C1Vol. 17 No. 04February 18 - March 3, 2013

CBCP Monitor

The CrossA Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

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KCFAPI, KC Phl laud Pope's humility, couragePope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down is in no way a surrendering to the scandals and vital issues that have hounded the Church in recent years but a humble and un-selfish acceptance of his own mortal incapacities brought about by advancing age and ailments, said Guillermo N. Hernandez, president of the Knights of Columbus Frater-nal Association of the Philip-pines, Inc. (KCFAPI).

“This [Pope’s resignation] took a lot of courage, humility, and strength for him to do so and go against centuries-old practices and tradition on the term

of Office of the Pope,” Hernandez said in a statement released on February 18.

He added that the Pope did it for what he believed will redound to the best interest of the Catholic Church and its 1.1 billion faithful.

He urged the various entities under the KCFAPI umbrella, its management and employees and support staff, its Area Managers and Fraternal Counsel-ors, and its Stakeholders particularly the Benefit Certificate Holders to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance especially during the Conclave when a new pope is elected.

“In behalf of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. we would like to convey our un-equivocal support to His Holiness’ deci-sion and wish and pray that he recovers

soon from the physical frailties afflicting him. Let us join our hands and prayer for the new Pope that he may lead the Catholic Church towards renewal as demanded by the new Evangelization,” Hernandez furthered.

Meanwhile, the Knights of Co-lumbus in the Philippines expressed support to the call of Supreme Knight Carl Anderson to say a prayer for Pope Benedict, for the Church, and for the future Pope.

“The Knights of Columbus-Luzon Ju-risdiction was saddened by the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign from the Papal Office effective February 28. We would like to express our trust and re-spect for this decision because of his fail-ing strength due to an advanced age,” said Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap.

The latter encouraged every councils in Luzon to conduct vigils and pray for Pope Benedict XVI’s good health and sound mind as he spend the rest of his life in solitude.

“We would like to enjoin all councils to conduct their activities focusing on Pope Benedict XVI and remind their members to offer their individual prayers and sacrifices in support of his decision to leave the papacy,” Yap added.

The Visayas Jurisdiction also ex-pressed support to the decision of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to retire as Head of the Catholic Church.

“He has been kind and compassion-ate to the Knights of Columbus and to its advocacies. His friendship with the Order has gained greater impact to the

members of the Knights of Columbus in the grassroots level. As we face another milestone in our Church history, we join in prayer and solidarity with the entire Catholic Community as we prepare for the election of a new Pope who will lead our Church in this challenging time,” said Visayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorongon.

The 435,000 strong members and families of the Knights of Columbus in the Mindanao Jurisdiction join the whole world in sorrow on the decision of the Pontiff to step down as head of the Catholic Church.

“The Knights of Mindanao expressed admiration and gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI for his humility, courage, sincerity and heroic act in resigning to

FBG appoints new Area Managers

LAST January 22, the Fra-ternal Benefits Group an-nounced the appointment of new Area Managers: Florencio M. Laparan of Metro Manila Blazers (MMB1) covering the cities of Pasig, Pateros and Taguig; Danilo T. Carungay of Metro Manila Excellence

(MME1) covering Marikina City and the whole province of Rizal; and Hans Joseph T. Hernandez of Southwest-ern Mindanao Los Caballeros (SWM1) covering the city of Zamboanga and the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Fraternal Benefits Group

also assigned new area code and alpha code to all fraternal counselors.

VP - FBG Gari M. San Se-bastian urged fellow brother knights to support and ex-tend cooperation onto their new Area Managers. (FBG News)

FBG holds Luzon AMs Meeting

Proclaiming and Celebrating Faith. Officials of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) headed by its President, Guillermo N. Hernandez together with the Area Managers in Luzon during their meeting held at the Heritage Hotel in Manila last January 16 – 17, 2013.

THE Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) of the Knights of Colum-bus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) led the Luzon Area Managers’ Meeting themed “Proclaiming and Cel-ebrating Faith” on January 16 and 17 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila.

FBG Vice President Gari M. San Sebastian guided the par-

ticipants on Sales Performance and Productivity, Evaluation, Analysis and Monitoring while Fraternal Benefits Services De-partment Manager Michael Cabra presented the plans and programs such as the recruit-ment, training, and eventual li-censing of Fraternal Counselors.

Strategic action per area, ori-

entation of incentive programs, summary and submission of reports, and signing of AMs con-tract were also discussed during the meeting.

Also present during the meet-ing were KCFAPI President Guill-ermo N. Hernandez and KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia. (FBG News)

Lay Catholics voice gratitude for 'inspired' PopeP R O M I N E N T l a y Catholics reacted with surprise and sorrow to Pope Benedict XVI's an-nouncement that he will resign the papacy, but they praised his Chris-tian life and service to the Catholic Church.

