Asian Trip for KCFAPI`s Sales Force

The Cross
CBCP Monitor
Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 10
5
March
May
112- -24,
15,2009
2009
C1
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI
and the Order of the Knights of
Columbus
Fraternal Counselors from FC of the Year, Runner-Ups and Fr. Willmann Knights of the Round Table (WKRT), their spouses and Area Managers with KCFAPI Officers in Hong Kong along the Avenue of Stars.
Asian Trip for KCFAPI’s Sales Force
By Bro. Gari San Sebastian
LAST April 27 – 30, 2009, KCFAPI’s FBG (Finest and the Best
Group) Salesforce were off for an
adventure, leisure and pleasure!
So far, the latest Asian trip delegation was the biggest totaling
to twenty-two participants.
Nine Fraternal Counselors
from FC of the Year, Runner-Ups
and Fr. Willmann Knights of the
Round Table (WKRT) qualified
for the trip. They were accompanied by their spouses.
The FCs were Bro. Larry and
Sis. Cecile Evangelista, (CLBelievers); Bro. Ray and Sis. Chato
Segismundo, (NWL Thunders);
Bro. Boni and Sis. Mila Morales,
(CLBelievers); Bro. Ven and Sis.
Alice Capiral, (SLakers); Bro.
Danny and Nora Tullao, (NEL
Cavaliers); Sis. Rosa Hernandez, (MMChancellors); Sis. Tes
and Bro. Edmund De la Mota,
(WV Bulls); Bro. Dong Miranda,
(CLDiamonds); and Bro. Jun
Castillo, (MMDragons).
Seven Area Managers who
met more than one-hundred
Wow in Macau, Live Long in Hong Kong!
twenty five percent of their assigned target in 2008 also joined
the tour. These were Bro. Efren
Casupanan, (CLBelievers); Bro.
Noni Ayon, (SWL Stars); Bro. Vic
Pulangco, (CLDiamonds); Bro.
Joe Valencia, (NWL Thunders);
Bro. Well Naldoza, (CLConquerors); Bro. Demy Hernandez,
(MMChancellors); and Bro. Jun
Dator, (SLakers).
Two Home Office personnel,
Sis. Bong Ruiz (Underwriting
Manager) and this writer completed the Asian tour group.
Wow Macau!
From Hong Kong airport, the
participants were immediately
transferred to Macau by ferry.
There we saw the three grand
span bridges (approximately 10
kms. long) that connect the peninsula to major islands Coloane
and Taipa (where we stayed
overnight). Tagged as the new
Las Vegas of Asia, everyone was
For Brother Knights by Brother Knights
KCFAPI sponsors The
Outstanding Knights
of Columbus Awards
(TOKCA)
amazed by the dashing colorful
neon lights of what Macau can
offer. Strolling in the city at night
can truly give you a glittery moment! The blinking and running
lights that adorned every edifice
welcomed all our participants as
we witnessed the “City in China
that never sleeps.”
A former Portuguese colony,
the place still enjoys the culture
from its colonizers, a mixture of
the European architecture and
Chinese accents, imagine seeing
an Italian inspired building with
a Dragon engraved on the doors.
Among all the resort-hotels that
we visited, the Venetian caught
our attention, not because of its
casino but with its spectacular
showcase of what fame, glamour
and sparkle were all about. It has
a mini-lagoon on the third floor
with a gondola ride (similar to
the mode of transportation in
Venice) that moved around to
shops and restaurants.
Aside from the night-outs, the
city also offers a local version of
Western-inspired theme parks
like the Rocks, Roman amphitheater, structure of the Xian
City, and a man-made volcano.
The Macau city tour was done
on the second day of sightseeing, starting from the Ruins of
St. Paul, to the shopping spree
in Senado square. They bought
one of Macau’s favorite almond
cookies and some thinly sliced
cold cuts. It was truly a memorable and fascinating experience
all of us had in the beautiful and
historic city of Macau.
Live-long in Hong Kong!
After a very tiring yet fulfilling
trip in Macau, our Asian awardees
were ferried back to Hong Kong
(Kowloon side) where they spent
a night full of shopping and dining. The hotel was situated at the
heart of the Kowloon known as
Yau Ma Tei, which is very near
Mong Kok or the shopping bargain capital in Hong Kong.
