Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate

SA MGA KAPATID NA OFWS SA HONG KONG FILIPINO CATHOLIC BIBLE ENCOUNTER

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:10:00 +0000

SA MGA KAPATID NA OFWS SA HONGKONG, sa okasyon ng inyong Catholic Family Bible Encounter:

Naglabas ang ating Santo Papa ng isang panawagang pastoral na pinamagatang VERBUM DOMINI o SALITA NG PANGINOON upang hikayatin ang lahat ng Katoliko sa buong daigdig upang ipalaganap ang pagbasa ng Bibliya bilang Salita ng Diyos at upang maitampok ang kahalagahan nito para sa buhay at misyon ng Santa Iglesya.

Kung dati-rati'y mga kaparian lang at mga miyembro ng mga kongregasyong relihiyoso ang nangunguna sa pangangaral sa Salita ng Diyos, iginigiit ng ating Santo Papa na napapanahon na upang ang Layko rin ay aktibo nang makilahok sa gawaing ito. Hindi sapat ang makinig lamang. Wika ng ritwal ng ordinasyon para sa mga diyakono, "Receive the Word of God whose heralds you are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, practice what you teach.".

Kaisa ninyo kami sa inyong pagdiriwang ng Catholic Family Bible Encounter diyan sa HK. Alam kong sa kabila ng inyong pagsusumikap na maghanapbuhay upang may maipakain sa inyong pamilya sa Pilipinas, batid din ninyong higit sa materyal na pagkain, kailangan din natin ng pagkaing espiritwal. Wika nga ng Bibliya, "Hindi lamang sa tinapay nabubuhay ang tao kundi sa bawat salita na nanggagaling sa bibig ng Panginoon." (Deut. 8 )

Anuman ang maipaglilingkod namin para sa inyong pagsusumikap na maipalaganap ang Salita ng Diyos sa mga kapwa Pinoy at gayundin sa inyong mga katrabaho sa HK, huwag kayong mag-atubili na makipag-ugnayan sa aming opisina sa pamamagitan ng aming executive secretary na si Nati pagadut ng Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate sa website na www:ecba-cbcp.com.

Pagpalain kayong lagi ng Maykapal,

Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, DD

Chairman

Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate

i-Proclaim! in Kawit, Cavite kicks off National Bible Week 2012 Celebration

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:35:00 +0000

i-Proclaim! in Kawit, Cavite kicks off National Bible Week 2012 Celebration

Philippine Bible Society in partnership with the local government of Kawit, Cavite officially kicked off the National Bible Week 2012 celebration last January 13 at the Aguinaldo Shrine with a continuous 12-hour public oral Bible reading, more popularly known as i-Proclaim!. Launched in 2010 by PBS in partnership with other Christian organizations, the i-Proclaim! is a campaign that aims to bring God’s Word closer to Filipinos and encourage everyone to explore its riches and relevance.

Kawit Mayor Tik Aguinaldo opens the Bible reading during i-Proclaim!

In conjunction with this year’s NBW theme, “Pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos Tungo sa Pagbabago” (Proclaiming God’s Word Towards National Transformation), it is only fitting that the historic Aguinaldo Shrine, the place where our independence was first proclaimed, was chosen as the venue for i-Proclaim!. The Bible reading was continuously held from 8AM to 8PM interspersed with song and dance performances courtesy of representatives from the local churches and schools in the various municipalities of Cavite. The program then capped off with a band concert in the evening.

A total of 250 readers participated in the program, among them were Kawit Mayor Tik Aguinaldo, representatives from FEBC, SIL, TAP Wycliffe, Philippine Missionary Institute, NCCP, and various local churches in Cavite. This year’s i-Proclaim! was another success as people from all walks of life came together in one place to read God’s Word, setting aside their differences all for His glory. Through this celebration PBS hopes that our nation will finally achieve unity and transformation through God’s Word. (PBS)

MTBO Bible Run: moved to MARCH 3, 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:30:00 +0000

ATTENTION:

Due to insistent public demand, the MTBO Bible Run has been moved to MARCH 3, 2012, SATURDAY.

For those interested to join the MTBO Bible Run, you may sign up for registration at any of the following registration centers:

PBS Biblehouse: Un Ave., Sta. Mesa, Baclaran

PCBS Bookstore branches: SM Marilao, SM Sta.Rosa, Alabang, Cubao-EDSA, Farmers, Makati, UN Avenue, Monumento, Fairview,

Chris Sports centers: Robinsons Ermita, Festival Mall Albang, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Manila

www.runnersrunner.com - online registration

For more information: email: MTBOBibleRun@bible.org.phcall: The Bible Run Secretariat at 524-5337 or 526-7777 loc. 631 or 633Sign up now and be part of history!

Helen SaldanaResource Development Officer"Making the Bible Known"Philippine Bible Society890 United Nations AvenueErmita, 1000 Manila Tel Nos.: 5245337; 5246359 loc. 147Fax No.: 5215803Website: www.bible.org.ph

May They Be One Bible Campaign - Help Put a Bible in Every Home."I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe you sent me."John 17.21

Run for a cause and help put a Bible in every Filipino home

On January 22, 2012, Philippine Bible Society will spearhead a fun run in support of the May They Be One Bible campaign which will also coincide with the National Bible Week festivities. This historic event billed as the May They Be One Bible Run, is a run like no other as it will bring different sectors of society and various faith persuasions to run in unity for one cause – to bring God’s Word and message of hope to the Filipino people. The May They Be One Bible Run is part of a nationwide campaign of the same name that aims to bring 5 million Bibles to 5 million poor Filipino families in 7 years. It was launched in response to a nationwide survey that showed 60% of Filipinos do not have a copy nor access to the Bible. The proceeds of this event will go to the production of MTBO Bibles.

Inspired by the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ in John 17:21,“May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent Me”, the May They Be One (MTBO) Campaign is a joint project of the Philippine Bible Society (PBS), Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, Chinese Congress Center on World Evangelization Fellowship Philippines, Inc. , and other like-minded groups who believe that genuine national transformation can only be achieved through the guidance and transforming power of God’s Word.

Let us run for the Bible to be known throughout the Nation. Let us run for the Word of God to be alive in our lives. Run for a cause! Be part of history and help bring a much-needed change in our society!

Cavite hosts i-Proclaim! 3 on National BibleWeek 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

Cavite hosts i-Proclaim! 3 on National BibleWeek 2012

The local government of Cavite partners with thePhilippine Bible Society (PBS) to stage i-Proclaim! 3 on January 13, 2012during the kick-off celebration of National Bible Week. A campaign to conductpublic oral readings of the Bible in as many locations across the country,i-Proclaim! seeks to bring God’s Word closer to Filipinos and to encourageeveryone to explore its riches and relevance to their lives. It was launched in 2010 at the BonifacioShrine in Manila under the auspices of the Manila City Government and is acooperative effort by PBS, the Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate ofthe Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines, National Council ofChurches in the Philippines, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches,independent churches, local governments and churches from differentdenominations.

National Bible Week is a yearlycelebration empowered by Proclamation No. 44 by President Corazon C. Aquino andby Proclamation No. 1067 by President Fidel V. Ramos. Both edicts recognize theimportant role played by the reading and study of the Bible in molding themoral fiber of the citizenry and encourage every Filipino to do so daily.National Bible Week 2012 carries the theme: May They Be One: Pagpapahayag ngSalita ng Diyos Tungo sa Pagbabago (Proclaiming God’s Word Towards NationalTransformation) and is slated on January 23-29, 2012 and National Bible Sundayon January 29, 2012. The theme is a response to the current administration’sgoal of abolishing corruption and promoting the moral development of thepeople.

This year’s i-Proclaim! 3 will beheld at the historic Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite from 8 am – 8 pm. The kick-offcelebration will also highlight the Handwritten Unity Bible, a historicundertaking that aims to unite Filipinos from all sectors by re-writing theBible by hand.

Mrs. Nora G. Lucero, PBS GeneralSecretary and Chairperson of the Global Board of the United Bible Societiessays “We want to encourage our kababayans to set aside differences, cometogether and be one in reading God’s Word. This is a public confession – I, andwe hope you and all other Filipinos too — will proclaim that we as a people,are putting God’s Word in the center of our national life and that we submit tothe Lordship of Jesus Christ!”

The i-Proclaim! Bible readingcampaign is similar to the Holy Week Pabasa or Pasyon, and is patterned afterthe Canadian Bible Society’s Proclamation which began in Quebec, Canadawhere over 200 readers came together in 1995 to read the Holy Scriptures in 12different languages. The activity is open to all who wish to read the Scriptures.

For details on how you can bepart of this historic celebration, or how you can stage your own NBW events,please contact:

The NBW Secretariat

Philippine Bible Society

890 United Nations Avenue, Manila

526-7777 local 620, 524-5337 orvisit

www.bible.org.ph

San Fernando Bishop, Passes Away

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

PHILIPPINES. SAN Fernando Bishop Artemio Rillera, a missionary from the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), died unexpectedly Sunday. He was 69.

Rillera succumbed to severe asthma attack after holding a Mass at the Seminary of the Sacred Heart in San Fernando City, La Union.

The prelate was immediately rushed to Bethany Hospital, also in the city, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at around 10:40 am.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has expressed sorrow at the death of Rillera who had been an active member of the CBCP for 18 years.

An official of the CBCP said the prelates are deeply saddened to hear Rillera’s death.

“This came as a big shock. This was totally unexpected,” said Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, CBCP media director.

Rillera was a known advocate against illegal drugs in La Union and led several street demonstrations for the authorities to act against it.

Last February, the prelate led people to the streets in protest over a court order allowing one of the suspects in the operation of a drug laboratory in Naguilian, La Union in 2008 to post a P1 million bail.

The bishop questioned why the Municipal Trial Court in Bauang, La Union allowed former Dagupan City chief of Police Dionicio Borromeo to file a bail bond for his temporary liberty.

Report from CBCP News

Seminar-Workshop on VERBUM DOMINI

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:20:00 +0000

The Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) held a seminar-workshop on Verbum Domini for Campus Ministers, Rel-ed teachers and professors, Catechists and Christian Living instructors at the Philippine Bible Society, United Nations Avenue, Manila last November 3 - 4. Our main speakers are Bp. Pablo Virgilio S. David, DD, Bp. Broderick Pabillo, DD and Bp. Renato Mayugba, DD. Aside from input there is open forum and workshop for creative application of the input for the respective schools and places of work of the participants.This is our way of reaching out to our schools to help in the biblical apostolate.

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank our dear bishops, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, DD, Most Rev. Broderick Pabillo, DD and Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, DD for sharing their most precious time and talent to further enlighten us with the Holy Father’s post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Verbum Domini”;

We are also deeply grateful to the Philippine Bible Society through its hardworking and God centered General Secretary, Ms Nora Lucero, for hosting us in the PBS seminar room and for the various forms of assistance she and her staff afforded to us;

The members of Bibliodrama Philippines who unselfishly and freely offered their services to help make this seminar-workshop a reality are acknowledged with joyful appreciation;

To all of you, lovers of the Word, we thank you for responding to our invitation. “May every day of our lives be shaped by a renewed encounter with Christ, the Word of the Father made flesh…“ (VD no. 124).

Dr. Natividad Pagadut - New ECBA-CBCP Executive Secretary

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:23:00 +0000

Dr. Natividad Pagadut (center) newly appointed as EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (ES) of the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) with Msgr. Asis (Assistant Secretary General CBCP), Fr. Oscar (ES-ECBA), Bp. Ambo David (ECBA chairman), Msgr. Figura (Secretary General CBCP)and Fr. Picardal (ES-BEC)

CBAP Announces the Election of President, New Officers and Members to its Board

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:26:00 +0000

CBAP Announces the Election of President, New Officers and Members to its Board

TagaytayCity—July 16, 2011—The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP)announced, at the bible-association’s annual convention, the election of Fr.Leander Barrot, OAR, Vice President for Academics of San SebastianCollege-Recoletos (Manila) as president of CBAP (2011-2012).