S u p r e m e K n i g h t Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus underscored Catholics' thoughts and prayers

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson

KCFAPI Legal Manager

KCFAPI FBS Manager

are with Pope Benedict in his remaining days in office.

“We wish him all the best in his retirement,” Anderson said. “In addition, we pray for all those cardinals who will take part in the conclave, and for his successor, that God may inspire them as they carry out the mission with which they are

entrusted.”On Feb. 11, Pope Benedict an-

nounced that he would resign from his duties on Feb. 28, citing “advanced age” and deteriorat-ing strength. The consistory of cardinals he had convoked will serve as a papal conclave.

Anderson said the Pope

Pope / C2

Gratitude / C3

MR. Michael P. Cabra or Migz as he is fondly called, graduated from Don Bosco Seminary College with a de-gree of Bachelor of Science in Education major in English and Literature minor in Val-ues Education and Library Science.

Prior to joining the Associa-tion, he already has with him 1 year of work experience in the field of Human Resource, 8 years in the field of Training and 20 years of work experi-ence in the Academe field.

As a Fraternal Benefits Manager, he is in-charge of overseeing marketing sup-

port services provided to the sales force which include FC recruitment and accredita-tion, FC sales training and development, FC incentives and promotions, and new product development.

ATTY. Neil Jerome A. Rapatan or Xenon as he is fondly called, graduated from University of the Philippines – Tacloban with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences major in Psychology. He finished his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of San Carlos in 2009. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar on April 29, 2010 after his first take of Bar Examination in 2009. He is mar-ried to Sandra Mae C. Rapatan and is blessed with a five-year old son.

As an experienced lawyer, he has knowledge in different aspects of legal work such as corporate, litigation, pleading and civil service.

As the new Legal Manager, he is responsible in providing support primarily legal and para-legal services to the As-sociation, the Board of Trustees and the majority and wholly-owned companies.

Pope Benedict XVI

The CrossC2 Vol. 17 No. 04February 18 - March 3, 2013

CBCP Monitor

Hilario G. Davide, Jr.

Guillermo N. Hernandez

Chairman’s Message

President’s Message

The Cause for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJEMULATING the virtues that bespeak of sanctity of a person, like Father George J. Willmann, is what we need today to draw us into a deeper living out of the fullest meaning of our Catholic Faith in the context of increasing secularism. Thus, we believe, is one of the most important objec-tives in initiating the Cause of the good Father George.

As prescribed by the Congre-

gation for Causes of Saints in Rome, a person may be elevated to the honors of the altar if he has lived up to a “heroic” degree of the supernatural virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temper-ance. We believe that Father Willmann practiced them all to an exceptional degree.

In order to establish and wid-

en the fame of Sanctity of Father Willmann, may we call on all Brother Knights, their families and friends to respond to the following appeal:

• Submission of testimonies on Fr. Willmann’s heroic virtues;

• Recitation of Prayer for his Beatification in private and dur-ing K of C meetings and affairs;

• Invocation of his interces-sion in our prayers;

• Submission of Reports on answered prayers through the intercession of Father Willmann;

• Visitation of his tomb in the Sacred Heart Novitiate Cem-etery, Novaliches, Quezon City.

• Membership to Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows.

This is a challenge for all of us Knights of Columbus members, who dearly love Father George J. Willmann, SJ.

Prayer for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJLORD God, look down upon us, your children, who are trying to serve You with all our hearts, in our beloved land, the Philippines. Deign to raise Fr. George J. Will-mann, of the Society of Jesus, to the honors of the altar.

He is the wise, strong, cheerful, dauntless model that all of our Filipino men need in this new era, in this new millennium. He was your Knight, Your gentle warrior, especially in his ministry with the Knights of Columbus.

A man leading other men, in the war of good against evil, in the war of the Gospel of Life against the Culture of Death. Make him the lamp on the lamp stand giving light to all in the house.

Make him the city set on the mountain, which cannot be hid, so that all of us may learn from his courage, his integrity, his in-domitable spirit in the struggle to lead men to God, and to bring God to man. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE theme of The Cross for February 2013 is focused on the significance of the month and on Valentine, the Saint of Lovers, a martyr for our Faith in the third century in Rome. The long and short of it is that the second month of the year is the month of Love and, therefore, for lovers. That Love goes beyond its popular identification with what is romantic. It is the love that St. Valentine courageously fought and blessed for the man and the woman who wished to unite in married love despite the prohibition imposed by the Govern-ment in his time. Love is God's most special gift. Our Lord Jesus Christ says in his faith, hope and love discourse (1 Cor-inthians 13): “At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three. But the greatest of this is Love.” It is the most precious gift because as He begins this discourse He pronounces: “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” God is Love and love in marriage is God-ordained for it establishes a cov-enant with the couples to be God's partners in the beauty of creation as He forms in the womb His child. In this regard, any anti-life policy, such as the RH Bill, violates this covenant.

