The Season of Advent will soon be in our midst. This year’s celebration of the seasons of Advent and Christmas is well within the context of the Filipino people’s preparation for the May 9, 2022 elections. elections. When “the Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us” (John 1:14) humanity found hope in him. Our nation longs to see hope for our country in the coming 2022 elections.
The RDG has planned a series of online discussions on politics in the country and elections in 2022. The first conference was held last October 16 with the theme, “Philippine Politics in Context”. It proved to be a fruitful discussion and sharing.
The RDG is planning for its second conference on 04 December 2021, Saturday at 9:00-11:30 AM. The theme is “Christian Engagement in Politics Today”. The objective of this second conference is to present and clarify the participation of Christians in politics: why we must participate and engage in politics and how we can work for a “better kind of politics” (Fratelli Tutti, 154).
In this regard, may we invite you to attend the second webinar?
The speakers who confirmed their participation are Most Reverend Broderick Pabillo, D.D. of Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan and Rev. Fr. Dionito Cabillas of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI).
Your Eminences, Excellencies and Reverend Administrators:
RE: National Consecration of Families to St. Joseph on December 8
On December 8, we will be closing the “Year of Saint Joseph” coinciding with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
With the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron Saint of the Universal Church, we were all invited to undertake the interior path of the carpenter of Nazareth, so as to “increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal. ”(Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde)
The Ad-hoc Committee on the Year of Saint Joseph has prepared several activities to fittingly culminate this whole-year celebration. First, is the National Consecration of Families to Saint Joseph and second, the Launching of the Men of St. Joseph – Philippines in all parishes throughout the country.
Consecrating ourselves and our families to St. Joseph is an act of entrustment to his fatherly care, protection, and guidance. The goal of this consecration is to imitate St. Joseph’s virtue, example, and closeness with Christ. As Fr. Donald Calloway, writes, “We need the spiritual fatherhood of St. Joseph to help us protect marriage and the family. Marriage and the family have always been under attack, but in modern times, the threats have reached extraordinary heights… To combat and overcome Satan’s deceptions, the Church needs St. Joseph.” (Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father, 4)
Thus, on December 8, at 11:00 a.m., His Excellency Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, Bishop of Kalookan and who by that time will be the CBCP President together with some representatives of families in his diocese will lead the praying of the Holy Rosary and the Act of Consecration of Families to St. Joseph at the Cathedral of San Roque in the Diocese of Kalookan. The celebration shall be broadcasted via CBCP News, Dominus Est, Radio Veritas, TV Maria Philippines and cross-posted in various Catholic Social Media platforms all over the country.
All the archbishops and bishops of the country are kindly requested to participate in this event together with the clergy, religious, and families at their homes. It is suggested that a celebration of the Holy Eucharist be done after the National Consecration. Diocesan and/or Parish Consecration could also be made especially for those that could not follow the National Consecration.
All Parish churches are also hereby requested to launch the Men of St. Joseph- a Catholic Association of Men committed to Jesus Christ and consecrated to St. Joseph. The institution of this lay association is the Philippine Church’s response to the call of Pope Francis as contained in his Apostolic Letter – Patris Corde, encouraging us to reflect upon the role of St. Joseph in caring and loving our Savior with the Father’s heart.The priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph humbly accepted the honor of being the propagator and spiritual guide of this association.
For further guidance and information regarding this celebration, you may contact Mr. Joseph S. Jesalva of LAIKO at telephone number 8527-5388 and email address laiko_phils@yahoo.com.ph
Thank you very much for your kind attention, and we are hoping for your participation in this activity.
With sentiments of esteem and cordial greetings, I remain
On November 30, the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) will join the whole nation in celebrating Bonifacio Day. Andres Bonifacio, the great plebeian was instrumental in waging anti-colonial struggle against Spanish colonizers. His revolutionary fervor has become a source of inspiration to Filipino workers who continue to fight for dignified work.