Fr.Leander Barrot, OAR isVice President for Academics of San Sebastian College-Recoletos (Manila) and Director ofits Canlubang Campus. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) from thePontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (2001) andat present teaches New Testament at the school of theology of the RecoletosFormation Center(Quezon City).

Sister Nicetas Vargas, OSA, Assistant Professor ofBiblical Theology at the Loyola School of Theology (Quezon City) was elected Vice President.Vargas is a former President of the Universityof Regina Carmeli (Malolos City). She obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy inReligious Studies/New Testament from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium). Sheis the author of Word and Witness: Introduction to the Gospel of John(Ateneo Press, forthcoming). She is also a Guest Professor of Divine WordSeminary (Tagaytay City).

Sister Bernardita Dianzon, FSP, Associate Professorof Biblical Theology at the Loyola School of Theology (Quezon City) was re-elected Secretary of theBoard. Dianzon studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (SSL, 2000)and obtained a double doctorate—PhD andSThD in Sacred Scripture from the Ateneo de Manila University (Quezon City) andLoyola School of Theology (Quezon City) respectively. She currently teaches theLetters of St. Paul and Biblical Greek at the Loyola School of Theology and atthe Divine Word Seminary.

Fr.Clarence Marquez, OP, Director of the Instituteof Preaching (at Santo Domingo in Quezon City)was also re-elected Treasurer of the Board. Marquez obtained his Licentiate inSacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (2001). He did courses at the Écolebiblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem. He also served as VicePresident for Finance of the Universityof Santo Tomas (Manila).

Fr.Randolf Flores, SVD, past President of the CBAP (2008-2011) was also reelectedas member of the Board of Trustees (BOT). Flores finished his Licentiate inSacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome(1999) and teaches Scripture courses and Biblical Hebrew at Divine WordSeminary and School of Christian Studies, Universityof Saint Joseph (Macau, China).

Sr.Miriam Alejandrino, OSB, former Dean of Studies of the Saint AlphonsusTheologate (Davao City) was also reelectedas BOT member. She currently teaches Scripture and courses and Biblical Hebrewat the Regional Major Seminary in Davao City (first semester) and atDivine Word Seminary (second semester). Alejandrino obtained her Licentiate inSacred Scripture (SSL) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (1992) and Doctorate in Biblical Theology (SThD) fromthe Pontifical GregorianaUniversity in Rome (1995).

Fr.Fruto Ramirez, SJ, former Dean of Studies of the Loyola School of Theologywas reelected as BOT member. He is an Associate Professor of Biblical Theologyof the said school of theology where he teaches Old Testament and BiblicalHebrew. Ramirez obtained his Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures from thePontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Doctoratein Sacred Theology from Pontifical Gregorian Universityalso in Rome.

Fr.Victor Nicdao, Rector of the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, (San Fernando, Pampanga)was also reelected as BOT member. He isan Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology at the Loyola School of Theology.He also teaches New Testament courses at the Instituteof Formation and Religious Studies(IFRS, Quezon City)and Mother of Good Counsel Seminary. He is currently the Parish Priestof San Jose Parish in San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga. Nicdao obtainedhis Doctorate in Sacred Theology (SThD) from the CatholicUniversity in Louvain(Belgium).

Fr. Gil Alinsagan, SSP,former Provincial Superior of the Society of Saint Paul was once more electedto the Board. He teaches New Testament at Maryhill School of Theology (Quezon City) and Don Bosco Center of Studies (Parañaque City). Alinsangan holds a Licentiate inSacred Scripture (SSL) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

About CBAP

The Catholic Biblical Associationof the Philippines (CBAP) is an association of around sixty Bible exegetes,scholars, theologians and professors based in the Philippines. Founded in 1999, theCBAP aims to advance biblical studies in the country, holds an annualconvention, and publishes its research and proceedings. Members must have atleast a graduate degree equivalent to a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (SSL)or a Master with specialization in Biblical Science. They must possess anadequate knowledge of the Biblical languages: Hebrew and Greek. CBAP holdsoffice at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University campus,Quezon City and is registered under the Securities and Exchange Commissionof the Republic of the Philippines (S.E.C. Reg no. A2000003849).

New EXECOM REP - Asia-Oceania-CBF - Bp. Ambo David, DD

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" S. David, DD, chairman and representing Biblical-Pastoral Ministry Philippines Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (ECBA-CBCP) was elected as EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE for ASIA-OCEANIA - CBF (Catholic Biblical Federation) last June 15-19 for the Extraordinary Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation in Ariccia, Italy.

Spring Time - Bukal@10

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Beyond the Usual

Pastoral Conferences and Courses:

Conference #1:

Community and Formation

Oct. 3 – 7 in Bukal – Maryhill Taytay

Course Fee: P3,500; P2,500 for early birds - register beforeAugust 15

To follow Jesus is to live in community. Church reality is experiencedin community. The call to community-building therefore is central to beingchurch. However, church leaders seem to be finding it difficult to organizecommunities, especially outside of the parish center.

How do we help form our parishioners towards community-living? How hasthe Word of God been the ground of our way of forming communities? What kind ofchurch culture hinders community -building? Howdo we leap away from the customary community-building efforts in the church?

This course aimsto:

a. helpthe participants understand that all the different

aspectsof church life and mission should be based in community and forms a community;

b. learncommunity-building perspectives and tools from different social sciences;

c. Deepenour understanding and praxis of the Word of God as fundamental and integratingelement in forming Christian communities.

d. todiscover different Christian formation (evangelization) approaches that areparticipative, creative and culture-sensitive.

Workshops on: New and different approaches to community-organizing; new and different tools and approaches to formation, sustaining community culturalvalues, events and activities asformative, diff. ways of reflecting on the Word, as well as new bible study andsharing methods

Guest speaker includes Bp. Thomas Manaparambil of India.

COMPREHENSIVE & COLLABORATIVE

MINISTRY FOR THE YOUNG

Oct. 23 - 28 in Bukal – Maryshore Talisay

Course Fee: P5,800; P4,500 for early birds - register beforeAugust 15

Theprogram aims at providing a basic program on youth ministry to fulltime youthanimators, campus ministers and chaplains. With the Ka-Lakbay as a basic handbook, it hopes to achieve thefollowing:

a. Create a greater awareness and understanding on the significanceof youth ministry in the Philippines

b. Provide a common vision and framework on youth ministry toFilipino youth ministers

c. Equip ministers with basic skills to help them respond to theneeds of young people

d. Professionalize programs,activities and direction of youth ministry in all settings

Eligible participants are fulltime lay, religiousand priest youth ministers who are at least 21 years old and above. Bukal ng Tipan Youth Pastoral team will becoordinating the entire program. Withthe possible tie-up with the Don Bosco Center of Studies, the foundationcourses will be facilitated by Salesian experts on youth ministry and catechetics. Pastoral skills training will be handled bythe Bukal ng Tipan team. Resourcepersons will be invited for special sessions and workshops.

As youth ministry is not an exact science, the course willprovide theological basis for the ministry equipping participants withthe foundation in undertaking the task. Looking into thecontext and realities of the local church in the Philippines and the different settingsyoung people are in, the course will take the pastoral situation in context asit tackles the different components and strategies. Each session will beaccompanied by workshops/discussions/group activities and outputs designed todeepen the learning process and stimulate active interaction among the participants and the resource persons. Each participant willdevelop a youth pastoral plan for their setting which willbe evaluated on by the whole body. A follow through process will also be designed that the participants cancontinually seek support and be able to consult batch mates and the resourceteam on matters concerning their particular ministry concerns and issues.

Conference # 3:

MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP

Nov.14 – 18 in Bukal –Maryhill Taytay

Course Fee: P3,500; P2,500 for early birds - register beforeAugust 15

Ministries are integral to our being church because the church existsto serve. Every baptized is gifted and called to ministry. Leadership is onefundamental ministry in the church because it is the key to growth. Gone arethe days when one-person leadership was the rule. Participative leadershipcreates a participative church. We need leadership that is multiplying and notjust inspiring.

Is majority of the baptized involved inministry? How can different ministries in the church be more collaborative andintegrated? Are church ministries at present relevant to needs of modern world?Have we missed the turning point towards sustainable, mass-based ministries? Onthe ministry of leadership: how can we have a more motivated and effectiveclergy leadership? What hinders community and participatory leadership? How do we cross the borders of paststructures?

The conferenceaims to:

a. look at ministry from a wider but alsomore fundamental level;

b. explore different ministries that can beset-up at the neighborhood level;

c. redefine the ministry of leadership from amore communitarian perspective;

d. explore ways of practicing participativeleadership more effectively.

Ministry Workshops on: social action – including prophetic - ministries, linking with GOs/POs, local gov’t, familyministries, transferring ministries fromcenter to neighborhood, from neighborhood to center

Leadership Workshops on: Team/SharedLeadership Skills, restructuring parishes/groups, community planning process,surveying/consultation tools, managing transitions, motivation skills

TO REGISTER

Please call the following numbers:

658-5064

660-6737

706-7066

Or e-mail us at maryhillcicm@yahoo.com

Dr. Thomas P. Ousborne - New GS-CBF

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Change in the General Secretariat - Dr. Thomas P. Osborne is the new interim director

After ten years in the office of CBF(Catholic Biblical Federation) General Secretary (GS) Alexander M. Schweitzer on 1 April 2011 joins the United Bible Societies. In his letter of thanks the CBF President emphasises Schweitzer’s precious services for the Federation and underlines that this step will further strengthen the interconfessional engagement and the collaboration between CBF and UBS. You find the letter of thanks here.

Tom Osborne, professor of biblical studies in Luxembourg, has been involved with the CBF since 1991 in various responsibilities (coordinator of the Southern and Western European Subregion 1996-2002, collaborator in the organization of the plenary assemblies 2002 and 2008, etc.). His primary responsibilities in the General Secretariat now have to do with the concrete organization of the upcoming extraordinary plenary assembly.Osborne did is doctorate in theology at the Catholic University of Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve) and is professor of biblical studies in Luxemburg’s Seminary and Catechetical Institute since 1984. Cf. also the page General Secretary.

ECMI-CBCP support MTBO

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:58:00 +0000

CBF-SEA SUBREGIONAL COORDINATOR MET FILIPINO CBF MEMBERS

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Sr. Emma sharing to the Filipinos

Metro Manila. Sr. Emmanuel Gunanto, OSU the subregional coordinator of Southeast Asia recently called for a meeting with all the Filipino CBF-SEA members last April 18 in line with the preparations for the EPA to be held in Arricia, Italy. The meeting was well attended with two bishops: Most Rev. Pablo “Ambo” David, DD the chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) of the Catholic Bishops’Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Most Rev. Rene P. Mayugba, DD the vice chairperson. Among those present were: Ms. Estrella C. del Mar of Cebu Lay Formation Center, Fr. Oscar Alunday, SVD ECBA’s outgoing Executive Secretary, Fr. Arthur Leger, SJ of East Asian Pastoral Institute, Sr. Theresine Dingal, SFIC of Constant Jurgens Biblical Center, Sr. Antonia Anas, SIHM of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Ruel “Dudz” Lero, SVD of the SVD Southern Province, Fr. Jaime Gealan, SVD of the SVD Northern Province, Fr. Dominador Ramos of the CBF-SEA coordinating team and Mr. Jenaro Christopher Molina of the SVD Central Province. Attendance then was observed to reach 14 adding the presence of Mrs. Lina Cacal and Ms. Tita Azurin who extended their assistance in other concerns of the meeting.