The Valentine’s Day then in 2013 poses to us greater chal-lenges. For, first, the fight against the anti-life provisions of the RH law must not stop. Second, our protection and defense of marriage as an inviolable social institution and the foundation of the family as mandated by Section 2 of Article XV of our Constitution must be unrelenting because the forces against it are getting uglier. We should never forget that under Section 1 of this Article, the Filipino family is the foundation of the na-tion and the State is mandated to strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development. Break the marriage and the family will be broken; break the family and the nation will fall. Only love can maintain marriage and the family and, ultimately, the nation. Third, we are now in our journey in the Year of Faith and in the New Evangelization. Only love under the guidance of the Holy Spirit can sustain us without tiring or weakening in the journey. Only love can make us brothers and families in the Knights of Columbus in the three Jurisdictions in the Philippines authentic advocates and instruments of the Year of Faith and of the New Evangelization.

Remember: “Some love lasts a lifetime. True love lasts forever.”Happy Valentine's Day of Two Zero One Three.VIVAT JESUS.

RARELY does it happen that Ash Wednesday would fall on the eve of Valentine’s day. Although this may on the surface appear incongruent in the manner and mood of celebration, the 2 events are actually in solidarity in the Spirit of Love. Valentine’s is a fitting occasion to manifest the love of a cou-ple for each other, and Ash Wednesday which marks the start of the season of Lent covers the Greatest Love Story of all --- our Lord Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for mankind. The lat-ter in fact should be the very basis of a person’s love… always seeking what is good for the other without expecting anything in return, and ready to make the sacrifice. It is easier said than done though given the temporal things that surround us in our daily lives. That is why we need to have the Lord at the very center of our relationship with our respective spouses to be able to succeed in marriage. Some call it love triangle or a love offering where the relationship is and will always be “with the Lord”.

Brother Knights, for this beautiful month of Love, let us all greet one another especially “ang mga kabiyak natin sa puso pati na ang mga anak at mahal sa buhay ng isang mainit at nag-uumapaw na Mahal Kita sa ngalan at pag-ibig ng Ating Panginoon”.

Vivat Jesus!

Luzon holds 2 Charter Presentations in Commonwealth Ave. Q.C.

THE Luzon Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines conducted a simultaneous Charter Presentation in 2 areas in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City last January 13.

Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap pre-sented the Charter Certificate of Kristong Hari Council 15481 at the NGC (National Government Center) Commonwealth, Quezon City to its Charter Grand Knight Wilson B. Umbac in a simple ceremony

held before the start of the regular par-ish community Mass at the Kristong Hari Parish.

The presentation was participated in by the Parish Priest and Council Chaplain Fr. James Netollama.

On the same day, the Luzon Deputy also presented the Charter Certificate of the Mabuting Pastol Council 15554 in Commonwealth, Quezon City to Charter Grand Knight Henry G. Pacon in a simple

ceremony held at the Mabuting Pastol Parish in Barangay Commonwealth.

The presentation was participated in by Parish Priest and Council Chaplain Fr. Pedrito M. Penaranda, CICM.

The Luzon Jurisdiction acknowledged State Community Director Romulo B. Estrella and District Deputy Manuel R. Cabungcal of District N35 as organizers of Council 15481 and Council 15554, respec-tively. (LuzonNews)

KCMC 1000 holds Movie Festival 2013

THE Knights of Columbus Ma-nila Council 1000 is organizing a movie festival to raise funds for church-related projects.

Headed by Grand Knight An-tonio T. Hernandez, the movie festival is slated on weekends of the whole month of February.

According to Council 1000

Chancellor Jun Florendo, the project aims to raise funds for their church activities.

“All movies are PG 13 and movie goers may get their tickets at the KCMC 1000 Office in Intra-muros, Manila,” Florendo said.

Shown last February 2 were “The Notebook” (free admission

3 pm -4:30 pm) and “The Rite” (5 pm-6:30 pm); February 9, “500 Days of Summer” (3 pm-4:30 pm) and “Serendipity” (5 pm-6:30 pm); February 16, “Love Actually” (3 pm-4:30 pm) and “Before the Sunset” (5 pm-6:30 pm).

On the last day of the movie festival, February 23, movie go-

ers may watch “The Blind Side” at 3 pm-4:30 pm and “Juno” at 5 pm-6:30 pm.

Ticket cost is only P 20.00/per movie. A discounted price of P30.00 will be given for those who wish to avail of 2 movie screenings on the same date. (KC News)

Enjoy a movie and support a project.

FIFTY-SEVEN District Deputies from the National Capital Region (Diocese of Imus, Malolos and San Pablo, Laguna) attended the District Deputies’ Meeting last January 24. Twelve State Officers were also present during the meeting.

State Treasurer Joseph P. Teodoro started the program with a welcome remarks and opening prayer.

