindanao should not be seen as a religious war but as a war based on political or economic interests. And the final challenge is for SUSTAINABILITY, that we have to work within the framework of law itself. At this point, we now have the prospect of a basic law for the Bangsamoro, what we call the BBL. There may be some modifications and revisions of this draft law, but the fact is we need some legislation in order to make this peace sustainable and lasting for all. And so my friends, this is the basic question that is asked of us today. Are we for a just war or for a just peace?   III. Germany’s experience  Over the past few weeks, at the beginning of Lent I was invited to join the Lenten Campaign of Misereor in Germany and I had a chance to travel to different cities and regions of Germany. It struck me that Germany at the end of the Second World War was the most devastated country in the world and yet when we look at Germany today, you cannot find any traces of destruction except perhaps for some excavations and memorials that have been left there to remind the German people of the kind of destruction that they had suffered. And not only during the Second World War but during the First World War and much earlier during the time when they had religious wars in Germany between Protestants and Catholics.   Today the nation of Germany has truly risen from a period of wars and internal conflicts. In fact Misereor itself, the development agency of the German bishops has been very generous in helping many of our civil society organizations and dioceses in efforts towards the development of Mindanao and the rest of the country. This is the same challenge for us, within the span of our own generation, that we can truly work for peace, development and solidarity in Mindanao. Let us all work together for a just and lasting peace here in our homeland.  Archdiocesan News 3 LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 ACDO-BEC Meets CABUSTAM BEC Core Group by Sweet Kristine Ace G. Adorio On February 15-17, 2015 the Diocesan Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Leaders of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and the Dioceses of Butuan, Surigao, Tandag and Malaybalay (CABUSTAM) held the core group meeting at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur. The said meeting was well attended by the dioceses in the region with the coordination of Msgr. Ben Betaizar CABUSTAM BEC Director from Butuan. The main agenda of the meeting was the preparation for the forthcoming CABUSTAM BEC Regional Gathering on August 12-14, 2015 at San Lorenzo Parish Formation Center, Butuan City & National BEC Assembly on November 11-15, 2015 in Manila. During the first night, the group discussed the possible regional preparations for National BEC Assembly. One of these was how to discern the possible delegates (10-15 BEC leaders, plus the bishop) per diocese. They also reflected on the theme for the event: “BECs in the Philippines: Thanksgiving for 50 Years of Vatican II’s Spirit of Renewal and Responding as a Community of Missionary Disciples to Pope Francis Call to Become a Poor Church for the Poor”. Every region will have 20-25 minute creative presentation (video, powerpoint presentations, brief testimonies, etc.) showing a general picture of state of the BECs in their respective area.. It will respond to the following questions: 1. Look back at the journey of the BECs in your dioceses/region, their respective area, what experiences of renewal are you thankful for? 2. How do/should* your BECs as community of missionary disciples, respond to the call of Pope Francis to be a poor Church for the Poor? As part of the preparation, they plan to hold regional BEC assemblies. The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro BEC formation team declared the month of April and May as BEC Awareness months hoping to highlight the preparation for the forthcoming regional and national assemblies. It would be helpful to gather the updated BEC profiles needed for the regional & national BEC events through the BEC vicariate assemblies.. The said ACDO- BEC with CABUSTAM BEC Core Group gathering will be participated by grassroots BEC leaders from different parishes that can give the real BEC situation in their community. At the same time, the ACDO BEC Formation Team will conduct a series proper orientation on the new BEC Formation Module. It aims to promote common understanding of BEC in all parishes especially in the urban area where BEC continues to be a challenge and a reality to be actualized. On the second day, the group conferred in finalizing the flow of activities for the CABUSTAM Regional Assembly. With the help of the Holy Spirit who guided and inspired the core group, they agreed on important points about the said regional event. Some of these are: sharing of the best practices of every diocese; the BEC system of sustainability in approaches and unified strategies; formulating a CABUSTAM statement that can inspire mission activities for BEC pastoral works, to incorporate the celebration on the Year of the Poor – inspired by Vatican II; and to develop harmonious leadershiprelationships among BECs in the CABUSTAM region. The meeting ended with a fellowship prepared by the host diocese. They went for a tour and enjoyed the beauty of Surigao which captivated the hearts of BEC leaders who gave thanks to God for the wonders of creation. Despite the different challenges faced during and after the meeting, they were reminded about the indispensable and important role of BECs in the building & strengthening the Mystical Body of Christ. Empowerment of Youth Ministers to Stop Trafficking in Persons by Ma. Chloee Marlowe C. Alaba The Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) in partnership with the Talitha Kum, the International Network of Consecrated Life against Trafficking in Persons, organized a training course “Empowerment of Youth Ministers to Stop Trafficking in Persons” on April 20-24, 2015. There were 70 participants, four of whom are bishops, from 17 dioceses of the Philippines who completed the training at the Capuchin Retreat House in Lipa, Batangas. It was sponsored by Sr. Estrella Castalone, FMA, Talitha Kum International Coordinator and organized by