BISHOP DAVID ENTHRONED THE BIBLE

The gathering started with a solemn bible enthronement intertwined with a para-liturgical service prepared by Sr. Emma from Bandung. The bible enthronement then led to the introduction and smiley (with fondness) welcoming of the members. Bishop Ambo as we call him with affection, oriented the body about the challenging background of the coming Extraordinary Plenary Assembly. The very colorful unfolding of events then was traced farther than Dar Es Salam towards Bangkok leading to Manila to reach Arricia this coming June. The members filled with hope and faith in the Word, reviewed the developments of the Statutes’ Revision, talked about the intricacies of Regionalization, the confusing development of being a federation or confederation, revisited the road from Stuttgart to St. Ottilien, suggestions, resolutions, talking points and finally the revision of the constitution.

The rest will have to be actualized in the EPA at Ariccia. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide all the delegates to the EPA, many of whom are representing others who could not come. We pray that the outcome of the EPA would be good for all and God’s will for the CBF.(http://cbfsea.wordpress.com/)

Handwritten Unity Bible Launched @ Nueva Segovia, Vigan

Thu, 26 May 2011 03:49:00 +0000

Writing the Bible

The Handwritten Unity Bible, a fundraising project for the May They Be One Bible campaign, was launched at the courtyard of the Aula de la Nuestra Senora de Caridad in the Arzobispado of Nueva Segovia, Vigan City on the 4th of May. This was the culminating event of the Roving Bible Museum presented by the Philippine Bible Society in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.The first writing ceremony began with the solemn enthronement of the Bible and a Liturgy of the Word, and continued with remarks from the director of the Biblical Apostolate of the Archdiocese, Fr. Nick Vaquilar and Bishop Renato Mayugba, Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and Vice Chairman of the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on the Biblical Apostolate. The youth of St. Joseph's Parish also gave an interpretative dance number using the song, “The Power to Unite.” 64 participants, 32 writing respectively in English and Ilocano, wrote Genesis 11:1-32.

A participant writes his assigned verse along with a few others who have contributed to the writing.

These included Bishop Mayugba and the Mayor of Vigan, Hon. Eva Singson-Medina. Mayor Medina addressed the participants following the writing ceremony proper.

Prior to the writing ceremony, participants took part in an orientation session, where the guidelines for the HUB were discussed. In addition, the participants learned more about the passage which would be written. They then practiced and memorized their assigned verse. This will continue to be standard practice for HUB writing events.In general, participants were enthusiastic about their experience writing verses from the Bible. Roland Repato, a fund manager, said, “I was tense and nervous, but I am honored to be part of history.” Another participant added, “I feel blessed because I was chosen to write the Word of the Lord.” Mayor Medina said, “This will be a historic event that will be forever instilled not only in the minds of the people, but also in their hearts.” Fr. Vaquilar commented, “I have studied the Bible in Rome, and I have learned about how the Bible was originally written; I am happy to be part of this Handwritten Unity Bible [project].” Veneranda Rotor, a lay Franciscan, said that she was happy to be part of the HUB. “I experienced the goodness of God in me.”The Handwritten Unity Bible project is a national campaign not only to raise awareness of God's Word, but also to raise funds for the May They Be One Bible Campaign. The launch event was able to raise PHP 32,000, enough to buy more than 200 subsidized MTBO Bibles. The HUB project was softly launched at the Manila Cathedral during the MTBO Campaign's second anniversary on 30 September 2010. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, and 11 other representatives from different sectors, took part in the ceremonial writing.The next HUB writing event is tentatively set for 4 June in Lingayen, Pangasinan, and Hazel Alviz, Communications Manager for the PBS added that Malolos, Bulacan is also vying for the second spot. The PBS is grateful to God that this project started well, and hopes that with God's grace it may continue. (PBS)

Word Alive Biblical Institute - WABI 2011

Fri, 20 May 2011 03:39:00 +0000

Summer2006 when WABI journeyed to Dagupan, Pangasinan in order to give better accessto the dioceses of Urdaneta, Lingayen-Dagupan, and Alaminus to the richness ofthe WORD via WABI. After all JPIBC is the service arm of the Bishops inNorthern Luzon for the Biblical-Pastoral Ministry. For three years then WABIwas offered at the Lay Formation Center at Bonoan, Dagupan, Pangasinan training96 ministers of the Word in level I, 30 in level II, 32 in updating courses,and 36 in modular courses.

Thejourney was not easy for material needs were transported from computer units tobooks and others which were basic in running the program and to mention too theadjustment needed in the change of venue. For the WABI staff, this was not aburden, it’s a part of the mission and to count the fruits of the journey iselating. Praise the Lord!

Thechange of management from SVD to the ICST and eventually in the directorship ofJPIBC just after the journey gave opportune time to the staff to pause a whileand do some merit audit in the courses offered in WABI, and other programofferings of JPIBC. The review and revisions were done in three years butwithout dropping other concerns which confront the centre. In the early days of 2010, when courseofferings were already polished and thoroughly prepared, invitations to WABI2011 were floated. Pre registrationswere solicited and towards the midyear, WABI 2011 was officially scheduled andannounced to be held at its home base, at the Immaculate Conception School ofTheology, Vigan City.

In its comeback, WABI 2011 has enrolled 37 participantsin Level I, 18 in Level II, and 60 in Verbum Domini, a whole day session. Comparing with the past, WABI 2011 has goodturnout in its initial comeback. This gives better opportunities and betterchances to JPIBC to blossomand flourish. So be it

April 25, 2011. . . . WABI2011 started with an Orientation/levelling off session at 4 pm. Fr. ChristianJesse Taliping, director of JPIBC explained the what, why, and how of WABI inwhich he gave in detail the richness of the WORD if only pastoral workers are trainedand equipped with the approaches which are available in the church by now.

This is followed by the welcome talk of Fr. Clarence B.Carta, procurator of ICST. He oriented the group with the topography of theplace and by his talk he made everyone feel at home with WABI and ICST, theirhome for two weeks.

Eucharistic Celebration at 5:30 pm presided by BishopRenato Mayugba, chairman of the Board of Directors of Northern Luzon BiblicalApostolate. He welcomed the participants passionately and invited them to havea quality encounter with the Word who is Jesus Christ. WABI is an opportunityfor them to have relationship with their God. They should not only listen tothe Word but feel the presence of Christ in their midst and write their owngospel about this encounter. He further encouraged the group to live as acommunity, sharing their concern about one another the way they feel Christ intheir lives.

There were some gesturesthat might have enhanced the group’s awareness about the EucharisticCelebration like the burning of incense, offering of grains, and dancing aroundthe altar while the SANCTUS was sung. The participants remained around thealtar until the communion time. They returned only to their seats afterreceiving the Body of Christ. The mass ended with the Pilgrim Dance. SisterFely told the group to continue their journey only that this time; they will doit with a dance. Despues La Misa es La Mesa. The group retired early.

April 26, 2011 . . . Daytwo started with the Eucharistic Celebration at 6:15 in the morning with BishopRene Mayugba presiding. However the homily was given by Fr. Jesse. His reference WORD is an antiphonfrom the book of Sirach: “If men desires Wisdom, she will give them the waterof knowledge to drink. They will never waver from the truth; they will standfirm forever. “

Fr. JessE explained that the noblest ambition of aChristian starts with desire. If one wants to be saint which is the greatestambition of a Christian, he has to desire it or in stronger words, he has towill it. He also differentiated wisdom from knowledge by emphasizing thatknowledge is basic to be learned but there is no assurance that this knowledgetransforms people. There are many that know many but they are not changing intheir lives.

He also said that to become old is not to become wiser.There are young people who are wiser that the old ones. According to Fr. Jessthe sure way to wisdom is to be in deeper relationship with God. This wisdom isJesus and our personal relationship with him makes us wiser. It is only inbecoming wise that conversion effects in us. It is wisdom that makestransformation possible in us. May the Word make us wise. Amen.

VerbumDomini is the topic of the day. The unexpected turnout of participants to thePost Synod Apostolic Exhortation on the Word of God and in the Life and Missionof the Church by Pope Benedict XVI is a manifestation that Catholics are inneed of latest updates on the WORD. Why not? The super active brothers andsisters in other faith groups drown us in their worship mania which they do inbig places and even in backdoors.

I was amazed with the inspiration Bishop Rene had thatmoment. He arranged the participants in four groups which he called CAVISA,ILOCANDIA, PANGASINAN, and CORDILLERA and instructed them to dance the BodyPrayer called “The River is flowing.” The four groups danced in unison until they encircled the Bible held upby Bishop Rene while dancing too. What an icon of people coming from differentplaces and of varied culture but unite to respond to the call of the WORD.

BishopRene presented his topic by giving the meaning of Verbum Domini as “the Word ofGod”. He explained the shift of “this is the Word of the Lord” to “the Word ofthe Lord” after reading a Biblical Text in a liturgical gathering in thechurch. The Word is not merely read and listened to but is proclaimed to reachthe hearts of the hearers. According to him it is a serious responsibility ofthe lector to read well so that the Word who is Jesus will reach and stay inthe hearts of the people and later make the Word alive in the community.

Bishop Rene mentioned that Pope Benedict is known tohim to be professional and theological person but after reading his book VerbumDomini he discovered that the pope is very pastoral in his approach. Accordingto the good bishop he might had been influenced by Ms Elvira Go, the sponsor ofthe Family Bible Encounter for he mentioned that Christianity is not much of adoctrine but more of our encounter with the living Word, Jesus Christ. MissElvira Go was present in the Synod.

Bishop Rene mentioned the most salient points in thebook and told the group that Verbum Domini is the handbook of Biblical andPastoral ministry. He explained said salient points very patiently, citingexamples in the Philippine Setting.

Afterlunch, Fr. Nick Vaquilar had his share of the Verbum Domini by telling thegroup that the Word must be read in the perspective of human conditions. TheWord must be studied not only to know its meaning but to know the meaning ofour life in the context of the Word. In stronger words, our study of the Biblemust lead into our self transformation and later into community transformation.

He presented modern methods of Bible Study butaccording to him old approaches of studying the Bible should not be discardedbut be complemented by the new approaches. He ended his talk by telling thatthe World is complicated and influenced by selfish motives and greed but wemust keep praying. We must keep seeking for the truth. The Word supplies usthis truth together with tradition. Keep grounded in the church and we willnever be lost. Amen.

Bishop Mayugba summed up his topic by using key wordswhich the participants easily remember Verbum Domini. Getting one of theparticipants he started walking while he explains that one must have an encounterwith the Word and this Word accompanies him in his journey and thistogetherness should be celebrated and shared into the world. The good Bishopcalled these four moments of Verbum Domini: ENCOUNTER, ACCOMPANIMENT,CELEBRATION, AND MISSION.

Bishop Rene, in passing mentioned practical pointswhich could be done immediately by the ministers of the WORD:

1. During the EucharisticCelebration, INSERT SILENCE

· After the first readingbefore the responsorial psalm

· After communion, singingmust stop to allow people feel the presence of God

2. Lay people must also praythe Liturgy of the hours even during Sundays only before the mass.

3. Catechists could starthelping the children memorize biblical text.

4. Introduction to theliturgy helps the people feel the Word of God.

5. Lectors should be trainedwell before they are commissioned to do the work.

6. Priests/Lay leaders mustmake themselves visible in the BEC to prevent “break away” from the Catholicfaith.

April 27, 2011, the third day

WABI participants split in 3 groups. 37reported in Level I, 11 in Level II, and 8 in Bibliodrama Facilitators’Seminar.

