On May 1, the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) and other church people will join millions of working class in commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. As church people, we bear witness to the political, economic, and social significance of workers and we affirm our solidarity with them in their struggle for dignified labor.
As our contribution for the May 1 commemoration of the International Workers’ Day, CWS together with Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) are inviting you and your community to attend an ON-LINE FORUM on April 28, 2021 (Wednesday) from 9am-11:30am with the Theme:
“GIFTED in order to GIVE” St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril
Part of the program is the discussion of the Catholic Social Teachings on Labor and testimonies from peasants and workers who are experiencing severe economic hardships amidst the pandemic and policies of the government.
For more information, please contact the CWS Secretariat thru email: churchfortheworkers@gmail.com or mobile number 0942.1986.383 (Tony), or 0925. 4889.770 (Noel).
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Sincerely,
In commemoration of May 1, 2021 International Workers’ Day An Invitation to an ONLINE FORUM
Theme: “GIFTED in order to Give” St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM
PROGRAM
9:00 am Opening Prayer Fr. Noel Gatchalian, SVD
9:05am Welcome Remarks/ Introduction
9:15am Introduction of the Speakers Moderator
9:20am Speaker 1: The Significant Contribution of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) to the Labor Movement Prof. Francis A. Gealogo, PhD. Department of History Ateneo de Manila University
9:50 am Speaker 2: “GIFTED in order to give”. St. Joseph as our inspiration in mission in times of threat and peril” Rev. Fr. Benjamin Alforque, MSC
10:20am Testimonies From Workers and Peasant Sector
10:50 am Open Forum Moderator
11:15 am Call to Action
11:25am Closing reflection
Moderator: Prof. Jerry D. Imbong of Visayas State University
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) together with the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition, the Church Labor Conference and Kliusang Artikulo Trese, with support from the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA) will be organizing a two-day National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on the 24th and 28th of April 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom. This activity is part of the Project, “Rebuilding Civic Space Intervention II: Capacity Building and Advocacy To Defend Women and Women Workers’ Rights Amidst COVID-19 Crisis”.
The Conference aims to:
Provide discussion of COVID-19 restrictions and the infringement of the ICCPR.
Identify sectoral impacts of COVID-19 restrictions to women workers in relation to ICCPR.
Gather initial inputs for developing policy recommendations for a rights-based and gender-responsive COVID-19 response.
In line with this, we would like to invite the Social Action and Labor Ministries of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas to participate in the National Conference and to contribute in the discussions.
The FFW was born out of the social teachings of the Church. Thus, as workers’ groups in touch with the Church, this shall also serve as part of our contribution to the festivities around the Consecration of St. Joseph. The Opening Plenary will be on April 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Closing Plenary on April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There will be nine (9) break-out groups starting on April 24 (1:30 PM to 4:00 PM) and on April 25 and 27, 2021. Kindly refer to program attached below for more details. Participants are encouraged to join the break out groups.
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Transportation Sector and Food Delivery Services – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Service Sector of Hotel and Restaurant, Banking and Finance, Telecom, Food and Retail, Pharmaceutical Distribution – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Education Sector – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Public Sector – April 25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Migrant Workers – April 25, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST)
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Informal Work and Domestic Work – April 26, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Agriculture – April 27, 1PM-4PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Manufacturing and Economic Zones – April 27, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Health Care – April 27, 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
There is no registration fee for the Conference. We will be providing internet and meal allowance for the participants. Participants should pre-register through this Zoom Registration Link: National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and ICCPR. We shall send the Registration links to the breakout groups once the participants have identified which one they would join.
For any questions, clarifications, and confirmation, your good office may contact the following: Julius (FFW/ Church Labor Conference) (09178553279|dabigdyul@gmail.com); or Anne (FFW) (09454634361 | annecolina2020@gmail.com.
