YEAR XII NO. 4 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA

Transcription

1 APRIL YEAR XII NO. 4 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA APRIL 2016 PAPAL INTENTION FOR MAY 2016 Respect for Women & Holy Rosary VATICAN - His Holiness, Pope Francis has for his universal intention for the month of May the respect for women. He will pray that in every country of the world, women may be honored and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed. For his evangelization/mission intention, the Apostleship of Prayer announced that the Pope has the Holy Rosary in mind. He will pray that families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelization and peace. #UB AMEn, Mangunguna sa PIGLAS BATANGAS, PIGLAS PILIPINAS Ang Batangas ay tinatawag na lalawigan ng mga magigiting, kaya ito ang napiling pagdausan ng pambansang pagkilos laban sa pagtutol sa mga napipinto pang 27 coal-fired power plant sa iba t ibang lugal sa Pilipinas, pahayag ni Rdo. P. Dakila Daks Ramos nang siya y kapanayamin hinggil sa gawaing paglulunsad ng PIGLAS BATANGAS, AMEN, MANGUNGUNA... P. 2 Mga Kabataan, Sumailalim ng Digital Seminar Activism Tinapos na sa Vigan... Mga dokumento at kaso, dinala na sa Roma (Vigan, Ilocos Sur) - Ang mahabang proseso na sinimulan noong taong 2013 sa Arsidiyosesis ng Nueva Segovia ay solemneng winakasan sa Katedral ni San Pablo Apostol sa lungsod na ito noong ika-2 ng Abril taong kasalukuyan. Pinangunahan ng Lubhang Kgg. Arsobispo Marlo Peralta, Arsobispo ng Nueva Segovia, tumayong punong Hukom, ang (San Luis, Batangas) - Isang motorcade ang nagsilbing pasimula ng pagdiriwang ng Centennial ng Parokya ni San Isidro Labrador, bayang ito. Ayon kay Bro. Enrico Ramos, ang nasabing motorcade ay ginanap matapos ang ikalwang Misa sa Simbahang Pamparokya na pinangunahan ni Rdo. P. Sabas Sam Titular. Ginalugod ng mga sasakyang pinangungunahan ng isang trak na doon ay nakatanghal ang imahen ng Patrong San Isidro ang kabuuan ng bayan hanggang sa boundary ng Muzon pabalik. Kabilang sa mga gawain na magiging tampok, bukod sa Misa Nobena na magsisimula sa ika-7 ng Mayo, ay ang pagdaraos ng San halos isang oras na seremonya ay tinampukan ng muling paghingi na ang cause for beatification and canonization ni Obispo Alfredo Verzosa y Florentin ay wakasan na sa lokal na simbahan at maitaas na sa Congregation for the Causes of the Saints sa Batikano. Kabilang din sa nasabing pagtatapos ang pagtatalaga at MGA DOKUMENTO... P. 2 San Luis, Magdiriwang ng Ika-100 Taon Bilang Parokya Luis Got Talent, na halintulad sa sikat na talent show sa telebisyon. Ang audition para sa mga nagnanais lumahok ay bukas hanggang ika-30 ng Abril. May naghihintay na malalaking gantimpala sa mga magwawagi sa nasabing talent show. Inaasahang ang mga paring naging bahagi sa buhay-pampa-rokya ng San Luis ay dadalo at makikiisa sa Misa Konselebrada sa kapistahan ng patron, ika-15 ng Mayo. Si San Isidro Labrador ay patron din ng mga parokya sa Cuenca, San Isidro (Lipa City), at San Isidro (Batangas City), bukod pa sa maraming mga barangay chapels sa buong Arsidiyosesis. Siya ang kinikilalang patron ng mga magsasaka. #UB ETHEL ROBLES AT NONIE VILLENA (Lipa City) - Sumailalim sa dalawang araw na Seminar on Digital Activism ang 276 na mga kabataang Batangueño noong April 9-10 sa St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary, Marawoy, Lipa City. Sinimulan ang 2- day seminar sa pamamagitan ng Banal na Misa na pinangunahan ni Rdo. P. Ildefonso Dimaano, direktor ng Lipa Archdiocesan Council for Electoral Reforms (LACER) kasama ang namumuno ng dalawa pang komisyon na sina Rdo. P. Ephraim Cabrera (AYC) at Rdo. P. Jazz Siapco (LASAC). Sa homiliya ni P. Ilde, sinabi niya na ang mga kabataan ay mga millennials. Baon umano ng mga kabataan ang assurance ng Panginoon. Dahil sa muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoon, nabuksan muli ang pananaw na hindi matakot sapagkat narito siya. Binigyang-diin niya ang MGA KABATAAN... P. 2

2 2 NEWS & EVENTS APRIL 2016 BALITANG PAMPAROKYA Bishop Junie Maralit, Nanguna sa Misa Konselebrada sa Pista ng SMEP (Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City) - Naging mapalad ang mga mananampalataya ng Parokya ni Sta. Maria Ephrasia nang pangunahan ng Obispo ng Boac, Marinduque, Lubhang Kgg. Obispo Marcelino Antonio Junie Maralit ang tampok na Misa sa kapistahan ng kanilang patrona noong ika-24 ng Abril 2016, araw ng Linggo. Kabilang sa kanyang tagubilin sa kanyang homiliya ay kung paano ang tamang pagpili sa mga ibobotong kandidato. Huwag ninyong kalilimutang manalangin bago bumoto, diin niya. Ipagdasal din ang mga kandidato at iba pang botante. Bukod sa kanyang mga personal na karanasan sa mahigit lamang na isang taong pagiging Obispo, pinuri ni Bishop Junie ang pagiging matulungin ng parokya di lamang sa paring namumuno sa kanila, kundi maging sa mga parokyang humihiling ng tulong, lalo na sa pananalapi. Bukod kay Bishop Junie, nauna nang nanguna sa mga Misa Nobena sina Rdo. P. Romeo Barrion, Rdo. P. Nemer Chua, Rdo. P. Froilan Carreon, Rdo. P. Jaime Cunanan, Rdo. P. Eugene Dominic Hechanova, Rdo. P. Gerald Macalinao at Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan. Ang Lubhang Kgg. Arsobispo Ramon Arguelles ay nanguna sa pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya noong ika-22 ng Abril. Si Msgr. Rafael Boy Oriondo ay siya namang nanguna sa Misa sa hapon ng kapistahan. Ang Hermano at Hermana ng pista sa taong ito ay ang mag-asawang Felecisimo at Milagros Clet at ang kanilang mga anak. #UB AMEN, MANGUNGUNA... P. 1 PIGLAS PILIPINAS sa ika-4 ng Mayo. Ayon din sa kanya, ito ay bahagi ng pandaigdigang pagkilos na gaganapin sa maraming bansa na sa ika-4 ng Mayo na magsisimula dito sa lalawigan at gagawin hanggang ika-14 ng Mayo sa iba t ibang lugal ng Pilipinas, lalo na sa mga lalawigang may napipintong itayong coal-fired power plant. Dahil dito, inaasahang ang pagtitipon sa Batangas Sports Complex sa Bolbok, Batangas City ay dadaluhan di lamang ng mga Batangueño kundi maging ng mga kinatawan mula sa ibang mga lalawigan sa bansa at mga foreign participants na kabilang sa mga nagsusulong ng clean air. Ang Batangas City ay isa sa mga lugal na tinututukan ng AMEn, dahil sa panukalang pagtatayo ng CFPP na pag-aari ng JG Summit, na matatagpuan sa Barangay Pinamucan Ibaba ng nasabing lungsod. Ilang mga pagtutol sa pamamagitan ng mga prayer rallies o Lakadasal ang pinamunuan ng Lubhang Kgg. Arsobispo Ramon C. Arguelles. Ilan na ring mga pagharap sa pagpupulong sa City Council ang nadaluhan ng mga kumokontra sa nasabing panukala. Narito ang buong pahayag ng AMEn: Nakita na natin ang masasamang epekt ng mga coal plant sa kalusugan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Calaca, na tatlumpung taon nang hirap huminga at mangisda simula nang ipatayo ang pinakaunang coal-fired power plant sa Pilipinas. Maraming ipinapatayo at balak pang ipatayo na coal-fired power plant sa Batangas at sa iba't ibang panig ng Pilipinas. Kabilang na rito ang planta na balak ipatayo ng JG Summit sa Brgy. Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City. Kailangan natin mga mamamayan na ipaglaban at ipagtanggol ang ating karapatan, kapakanan at kalikasan. Kapag natuloy ang pagtayo ng coal-fired power plant sa Barangay Pinamucan Ibaba, dadanasin natin ang coal pollution sa lupa, hangin, at tubig ng ating probinsya at mga karatig bayan. Mailalagay din sa panganib ng coal plant ang angking ganda at likas-yaman ng Verde Island Passage, na sentro ng marine biodiversity sa buong mundo. Kailangan din nating iwasan magdagdag pa sa krisis na dulot ng nagbabagong klima o climate change. Napakalaki ang kontribusyon ng coal sa pandaigdigang climate change. Isa ang Pilipinas sa dumadanas sa matinding epekto nito - ang papadalas na pagdaanan ng mga papalakas na super thypoon tulad ng Yolanda at ang pagdanas ng matinding pagtuyot tulad ng kasalukuyang El Niño. Ang laban upang pigilan ang pagpapatayo ng mga bagong coal plants at ang pag-phase out ng mga dati ng nakatayo ay laban ng lahat ng Batangueño, lahat ng Pilipino, laban ng buong sangkatauhan. Sumama tayo sa pagkilos laban dito sa darating na ika-4 ng Mayo sa Batangas City 6:00 ng umaga sa Batangas Provincial Sports Complex! Ito ay bahagi ng pandaigdigang pagkilos na gaganapin sa maraming bansa mula ika-4 ng Mayo hanggang ika-14 ng Mayo. Tayong mga Batangueno, mga Pilipino ang magsisimula! Para sa ibang detalye, makipag-ugnayan lamang kayo sa Lipa Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment (AMEn) sa amenbatangas@yahoo.com. #UB MGA KABATAAN... P. 1 kakayahan ng mga kabataan na makilahok at maging mulat sa katotohanang nagaganap sa komunidad at kapaligiran. Ang paanyayang ito ay alinsunod sa sulat encyclical ni Papa Francisco, Laudato Si, On Care for our Common Home, isang panawagan sa lahat ng Katoliko na kumilos para sa climate change at pangangalaga sa mundo. Ang unang araw ng seminar ay napuno ng pagbibigay ng mga panayam tungkol sa kalikasan. Sa pangunguna ng Asian People s Movement on Debt and Development, kasama ang 350.org East Asia, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Sanlakas, at Greenpeace Philippines, nabigyang-pansin ang mga kaganapan sa kapaligiran. Binigyang-diin ng mga speakers mula sa iba t ibang organisasyong nabanggit ang mga isyung pangkalikasan at epekto nito sa tao at mundo mula sa internasyunal hanggang sa lokal. Namulat ang mga kabataan sa mga pangkasalukuyang kaganapan tungkol ukol sa climate change, pagmimina, pagtatayo ng power plants at iba pang usaping may kinalaman sa pagsira ng likas ng yaman. Nagsalita rin si Rdo. P. Dakila Ramos, direktor ng Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment (AMEn) tungkol sa Paraisong Batangas kung saan ipinakita niya ang magagandang lugar at tanawin sa lalawigan ng Batangas kasabay ng paghamon sa mga kabataan na panatilihin at pangalagaan ang mga ito. Inanyayahan din ng pari ang lahat na lumahok at makiisa sa MGA DOKUMENTO... P. 1 paghirang bilang postulator ni Rdo. P. Samson Silloriques, OAR. Siya ang mamumuno sa pagsusulong ng pagiging venerable, tapos ang mahabang proseso sa beatification at canonization ng unang Pilipinong Obispo ng Diyosesis ng Lipa. Maala-ala na si Obispo Alfredo Obviar ang kauna-unahan ding Obispong Ilokano. Ang Tribunal na pinangungaunahan ni Arsobispo Peralta ay binubuo ng mga sumusunod: Rdo. Msgr. Gary Noel Formoso (Judge Delegate), Rdo. Abbot Santos Rabang (Promoter of Justice), Sr. Mary Gwendolyn Condor, MCSH (Notary), at Rdo. P. Silloriquez (Postulator). Ang bumubuo ng Theological Commission ay sina Lubhang Kgg. Obispo William Antonio bilang chairman. Kasama niya sina Rdo. P. Nick Vaquilar, Rdo. P. Cosmenio Rosimo, at Rdo. P. Arvin Soriano. Samatalang ang Historical Commission ay binubuo naman nina Rdo. P. Ericson Josue bilang chairman, gagawing Piglas Pilipinas, Piglas Batangas! isang pambansang pagkilos at kampanya na naglalayong pigilan ang pagtatayo ng coal-fired power plant at matigil na ang operasyong ng ganitong uri ng planta sa lalawigan. Simbolo rin ito ng pagtutol sa coal mining at coal energy sa bansa. Ang Batangas umano ang unang lugal kung saan ang Piglas Pilipinas ay ilulunsad. Gaganapin ang pagkilos sa ika- 4 ng Mayo sa Batangas City na inaasahang lalahukan ng 10,000 participants mula sa Batangas kasama ang karatig na lalawigan ng Quezon, Laguna, Mindoro, Cavite at Metro Manila. Ang mga kalahok dito ay magtitipon sa Batangas Sports Complex, Bolbok, Batangas City mula ika-6 ng umaga at tatagal hanggang ika-11 ng tanghali. Pinangunahan naman ni Lubhang Kgg. Arsobispo Ramon Arguelles ang Banal na Misa noong ikalawang araw. Ang lahat ng bagay ay bigay sa atin ng Panginoon kaya ang Diyos lamang ang dapat nating pairalin sa ating Buhay, ani Archbishop. Ang Diyos ang pinanggalingan ng buhay at Siya rin ang marapat