Diocese of Kalookan: Announcements

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Bishops warn voters vs overspending candidates

Sixteen members of the Catholic prelate led by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales called on voters on Saturday to beware of overspending candidates, saying that lavish campaign expenses in the past did not prove beneficial to the country.

“Excessive campaign expenses in the past did not augur good and responsive governance," Cardinal Rosales along with 15 other bishops belonging to the Manila Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Province said in a pastoral statement on Saturday, excerpts of which were posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.

With more than P2 billion already spent by candidates on political advertisements alone, this year’s election is touted to be the most expensive in the country’s history, according to Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) executive director Malou Mangahas.

“Everybody seems to be spending like crazy on advertisements," Mangahas said in a forum earlier this week.

The Catholic criteria

The bishops' pastoral statement also pointed out that freedom in an election means “no physical coercion" or “threat or money used to influence or to buy votes."

The bishops asked voters to “choose freely the leaders of the country who shall be accountable to serve them."

They said voters should tally the candidates’ respective positions on the issues of corruption and poverty, the “two major issues disabling the country today… (haunting) the country with destructive mutuality" because “as corruption increases, poverty worsens."

The prelates also stressed that voters should choose candidates who are “God-fearing; moral; not given to vices; reverent of life and its deserved decency," those with real concern for the environment and the poor, and those that provide good examples of responsible Filipino citizenship.

The Manila Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Province include the Dioceses of Antipolo, Imus, Malolos, Parañaque, San Pablo, Taytay, Cubao, Kalookan, Novaliches, Pasig, Puerto Princesa and the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.

The pastoral letter initiated by Cardinal Rosales will be read in all parishes and churches of the Archdiocese and Dioceses of the Ecclesiastical Province on Sunday, March 14, or the Sunday after in some areas.

Directed towards Villar

The pastoral statement, which appears to be just “an appeal to the conscience," is obviously directed towards Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., according to Ateneo de Manila University political professor Benito Lim.

“Although this statement is just telling voters to use their conscience, ’yung statement na ‘yan is partisan. They (the bishops) are directing it against one candidate at maliwanag na si Villar ’yun.," Lim told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview.

Villar has spent over P1 billion on campaign advertisements since November last year, according to AGB Nielsen.

Asked why the pastoral statement may have been directed against Villar, Lim answered, “Hindi natin alam kung bakit, pero siguro gustong ipakita ng Simbahan that they don’t want people who spend too much for votes, which they believe is immoral."

The political science professor likewise said that although the pastoral statements will be read in churches within the Manila archdiocese, it might have no effect on voters’ choices.

“This statement will just reinforce the belief of those who do not like Villar. It will not convert or make people change their votes, especially if they like Villar," he said.

Biggest spenders

Based on studies conducted by AGB Nielsen, Senator Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party is so far the biggest spender in television advertisements alone, amounting to P1.3 billion from November 1 last year to March 2 this year.

Administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro’s expenses in the same period amounted to P472 million, with only P60,480 since the start of the campaign period on February 9.

Former president Joseph Estrada of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino came in third with P88 million, followed closely by Senator Benigno Aquino III of the Liberal Party with P87 million. Senator Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan has so far spent P67.3 million.

Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Elections Law mandates that candidates running for president and vice-president should spend only P10 for every registered voter within the official campaign period.

This means that, with a projected total of 50 million voters in the upcoming polls, each candidate for either national position is only authorized to spend around P500 million for their respective campaigns.—With Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV

source : http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/186071/news/nation/bishops-warn-voters-vs-overspending-candidates

Bishops warn voters vs overspending candidates

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Diocese to launch financial help for OFW families

MANILA, Philippines — Families of overseas Filipino workers stand to benefit from a financial service program of the Diocese of Caloocan, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.

An article on the CBCP website (www.cbcpnews.com) said the Pamilyang OFW Savers and Wellness Club (POSWC) will be launched on July 18 at the St. Mary’s Academy in Caloocan City.

Organized by the Caloocan Diocesan Desk for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and their Families (KADMI), POSWC aims to help families of OFWs, particularly children, and instill in them the importance of saving money.

The CBCP Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) and Pioneer Life helped organize the program.