In solidarity,
(SGD.) Atty. Jose Sonny G. Matula National President, Federation of Free Workers Chairperson, Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition
(SGD.) Julius Cainglet Chairperson for Labor Church Labor Conference
Message for the Month of Ramadan and ‘Id Al-Fitr 1442 H. / 2021 A.D. Vatican City
Muslims gather inside the Great Mosque in Paris during a meeting with French Muslims authority to determine the start of the Ramadan in Paris (ANSA)
Dear Muslim brothers and sisters,
We at the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue are glad to offer you our fraternal good wishes for a month rich in divine blessings and spiritual advancement. Fasting, along with prayer, almsgiving and other pious practices, brings us closer to God our Creator and to all those with whom we live and work, and helps us to continue walking together on the path of fraternity.
During these long months of suffering, anguish and sorrow, especially during the lockdown periods, we sensed our need for divine assistance, but also for expressions and gestures of fraternal solidarity: a telephone call, a message of support and comfort, a prayer, help in buying medicines or food, advice, and, to put it simply, the security of knowing that someone is always there for us in times of necessity.
The divine assistance that we need and seek, especially in circumstances like those of the current pandemic, is manifold: God’s mercy, pardon, providence and other spiritual and material gifts. Yet, what we need most in these times, is hope. At this time, then, we think it fitting to share with you some reflections on this virtue.
As we are aware, hope, while certainly including optimism, goes beyond it. While optimism is a human attitude, hope has its basis in something religious: God loves us, and therefore cares for us through his providence. He does this in his own mysterious ways, which are not always comprehensible to us. In these situations, we are like children who are certain of the loving care of their parents, but are not yet able to comprehend its full extent.
Hope arises from our belief that all our problems and trials have a meaning, a value and a purpose, however difficult or impossible it may be for us to understand the reason for them or to find a way out of them.
Hope also carries with it belief in the goodness present in the heart of every person. Many times, in situations of difficulty and despair, help, and the hope it brings, can come from those whom we least expect.
Human fraternity, in its numerous manifestations, thus becomes a source of hope for all, especially for those in any kind of need. Thanks be to God our Creator, and to our fellow men and women, for the quick response and generous solidarity shown by believers and also persons of good will with no religious affiliation in times of disaster, whether natural or man-made, like conflicts and wars. All these persons and their goodness remind us believers that the spirit of fraternity is universal, and that it transcends all boundaries: ethnic, religious, social and economic. In adopting this spirit, we imitate God, who looks benevolently upon the humanity he created, upon all other creatures and upon the entire universe. This is why the growing care and concern for the planet, our “common home”, is, according to Pope Francis, yet another sign of hope.
We are also aware that hope has its enemies: lack of faith in God’s love and care; loss of trust in our brothers and sisters; pessimism; despair and its opposite, unfounded presumption; unfair generalizations based on one’s own negative experiences, and so forth. These harmful thoughts, attitudes and reactions must be effectively countered, so as to strengthen hope in God and trust in all our brothers and sisters.
In his recent Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis speaks frequently of hope. There he tells us: “I invite everyone to renewed hope, ‘for hope speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfilment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile’ (cf. Gaudium et spes, 1). Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope” (No. 55).
We, Christians and Muslims, are called to be bearers of hope, for the present life and for the life to come, and to be witnesses, restorers and builders of this hope, especially for those experiencing difficulties and despair.
As a sign of our spiritual fraternity, we assure you of our prayer, and we send best wishes for a peaceful and fruitful Ramadan, and for a joyful ‘Id al-Fitr.
From the Vatican, 29 March 2021
Miguel Ángel Cardinal Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ President
This recent backtracking of President Rodrigo “Roa” Duterte and his administration on mining prove that indeed his past pronouncements and posturing as pro-environment is nothing but lip service.
The reasons for the amendment are unsubstantial and flawed. One, with regards to its claim that will add to the needed revenue and will generate jobs:
WE believe that mining is NOT a significant and sustainable job generating industry. One, with regards to its claim that it will add to the needed revenue and will generate jobs, this sector has been consistently employing below 1% percent of the Philippine’s total employment from 2013 – 2018 (See Table 1. Data on Employment – Mining and Quarrying from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 2013 – 2019).