Most. Rev. LeopoldoJaucian, SVD, D.D, ECY President, and Sr. Maria Victoria Sta. Ana, FMA, Talitha Kum Asia Coordinator. Talitha Kum is a network within UISG which originates from a project implemented in collaboration with IOM and funded by the US Government, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. The general aim of the network is to share and maximize the resources that religious life has as regards prevention, protection and assistance, awareness raising and denouncement of trafficking in persons. The training course challenged the participants to think of concrete actions and programs in preventing human trafficking in the country and even in the whole world. Pope Francis described human trafficking as “a crime against humanity.” This prompted international police chiefs and religious figures in the Vatican to pledge to work together in fighting modern-day slavery. It is a very difficult issue because the trade involves human flesh to keep the operation going both on the international and local levels. It is almost impossible to stop due to big crime syndicates with international connections. Then the challenge was greatly opened on how the youth from different ministries can provide adequate programs for the prevention of this crime. There were three representatives from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, namely: Sr. Alma Del Rosario; Ms. Jelvett Mayne Faelden, Parish Youth Coordinator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Barra, Opol; and Ms. Ma. Chloee Marlowe Alaba, Parish Youth Coodinator of San Isidro Labrador Parish, Medina, Mis.Or. The resource persons who helped inform, train and discuss the issue were: Sr. Henedina Mananzan, RGS; Ms. Jean Enriquez; and Ms. Sally Ujano and other facilitators. They worked together to help the participants in coming up with an action plan for each diocese. Through their expertise, they guided the participants on the appropriate steps in making the action plan very visible and applicable to every diocese. The training ended with great opportunities in changing the future and save the next generation with the help of the youth. Participants of the training course “Empowerment of Youth Ministers to Stop Trafficking in Persons” Participants of Intergenerational Healing Missionaries of the Holy Spirit Conduct Intergenerational Healing Seminar Sr. Elsie G. Nini, FdCC As a whole I experienced God’s saving action in a different way. This healing process continues I believe. I appreciate God’s ways of inspiring the group (Healing Missionaries) as “wounded healers”. I will consider myself as one of them…. in a different way. My prayers for Tita Joy and company. Thanks to AWRACO for this mission project in this Year of Consecrated Life”. The religious and healing experiences of all the participants I believe are deep and amazing. The profound encounter of the healing power of Jesus is all AMAZING, and it is really a GRACE. Only you who are blessed to attend this seminar can testify how you are lovingly embraced and healed by Jesus. Let us thank the Lord for His great mercy and compassion. I hope and pray that wherever we go, we remember this experience of being loved, forgiven and healed by Jesus. And because we received this from Him gratuitously, we have also the responsibility to share the fruits of this grace to our brothers and sisters by our lives of mercy and compassion. Last February 13-15, 2015 the Healing Missionaries of the Holy Spirit from Manila headed by Tita Joy Dee conducted an Intergenerational Healing Seminar in the Archdiocese upon the invitation of AWRACO (Association Women Religious of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro). The seminar was held in Canossa Central House and was attended by 17 Religious Women and 12 lay leaders from the Ad Extra and Ad Intra Ministries. The processes, prayers and other activities healed many inner wounds and brokenness. The participants found it helpful and fruitful and shared their experiences as follows: Sr. Mary A. Juelar, F.I.“I find it very helpful for religious people as well as for the lay persons. Why do we need healing? All around us, we see people full of pain and brokenness and most of these pains are unresolved and unhealed. These issues oftentimes affect our thinking and our actions. After the seminar, I became more understanding of the Truly, God’s Love weaknesses of other people grants our desire to bless especially my sisters in the community. I became more and heal. aware of my own brokenness, and where Bag-ong my pains and hurts are coming from. I began to be patient with myself Editorial Consultant and with others.Most of Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD all, the intergen seminar Managing Editor has brought me to the Teresita Espina, FSP continuous realizations Writers that I am made in Fr. Rufino Cabatingan, SSJV the image of God. By Fr. Fermin Tan, SSJV clinging to this image Fr. Joel Lusat, SSJV and likeness, I feel the Fr. Macky Ceballos, SSJV Fr. Ricky Bacolcol, DCJ healing power of God Se. Michael Yu, within me” . Cleb Calimutan Sr. Tirsa, CSSJ Sr. Elsie G. Nini, FdCC “Intergenerational Sr. Elizabeth C. Asuncion, FdCC healing is a great help in Sweet Kristine Adorio Laarni Joyce S. Quiñones understanding ourselves Ma. Chloee Marlowe C. Alaba and others. It deepens our relationship with Lay-out and Graphic Design others. It heals our Jocelyn L. Pastoral traumatic experiences Marketing & Circulation in the past”. Association of Pauline Grace Fernan Sr. Fely Arellano, Cooperators FdCC “Psychologically, Bag-ong Lamdag is a newsletter published monthly the process led me by the Social Communications Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, whose aim is to link to reconcile with the the various parishes, ministries, and apostolates “inner child” within me. within this archdiocese. For inquiries and feedback, Spiritually, I experienced send us an email at [email protected]. You may visit us online and leave a comment at lamdagcdo. forgiveness and peace in blogspot.com. understanding the roots of my reactions to certain Find us on Facebook: Search for situations and events. “Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro” LAMDAG 4 Features LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 Bag-ong