State Program Director Bonifacio B. Marti-nez on the other hand discussed the Annual Walk for Life scheduled on March 16, 2013

and received pledges of 3,000 attendees from 10 Dioceses. He also discussed the details of Renewal of Marriage Vows/Valentine’s party at that time.

There were 291 pledges to attend the Luzon State Convention on April 27 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel.

“The District Deputies were also reminded to donate P500 per council for the Disaster Relief Operation,” said Luzon Deputy Ar-senio Isidro Yap.

Meanwhile, State Membership Recruit-

ment Chairman Conrado Dator, Jr. made a report on membership status. He also reminded the District Deputies about the reports that are due for submission.

State New Council Development Chair-man Efren Mendoza made an update on new councils and talked about the status of council reactivation.

State Spiritual Formation Chairman Luis Adriano Jr. reminded the DDs to use the Year of Faith CD given last Midyear Meet-ing. (LuzonNews)

NCR holds District Deputies’ Meeting

Charter Presentation

Last January 26, Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan presented the Charter Certificate of Nuestra Senora de la Leche Council 15549 Bulihan, Silang, Cavite to its Charter Grand Knight Bibiano T. Serwelas in a ceremony held after the Fraternal Mass at the Nuestra Senora de la Leche Parish Church. The presentation was participated in by Parish Priest and Council Chaplain Fr. Ariel A. delos Reyes, State New Council Development Chairman Efren V. Mendoza and Regional Membership Chairman Nonilon Ayon. FDD Modesto P. Marayag developed the council and District Deputy Gilbert G. Amadure of I-39 led the installation of the officers. (LuzonNews)

First Degree Exemplification

The K of C Council 15139 held their 1st Degree Exemplification (CY-12-13) last January 6 at the Co. 15139 Chamber, Maywood Village 2, KM 18 Parañaque City. Eleven members were exemplified by the council headed by Grand Knight Walter Barrios. (KCNews)

give other Cardinals a chance to become Pope. We rally the Mindanao Knights to pray fervently for Benedict XVI and the Cardinal Fathers who will elect a new Pope in the coming conclave,” said Mindanao Deputy Balbino Fauni.

The Knights of Columbus orderwide has launched a prayer campaign during Papal transition on February 15.

The prayer was written by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore and it reads…

"O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church,

we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI

and the selfless care with which he has led us

as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church

on the rock of Peter's faithand have never left Your flock untended,look with love upon us now,and sustain Your Church in faith, hope,

and charity.Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love

for us,a new Pope for Your Churchwho will please You by his holinessand lead us faithfully to You,who are the same yesterday, today, and

forever.Amen.""Until a new pope is elected, we ask

Catholics worldwide to pledge to say this prayer daily for Pope Benedict, for the church, and for our future pope, and to encourage their friends and families to do the same," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. (KC News)

Pope / C1

Charter Presentations of Kristong Hari Council 15481 (left) and Mabuting Pastol Council 15554 (right).

The CrossCBCP MonitorVol. 17 No. 04February 18 - March 3, 2013

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Law in Layman’s Term

Encountering the Living ChristOnly an encounter with Jesus can inspire authentic Christian witness in a spirit of charity and unity

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KC News Briefs

Atty. Neil Jerome A. Rapatan

“Marriage, the foundation of family life”

IN every romantic relationship, it is ines-capable that couples would dream to spend life together. As a realization of this dream, couples marry each other and begin to start a family life. While it is by mutual agreement that couples marry each other, it is more than an ordinary contract wherein parties can dictate or negotiate its terms and con-ditions. It is a special contract wherein the terms, conditions, and obligations are clearly defined by law.

Our Constitution declares that marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foun-dation of the family and shall be protected by the State. (Article XV, Section 2).The Family Code further defines marriage as a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements

may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code. (Article 1)

While marriage is a result of mutual un-derstanding and agreement of the contract-ing parties, its existence and consequences is governed by law. This means that, by entering in a contract of marriage, the parties also agree to abide with the laws governing this special contract. This includes the obliga-tions of the parties to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, and render mutual help and support. (Article 68, Family Code). These obligations are only natural consequence of agreeing to live together under one roof. In a larger sense, being natural obligations, these do not even need to be required by law, but is expected of us as human beings who are capable of entering into a meaningful relationship.

Moreover, it has been repeatedly stressed that marriage is not just an ordinary agree-ment or contract, but an institution. It is the foundation of family; while the family is

the foundation of the nation. In layman’s term, every couple who enters the contract of marriage is expected to contribute to na-tion building. This may only be achieved by being responsible husbands and wives to each other, and responsible parents to their children.

Similar to the family as an institution, whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipu-lation, marriage may only be entered into in accordance with, and within the bounds of the law. Thus, under the law, marriage may only be entered into by “a man and a woman”. As the law is written, marriage cannot be entered into by parties who are both men, or both women.