A mass presided by Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr. will kick off the launching ceremonies.

ECMI Luzon Coordinator Edmund Ruga will introduce the program to the attendees while KADMI director Fr. Ruben Maybuena will give his welcoming speech.

ECMI executive secretary Fr. Edwin Corros and Pioneer Life Senior Vice President Ferdinand Berba will also give their messages. - GMANews.TV

source : http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/167115/pinoyabroad/diocese-to-launch-financial-help-for-ofw-families

Diocese to launch financial help for OFW families

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Church officials: Beware of fake priests blessing tombs

Church authorities have warned Catholics about fake priests who go around cemeteries asking for donations after blessing tombs.

In an interview over Radio Veritas on Monday, Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo warned the public about the modus operandi of men in church garb who pretend to be priests and go around cemeteries blessing graves, then wait for the dead's loved ones to fork over a donation.

Some fake priests are equipped with "holy water" bottles and other props, and accompanied by boys who look like sacristans.

Radio Veritas President and Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr.Anton Pascual explained that real priests do not go around cemeteries blessing tombs because this rite is done when the deceased is buried.

Priests, however, may be asked to bless tombs upon the request of the family of the deceased.

To verify if a person is truly a priest, Arigo said the public should ask the person to show his "identification (ID) celebret," a document that will show that the person has authority to administer the sacraments.

Arigo said, "Dito sa diocese namin sa Palawan ay hindi natin pinapayagan ang mga pekeng pari na magbasbas sa mga puntod sa mga sementeryo."

He said unscrupulous people can easily pretend to be priests to earn money.

He thus urged the public to be cautious and not to trust easily those who approach them at the cemetery. "Sana mag-ingat sila at huwag basta magtiwala sa mga pumupunta sa puntod para magbasbas," he said.

Meanwhile, Radio Veritas' Fr. Pascual said it is easy to distinguish real priests from fake ones.

A true priest always brings his ID and celebret signed by the bishop of the diocese where he is serving.

“Kung ang isang pari ay nagbabasbas ng puntod sa mga sementerto ngayong panahon ng undas ay magduda na tayo, tatanungin mo na ito kung mayroong siyang ID celebret para matiyak na siya ay hindi bogus na pari," Pascual said.

Remembering the deceased

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco urged Catholics to reexamine how they commemorate All Souls' Day.

“Marami sa mga ginagawa ng tao ngayon ay dapat itama. Ang mga tradisyon na nawala ng diwa ng kahulugan,ng kabuluhan dahil nga hindi pinagdiriwang sa tamang paraan," he said.

He reminded that Halloween or All Hallows Eve should be a holy celebration because it is the eve of All Hallows or All Saints Day.

Ongtioco said, "kabaligtaran ang nangyayari. Ang nakita natin demonyo yung mga symbols na ginagamit. If the devil comes in the picture because of the saints they were triumphant over evil."

He also emphasized the need to pray for the deceased when visiting cemeteries.

“Hindi naman bawal ang mag-kwentuhan, pero yung purpose ng pagpunta natin ay para magdasal kahit sandali, kahit ilang minute lang, sama-sama bilang community dahil kapag ang ilang tao ay nakaipon sa ngalan ni Hesus it becomes the prayer of Jesus. When two or three if gathered I am in the needs of them, in His name but we may gathered in different name," he said.

Security in cemeteries

Meanwhile, Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez instructed security guards at the La Loma Cemetery and other memorial parks in the Diocese ng Kalookan to ask priests blessing tombs to show their ID celebret.

“Dapat nating mapigilan ang masamang balakin ng mga nagpapanggap na pari upang makapagsagawa ng pagbabasbas sa mga puntod ng yumao at maningil sa mga namatayan," Iñiguez said over Radio Veritas.

"Dapat sa gate pa lang ng mga sementeryo ay mapigilan na ang mga pekeng pari. Ipinagbabawal natin ang mga pekeng pari sa lahat ng sementeryo na nasasakupan ng Diocese ng Kalookan," he said.

Called to be holy

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said the commemoration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day should remind Catholics about the Second Vatican Council's call to be holy.