Level I will learnIntroduction to Sacred Scriptures with Sister Miriam Alejandrino, OSB toguiding them. At the start when Sister Miriam asked the expectations of thegroup, 3 main concerns surfaced. First concern of the group is to fillthemselves with the basic knowledge about the Word. Second, the group wants toequip themselves with approaches and guides that could help them in theirpastoral work. Third, they want to have visible transformation about theirperson and their relationship with God.

The session went on so smoothly that at the end of theday, many were convinced that most Catholics do not really know the Bible.

Level II started their session in Social Teachings ofthe Church with Fr. Christian Jesse Taliping, the director of JPIBC. Theytackled 2 urgent concerns of the Philippines today: Nature is on siege, and theReproductive Health Bill. They finished the day discussing probable solutionsabout said problems in the light of the Word as interpreted by the church.

The other group which is aget away from Level II is a group of those who already finished the BibliodramaWorkshop. They will undergo Bibliodrama Facilitators’ seminar this time. Duringsupper, Sister Leonora Llabore, HDW shared her joy in undergoing the training.According to her, she has now a tool that will draw the young ager to the WORD.She is hopeful that the Body Prayers which they are learning will replace the plaintalk- listen approach which she was using in the past.

The third WABI day ended with a Eucharistic Celebrationwith Fr. Christian Jesse Taliping presiding. The Gospel of the day is thenarrative on the Road to Emmaus. Fr. Jesse started his homily by showing theWABI t-shirt with JPIBC logo. The logo highlights the instance when the twodisciples realized that it was like that a fire was burning in them while Jesuswas talking to them in their walk to EMMAUS.

Afterexplaining the meaning of the logo, he started giving his analysis into thegospel of the day, John 5-6, and the Eucharistic celebrations. According tohim, all the three situations are pointing out into the connection of the Word tothe breaking of the bread. Jesus explained the Scriptures to the two disciplesbefore they ended their encounter with the breaking of the bread. In John 5-6,Jesus explained those that concerned him before he mentioned that his bodyshall become food and his blood shall become drink. In the Eucharisticcelebration, the liturgy of the WORD precedes the liturgy of the Eucharist. FrJesse explained that the Word sheds light to the Eucharist just like the firstand second situations.

Towards the end of his homily, Fr. Jesse sang “Staywith us Lord” where later he made his audience sang too. What an innovation tothe usual talk-listen routine of the homily.

April 28, 2011, the fourth day

The day started with theEucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Julius Cuison of the diocese ofLingayen-Dagupan. The gospel of the day narrates the appearance of Jesus to theapostles after his resurrection and Fr. Cuison used the part of the gospel whenJesus asked them if there was fish to eat as a springboard of his homily. Jesusis surely alive! He ate with them and besides he told them so.

What is the significance of this Easter Event for ustoday? Fr. Cuison reminded his audience what Jesus told Mary Magdalene, thefirst disciple who saw that Jesus was alive. “Go to my brothers, proclaim thegood news!” He also mentioned what the two disciples on the road to Emmaus didafter recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. They immediately told theother disciples that Jesus was alive. He also mentioned our brothers in othergroups their boldness in proclaiming the good news.

We ought to proclaim the good news! We have to. We mustnot wait for big events to do it. We can do it in the ordinary moments of ourlife. Fr. Cuison mentioned 3 ways in which we can proclaim the good news.

First, we proclaim therisen Christ through our good life. We must have a healthy life. Kailangan nating maging mabait. But itis not enough to live good life according to Fr. Cuison. We have to do goodworks. This is the second way to proclaim the risen Christ. He mentioned abouta person who would hardly share a coin to a beggar but gives openly in thechurch. What is the sense of this? But good life and good works are not stillenough. We must have good faith. Good faith is to be in fellowship with others.The greatest instance to do this is to attend Eucharistic Celebrations.

He mentioned about the mandate of Archbishop Villegasin the diocese of Lingayen- Dagupan. Daily masses must be said in all theparishes in the diocese. Fr Cuison told the group that in his parish, less than50 parishioners are in attendance and mostly the old ones. Where are the otherCatholics especially the young?

The good priest left a challenge to the WABINS. We needto intensify our ways of proclaiming the Resurrected Christ, the Messiah. How?This is an open ended question which everyone needs to find a good answer. Fr.Cuison gave the group the 3 basic ways. To make them work, it’s in everyone’ssincerity to become a true witness of the GOOD NEWS.

In the classrooms, everyone seems to be engrossed withtheir work. Level I are observed to be busy reading different materials thatare related to the Word. They have projects to do. One task given to them is toprepare a creative presentation of the Exile in Babylon which will be presentedfirst hour the following day.

Level two were silenced by the challenges of the socialteachings. They were confronted with the split opinions of people even thosewho seem to know the WORD. Fr Jesse gave reading materials which willcomplement their learning in the classroom.

The Bibliodrama Facilitators’ group was tasked tofacilitate themselves elements which they could use in proclaiming the WORD.This is yet the third day but it seems that the participants are doing lot ofthings about the TOPIC offered to them as ministers of the WORD.

Aftertheir classroom work, Level I participants were instructed to assemble at thechapel for their first Bible Sharing experience at WABI. Ms. Fely Gines orientedthem on the what, why, and how of Bible sharing.

Using one of the methods of Bible Sharing, the PrayerResponse Method, the participants will be drawn to feel the presence of theRisen Lord in their midst; to put themselves in the context of Acts 4:1-12; encounter themselves the messiahwho is alive; and accompanying them in times of difficulty like what theapostles experienced in the text.

As they pray to celebrate the encounter, newcommitments will surely come out direct from the hearts of the participants.

Towards the end of the day, the WABI staff tried toobserve the participants’ mood in doing the work assigned to them like washingthe dishes, cleaning the dining hall, preparing the liturgy, and cleaning thechapel. All the groups were doing their chores happily and well. This isaccounted to their home values and love to the Word.

April 29, 2011, the fifth day

AEucharistic celebration started the fifth day with Fr. Jesse Talipingpresiding. The Bibliodrama and Liturgy group planned to make the celebrationtoday different from the Eucharistic Celebrations in the past days. Theyplanned to have the responsorial Psalm be sung and the Sanctus be danced.

As the mass was in progress, those in attendance wereso inspired in chanting the responsorial Psalm and engrossed in the homily of FrJesse. He related his homily with his topic Social Doctrine in Level II. Thegospel of the day narrates the miracle of the catch after the frustrating zerocatch the night before. This is a manifestation of Jesus’ power to make thingshappen. How inspiring!

Will the message of theEaster event in the Gospel solve what is going on now in the world? Fr. Jesseemphasized the contrast made by Pope Benedict into the joy of the angels andsaints in heaven and the lament and cry of the suffering humanity. The chaoticwar in the Middle East needs diplomacy and dialogue among the leaders. Thefrustrating poverty of Northern Africa needs the quest for the common good ofthe young. The hopelessness of Japan needs the healing power and consolation ofthe church. Will these happen?

But even Christians who hope in the Saving Power of Godare arrested and put into prison. Will our worship make sense? Fr. Jesse encouragedhis audience to have faith in the WORD. After all, this is assured in the firstreading. “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; ithas become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else…” This was explained by Fr. Jesse.

Healso mentioned the boldness of Peter when he plunged into the water uponknowing that Jesus is around and supporting his encouragement with the verywords of Jesus...” Be not afraid….; and remember, I am with you always, to theend of the age.”

So after all, the Easter Event gives hope to all of usdespite the catastrophes. The Resurrected Christ will not fail us. Our strongfaith keeps us alive! Let’s keep singing Halleluiah!

The mass went on. During the Sanctus, the WABINS wentaround the altar for the dance. The music went on smoothly at the start butstopped after the group has done two steps. The decision making of the groupwas tested a while but Fr Jesse kept dancing and singing at the same time. Thegroup danced and sang too as if nothing wrong took place. Halleluiah! The planwas accomplished as it was desired by Bibliodrama and Liturgy group. It was avery solemn celebration.

At8:00 am, the 3 groups went into their classrooms. Level I had a review of theirpassed lessons before tackling the Gospels. Sister Miriam told the group that thoughthe Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are synoptic, there are differences dueto variation of their purpose and audience.

Level II continued their session in Social Teachings ofthe Church and to make their learning suit the need of the times, Fr. Jesseintroduced to the group different BibleSharing Methods especially the Amos Programme which is a very appropriatemethod in tackling the social concerns of the people. They tried Amos Programme2.

The Bibliodrama group started with their actual facilitatingactivities. The members were enjoying their work. They went through the EasterMap. After the break in the afternoonthe group had to split into 6 smaller groups and prepared the Easter stations.They went through the Easter Stations too, praying and singing what theyprepared ahead.

The WABINS took their supper at 6:30 to be prepared forthe penitential service at 7:30 in the evening. Before the activity, some weretelling me they had their confession in their parishes during the holy week andthey don’t need the sacrament so soon. I told them to join the group and watchwhat will be done. They did as told and to my surprise, they did not onlywatch, they participated actively into the process. Why not? The penitentialservice appeared new to them. They asked for some copies of the service whichthey will introduce according to them in their respective parishes.

Three priests attended to the need of the evening sothe sacrament of reconciliation was through by 9:00 in the evening.

April 30, 2011, the sixth day

A Eucharistic celebration started the day with Fr.Jesse Taliping presiding it. He startedhis homily with the courageous reply of Peter and John to the order of therulers and elders not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus, insteadthey said: “whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather thanGod, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we haveseen and heard.” ( Acts 4)

Whata courageous witnessing to what they encountered. Fr Jesse emphasized to theWABINS that our encounter with the Word who is Jesus should draw each of usinto the mission. The gospel today bears how Mary Magdalene and two of thedisciples responded to Jesus’ Word “Go tell my brothers” but the brothers didnot believe. He then appeared to the unbelieving disciples and said: “Go intothe whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Towards the end of his homily, Fr. Jesse emphasizedthat every Christian is sent into the mission of proclaiming the Good News.“The Good News is not only for me, nor for you only but for everyone.” As if hewas telling, if every WABIN encounters Jesus as it must be, then like Peter andJohn, it is impossible not to speak and teach Jesus to everyone.

LevelI started their session in Lectio Divina with Ms Fely Gines. Knowing Ate Fely’spassion to Lectio Divina as an approach of encountering the WORD, I know shewill be able to transfer the passion as always the case.

TheLevel II participants under Fr. Jessestarted with their work of crafting a module on the Amos programme. This is anoffshoot of their lesson in Social Doctrine. Their knowledge of the topicshould not end in the mind of the participants but must reach and transform thecommunity

The members of the Bibliodrama Facilitators’ group weretasked to make their own module with the use of Bibliodrama elements which theycould use in their ministry. The whole day is given to them for the saidpurpose. The group is also assigned to prepare for the Sunday liturgy.

Just after supper, the group watched the movie of SaintPeter. In the movie, the fear, temper, and sincerity of Peter and all theapostles were featured. The staff included movie watching in WABI 2011 not justto make time pass by but to inspire the participants to appreciate theirexperiences (sorrows and joys they maybe) in their mission of sharing the goodnews to the people.

May 1, 2011

Itis a Sunday. The night before, the WABI staff was worried about what time theywill have the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Jesse could not make it early because of the early commitments in othercommunities and the same with the ICST priests. The only possible time would beat 11 am.

The staff took the available schedule and to thesurprise of everyone it came out to be an alive and solemn mass. TheBIbliodrama elements used in the celebration made the difference. Theparticipants entered with the “The river is flowing” with the altar boys,seminarian and the priest to enter last. During the offertory, “Navidadau” wasused. Those who offered danced so beautifully and very solemnly despite theburning heat of the pots they were holding.

