1. NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE CLERGY (NCC)

The NCC was held on 5-9 July 2004 at the World Trade Center, Manila.

Theme: “ A Renewed Clergy, A Renewed Church, A Renewed Country”.  Biblical inspiration was “ And they shall look at Him whom they have pierced” (Jn. 19:37).

Participants numbered 3,869: 89 bishops, 259 religious and 3,521 diocesan from all the dioceses in the Philippines.  Marbel diocese had 63 : 50 diocesan and 13 Passionist.

Processes:  prayers, talks, presentation of survey results, in-depth reflections, silence, workshops, Eucharistic celebrations.

Two parts: (1) retreat, 5-6 July; and (2) theological and pastoral days or congress proper, 7-9 July.

The retreat raised questions about one’s self and one’s priesthood and invites to fuller life through gratitude, surrender and  freedom.

The congress proper tackled visions of priestly ministry and spirituality, priestly communion, lifestyle, pastoral care of the clergy and mission.

2. 89^th BISHOPS’ PLENARY ASSEMBLY

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) held their 89^th plenary assembly on 10-11 July 2004 at Pius XII Catholic Center, U. N. Avenue, Manila.  Attendance: 80 of the 94 active and 4 of the 26 honorary members.

Apostolic Nuncio Franco reiterated the Church’s ruling on communion:  communion may be received standing or kneeling.

National Day of Prayer for peace, National Unity and Renewal on August 15^th.  This is also the day of National launching of the Eucharistic and Marian Year with the theme “Celebrating the Eucharist with Mary”. 

May 10, 2004 elections.  Each bishop present was asked whether or not massive fraud was observed in the conduct of the elections by him and the volunteers so as to have affected substantially the result of the elections.  Almost all, except one or two, answered “NO”. 

Reports submitted by groups to Cardinal Vidal were passed on to the Permanent Council for future elections.  Charges of elections anomalies should be filed with the proper courts.

Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo appealed to the Bishops to endorse the 5-year plan to the President.

The plan aims to raise the number of prosecutors from 32 to 150;  the number of investigators from 37 to 500; and the budget from P400 M to P1 B.  Approved.  The CBCP decided last year to seriously combat corruption.  CBCP tasked the Episcopal Commissions on Social Action and Lay Apostolate to lead.

NASSA (National Secretariat for Social Action) will also do advocacy work against gambling in partnership with Abp. Oscar Cruz.

Abp. Orlando Quebedo announced his plan to hold a national assembly of BEC practitioners in 2005.  Abp. Quebedo chairs the committee on BEC.  This committee is composed of the Episcopal Commissions on Social Action, Lay Apostolate, Worship and Liturgy, Catechesis and Catholic Education, Family and Life, Bible Apostolate and Canon Law.

3. DIRECTORY: OP SIENNA

4. JULY SCHEDULES

5. JULY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

Prayerful birthday greeting to: July 13 --  Fr. Nono Huesca (July 13), Fr. Sinon Alcarde (July 19), Fr. Freddie Paulo (July 29).

Just click to read: Communications from the Bishop
 

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Revised: Friday August 27, 2004 01:31:21
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