Day three of the trip was enchanting and magical. First stop
was a souvenir group shot of
Hong Kong along the Avenue of
Stars (similar to Walk of Fame in
Hollywood); then to the jewelry
factory where we were hypnotized by the finest masterpieces
of China.
The last stop was the half-day
long tour in Hong Kong Disneyland. Both the young ones and
young once really enjoyed this
magical journey from the parade
of characters led by Mickey and
Minnie in Main Street to Disney’s
trademark Princess’ castle. Others went for a ride, they proved
that they were all young at heart
and the child in us was still very
much alive. Some preferred to
eat, shopped for souvenirs or
simply spent time seeing other
park-goers and strolled in the
park. The Fantasyland was a
fairy tale experience, from the locomotive that toured us around
to the flying elephant, known as
Dumbo ride. Jungle adventure
gave us a thrilling boat ride (with
some surprise attractions) while
Tomorrowland were mostly
space age features.
What made us proud to be
Filipinos was when we met a lot
of Disneyland’s Filipino cast like
the parade dancers, musicians,
park attendants, entertainers and
we were just waiting for mascots
like Mickey to say “Kumusta na
kayo mga kababayan?” The day
ended with a sumptuous dinner
sponsored by KCFAPI to all who
made it last 2008.
On the final stretch of the
four-day, three night tour this
year, we carried nothing but the
good memories, moments of
bonding, shared laughters and
beautiful experiences and all
looked forward to be part of next
year’s Asian trip! We promise
to spread the virus known as
the Awardees virus – see you in
Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur
or Ho Chi Minh City.
KCFAPI holds Benefits Convention for
Fraternal Counselors
By Joseph Teodoro
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of Philippines Inc. (KCFAPI),
the second-to-none insurance provider
of KC members, is embarking to reach
a new milestone as it sponsors the
prestigious The Outstanding Knights
of Columbus Award (TOKCA) for
members.
The TOKCA Awards aims to recognize the outstanding achievements of
members in their respective professions
worthy of emulation, to project a strong
public knowledge of the Mission of
the Order of the Knights of Columbus
as a tool to attract new members, to
spur KCFAPI’s quest for its relevance
not only to the Order of the Knights of
Columbus but to the nation as well and
to provide inspiration, to all members
to live up to the cardinal principles of
CHARITY, UNITY, FRATERNITY &
PATRIOTISM.
Who May Qualify
K of C members who are current in
his council dues and nominated by his
council may qualify and earn a chance
to win the coveted title. The nomination
must be endorsed by the parish priest
of his council. He may qualify to any of
following professions or fields of endeavor: a) Government Service; b) Accountancy and Business; c) Engineering,
Science and Technology; d) Academe;
e) Medical and health care services; f)
Law and judiciary; g) Sports and entertainment; h) Journalism and media; i)
Agriculture; j) Youth and Community
development; k) Arts and literature, and
l) Entrepreneurship.
KCFAPI reserves the right to consider
a limited number of categories even if
there are nominees in all and the above
categories.
The following are not eligible to be
nominated in the SEARCH for TOKCA:
1) Incumbent members of KCFAPI
TOKCA / C2
KCFAPI Officers, Area Managers and Fraternal Counselors at the Luzon Fraternal Benefits Convention:
D.R.I.V.E. 110 on April 24 and 25 at Monte Vista Conference Center, Pansol Calamba, Laguna.
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) held a Fraternal Benefits Convention for Luzon Fraternal Counselors last
April 24-25 at the Monte Vista Conference Center in Los Baños, Laguna.
The sales convention for qualified
fraternal counselors in Luzon discussed
various selling techniques, underwriting updates, importance of technology
in selling.
It also aimed to enhance their skills
as salesforce for KCFAPI which offers
insurance solely to the members of the
Knights of Columbus in the Philippines.
It was also intended to hone the skills
of fraternal counselors particularly in
promoting KCFAPI to the members of
the Knights of Columbus in the three
Philippine jurisdictions.
Different officials from KCFAPI
were the resource speakers of the
convention.
Mr. Joseph P. Teodoro, Vice-President
of the Fraternal Benefits Group, tackled
selling process and techniques.
The topic titled, “Launching of KC
website and technology as a selling
tool,” was explained by the Senior IT
Manager, Mr. Ronulfo G. Infante.
The Manager of the Underwriting
Department, Ms. Carmelita S. Ruiz, explained the underwriting processes.