Duringthe Gospel reading, the Bibliodrama participants choreographed it meaningfully.The setting was so real and the non believing Thomas was caught realisticallyin the way Mang Mar Vistro did it. The participants were not aware of the time.They were engrossed with what is happening in the chapel.

Inhis homily, Fr Jesse mentioned once more the triple celebration of theday: the second Sunday of Easter; thefeast of the Divine Mercy; and the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Hefeatured the DEVOTION to the DIVINE MERCY by mentioning a priest who made athesis on the Divine Mercy. Before Sister Faustina, 2 sisters one from Italyand another from France were already revealing about God as Divine Mercy butnobody believed them.

Until one time a sister from Poland named SisterFaustina started to talk again about God as Divine mercy. Nobody paid attentionand to her in the beginning until a priest who became a bishop, later anarchbishop, and later a pope, believed in what Sister Faustina was talkingabout. He even wrote an encyclical he named VIVES In Misericordia which meansGreat in Mercy. It talks about our loving and forgiving God. This man is noother than Pope John Paul II whose beatification is done today, May 1 at the StPeter Square, Rome.

Fr. Jesse mentioned how the pope became amerciful man even when he was still a lad. The greatest manifestation of hismerciful heart is when he visited and forgave the man who hated and shut himwhen he talked so vocal against communism.

The message of his Beatification which is done on thefeast of the Divine Mercy according to Fr Jesse is for us to remember that ourGod is a merciful God and that God waits for the return of those who astrayfrom him like what the father in the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” has done.

Fr. Jesseconcluded his homily by telling that if we want God to be happy, lets convertpeople, “ hanapin natin sila at ibalik sa ating ama. “ He also said: “today weask the intercession of Sister Faustina to help us convert people and to askPope John Paul II to help us become merciful. So be it.

As early as 6:15 today, Level I had an actual LectioDivina. Ms. Fely Gines explained thoroughly the steps of Lectio Divina usingthe responsorial psalm of the day (Ps 118). For their group prayer of praise,they read verses 1-9 together for several times until

thetext sunk into their hearts. For their individual meditation they read verses21 to 29 silently applying the steps by themselves.

Enteringinto the text, they tried to find their straight and broken lines and allowedthemselves to be drawn deeper until the text comes to them as their own. Aftersometime, the participants were asked to share their reflection by Ms Fely andthe fruit of lectio divina flowed spontaneously with the sharing of fourparticipants. They opened their lives into the group without inhibitions. Thepower of the WORD was felt by the group not only by level one but by themembers of level two who were there even before the lectio divina started. Thesacred reading was ended by the body prayer “O Signore, Fa di Me”.

The WABINS were informedof the HANDWRITTEN UNITY BIBLE which will take place at 2:30 pm at theArchbishop’s Residence There were those who were chosen to write and otherswere invited to witness the event.

Some of the named wabinsto write declined the task. They pleaded that it will be voluntary basis. Iremember what Fr. Chack told us in one of his lectures in Nemi. He told us thatdoing the mission to spread the Word is never voluntary. It is explicit in theBible he said that those who volunteered to follow Jesus were openlydiscouraged by him. Remember how Jesus called his

disciples.

The HUB, handwritten unity bible started with theregistration of those who will write after which they assembled at the LegioMaeria for the short catechesis about the activity. While waiting for the startof the short catechesis about the activity, Fr Jesse show a power point aboutthe able father and disabled son who together participated in a marathon andrunning race.

He also showed a manwithout hands and a very little abnormal foot attached into his bottom who didthose which could be done only of a normal person. I remember the word of thevery strong guy: “If I fall, I’ll try more and more, for if I’ll stop trying,it’s the end.” What a powerful word from one who is strengthened by theWORD.

The short catechesisstarted by the singing of Thy Word followed by the welcome talk of Fr. NickVaquillar who mentioned about the importance of the activity. It is first inAsia and first in the Philippines. The activity is featuring the Bible as theunity force of all men. In his talk, Fr. Jesse explained Genesis 11: 1-32. Withpassion, he talked about the importance of unity. If God is absent, disunityarises. In the beginning, disunity started because of the boastfulness of men.Sin reigned in the hearts of men and they ignored reality. Unlike the saintswho united their mind with Christ, men’s intellect does not unite with thetruth who is Jesus. This is how Fr. Jesse explained the message of the textwhich is assigned to Nueva Segovia.

The representative of the Philippine Bible Societyoriented vividly about the HUB and explained all that relate to the activity.The PBS is hopeful that out of the inspired work, they will be able to generatemillion copies of the WORD of God. So be it.

May 2, 2011

The day started with the Eucharistic celebrationpresided by Fr. Nick Vaquilar. He focused on the Gospel of the day which isabout the Pharisee named Nicodemus who went to Jesus during the night becausehe was afraid that the Jews might see him approaching Jesus.

He explained that after the death of Jesus, he came torealize that there is nothing to be afraid after all. He was no longer afraidto become follower of Jesus. According to Fr. Nick sometimes we are like Nicodemus who see the goodness of a persononly after his death. We come to realize only of the good deeds of the personwhen we are tasked to talk about the person. We give only his praises whenhe/she is already gone.

Fr. Nick told the WABINS to take the opportunity andpossibility in extending care, love, and concern for others now. This is ourtask, he emphasized. These are the very actions that will manifest that we arereally followers of Jesus.

Level I started their session in Liturgy and the Biblewith Msgr. David William Antonio, STD. The participants were very attentive inhis lecture because one of the reasons why their parish priests sent them toWABI is because they want their parish workers to know more about liturgy. ApoWilliam prepared handouts that will help them remember their lessons.

Level II startedalso their session on the Gospel of Matthew. Fr. Jesse, their professor startedby giving the participants the Introduction, how the gospel is divided, andalso its parallelism to the gospels according to St Mark and St Luke.

May 3, 2011

Theday started with a Eucharistic Celebration with Msgr. David William Antonio. Hestarted his homily with this statement. “It is a painful experience when weknow that “a friend do not trust in you.” He accounted this statement to thereply of Philip to Jesus when he requested Jesus to show the father despite theword of Jesus that buy knowing HIM, they already know the FATHER.

Apo Antonio explained that the incredibility of ourknowledge about a person sometimes discredits the man in our awareness. That bynot knowing and not believing in Jesus we have doubts about him and sometimesour trust is diminished.

Sometimes we are confronted with such situation.According to Apo William this is normal. Sometimes we do have dessertexperience too in our prayer life. Philip doubted because the Holy Spirit wasnot working in him yet. The situation changed after the Pentecost.

Apo Antonio advised that everyone to pay attention tothe promptings of the Holy Spirit and for everyone to understand and believeabout those concern Jesus. In allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us we willbecome bold in proclaiming the Good News. The Holy Spirit consoles us when weare down and eventually we become strong witnesses of Jesus who is the way, thetruth, and the life.

Fr. William said in Level I class (Liturgy & theBible) “everyone has a part, and every sinner has a future.” You do not trustthe Lord? Don’t you worry. When you experience the Spirit, you will becomebold. The words you speak is not from you but the Spirit who comes and moves usso we can be bold also to call Abba! to the Father.

Level I participants continued their session with ApoAntonio in Liturgy and the Bible, after which he discussed the Sacraments usingthe available time. He left handouts to be distributed to the WABINS which willserve as their guide in their future work.

Level II participants continued their session in theGospel of Matthew with Fr Jesse. They were very attentive to the discussionanticipating the value of knowing Jesus through said gospel and to extend thisknowing to their communities.

May 4, 2011

Once more the day started with a Eucharisticcelebration with Bishop Mayugba presiding and Fr Jesse co presiding. BishopRene inspired the wabins with his caressing words of “the Gospel is to be ourown. We have to live it out for others to see and imitate.”

He continued that the experiences of the earlydisciples should be enough encouragement to all workers of the church. Tosuffer the insult of the Sanhedrin was not easy for them and the worst of it,to be jailed. Bishop Mayugba explained that the Word of God can never be jailedbecause of our fear in the modern times. Like the apostles who did not mind theorder of the council to stop preaching the name of Jesus; who continued withtheir revelation about the risen Lord in the same place wherethey apprehended them, the Word of God must continue to be proclaimed by all ofus.

He reminded the WABINSthat in their return in their workplace, there will be obstacles.“Marigatankayto a makabuelo”, he said. But he challenged them to go on sharingthe “God who is love” whom they encountered in WABI. Like the early disciples,they should not keep the Good News in them. They must not take it as theirpersonal but to share fearlessly to everywhere they go. So be it.

Level I continued theirwork in Bibliodrama while level II had their free time.

The HANWRITTEN UNITY BIBLE participants were advised tobe ready with the actual writing activity which took place at 10 am. Otherswere encouraged to witness the HUB time.

As scheduled, the HUB started with the Bible Enthronement.Fr. _____________ presiding the para- liturgy. Many of those in attendanceobserved the solemnity of the moment. To them it seemed that the Holy Spirit(as we read in the Holy Scriptures) is continuously working among the writersand to those who have a hand in the proclamation of the Word is really true.The WABINS themselves realized that the moment was a time to praise and blessthe Lord for the presence of a LOVING GOD in the HUB event.

The reading of the text which has to be written by handwas another surprise at the moment. As if Ezra was there, reading personallythe text very slowly and very powerfully and the people crying at the strengthof every word uttered. That moment was really a history which will be writtenin the hearts of those who were present.

When the actual writingcame , names were called, tables were mentioned, text by text announced, thequeue was very orderly, moment by moment passing by so holy, until all theverses both in English and Ilokano were done. What a special moment with theWord. The writers were congratulated for the special task well done thougheveryone became nervous, afraid that they might commit mistakes.

Thedocumentation of the event was anticipated so picture taking followed. It wasdone by table of the Ilocano and English verse writers. There were three tablesthen. The event is worth remembering. The zealous commitment of the organizerswas very evident though some of them belong to other denominations. Sincerity in unison was evident.

In the afternoon, classes went on as usual. Level Icontinued with their Bibliodrama till supper and instructed to go to Aula at7:30 in the evening for the Bible enthronement. Level II continued theirsession about the gospel of Matthew with Fr. Jesse. Both levels were givenre-entry and evaluation forms just after the break so they will have more timein accomplishing them.

May 5, 2011

The eleventh dayof WABI started as usual with a Eucharistic Celebration. The director of JohnPaul I Biblical Pastoral Center, Fr. Christian Jesse presiding it. The Liturgygroup prepared well for the celebration. This was very evident first in the Liturgy of the Word where the lectorread well, the Responsorial Psalm was sung, the Prayers of the faithful wasdone with spontaneity. The good preparation was also evident in the choice ofsongs. They were related to the readings. The preparation might has beeninfluenced by their lesson in “Liturgy and the Bible”.

Fr Jesse told the group that the homily could be takenfrom the antiphon of the day, centred to the life of the church, or based fromthe liturgy itself. For his homily today, he featured thewords of Pope Benedict XVI during the Beatification of Pope John Pau IIparticularly the last part. He told to the group that this part of PopeBenedict’s homily is a very personal note about the gift of person of BlessedJohn Paul II, he being the prefect was always at the side of the pope.According to Pope Benedict, he had known all the more about the spiritual depthof JPII and also the richness of his insights. Fr. Jesse mentionedhow impressed Pope Benedict was because of the continuous prayers of JPII. That despite of the demand of work of apope, Pope JPII find always time to pray. Here Fr. Jesse told an anecdote aboutthe prayerful life of the pope. There was a time when during his prayer, hissecretary went to him and said: “Holy father, urgent, please come”. The popemade a nod and continued praying. The second time, the pope’s secretary went tohim again and said, “Holy father, urgent, please come”. The pope made again anod and continued praying. For the third time, the secretary went to him againand said this time, “holy father very, very urgent, please come”. The pope toldhim, “That is why I have to praybecause it is urgent.