Poverty incidence in host mining provinces is high. The DENR, along with the Department of Finance, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, and their apologetics have come to conclude that mining contributes to poverty alleviation. Looking into the poverty incidence among families for the year 2015 based on regional Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold among prominent mining regions MIMAROPA, CARAGA, Region IX Zamboanga Peninsula (ZAMPEN), Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN, and Region V Bicol in relation to the national Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold, we can deduce that mining operations within these regions does not necessarily help in alleviating poverty (See Table 2 below).
WE believe that the Philippine mining sector does not contribute to government revenue. A review of the Philippine government’s revenue from mining from National Government Revenues – Tax Revenues (treasury.gov.ph) and that of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Mining Industry Data 2013 – 2018 show the Philippine Mining industry is, was, and forever shall be, an export-oriented industry geared towards serving foreign countries need for raw and semi-processed minerals which means, the argument that it can support the needs of this government’s Build, Build, Build program is posited on a false idea that we manufacture our own steel and other metallic minerals into infrastructure components (See Table 3 below).
Worse, the share of the Philippine mining sector to the economy has yet to surpass the 2% share to the country’s total revenue! (See Table 3 Percentage share of Philippine Mining Sector to Philippine Export, and Government Revenue from Taxes, Fees, and Royalties in millions of Php).
Moreover, the EO is deceitful. We doubt that the second amendment in the new Order requiring strict implementation of Mine Safety and Environmental Policies will be implemented and just an icing to the cake to douse off cold water to oppositions and challenges it will meet.
We do not believe that the current policies will safeguard the rights of communities, and the integrity of their environment against the onslaught of foreign-capitalized large-scale mining. Our communities are witness to this. Among those that suffer the most from irresponsible large-scale mining corporations are communities of Marinduque, Rapu-rapu Island in Albay, and Manicani Island of Eastern Samar. These communities up to this moment bear witness to the scars and poison of open-pit mining – Marcopper Mining Tragedy of 1996 poisoned the Boac River and the communities living within the area; the un-rehabilitated mine site of Manicani Island despite Hinatuan Mining Corporations’ expired mining contract; and worse, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the DENR has approved its mining contract in the past without Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan per mandated by law.
We find the current government is insensitive and oblivious to the current situation of the world confronted with the environmental and ecological crisis.
WE are in the midst of a Climate Crisis. Based on the 2018 Global Climate Risk Index, the Philippines was ranked second among the world’s most vulnerable in terms of the weather-related loss such as floods, storms, and heatwaves (Global Climate Risk Index, 2020). Opening-up new mines in rural areas put them at greater risk on the impacts of climate change. This is a scientific fact, neglected by the DENR and Office of the President when it imprinted its imprimatur on Executive Order 130.
This insensible decision by this administration makes clearer the government’s priorities and for whom is its promised development directed to. Mining industry has contributed greatly to the loss of biodiversity and this decreases natural and human resilience against impacts of climate changes such as drought, rising sea level and strong Typhoons such as Yolanda which devastated Eastern Samar back in 2013. The loss of forest covers leads to lessened ability for carbon sequestration and oxygen production, which are important to stabilize and balance climate changes. Wild animals being forced to move out due to habitat loss by mining bear the consequences that could reach catastrophic heights such as more zoonotic diseases like the COVID-19 pandemic. All these consequences will only have the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sector of the Filipino people bear the brunt of this questionable economic development.
We deplore this new destructive measure disguising as a move to favor development of people. This measure is short-sighted and fails to reflect on its longstanding impact to our ecosystem and people. There is a firm need for the government, especially environmental agencies, to properly recognize the intersectionality of social and environmental issues anchored in exploitation of nature.