KCFAPI Executive Vice-President
Ms. Ma. Theresa Curia gave a heart-
warming message before the conference
proper started while Mr. Antonio B.
Borromeo, KCFAPI President provided
an inspirational message to all the convention delegates.
The convention started with an opening prayer led by Mr. Gari San Sebastian, manager of the Fraternal Benefits
Services and later acted as facilitator of
the program.
A fellowship and group meeting
ended the convention. (Kate Laceda)
KC holds national gathering of priests-scholars
THE Knight of Columbus (KC) Priests
Scholars Association held its 6th National Annual Fellowship/Retreat last
April 15-17, 2009 at the Villa Escudero
in Tiaong, Quezon Province.
Organizers said that among the
items taken up was the review of the
formation manual of the Knights of
Columbus used during exemplification
of members from the first to the fourth
degrees.
The retreat also discussed the life
and work and the advancement of the
cause of Fr. George Willmann, SJ, who
is attributed to have popularized the
Knights of Columbus in the Philippines.
Msgr. Joselito Asis, assistant secretary
general of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
ference of the Philippines, discussed
the topic, “Spirituality of Stewardship:
Disciples’ Response” during the second
day of the retreat.
Bishop Rodolfo Beltran of BontocLagawe also shared on the spirituality
of stewardship.
This year’s theme is “KC Priests:
Called to Witness the Spirituality of
Stewardship.”
A Eucharistic celebration culminated
the retreat which was presided by
Bishop Beltran with thirty KC priests
concelebrating.
There are now 107 KC priests, three
of whom have become bishops, who
graduated from the scholarship offered by KC Fr. Willmann Charities,
Inc. Among them are Imus Bishop Luis
Antonio Tagle, Virac Bishop Manolo de
los Santos, Bontoc-Lagawe Bishop Rodolfo Beltran, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio
III, Msgr. Joselito Asis, Msgr. Gaspar
Balerite, and Fr. Rene Sapungan, the
Association’s president. (Kate Laceda)
KC Priests-Scholars held their National Gathering at Villa Escudero, Tiaong, Quezon last April 15-17.
The Cross
C2
Vol. 13 No. 10
May 11 - 24, 2009
President’s Message
Chairman’s
Message
Patrocinio R. Bacay
I WISH to
welcome
home our
awardees,
fraternal
counselors
and area
managers
with their
families.
Truly you
deserve the
exciting
time with
your loved
ones in Hong Kong. This goes with the wish that
our special KCFAPI supporters will aim higher in
performing even much better than they have ever
done before. May you never tire out of serving
the Lord thus helping brother knights in sharing
a brighter tomorrow not only to their families but
also to the wider beneficiaries of KCFAPI. More
than ever in this difficult time in our nation, KCFAPI has to reach out much more to alleviate the
suffering of a very big portion of the marginalized
population. With your dedication and determination, God and His Blessed Mother will always be
there to provide you with the strength and will
power to be of greatest help to the Order particularly KCFAPI.
We are in the month of May which seems to be a
favorite month of our Blessed Mother. This gives us
the opportune time to celebrate her motherhood by
giving support to the many ways that our people
have been used to in honoring her. Knowing she
holds the strongest link to Christ, we can perhaps
hope and ask her for a better world for all our
brother knights through KCFAPI.
FOR the past 30 years,
every 4th Sunday of Easter of each Columbian
Year, we, Knights of Columbus members and our
respective families commemorate, Order-wide, the
World Day of Prayer for
Vocations. Last month, we
rejoiced at the first anniversary of the proclamation of
our beloved founder, Rev.
Fr. Michael J. McGivney, as
Venerable Servant of God
by Pope Benedict XVI last
Palm Sunday 2008.
St. Vincent de Paul says:
“In truth nothing is more
acceptable to God, and
more profitable to souls
than the precious gift of a
holy priest.”
I am very pleased and
honored to report that
the Knights of Columbus
Fraternal Association of
the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the fraternal insurance provider of brother
knights and KC families
in the Philippines, has
been actively supporting
this worthy program of
the Order for 32 years
this coming June 29, 2009.
It all started in June 29,
1977, when in
celebration of
the 80th birthday of Rev. Fr.