“It’s not easy to be a pope and it’s not easy to be aminister of the Word. We need to pray always to be in focus of the work we arecalled for. In between hectic schedule, we should always connect ourselves tothe Lord through prayer. By being super active, we might forget to pray and belost on the way”. These are the strong words of Fr Jesse towards the end of hishomily.

Pope JPII did not live an easy life. He was stricken byan illness which made him suffer a lot but despite the suffering, he remained arock, a Petri. He lived so well as a priest, as a bishop and as a pope. FrJesse ended his homily with the prayer uttered by Pope Benedict:” Blessed areyou because you believed. We implore you Holy Father, Bless us again from thewindow where you used to bless people. Amen.

Many remained in the chapel after the mass. They kneltin prayer. I myself wanted to stay longer to pray. ”Thank you father for thehomily”.

Father Oscar Alunday, the father of WABI and executivesecretary of ECBA arrived at the ICST. He was invited as one of thefacilitators of the Bibliodrama Workshop inLevel I. Fr. Oscar however, even if not invited to teach in WABI always findtime to visit the group. The WABI Staff and participants always receive anambus message from him in words and in other ways.

The Bibliodrama Workshop participants had their journeywith the Word and in so doing lot of realizations surfaced during theirsharing. Entering into the WORD through the different Bibliodrama elements, theparticipants find themselves called, comforted, and even challenged. Thejourney made them cry out what was kept in their hearts and unload the heavybaggage which they were been carrying for a long time. The desire of oneparticipant to have a prayer partner came out in one of their body prayers

Level II participants continued their session in thegospel of Matthew. They discussed the meaning of the parables and itsparallelism with the synoptic gospels. Some participants had time to sharetheir experiences in casual way during their free time.

During supper, the Bilbliodrama team suggested to theparticipants to have a prayer partner. This was been done in previous WABI andnow that it is sought, the activity had been revived.

The Bilbliodrama Workshop group had their assembly atthe aula, and with the help of the facilitators, they processed the day’activities.

May 6, 2011

The 12th day of WABI 2011 started with a EucharisticCelebration with Fr. Oscar Alunday as presider and co presided by Fr.Jesse. The first reading of the gospelwas done by Fr Jesse. In the homily, Fr. Alunday used the Bibliologue approachwhere he engaged the participants to be in dialogue with the Word. In thegospel of the day where Jesus multiplied the bread and fish available, theparticipants were instructed to talk out in their words if they were the crowd,Philip, Andrew, the boy, or Jesus in the gospel.

AsFr. Alunday was reading the gospel for the second time, he had to cut on thatpart which had direct discourses. On the part where Philip had to talk, heasked one participant to give his version if he was Philip. The Philip in thegroup said’” saan ko kukunin ang ipapakain sa mga tao? Then one who actedAndrew said,” There is one boy here who has 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. When theboy of the crowd was asked as to who prepared the bread and fish, he answeredthat his mother prepared them.

Fr.Alunday expounded the answers of those who replied by telling that in problemslike lack of fund or lack of support,Jesus is around waiting. Fr Alunday explained that Jesus will say, “handa ka na ba? Ako na ang bahala sa iba.”

When Fr. Oscar read that part when the crowd wanted tomake Jesus their king, he asked one of the WABINS what to do if as Jesus, thecrowd will rush to him. He answered, “I will meet, teach and feed them”. Fr. Oscar inspired the WABINS by telling themthat they, upon returning to their parish, diocese, or workplace they must notbe afraid to do what the Word will direct them to do. Oneparticipant said, I’ll effect it immediately but I’ll see to it that I’ll do itfirst into my family. So be it.

The mass had Bibliodrama features like acting out thePrayers of the faithful, dancing around the altar during the Sanctus, andstaying where they were until communion time. It was a clear manifestation ofhow the liturgy is enhanced thru the elements of Billiodrama.

LevelI continued with their Bibliodrama Workshop in 2 groups. One group wasfacilitated by Fr. Oscar and Ms. Imelda Cordova while the other group wasfacilitated by Ms. Fely Gines and Ms. Melanie Ramos. This has to be donebecause of the number of participants who were undergoing the activity. Therewere 37 in attendance. By dividing thegroup, the activities were done smoothly within time frame.

Level II continued with their session in the gospel ofMatthew. The participants were instructed to make their reflections on theparables and tasked to share their reflections in their afternoon session.

During lunch time, through the initiative of Ms. ZusanAsistin, Mr. And Mrs. Erberto Dy Quiangco renewed their marriage vows in a verycreative way. The couple celebrated their 38 wedding anniversary and accordingto those who know them personally, their family life is worth emulating. Bothof them are undergoing Level I Course of the Word Alive Biblical Apostolate.

Level I underwent their culminating activity as onegroup doing the Full Play of the Bibliodrama Workshop with the facilitatingteam. It was a”teamwork on the go”, which the WABINS may propagate as theyreturn to their workplace.

Fr. Jesse facilitated the sharing of reflections amongthe Level II participants. In their sharing, there were time of laughter andalso serious moments. This manifests the richness of the Word in the life ofmen in the modern time.

The Bibliodrama ended their session just after supperwith the celebration of the four altars. The altar of gathering was done infront of the statue of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Theparticipants gathered around the altar with objects that symbolize themselves;these they offered sincerely to God with their desire to share the gifts theyreceived from the God of bounty and mercy. This is a sign of their thankfulnessfor the WABI and for all the favour that God bestowed on them.

The group moved to the altar of sorrow with the pilgrimdance. In unison, the participant reached the 2nd altar after fewminutes. A member of the group explained that in the altar of sorrow, they willsurrender their limitations and imperfections, hopeful that the forgiving Fatherwill listen into their plea of help and mercy. A vessel of twigs was therewhere each will get one, break it into two pieces and put it into the vessel offire. This is a symbol of complete surrender to the afflicted God because ofmen’s stubbornness.

Again,with the pilgrim dance, the group moved to the 3rd altar, the altarof the Word. The chosen Gospel was read very slowly each to listen to themessage of God. After the prayer which was read by Fr Jesse, the group moved tothe altar of thanks and action. This time, a group was assigned to act out whatthey will do as a response to the Word of God. The long silence added to theurgency of the action that awaits the WABINs as they return to their workplace.The celebration was ended with the singing of the Lords Prayer.

The awarding of certificates to Bibliodramaparticipants was done at the main gate of the ICST building. It was a happyevent for those who successfully completed the workshop. The event ended withthe dancing of “Talitha Kumi” body prayer.

May 7, 2011

Theday started with the breakfast. As the participants queue for the food, there-entry questionnaire and general evaluation forms were collected. It was ahappy morning for the WABINS. Why not? They have already accomplished theirassignments/projects. The recollection which they will undergo at 8:00 am withFr. Jesse was eyed to be a soothing moment to them.

The recollection took place in the chapel at 8 am. Fr.Jesse’s input was directed toward the healing of the community. The communitywill only grow if the people unite as one mind and one heart. According to FrJesse, this will only be realized if thepeople will learn to forgive each one and their dealings with one another iscoupled with compassion and understanding.

Anycorrection done should be taken as fraternal in effect which means that all arechildren of only one father who is God. If we consider each one as a brotherand a sister, there will be no greed, impatience and others that will destroythe relationship of the community to the Father and the relationship amongpeople. The only desire of the one who wrote WABI 2011 journal is that thecommitment of the hour will last forever into the hearts of the WABINS and likethe river which flows should water all that it reaches and flows by. So beit.

The graduation Mass which took place at 5 P.M. waspresided by Fr. Christian Jesse Taliping, director of John Paul I BiblicalPastoral Center. Fr. Clarence Carta, the procurator of Immaculate ConceptionSchool of Theology co-presided the mass. The mood of the moment was so solemnand full of joy especiallythat Fr. Jesse highlighted the word CONGRATULATIONS in his homily.Congratulations which means REJOICE TOGETHER according to Fr. Jesse is veryproper to be extended to the graduating WABINs for their responseWABI 2011 means that they did not neglect the WORD. The Word which is the primemover of all the ministries, the Word which is the soul of Theology, the Wordwhich is the source of life should not be neglected. Fr. Jesse emphasizedthat Bible Study is not only for exegets but for all the children of God. Wefind the Word in the internet, we hear it in the radio, and we see them in theTV. However, this WORD must be seen in our lives. We should not only read norobserve the WORD, but we must bring it everywhere we go. However, this becomespossible only if we live the WORD.

Fr. Clarence mentioned inthe mass that WABINS should always ask the intercession of St. Arnold Janssen& St. Joseph Frenademitz and pray for the SVD which made the creation ofthe John Paul I Biblical Center, now John Paul I Biblical Pastoral Centerpossible. He mentioned Fr. Ludger, the very man behind the JPIBPC, Fr. Wim Wijjten,Fr. Oscar Alunday, and all the rest who had a hand for the sustenance of JPIBC.

As an acknowledgement, Fr. Clarence told the group thattogether with the ICST a billboard of the JPIBPC should be made available atthe gate of the seminary. After all JPIBPC is the first biblical centerestablished in the Philippines and is the only center which has the Word AliveBiblical Institute program all throughout the nation. Congratulations JPIBPC!May the Lord bless you with people, organizations, and ministries that willsupport your cause. Amen.

Bishop Rene Mayugba sent message to be read during thegraduation program of WABI 2011. This is the message:

May7, 2011

“Were not our hearts burning inside us as he talked tous on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:31)

BelovedWABIns,

You conclude today a two-week journey. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, youhave listened to the Scriptures explained to you. The various courses you attended wereoccasions for your encounter with the living Word. You have been introduced to the Faith of ourliving Tradition. You have reflected andmeditated on the Scriptures in the Faith community you made up at ICST. It is our hope that like the disciples on theroad to Emmaus your eyes have also been opened and have recognized the Lord inyour midst these two weeks so that now you can also say “Were not our heartsburning inside us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scripturesto us?”

Like the disciples of Emmaus also you are to rush backto your “Jerusalem” – your arena for witnessing! What you have learned you are now toshare. You go back to your own Faithcommunities, to the community of “apostles” – your bishops and theircollaborators, your pastors. Go withthat burning desire you now have to share your encounter with the Christ andyour experience of community! Go,empowered with the new knowledge and skills you have acquired!

Go and tell to the worldthe good news – that Jesus is truly alive! Go and tell the world that Jesus has conquered sin and death. Like Peter in the first reading go and tellthe world that sin and death cannot keep the Lord of life entombed. No! Christ and his Gospel of love and mercy overcome sin and death. Go and be witnesses by your very lives thatwe conquer evil in the world through our practice of love and mercy. Be bold like Peter and the apostles intestifying to the truths you have come to know during your WABI. The world may not like what we preach for theworld today tends to follow and abide by what the majority, the “crowd,” shoutrather than what the Gospel proclaims. Beware, brothers and sisters, of following the “crowd,” for the Son ofMan was condemned by the crowd that shouted

“crucify him!”

Now we live by the light of the Gospel. So we sing “thy word is a lamp unto my feetand a light unto my path.” May we allthen let the light of Christ lead us in our journey. May we not fear for “even if we should walkin the valley of death, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is there to guard and guideus. Be not afraid, nor be disheartenedwhen as you become witnesses and servants of the Word you are made tosuffer. Christ Jesus, who poured out hisprecious blood on the cross, has paved the way for us. We need but follow the Christ.