na maging sentro ng ating buhay, dagdag pa ng Arsobispo. Pinaalalahanan rin ni Archbishop ang mga kabataan na pagisipan at pagnilayang mabuti ang mga ihahalal na mga kandidato sa May 9. Ang pinakahuling panayam sa seminar ay may kinalaman sa Lipa Archdiocesan Council for Electoral Reform o LACER, tanggapang tumututok sa mga kaganapan sa Arsidyosesis sa Rdo. P. Amador Foz, Rdo. P. Ernesto Juarez, Jr., Rdo. P. Jeric Jaramillo bilang mga kasapi. Ang tatlong malalaking plastik na lalagyan ang publikong ipinakitang sinelyohan ng Komisyon na pinangunahan ni Arsobispo Peralta. Nilalaman nito ang mga nakalap na dokumentong magsisilbing pangunahing materyales para isulong ang cause ni Obispo Verzosa. Dalawa rito ay dadalhin sa Roma ni P. Samson Silloriquez, samantalang ang isa ay mananatili sa tanggapan ng Arsobispo ng Nueva Segovia. (Sa sandaling sinusulat ito, nadala ng mga kinauukulan ang mga dokumento sa Roma. Nakipagkita na rin ang ilan sa mga kasabi ng Tribunal sa Congregation for the Causes of the Saints at iba pang mga tanggapan sa Batikano, kabilang ang pakikipagkita Kay Papa Francisco. Kabilang sa tumungo sa Roma ay sina Arsobispo Peralta, Msgr. Formoso at P. Josue. Si P. Silloriquez naman ay sa Roma naka-base. - Patnugot) Pinangunahan naman ng Kanyang Kabunyian, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, ng Cotabato, ang panahon ng eleksyon. Ibinahagi ni P. Ilde It is not the acts of God, it is the acts of men. ani niya. Hinamon niya ang mga kabataan na ipagtanggol ang Diyos. Ayon kay P. Ilde, ang mga kabataan ay maaring makiisa sa social communication bilang isang ministeryo kung saan magsisimula sa kanyang sarili gamit ang kanyang oras, kakayahan, at yaman. Engage with others and use available skills before technology, dagdag pa ng LACER direktor, na siya ring namumuno sa Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication. Hinimok niya ang mga kabataan na maging LACER volunteers at imbitahan pa ang ibang mga kapwa kabataan na lumahok dito. Itinakda ang pagsasanay para sa mga volunteers sa April 16 at April 30. Para sa mga taga bikariya 1, 2, 3 at 7, gaganapin ito sa Parokya ni San Roque sa Lemery mula ika-8 ng umaga hanggang alas 12 ng tanghali. Sa La Force Building sa lungsod ng Lipa naman ang mga taga Bikariya 4, 5, at 6 mula 1:00 n.h hanggang ika-5 ng hapon. Samantala, sa pagtatapos ng aktibidad, nagsama- sama ang mga kabataang Batangueño upang mabuo ang mga letra na bumubuo sa katagang NO TO COAL na isang pamamaraan upang ipakita na sila ay tumututol sa pagtatayo ng Coal-fired Power Plant saan mang lugar o bayan sa lalawigan at bansa. Sa pagbuo ng mga letra, tahasan ding ipinahayag ng mga kabataan ang No To Coal, Coal Kills! #UB Misa Konselebrada matapos ang ritu ng pagtatapos ng diocesan process for the cause of the beatification and canonization ni Obispo Verzosa. Bukod sa mga pari ng Nueva Segovia, kasama sa pagmimisa ang Kanyang Kabunyian, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales; Lubhang Kgg. Arsobispo Salgado, Arsobispo-emerito ng Nueva Segovia; Lubhang Kgg. Ramon Arguelles ng Arsidiyosesis ng Lipa na siyang nagbigay ng homiliya. Naroon din ang mga mananampalataya mula sa Arsidiyosesis ng Lipa na dumating sakay ng tatlong bus at ilang mga pribadong mga sasakyan. Sila ay pinagunahan nina Msgr. Alfredo Madlangbayan, Rdo. P. Froilan Carreon, mga madre ng MCSH, ang kongregasyong itinatag ng nasabing Obispo. Kasama rin si P. Nonie Dolor, bilang kinatawan ng Catholic Media Network na nagsagawa ng mga panayam at tumulong sa pagsasahimpapawid ng nasabing okasyon para sa mga CMN radio stations. #UB Maligayang Pagbati sa mga Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart sa kanilang ika-93 Anibersaryo ng Pagkakatatag May 1, 2016

3 APRIL 2016 NEWS & EVENTS Balitang Ekumenikal BCEC - Ika-Pitong Pangkalahatang Pagtitipon Naisakatuparan ng Batangas City Ecumenical Council ang pagdaraos ng pangkalahatang pagpupulong noong ika-05 ng Marso sa Basilica Pastoral Center, 1:30 n.h. pagkatapos ideklara ni Lerma Capila (kalihim) na may korum. Ito ay dinaluhan ng mga mananampalataya mula sa kasaping walong (8) simbahan tulad ng International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopalian Church, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista En Las Islas Filipinas, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Batangas Presbyterian Ang liturhiyang inihanda kapwa ng Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity at ng Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches ay napagkasunduan ng mga kasaping simbahan ng BCEC na pagyamanin sa buong taon sa pamamagitan ng samasamang pananalangin para sa ikapagkakaisa ng mga Kristiyano. Binuksan ang taon sa tema: tinawag ng Diyos upang ipahayag ang Church, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, United Methodist Church, Apostolic Catholic Church and Roman Catholic Church. Nagsimula sa panalanging pinangasiwaan ni Reb Pdre. George Ricafort (ICCEC) nasundan ng pagbati ng Kura Paroko ng Basilica ng Inmakulada Concepcion, Reb. Pdre. Aurelio Dimaapi. Binuksan ang pagpupulong ni Reb. Alex Estudillo (IEMELIF), pangulo. Pinakatampok ay ang pagpapatibay ng mga hinirang na pamunuan o Board of Trustees ng BCEC para sa taong tulad nina Reb. Pdre. Emiliano L. Magsino - pangulo (RCC), Reb. Robert Islabon - pang. pangulo (UCCP), Reb. Pdre George Ricafort - kalihim (ICCEC), Maricris Lasota - Ingat-Yaman (UMC), Miyembro: Bp. Pedro Mirasol (ACC), Rev. Paul Lee (BPC), Reb. Alex Estudillo (IEMELIF). Bago nagwakas ang pagpupulong nailipat ang pangangasiwa sa bagong pamunuan kinakatawan ni Reb. Pdre. Emiliano L. Magsino. BCEC, Nakiisa Sa Green Electoral Campaign Naganap ang lakadasal noong ika-17 ng Marso 2016 mula harapan ng kapitolyo 5:30 n.u. hanggang sa Lyceum of Philippines University, Batangas City na pinangunahan ng Lubhang KGG. Ramon Arguelles upang dalhin ang kamalayan sa isyu ng ekolohiya para sa mga kandidato at sa mga botante ng darating na halalan. Tinawag ito na Green Electoral Campaign. Pagkatapos ng pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misang sinamahan ng mga kaparian mula sa Arsidiyosesis at ng karatig lalawigan ng Quezon, isang video presentation ang naging lunsaran ng pagtitipon. Naging guro ng palatuntunan si Reb. Pdre. Daks Ramos para padaluyin ang programa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahayag ng mga mensahe ng iba t ibang environment advocates. Bago magwakas ang pagtitipon, isang paanyaya ang naiparating para sa gaganaping PIGLAS BATANGAS, PIGLAS PILIPINAS sa ika-04 ng Mayo na gaganapin sa Batangas Provincial Sports Complex. Nagtapos ang palatuntunan sa panalangin para sa bago at ganap na Batangas. BCEC, Kasama Sa Paglulunsad Ng Samboto Sa paanyaya ni Reb. Pdre. Nepo Fruto - direktor ng LACEIA (Lipa Archdiocesan Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs), pakiki-ugnay sa Batangas Ecumenical Movement; tumugon sina Reb. Pdre. George Ricafort (ICCEC), Reb. Pdre. Warren R amirez (IFI), kasama ang 14 pang layko para sa SAMBOTO. Ito ay idinaos sa St. Francis Minor Seminary covered Court noong ika- 02 ng Abril 2016 mula 8:00n.u - 11:00 n.u. Binigyang-pansin ni Reb. Pdre. Lino de Castro (RCC) ng Diyosesis ng Imus ang kahalagahan ng Eleksyon batay sa ipinapahayag sa Banal na K a s u l a t a n. Nagpaliwanag ang mga reporma sa halalang tinutukan ng LACER ang naibahagi ni Reb. Pdre Ilde Dimaano. Natapos ito sa pamamagitan ng Unity Statement mula sa kinatawan ng mga parokya ng Roman Catholic Church, mga kinatawan ng mga simbahang protestante at NGO. BCEC Sa Buwanang Sama-samang Pananalangin Kanyang kadakilaan (1Pedro 2:9). Isinagawa ang buwanang pananalangin noong ika-26 ng Abril 2016 sa Basilica Pastoral Center, 5:30 n.h.. Para sa higit na pagninilay, binigyang diin ni Reb. Pdre. Mel Magsino upang maipa-hayag ang kadakilaan ng Diyos: Hayaang gumulong ang bato - nakabatay sa Mt. 28:1-10. Kanyang paalala na hindi natatapos ang pakiisa sa sakit ni Kristo na nakakulong sa libingan. Sa lindol na nagbukas sa puntod pinalaya tayo sa kahirapan na naghihiwalay sa atin. Kailangang matulad kay Maria Magdalenang sa kagalakan kaagad humayo upang ipahayag ang nagawa ng Panginoon. Ang sunod na pananalangin ay gaganapin sa simbahan ng UCCP, P. Burgos St., Batangas City para sa temang pagninilayan: Tinawag na tagapaghatid ng kagalakan (Jn 15:9-12) #UB Balitang Bikariya Dos ETHELIZA ROBLES, Chief, UB News Bureau 3 Matingain, Lemery - Umabot sa 216 mga pasyente ang nakinabang sa isinagawang Medical and Dental Missions na isinulong ng Alay Kapwa Ministry ng Parokya ng Mahal na Poon ng Banal na Krus. Ginanap ang proyekto noong ika-14 ng Abril sa Bukal Elementary School mula ika- 8 ng umaga hanggang alas-12 ng tanghali. Pinangasiwaan ng 31 mga doktor at dentista ang atensyong medikal at dental. Nakapagtala rin ng 24 na mga volunteer- teachers na umagapay sa mga pasyente. Ayon kay Sis. Ellen Estacio, pangulo ng Alay Kapwa Ministry sa parokya, ang programang ito ng ay inilaan para sa mga mahihirap at higit na nangangailangang indibidwal mula sa 18 barangay na sakop ng kanilang parokya. Handog ng LASAC ang mga gamot at bitamina na ipinagkaloob sa mga pasyente. Ka-partner rin sa hakbanging ito ang Women Circle of Taal - Lemery at Rotary Club of Downtown Lemery na nagsulong ng libreng check-up ng prostate gland para sa mga kalalakihang may edad 40 pataas. Bukod sa mga sponsors na kinabibilangan nina Mr. and Mrs. Mar Malabanan, Mr. and Mrs. Janno Rosales at Ms. Detti Bendaña, nagkaloob din ng tulong pinansiyal ang mga nasa ibang bansa partikular ang pamilya ni Ms. Nene Reyes mula sa Italya. Samantala, ang Alay Kapwa Ministry ng Holy Cross Parish sa ilalim ng pamamatnubay ni Rdo. P. Gene Valencia ay pinamumunuan nina Ellen Estacio (Pangulo), Nixon Marasigan (Pangalawang Pangulo), Florencia Atienza (Kalihim), Elsa Magsino (Ingat- Yaman), Sonia Caguicla (Katulong na Ingat Yaman) at Ric Umali (Tagapagbalita). Subic, Agoncillo - Sinalubong ng mga mananampalataya sa Parokya ng Mahal na Birhen ng Medalya Milagrosa ang kanilang bagong kura paroko noong ika- 10 ng Abril. Sumalubong kay Rdo. P. Edilberto Jun-jun Ramos ang mga parokyano mula sa tulay ng Brgy. Panhulan. Pagdating sa simbahan, nagdaos ng simpleng palatuntunan kung saan nagkaroon ng pagbating pagtanggap sa bagong parish priest at ilang pananalita ang mga lider at kinatawan mula sa iba t ibang organisasyong pamparokya. Nagpaabot rin ng mensahe ng pasasalamat ang mga mananampalataya kay Rdo. P. Quiel Dimaculangan na naglingkod bilang kura paroko sa loob ng 10 buwan. Nag-alay naman ng mga awitin ang Koro Medalya. Nagtapos ang simpleng palatuntunan sa isang salu-salo na idinaos naman sa parish hall. Bago napalipat sa Subic, si P. Junjun ay parochial vicar sa Parokya at Dambana ni San Rafael Arkanghel sa Calaca. Si P. Quiel naman ay madedestino na sa Lucena. Cuenca, Batangas - Nakatakdang idaos ang Kumpilang Bayan sa Parokya ni San Isidro Labrador sa Mayo 1. Itinakda ang oras ng pagkukumpil sa ganap na alas tres ng hapon. Ito ay bahagi ng mga paunang aktibidad para sa nalalapit na kapistahan ng patrong si San Isidro Labrador sa May 15. Maaaring magpakumpil ang 12 taong gulang pataas. Kabilang sa mga kinakailangang ihanda para sa kumpil ang baptismal certificate ng kukumpilan at confirmation certificate (partida ng kumpil) ng mga ninong at ninang. Ang pagpapatala sa opisina ng parokya ay hanggang sa April 24. #UB Yes! I want to subscribe to ULAT BATANGAN, the Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Lipa. Please accept my donation of two hundred pesos (PhP ) for one year subscription. Name Address Contact Number(s) : : : ULAT BATANGAN St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary Compound San Lorenzo Ruiz Road, 4217 Lipa City (043) (043) Ask for Ms. Emma Bauan add: website:

4 4 OPINION APRIL 2016 GUEST EDITORIAL Break free from fossil fuels Last year, Pope Francis, in the encyclical Laudato Si, called upon all Catholics to act on climate change and protect the Earth, urging solidarity for the poor and the most vulnerable, for it is they who suffer most severly the effects of global warming. Coal plants cause extreme harm to local communities and eco-systems, as we in Batangas know only too well. Coal is also a danger to the whole country and the whole planet as it is a major contributor to climate change. And yet last year, the Philippine government approved the construction of 27 coal-fired power plants in addition to 19 in existence. As this country prepared for a general election, let his question be raised and reflected upon: does not our country deserve a government that will do everything to protect Filipino families from the ravages of dirty energy and climate change? It is immoral to burden future generations - with pollution and the cost of mistaken energy choices made today. I tis time to end the age of coal! Join us on May 4, 2016 for a Peoples March in Batangas City calling for immediate moratorium on the building of new coal plants in Batangas and the rest of the Philippines, a total stop to coal mining, and a speedy transistion to renewable and clean energy. +Archbishop Ramon Arguelles Huling Hirit Para sa Bayan Panalangin pa rin ang unang sagot sa tanong kung ano ang magagawa ng mga mananampalataya upang matiyak ang isang mapayapa, malinis, maayos, makatotohanan at kapanipaniwalang halalan. Huwag tayong padala sa mga taong mahina ang pananampalataya dahil sa hindi na raw talaga mawawala dahil nasa kultura na raw ng Pilipino ang pandaraya, marahas at maruming halalan. Dahil daw marumi talaga ang pulitika, wala na tayong magagawa. Kung sarili nga natin ang atin lamang paghuhugutan ng kasagutan sa mga problemang ito, talagang baka nga tayo ay nasa hantungan na ng ating kakayahang mag-isip ng mga pamamaraang malabanan ang mga di-kanais-nais na mga gawain pagsumasapit ang halalan. Nguni t kung malalim ang pananampalataya na liliwanagan tayo ng Diyos sa ating mataimtim na pagtawag sa Kanya, kung magiging matatag tayo sa pagninilay ng kanyang naisin sa atin, kung iiwan natin ang ating mga sariling mga kagustuhan pagdumarating ang mga gawaing pulitika tulad ng halalan, walang imposible na di tayo may magagawa upang ang kalooban ng Diyos - na ang lahat ay magkaisa sa kabila ng pagtutunggalian ng mga maraming naghahangad ng pamumuno, na pwedeng maging mapayapa at malinis ang halalan - ay maghari. Tandaan natin na tayo ay tinatawag ng Diyos sa pagkakaisa, kapayapaan, at kaayusan. Ang eleksyon ay bahagi ng pagtawag ng Diyos upang makamtan natin ang Kanyang kalooban. Depende sa pagtugon ng tao ang ikapangyayari ng kalooban ng Diyos. Sang-ayon kay San Agustin, ang Diyos na lumikha nang wala ka, ay di ililigtas ng wala ka. Huling hirit natin: magdasal tayo sa ikapagtatagumpay ng kalooban ng Diyos sa darating na Mayo 9, #UB OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA EDITORIAL STAFF Fr. Nonie C. Dolor Editor-in-Chief Jesusa D. Bauan Circulation Manager Fr. Eric Joaquin Arada Fr. Nonie C. Dolor Photographers Niño Balita Cartoonist Atty. Mary Antoniette E. Arguelles Legal Counsel Archdiocese of Lipa Publisher Printer: Pater Putativus Publishing House Fr. Oscar L. Andal Managing Editor Contributors: Msgr. Ruben Dimaculagan Mrs. Norma Abratigue Fr. Bimbo Pantoja Fr. Manny Guazon Fr. Oscar Andal Emma D. Bauan Mrs. Elsie A. Rabago Sis. Divine Padilla Ms. Ethel Robles Lenny D. Mendoza Lay-out Artist For your comments, submission of articles, and/or subscriptions us at ulatbatangan@yahoo.com Visit us at Ulat Batangan in SUBSCRIPTION RATE: P200 FOR 12 MONTHS OR P20.00 PER MONTH. Most Rev. Ramón Argüelles, DD, STL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW It is the Fifth Sunday of Easter as I write this column of Tinig Pastol for the April issue of Ulat Batangan. I have not forgotten that HALALAN 2016 will be fifteen days from now. The message of the three Scripture passages proclaimed suits the situation Catholic Filipinos are in these days and in my mass I challenged the faithful to live up to the challenge so relevant and so timely. The Acts of the Apostles describes Paul and Barnabas proclaiming the Good News in many places, in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia and Antioch. They made considerable disciples strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in faith while warning them It is necessary for us to undergo hardships. The Revelation describes the vision of John of a new heaven and a new earth of the holy city, a new Jerusalem prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Then there is the proclamation Behold, God s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God Himself will always be with them as their God and the one who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. Finally, the Gospel according to John announced: Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. The statement of Christ proclaimed in the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter also said: I will be with you only a little while longer. It is clear the Easter announcement reaches the point when all are to reflect on the mystery of the Ascension. Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus glorified ascends into heaven. As Son of God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Christ is always in heaven, He dwells always and cannot be separated from the Father. But He is truly a human being, Who suffered and died to save all. God glorified Him. That means His humanity is penetrated with the divinity. This is God's plan after all: to divinize humanity. The Lord s Prayer always reveals that plan Holy be Thy name. The name of God is always holy. But the name should be made holy in all, in humanity primarily. Name means also honor and glory. God s name, His honor and glory, his dignity and greatness, should envelope humanity. The Filipino word dangal or karangalan says it best. God s honor, dignity and glory are meant for humanity. The humiliation of Christ in becoming a human being (Incarnation) and suffering and dying (kenosis) is crowned with the glorification of His humanity. Now is the Son of Man glorified. The humanity of Christ and all humanity in Christ is glorified, divinized, raised into the heavenly heights. And God is glorified in him and in humanity. St. Irenaeus said: Gloria Dei, vivens homo. The glory of God is man fully alive. It is for this that Jesus came: I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. Fullness of life belongs to God alone. It is given to humanity through Christ. The humanity permeated with the Divinity gives God glory and praise. Thus the response after the first reading says: I will praise your name forever, my king and my God. In heaven glorified humanity (all are transfigured like Christ in Mount Tabor when the Divinity shines in humanity) will be ceaselessly glorifying God in Christ showing all humanity bathed in God s glory. The key statement however is: Behold, I make all things new. Christ has not forsaken the world when His humanity is raised into the splendor of His divinity. Before Christ went up to heaven, He said: Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you (Luke 24:46b-49a). The risen and glorious Christ has not abandoned His disciples. He con- TINIG PASTOL... P. 5 Msgr. Fred Madlangbayan Ang Kuwento ni Msgr. Fred Sa loob ng tatlong taon, , nag-aral si Msgr. Fred sa Roma sa scholarship na ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Mula sa University of Santo Tomas kung saan siya nagtapos ng Philosophy, itinuloy niya sa Roma ang kanyang Theology at Masteral degree. Inordenahan siyang pari noong ika-20 ng Pebrero Habang nasa Roma siya, namasyal siya sa San Giovanni Rotondo kung saan nakasimba siya sa Misa ni Padre Pio ng Pietrelcina. Taong 1966 noon, buhay pa ang banal at mystic na paring Capuchino na may dumudugong mga sugat (stigmata) sa mga kamay, paa at tagiliran tulad ng Panginoong Hesus. Nang namatay si Santo Padre Pio ng taong 1968, nakauwi na si Padre Alfredo sa Batangas. Subali t bago siya umuwi sa Pilipinas, nagbaka-sakali si Msgr. Fred na mag-audition sa La Scala ng Milan, isang tanyag na paaralan ng musika na kung saan hinuhubog ang mga tanyag na tenor at soprano. Gusto sana ni Msgr. Fred na mag-aral ng voice culture, ika nga. At pumasa naman siya! Kung natuloy ang pag-aaral ng voice culture ni Msgr. Fred, mayroon siguro tayong Pavarotti ngayon! Ngunit ang plano ng Diyos sa kanya ay di upang maging tenor na tulad ni Pavarotti kung di upang maging Paborito ni Bishop Olalia. Dali-dali siyang tumalimang umuwi nang iipinatawag na siya ng Obispo. Ang naunsyaming pagkanta ay nauwi sa pagsusulat at pagiging Secretary-Chancellor ng Obispo Olalia sa Arsidiyosesis ng Lipa. Kapag nakakasama siya ng Obispo sa mga panayam o miting, si Msgr. Fred ay ginagawang ice breaker ng Obispo at laging binabanggit ang kanyang naunsyaming maging singer. Noong panahong iyon, ang opisina ni Msgr. Fred ay kalapit lamang ng parokya ng San Sebastian na kung saan ang kura noon ay si Msgr. Librea, isang banal at paladasaling pari. Mas gusto niya ang buhay sa parokya kaysa maging secretary ng Obispo kaya mas malimit siya sa kumbento ng San Sebastian kaysa sa kanyang opisina. Nang yumao na si Bishop ANG KUWENTO NI... P. 5

5 APRIL 2016 Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan 1. AYAW KO NIYAN. Bagama t pare-parehong kaaway natin ang mali at kaibigan natin ang tama, iba t-iba pa rin ang ating mga likes and dislikes tungkol sa pagpili ng inaakala nating tama. Pero itong sumusunod na listahan sa ibaba ang mga ayaw na ayaw ko na sana ay ayaw ninyo rin: a. Jeep na bigla na lang tumitigil sa gitna ng kalye para magpasakay ng pasahero. b. Mga pulitikong buking na ay di pa rin umaamin dahil wala daw ebidensya. c. Pagsingit sa unahan ko ng mga tricycle at motorsiklo na parang langaw sa stop sign. d. Videoke makalampas ng 10:30 ng gabi. e. Magandang babae na kilabot mangopya o kaya y ubod ng sinungaling. f. Toilet bowl na ilang buwan na ang nakakalipas ay out of order pa rin. g. Sobrang lakas ng sounds sa isang handaan at di kami magkarinigan. h. Horror stories na akala mo y The End na, iyun pala y may panibago uling kontrabida sa katapusan. i. UFC wrestler at iba pang manlalaro na maangas o mahangin. j. Employees na ilang beses mo nang tinuruan pero walang-kusa at lagi pang dapat paalalahanan k. Tarpaulin na parang basahan. Matagal nang natapos ang event, pero hinahayaang naka-display pa ito na parang kursunsilyo ni Lolo. l. Magandang panaginip na napuputol dahil sa biglang pagkagising. m. Nailcutter na mapurol. n. Salitang, no comment, na halata namang merong isanglibong comment. o.pagmamaliit o pagtawa sa maling grammar ng nagsasalita. p. Panaginip na back to school muli ako kaharap ang pressure ng academics. q. T-shirt o polo shirt na makati ang etiketa. r. Jokes o kwento na kung ikwento y akala mo y sarili niyang karanasan, yun pala y napangahoy lang sa Book of Jokes at ibang pinanggalingan. s. Rock music pagkagising sa umaga. t. Babaeng nagpapa-blonde ng buhok, pagharap naman sa iyo y nakupu! u. Mga gurang na kung magbihis at umasta kala mo y 3rd year high school pa; ayaw pang ipalamang na lang sa mga bata ang pagsayaw ang pagkilos na parang bata. v. Damit na matingkad ang kulay, malutong at halatang bagung-bago. w.double-meaning na toilet humor at indecent jokes ni Vice-Ganda. x. Commercial ng teleserye na kasing-haba ng walang hanggan. y. Teleserye na sobrang tagal ng focus sa kanilang close up; z. Telepono sa opisina na binabayaang mag-ring nang higit pa sa tatlong beses. 