“Batay sa paalala ng Second Vatican Council,We are called to be holy, ito ang pagpapaalala at hamon sa atin na mayroong tayong misyon sa lupa na magpakabanal.Sa ating araw-araw na buhay ay magnilay tayo at sikaping gumawa ng mabuti," he said. - VVP/HS, GMA News

source : http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/237084/news/nation/church-officials-beware-of-fake-priests-blessing-tombs

Church officials: Beware of fake priests blessing tombs

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Blessing of Holy Oils

The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese. During this mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire diocesan community gather around their Bishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. These are:

Oil of the Sick
Oil of Catechumens
Sacred Chrism

Whenever the Holy Oils are used in a diocese, the ministry of the Bishop who consecrated them is symbolically present.

Unity, Renewal of Vows and Promises

The Chrism Mass reminds us of our oneness in Christ through Baptism and its holy anointing, made possible by the ministry of the Bishop and his priests. The Chrism mass is also a key moment in which the unity of the Bishop with his priests (together, they form the presbyterate) is manifested and renewed. During the liturgy, the entire assembly is called to renew its baptismal promises; deacons and priests also renew their vow of obedience to the local Bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. At the end of the Chrism Mass, the Holy Oils are brought back to parishes of the diocese for use in the coming year.

One Flock, One Eucharist Gathered Around the Bishop

The following statement from the Second Vatican Council can help us understand the significance of the Chrism mass for the Church:

The bishop is to be considered the high priest of his flock from whom the life of his people in Christ is in some way derived and on whom it in some way depends.

Therefore, all should hold in the greatest esteem the liturgical life of the diocese centered around the bishop, especially in his cathedral church. They must be convinced that the principal manifestation of the Church consists in the full, active participation of all God’s holy people in the same liturgical celebrations, especially in the same Eucharist, in one prayer, at one altar, at which the bishop presides, surrounded by his college of priests and by his ministers.

(Second Vatican Council. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium), No. 41)

I. Oil and Anointing:

A/ Ancient Greece and Rome

Oil was used by ancient Greek and Roman athletes to limber up muscles; it was believed to bring strength and protection.

Oil was also used for its healing properties, and poured on head as sign of belonging (for example, in the initiation of Roman soldiers).

B/ Old Testament

used to consecrate altars, sacred places, and sacred vessels used in anointing priests prophets were also considered anointed by God’s Spirit to speak powerfully, and with authority, in God’s name. Kings were anointed (by prophets) to rule God’s people anointing also a sign of God’s strength, favour, joy of being God’s servant (See Ps. 45, 8: “God your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness…”) an important ingredient in preparing food that kept people alive used to add beauty to face; poured over the head of guests as sign of welcome.

II. The Messiah: God’s Anointed One

The biblical word for one who was anointed was messiah. Translated into Greek, the language of the New Testament, it becomes Christos, or Christ.

A/ Jesus: God’s Anointed One:

When we call Jesus our Messiah, we are saying that he was anointed by God to announce God’s word –the Good News of salvation- to Godpeople. In Luke, Jesus says:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…” (Lk 4, 18ff)

B/ Christians as Anointed Ones:

Baptism makes us Christians, that is, anointed ones who share in the life of the crucified and risen Jesus, God’s anointed one. Immediately before being baptized with water, we are anointed with the Oil of Catechumens, which strengthens and purifies us. After baptism, with water, we are anointed with the Oil of Chrism, which consecrates us as members of Christ’s body who share in Jesus’ anointing as priest, prophet and king. This anointing with Chrism gives us the Holy Spirit’s strength to live out our baptism. Anointing with Chrism at Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism, and seals us with the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s gifts.

III. Three Holy Oils:

This quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church gives a good summary of the importance of the three holy oils:

Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and Ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off 'the aroma of Christ.' [2 Cor 2, 15]) Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1294.

A/ Oil of the Sick

Used in Sacrament of the Sick to bring the strengthening and healing power of Christ, who is at work in the Church by the action of the Holy Spirit. St. James writes:

“Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders [priests] of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.” (Jas 5:14-15)

B/ Oil of Catechumens

The Oil of Catechumens is used at Baptism, to strengthen (with wisdom and courage to live the Gospel) and purify candidates (from original sin) before baptizing with water.