Following a long tradition of Silsilah to send a message to the Christians during Advent and Christmas time and to the Muslims on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, we address now this message to the Muslim Umma to renew the “chain” (Silsilah) of friendship , love and solidarity especially in this time when the world suffers most due to COVID19 and other forms of calamities that urges us to remember that we are together part of the same human family, as one “Human Fraternity”.
With joy, we know that this concept of “Human Fraternity” has been reaffirmed in Abu Dhabi in the historical document signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-azhar University, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb on February 4, 2019 and recalled by Pope Francis in Iraq this year 2021.
Meanwhile, we are happy of some positive developments of friendship and solidarity among Christians and Muslims around the world and in the Philippines. We cannot ignore situations of violent extremism and terrorism that, in recent times, are done especially by groups who claim to be Muslims guided by their religious beliefs. We know that this situation makes most of the Muslim brothers and sisters very sad also in the Philippines.
In this context, the Christians in the Philippines who, this year, remember the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines cannot ignore that along the years also some Christians have used violence in the name of their faith. That was a historical time that Christians have to remember with sorrow renewing the spirit of friendship proposed by the document of Vatican II, Nostra Aetate, that tell us:
“Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen betweenChristians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom. (NA 3)
Yes, we are invited to “forget” but also to “remember” that we cannot repeat mistakes of the past and even of the present done by those who use violence, especially justified by any religious motivation. Thus, we invite all to face the future with hope as Pope Francis is doing, as well as other good leaders of different religions are doing.
Silsilah, this year, in the spirit of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines will conduct online the 35th Silsilah Summer Course on Muslim-Christian Dialogue in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines- Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID) on “LOVE AND HATE IN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM: How to Transform Hate to Love and be an Instrument of Peace in the midst of Violent Extremism and Terrorism” (For more details, you may visit, www.silsilahdialogue.com).
We know that also some Muslims in the Philippines are celebrating with pride their faith from the time Christians arrived in this part of the world. Meanwhile, Christians and Muslims celebrate with “pride” their faith, we encourage all not to forget the mistakes of the past to build a better relation as part of the same, “Human Fraternity”.
May all of us continue to live with joy, our faith but also live with humility convinced that faith is, first of all, a grace of God to be nurtured with prayer and penance. We are called to accept and respect the plurality of religions and we are invited to pray:
“O Lord, sustain my vision of peace Following Your inspiration, You have many ways of revealing Your Presence and love for humanity, But Your style is constant, You are in dialogue with all, You care for all.”
(a part of the Harmony Prayer) Silsilah Dialogue Movement
‘E-Pray’ allows people in isolation to access spiritual guidance from priests during testing times
Joseph Peter Calleja, Manila April 10, 2021
Novaliches Diocese in Manila has launched an app that allows people to connect with clergymen for spiritual accompaniment during their Covid-19 isolation. (Photo: Unsplash)
A diocese in the Philippines has launched an application called “E-Pray” that allows people to connect with clergymen for spiritual accompaniment during their Covid-19 isolation.
Novaliches Diocese in Manila said the app was developed by its social communications ministry in response to a recent spike in Covid cases in the Philippine capital.
On April 7, the Philippines had recorded a total of 819,164 Covid-19 cases with 14,059 deaths since the pandemic began. On that day alone, 6,414 new cases and 242 deaths were also recorded, down from a peak of 11,020 new cases earlier in the week.
“With this E-Pray app, Covid patients can communicate with our diocese for spiritual announcement on social media. It’s a free web application where patients can type in their contact details so that priests can get in touch with them.
The diocese said communication is key to lessening the stress and anxiety felt by Covid patients.
“The pandemic has prevented churchgoers from accessing their priests and has deprived them of their spiritual life. During times when we feel like we are about to surrender, the presence of a priest is very important for guidance,” said Father Luciano Felloni, the diocese’s social communications director.
He said the internet must be maximized for the Catholic Church’s mission to be more alive and active during the pandemic.
“The problem [for sick Catholics] is that there is no direct contact because priests are not allowed to enter hospitals and quarantine facilities,” the priest added.