2. ELEKSYON Kapag ang isang bata ay napaso sa ningas ng kandila, isa itong aksidente. Kapag siya y lumaki na at paulit-ulit pa rin siyang napapaso, hindi na ito aksidente. Pinili na niya ito. Ganito din ang dahilan kung bakit may kriminalidad, kung bakit may biktima ng droga at iba pang bisyo na nagdudulot ng kapahamakan sa sarili. Ganito rin ang dahilan kung bakit napapaso tayo kapag eleksyon. Sa tulong ng Pastoral Letter ni Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, sa tulong ng mga paala-ala ng CBCP, piliin natin nang husay ang ating kapalaran. Isama sa inyong pagpili ng Kurso, isama sa inyong pangarap ang ating Bayan. Syanga naman. 3. SINO ANG DAPAT KONG MAGING MANOK NGAYONG HALALAN? Lahat sila ay nangangako ng kapayapaan at OPINION kaunlaran. Ang dapat ko bang piliin ay yaong magaling sa debate? Yun bang sinasabi ng survey na isinisigaw ng bayan? Yun bang sa paniwala ko ay nagsasabi ng totoo? Yun bang malawak na ang karanasan? Yun bang mayaman na at sa tingin ko y di na mangungurakot sa kaban? Yung bang matagal nang ipinagtatanggol ang buhay ng tao at kapalibutan? Sagot: Sa dami po ng impormasyon, mahirap pong matiyak kung sino ang tunay. Ipagdasal po natin ang isa t-isa na maniwala sa kahihinatnan ng ambag nating isang boto. Ipagdasal din po natin ang lahat ng kandidato at pagigihin natin ang ating pagsasaliksik kung sino ang tunay at kung sino ang may kakayanang maging tunay na maging lingkod-bayan. Mag-volunteer po tayong magbantay para maging makatotohanan ang proseso ng halalan. Makiisa sa rosary campaign for polls. Syanga naman. 4.KRISTO, TINAPAY NG BUHAY. Kung ayaw nyong maniwala na si Kristo ang tinapay ng buhay, heto ang aking patunay: Bihira sa mga pari, relihiyoso/a at mga taong nagpapakabanal ang nagpapatiwakal. Kasi, busog sila sa tinapay ng buhay. Ganon din, mas-masaya at maaliwalas ang mukha mo kapag naialay mo ang iyong sarili gaya ng Tinapay ng Buhay sa lumipas na maghapon. Mas ramdam mong malaya ka kapag naisusuko mo ang iyong sarili at naipapako mo ang iyong kalooban sa Krus. Dahil sa inusig at ipinagtabuyang papalabas ng Israel ang mga Griyegong converts (Hellenists), lalo lang kumalat ang Kristiyanismo. Dahil sa ipinakulong ang mga Hudiyong converts, lalong lumalim at tumibay ang pananampalataya ng mga unang Kristiyano. Syanga naman. 5. ANG MABUTING PASTOL. Ang isa sa mga tradisyonal na sukatan ng mabuting pastol ay kung awas ang simbahan kapag siya ay nangangaral. Sa tingin ko, dapat idagdag na sukatan ay hindi lang iyong makapuno sa seating capacity kundi ang kakayanan niyang maitransform kahit kalahati man lang ng seating capacity na yaon sa sending capacity. Syanga naman. TINIG PASTOL... P. 4 Abangan ang susunod na kabanata... 5 tinues His saving work through those who receive and are led by the Spirit of God. That is why fifty days after Easter Pentecost or the descent of the Holy Spirit is celebrated. The Spirit of Jesus is with His followers who with Him as head and they His body, with Him as the vine and they the branches, in order for the disciples to be witnesses to all nations. That is the reason why the task of the Messiah, of the Lamb that was sacrificed but is now seated on the throne, to make all things new, must be accomplished. For this reason like Paul, Barnabas, all the apostles throughout the centuries including in this period of human history, must proclaim the Good News in all places, the disciples of today must make other disciples, strengthen the spirits of everyone who calls Christ Lord and Savior and exhort them to persevere in faith, while warning all It is necessary for us to undergo hardships. Labing-limang araw na lang at halalan na. Magiging saksi kaya ang Kristiyanong Pilipino ng Panginoong Hesus, ang Korderong nakalukluk sa trono at nagsasabing Behold I make all things new! Yung renewal, ang pagbabago, ay gawa ng Espiritu. Can we say we have received and we are guided by the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus? Ang panawagan para sa Bago at Ganap na Batangas para sa Bago at ganap na Pilipinas ay hindi isang makamundong hamon. Ito ay isang makalangit na pananagutan. Definitely, kung tayo ay sasali sa katiwalian, sa pandaraya, sa pagsasamantala sa mga maralita, sa panlilinlang at pagyurak ng dangal ng mga kawawa, sa pagyayabang, sa pagnananakaw, sa pag-aawayan, tayo ay kasangkapan ng kaaway ng Diyos, ng Impiyerno at hindi saksi ng Panginoong Hesukristo. Ang espiritung namamayani sa atin ay ang espiritu ng kapahamakan hindi ang Espiritu ng Kabanalan. Maging saksi sana tayo ng tagumpay, pananatili ni Hesus at patuloy Niyang pagliligtas sa ating mga tao. Sa Halalan sa Mayo 9, may pagkakataon tayong maging tunay na disciples of Christ, who will make all things new, who will realize the new heavens and the new earth, who will no longer belong to the old ways but be led by the Holy Spirit para pagtibayin ang pananampalataya ng mga tagasunod ni Kristo, upang akitin pa ang marami para sumunod kay Kristo sa paggawa ng kabutihan, para lipulin ang mga maling takbo ng lipunan. Pero tatandaan natin, para matupad ang plano ng Diyos at makiisa sa Kanyang magandang hangarin sa lahat, kailangan tayong magdusa katulad ni Hesus: It is necessary for us to undergo hardships. Yan naman ang sinabi ng Mahal na birhen: You will suffer, you will be ridiculed. there will be persecutions, unrest, and bloodshed in your country The enemy of the Church will try to destroy the faith which Jesus established and died for The Church will suffer much. Is it already about to happen? Nangyayari na kaya? Ito na kaya iyon. Sana in the midst of trials, uncertainties, contradictions, ridicule, our faith will be firm and we will not forget that with Christ and in Christ and through Christ, we must make all things new. Gawin nating bago at ganap ang Batangas para sa Bago at ganap na Pilipinas. Gawin nating makatotohanan dito sa Batangas at sa Pilipinas na God s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God Himself will always be with them as their God. The Philippines, this Pueblo Amante de Maria, must indeed witness to its being the dwelling place of God where everything is made new and perfect. #UB ANG KUWENTO NI... P. 4 Olalia, tinawag siya ni Padre Cirilo Almario, Rector ng seminaryo sa Bauan, upang maging propesor sa Pilosopiya. Tumigil siya dito ng isang taon. Sa plano pa rin ng Diyos, sinugo siyang umatend ng seminar ni Fr. James Reuter, isang Heswita. Sa seminar na ito na dinaluhan ng mga pari at madre ng iba t-ibang diyosesis sa Pilipinas, binigyan sila ng challenge na ipakalat ang Salita ng Diyos at mga gawain ng simbahan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng radio station. Napapanahon na, ika nga, na gamitin ng simbahan ang mass media. At ang bunga ng challenge na ito ni Fr. Reuter ay ang radyo ng Arsidiyosesis ng Lipa, ang DZYQ noong 1969, at di kalaunan ay nakilala sa tawag na DWAM. #UB

6 6 (IN)FORMATION APRIL 2016 Personal na Pagbabahagi ng isang babaeng apostol... Napili ako bilang Alagad SPO2 Raquel Ramos Aniwasal Tayo na mga handang maglingkod tulad ng Panginoon na ibinigay ang buhay sa sanlibutan. Nang makatanggap ako ng tawag mula kay Sis. Zeny Palanca, PPC President ng Immaculate Conception Parish dito sa Balayan at sinasabing isa ako sa mga napiling Apostol para sa Holy Thursday sa washing of feet ay aking ikinarangal na kalakip ang pagtataka,dahil sa ang pagkakaalam ko ay lalaki lamang ang pwedeng gumaganap na Apostol, Magkagayunpaman nakaramdam ako ng pagpapala dahil sa isa ako sa pinili ng simbahan. Sa ano mang kadahilanan, ako ay isa na sa mga apostoles. Bago maganap ang Last Supper Mass ay dumaan kami sa mga seminars para higit na malaman ang kahulugan ng pagiging Apostol. Ipinaliwanag sa amin ng pari kung bakit mayroon ng babaeng Apostoles. Paglilingkod ako bilang kawani ng kapulisan na naglilingkod sa bayan, kasama ang guro, doktor, magsasaka, janitor, nurse, estudyante, madre, nagtratrabaho sa bangko, sa munisipyo at pati na rin yung kasalukuyang humahanap pa ng trabaho. Noong Palm Sunday pa lamang kami ay ipinakilala na sa mga maninimba bilang Labindalawang Apostoles. Sa harapan nila, naisip kong sa dinami-dami ng mga Katoliko dito sa Balayan, isa ako sa mapalad na napili. Noong mismong kaganapan ng paghuhugas ng paa, sa una pa lang mayroon di ako mapaliwanag na pakiramdam habang umaagos ang luha sa aking mga mata. Umiinog sa aking isipan ang mga sumusunod: ako ba ay makasalanan o banal, walang iksaktong kasagutan kundi sa halip nakatanggap ako ng pagpapala, na hindi kung sino man ang pumili sa akin para hugasan at halikan ang aking paa kundi dahil ito ay iniadya ng ating Poong lumikha, na ako, si SPO2 Raquel Ramos Aniwasal ay may ginagampanan sa bayan, sa aking pamilya, sa simbahan pero ang higit sa lahat ay ang makapaglingkod sa ating Panginoon sa pamamaraang naayon sa kanyang kagustuhan. Walang ibang nasambit kundi Salamat po Diyos ko, salamat sa buhay, salamat sa pagpapala. #UB MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 50th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Holy Year of Mercy invites all of us to reflect on the relationship between communication and mercy. The Church, in union with Christ, the living incarnation of the Father of Mercies, is called to practise mercy as the distinctive trait of all that she is and does. What we say and how we say it, our every word and gesture, ought to express God's compassion, tenderness and forgiveness for all. Love, by its nature, is communication; it leads to openness and sharing. If our hearts and actions are inspired by charity, by divine love, then our communication will be touched by God's own power. As sons and daughters of God, we are called to communicate with everyone, without exception. In a particular way, the Church's words and actions are all meant to convey mercy, to touch people's hearts and to sustain them on their journey to that fullness of life which Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to bring to all. This means that we ourselves must be willing to accept the warmth of Mother Church and to share that warmth with others, so that Jesus may be known and loved. That warmth is what gives substance to the word of faith; by our preaching and witness, it ignites the "spark" which gives them life. Communication has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich society. How beautiful it is when people select their words and actions with care, in the effort to avoid misunderstandings, to heal wounded memories and to build peace and harmony. Words can build bridges between individuals and within families, social groups and peoples. This is possible both in the material world and the digital world. Our words and actions should be such as to help us all escape the vicious circles of condemnation and vengeance which continue to ensnare individuals and nations, encouraging expressions of hatred. The words of Christians ought to be a constant encouragement to communion and, even in those cases where they must firmly condemn evil, they should never try to rupture relationships and communication. For this reason, I would like to invite all people of good will to rediscover the power of mercy to heal wounded relationships and to restore peace and harmony to families and communities. All of us know how many ways ancient wounds and lingering resentments can entrap individuals and stand in the way of communication and reconciliation. The same holds true for relationships between peoples. In every case, mercy is able to create a new kind of speech and dialogue. Shakespeare put it eloquently when he said: "The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes" (The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I). Our political and diplomatic language would do well to be inspired by mercy, which never loses hope. I ask those with institutional and political responsibility, and those charged with forming public opinion, to remain especially attentive to the way