Lamdag Bible Quiz By Fr. Macky V. Ceballos, SSJV Participants of the Team building seminar Parish Secretaries and Workers Attend Team building Seminar By: Fr. Macky Ceballos Forty six office secretaries and some parish workers gathered together for an educational tour and team building on March 1-3, 2015 at Holy Cross of Davao College, (HCDC) Maritime Training Center in Barangay Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Rev. Fr. Roel V. Buntol, JCL, SSJV, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, headed the delegation and was assisted by Rev Fr. Macky V. Ceballos, SSJV, Vice Chancellor, who also acted as tour guide of the group. The parish secretaries left Cagayan de Oro on the eve of March 1, and travel via Buda- Davao route. They arrived in Davao City the following day and immediately went to San Pedro Cathedral for the Eucharist with Most Rev. Romulo Valles, DD, Archbishop of Davao who was the celebrant. To meet the main objective for a parish visit, the group went to San Miguel Parish, Panacan, Davao City. The activity was supposed to discover and learn from the host parish the best practices being observed to administer and manage the parish records. Rev. Fr. Proceso Gimeno Jr, the parish priest, tendered the group a sumptuous lunch which the parish has prepared. In the afternoon of the second day, the group went to IGACOS and visited the world- known bat cave in the world, which has been recognized by Guinness Book of World Records having the numerous bat in a colony. Later, the delegation settled at HCDC, IGACOS for the team building activities. On the last day of the gathering, the group visited Regional Major Seminary (REMASE), Philippine Eagle Park, SUL Orchids Garden, all in Davao City and at the Bishop’s House in Malaybalay City on the group’s way back to Cagayan de Oro City. It was learned that the last time the parish secretaries had their gathering for a similar activity was conducted in Bohol five years ago. de Oro. A group from Manila which named “Where’s the Sheep?” who is pop/rock Christian band which specializes in singing inspirational and praise and worship song led by singer/ guitarist Mike Shimamoto and lead guitarist/back-up vocalist Hero Mauricio also sang during the concert. Other musical friends like Jampao Reyes also led the music production. The seminarians sang the following songs: The Impossible Dream; Kinabuhi Mo, Kinabuhi Ko; OPM medley; The Lion sleeps tonight; Far Greater Love; Pananagutan; I will sing forever; and I will follow Him which was popularized by the film Sister Act. Seminarian Kirk Anthony Diala said the concert is a wonderful experience to expose our talents to the faithful that seminarians are not just praying in the seminary but they have their unique talents in uplifting the spiritual aspects of the faithful. The prayer concert was made possible through the initiative, assistance and generosity of the friends of Fr. Gil Escalante, SSJV, who is the current rector of the seminary. San Jose De Mindanao Seminary Holds Fund Raising Concert Sem. Michael Andrew Yu At least 42 seminarians of San Jose de Mindanao Seminary performed and showcased their talents in singing during in a fund-raising prayer concert entitled “Kuyod, Duyog ug Lawig uban sa mga Seminarista” held last January 31 at Capitol University Theater. A fund-raising concert was held for the purpose of raising funds for the financial needs of the seminary as it continues to form seminarians to become good and holy priest and pastoral leaders for the future of the Archdiocese of Cagayan Seminarians showcased their talents 1. In the Book of Genesis, what is the nationality of Hagar, the slave of Sarah? 2. In the Gospel of John, who was the first to follow Jesus? 3. The Letter to the Hebrews is a long homily that stresses Jesus as who? 4. In the Old Testament, who is the biblical figure whose name means “laughter”? 5. What is the meaning of the Hebrew word Hosanna! 6. How are Stephen and other deacons called in the Acts of the Apostles? 7. The Book of Exodus mentions the name of the oasis in the desert the water of which the Israelites could not drink because it was too bitter. What is the name of the oasis? 8. Which among the Gospels tells of Pilate washing his hands during the Passion? 9. In one of the Letters of Paul, who is the mother of Timothy according to Paul? 10. In the Old Testament, what holy day did the High Priest enter the “Holy of Holies” in the temple of the Lord? 11. How many Great Discourses of Jesus does the Gospel of Matthew contain? 12. In the Book of Acts, who ordered the execution of the apostle James, the brother of John? 13. Who said this famous remark: “It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish?” 14. In the Letters of Paul, where did Paul make his farewell speech to the Christian leaders of Ephesus? 15. He is the king in the Old Testament who exiled the inhabitants of Judah to Babylon? Who is he? (Please email your answers at [email protected].) Seminar sa Moralidad Gipahigayon Mipaambit si Fr. Demli Valmores, SSJV sa mga katekista mahitungod sa Introduction to Morality niadtong Marso 21 2015, sa Patrick Cronin Formation Hall, Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City. “Kon moralidad na ang pagahisgutan, nagpasabot kini kon ang mga buhat sa usa ka tawo, maayo ba o dili; kon sayop o husto ba hinuon,” matod pa ni Fr. Valmores, ang kasamtangang kura paroko sa San Vicente Ferrer, Cugman. Naghatag siya ug nagkadaiyang isyu sama sa pangawat, pagpatay, paglaglag sa bata (abortion) ug uban pa. Gihatagan ang mga katekista ug igong higayon sa pagtuki sa mga isyu. Nag-ingon si Fr. Valmores nga ang mga ginikanan mao ang nag-umol ug nagmatuto sa mga bata kon unsay angayan nilang buhaton ug puy-an. Ang mga ginikanan mao ang una ug modelo nga magtutudlo ug naghatag ug dakong influensya sa pagpuyo sa mga hiyas sa usa ka Kristiano. Nag-ingon usab siya nga ang relihiyon naghatag ug giya sa hustong paghukom ug hustong panglantaw sa usa ka ligdong nga tawo. Ang 10 ka Sugo (Ten Commandments) mao ang giya sa usa ka sulundon ug balaan Fr. Demli Valmores nga kinabuhi. Ang tawo gimugna sa Dios diha sa iyang iyang panagway. Adunay siya’y lawas ug espiritu/kalag. Adunay kahibalo ug kabubut-on nga maantigo ug gawasnong mahigugma, kahibalo usab