George J. Willmann, S.J., the
acknowledged
leader of the
founders of KCFAPI, the
Fr. Willmann SJ Fund for
Seminarians was established. Then in August 6,
1996, the KC Fr. George
J. Willmann Charities,
Inc. (FGJWCI) was established as a charitable
and religious institution
whose primary objective
is to provide scholarship
assistance to poor but
deserving diocesan seminarians and priests, and,
to render assistance to
Church programs.
In the corporate structure of KCFAPI, FGJWCI
is one of the two Foundations listed as subsidiaries.
The other is the Knights
of Columbus Foundation
of the Philippines, Inc.,
(KCFPI). By reasons of
their respective objectives,
they are the centerpieces
of the KCFAPI’s corporate social responsibility
(CSR) thrusts in putting
into concrete realization
the favorite theme of the
Knights of Columbus –
Faith In Action.
KCFAPI, through the
FGJWCI, is continually
searching and supporting
Atty. Rizal V. Katalbas, Jr.
“JUN” as he is fondly called among his peers is the
incumbent Assistant Corporate Secretary of KCFAPI
and its subsidiaries (Keys Realty & Development
Corporation, Mace Insurance Agency, Inc. KC
Philippines Foundation, Inc. and KC Fr. George J.
Willmann Charities, Inc.) He was also the former
Corporate Secretary of Anchor Savings Bank, a
subsidiary of KCFAPI, before the bank was sold
to Equicom Manila Holdings, Inc. in January 2008.
Presently, he holds the position of Legal Manager
of KCFAPI.
Jun attained his degree in Bachelor in Laws at
San Sebastian College – Manila and was admitted to the Bar in 1997. His vast experience in the field of legal practice includes, among others, heading the Legal
Department of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) before joining KCFAPI
in February 2006. A third degree member of K of C Holy Family Parish Council
6238, in Almanza, BF Homes, Las Pińas, Jun was exemplified into the Order in
October 2007 as a first degree knight.
Jun hails from his native hometown in Old Sagay, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
and is happily married to Eveny Galicia – Katalbas, a dentist by profession. He is
a father to five loving children.
Aside from attending his regular office work, Jun was assigned to head the Spiritual Committee of KCFAPI. He is also an active member of the Brotherhood for
Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) – Greenhills Chapter, a Catholicled charismatic organization. (Gregorio E. Asis)
Antonio B. Borromeo
selected qualified young
men who will “delight in
the law of the Lord” and
experience the three secrets
of true lasting happiness
(intimacy with the Three
Divine Persons, inner joy
and peace, and loving sensitivity toward one’s brothers and sisters) in their own
lives, and, then go out and
share it with others. We
need more good priests
– more witnesses – more
shepherds!
During its regular Board
of Trustees monthly meeting last April 3, 2009, the
amount of PhP1,530,085.64
was donated by KCFAPI
to the FGJWCI from the
earnings of its 2008 operations. The major portion
of the yearly earnings of
the FGJWCI goes to providing financial support
for seminarian and priest
scholars.
The amount of yearly
donations is directly proportional to the amount
of the Excess of Revenues
Over Expenses After Deduction of Participation of
KCFAPI’s Benefit Certificate Holders. The amount,
in turn, is influenced by the
new acquisition of fraternal
life insurance products by
brother knights and family members, the faithful
remittances of contributions by Benefit Certificate
Holders for their insurance
coverage, the earnings
from invested contributions of BC Holders, and
operating expenses. The
bottom line is simply that
KCFAPI’s BC Holders are
the direct contributors to
the financial support given
to seminarians and priest
scholars.
Therefore, we enjoin all
brother knights and family
members to participate,
in whatever amount you
can afford, in our Order’s
unique family protection
and savings programs.
In the Philippines these
programs are made available by KCFAPI. We have
programs that are specially
designed and tailor-fit to
provide adequately for
every possible financial
need in the future at very
affordable contribution
rates not available elsewhere, and, that may be
acquired through the services of brother knights
and family members who
are accredited KCFAPI
Fraternal Counsellors, or,
through the Home Office
in Intramuros, Manila, or,
through the six Service
Offices spread throughout
the country.
Lastly, we would like
to invite and enjoin those
who have been generously
blessed by our Lord and
who would like to share
their blessings through the
THE Cebu Service Office is located at the core of the city’s business hub, the Cebu Business Park where Ayala
Center is found. The place is similarly and recognized as “Little Makati” because of its high rise commercial
buildings.