they speak of those who think or act differently or those who may have made mistakes. It is easy to yield to the temptation to exploit such situations to stoke the flames of mistrust, fear and hatred. Instead, courage is needed to guide people towards processes of reconciliation. It is precisely such positive and creative boldness which offers real solutions to ancient conflicts and the opportunity to build lasting peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Mt 5:7-9) How I wish that our own way of communicating, as well as our service as pastors of the Church, may never suggest a prideful and triumphant superiority over an enemy, or demean those whom the world considers lost and easily discarded. Mercy can help mitigate life's troubles and offer warmth to those who have known only the coldness of judgment. May our way of communicating help to overcome the mindset that neatly separates sinners from the righteous. We can and we must judge situations of sin - such as violence, corruption and exploitation - but we may not judge individuals, since only God can see into the depths of their hearts. It is our task to admonish those who err and to denounce the evil and injustice of certain ways of acting, for the sake of setting victims free and raising up those who have fallen. The Gospel of John tells us that "the truth will make you free" (Jn 8:32). The truth is ultimately Christ himself, whose gentle mercy is the yardstick for measuring the way we proclaim the truth and condemn injustice. Our primary task is to uphold the truth with love (cf. Eph 4:15). Only words spoken with love and accompanied by meekness and mercy can touch our sinful hearts. Harsh and moralistic words and actions risk further alienating those whom we wish to lead to conversion and freedom, reinforcing their sense of rejection and defensiveness. Some feel that a vision of society rooted in mercy is hopelessly idealistic or excessively indulgent. But let us try and recall our first experience of relationships, within our families. Our parents loved us and valued us for who we are more than for our abilities and achievements. Parents naturally want the best for their children, but that love is never dependent on their meeting certain conditions. The family home is one place where we are always welcome (cf. Lk 15:11-32). I would like to encourage everyone to see society not as a forum where strangers compete and try to come out on top, but above all as a home or a family, where the door is always open and where everyone feels welcome. For this to happen, we must first listen. Communicating means sharing, and sharing demands listening and acceptance. Listening is much more than simply hearing. Hearing is about receiving information, while listening is about communication, and calls for closeness. Listening allows us to get things right, and not simply to be passive onlookers, users or consumers. Listening also means being able to share questions and doubts, to journey side by side, to banish all claims to absolute power and to put our abilities and gifts at the service of the common good. Listening is never easy. Many times it is easier to play deaf. Listening means paying attention, wanting to understand, to value, to respect and to ponder what the other person says. It involves a sort of martyrdom or self-sacrifice, as we try to imitate Moses before the burning bush: we have to remove our sandals when standing on the "holy ground" of our encounter with the one who speaks to me (cf. Ex 3:5). Knowing how to listen is an immense grace, it is a gift which we need to ask for and then make every effort to practice. s, text messages, social networks and chats can also be fully human forms of communication. It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal. Social networks can facilitate relationships and promote the good of society, but they can also lead to further polarization and division between individuals and groups. The digital world is a public square, a meeting-place where we can either encourage or demean one another, engage in a meaningful discussion or unfair attacks. I pray that this Jubilee Year, lived in mercy, "may open us to even more fervent dialogue so that we might know and understand one another better; and that it may eliminate every form of closed-mindedness and disrespect, and drive out every form of violence and discrimination" (Misericordiae Vultus, 23). The internet can help us to be better citizens. Access to digital networks entails a responsibility for our neighbour whom we do not see but who is nonetheless real and has a dignity which must be respected. The internet can be used wisely to build a society which is healthy and open to sharing. Communication, wherever and however it takes place, has opened up broader horizons for many people. This is a gift of God which involves a great responsibility. I like to refer to this power of communication as "closeness". The encounter between communication and mercy will be fruitful to the degree that it generates a closeness which cares, comforts, heals, accompanies and celebrates. In a broken, fragmented and polarized world, to communicate with mercy means to help create a healthy, free and fraternal closeness between the children of God and all our brothers and sisters in the one human family. From the Vatican, 24 January 2016 Francis

7 APRIL 2016 It is not by chance that Amoris Laetitia (AL), "The Joy of Love", the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "on Love in the Family", was signed on 19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. It brings together the results of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and It often cites their Final Reports; documents and teachings of his Predecessors; and his own numerous catecheses on the family. In addition, as in previous magisterial documents, the Pope also makes use of the contributions of various Episcopal Conferences around the world (Kenya, Australia, Argentina ) and cites significant figures such as Martin Luther King and Erich Fromm. The Pope even quotes the film Babette's Feastto illustrate the concept of gratuity. Introduction (1-7) The Apostolic Exhortation is striking for its breadth and detail. Its 325 paragraphs are distributed over nine chapters. The seven introductory paragraphs plainly set out the complexity of a topic in urgent need of thorough study. The interventions of the Synod Fathers make up [form] a "multifaceted gem" (AL 4), a precious polyhedron, whose value must be preserved. But the Pope cautions that "not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium". Indeed, for some questions, "each country or region can seek solutions better suited to its culture and sensitive to its traditions and local needs. For 'cultures are in fact quite diverse and every general principle needs to be inculturated, if it is to be respected and applied'" (AL 3). This principle of inculturation applies to how problems are formulated and addressed and, apart from the dogmatic issues that have been well defined by the Church's magisterium, none of this approach can be "globalized". In his address at the end of the 2015 Synod, the Pope said very clearly: "What seems normal for a bishop on one continent, is considered strange and almost scandalous - almost! - for a bishop from another; what is considered a violation of a right in one society is an evident and inviolable rule in another; what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion." The Pope clearly states that we need above all to avoid a sterile juxtaposition between demands for change and the general application of abstract norms. He writes: "The debates carried on in the media, in certain publications and even among the Church's ministers, range from an immoderate desire for total change without sufficient reflection or grounding, to an attitude that would solve everything by applying general rules or deriving undue conclusions from particular theological considerations" (AL 2). Chapter One: "In the light of the Word" (8-30) Following this introduction, the Pope begins his reflections with the Holy Scriptures in thefirst chapter, which unfolds as a meditation on Psalm 128 (which appears in the (IN)FORMATION Below is the Vatican-provided summary of Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (On Love in the Family) Summary of Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family Jewish wedding liturgy as well as that of Christian marriages). The Bible "is full of families, births, love stories and family crises" (AL 8). This impels us to meditate on how the family is not an abstract ideal but rather like a practical "trade" (AL 16), which is carried out with tenderness (AL 28), but which has also been confronted with sin from the beginning, when the relationship of love turned into domination (cf. AL 19). Hence, the Word of God "is not a series of abstract ideas but rather a source of comfort and companionship for every family that experiences difficulties or suffering. For it shows them the goal of their journey " (AL 22). Chapter two: "The experiences and challenges of families" (31-57) Building on the biblical base, in the second chapter the Pope considers the current situation of families. While keeping "firmly grounded in [the] reality" of family experiences (AL 6), he also draws heavily on the final Reports of the two Synods. Families face many challenges, from migration to the ideological denial of differences between the sexes ("ideology of gender" AL 56); from the culture of the provisional to the antibirth mentality and the impact of biotechnology in the field of procreation; from the lack of housing and work to pornography and abuse of minors; from inattention to persons with disabilities, to lack of respect for the elderly; from the legal dismantling of the family, to violence against women. The Pope insists on concreteness, which is a key concept in the Exhortation. And it is concreteness, realism and daily life that make up the substantial difference between acceptable "theories" of interpretation of reality and arbitrary "ideologies". Citing Familiaris Consortio, Francis states that "we do well to focus on concrete realities, since 'the call and the demands of the Spirit resound in the events of history', and through these 'the Church can also be guided to a more profound understanding of the inexhaustible mystery of marriage and the family'" (AL 31). Conversely, if we fail to listen to reality, we cannot understand the needs of the present or the movements of the Spirit. The Pope notes that rampant individualism makes it difficult today for a person to give oneself generously to another (cf. AL 33). Here is an interesting picture of the situation: "The fear of loneliness and the desire for stability and fidelity exist side by side with a growing fear of entrapment in a relationship that could hamper the achievement of one's personal goals" (AL 34). The humility of realism helps us to avoid presenting "a far too abstract and almost artificial theological ideal of marriage, far removed from the concrete situations and practical possibilities of real families" (AL 36). Idealism does not allow marriage to be understood for what it is, that is, a "dynamic path to personal development and fulfilment". It is unrealistic to think that families can sustain themselves "simply by stressing doctrinal, bioethical and moral issues, without encouraging openness to grace" (AL 37). Calling for a certain "self-criticism" of approaches that are inadequate for the experience of marriage and the family, the Pope stresses the need to make room for the formation of the conscience of the faithful: "We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them" (AL 37). Jesus proposed a demanding ideal but "never failed to