C/ Holy Chrism

Holy Chrism is a mixture of olive oil (a rich oil, symbol of richness of God’s grace) and balsam fragrance (symbol of sweetness of Christian virtue). The Oil of Chrism is a sign of fullness of grace and spiritual strength; it consecrates and enables us to live out the call to follow Jesus the Christ (the anointed one) as baptized/confirmed/ordained Christians:

"The holy chrism consecrated by the bishop is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters [priests] and the heads of bishops at their ordination, as well as in the rites of anointing pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars. The oil of the catechumens is used in the preparation of the catechumens for their baptism. The oil of the sick is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity." (Ceremonial of Bishops, 274)

i). Use at Baptism:

Right after the actual baptism with water, the priest anoints the candidate on the crown of the head with Chrism saying: “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin and given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His body, sharing everlasting life. Amen.”

ii). Use at Confirmation:

In the Sacrament of confirmation, the bishop anoints the forehead of the candidate with chrism saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."

iii). Use in Holy Orders:

When a man is being ordained to the priesthood his hands are anointed with the oil of chrism; and when a priest is being consecrated a bishop his head is anointed by the consecrating bishop with chrism.

iv). Other Uses of Holy Chrism:

Holy Chrism is also used in the dedication ceremony of a church. Here, the bishop anoints the altar, pouring holy chrism on the middle of the altar and on each of its four corners. It is recommended that the bishop anoint the entire altar. After anointing the altar, he anoints the walls of the Church in 12 or fourteen places marked by crosses. It is also used to anoint the new bell of church.

IV. Blessing and Distribution of the Holy Oils

At the offertory, the three Holy Oils and balsam fragrance are carried up to the sanctuary with gifts of bread and wine.

The Oil of the Sick is blessed by the bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer. The bishop then mixes the balsam fragrance into the Chrism, and blesses it, praying:

"Make this chrism a sign of life and salvation for those who are to be born again in the waters of baptism. Wash away the evil they have inherited from sinful Adam, and when they are anointed with this holy oil make them temples of your glory, radiant with the goodness of life that has its source in you."

As the bishop prays, the priests present with him extend their right hands toward the Chrism, signifying their participation in his authority, through which Christ himself sanctifies and builds up his body, the Church. When the Chrism is blessed, the Bishop breathes over the open vessel which contains it. This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who blew over the face of the waters before creation (Gen 1, 2b), and of the risen Jesus, who appeared to his disciples and breathed on them saying “Receive the Holy Spirit…”(John 20, 22-23). It is the Holy Spirit who consecrates this oil through the Bishop’s invocation.

Finally, after the Chrism has been blessed, the Bishop blesses the Oil of Catechumens. At the end of the liturgy, the holy oils are given to the deacons of the diocese, who distribute it to representatives of each parish.

It is recommended that each parish keep the vessels containing the Holy Oils in a special clear glass cabinet called an ambry, where they can be viewed by all the faithful. Many newer churches have an ambry, which is usually located close to the baptismal font. It reminds all who see it of the anointing which unites and strengthens us to live as one body in Christ, and comes to us through ministry of his Church.

V. Final Remarks

The Chrism Mass is a celebration of the entire Christian community:

a community whose oneness comes from its union with the crucified and risen Jesus – God’s anointed one – through Baptism,
a community that shares in the riches and consolation of Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacramental ministry of its Bishop and priests,
a community that gathers around its Bishop as one body made up of many parts, with Christ as its head.

source: anthonyalde.com

2012 Diocese of Kalookan Chrism Mass

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Himno Awit Kantay para kay San Roque (Song for Saint Roch)

Himno Awit Kanta para kay San Roque (Song for Saint Roch)

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Yasia Fiesta Music Video

5th Asian Youth Day

Diocese of Imus November 20-27, 2009

5th Asian Youth Day theme song - Yasia Fiest

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Laughter Yoga at St. James School at Malabon City.

Laughter Yoga in KADSA

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Diocesan General Assembly - Revival Gatherings of Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of Diocese of Kalookan - March 4, 2007.