As we collectively discern who to vote this coming 2022 elections, it is but proper to revisit Bonifacio’s legacy of genuine service and enduring courage and patriotism. Indeed, our future leaders can learn a lot from Bonifacio’s life as a great leader and a humble servant of the masses. This online forum seeks inform church people and members of the academe on the relevance of Bonifacio especially in this epochal historical juncture.
In order to prepare church people for this momentous event, CWS is organizing an online forum with the theme: SI BONIFACIO AT ANG HALALANG 2022. The webinar is intended to deepen our understanding on the historical significance of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan viz-a-viz the 2022 Elections.
We invited Prof. Jerry D. Imbong who will share with us on the topic “Bonifacio in the Messianic era: Hope and the Redemption of History in the light of Jürgen Moltmann’s Eschatology”
In this connection, we are inviting you to join us in this online discussion on November 27, 2021, from 9am-11:30am. You can register through this link: https://forms.gle/AJvREKarV8p8ABD88
The Director of the Catholic development agency CAFOD, Christine Allen, welcomes Cardinal Parolin’s address on behalf of the Pope at the COP26 Climate Summit and says “time is running out” in the battle against climate change.
Around 30,000 people were estimated to have taken part in COP25 in Madrid. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)
By Lydia O’Kane 03 November 2021
As the COP26 Climate Summit continues in Glasgow, Scotland, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development in England and Wales (CAFOD) has joined Pope Francis’ call to act now in the battle against climate change.
Representing the Pope at the summit, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, addressed delegates on Tuesday telling them: “We can achieve the goals set by the Paris Agreement only if we act in a coordinated and a responsible way. Those goals are ambitious, and they can no longer be deferred.”
“Now is the time to act, urgently, courageously and responsibly. Not least, to prepare a future in which our human family will be in a position to care for itself and for the natural environment,” the Cardinal said.
Listening to those affected by Climate Change
Reacting to the Cardinal’s speech, the Director of CAFOD, Christine Allen, said, “Cardinal Parolin emphasised that the voices of communities hardest hit by the effects of the climate crisis must be listened to, and for world leaders to redouble their efforts to work together to provide the practical policies that match the demands of this crisis.”
She went on to say that “from the start of his papacy, Pope Francis has prioritised environmental issues, highlighting how the current global economic models, policies and industrial systems are disastrous to the planet, and the cause of untold suffering and injustice to the world’s most vulnerable communities.”
Climate justice
In an interview with Vatican Radio, Ms. Allen said: “It’s really critical that countries that have become wealthy through industrialization, and which have been fueled by fossil fuel, that we recognise the responsibility that we have to be able to really take the lead and to take the actions that are necessary, and Pope Francis is highlighting that. This is fundamentally a question of climate justice but it’s the people who are poorest in our world that have done the least to contribute to the changes in our climate that are paying the price, and they’re paying that price now.”
Church engagement
In early October, during the ‘Faith and Science: Towards COP26’ meeting held in the Vatican, Pope Francis, along with scientists and religious leaders, signed a document calling for the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible; and for wealthier nations to reduce their own emissions and finance emission reductions by poorer nations.
Commenting on the Church’s response to the climate crisis, the CAFOD director underlined that “the Church is at the forefront of the climate issue because the Church is there in communities; those very communities that are facing the impact of climate change.”
“What we’re talking about is more droughts, more floods, more erratic weather that makes it much more difficult for people who are dependent upon the earth to grow crops and feed their families,” she said.
“So the Church is there in practice doing the support for communities, and I know this because CAFOD is doing that as well. We are supporting people and communities and Church-based organizations around the world in helping to adapt, in helping to be more aware of what can they do in order to respond to the climate crisis.”
Congratulations to the new sets of officers of the CBCP Council of the Laity of the Philippines (Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas), elected during the 22nd National Biennial Convention on October 22-23, 2021.
The new Board of Trustees will commence their term on January 2022 until December 2023.