show compassion and closeness to the frailty of individuals like the Samaritan woman or the woman caught in adultery" (AL 38). Chapter three: "Looking to Jesus: The vocation of the family" (58-88) The third chapter is dedicated to some essential elements of the Church's teaching on marriage and the family. This chapter is important because its 30 paragraphs concisely depict the vocation of the family according to the Gospel and as affirmed by the Church over time. Above all, it stresses the themes of indissolubility, the sacramental nature of marriage, the transmission of life and the education of children. Gaudium et Spes of VaticanII, Humanae Vitae of PaulVI, and Familiaris Consortio of John PaulII are widely quoted. The chapter provides a broad view and touches on "imperfect situations" as well. We can read, in fact: "'Discernment of the presence of 'seeds of the Word' in other cultures (cf. Ad Gentes 11) can also apply to the reality of marriage and the family. In addition to true natural marriage, positive elements exist in the forms of marriage found in other religious traditions', even if, at times, obscurely" (AL 77). The reflection also includes the "wounded families" about whom the Pope - quoting the Final Report of the 2015 Synod extensively - says that "it is always necessary to recall this general principle: 'Pastors must know that, for the sake of truth, they are obliged to exercise careful discernment of situations' (Familiaris Consortio, 84). The degree of responsibility is not equal in all cases and factors may exist which limit the ability to make a decision. Therefore, while clearly stating the Church's teaching, pastors are to avoid judgments that do not take into account the complexity of various situations, and they are to be attentive, by necessity, to how people experience and endure distress because of their condition" (AL 79). Chapter four: "Love in marriage" (89-164) The fourth chapter treats love in marriage, which it illuminates with Saint Paul's Hymn to Love in 1Corinthians13:4-7. This opening section is truly a painstaking, focused, inspired and poetic exegesis of the Pauline text. It is a collection of brief passages carefully and tenderly describing human love in absolutely concrete terms. The quality of psychological introspection that marks this exegesis is striking. The psychological insights enter into the emotional world of the spouses - positive and negative - and the erotic dimension of love. This is an extremely rich and valuable contribution to Christian married life, unprecedented in previous papal documents. This section digresses briefly from the more extensive, perceptive treatment of the day-to-day experience of married love which the Pope refuses to judge against ideal standards: "There is no need to lay upon two limited persons the tremendous burden of having to reproduce perfectly the union existing between Christ and his Church, for marriage as a sign entails 'a dynamic process, one which advances gradually with the progressive integration of the gifts of God'" (AL 122). On the other hand, the Pope forcefully stresses the fact that conjugal love by its very nature defines the partners in a richly encompassing and lasting union (AL 123), precisely within that "mixture of enjoyment and struggles, tensions and repose, pain and relief, satisfactions and longings, annoyances and pleasures" (Al 126) which indeed make up a marriage. The chapter concludes with a very important reflection on the "transformation of love" because "Longer life spans now mean that close and exclusive relationships must last for four, five or even six decades; consequently, the initial decision has to be frequently renewed" (AL 163). As physical appearance alters, the loving attraction does not lessen but changes as sexual desire can be transformed over time into the desire for togetherness and mutuality: "There is no guarantee that we will feel the same way all through life. Yet if a couple can come up with a shared and lasting life project, they can love one another and live as one until death do them part, enjoying an enriching intimacy" (AL 163). Chapter five: "Love made fruitful" ( ) The fifth chapter is entirely focused on love's fruitfulness and procreation. It speaks in a profoundly spiritual and psychological manner about welcoming new life, about the waiting period of pregnancy, about the love of a mother and a father. It also speaks of the expanded fruitfulness of adoption, of welcoming the contribution of families to promote a "culture of encounter", and of family life in a broad sense which includes aunts and uncles, cousins, relatives of relatives, friends. Amoris Laetitia does not focus on the so-called "nuclear" family" because it is very aware of the family as a wider network of many relationships. The spirituality of the sacrament of marriage has a deeply social character (cf. AL 187). And within this social dimension the Pope particularly emphasizes the specific role of the relationship between youth and the elderly, as well as the relationship between brothers and sisters as a training ground for relating with others. Chapter six: "Some pastoral perspectives" ( ) In the sixth chapter the Pope treats various pastoral perspectives that are aimed at forming solid and fruitful families according to God's plan. The chapter use the Final Reports of the two Synods and the 7 catecheses of Pope Francis and Pope John PaulII extensively. It reiterates that families should not only be evangelized, they should also evangelize. The Pope regrets "that ordained ministers often lack the training needed to deal with the complex problems currently facing families" (AL 202). On the one hand, the psycho-affective formation of seminarians needs to be improved, and families need to be more involved in formation for ministry (cf. AL 203); and on the other hand, "the experience of the broad oriental tradition of a married clergy could also be drawn upon" (AL 202). The Pope then deals with the preparation of the engaged for marriage; with the accompaniment of couples in the first years of married life, including the issue of responsible parenthood; and also with certain complex situations and crises, knowing that "each crisis has a lesson to teach us; we need to learn how to listen for it with the ear of the heart" (AL 232). Some causes of crisis are analyzed, among them a delay in maturing affectively (cf. AL 239). Mention is furthermore made of accompanying abandoned, separated or divorced persons. The Exhortation stresses the importance of the recent reform of the procedures for marriage annulment. It highlights the suffering of children in situations of conflict and concludes: "Divorce is an evil and the increasing number of divorces is very troubling. Hence, our most important pastoral task with regard to families is to strengthen their love, helping to heal wounds and working to prevent the spread of this drama of our times" (AL 246). It then touches on the situations of a marriage between a Catholic and a Christian of another denomination (mixed marriages), and between a Catholic and someone of another religion (disparity of cult). Regarding families with members with homosexual tendencies, it reaffirms the necessity to respect them and to refrain from any unjust discrimination and every form of aggression or violence. The last, pastorally poignant part of the chapter, "When death makes us feel its sting", is on the theme of the loss of dear ones and of widowhood. Chapter seven: "Towards a better education of children" ( ) The seventh chapter is dedicated to the education of children: their ethical formation, the learning of discipline which can include punishment, patient realism, sex education, passing on the faith and, more generally, family life as an educational context. The practical wisdom present in each paragraph is remarkable, above all the attention given to those gradual, small steps "that can be understood, accepted and appreciated" (AL 271). There is a particularly interesting and pedagogically fundamental paragraph in which Francis clearly states that "obsession, however, is not education. We cannot control every situation that a child may experience If parents are SUMMARY OF... P. 11

8 8 NEWS & (IN)FORMATION APRIL 2016 Rev. Fr. Manuel Luis R. Guazon Sa Taon ng Eukaristikong Pamilya Matutunan pa sana Natin ang Mag-alay ng Pagmamahal sa Tulong ng Pondong Batangan Ang 2016 sa Simbahan sa Pilipinas ay Taon ng Eukaristiya at Pamilya at dito sa atin sa Simbahan sa Batangas ay tinawag itong Taon ng Eukaristikong Pamilya. Sa pinag-isang tema ay mabibigyang pansin ang magka-ugnay na diwa ng pagmamahal at pag-aalay. Sa mga pagdiriwang na nabanggit ay maliwanag namang makikita ang kabuluhan ng Pondong Batangan. Kung hindi man, masasabi na ang Pondong Batangan ay nabibigyang pagkakataon sa mga pagdiriwang na ito. Ang Eukaristikong Pamilya ay nabubuhay sa pagmamahal at pag-aalay. Ang Sakramento ng Banal na Katawan at Dugo ni Hesus ay tinatawag na Eukaristiya. Ito ay salitang nangangahulugan ng pasasalamat. Naibigay ang pagtawag na ito sa kadahilanang sa himala ng pagpaparami ng tinapay at lalo na sa Huling Hapunan, sinabi na si Hesus ay nagpasalamat. Tampok ang gawang pagpapasalamat sa pagkakatatag ng sakramento. Gayon pa man, maliwanag na ang Eukaristiya ay pag-aalay. Ang ginawa ni Hesus sa Huling Hapunan na pag-aalay ng Kanyang katawan sa anyong tinapay ay nabigyang kaganapan sa pag-aalay ng Kanya mismong buhay sa krus sa bundok ng Kalbaryo. Samakatuwid, ang pagaalay ay siyang pinakabuod ng Eukaristiya. Makikita rin sa pag-unawang ito ng pag-aalay sa Eukaristiya ang matatawag na paitaas na bahagi (vertical dimension) at palawak na bahagi (horizontal dimension) ng sakramentong ito. Si Hesus ay nag-alay ng Kanyang sarili sa Diyos na Kanyang Ama at inialay din Niya ang sarili para sa ating mga tao, para sa ating kaligtasan. Kaya t ang Eukaristiya ay isang ganap na pag-aalay, pag-aalay na punong-puno rin ng pagmamahal. Sa ganitong pananaw mababatid natin na sa paguugnay ng Eukaristiya at pamilya o sa pagsasabing Eukaristikong Pamilya, marahil ay binibigyang pansin ang buhay pagmamahal at pag-aalay ng o sa pamilya. Si Papa Francisco na rin ang nagpaalaala na ang isang mag-asawahan o pamilya ay hindi nabubuhay para sa sarili. Ang pagmamahalan ng mag-asawa at anak ay dapat sumagana at dumaloy sa sambayanan. Ang buhay ng pag-aalay ng mag-anak para sa kapakanan ng bawat isa ay dapat magbigyang kaganapan sa pag-aalay at pagdamay para sa kabutihan ng kapwa. Ang Pondong Batangan ay Gawaing Pag-aalay nang may Pagmamahal Noon pa man ay ipinahayag na sa LAGPAS IV na ang pamilya ay pugad ng Pondong Batangan. Sa buhay ng pamilya isinisilang, kinukupkop at pinalalakas ang kamalayan at diwa, damdamin at gawa para sa pagbibigay nang may pagmamahal. Kaya t ang pagpopondong Batangan ay magandang matutunan sa tahanan. Ito marahil ay isa sa makahulugang maituturo ng mga magulang sa kanilang anak mula pa sa kanyang kabataan. Sa ganitong pagtingin, sa liwanag na rin ng mga unang nabanggit, tunay na ang Pondong Batangan, ang diwa at gawa nito, ay mapagyayaman sa isang Eukaristikong pamilya. Ang buhay pagmamahal at pag-aalay ng ama, ina at mga anak na binibigyang kahulugan at diin, tibay at sigla ng Eukaristiya ay magbubunga ng mabiyayang pakikibahagi sa Pondong Batangan. Mabuhay ang pamilyang Batangueño, hinuhubog at binubusog ng Eukaristiya, buhay at masigla sa pagpo- Pondong Batangan, pinaghaharian ng pagmamahalan at kapayapaan! #UB Ano Kaya Ang Kasalukuyang Nangyayari Sa Mga Tahanan? SERAPIO AT GAVINA HUELGAS Noong nakaraang February 2016 issue, nabanggit namin ang isang turo sa Banal na Kasulatan ituro sa bata ang daang dapat nilang lakaran, at hanggang paglaki y di niya ito malilimutan (Kaw. 22:6). Napagtuunan na kaya natin ng