With these sacred aspirations of family life and nation building enshrined in our Constitution, our lawmakers deemed it necessary that the state, or the government, does not only have interest in this important social institution, but an obligation to protect the same.

Council 9636 donates P50k for Luzon’s relief operationFORMER Distr ic t Deputy Rodolfo Salanga of Council 9636 of Philamlife Village, Las Pinas City together with their Council Officers donated P50,000 to the Luzon Jurisdic-tion for the Typhoon Relief Operations last January 10, 2013.

Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap personally received the

check brought by FDD Salanga. The Luzon Jurisdiction al-

ready sent last December 2012 a total amount of P100,000 cash donations to the Mindanao Juris-diction for their typhoon “Pablo” relief operations.

A list of other donors will be summarized in a separate report, according to the Luzon Jurisdic-tion. (KCNews)

Spiritual Formation training held in Cabanatuan

THE State Spiritual Formation Team held a Spiritual Forma-tion training in Cabanatuan last January 26.

The Formation Team was headed by Chairman Luis A. Adriano Jr. together with State Culture of Life Director Ted Sandoval, Regional Membership Chairman Aurelio Caparas and Past Grand Knight Ruben Cruz.

Around 45 aspiring KC spiri-tual formators from the Dioceses of Cabanatuan, San Jose, Prela-ture of Infanta and Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan partici-pated in the spiritual formation training.

The team was hosted by Region-al Membership Chairman Manuel Naldoza and District Deputy Gil Dindo Berrino. (KC News)

Brother Knights in Cabanatuan listen attentively to the speakers during the spiritual formation training held on January 26.

STATE Culture of Life Chairman Teodulo C. Sandoval represented the K of C Luzon Jurisdiction in the launching of Catholic Vote Philippines held at Makati Sports Club, Makati City. Various NGO’s/Catholic Lay Organizations have bonded together to pledge their support to “Catholic Vote” which aims to promote more active participation of Catholic people in politics which includes but is not limited to membership in election watchdogs groups such as NAMFREL and PPCRV. State Liason Officer Albino Sy and State Church Director Vicente Ortega and his wife Pearl also attended the said event. (KCNews)

K of C Luzon State Formators Alfredo Ocampo, Tim Acedo, and Jordan Villanueva conducted a prison evangelization program at Taguig City Jail on February 4 which was followed by a feeding program for the inmates. Photo above shows the Spiritual Formators with their respective Certificates of Appreciation given by the Taguig City Jail Administration. (KCNews)

NORTHERN and Western Samar held a joint Provincial Conference in Catarman, Samar last January 18. It was attended by 52 registered delegates, mostly Distr ict Deputies, Council Officers, and members. A brief GK and FS training were held as part of the program. On the following day, the Central and Northern Samar held the same event in Salcedo, Samar which was attended by 102 registered delegates most-ly, District Deputies, Council Officers, and members. In both Provincial Conferences, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorongon and State Secretary Anthony P. Nazario graced the affair.

THE Knights of Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction finalized the holding of the Visayas State Con-vention. It will be held in Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran, Bohol on May 18-19, 2013. The State Officers will be expecting some visitors from the Supreme Office, from the KCFAPI and other State Officers from Luzon and Mindanao.

THE annual Walk for Life will be held on March 16. All Brother Knights and their families are en-couraged to participate on the annual rally for life.

THE Manila Council 1000’s “Renewal of Marriage Vows 2013” was held last February 17, at 8:00 am at the KCMC Gymnasium, Intramuros, Manila.

THE St. Joseph Co.11131 of the Knights of Columbus-Visayas Jurisdiction had a “Daygon” in Pototan. Proceeds were donated to the vic-tims of Typhoon Pablo in Comptostela Valley in Mindanao.

THE Knights of Columbus Council 10964 built a marker/monument for the Unborn Child in Mogpog, Marinduque led by Grand Knight Lino Los Baños.

OUR Lady of Miraculous Medal Circle is a newly established youth counterpart of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Council 13538. Deputy Grand Knight Jun Lais encouraged the local youth to join the circle.

“worked so hard in leading the Church” and has always been “such a good friend” to the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fra-ternal charitable order with over 1.8 million members worldwide.

John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, said the Washington, D.C. university is “surprised and saddened.” He called the Pope “a faithful, charitable and inspired leader of the Church” and “a lover of Jesus Christ.”

“He has been a public figure of consider-able importance, reminding the world of the inviolable dignity of the human person, and the call of the Gospel to charity.”

Garvey said the Pope helped deepen Catholics' understanding of Catholic educa-tion and the role of the Catholic educator. He said the university will particularly treasure his April 17, 2008 visit to the campus.

“We will continue to reflect with grati-tude on his papacy which has been a gift to The Catholic University of America, to the church, and to the world,” Garvey added.