The new officers are the following:
Position
Name
Organization
President
Raymond Daniel H. Cruz
Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon
Executive Vice-president
Albert A. Loteyro
Holy Name Society of the Philippines
Vice-president for the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila
Gertrudes E. Bautista
Diocesan Council of the Laity of Pasig
Vice-president for LUZON
Armin F. Ibarra
Diocesan Council of the Laity of Tarlac
Vice-president for VISAYAS
Rene Josef C. Bullecer, MD
Catholic Physician’s Guild of the Philippines
Vice-president for MINDANAO
Atty. Proculo T. Sarmen
Council of Lay Ecclesial Movements & Organizations in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (CLEMOACO)
Secretary
Teodoro G. Santiago
Archdiocesan Council of the Laity of Manila
Treasurer
Conchita M. de la Cruz
Catholic Women’s League
Auditor
Fatima M. Estacio
Diocesan Council of the Laity of Novaliches
P.R.O.
Xavier Padilla
Missionary Families of Christ
Trustee
Fe M. Barino
Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on the Laity
Trustee
Michael Bukuhan
Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation
Trustee
Edric Marco Florentino
Lord’s Flock Catholic Community
Trustee
Divina Lupe M. Lazaro
Responsible Parenthood & All-Natural Family Planning Network
Greetings of peace! Apart from the pandemic, our society today is battling with fake news, historical revisionism, and disinformation. The De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines would like to invite the respective members of your organization, community, congregation, diocese or parish to join us in fighting fake news and standing up for democracy.
We are working in partnership with Democracy Watch Philippines (DW), a citizen-led democratic initiative founded in 2013 that seeks to uphold democratic values through good governance initiatives and electoral reform. DW promotes honest, fair, and free elections and instills electoral integrity through its activities that include voter education campaigns and electoral reform advocacies.
For the 2022 elections, DW is organizing a group of Cyber Volunteers to receive training on digital advocacy and help engage and expand the reach of DW’s disinformation content and messages. Given the pandemic of disinformation we have seen since 2016, an organized group of cyber volunteers forms a key part of the “disinformation resistance” needed to transform the Philippine political environment.
We would like to invite one or two representatives of your organization to join us for an initial orientation meeting via zoom so we could discuss how we could enjoin many religious and Church people to become vanguards of truth and beacons of hope in our world today.
May we invite you to join us on September 23, Thursday starting at 11:00 am. We will target to end on or before 12:30 pm. Please use the link below to register. If you have any questions or concerns, send an email to zak.castl@delasalle.ph.
Let us reclaim the narrative of the gospel of Jesus and celebrate our 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines with renewed zeal to proclaim the good news!
Fraternally yours,
(Sgd.) Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC De La Salle Brothers
Pope Francis waves to pilgrims during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. VATICAN MEDIA
By CBCP News August 11, 2021 Manila, Philippines
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila has asked for prayers for Pope Francis’ safety after Italian authorities intercepted an envelope containing bullets addressed to the pontiff.
“Let us pray that God may touch the hearts of people who sow fear, violence, lies, and violate human rights,” Advincula said over Radio Veritas on Wednesday.
Police in Milan are investigating the threat which reportedly originated from France.
The suspicious envelope containing three pistol bullets was flagged by postal workers at a mail sorting facility near Milan on Aug. 9.
“While investigation is ongoing on the origin and the motive of the envelope with three bullets for Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for his safety,” Advincula said.
In July, the pontiff spent 10 days in hospital for colon surgery.
Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Hungary and Slovakia in mid-September.
The Vatican also confirmed that the pope will attend the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in November.
The Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance of De La Salle University in partnership with INCITEGov and the Asia Democracy Network through the support of the Asia Democracy Research Network is pleased to invite you or a representative from your organization to an online knowledge forum Democracy in Pandemic Times. The knowledge forum will be held on August 12, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM(Philippine Standard Time) through Zoom. This activity aims to examine the current state and future of Philippine democracy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will tackle how the global health crisis has exacerbated democratic backsliding and triggered an economic recession in the country. Moreover, it will generate key insights to foster democratic engagement in the 2022 national elections.