pansin ang aral na ito? Sa bawat pagdalo natin ng Pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misa, may naipaliwanag kaya tayo sa ating mga anak na natutunan natin mula sa mga pagbasa? Kung wala pa, hindi pa huli ang lahat, simulan natin ang pagtuturo sa ating mga anak na parang nakikipagkwentuhan lamang sa kanila at magkakaroon tayo ng bantayog na maipamamana sa ating mga anak. Maaaring mga simpleng pangyayari na mag iiwan sa atin ng aral. Nais naming ibahagi ang isang forwarded message sa amin ng isang kaibigan: ANG HALAGA NG ISANG HIMALA Dahan-dahang pumasok si Ambit sa kanyang kuwarto, kailangan niyang kunin ang kanyang ipon sa garapon na nasa ibabaw ng kanyang tokador. Dahan-dahan niyang ibinuhos at binilang ang mga barya, nag-iingat ang batang babae na hindi magkamali sa pagbilang kahit isang kusing. Pagkatapos niyang mabilang, inilagay ulit niya ang kanyang ipon sa garapon at pumuslit sa kanilang tahanan. Alas siete na ng gabi tiyak pagagalitan siya ng kanyang mga magulang, alam niya bawal ang dies anyos na bata sa daan, hindi gaya ng kuya Amboy niya, binatilyo na sa gulang na katorse, kaya lang maysakit ito ngayon. PB NEWS FR. MANNY GUAZON Dunong Batangan Scholars, Maluwalhating Nagsipagtapos Ngayon ay panahon na ng graduation. Mula nursery hanggang college ay may masayang pagtatapos ng mga mag-aaral. Ang Pondong Batangan naman ay nakikiisa at nakikisaya sa pagtatapos ng mga Dunong Batangan scholars. Bawat isa sa kanila ay pinagkalooban ng Certificate of Recognition na tanda na rin ng pagbati sa kanila. Noong nagdaang Marso 17, 2016 ay ginanap ang graduation ng Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Balayan, Batangas at dito ay nagsipagtapos sina Allen Jerome Bathan sa kursong BS Accountancy at Gicele Lagrisola sa kursong BS Busi- Daglian siyang nagtungo sa may kanto kung saan naroon ang Mercury Drugstore. Pinagbuksan siya ng nakangiting guardiya at nagtungo na siya sa harap ng Pharmacist. Sa kasamaang palad hindi siya napapansin ng pharmacist dahil may kausap ito na matikas na lalake. Ilang ulit siyang tumikhim subalit hindi siya pinansin, hanggang inilakas na ni Ambit ang kanyang boses mawalang galang nga po??? Napatingin na medyo naiinis ang pharmacist sa batang babae, ano ba yon? Nakikipagusap ako sa aking kapatid na mula pagkabata ay hindi ko na nakita, walang bentang kendi dito nene. Pakiusap po naluluhang sagot ni Ambit. Gusto ko po sanang bumili para sa aking kapatid, kung hindi ay baka hindi ko na siya makikitang muli. At ano naman ang bibilhin mo? Tanong ng pharmacist na medyo malumanay na. Napatingin na rin ang lalake na kausap nito. Gusto ko po sanang bumili ng Himala. Ano? Wala kaming benta na ganyan, aanhin mo naman? Kasi po sabi nina Amang at Inang, Himala na lang ang makapagliligtas sa kuya Amboy ko, may tumubo po na kung ano daw sa ulo niya, at walang sapat na pera ang mga magulang namin para matustusan ang pangangailangan ni kuya. Nene, sabi ng matikas na lalaki "magkano ba ang pera mo? Isang daan at labindalawang piso po. Tamang-tama, yan ang halaga ng Himala na kailangan ng kuya mo, ako si Dr. Lorenzo Andres, nagpakadalubhasa sa Amerika upang maging himala sa mga nangangailangan. Inakay ng lalake ang batang babae patungo sa bahay nila, pagkatapos ay dinala niya sa ospital at ginamot ang batang lalake, Doktor, salamat po subalit wala po kaming pambayad sa inyo, tanging bahay at munting sakahan lamang po ang pag-aari namin, nakayukong saad ng Amang nina Ambit at Amboy. Bayad na po kayo. Ha? Paano po? Bayad na po kayo, sa halagang isang daan at labindalawang piso at sa pamamagitan ng Pananalig ng batang si Ambit. ARAL: Nasaan ang Pananalig mo? Sa salapi ba o sa pagmamahal? Si Hesus ay namatay sa Krus upang ihandog sa atin ng libre ang ating kaligtasan (Efeso 2:8,9). Nagagawa mo rin ba na ibalik ang kabutihan na ito sa iyong kapwa? Simple lang ang ginawa ng sampung taong bata, naalaala ang turo sa kanya ng kanyang Amang at Inang na tinugunan ng ginawa ng doctor na gawin ang kanyang gampanin, ang gumamot ng maysakit. Ang regalo sa kanya ng Panginoon ay ibinahagi niya ng buong puso sa taong nangangailangan. Ilan sa atin ang nakakagawa na dagliang ibahagi sa kapwa ang biyaya sa kanya ng Panginoon? Ang ganitong pagkilos ay sa tahanan lamang maaaring magmula: kapag ang mga magulang ay may naituro sa mga anak na ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos. Nawa ang ganitong pagbabahagi ang kasalukuyang nangyayari sa ating mga tahanan. #UB ness Administration. Nito namang Marso 28, 2016 ay graduation sa Sta. Teresa College (STC), Bauan, Batangas kung saan tumanggap ng kanilang diploma sina Lalaine B. Gonzales sa kursong BS Psychology, Shiela Lumanglas sa kursong BS Education at Mharvie Joy Alcoreza nagtapos sa kursong BS Tourism Management. Sa darating na Abril 23, 2016 ay gaganapin ang graduation sa First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH), Tanauan City at magiging graduates na sina Jerwin Balcera sa kursong BS Business Administration, Maria Victoria G. Mendoza sa kursong Bachelor of Elementary Education at Roi Czar Cuevas sa kursong BS Criminology. Masayang okasyon ang graduation. Para sa mga graduates, ito ay pagdiriwang ng kanilang tagumpay sa mahabang pag-aaral. At sa kanilang mga magulang, ito ay maliwanag na tanda ng bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap. Bukod dito, para sa Pondong Batangan at sa Dunong Batangan scholars, ang graduation ay pagkakataon upang pasalamatan ang mga patuloy na nag-aalay sa Pondong Batangan. Sa kanilang munting alay ay malaking tagumpay ang nakakamit ng mga Dunong Batangan scholars. #UB

9 APRIL 2016 NEWS & (IN)FORMATION 9 Emma D. Bauan 62 Seminarista para sa SAP 2016 Sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Reb. P. Julius C. Lacaran, Direktor ng Komiyon ng Bokasyon ng Arsidiyosesis ng Lipa, ang mga seminarista mula sa St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Major Seminary at Holy Apostles Senior Seminary (HASS) ay sumasailalim Summer Apostolate Program (SAP) 2016 mula Abril 4 hanggang Mayo 4. Ito ay patunay lamang na ang programa ng paghuhubog sa seminaryo ay hindi natatapos kaalinsabay ng pagtatatpos ng bawat taongpampaaralan (academic year), manapa y ito ay isang tuluytuloy na proseso. Sa programang ito, ilalaan ng mga seminarista ang unang buwan ng kanilang bakasyon sa parokya/opisna kung saan sila ay makikipamuhay kasama ng pari at mga mananampalataya doon. Inaasahan silang tumulong sa mga gawaing pamparokya bilang paghahanda na rin sa kanila para sa pagdating ng araw. Bagama t panahon ng bakasyon, sila ay hindi bakasyonista sa kung saan sila itinalaga. Para sa taong ito, animnapu t dalawa (62) ang sumasailalim sa SAP 2016 na nasa mga sumusunod na parokya : Padre Pio Shrine and Parish, Sto. Tomas - Roger Atienza, Ralph Vincent Lubis, Mark Anthony Javelosa; San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Dagatan, Taysan - John Paul Adia, Alex Fidel Diaz; St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Talisay, Lipa City - Ivan Salazar, John Chrisostum Lasig, John Vergel Mendoza, Lawrence Joseph Aguila, Darren Heart Guerrero, Jedrey Allen Aro, Kevin Lobrin, Grandison De Jesus; Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission (LASAC) - Johnver Gallos, Cedric De Guzman, Joseph Julian Aspi, Jan Einar Magsumbol, John Aries Neria, James Rennald Encina; St, Anthony of Padua Parish, Bolbok, Lipa City - Jan Armelson Magcawas, Felipe Abdon; Nstra. Sra. De la Soledad, Darasa, Tanauan City - Michael Vincent Solis, Christian Jerrick Hernandez; St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Ilijan, Batangas - Jose Michael Lliandolf Casals, Wilfredo Petate, Dominic Tena; Divina Pastora Parish, Tambo, Lipa City - Emmanuel Reblora, Dimdritz Roxas, Dave Angelo De Guzman; San Pascual Baylon Parish, San Pascual, Batangas - Paul Roi Balladares, Joshua Albert Magtibay; San Agustin Parish, Santor, Tanauan City - Larrydom Magdasoc, Jospel Vergara; St. Francis of Paola Parish, Mabini - Gian Nicolo Atienza, Joshua Jerrald Garcia; San Isidro Parish, San Isidro, Batangas City - John Raphael Guce, Dalan, Andrian Mantuano, Joseph Apilado, Neil Vincent Caag, Christian Joseph Alilio, Wilbert Brian De Sagun, King Harold Aldueza, John Mark Esabedra, Emmanuel Peter Gonzales; St. Roche Parish, Tingloy, Batangas - John Leymar Magalang, Windel Petate; Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Taysan, Batangas - Dennis Escalante, John Paul Arroyo, Jay Adarme; St. Raphael Archangel Parish, Calaca, Batangas - JR Sanchez, Vladimir Leyesa; St. John the Baptist Shrine and Parish, Lian, Batangas - Angelo Arada, Jonas Obispo; San Guillermo Parish, Talisay, Batangas - Louise Jerome Mosqueda, Kent Magtanong; Immaculate Conception Parish, Batangas City - Mark Ian Abu, John Lorven Manalo; at Sto. Niño Parish, Marawoy, Lipa City - Charles Henry Ilagan, Emil Matthew Malabanan, Juvan Pino, John Paul Bagsit. Sa puntong ito, nagpapasalamat si P. Julius sa mga pari/kura paroko ng nagaampon at gumagabay sa mga seminaristang nasa kanilang pangangalaga. Nagpadala rin si P. Julius ng set of rules and regulations upang maging mas madaling ang gagawing pagsusuri ng mga pari sa bawat isang seminaristang naging kasama nila sa loob ng isang buwan. Ang SAP ay gawaing tugon sa mga sumusunod na linya mula sa Pastores Dabo Vobis - The whole formation imparted to candidates for the priesthood aims at preparing them to enter into communion with the charity of Christ the good shepherd. Hence their formation in its different aspects must have a fundamentally pastoral character. #UB KSFS Pilgrimage to Caysasay May 28, 2016 Leaving SFS Minor Seminary at 7:30 in the morning. wear your KSFS T-shirt. Kamanyang sa Mahal na Birhen LAMBERTO B. CABUAL Ang Habag ng Diyos Inang Birheng mahal, sapul sa simula Ang habag ng Diyos ay magugunita; Sa paglingap Niyang kusang itinakda, Nilalang ang mundong kadluan ng tuwa; Isang paraisong pugad ng adhika Ay may panganoring lukob ng himala; Pagsintang masining sa tanang nilikha Ay basbas ng Kanyang mabathalang gawa. At sa habag Niya y nilikha si Adan, Masigla t tipuno ang pangangatawan; Nakita ng Diyos si Adang may lumbay, Nang sa paraiso y kiming naglalakbay; Siya y pinatulog ng Diyos na paham, Tadyang ay hinugot saka hiningahan; Sa awa ng Diyos noon ay lumitaw Ang mutyang si Eba, esposang minahal. Nagalak si Adan at saka si Eba At namuhay silang puspos ng ligaya; Nagbilin ang Diyos: ang bawal na bunga Ay huwag kakanin nilang mag-asawa; Nangako si Adan at kanyang esposa Na sa tagubilin sila y tatalima; Subali t sa imbi t tuksong palarama, Ang bunga y kinain sila y nagkasala! Si Eba t si Adan, Ina, ay nalungkot, Nagsisimping puso y nagkadurog-durog; Subali't sila man sa sala y nalugmok, Nangibabaw pa rin ang habag ng Diyos; Salang orihinal ng pangingipuspos, May kapatawarang ipinagkaloob; Sakramentong-binyag ay bigay ni Hesus, Nang ang kasalanang mana ay matubos. Hindi nga ba t ngayon ay Taon ng Awa, Hubileyo ngayong banal na biyaya? Ngayon ay panahon upang isadiwa Ang habag ng Diyos na mapagkalinga; Ako kayo tayo na napariwara At sa kasalana y kinulong ng daya; Ngayon ang sandaling tayo y makalaya Sa karsel ng salang nilunod sa luha. Ang awa ng Diyos, Ina, ay sa lahat, Sa buong sinukob ng buhay na salat; Ang pagal na diwang kiming naglalayag Sa dagat ng panglaw ay makababagtas; Ang makasalanan ay makaliligtas, Kung magbalik-loob at magbagong-lakas; Ang pagkakamali ay maitutumpak, Sapagka t ang Diyos ay Diyos ng habag. MAY 4, 2016 Batangas Sports Complex, Bolbok, Batangas City 6:00 am onwards Ang nais ni Hesus ay ating taglayin Sa puso ang awa sa sinuma t alin; Bata, matatanda, hamak, talusaling, Ang balo, ulila, at api y mahalin; Habag sa kapuwang lukob ng panimdim Ay mabuting gawa t tungkuling magaling Ang mapang-unawa t pusong maawain, Ina, may biyayang Langit na kakamtin!