Maureen Ferguson, a senior policy advi-sor with the D.C.-based group The Catholic Association, reflected that the Pope is step-ping down “out of love for the Church and

her needs.”“Pope Benedict XVI will be remembered

as a profound theologian who encouraged a love for the person of Jesus Christ, and as a reformer who confronted scandal head on and has left the Church with the strongest child protection policies of any institution in the United States,” she said.

Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association, voiced gratitude for Pope Benedict’s leadership and his “profound commitment to Christ and the Church.” She said the resignation is “an act of great humility.”

“Benedict XVI will be remembered as a profound theologian who strengthened Christianity worldwide especially in the West, and as a great reformer who appointed faithful and courageous shepherds who will continue his legacy.”

Charles Coulombe, a Catholic historian and writer from Los Angeles, told CNA he was “very unhappy” about the resignation.

“I think he’s been the best Pope in my lifetime. And I think that there’s a great loss to us all on levels,” he said Feb. 11. “On the other hand, looking at what he faces, I can understand why he did it.”

He noted the stresses of overseeing or-dinary life of the Church, as in the “very strenuous” upcoming Holy Week celebra-tions. On the political front, there are loom-ing clashes with the U.S., French and Irish governments over religious freedom, the redefinition of marriage and abortion. The Holy See also continues to seek peace amid turmoil in the Middle East.

Coulombe said news of the resignation for him felt like “a kick in the head.”

“But as the hours have gone by, and I let myself think about it, I have to believe he knows what he’s doing.” He said Pope Benedict had “a very ambitious program for the Church,” especially in working towards Church unity.

The historian reflected on how the pontiff “faced a great deal of opposition within the ranks” on some initiatives, like the apostolic letter “Summorum Pontificum” that allowed wider celebration of the Latin-language Tridentine Mass.

“He opened the door for a lot of really, really good things. And I suspect he’s hop-ing his successor will have the vigor and the strength to push them through,” Coulombe said. (CNA/EWTN News)

Gratitude / C1

By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

LAST December, the Knights of Columbus was privileged to join the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in sponsor-ing a historic meeting at the Vatican. Held to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops for America, the meet-ing brought together partici-pants from throughout North and South America to address questions concerning the future of the Catholic Church in our hemisphere.

Blessed Pope John Paul II had called for the 1997 synod to ad-dress “the problems of the new evangelization” under the theme “Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ: The Way to Conversion, Communion and Solidarity in America.” Two years later, the pope issued his apostolic exhorta-tion, Ecclesia in America, in order to integrate the work of the synod

more fully into his pastoral minis-try and magisterial teaching. The document provided a blueprint for the new evangelization as the Church approached the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

In my address on the opening day of the meeting in December, I stated that to carry out the work of the new evangelization we must acknowledge that we confront a new situation in our hemisphere: Although great majorities of people still consider themselves Christian, many who profess a familiarity with Christ are at the same time ignorant of him. This often results in a mis-characterization of Christ and of the Church’s mission.

In his address to the meeting Dec. 9, Pope Benedict XVI took up this very issue by stressing the continued importance of the synod’s theme—the encounter with the living Jesus Christ—to the variety of problems confront-ing us today.

“All these important questions

require careful study,” he said. “Yet in addition to their technical evaluation, the Catholic Church is convinced that the light for an adequate solution can only come from the encounter with the liv-ing Christ, which gives rise to at-titudes and ways of acting based on love and truth. This is the de-cisive force which will transform the American continent.”

In Christifideles Laici, the 1988 apostolic exhortation on the mis-sion of the laity, Blessed John Paul II wrote that the laity has an “essential and irreplaceable role” (7) in the work of the new evangelization.

As members of the Knights of Columbus—a Catholic fra-ternal organization whose first two principles are charity and unity—we must ask what this means for us.

In Ecclesia in America, Blessed John Paul II recalled the words of his predecessor, Pope Paul VI, at the close of the Second Vatican Council: “On the face of every

human being, especially when marked by tears and sufferings, we can and we must see the face of Christ” (12, cf. Mt 25:40). We should add that every human be-ing, especially when marked by suffering, must be able to see the caring face of Christ in his follow-ers. This Gospel mandate of char-ity is the inescapable prerequisite of the new evangelization. It is our challenge today as Knights of Columbus.

In his recent document On the Service of Charity, Pope Bene-dict reminded us that charity is “a constitutive element of the Church’s mission and an indis-pensable expression of her very being.” All believers, he said, have a duty to devote themselves to charity. And as the pope has so often said, the method that speaks strongest of Christ is love. As Knights, we should be prepared to let charity be our measure of the new evangelization. In this way we can truly promote “a charity that evangelizes.”

As Catholics we are well posi-tioned, because of the leadership of our popes and our bishops, to offer concrete solutions to the problems of our hemisphere. No other institution has proposed a single vision that can transcend cultures and languages. This vi-sion is not a political vision, but a vision of humanity encountering Christ.