magplano, magbuhat ug magdesisyon. Tungod sa konsensya nga gasa sa Dios kaniya mahibalo ang tawo kon maayo ba o dautan ang iyang gibuhat. Mapasalamaton ang mga katekista kang Fr. Valmores sa dugang kahibalo, ug kinaadman nga ilang nakat-onan mahitungod sa moralidad sa nagkadaiyang isyu sa atong kinabuhi. (Lamdag News) Features 5 LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 Kapistahan sa Our Lady of Fatima Gisaulog Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma uban sa mga Barnabite Fathers Malipayong Gisaulog ang Kapistahan ni San Jose Malipayong nagsaulog ang katawhan sa kapistahan ni San Jose diha sa Santos nga Eukaristiya nga gipangunahan ni Abp. Antonio Ledesma, SJ,DD uban ni Fr. Ferdinand Dagcuta, kura paroko ug Superior sa Barnabite Fathers niadtong Mayo 1, 2015 sa PN Roa Subdivision, Calaanan, Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City. Diha sa iyang homiliya, gilarawan ni Abp. Ledesma nga si San Jose mao ang patron ug modelo sa Kristohanong Katilingban. Isip usa ka panday, giumol si Jesus diha sa kabililhon sa trabaho. Sa kapistahan ni San Jose, gisaulog usab sa katawhan ang dignidad sa trabaho, diha sa paggamit sa ilang lawas ug kusog alang sa pagpalambo sa katilingban. Si Papa Francisco sa iyang pakigtagbo sa mga pamilya, nag-ingon nga pinaagi sa damgo, si Jose nahimong amahan sa Anak sa Dios ug siya nahimong responsable nga ginikanan ni Jesus, ug amahan sa sagrada pamilya. Pinaagi usab sa damgo nakasinati sila sa kaayo sa Dios sa dihang didto sila sa Ehipto. “Ang pagdamgo alang sa atong mga anak, usa kini sa pagpaambit sa bokasyon ni San Jose. Usa siya ka matarong nga tawo ug hagit kanato nga kita mahimong matarong nga pamilya,” matod pa ni Abp. Ledesma. Naghinaut siya nga sundon ang panigingnan ni San Jose, isip responsableng ginikanan nga magpadayong magdamgo ug maningkamot alang sa kaayohan sa pamilya. (Lamdag News) Malipayong gisaulog ang Kapistahan sa Our Lady of Fatima diha sa Santos nga misa nga gipangunahan ni Fr. Jobelle Gulisao sa Mayo 13, 2015, sa Fatima Chapel, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City. Diha sa iyang homiliya, gipunting ni Fr. Gulisao ang 3 ka importanteng mensahe sa Mahal nga Birhen nga mipakita sa 3 ka bata: Francisco, Jacinta ug Lucia didto sa Fatima, Portugal. Una, ang pagbag-o sa kasingkasing, ikaduha, pagbasol sa kasal-anan ug ikatulo, ang pag-ampo sa kanunay. Kining tulo ka buluhaton timailhan paingon sa pagkabalaan sa usa ka tawo. Si Maria nga Immaculada, sa kanunay abli ug nagsunod sa Fr. Jobelle Gulisao, SSJV kabubut-on sa Dios. Giisip ang iyang kaugalingon nga yano, ug gihalad ang tanan, ug ang iyang kinabuhi sa Dios. “Diha sa pagbasol sa atong kasalanan, maangkon nato ang iyang kaluoy ug pasaylo. Kon makasala kita, kinahanglan nga mangayo kita ug pasaylo ug likayan ta ang mga tentasyon sa pagpakasala,” matod pa ni Fr. Jobelle. Si Maria nag-ampo ug namalandong sa mga grasya ug mga panghitabo nga miabot sa iyang kinabuhi. Diha sa pag-ampo, naminaw siya sa mensahe sa Dios Kaniya. Nagawhag si Fr. Jobelle nga sama kang Maria, mamati usab ang tagsa-tagsa sa Dios diha sa pagpamalandong sa iyang pulong ug diha sa kahilom sa kasingkasing. (Lamdag News) 148 Midawat sa Sakramento sa Kompirma Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc, SSJV Fr. Macky Ceballos, SSJV Ang Krus Larawan sa Gugma sa Dios- Msgr. Abacahin Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, SSJV Atol sa kapistahan sa Holy Cross, Alubijid, niadtong May 1, 2015, madasigong gipadayag ni Msgr. Abacahin, ang kura paroko sa parokya, nga ang krus mao ang larawan sa gugma ug kaluoy sa Dios. “Ang Krus larawan sa dako nga kahimatngon sa Dios. Ang Krus nahimong larawan nga dili kita magpabilin diha sa sala. Kinahanglan ang tawo mag-antos, magpas-an sa ilang Krus, mamatay sa Krus ug mabanhaw sa katapusang adlaw.” Diha sa pagkamatay ni Jesuskristo sa Krus, nakabaton ang katawhan sa kinabuhi nga walay katapusan. Mao kini ang mahinungdanon sa Krus. kini ang larawan sa iyang dako nga gugma. Pinaagi sa iyang pagkamatay sa Krus, gibuntog niya ang garbo, ug gibungkag niya ang kahakog. Gihagit ni Msgr. Abacahin ang tanan nga makalingkawas sa kaulipnan sa sala diha sa pagdawat kang Jesukristo nga nag-antos, namatay ug nabanhaw diha sa atong kinabuhi. “Kinahanglan nga makahibalo kita sa paggakos sa Krus diha sa atong mga problema, kasakit ug kalisod aron maangkon ang kalig-on, ug kadasig sa pagtoo kay adunay Dios nga nag-uban kanato, ang Dalan, ang Kamatuoran ug ang Kinabuhi, “ ingon ni Msgr. Abacahin. Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ,DD Gikompirmahan ang 148 ka mga bata ug mga hamtong ni Arsobispo Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ,DD, uban ni Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc ug Fr. Macky Ceballos niadtong Mayo 2, 2015, sa St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City. Diha sa iyang homiliya, gipahinumduman sa Arsobispo ang nakadawat sa sakramento sa ilang tahas sa pagpaambit, ug pagpakaylap sa Maayong Balita dili lamang sa pulong kondili sa pagsaksi niini pinaagi sa ila mismong kinabuhi , kinabuhing tunhay nga Kristiano. Sama usab sa mga Apostoles, misangyaw sila sa Maayong Balita nga nadawat nila gikan sa Espiritu Santo ug naglig-on sa ilang pagtuo, ug nagbunyag sa tanan sa ngalan sa Amahan, sa anak ug sa Esperitu Santo. “Busa mga igsoon sa pagdawat nato karon sa mga gasa pinaagi sa Espiritu Santo mao man ang pagpahibalo nga kita makasabot sa kahulugan sa atong pagtoo kon lig-on ang atong baroganan nga kita gayod ang mga Kristianos nga gihandom sa pagpaambit sa ligon nga pagmalasakit sa Ginoo,” matod pa ni Abp. Ledesma. Gihagit sa Arsobispo ang tanan nga mahimong instrumento sa kalinaw aron makaylap ang kalinaw sa katilingban. (Lamdag News) www.tesorosprintingpress.com 6 LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 KAARTEEEEH! READINGS: LETTERS OF ST. PAUL KAARTEEEEEEH BA GYUD OY! Ang mga kaartehan sa kinabuhi mao ning mga ginabuhat nato nga dili na gyud kinahanglan pang buhaton. Wala lang! Arte lang!. Excuse me po! Mangutana lang ko ha? Kinahanglan ba gyud? Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mukaon kag daghan… nga tambok naman ka? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mag-make up o magparitoke ka… nga gwapa naman ka? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga dako ug daghan kaayo ang imong house…nga tulo ra man mo magpuyo? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mga branded ang imong isuot? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga magpasipsip ka… para ma-promote? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga musombong ka… aron lang nga ikaw ang mahimong sakto? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga daghan ka’g uyab… para ingnon nga gwapo ka? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud mas amiguhon nimo ang mga dato… para dako ang imong makuha? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga dako kaayo ang imong madeposit o maremit… para lang sa IMO RANG KAUGALINGONG future? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mugasto ka’g dako… aron lang ma-enjoy o ma-entertain? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga friends mo…aron mahatag nimo ang iyang gusto? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga magpasakaysakay na lang kaaron walay gubot? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga dauton nimo ang uban… para ikaw ang musikat? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga daghan ka’g sapatos,sinina,balay,car,kwarta atbp?KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mukaon ka sa mga mahalon nga kan-anan? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga aduna kay isuot nga mga taringtaring o burluloy sa lawas? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud mangayo ta sa uban… aron itabang? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mga mahalon ang imong mga gadgets? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga sige ka’g pilgrimage sa Jerusalem… aron lang masunod nimo ang Ginoo? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mutaas ang imong position… para makapangalagad ka’g tarong? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga sige lang ka renovate… para naa kay project? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga magpakaon ka sa mga tawong adunay ikaon? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga maghuboghubog ka…aron tawgon ka nga macho?KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mag-party ka to celebrate? KAARTEEEEEEH! Kinahanglan ba gyud nga mag-artista ka… para maka-arte? KAARTEEEEEEH BA GYUD OY! Nakapamalandong ako nga ang Dios gusto nga dili kaartehan ang kinabuhi nga atong pagapuy-an. Nakaamgo ako nga ang gusto sa Dios mao ang tinoud nga kinabuhi. Kinabuhi nga dili peke, dili plastic, dili bakak ug dili pagpakaaron-ingnon. Kabalo ang Dios unsay sakto ug unsay sayop nga kinabuhi.Kabalo ang Dios kon kinsa ang maimpyerno ug kinsa ang malangit. Dapat hindi natin paghaluhaloin, hindi po ba? Basin mabali na hinuon nga ang sakto mahimong sayop, ug ang sayop mahimong sakto.Dapat hindi natin dalhin sa kaartehan ang buhay, Let us be clear, ano ba talaga ang tama at ano ang mali? Kay basin we are living sa usa ka life nga kaartehan lang. Let us make life simple, not complicated. You know kung complicated mukhang kaartehan na yan.(kaarte ba!hehehehehe!). Ang yano o simple nga kinabuhi mao ang kinabuhi nga malipayon. Kung wala di wala, kon naa di naa. Basta kay dili lang unta nato pugson ang kinahubi. Ang importante mao nga maningkamot lang gyud ta sa unsay atong makayang buhaton nga walang kaartehan. Let us rely in the power of the Holy Spirit(Pentecost). Dili ba daghan kaayo tang gabuhaton unya dili man gyud diay kinahanglan nga buhaton pa. Walay hinungdan nga kahago ug kakapoy nga kinabuhi kini! Sayang kini para sa mga tawong mas nanginahanglan sa atong tininuod nga pagtabang. Dili ba insulto kini para sa mga tawong kabus? Dili ba makalilibog kini para sa mga tawong way taas nga eniskwelahan? Arte ba ang Dios? Dili ba ang tinuod nga lawas ug dugo ni Kristo diha sa Eukaristiya gikan lang sa ordinaryong pan ug bino? (kayano ba!) Dili ba ang relationship sa Santisima Trinidad way libog? (nagkahiusa sila) Arte ba si Mama Mary? (YES to God- usa ka simpling tubag niya) Arte ba si San Jose?(sa hilom lang gatrabaho siya) Arte ba si San Juan Magbubunyag? (paghinulsol ang gikinahanglan…way gastos) Arte ba si San Pablo? (ang pagtuo ug gugma sa Dios ang angay) Arte ba ang mga Santos? (ang pagtuman lang sa sugo sa Dios) . KUNG GANON…SINO BA TALAGA ANG MAARTEEEEEEH? Do you have something to announce? LAMDAG will be more than happy to print greetings and announcements at reasonable rates. Soft copies are especially welcome. To find out more, call the Social Communication Apostolate ( 856-4392 Saksak-Sinagol ni Pepoye ANG BBL DILI SOLOSYON ARON ANG KALINAW ATONG MAANGKON HINOON ANG MGA INHUSTISYA WAD-ON UG MAGHIGUGMAAY ISIP PILIPINHON. unsa man kon sa plebisito ang bbl dili maaprobahan ang kasuko sa pikas mosamot di kapugngan ug kon may gyera kinsa ang sad-an si p-noy kay gipalaum nga walay katumanan. ANG BBL DILI NA KINAHANGLAN IPALAMBO LANG ANG KINABUHI SA MGA MINDANAWAN ANG SINGGIT HUSTISYA UG KAANGAYAN DIIN ANG KINABUHI SA TAGA MINDANAO GIPASAGDAN. Flores de Mayo relihiyosong custombre nga maayo kaayo kay mga bata tudloan sa maayo pag-ampo ug pag-ila sa Ginoo. NIINING MAONG BULAN DAGHANG KALIHUKAN AMONG NASAKSIHAN PAUGNAT SA KUSOG SA KABATAN-ONAN GIKAN SA BIKARYO SA MAGSAYSAY HANGTUD SA BALINGOAN. ang sa magsaysay nga mga batan-on sa mga dula nagmadaugon angayan sa atong congratulation hinaut kini magpadayon. NAHITABO USAB ANG KOMPIRMA DIIN ANG NAKOMPIRMAHAN SA KINIENTOS SOBRA ANG MAHAL NGA ARSOBISPO ANTONIO LEDESMA SA MISA MAOY NANGUNA. ug sama sa iyang naandan ang kita para seminaryo ug katekista nga galastohan kay sila una sa iyang dughan maong kanunay usab natong tabangan. MSGR. SALAMAT KAAYO SA GUGMA MO SA KATESISMO OO KANUNAY KAMING MAGPALUYO ARON MOKUYANAP ANG EBANGHELYO. karon mayo 15 among saulogon ang pyesta sa among patron si San Isidro ang maampoon ug maloloy-on sa maong adlaw una ang misa ug dayon kaon-kaon kamo ako imbitahon. USAB KARONG MAYO 18 MAGPYESTA ANG BIKARYO MAY TIGI SA SAYAW UG HIMO OG HIMNO BUKSAN SA MOTORCADA SA MGA PAROKYANO. ug kon maghimo gani sa Reyna Elena himoa nga dili bongga dili kini pasikatay higala kon dili sa krus kita may gugma ba. New Apologetics Formations By Cleb Calimutan The New Apologetics: Doctrinal Formation is a series of lectures given by the Confraternity of Catholic