10 10 NEWS & (IN)FORMATION APRIL 2016 iturgical Notes On Mass Intentions (Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of Liturgy and Dean of Theology at the Regina Apostolorum University.) Q: I would like to know if the holy Mass can be applied to intentions apart from the suffrage for the dead; for example, so that God may bless an association, an apostolate, or to overcome a moment of depression, etc. A: The immediate answer to this question is yes ; the priest may offer up the Mass for intentions other than for the dead. However, it is worthwhile to elaborate a little. Whenever Mass is offered, there are three fruits derived from the offering: the general (for the whole Church), the special or ministerial (for the intention of the priest as minister), and the personal (to each of the faithful, including the priest, who participate, to each according to his disposition). The intention for which the priest accepts a stipend is not his personal intention but rather his intention as the priest, that is, the minister of the sacrifice. Certainly, when a priest accepts a stipend to offer a Mass he commits himself to celebrate a Mass according to the intentions of the person making the offering. Justice demands that he effectively offers the Mass. In order to do so he must make some act of personal offering, at the very least uniting his intention to that of the person who requested the Mass. This intention is most often to recommend the soul of a deceased person but may also be for the personal intentions of the living. Practically any good and holy request can be made an object of a Mass request. In the Roman Missal the Church herself provides some examples of possible intentions besides those offered for the dead. First of all, this is done in the ritual Masses in which usually the celebrant s intention is for those who are baptized, confirmed, married, ordained, receive the sacrament of the sick, take vows, or receive a ministry. Second, there is the range of intentions found in the Masses for various needs. Masses are offered for the Church, the Pope or the local bishop, for their election during a Sede Vacante, for a council or synod, for priests and the celebrating priest himself, for ministers, for vocations, for the laity, on anniversaries of marriage, ordination and profession, for the unity of Christians, for reconciliation, for persecuted Christians and for their oppressors. There is also a wide range of civil intentions such as for the nation, for those who hold public office, for seed time and harvest, for peace and justice and during wartime. Several intentions refer to natural phenomena such as earthquakes and storms. Another series of intentions are for the forgiveness of sins, chastity, charity, relatives, captives, prisoners, the sick, the dying, for a holy death and for thanksgiving. There is one catchall Mass formula termed In Any Need. I think it is necessary to mention that a priest who celebrates any of the above Masses may receive a stipend for a completely different intention. Likewise a priest may have one of the above intentions and not celebrate the corresponding Mass formula. For example, a person may request a priest to celebrate a Mass for vocations on a day in which the liturgy does not allow for this kind of celebration, such as on a Sunday or during Lent. The point I wish to make here is that the fact that the missal offers such a wide selection of possible formulas proves that the range of intentions for Mass is very broad indeed. As I mentioned above, Catholics can request practically any worthwhile or good and holy intention. The examples of the missal also go to show what kind of intentions can be considered good and holy. For this reason there may be occasions when a priest has to gently refuse a particular intention even if the request is made in good faith and may be the object of personal prayer. Requesting a Mass so that one s favorite team will win the league would be one example. One could imagine the quandary if the same priest were to be asked to intercede for rival teams. #UB Archdiocesan Chancery ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA 4217 Lipa City, Philippines (043) Fax (043) MEMORANDUM To: All Parish Priests/Parish Pastoral Council Presidents/ Leaders of Organizations From: Archbishop Ramón C. Argüelles, DD Re: Dangers of Vaccines Forum Date: April 21, 2016 In the past, I have many times warned our faithful of the dangers of the various vaccines seemingly forced on children and elderly. I do not blame anyone who may hold a contrary idea. But it is good to be properly informed. DR. NEMESIA PLATON has gathered evidences regarding the hazards to health of vaccines. It is good to be sufficiently informed. It is up to the individual to take things seriously or not. May I therefore invite our faithful especially lay leaders to a forum thereon on APRIL 27 (Wednesday) at 2:30 in the afternoon at the Archbishop s Residence. Please find time for this and communicate the warning to other people in our community. Thank you. Archbishop Ramón C. Argüelles, D.D.

11 APRIL 2016 SUMMARY OF... P. 7 obsessed with always knowing where their children are and controlling all their movements, they will seek only to dominate space. But this is no way to educate, strengthen and prepare their children to face challenges. What is most important is the ability lovingly to help them grow in freedom, maturity, overall discipline and real autonomy" (AL 260). The notable section on education in sexuality is very expressively entitled: "Yes to sex education". The need is there, and we have to ask "if our educational institutions have taken up this challenge in an age when sexuality tends to be trivialized and impoverished". Sound education needs to be carried out "within the broader framework of an education for love, for mutual self-giving" (AL 280). The text warns that the expression 'safe sex' conveys "a negative attitude towards the natural procreative finality of sexuality, as if an eventual child were an enemy to be protected against. This way of thinking promotes narcissism and aggressivity in place of acceptance" (AL 283). Chapter eight: "Guiding, discerning and integrating weakness" ( ) The eighth chapter is an invitation to mercy and pastoral discernment in situations that do not fully match what the Lord proposes. The Pope uses three very important verbs: guiding, discerning and integrating, which are fundamental in addressing fragile, complex or irregular situations. The chapter has sections on the need for gradualness in pastoral care; the importance of discernment; norms and mitigating circumstances in pastoral discernment; and finally what the Pope calls the "logic of pastoral mercy". Chapter eight is very sensitive. In reading it one must remember that "the Church's task is often like that of a field hospital" (AL 291). Here the Holy Father grapples with the findings of the Synods on controversial issues. He reaffirms what Christian marriage is and adds that "some forms of union radically contradict this ideal, while others realize it in at least a partial and analogous way". The Church therefore "does not disregard the constructive elements in those situations which do not yet or no longer correspond to her teaching on marriage" (AL 292). As far as discernment with regard to "irregular" situations is concerned, the Pope states: "There is a need 'to avoid judgments which do not take into account the complexity of various situations' and 'to be attentive, by necessity, to how people experience distress because of their condition'" (AL 296). And he continues: "It is a matter of reaching out to everyone, of needing to help each person find his or her proper way of participating in the ecclesial community, and thus to experience being touched by an 'unmerited, unconditional and gratuitous' mercy" (AL 297). And further: "The divorced who have entered a new union, for example, can find themselves in a variety of situations, which should not be pigeonholed or fit into overly rigid classifications leaving no room for a suitable personal and pastoral discernment" (AL 298). In this line, gathering the obser- (IN)FORMATION vations of many Synod Fathers, the Pope states that "the baptized who are divorced and civilly remarried need to be more fully integrated into Christian communities in the variety of ways possible, while avoiding any occasion of scandal". "Their participation can be expressed in different ecclesial services Such persons need to feel not as excommunicated members of the Church, but instead as living members, able to live and grow in the Church This integration is also needed in the care and Christian upbringing of their children" (AL 299). In a more general vein, the Pope makes an extremely important statement for understanding the orientation and meaning of the Exhortation: "If we consider the immense variety of concrete situations, it is understandable that neither the Synod nor this Exhortation could be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases. What is needed is simply a renewed encouragement to undertake a responsible personal and pastoral discernment of particular cases, one which would recognize that, since 'the degree of responsibility is not equal in all cases', the consequences or effects of a rule need not necessarily always be the same" (AL 300). The Pope develops in depth the needs and characteristics of the journey of accompaniment and discernment necessary for profound dialogue between the faithful and their pastors. For this purpose the Holy Father recalls the Church's reflection on "mitigating factors and situations" regarding the attribution of responsibility and accountability for actions; and relying on St. Thomas Aquinas, he focuses on the relationship between rules and discernment by stating: "It is true that general rules set forth a good which can never be disregarded or neglected, but in their formulation they cannot provide absolutely for all particular situations. At the same time, it must be said that, precisely for that reason, what is part of a practical discernment in particular circumstances cannot be elevated to the level of a rule" (AL 304). The last section of the chapter treats "The logic of pastoral mercy". To avoid misunderstandings, Pope Francis strongly reiterates: "To show understanding in the face of exceptional situations never implies dimming the light of the fuller ideal, or proposing less than what Jesus offers to the human being. Today, more important than the pastoral care of failures is the pastoral effort to strengthen marriages and thus to prevent their breakdown" (AL 307). The overall sense of the chapter and of the spirit that Pope Francis wishes to impart to the pastoral work of the Church is well summed up in the closing words: "I encourage the faithful who find themselves in complicated situations to speak confidently with their pastors or with other lay people whose lives are committed to the Lord. They may not always encounter in them a confirmation of their own ideas or desires, but they will surely receive some light to help them better understand their situation and discover a path to personal growth. I also encourage the Church's pastors to listen to them with sensitivity and serenity, with a sincere desire to understand their plight and their point of view, in order to help them live better lives and to recognize their proper place in the Church." (AL 312). On the "logic of pastoral mercy", Pope Francis emphasizes: "At times we find it hard to make room for God's unconditional love in our pastoral activity. We put so many conditions on mercy that we empty it of its concrete meaning and real significance. That is the worst way of watering down the Gospel" (AL 311). Chapter nine: "The spirituality of marriage and the family" ( ) The ninth chapter is devoted to marital and family spirituality, which "is made up of thousands of small but real gestures" (AL 315). The Pope clearly states that "those who have deep spiritual aspirations should not feel that the family detracts from their growth in the life of the Spirit, but rather see it as a path which the Lord is using to lead them to the heights of mystical union" (AL 316). Everything, "moments of joy, relaxation, celebration, and even sexuality can be experienced as a sharing in the full life of the resurrection" (AL 317). He then speaks of prayer in the light of Easter, of the spirituality of exclusive and free love in the challenge and the yearning to grow old together, reflecting God's fidelity (cf. AL 319). And finally the spirituality of care, consolation and incentive: the Pope teaches that "all family life is a 'shepherding' in mercy. Each of us, by our love and care, leaves a mark on the life of others" (AL 322). It is a profound "spiritual experience to contemplate our loved ones with the eyes of God and to see Christ in them" (AL 323). In the final paragraph the Pope affirms: "No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love All of us are called to keep striving towards something greater than ourselves and our families, and every family must feel this constant impulse. Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together. ( ) May we never lose heart because of our limitations, or ever stop seeking that fullness of love and communion which God holds out before us" (AL 325). The Apostolic Exhortation concludes with a Prayer to the Holy Family. * * * As can readily be understood from a quick review of its contents, the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia seeks emphatically to affirm not the "ideal family" but the very rich and complex reality of family life. Its pages provide an openhearted look, profoundly positive, which is nourished not with abstractions or ideal projections, but with pastoral attention to reality. The text is a close reading of family life, with spiritual insights and practical wisdom useful for every human couple or persons who want to build a family. Above all, it is patently the result of attention to what people have lived over many years. The ExhortationAmoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family indeed speaks the language of experience and of hope. #UB * * * * * * * * * * * * Rev. Fr. Oscar Andal BIRTHDAYS: Fr. Ramon Manalo (May 4) Fr. Armando Lubis (May 6) Fr. Gregorio Landicho (May 9) Fr. Juan Nepomuceno Fruto (May 16) Fr. Rustam Sabularse (May 17) Fr. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr. (May 18) Fr. Bernard Aguila (May 20) Fr. Quini Magpantay & Fr. Eleuterio Ramos (May 26) Fr. Gerardo Garcia (May 27) Fr. Rogelio Maynardo Beredo (May 31) SACERDOTAL ANNIVERSARIES: Fr. Conrado Castillo (May 1) Fr. Emmanuel Vergara (May 13) Coffee Table Book of the Archdiocese of Lipa entitled A CENTURY OF FAITH is still available at the Archdiocesan Chancery for Php 3, To order, please call / FIESTAS: Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje Parish, Balete, Batangas (May 1) Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aplaya, Bauan, Batangas (May 2) Immaculate Conception Parish, Bauan, Batangas (May 3) Divina Pastora Parish, Tambo, Lipa City, Batangas (May 6) Invencion de la Sta. Cruz Parish, Alitagtag, Batangas (May 7) St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Lobo and Ilijan, Batangas City, Batangas (May 8) St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Tuy, Batangas (May 8) San Isidro Labrador Parish, San Isidro (Lipa City), San Isidro (Batangas City), Cuenca, Batangas (May 15) San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Juan, Batangas (May 16) San Pascual Baylon Parish, San Pascual, Batangas ( May 17) Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish, Sta. Rita, Batangas City (May 22) Our Lady of All Nations Parish, Payapa, Lemery, Batangas (May 25) Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pallocan, Batangas City (May 31) PRAYERFUL CONDOLENCES: Please pray for the eternal repose of the the following: Maria Crisanta Arce, sister of Fr. Cecil, passed away last 5 April Lilia Pagcaliuangan, sister of Fr. Edd, passed away on 12 April NEW APPOINTEES: Fr. Edilberto "Junjun" B. Ramos, Jr., the current Parish Priest of the Parish of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Subic, Agoncillo, Batangas effective 22 March He was then the Parochial Vicar at the Parish of St. Raphael the Archangel in Calaca, before he was appointed for the parish in Agoncillo. He replaced Fr. Exequiel M. Dimaculangan who has been transferred to St. Alphonsus Regional Seminary in Lucena City as Director of the Intensive Spiritual and Pastoral Formation (ISPF). Fr. Gerald I. Macalinao is currently assigned as Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Batangas City since 01 April Fr. Jayson N. Alcaraz, Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Lipa and the Spiritual Director at St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary received another assignment as new Station Director and Manager of Radyo Bayanihan System effective 15 April UPCOMING: Catholic Grandparents Association (Archdiocesan Convention) on 01 May 2016 at St. Bridget College Auditorium, Batangas City, 8am-3pm. Prayer Gathering Break Away from Dirty Energy on 04 May 2016 at the Batangas Sports Center, Sta. Rita, Batangas City, from 6AM to 11AM. Archdiocesan Youth Commission (AYC) Team Building day on 07 May 2016 at Blue Rose Farm, Lipa City

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