Achieving this unity, though,

can only be done by a hopeful, loving Christian witness. Such an authentic Catholic identity must be formed and strengthened by the sacraments and lived in total faithfulness to the Church and in commitment to Jesus Christ.

If we are able to do all this in the work of the new evangeliza-tion, then as Knights of Colum-bus we may truly say,

Vivat Jesus!

PPCRV issues guidelines for responsible votingMANILA— The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting has released guidelines to Catho-lic voters on how they should choose their candidates in the May 2013 automated elections.

The Catholic Church-backed poll watchdog said the guide-lines aim to help voters choose the right candidates who will lead the nation.

The 10 Commandments for Responsible Voting is contained in the booklet entitled “Pinoy Big Voter”, a voter’s education manual made by the PPCRV.

The manual also contains the Church’s social teachings, com-pilation of various pastoral state-ments of the Catholic hierarchy on elections, and information about the automated election system.

10 Commandments for Re-sponsible Voting

1. Vote according to the dic-tates of your conscience.

2. Respect the decision of oth-ers in choosing their candidates.

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candi-dates you will vote for.

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties cam-paigning for your vote.

5. Do not sell your vote. 6. Do not vote for candidates

using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corrup-tion.

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob”, popularity, good looks, or pakikisama.

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for. (WebRep)

The CrossC4 Vol. 17 No. 04February 18 - March 3, 2013

CBCP Monitor

KCFAPI Officials visit RTDD of Nueva Ecija, Aurora. Brother Knights from Prelature of Infanta together with their families pose with KCFAPI Chairman Hilario G. Davide, Jr., KCFAPI President Guillermo N. Hernandez, KCFAPI VP – FBG Gari M. San Sebastian, Chairman Emeritus Reynaldo B. Odulio, RTDD Chairman Gil Dindo Berino, and KCFAPI Area Manager Manuel Naldoza during the visit of KCFAPI Officials to the Round Table of District Deputies of Nueva Ecija. (KCFAPI News)

Brotherhood of former DDs holds convention in MalolosTHE Brotherhood of For-mer District Deputies in the Diocese of Malolos organized by State Di-ocesan Council Chair-man Joven P. Dy held its first convention at the DJ Paradise Resort, Malolos City last January 5.

S u p r e m e D i r e c t o r Alonso L. Tan and Luzon Deputy Arsen-io Isidro G. Yap were given recognitions in resolutions approved by

Chairman Joven P. Dy, Vice Chairman Jaime H. Maniego, and Secretary George P. Linda.

State Secretary Joven B. Joaquin and State Warden Pascual C. Car-bero former District Deputies of the diocese also attended the event. State Program Director Bonifacio B. Martinez was also present in the convention. (Luzon-News) Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan (extreme right) received a plaque of recognition.

Knights Run Against Cancer

Brother Knights join fun run to benefit a cancer victim

THE Knights of Columbus Pa-dre Crisostomo Council 6000 underscored its drive for life by co-sponsoring a fun run to raise funds for a person sick of cancer.

Grand Knight Amado Cortez identified the intended beneficia-ry as Honorata Mateo Sumaway, a resident of Cabanatuan City.

According to Deputy Grand Knight Larry Santos, the Knights of Columbus Council 6000, as a service organization under the jurisdiction of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Cabanatuan City, is advocating life, as well as life's integrity and quality.

“…besides active campaign on prevention of illnesses, Council 6000 stands by the Church on its fight against attacks on life,”

Santos said.Called Run Against Cancer,

the activity was held in Valle Cruz, Cabanatuan City last Janu-ary 27, 2013.

Participants included soldiers from the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, City Government of Cabanatuan, Department of Edu-cation as well as non-government organizations such as Levites, Clear Water Station and Soul Runner.

Among brother knights who joined the cause were Past Grand Knight Jonjon Pagdanganan, Chancellor Herminio Ambrocio, Youth Director Larnie James Santos and Michael Barney Mauricio, Min Combe Mauricio and Squires Kenneth Sumaway and Ian Sumaway. (LuzonNews)

Visayas Jurisdiction sends aid to 3 provincesWITH the help of the Knights of Colum-bus Fraternal Association of the Philip-pines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the K of C Visayas Jurisdiction distributed relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Quinta in 3 provinces in Visayas last January 5-6, 2013.

“Led by State Deputy Rodrigo N. So-rongon, we distributed relief goods to brother knights, their family members and individuals who were affected by the flash floods brought about by Typhoon Quinta that hit the Panay Island on the last week of December 2012,” said State Secretary Anthony Nazario.

He added that the KCFAPI donated P25,000 while the Visayas Jurisdiction was able to solicit P70,000 from various councils.