The exact address is 2nd Floor, Knights of Columbus Square, #36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue cor. Molave Sts.,
Lahug, Cebu City with telephone numbers #(032) 2328560 and (032) 2323045 (telefax). The Knights of Columbus
Visayas Jurisdiction occupies the ground floor of the same building.
When I started working with the Knights of Columbus as Secretary to the first Visayas Territorial Deputy, the
late Angel C. Veloso, Sr. in July 1988, Cebu Service Office was already established. I have witnessed KCFAPI
celebrating “Pearl Anniversary”, Fortified at Forty” and the recent “Golden Jubilee” celebration held at Manila
Hotel last September 13, 2008. A clear manifestation and reality of the long existence of our office in Cebu.
The purpose of having a Service Office in different regions is to bring KCFAPI Home office closer to our brother
knights and their families in line with the mission of our Association which is to provide optimum fraternal
benefits. Cebu Service Office caters the needs and services of Central Visayas, consisting the whole province
of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, likewise the entire Eastern Visayas. Our office has spacious conference room where we hold meetings and conferences. We also extend the use of conference room with the
approval from Home Office for the different functions of the Knights of Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction like;
Officers, District Deputies and Grand Knights meeting. We are also inspired and motivated by the support of
the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Patrocinio R. Bacay who is holding office in Cebu.
The success of Cebu Service is achieved through the unending support and guidance from the Officers and
Staff of Home Office.
Daghang salamat sa inyong pagbulig. VIVAT JESUS. (Sis. Allen C. Bohol)
Founders Members Committee (FMC)
the said original deed of trust a Founder
Membership Committee (FMC) was created composed of eight members.
During the past years, a series of
amendments to the deed were made
increasing its membership by including
the immediate past and past deputies
for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao jurisdictions. It was found out however,
after a careful deliberation, to be not in
accordance with the provision of the
original deed of trust. Accordingly,
Foundations. Kindly get in
touch with us so we may
facilitate your donations
to the beneficiaries of the
benevolent activities of the
Foundations. (KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. and
KC Fr. George J. Willmann
Charities, Inc. with Tel. No.
527-22-23 loc. 230)
Allow me to remind all
true Knights of the obligation and commitment,
emphasized during our
initiation to the First Degree of Knighthood – “so
that widows and orphans
of dearly departed brother
knights may not find themselves in dire financial
straits.” KCFAPI helps
and provides the avenue
in fulfilling our obligation
as Knights. Not only do we
provide a secure financial
future for our families, we
also are active contributors
to the continued vibrant
success of the Order’s programs, especially on Priest
Vocations.
Do something – NOW!
Enjoin everyone to support
Priestly vocations, seminarian, and our clergy! Vocations are EVERYBODY’S
business. Solid Priestly vocations are built on the rock
of Jesus Christ. By standing
with our seminarians and
priests today, we are joining the work of tomorrow’s
salvation.
Vivat Jesus!
KC Fraternal Cebu Service
Office
Legal Manager
Creation and Composition
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) was incorporated in September
1958 when 64 founder members and
councils of the Knights of Columbus in
the Philippines put an initial capital of
P32,000.00. Later, 55 out of 64 founder
members transferred to Fr. George J.
Willmann, S.J., then Philippine Deputy
of the KC in the Philippines, their membership certificates in KCFAPI through
a deed of trust entitled “Assignment of
Transfer of Founder Membership Certificates of the KCFAPI”. By virtue of
CBCP Monitor
during the meeting of the FMC on 06
July 2007, the Committee finally agreed
to further amend the amended Deed of
Trust by executing the “Deed Reiterating the Principles of Original Deed of
Trust Creating the Founder Members
Committee” to restore the membership of the FMC to eight members
composed only of the following members, namely: 1) the Roman Catholic
Archbishop of Manila; 2) the President
of the Catholic Bishops Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP); 3) the Father
Provincial of the Society of Jesus in the
Philippines; 4) the Luzon Deputy; 5)
the Visayas Deputy; 6) the Mindanao
Deputy; 7) the Vice Supreme Master of
KC, provided that if he is concurrently
the Deputy for Luzon or for the Visayas
or for Mindanao, he shall be replaced
by the Master of the Fourth Degree in
any of the three Philippine jurisdictions
of KC with the highest percentage of
insured members in his jurisdiction;
and 8) any of the State Secretaries or
State Treasurers of the three Philippine jurisdictions, serving alternately,
not concurrently. The execution of
this Deed was duly attested by the
Immediate Past and Past Deputies
of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
jurisdictions.