Father Filoni said one of the essential things for a sick person is faith in God.
Although clergymen cannot hear confession with the app, they can use it to pray for and with the sick, he said.the app, they can use it to pray for and with the sick, he said.
“We cannot offer at this point anointing of the sick … we also can’t offer confession. But what we can offer them is a priest to pray over and to guide them as they journey to recovery,” Father Felloni added.
Novaliches Diocese has assured the sick can reach a priest at any time — day or night.
“The platform will be manned by a number of volunteers who will put a sick person through to an available priest. We have enough priests and volunteers to make this work,” the diocese said.
Father Felloni said more than 30 clergymen have volunteered for the project, including one from New York in the United States. “Let’s not allow any single patient to go without prayer, to go without being blessed by a priest. Let’s help in our little and very simple way. Let us help with the grace of prayer,” he added.
Duterte opponents organize Mass to highlight woes caused or made worse by Duterte administration
Joseph Peter Calleja Manila | April 12, 2021
Father Danny Pilario prays for the soul of an extrajudicial killing victim in Payatas, Manila, in this file photo. (Photo courtesy of Father Pilario)
A group of Catholics in the Philippines celebrated the feast of Divine Mercy in an online anticipated Mass on April 10 to pray for healthcare workers, coronavirus patients and victims of extrajudicial killings.
The Mass was organized by 1Sambayan, a coalition of political and national groups opposed to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Their aim was to present to Filipinos what they said were dire problems gripping the nation caused by the incompetence of the Duterte administration.
The Eucharist was presided over by Jesuit Father Albert Alejo together with Divine Word Society Father Flavie Villanueva, Vincentian Father Danny Pilario and Father Robert Reyes, all staunch critics of the president’s deadly war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
Father Reyes read the Gospel while Father Pilario gave the reflection.
Father Villanueva delivered the Prayers of the Faithful together with the homeless of Saint Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, a refuge that feeds Manila’s homeless.
“We have a saying that if there is suffering, there is the mercy of God. That mercy of God is called divine mercy. Today, we seek God’s mercy, especially when we are in a desperate situation like this pandemic,” Father Alejo said at the Mass.
Every Catholic in the Philippines must seek and beg for divine mercy like those whose loved ones died because of Covid-19, those who lost their jobs, and those with mental health problems and depression, he said.
“Everyone has deep questions today, they are deep that there are no immediate answers … Let us remember today those who died [in extrajudicial killings] because they died out of man’s cruelty and lack of mercy,” Father Alejo added.
In his homily, Vincentian priest Father Pilario said Filipinos could be the modern-day “doubting Thomas” for finding difficulty in believing in Jesus’ resurrection.
“We cannot blame the modern-day doubting Thomas. With the number of corpses in crematoriums here in Manila or in hospital morgues, we too can ask — Where is the resurrection?” Father Pilario said in his homily.
He said Jesus understood why Thomas doubted his resurrection.
Like many Filipinos suffering, it was difficult to believe in the midst of anxiety, fear and anger, Father Pilario said.
He recalled his missionary work in Payatas, Manila’s biggest dumpsite and an area that has seen many killings in Duterte’s drug war.
“While in Payatas [dumpsite], I saw chicks on top of the casket of a victim of an extrajudicial killing. I asked the mother why they had put a chick on the glass of the coffin. The mother replied that while the chick pecks at the glass … it also does so to his killers’ conscience.”
What’s happening at the Pontifical Council for Culture?