Go beloved brothers and sisters in the Risen Christ andbe His witnesses! God bless you all!

MOSTREV. RENATO P. MAYUGBA, DD

Chairman– Biblical Apostolate for Northern Luzon

May8, 2011

There was still a scheduled Eucharistic Celebration forthe WABINS who opted to go home today. They were benefitted with the homily ofFr. Jesse who made emphasis on the inability of the two disciples on the roadto recognize Jesus. He also mentioned Mary Magdalene who saw Jesus as agardener, and the non recognition of the apostles when Jesus appeared to themat the seashore.

Thisis to tell the WABINS that a question about this non-recognition may prop uplike what Fr. Jesse’s mother posted to her priest son. He said that thenon-recognition is due to our weak faith. Fr. Jesse said many times we don’trecognize Jesus even in the Eucharist and also in the Word which we read. Hesaid that this non-recognition is due to our weak faith. We need to strengthenour faith, he emphasized by praying and by reading the WORD constantly.

May WABI 2011 help us recognize Jesus not only in theEucharist nor in the Word but in everyone who come to us.

This journal is prepared asrequested by Fr. Oscar Alunday, the father of WABI and the executive secretaryof the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) as one of thedocuments to be made available at the JPIBPC and to furnish the same ECBA.

Preparedby:

Mrs. Grace R. Fiesta,

Diocese of Ilagan

Layout in Charge:

Miss. Zusan G. Asistin,

Diocese of San Fernando de La Union

Supervision: Miss Felicidad Perpetua J. Gines

Exec. Secretary – JPIBPC

And

Rev.Fr. Christian Jesse M. Taliping

Director- JPIBPC

B-FAST (Bible for Faith and Action Sharing Team) - May They Be One

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:25:00 +0000

Mornings with the Word

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

With the May They Be One (MTBO) Bible Campaign on itsthird year of making the Word of God in Scripture more accessible to people, welook at one goal that was set for this project: to help build unity throughcommunity. At the Last Supper which we remembered last Holy Thursday, Christprayed for that unity so that all may believe.

In places with a well-established basic ecclesial communitymovement, the MTBO Bibles have found their way to the hands of small groups,allowing more members to encounter the Bible in daily life and to enrich theexperience of Bible sharing. The “new way of being Church,” which began inLatin America and spread throughout many Catholic countries, is firmly set asthe basis of Philippine church life. In every generation, this new way of beingchurch is being renewed in very interesting ways.

One of these is BFAST, or Bible For Faith and Action SharingTeam, a recently launched initiative from the Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles, Pampanga.Under the leadership of Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S. David, Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando,Pampanga, and two senior lay leaders, Lucy Surla and Benny Ortega, the programhelps to bring the Bible to the front and center of parish life by emphasizinga small group context for sharing and living the Word. Launched in March 2011after several months of initial organization and formation, the programencourages interested parishioners to form teams of between 5 to 7 people whoget together for “a simple breakfast of coffee and pandesal” and for thesharing of God's Word. Pope Benedict XVI endorsed such activities in hisexhortation Verbum Domini, which was given after the Synod of Bishopssession on Scripture in the Church.

Participants register with the parish and then take part ina workshop on bible sharing. They learn about bible sharing as a way ofbuilding community with each other and with God. Using a process of reading,reflection, re-reading, and relating the Gospel of the next Sunday toparticular life experiences, members learn to connect the Good News to theirlives. The meetings conclude with prayer after another time of silence.

How does the MTBO Bible distribution project come into playhere? In order to enrich the experience of sharing God's Word, participants areurged to purchase MTBO Bibles from the parish at the subsidized cost of PHP 50.To help offset the cost of these Bibles, Lucy Surla, the head of the parish'sformation team, says that “we have started setting up collection boxes in ourchapels to raise money for MTBO.” Surprisingly, a good number of requests werefor Bibles in the Cebuano language.

The workshop is part of the formation process required ofcommunities taking part in the MTBO campaign. In addition to this, mandatedorganizations are made aware of MTBO and the initial formation process isconducted through them. Moreover, the parish holds a regular Formation Hourevery Wednesday evening where parishioners can walk in and learn more aboutScripture. Bishop David himself leads the Formation Hour on the last Wednesdayof the month.

It is too early to say how far BFAST has made an impact, butthe MTBO project itself has generated an enthusiastic response within theparish. “More people became involved [in the parish],” says Surla, “and theyare happy that they can now read the Bible. Having a Bible is something forthem.” She relates the time she found some of the boys working at Nepo Mart, alocal market, reading MTBO Bibles in their free time.

The BFAST program is just one of the ways Bible advocacy hasbecome a pastoral priority at Holy Rosary Parish. Earlier in the year, theNational Bible Week celebrations in the parish featured a full program ofactivities to raise awareness and knowledge of God's Word.

Among the activities staged within the parish was a BibleEnthronement ceremony during the main mass of the day on 23 January, and aBible collection and promotion campaign urging people to give their excessBibles to public schools and selected families in the barangay. A special dailyFormation Hour took place during the week, and the youth were involved throughcontests in story telling, poster making, and Bible verse finding. A Bibleexhibit featured different versions of Scripture in different languages andfacts and trivia about the Bible and its translations.

The culminating activity was a Bible Rally held on 5February, where a motorcade went through the streets of Angeles to promoteawareness of the Bible and the availability of MTBO Bibles at a reduced cost.Along the way, Bishop David exhorted people to purchase MTBO Bibles and becomemore engaged with God's Word. The message touched many people, and in one poorneighborhood, people were overheard saying that they were willing to forgobuying rice for a day to buy a Bible instead.

But the story is not over. Bishop David, who is alsoChairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate, mentioned inremarks given last Holy Monday to MTBO benefactors and friends that a newprogram is in store. “Our B-FAST is just a 1st gear,” the bishopsaid, “We hope to shift to a 2nd gear for a faster run after severalmonths, and we hope to call it B-RICH (Biblefor Renewal in Christ)!” Apart from that, theparish plans youth and kids' camps with a biblical focus over the summer.

This story is one of many we at the Philippine Bible Societyhave heard from recipients across the country, where more people have becomemore engaged with God's Word. Over the last few months, we have shared some ofthese in our MTBO box, and we hope that more people will learn about how thisproject is slowly but surely changing lives and communities across the country.We also hope that people will continue to support MTBO by prayer and goodstewardship.

The May They Be One Campaign empowers people to make thetreasure of Scripture their own, and it empowers the Church by building upcommunities of faith where Christians strengthen one another. Thesecommunities, we believe, will be there for people who have doubts and fears,just as the two disciples on the road to Emmaus had. And we pray that they willsee in the People of God the face of Christ who walks in their midst.

“[The disciples] said to each other, 'Wasn't it like a fireburning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures tous?'” - Luke 24:32

Ren Aguila, researcher and writer/Philippine BibleSociety

Choosing Life, Rejecting the RH Bill

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:32:00 +0000

Choosing Life, Rejecting the RH Bill Click here for Tagalog or Cebuano Translation.

(A Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines)Our Filipino Brothers and Sisters:

The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights (Art. II, Section 11). The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception (Art. II, Section 12).

Background

We begin by citing the Philippine Constitution. We do so because we intend to write you on the basis of the fundamental ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people and not on the basis of specifically Catholic religious teachings.

We are at a crossroads as a nation. Before us are several versions of a proposed bill, the Reproductive Health bill or sanitized as a Responsible Parenthood bill. This proposed bill in all its versions calls us to make a moral choice: to choose life or to choose death.

At the outset we thank the government for affording us an opportunity to express our views in friendly dialogue. Sadly our dialogue has simply revealed how far apart our respective positions are. Therefore, instead of building false hopes, we wish at the present time to draw up clearly what we object to and what we stand for.

Moral Choices at the Crossroads -- at EDSA I and Now

Twenty five years ago in 1986 we Catholic Bishops made a prophetic moral judgment on political leadership. With this prophetic declaration we believe that we somehow significantly helped open the door for EDSA I and a window of political integrity.

Today we come to a new national crossroads and we now have to make a similar moral choice. Our President rallied the country with the election cry, “Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap.” As religious leaders we believe that there is a greater form of corruption, namely, moral corruption which is really the root of all corruption. On the present issue, it would be morally corrupt to disregard the moral implications of the RH bill.

This is our unanimous collective moral judgment: We strongly reject the RH bill.

Commonly Shared Human and Cultural Values – Two Fundamental Principles

Far from being simply a Catholic issue, the RH bill is a major attack on authentic human values and on Filipino cultural values regarding human life that all of us have cherished since time immemorial.

Simply stated the RH Bill does not respect moral sense that is central to Filipino cultures. It is the product of the spirit of this world, a secularist, materialistic spirit that considers morality as a set of teachings from which one can choose, according to the spirit of the age. Some it accepts, others it does not accept. Unfortunately, we see the subtle spread of this post-modern spirit in our own Filipino society.

Our position stands firmly on two of the core principles commonly shared by all who believe in God:

(1) Human life is the most sacred physical gift with which God, the author of life, endows a human being. Placing artificial obstacles to prevent human life from being formed and being born most certainly contradicts this fundamental truth of human life. In the light of the widespread influence of the post-modern spirit in our world, we consider this position as nothing less than prophetic. As religious leaders we must proclaim this truth fearlessly in season and out of season.

(2) It is parents, cooperating with God, who bring children into the world. It is also they who have the primary inalienable right and responsibility to nurture them, care for them, and educate them that they might grow as mature persons according to the will of the Creator.

What We Specifically Object to in the RH Bill

Advocates contend that the RH bill promotes reproductive health. The RH Bill certainly does not. It does not protect the health of the sacred human life that is being formed or born. The very name “contraceptive” already reveals the anti-life nature of the means that the RH bill promotes. These artificial means are fatal to human life, either preventing it from fruition or actually destroying it. Moreover, scientists have known for a long time that contraceptives may cause cancer. Contraceptives are hazardous to a woman’s health.

Advocates also say that the RH bill will reduce abortion rates. But many scientific analysts themselves wonder why prevalent contraceptive use sometimes raises the abortion rate. In truth, contraceptives provide a false sense of security that takes away the inhibition to sexual activity. Scientists have noted numerous cases of contraceptive failure. Abortion is resorted to, an act that all religious traditions would judge as sinful. “Safe sex” to diminish abortion rate is false propaganda.

Advocates moreover say that the RH bill will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This goes against the grain of many available scientific data. In some countries where condom use is prevalent, HIV/ AIDS continues to spread. Condoms provide a false security that strongly entices individuals towards increased sexual activity, increasing likewise the incidence of HIV/AIDS. “Safe sex” to prevent HIV /AIDS is false propaganda.

Advocates also assert that the RH Bill empowers women with ownership of their own bodies. This is in line with the post-modern spirit declaring that women have power over their own bodies without the dictation of any religion. How misguided this so-called “new truth” is! For, indeed, as created by God our bodies are given to us to keep and nourish. We are stewards of our own bodies and we must follow God’s will on this matter according to an informed and right conscience. Such a conscience must certainly be enlightened and guided by religious and moral teachings provided by various religious and cultural traditions regarding the fundamental dignity and worth of human life.

Advocates also say that the RH bill is necessary to stop overpopulation and to escape from poverty. Our own government statistical office has concluded that there is no overpopulation in the Philippines but only the over-concentration of population in a number of urban centers. Despite other findings to the contrary, we must also consider the findings of a significant group of renowned economic scholars, including economic Nobel laureates, who have found no direct correlation between population and poverty. In fact, many Filipino scholars have concluded that population is not the cause of our poverty. The causes of our poverty are: flawed philosophies of development, misguided economic policies, greed, corruption, social inequities, lack of access to education, poor economic and social services, poor infrastructures, etc. World organizations estimate that in our country more than P400 billion pesos are lost yearly to corruption. The conclusion is unavoidable: for our country to escape from poverty, we have to address the real causes of poverty and not population.