Revival Gatherings

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The Commission on Ecumenical Affairs functions in accordance with the prescriptions of the new Code of Canon Law, as embodied in the revised Vatican documents "Directory Concerning Ecumenical Matters" and "Ecumenical Collaboration," at the regional, national, and local levels.

Using the facilities of its permanent secretariat - the John XXIII Ecumenical Center, it maintains contact with the Vatican Secretariate for Promoting Christian Unity and keeps the bishops informed of matters emanating from here.

While assists Philippine bishops to establish diocesan ecumenical commissions, it fosters dialogue with ecumenical councils and leaders of other Christian Churches.

The Commission recommends to the CBCP measures to implement the Decree "Unitatis Redingratio" and represents the Conference in ecumenical conferences while maintaining constant dialogue with mainline Protestant Churches.

So gone are the days of the narrow religious mind. Ecumenism, like a fresh wind, is today at work in what unites churches rather what separates them. In 1969 a tentative agreement on a mutual recognition of the validity of Baptism between the Catholic and Lutheran Churches in the Philippines saw fruition in a Baptismal Agreement finally signed in February of 1972, followed by another such agreement with the Philippine Episcopal Church in 1980.

The Ecumenical Encounter initiated by Pope Paul VI at the Apostolic Nunciature in1970 opened up more ecumenical dialogues at the Union Theological Seminary, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and the United Methodist Church.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II met with representatives of Christian Churches, also at the Nunciature, and in 1988 a National Ecumenical Consultative Commission was organized under the auspices of Malacañang, with Bishops Cariño, Iñiguez and Bacani in its ranks. In 1993, Bishop Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., as Chairman of this Commission, attended the meeting of the Ecumenical Commission of Episcopal Conferences in Rome.

In 1994 a joint cooperation named "Ecumenism in Action" was launched by the Commission and the NCCP. And in August of 1994, a first Medical mission to Bacolor, Pampanga took place with 30 participants from various Christian Churches during the World Youth Day celebration with the Holy Father, particularly in the Inter-Religious Forum, in January 1995.

Chairman: Abp. Fernando R. Capalla

Vice Chairman: Bp. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr.

Members:

Bp. John F. Du

Bp. Zacharias C. Jimenez

Bp. Socrates B. Villegas

Executive Secretary:

Ms. Madeleine Dannug

Address:

Focolare Movement

1876 Villa Barbara Int.

Dominga St., 1300 Pasay City

Telephone: 928-8010

Fax: 521-9321

e-mail: ecumenical@cbcpworld.com

COMMISSION ON ECUMENICAL AFFAIRS (ECEA)

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(La Loma Catholic Cemetery at Caloocan City)

Don’t be a zombasura (litterbug) this All Souls’ Day.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez and the EcoWaste Coalition Saturday appealed to the public “not to thrash the cemeteries” when they visit their departed loved ones on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

In a joint appeal, Iñiguez and the EcoWaste Coalition called “for a simple and waste-free commemoration” of Undas to help the country deal with its garbage problems.

“I exhort everyone to keep our cemeteries safe and clean,” said Iñiguez, who heads the Public Affairs Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

“Please don’t leave any trash behind. With public cooperation, we can turn the tide on trash and make Undas a pleasant occasion for all, especially for Mother Nature,” he pleaded.

Roy Alvarez, president of the EcoWaste Coalition, urged cemetery visitors to avoid being zombasuras or litterbugs.

“Please do not be a zombasura,” the cemetery litterbug. Place your discards into their proper bins. If there are no bins available, please bring them home for reusing, recycling or composting,” Alvarez said.

“Let us treat the cemeteries with due respect and refrain from turning these sanctified sites into giant garbage bins,” he added.

Alvarez urged the public to be mindful of the 3Rs (Respect, Reduce, Refuse) to commemorate an “earth-friendly Undas.”

“Respect the dead and the living by not leaving any litter in the cemetery and surrounding area. Reduce what you bring to the cemetery to just the bare essentials and cut down on stuff used and discarded,” Alvarez said.

“Refuse habits and practices that tend to pollute the occasion: Smoking in the cemetery, dumping and burning of trash, consumption of disposable, one-time use plastic bags and containers, (and) extreme noise from radio and music,” he added.

The EcoWaste Coalition also urged the public to consider selecting “plain, clean-burning and minimally packed candles.”