The online forum will feature five presentations from knowledge experts in various fields. The presenters will share their insights and ideas concerning the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to the country’s democratic institutions. An open forum will follow the presentations to allow the attendees to ask salient questions and share their relevant insights. You may refer to the attached document for the indicative program flow and invited speakers.
Kindly confirm your participation by accessing this Zoom registration link: bit.ly/DemocracyNF. Should you have questions or concerns, you may contact our staff, Mr. John Benedict Felices, via email (john.benedict.felices@dlsu.edu.ph) or mobile (+639162192369). Thank you and keep safe!
Sincerely, LSIG Team
PROGRAM
10:00 –10:05
Welcome Message
Dr. Sook Jong LeeDirector Asia Democracy Research Network
10:05 –10:20
Pandemic Governance and Democratic Backsliding in the Philippines
Dr. Francisco A. MagnoProfessor, Political Science Department De La Salle University
10:20 –10:35
Constitutional Performance and the COVID-19 Response
Dr. Maria Ela L. AtienzaProfessor, Political Science Department University of the Philippines Diliman
10:35 –10:50
Medical Anthropology and the COVID-19 Crisis
Dr. Ma. Dulce F. NatividadAssociate Professor, Asian Center University of the Philippines-Diliman
10:50 –11:05
The Economic Impact of the Pandemic and Prospects for Recovery
Dr. Alvin P. AngProfessor, Department of Economics Ateneo de Manila University
11:05 –11:20
The COVID-19 Crisis and Participation in the 2022 Elections
Dr. AdorR. TorneoDirector, Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance De La Salle University
11:20 –11:45
Open Forum
11:45 –12:00
Closing Remarks
IchalSupriadiSecretary General Asia Democracy Network Mardi Mapa-SuplidoChairperson INCITEGov
To: All Laiko Member Organizations: Archdiocesan Councils of the Laity & National Lay Organizations
Dear Brothers & Sisters:
Attached is a letter from our Coalition Partner (Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon), a non-partisan group promoting election related activities such as voters registration and education; as well as programs to help ensure a free and honest election in May 2022.
The coalition is getting organized in the local areas and we encourage our DCLs and NLAs to support their effort in reaching out to our members as well others in our circle of influence.
We hope you will give your full cooperation and support when our coalition partners connect with you.
Thank you very much and let us be one in doing our share for the future of our country.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely in the service of the Lord,
30 June 2021
SAMAHANG LAIKO NG PILIPINAS Laiko Building, 372 Cabildo St. Intramuros, Manila
ATTN: MR. ROUQUEL PONTE President
Dear Madams/Sirs:
Greetings!We cannot be more grateful and proud to have your organization as among the conveners of Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon (E22K). We thank you for your support in the successful public information and awareness campaign to drive up voter registration, which culminated in our May 22, 2021 online launch event. The next step is for us to undertake activities on the ground, which may include voter registration drives and awareness campaigns in the localities and rendering assistance to citizens who will register or reactivate their registration. The latter can be done through coordinating with COMELEC and LGUs in proposing and organizing satellite registrations, providing transportation to registrants, assisting registrants to accomplish forms, by providing safe venues for offsite registration, etc.
While COMELEC may have publicly reported that the number of registrants is already near the target it has set, we believe that we have to continue pursuing our efforts. We have to make people realize the importance of their power as sovereigns in choosing our leaders. Besides, only very few of the 7 million whose registrations have been deactivated for failing to vote in two preceding elections, have so far reactivated their registration.
Your nationwide reach is vital to E22K’s goal of reaching as many of our fellow citizens as possible in our voter registration drive for the upcoming May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections. It is in this regard that we are requesting your network in the regions to assist in the conduct of E22K activities on the ground. We would also appreciate to have your network be our reference on the ground in coordinating and monitoring our activities. We are ready to reach out to your network to discuss other possible activities on the ground and to conduct briefings on updates and trainings. Thank you so much.