In the light of the above, we express our clear objections:

1. We object to the non-consideration of moral principles, the bedrock of law, in legislative discussions of bills that are intended for the good of individuals and for the common good.

2. We are against the anti-life, anti-natal and contraceptive mentality that is reflected in media and in some proposed legislative bills.

3. We object strongly to efforts at railroading the passage of the RH bill.

4. We denounce the over-all trajectory of the RH bill towards population control.

5. We denounce the use of public funds for contraceptives and sterilization.

6. We condemn compulsory sex education that would effectively let parents abdicate their primary role of educating their own children, especially in an area of life – sexuality – which is a sacred gift of God.

What We Stand For

On this matter of proposed RH bills, these are our firm convictions:

1. We are deeply concerned about the plight of the many poor, especially of suffering women, who are struggling for a better life and who must seek it outside of our country, or have recourse to a livelihood less than decent.

2. We are pro-life. We must defend human life from the moment of conception or fertilization up to its natural end.

3. We believe in the responsible and natural regulation of births through Natural Family Planning for which character building is necessary which involves sacrifice, discipline and respect for the dignity of the spouse.

4. We believe that we are only stewards of our own bodies. Responsibility over our own bodies must follow the will of God who speaks to us through conscience.

5. We hold that on the choices related to the RH bill, conscience must not only be informed but most of all rightly guided through the teachings of one’s faith.

6. We believe in the freedom of religion and the right of conscientious objection in matters that are contrary to one’s faith. The sanctions and penalties embodied in the proposed RH bill are one more reason for us to denounce it.

Our Calls

As religious leaders we have deeply and prayerfully reflected on this burning issue. We have unanimously made the moral judgment – to reject the RH agenda and to choose life.

1. We call for a fundamental transformation of our attitudes and behavior towards all human life especially the most defenseless, namely, human life being formed or being conceived. The cheapness with which many seem to consider human life is a great bane to our religious-oriented nation.

2. We call upon our legislators to consider the RH bill in the light of the God-given dignity and worth of human life and, therefore, to shelve it completely as contrary to our ideals and aspirations as a people. We thank our legislators who have filed bills to defend human life from the moment of conception and call upon all other legislators to join their ranks.

3. We thank the great multitude of lay people all over the country, and particularly the dedicated groups who made their presence felt in the halls of Congress, to defend and promote our position. We call upon other lay people and adherents of other religions to join the advocacy to defend and promote our commonly shared ideals and aspirations.

4. We call on our government to address effectively the real causes of poverty such as corruption, lack of social and economic services, lack of access to education and the benefits of development, social inequities.

5. We call for the establishment of more hospitals and clinics in the rural areas, the deployment of more health personnel to provide more access to health services, the building of more schools, the provision of more aid to the poor for education, and the building of more and better infrastructures necessary for development.

6. We echo the challenge we prophetically uttered 25 years ago at EDSA I and call upon all people of good will who share our conviction: “…let us pray together, reason together, decide together, act together, always to the end that the truth prevail” over the many threats to human life and to our shared human and cultural values.

We commend our efforts against the RH bill (or the Responsible Parenthood bill – its new name) to the blessing of our almighty and loving God, from whom all life comes and for whom it is destined.

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

+NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, D.D.

Bishop of Tandag

President, CBCP

January 30, 2011

2nd National Biblical Apostolate Workshop in Myanmar - "A NEW PENTECOST"

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

“A NEW PENTECOST” The 2ndNational Biblical Apostolate Workshop in Myanmar

By: Sister Tammy

A “New Pentecost” this was theimpression and feelings of all people present during the 2nd National BiblicalApostolate Workshop in Chanthagone, Mandalay, Myanmar onMarch 6-7, 2011!

It is amazing that in spite ofthe fact that the workshop was canceled last year due to the National Electionthat was held right in one of the days that the workshop was to be held,people’s enthusiasm for the Biblical Awareness Festival and Workshop neverweakened. The preparation from each diocese became intensive when they heardthat the Bishops’ Conference had re scheduled the event on March 1-7, 2011.When we planned this event in September 2009, we only expected less than 100official delegates and about two hundred extra people to witness the BiblicalAwareness Festival. But one week before the opening of the event, I heard fromdiocese to diocese coming to Chanthgone in big numbers by trains, boats andbuses. On the whole there were about 600 people came for the Biblical Festivaland the official delegates were 110. There were three Archbishops and fiveBishops came as resource persons and for other functions.

On March 1, 2011 the firstactivity was the Scripture Rosary Tableau. People experienced for the firsttime a prayerful way of praying the Rosary centered on Scripture reading of themysteries of the rosary with a live tableau on every mystery followed bymeditation. They were touched by the solemnity of it and on how those whoperformed the tableau did it so well like statues on the stage with onlyspotlight focused on the scene. They carried with them the message of each mysteriesin their hearts with the challenge each mystery to ponder on and live in theirlives.

March 2, 2011- The early morningmass was officiated by Archbishop Charles Bo and after Breakfast, the BiblicalAwareness Festival began with a short Scripture reading followed by a talk fromthe Chairman of the Episcopal Apostolate, Bishop Basilio and all BiblicalCompetition contestants were blessed by all the Bishops present. There were 11 diocesecompeted for Bible Quiz, Written and Oral, Biblical Song, Drama and booth Tableaucompetitions. All participants presented their parts professionally and carriedthe message of the Scripture texts relevant to the day to day living touchingthe hearts of all people present, the Biblical presentations, as theyperformers did themselves. It was unbelievable how each diocese have done sowell exhibiting their talents and creativity and how they themselves have internalizedthe message of the scripture they portrayed inmany different ways.

March 3, 2011 – The Formalopening of the workshop began with a solemn enthronement of the Bible andEucharistic Celebration officiated by Archbishop Paul Grawng, the Host dioceseof the 2nd National Biblical Apostolate Workshop, concelebrated by six Bishops(as the two other Bishops had left due to health problem, and to attend to adiocesan function), and around over thirty priests. The whole celebration was worthremembering by all present. All Ethnic groups have been recognized by theirnative costumes, and their participations: the prayers of the faithful wereprayed in their own Ethnic language and at the offertory each diocese offeredtheir symbols of their diocese accompanied by explanation of the symbols andspecial prayers for their diocese. Out of 16 dioceses 15 dioceses participated.

Then after breakfast, a series ofconferences were delivered as in the pictures attached. It was an historicalevent as we are fortunate to have the official documents of the Synod of Bishopsused by most of the speakers as reference for their topics. Sister Tammyprinted the book in time for the workshop. Having heard all the talks, peoplelistening to the speakers felt their hearts were burning for the Word of Godand have realized how the Bible is important in all aspects of Christian lifeand faith.

March 4-6, 2011 – The officialWorkshop where delegates tackle by diocese, Archdiocese and interest groups themessage and challenge each conference posed to them in the context of Myanmar Church. At the end of the workshop, theywere able to produce a statement and recommendations, the fruit of theirreflections and discussion during the workshop. Sister Tammy being theappointee by CBCM as National Coordinator for Biblical Pastoral Ministry willread the statement and recommendations to the Bishops’ Conference in June 2011.Many of the delegates were delighted and grateful to God to be part of historyin the promotion of the Word of God in the field of Biblical Pastoral Ministryin Myanmar.

Some delegates went home thenight of the 6th March by trains and buses back to their respective diocese while others left on the 7thMarch. All were excited going home to sharetheir experiences with their Bishops, parishioners and communities. It wasindeed a New Pentecost for Myanmarin the field of the Biblical Pastoral Ministry.

Praise the Lord!

SVD ASPAC BIBLICAL APOSTLATE (BA) COORDINATORS? ASSEMBLY

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:57:00 +0000

NAGOYA STATEMENT 2011

SVD ASPAC BIBLICAL APOSTLATE (BA) COORDINATORS’ ASSEMBLY

Nagoya, Japan, 16-22 March 2011

Seventeen confreres from SIN, JPN,KOR, VIE, PNG, AUS, IDE, IDR, IDJ, INC, INH, INM, and ING, plus the GeneralateCoordinator of the Biblical Apostolate, Fr. Lukas Jua and the ASPAC ZonalCoordinator, Fr. Bill Burt, participated in the Assembly. Fr. Jua gave thekey-note address, “Biblical Apostolate at the Service of Interculturality”. Healso gave a presentation on Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation “Verbum Domini”.Fr. Burt, in the absence of BA Zonal Coordinator, chaired the Assembly. Unfortunatelyrepresentatives from the Philippineswere unable to attend. Their presence was missed.

The Assembly took place just afew days after a violent earthquake and tsunami caused great havoc in the northeast of Japan.While Nagoyaitself was not directly affected, the disaster was very much in the minds andprayers of all.

The purpose of the Assembly wasthreefold:

1) to share experiences in the Biblical Apostolate,

2) to formulate an action plan at the zonal level,

3) to contribute to the 2012 General Chapter theme.

The reports from all over theZone that were tabled and presented are evidence of the vitality of theBiblical Apostolate in ASPAC. They show that in every province and region theBible truly is at the heart of our lives as SVDs and in the diverse forms ofour mission. We recognized though, that interculturality still needs to beenhanced in our communities (ad intra).

Reviewing the statement of theprevious ASPAC BA Coordinators’ Assembly held in Baguio, Philippines2007, it was felt that generally we have been faithful to the commitments madeby the Coordinators at that meeting. These commitments reflect ourdetermination to witness to the word in the spirit of prophetic dialogue inpractical ways.

Here in Nagoya three areas of BA ministry wereidentified:

1) education, formation, research

2) pastoral, liturgical

3) social.

In line with current SVD mission fromthe four categories of dialogue partners we identify youth as our preferentialdialogue partner in ASPAC. We then decided to focus our common ASPAC BA actionplan on “Sharing Intercultural Life and Missionwith the Youth of ASPAC”. Different groupings of provinces and regions weregiven the task of developing specific modules regarding youth ministry in theirareas, each in accord with their circumstances. These must be put into practiceby the respective provinces and regions. They must be reviewed and evaluated. Atime frame for this process was set:

March 2011 – June 2012:Preparation of modules and implementation at the local level.

June 2012 – March 2013: Review,evaluation and sharing throughout the Zone.

March 2013 – March 2014: Finaldraft of modules to be presented at the next BA Zonal Assembly.

The focus of AUS and JPN will be on secular Youth, the India Subzone on Hindu Youth,the Indo-Leste on Muslim Youth, PNG and KOR on Protestant Youth, VIE onBuddhist and Communist Youth, SIN on technoculture Youth, and the PhilippineSubzone on the poor and marginalized Youth. For the action plan of these groupsfrom March 2011 to June 2012 please see the minutes.

By committing ourselves toimplementing this zonal action plan, we hope that we can make a significantcontribution to the 2012 General Chapter theme. The future of the world is inthe hands of the youth. We, the ASPAC BA Coordinators turn to the youth as ourpartners, sharing in the intercultural life and mission of the People of God inAsia Pacific.

In conclusion, we thank theProvincial of Japan, Fr. Hideaki Ichise and all our SVD – JPN hosts for theirhospitality and support. At this time of suffering and national uncertainty dueto the natural disaster, Japan Province’s willingness tobe of service to us has been exemplary.

Nagoya, 21 March 2011

Letter of Support of Cardinal Kurt Koch - MTBO

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:47:00 +0000