Lay Theologians and Defenders of the Faith (Catholic Lay Evangelizers) in different parishes like the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Rosario Parish at Barangay Consolacion. The sessions were conducted during the administration of Fr. Arnel Martinez, SSS and continues with the new Parish Priest Fr. Kenny Parlingayan, SSS. Among the hundreds of participants are visitors from other parishes who are willing to deepen their faith. The primary objective of the activity is to clarify the doctrinal issues and controversies that disturb the faith of the Catholics, and enlighten the parishioners to appreciate the Church in all aspects. Hopefully, this will move them to be more participative in Church activities and ministries. The facilitators present the topics in an engaging way and provide hand outs for further study. There are also workshops to enable the participants to fully understand the discussions and to express the Catholic truths in the most simple way. Call for Articles We invite parishioners, ministries, clergy and religious to submit news stories. Just send us the details, and we’ll give you proper credit for your article. Email your submissions, along with your name, phone number, and parish/congregation to [email protected] 7 LAMDAG April 17 - June 17, 2015 “Our Vocation is given gratuitously, Thanks to the generosity of the Lord. -St. Magdalene of Canossa Whenever somebody asks me about my vocation story, I can’t help but be amazed how the Lord has planned my life. At the age of 21, after passing the Philippine Licensure Examination for Physical Therapist, I travelled to Singapore and worked as a physical therapist in St. Joseph’s Home. This facility is a nursing home being administered by the Canossian Sisters and cares for elderly people who are poor, sick and destitute. I enjoyed working with nurses and physical therapists from Malaysia, India, Myanmar and Singapore. I also grew in my faith as the Canossian Sisters encouraged us to attend Holy Mass and catechesis. I can vividly remember encountering Jesus intimately while doing bed exercises for a comatose 82-year-old woman with a crooked and stiff body because she has been bedridden for almost 15 years. Since then I became enthusiastic to attend daily Mass and spend moments of personal prayer. I felt that the Lord was asking me to do something more – more than my doing job, more than being a good friend to my colleagues, more than helping my family. I was once asked by a nurse from Myanmar my reason in desiring to be a nun. I told her that I was curious and amazed how the Canossian sisters live happily and simply. One particular Canossian sister who influenced me is Mother Elizabeth Yeo, a Singaporean and missionary to Indonesia. She was brought back to Singapore after being diagnosed with spinal cord injury. When I met her, she was paralyzed from waist down and can move around using a motorized wheelchair. She taught me how to be thankful and joyful despite her physical limitations and to trust God and others. In 2007, opportunities to work in America came and all I needed was to take the US Licensure Examination. In the same year, I was planning to go back to the Philippines and enter the convent. After much prayer and encouragement from the elderly people, sisters and friends, I told my family that I am going home to enter the convent. Initially, my family especially my Nanay disagreed with my decision but eventually they relented. I left St. Joseph’s Home in June 2007 and after a month I entered as an Aspirant of the Canossian Sisters in Paco, Manila. In the formation, I grew in faith in God, in desire to love Christ whom I am following, in the acceptance of myself and others. I always remind myself that God called me to this way of life not because of what I can accomplish but because of His great love for me. This calls me to spend time in intimate communion with God and to open myself to daily conversion. I took my First Profession last May 23, 2010 at the Canossian Novitiate in San Juan, Manila. I was assigned in San Pablo community and have lived with almost 30 Sisters in my 5 years of stay there. I was given enormous opportunities to be cojourneyer of young people, to harness my skills in taking care of the sick and to live my vows with my community with fidelity and joy. As I look back at these experiences, I can only tell to the God, “Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng pagmamahal… Wala na po akong hahanapin pang iba!” Truly our vocation is given by God not because we are good but because He is not only good but because He is the Best. God bless to all! (By: Sr. Elizabeth C. Asuncion, FdCC) Mangita ka kon Wala Siya Fr. Joel Lusat, SSJV “Usa ka tawo nagbuy-od sa ilalom sa kahoy daw wala kini panimuot sa iyang kaugalingon. Wala siya mawad-i sa iyang kinabuhi apan nahikatulog siya pag-ayo daw sama sa usa ka bata nga nahinanok nga bisan unsaon pagpukaw dili gayod mahigmata. Mao kini ang mahitabo sa usa ka tawo kon makainom na sa ilimnon nga gitawag ug Tonggang,” matod pa ni Richard Felisida , ang kasamtangang Presidente sa Ordinaryong Katawhan sa Lanise Association (OKSLAN). Ang Tonggang mao ang lokal nga ilimnon sa mga lumad sa bukid nga nagagikan sa kahoy nga gitawag ug pogahan sanglit wala may lubi sa itaas. Sa English nga pinulongan, gitawag kini nga Fishtail Palm Tree tungod kay ang iyang bunga sama kini sa hulagway sa ikog sa isda nga kon kini mahurot na sa pagsanggot mamatay usab dayon ang iyang lawas. Pwede kini mahimong lamian nga suka matod pa sa mga researcher gikan sa Department of Agriculture Claveria Research Center. Tungod niini ang Ministry of Enterprise Development sa Arkidiyosesis nakigsabot sa Department of Agriculture kon mapaambit ba ang teknolohiya ngadto sa mga tawo. Kay possible man angpagbalhin sa teknolohiya, gi-organisa ang mga lumolopyo sa barangay sa Lanise, Claveria Misamis Oriental uban sa mga mananggotay diin girehistro ang maong grupo sa Department of Labor and Employment isip legal nga asosasyon. Nagseminar sila sa sanitation gikan sa lokal clinic sa Claveria ug dayon sa formal nga seminar sa paghimo sa gitawag nga Tonggang Vinegar. Spicy kini ug walay preserbatibo nga gibutang kay ang nakahatag kaniya sa iyang kolor mao man ang silikot ug bisaya nga