Dante – Candor Lucis Aeternae
The Holy Father has released a new apostolic letter Candor Lucis Aeternae on Dante, “prophet of hope.” Our Dante committee has been involved in organizing a number of initiatives for the 7th centenary of the death of Dante Alighieri (Florence, 1265 – Ravenna, 1321). These include:
Travel with Dante – a virtual exhibition curated by the Apostolic Library (video) (link)
Dante in the Vatican Museums – education pack
Florence, May 28, Lecture by Cardinal Ravasi on Dante’s Theology: A l’etterno dal tempo (Paradiso XXXI, 38)
In June, Dante in the Catacombs – readings with actors Verdone, Buy, Brilli & Haber
Ravenna, Sept. 12, Mass and Conference by Cardinal Ravasi to close the Dante year
Rome, Nov. 25-26, International Conference on Dante and Eschatology, University “Roma Tre”
Articles by Cardinal Ravasi presenting the apostolic letter may be found here: L’Osservatore Romano; Corriere della Sera, others. The composition of our own Dante committee is listed here.
Fratelli Tutti – Faith and Culture
The latest edition of our Journal – currently at the publishers – offers a number of responses from cultural perspectives to Fratelli Tutti. The same encyclical on fraternity and social friendship was the subject of a high level conversation, March 10, sponsored by the Dicastery exploring the foundations of a more humane economics, politics and culture, featuring Pankaj Mishra, Marilynne Robinson and Michael Sandel, moderated by Paul Elie (video here). And on March 3 our Women’s Consultation Group held a session of the webinar series “Women Read Pope Francis” with ecumenical and interreligious angles on the encyclical (video here).
The themes of Youth culture continue to interest the dicastery and the first of a series of youthful interviews of writers on storytelling, with Silvia Avallone, has now been published on YouTube. As is customary, we also followed the Sanremo Music Festival, whose youngest singer composed a critically acclaimed, challenging piece about change, meaning and identity: “My voice will be the only thing left of me” (Voce, Madame). The hashtags of #Sanremo2021 sat uneasily but necessarily next to #PopeInIraq. And young refugee athlete Gerald Mballe featured in our Sport in the Service of Humanity’s podcast series Live Like You Play.
The Courtyard of the Gentiles, in partnership with the national newspaper Il Corriere, presented, Feb. 22, the volume prepared by its scientific advisory board “Pandemia e resilienza” with Giuliano Amato, Ugo Amaldi, Laura Palazzani.
Visits are currently limited due to covid, but among those that have occurred: an intercultural and interreligious visit from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation (pictured), sponsors of restoration work in the Roman catacombs, and one from AIFA (Agenzia Italiana del farmaco) to consider the ethical, cultural and social aspects of healthcare.
Cultural Heritage: Some 350 responses have arrived in response to the questionnaire sent to religious congregations concerning management of their cultural heritage. This material is now being studied and will be presented in the context of our International Conference “Charism & Creativity”, which has now been moved to May 4-5, 2022. See this interview by Cardinal Ravasi to Il Giornale dell’Architettura (English – Italian).
Activities of the Superiors
Several of the superiors made interventions at the 16º Encuentro de Centros de Cultura on “Vocación al amor y la utopía de lo neutro” held in Puebla, Mexico, and online 23-25 Feb.
Cardinal Ravasi met, among others, with our member Cardinal Porras Cardoza, new consultors Alessandra Talamo and Antonella Sciarrone, the ambassador of North Macedonia to the Holy See and the German Ambassador to the Quirinale. Together with his work on Dante (see above) he granted a broad-ranging interview to Il Giornale’s Serena Sartini on the activities of the dicastery at the end of the first year of the pandemic (link).
Bishop Paul Tighe spoke at a session organized by COMECE on Education and Culture and to an International Women’s Day event organized by the Australian Embassy (link).
Undersecretary Sanchez de Toca spoke at the XIII Seminar on Sports management, FGV di Rio, and at a Seminar on Women in Sports Leadership in collaboration with FIFA.