“Light just one or two candles to minimize heat and pollution in cemeteries that are crowded with people, young and old. It’s the thought that really matters, not the number, size, scent, packaging and price of candles offered in fond remembrance of our dearly departed,” the group said.

It said cemetery visitors could also pick locally grown fresh flowers and “abstain from wrapping them in plastic that will soon become an unwanted litter.”

“Just bring enough, not easily perishable food items to avoid spoilage and poisoning. To reduce plastic bottle consumption, come to the cemetery with your own water jug. Refrain from bringing single-use, throw-away plastic bags, plates, cups and cutlery,” the group said.

source: inquirer.net

Keep cemeteries clean, bishop urges

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Popular fast food chain McDonald's has pulled down its recent television advertisement after it received flak from Catholic Church leaders for allegedly giving children "the wrong message" about courtship and relationships.

In an official statement, Golden Arches Development Corp., the franchise operator of McDonald's, said it stopped airing the commercial in all television stations as of Tuesday noon.

"Over the years, we have strived to produce advertisements that highlight positive values like love for family and charity, which mirror those that the brand stands for," the statement said.

The advertisement shows a young girl asking a young boy if she is his girlfriend, to which the boy answers, "Ayoko nga. Hindi pa ako ready. Demanding ang mga girlfriend. Gusto ganito, gusto ganyan (I don't want to. I'm not ready. Girlfriends are demanding. They want this, they want that)."

In a report on the Catholic news service ucanews.com, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said the advertisement "[gives] the wrong message to children that it's all right to enter into courtship, and it could pave the way for the very young to be lax and carefree."

Father Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said in an interview over Radio Veritas that the ad must be replaced because it plays with kids' emotions and cheapens relationships.

Golden Arches Development Corp said the CBCP, through Iñiguez, has expressed its gratitude and appreciation to McDonald's Philippines for the immediate action.

"McDonald's remains committed to promoting positive values and will continue raising the bar to be better at what we do — whether it is our food, our service to even how we communicate to the public," the statement said.

source: CANDICE MONTENEGRO, GMA News

image source: wn.com

McDonald's pulls down ad after flak from Church leaders

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Parish Church of Ang Muling Pagkabuhay ng Ating Panginoon, Bagong Silang.

Parish Church of Ang Muling Pagkabuhay ng Ating Panginoon, Bagong Silang

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MANILA, March 27, 2008―Poverty and hunger among families living in Kalookan, Navotas and Malabon, the three districts comprising Kalookan diocese is a reality that stares them in the eye daily.

The diocese of Kalookan brought to the center the issue of poverty and hunger during a mass dubbed as “Misa ng Maralita para sa Katotohanan at Pagbabago” (Mass for Truth and Renewal) held March 26 at the San Lorenzo Parish in Navotas.

Fr. Rufino Yabut, Minister for Caritas Kalookan said his office presented a poverty situationer citing high rate of malnutrition and unemployment in the diocese.

“The diocese of Kalookan is one, or maybe the poorest diocese in Metro Manila,” said Yabut.

Different sectors of urban poor also provided an update on the reality of poverty and hunger stalking families in the diocese, said Yabut.

Poverty and injustices in the rural areas were also highlighted in view of the government’s inadequacy to meet the basic needs of the people. The occasion emphasized the importance for a continuing discernment, solidarity and communal action among the people and the Church.

The diocese of Kalookan, home to the poorest communities in Metro manila initiated the activity in partnership with urban and rural poor organizations and other civic groups as a response to the call of the CBCP pastoral statement calling for a “collective discernment” and “communal action.”

Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, D.D. officiated the Holy Mass together with other priests of the diocese.

Meanwhile, in solidarity with the plight of the urban and rural poor, ‘Running Priest’ Fr. Robert Reyes embarked on a ‘Run for Truth and Justice’ on the same day.

Reyes, born and raised in Malabon is not a stranger to the plight of urban and rural poor and has oftentimes taken up their cause.

He started his run at 7:30 AM in Malabon, passing the R-10 community and ended at San Lorenzo Parish Church, Navotas in time for the Eucharistic celebration. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

source: cbcpnews.com