sili. Ayaw kabalaka sa mga kemikal kay kini natural nga suka nga matod pa sa mga lokal nga katawhan mao kini ang gasa sa kinaiyahan nga makita sa bukid sa Claveria. Usa sa mga mananggotay nag-ingon nga kon mananggot na sila gidili kanila ang pagkaligo kay dili mutobod ang duga kon makapanimaho ang pogahan sa sabon, shampoo ug ubang produkto nga adunay sagol nga kemikal. Sa ato pa manimaho ka gayod ug tinuod nga tawo o kon dili ba baho sa orang utan. Gawas pa niini dili gihapon siya mutobod kon gailis-ilis ug mananggotay kay matod pa nila mangita ug amo ang maong tanom. Sa ato pa ang panginahanglanon mao nga manimaho ka ug tawo ug mangagalon pa gayod aron seguro nga mohatag kini ug duha ka galon nga duga matag adlaw. Niining paagiha madugangan ang bili sa ilang produkto. Natural nga mga pamaagi, magkalig-on pa sa ilang pagmahal sa ilang kinaiyahan ug magkalawom pa gayod sa ilang pagtuo sa Dios. Nag-awhag ni Fr. Lusat nga suportahan sila pinaagi sa pagpalit sa ilang produkto. Nakaseguro siya nga kon makatilaw kamo niini nga produkto, mangita gyud kamo niini sa kanunay. Kung mo-order sa Tonggang vinegar, tawag lang niini nga cell no. 09262321897. IS BANGSAMORO THE ANSWER? By Fr. Ricky Bacolcol, DCJ I have been in Sulu almost 10 years. To me the most basic question is: Will the Proposed Bangsamoro or will enacting the BBL bring just and lasting peace to Southern Philippines, to Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi? In other words, my question is addressed more to the autonomy structure rather than to BBL, the backbone of the structure. After having attended so many peace summit, peace conferences, peace seminars, and focus group discussions on peace in Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan, Zamboanga, Manila and Sulu, my very strong recommendation to the Congress is to give due and deep consideration to the following if just and lasting peace is to be attained. 1. The Geographical and cultural Divide. Can the Maguindanaons, the Maranaos and the Tausugs be united under one Leadership? Being in the mainland and they are just next to each other perhaps, the Maguindanaons and the Maranaos can. But the Tausugs, can they be? Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi are composed of so many Islands. Geographically, it would very difficult to unite them. Culturally too, the Tausugs have different mental attitudes and ways of doing things. You have to be with them a long time to understand their inner goodness. They have their own particular Leadership frame of mind. Could this be one reason why ARMM has failed? For the sake of peace, in the advent of Bangsamoro autonomy, can the Tausugs separate itself and be under the central government? 2. The Process Divide. This refers to the birthing of the Bangsamoro, mothered by the MILF, fathered by the Aquino government and god-fathered by Malaysia. ARMM, mothered by MNLF, fathered by the Ramos government, god-fathered by the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) and anointed in confirmation by Congress making it a well- acclaimed child of the Constitution, woke up one bright morning and found itself in total darkness, unwanted, and considered illegitimate as a failed experiment. So much unpeace was caused by this and there is a lot of healing needed. 3. The Sultanate and the Sabah claim Divide. Nothing is mentioned in BBL about this. Understandable, because the broker is Malaysia. Perhaps it is the cost of god-fathering. This is a neglect which is crucial for Lupah Sug. Actually, this triggered the leadership of Chairman Misuari, after the survivor of the Corregidor Massacre told his story. 4. The Independence Divide. In one MILF assembly, I heard one of the speakers say: “ Now we should be happy that we will be in the Bangsamoro. At First, Filipino citizens in Bangsamoro but eventually, Bangsamoro citizens in Bangsamoro. “Is this not an indication that the question of independence will never be abandoned? Reading through BBL gives me the impression that the President is so generous. He is creating a subcountry, a country within a country, a government with so much power within a national government. Having received so much concession it can grow into such strength that it would be very tempting to demand graduation from just being an autonomy to being an independent country. When that time comes it can gather so much force because all the factions now will join it so long as the call is for independence. The desire is in the Muslim blood for centuries and we cannot blame them. We will do the same thing if we are in their shoes. In the Bangsamoro as an autonomy they are a Muslim majority in a Catholic minority. Why should they remain just an autonomy when they could be a country, a Republic? Can you think of East Timor? Please. Don’t be a big temptation. Once the demand for the independence is made, will the central government give it in a silver platter? I have heard it said: “If they call for independence we will join them in the fight, even if afterwards we will fight each other.” It might even result into a Muslim- Christian war where do much brotherhood and friendship will be lost among Christians and Muslims who understand each other very well. And that will be tragic for the whole Mindanao affecting the whole of the Philippines. Back to the original question: Will Bangsamoro bring just and lasting peace? To me, the answer is NO! So many unpeace lurk their heads in its path. Is there an alternatives? YES! Some years ago Kusug Mindanao was proposing Federalism. Among the main proponents was the old Senator Nene Pimentel, Rey Teves of Davao and Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI of the Notre Dame University. I urge Congress to make a thorough study of this. I believed that Federalism can bring just and lasting peace with less risk of rivalry and rebellion among Mindanao stakeholders. It is hoped that Congress will not be too hasty in dishing out the Bangsamoro autonomy to us Mindanao, particularly to Suluans. Of course, the why of the haste is understood. But should the quest for peace of such magnitude be determined by the term of one person. No to Bangsamoro. TOO RISKY. “Let us pray for lasting in Mindanao, give, live, share, and proclaim Peace.” Magsukul tuud, Wassalam! (Thank you so much, PEACE!) Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish New Altar and Retablo Blessed Office of the Archbishop Archbishop’s House P.O. Box 113 Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Misamis Oriental, Philippines Tele-Fax No. +63 88 857-1357 * Mobile No. +63 937 3700 703 E-mail address: [email protected] / [email protected] To: Archdiocesan Clergy and People of God From: Abp. A. Ledesma, SJ Re: Pastoral Assignments 20 May 2015 After consultations, I am making or confirming the following assignments for the coming Pastoral Year (June 2015-May 2016): Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ,DD anointed the Church’s altar and assisted by Fr. Medallo Valmores, Msgr. Abacahin and Mgsr. Legitimas. Sr.Teresita C. Espina, fsp Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ,DD, consecrated the new altar and blessed the retablo of Sta. Rita Church with Fr. Medallo Valmores, parish priest and other priests of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro on May 22, 2015. It was the 119th celebration of the Feast of Sta. Rita de Cascia, patroness of the impossible, of abused wives and widows. In his homily, Abp. Ledesma said that the dedication of retablo reminds everyone of the presence of God the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit in our midst. “Kining retablo mao man ang hulagway sa atong pagtoo, nagpahinumdum kanato sa presensya sa Dios Amahan, Anak ug Espiritu Santo sa atong taliwala. Pinaagi sa retablo, atong ipakita ang atong pagtahod kang Kristo sulod sa iyang misteryo, nga mahimo kini nga lugar diin kita magampo isip usa ka katilingban ug pinaagi niini mahimo kitang magsasangyaw sa maayong balita sa tibuok kalibutan.” He narrated the life story of St. Rita  who, through her heroic  Christian values  as a model wife and mother converted her husband from his abusive behavior. When her husband died, she entered the monastery and offered her life to God in prayer and penance. .Abp. Ledesma challenged the parishioners to imitate Sta. Rita, who endured a lot of sufferings in following God’s will. “Ug kita usab nga sama ni Sta. Rita pinaagi sa atong mga pag-antos ug sakripisyo alang sa atong isigka-ingon makamao sa pagdawat sa grasya sa Dios diha sa iyang kaugalingon.” Fr. Cornelio Cadenas - Parish Priest, Agusan Fr. Harnifer Godinez - Parish Priest, Initao Fr. Raul Ricacho - Formator, San Jose Seminary Fr. Doroteo Rabuyo Jr. - Formator, San Jose Seminary Fr. Cleto Tañajura - Parochial Vicar, Agusan Fr. Roger Almonia - Parochial Vicar, Eco-Church Fr. Harren Salon - Parochial Vicar, Nazareth Fr. Joseph Montemayor - Parochial Vicar, Cathedral; Director, Youth Apostolate Fr. Nicolas Basadre - Parochial Vicar, Nazareno Fr. Alain Nocete - Parochial Vicar, Nazareno Fr. Ramon Francis Burlat - Parochial Vicar, Catarman Fr. Rymond Ratilla - Parochial Vicar, Magsaysay Fr. Bon Genson - Parochial Vicar, Mambajao Fr. Richard Deloso - Parochial Vicar, Gingoog Fr. Hawthorne Galas - Special Studies, Cathedral Fr. Raul Sesante - Sabbatical Rev. Apollo Canoy - Deacon, Cathedral Bro. Coke Prieto - Ongoing formation, Bishop’s House Bro. Jennis Pingkian - Ongoing formation, Bishop’s House I would like to thank everyone for their services in their previous assignments. May you continue to carry on the Church’s mission in your new area of assignment. If not yet done, transfers should be made during the last week of May. HIGHLIGHTS... p.1 Fr. Medallo Valmores, Parish Priest Fr. Medallo Valmores thanked the sponsors, benefactors and all the parishioners who helped in the completion of the retablo, and all who made the fiesta more meaningful and successful. The Honorable Mayor Jaime C. Roa also delivered his message during the event. He was very happy to welcome everybody to the municipality of Naawan. He expressed much gratitude to the parish for hosting the big event as it forged collaboration between the Church and local government unit of Naawan. During the program, certificates were awarded, first to Vicariate 1 as the Host Vicariate to the 42nd CFLA Annual Grand Reunion. It was received by the Vicariate Coordinator Ms. Laura Omas-as. The second certificate given was the Certificate of Acceptance for the hosting of the 2016 CFLA Annual Grand Reunion and it was given to the Vicariate Coordinator Mr. Ed Gutierrez of Vicariate 2 (Divine Mercy Vicariate). Everyone was ecstatic and awed by the rendition of the Capitol University Glee Club and Dance Troupe with their various selections of songs ranging from the contemporary songs, old songs and kundiman. Such fine music and nonstop performance showed their versatility in singing and dancing in colorful outfits, costumes and priests’ birthday celebrations June 1 June 3 June 9 June 10 June 14 June 17 June 27 Fr. Jose Alan Pulgo, Fr. Richard Deloso Fr. Aurelio Jaranilla Fr. Raul Ricacho Fr. Hawthorne Galas Fr. Cornelio Cadenas Jr. Abp. Jesus Tuquib, D.D. gracefulness depicting the Filipino culture. There was also the CFLA raffle draw which started from the 10 halfsacks of rice as consolation prizes. The major prizes and winners are: 3rd Prize, a Study Room Showcase – Algiero Janubas of Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City; 2nd Prize, a Kitchen Showcase - Gloria Guzman of Dumaguete City and the 1st Prize was the Living Room Showcase won by Ryan Jones Jr. Mabunay of El Salvador City. A formal announcement of all Raffle Draw winners was then made by the CFLA finance body. After the raffle draw, the Vicariate 1 honored two couples from the host vicariate, Daniel and Gaudiosa Seronay and Felipe and Carmen Flores, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The celebration ended with a closing prayer to the Holy Family. Fr Gary thanked everybody for the success of the 42nd CFLA Annual Grand Reunion, the contribution of each one and the entire gesture of unity. He then gave the SendOff blessing and everybody went home bringing such fulfillment and happiness in their hearts. priests’ SACERDOTAL celebrations June 4 Fr. Alexander Borres, SSJV June 5 Fr. Medallo Valmores June 7 Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV Fr. Elcon Magtrayo, SSJV Fr. Glenn Pimentel, SSJV Fr. Nemesio Pacaña, SSJV June 21 Fr. Roger Almonia, SSJV Fr. Julito Cabactulan, SSJV Fr. Julius Clavero, SSJV