On the horizon:
April 28, 2021: Courtyard of the Gentiles on Democracy at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, with the Minister for Justice, Marta Cartabia
May 6-8, 2021: Fifth International #UniteToCure Conference, Exploring the Mind, Body & Soul – How Innovation and Novel Delivery Systems Improve Human Health, Vatican/Online
May 28, 2021: Lecture by Cardinal Ravasi on Dante’s Theology: A l’etterno dal tempo (Paradiso XXXI, 38), Basilica of the Holy Cross, Florence
Sept. 12, 2021: Closure of Dante Year, Conference by Cardinal Ravasi, Ravenna
From Oct. 2021 to March 2022: Participation at Expo Dubai
Nov. 10-13, 2021: Plenary Assembly, Rethinking Anthropology at a Time of Transition, Rome
Nov. 25-26, 2021: International Dante Conference, Università Roma Tre, Rome
May 4-5, 2022: Charisms and Creativity. Cultural Heritage Conference, Rome
Cardinal Jose Advincula said protecting human rights will be one of his key missions
LiCAS News Jose Torres Jr. | April 1, 2021
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Capiz watches the livestream broadcast of the consistory at his residence in Roxas City on Nov. 28, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Casac via CBCP News)
The new archbishop of Manila said he will maintain “an open line of communication” with the presidential palace despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated attack on the Catholic Church.
“I foresee to maintain an open line of communication with [the presidential palace],” said Cardinal Jose Advincula, new archbishop of Manila, in a recorded interview released to media on March 31.
The cardinal, who was appointed by Pope Francis on March 25, said protecting human rights will be one of his key missions in the archdiocese.
When he was named cardinal by Pope Francis in October last year, Cardinal Advincula said protecting human rights must be at the heart of the Church’s mission.
“The Church has to see to it that the human dignity and the human rights of the people are respected,” he said.
Human rights groups has characterized the Duterte administration with widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings and a climate of impunity.
A report released by the UN Human Rights Office in June 2020 noted what it described as “widespread and systematic killing of thousands of alleged drug suspects.”
It also cited the alleged killings of “numerous human rights defenders” over the past five years.
In January this year, Cardinal Advincula led seven other bishops from the central Philippines in condemning the killing of nine indigenous peoples during a series of police raids in the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo.
The cardinal admitted that he felt fear over his new mission in a highly-urbanized archdiocese. “I know my inadequacies and I believe Manila is a very challenging archdiocese,” said the cardinal.
“But I continue trusting in the grace of God and in the help also of the people who would be around me,” he added.
When asked if he would follow the style of the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, former prelate of Manila and a vocal critic of the government, Cardinal Advincula said: “Cardinal Sin is Cardinal Sin.”
“I am afraid I could not be as vocal as Cardinal Sin,” he said, admitting that the former prelate of Manila was his Latin teacher in the seminary.
Cardinal-designate Jose Advincula of Capiz. (Photo from Capiz Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate)
About the killings, mostly in the national capital, in the past five years, the cardinal said several bishops “have already spoken a lot on this matter, on this issue, and I think the government is trying its best to address the COVID-19 problem.”
He said his primary role is to tend to his flock, saying “I am still a shepherd.” The archbishop said he will “try to concentrate on the pastoral life of the people in Manila.”
“I want to look at first the situation in the entire archdiocese … because a shepherd, I believe, can be more effective in addressing the needs of the people if he knows the real situation or the condition of his flock,” said the cardinal.
Born on March 30, 1952, in Capiz, Cardinal Advincula was ordained priest in 1976. He was appointed bishop of San Carlos in 2001 and archbishop of Capiz in 2011.
In October 2020, Pope Francis name the prelate of Capiz a cardinal, the ninth in the Philippines following Cardinals Orlando Quevedo, Tagle, Gaudencio Rosales, Jose Sanchez, Ricardo Vidal, Jaime Sin, Julio Rosales, and Rufino Santos.
The 69-year prelate has been the second Filipino named by Pope Francis as cardinal after Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the 81-year-old archbishop emeritus of Cotabato.
Coming from a lesser-known diocese, Cardinal Advincula admitted he was surprised by his appointment to the College of Cardinals.
“This might be a way the Holy Father wants to convey to the people the presence of the Church in the peripheries,” he said.
“I always thought that the Church has to be closer to the people, especially those that are in the peripheries,” he added.