“The Jurisdiction was able to distribute 620 packs of relief goods to the three prov-inces, namely: Iloilo, Aklan and Roxas,” Nazario added.

Visayas Fraternal Benefits Manager Rudolph Gerard M. Elizaga said that “a portion of the amount collected was used to buy sacks of rice, noodles and canned goods. The goods were then repacked with the help of Ave Maria Council 5019 headed by Grand Knight Gil P. Sorongon. A portion of the amount was sent to the provinces of Capiz and Aklan with in-struction from Visayas Deputy that it will be used to purchase goods to be distrib-uted to the victims of typhoon Quinta in

their respective provinces,” Mr. Elizaga said.

The Knights visited the seven affected towns namely Bungco, Barotac Nuevo, Polut-an, Pototan, Pototan proper, San Enrique, Passi City, and Calinog. Some of the goods were given through the Council officers in the affected areas.

Likewise, State Treasurer Jun Jo shared

that after distributing relief goods in some areas in Central, Ilo-ilo, their group pro-ceeded to San Enrique, Passi City, Calinog and finally in Lambunao where 100 bags of relief goods were distributed to the flood victims with the help of Program Director Lando Natividad together with the other members of St. Joseph Co. 11131 in Poto-tan, Ilo-ilo. (VizNews)

Visayas Deputy Rodrigo Sorongon, Director for Philippine Affairs Eduardo G. Laczi, State Officers and some members of St. Joseph Co.11131 in Pototan, Iloilo during their relief operation for Typhoon Quinta victims.

Mace Insurance holds sales rally and product orientationMORE than 70 soliciting as-sociates participated in the sales rally and product orien-tation conducted by the Mace Insurance Agency, Inc., the wholly-owned company of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) last February 5 held at the KCFAPI main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Mace President Antonio T. Yulo delivered the welcome remarks. He underlined the ad-ditional increase in commission on fire and compulsory third party liability insurance.

Basil Occeño, Manager of Mace said the agency represents the commercial non-life insur-ance companies such as the Philippine British Assurance Company that sponsored the recently held sales rally and

product orientation.He added that they are of-

fering incentives to soliciting associates who have displayed creditable accomplishment in

soliciting business, promoting and marketing its products.

Meanwhile, certificates of appreciation were given by the Philippine British Assurance

Company to the top 3 pro-ducers of super care products namely Edelberto Fernandez, Juan Castillo, Jr., and Dionisio Marasigan.

The resource speakers from the Philippine British Assurance were Fil Real, Assistant Vice President for claim, Erick Da-quiaog, Manager for Customer development; Allan Sta. Ana, Head, Casualty Underwriter.

Also present was the Presi-dent of the Philippine British Assurance Company, Rosario W. Cuyegkeng.

Mace Insurance Agency Inc. provides fraternal protection through non-life insurance. Its products and services to mem-bers of Knights of Columbus and their immediate families comprise 90% of their policy holders. (KCFAPI News)

President of Mace Insurance Antonio T. Yulo (extreme right) and Philippine British Assurance Manager for Customer Development Erick Daquiaog (extreme left) together with the top three producers of super care products.

KC Philippines Foundation, Inc conducts scholarship qualifying exam

THE Knights of Columbus Phil-ippines Foundation, Inc. recently administered the scholarship qualifying examination to fourth year high school students from all over the Philippines.

The examination was con-ducted simultaneously at KC-FAPI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila and Service Offices in Ca-banatuan, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan

de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga City.

The scholarship is open to all graduating high school students with 85% and above general weighted average and whose father is a member of the Knights of Columbus in good standing.

Examination results will be released in March. (KCNews)

Examinees with KCFAPI HRCC Assistant Gladys Lovette C. Luis.

Bayanihan sa Zamboanga. Council 15409 led by the local Grand Knights conducted a “Tulong 2x, Bayanihan” to build the house of God at Quasai, San Pedro, Mempang in Zambo-anga City. Rev. Father Rene Tubio, Parish Priest, SK Bentoy and Grand Knights of said council were also present during the activity. (MindaNews)

KCFAPI President Guillermo N. Hernandez, flanked by Hotel Centro General Manager, Ms. Kharla Mae Luneta (seated left) and KCFAPI Executive Vice President, Ma. Theresa G. Curia (seated right) during the contract signing for the official venue of the 36th Fr. George J. Willmann SJ Annual Family Service Awards, the Hotel Centro in Palawan. Also in photo standing from left is VP- Information & BC Holders’ Services, Ronulfo Antero G. Infante, Hotel Centro Sales Manager, Tess M. Baylosis and VP – Fraternal Benefits Group, Gari M. San Sebastian.

PDEA, KC join force towards drug free Jurisdictions. PDEA Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. together with the 3 State Deputies - Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, Balbino C. Fauni, and Rodrigo N. Sorongon during the recently MOA signing towards a drug free nation held at the PDEA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City. (KC News)