During the annual meeting of the
Founder Members held on the first
Friday of July, the Founder Members
are being represented by the Founder
Members Committee who has vested
control in KCFAPI. (Atty. Rizal V.
Katalbas, Jr.)
TOKCA / C1
Awards Criteria
The nominee must accept his nomination in
the prescribed form not later than December 15,
2009.
The nominee must have engaged in his field of
endeavor with documented proof within the past
five (5) years subject to validation by the Board of
Jurors and the Search Committee.
Points System
a) Professional Excellence - Max 50pts;
b) Participation in Council, Parish and Community - Max 30pts
c) Membership in KCFAPI - Max 20pts
Total of 100 pts
Search and Nomination Procedures
1. Nomination and endorsements must be in
the hands of KCFAPI Search Committee by September 15, 2009 for initial screening. This should
include all original attachments in support of the
nomination.
2. Validation. The search committee together
with the sub-committee on validation will conduct
verification of statements made on the nominations
including endorsements and supporting documents submitted. The validation period will end
until November 15, 2009.
3. The qualified nominees will be informed in
writing for their acceptance. The list of qualifiers
will be announced officially through KCFAPI’s
chosen publications and circulars. Acceptance of
nominations must be received by the search committee on or before December 15, 2009.
4. All nomination forms, endorsements and attachments shall become the property of KCFAPI
or may be returned to the nominee if it deems
necessary.
5. Evaluation. The Search Committee will assign
points and prepare a short list of nominees which
will be forwarded to the Board of Jurors for selection of winners not later than January 15, 2010. The
points earned shall merely serve as guide for the
Board of Jurors in selecting the winners.
6. Search Committee. This Search Committee
will be composed of KCFAPI officers headed by
its President as Chairman.
7. The Board of Jurors. The Board of Jurors shall
be composed of the Spiritual Director, The Chairman of KCFAPI, the President, the 3 State Deputies
and another member to be selected by the Board.
8. The Board of Jurors will choose the winners
not later than March 1, 2010 and notify them of
their selection.
9. The winners will be entitled to the follow-
ing:
a) Trophy or plaque to be awarded during
the 2010 Tri-state convention to be held in Cebu
City.
b) Round-trip airplane fare (as appropriate)
and hotel accommodation for two (himself and
wife). This item is non-cash convertible and not
transferrable.
c) Cash allowance of P20,000.00 which will
include other transportation expenses other than
plane fare and meals outside of the hotel package.
The travel booking and hotel accommodation shall
be arranged by KCFAPI.
d) Attend as official delegate to the Tri-state
convention.
10. KCFAPI will donate in the name of awardee
P10,000.00 to his parish and P10,000.00 to his
council.
For the complete awards information, you may
contact KCFAPI Home Office at (02) 527 – 2223.
(See below for TOCKA forms)
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES
Board of Trustees/Directors of subsidiaries; 2)
Employees of KCFAPI and Subsidiaries, KCFAPI
Area Managers and their immediate families (fathers, husbands and sons); 3) Five State Officers,
the State Program and Membership Directors and
their immediate families, and 4) Members of the
Board of Jurors.
The Cross
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 10
May 11 - 24, 2009
C3
United for Life
By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Being a Catholic means accepting the Church in its entirety, especially in respecting the lives of all.
IN HIS 1968 book Introduction to Christianity
(Ignatius), Pope Benedict XVI— then Father Joseph
Ratzinger—takes up a question that he describes
as a “basic stumbling-block” to the Christian faith.
He puts the issue this way: “It irritates us that God
should have to be passed on to us through outward
forms: through Church, sacrament, dogma…. All
this provokes the question, Does God dwell in
institutions, events or words? As the eternal Being, does he not make contact with each of us from
within? … God needs no intermediary channels by
which to enter the soul of the individual…nothing
can reach more intimately and deeply into man
than he” (p. 183).
We have all heard these concerns before. Protestants sometime object to what they regard as the
manmade structure of the Catholic Church and
defend the lack of similar structure in their own
faith communities. We also hear from those who do
not belong to any church because they see no need
for organized religion; they are quite content with
their own personal relationship with God.
Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Update
By Dr. Jaime Talag
SWINE Influenza (swine flu) is a
highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by
type A influenza viruses most
commonly of the H1N1 subtype. Outbreaks in pigs occur
year round. The virus is spread
among pigs by aerosols, direct
and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although
swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only
infect pigs, they do sometimes
cross the species barrier to cause
disease in humans. In late March
and early April 2009, cases of human infection were first reported
in Southern California and near
San Antonio, Texas. Reported
cases of swine flu infection in
humans have been reported
internationally as well.
Swine influenza has not been
shown to be transmissible to
people through eating properly
handled and prepared pork and
pork products. Cooking pork
to an internal temperature of
160◦F kills the swine flu virus.
Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely
to occur when people are in
close proximity to infected pigs.
The main mode of transmission from human to human is
through droplets, by coughing
or sneezing of an infected person. Infected people may be able
to infect others beginning a day
before symptoms develop and
up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. Generally, clinical
symptoms are similar to regular
human flu and include fever,
cough, sore throat, body aches,
headaches, chills, lack of appetite and fatigue. Some people
have reported diarrhea, runny
nose, sore throat and vomiting.
In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure)
and deaths have been reported.
It may also cause a worsening
of underlying chronic medical
conditions.
There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza
virus causing illness in humans.
It is not known whether current
human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection.
Influenza viruses change very
quickly. It is important to develop
a vaccine against the currently
circulating virus strain for it to
provide maximum protection to
the vaccinated people. For treatment, there are two classes of
such medicines, 1) adamantanes
(amantadine and remantadine),
and 2) inhibitors of influenza
neuraminidase (oseltamivir and
zanamivir). Some influenza viruses develop resistance to the
antiviral medicines, limiting the
effectiveness of treatment. The
viruses obtained from the recent
human cases in the United States
are sensitive to oseltamivir and
zanamivir but resistant to amantadine and remantadine. These
drugs should only be taken upon
the advice of health providers.
The general preventive measures for influenza are: avoid
close contact with people who
appear unwell and who have
fever and cough, wash your
hands with soap and water
frequently and thoroughly, and
practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating
nutritious food, and keeping
physically active. If you have recently traveled to countries with
known swine influenza cases
and are experiencing signs and
symptoms of the disease, please
proceed to any of the DOH-
Contact KCFAPI through our TEXT CONNECT
INFORMATION SYSTEM (TEXT BILIS)
Send to: 0917-825-KOFC or 0917-8255632
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Example: BCINQ 1002840 01061971
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Both these arguments seem to resonate well in
societies with a long Protestant tradition and also
where increasing secularism finds little place for
strong Church institutions.
Interestingly, Pope Benedict agrees with the
fundamental insights of both questions: God does
not dwell in manmade institutions and he has no
need of anything, including intermediary channels. But Benedict insists there is a further truth
to consider.
He writes, “precisely at this point we must
also add the further statement: Christian faith is
not based on the atomized individual but comes
from the knowledge that there is no such thing as
the mere individual, that on the contrary man is
himself only when he is fitted into the whole.” He
later adds, “Being a Christian means essentially
changing over from being for oneself to being for
one another” (p. 190).
In other words, to be a Christian is to be
brought into a community and into a tradition.
As Christians we find a new unity, and no one
can really speak or act as a Christian simply on
his own. Msgr. Joseph Murphy, author of Christ
Our Joy: The Theological Vision of Pope Benedict
XVI (Ignatius, 2008) and an official at the Vatican
Secretariat of State, puts it this way: “To speak or
act as a Christian means that one is never simply
an isolated self. To become a Christian entails accepting the Church in her entirety into oneself or,
more precisely, it means allowing oneself to be
interiorly accepted into her.”
This observation has deep meaning for the
Knights of Columbus, committed as we are to the
principles of charity, unity and fraternity. It gives
rise to our strong tradition of solidarity with our
priests, bishops and popes, and explains why we
work so hard to help build up our parishes. It is
also why, following Pope Benedict’s trip to the
United States last April 2008, we seek more strongly to follow him in building up our Church.
It also has great meaning as we continue to strive
to be what Pope John Paul II called us to be: a people of life and a people for life—united as Catholics
in the great cause of defending life, especially at its
most vulnerable stages. Unfortunately, being prolife remains a “stumbling-block” for some Catholics. On this issue they have isolated themselves
from the Catholic tradition. As Knights, our duty
is always to promote unity within the Church. We
must increase our efforts to help every Catholic see
more clearly that being Catholic means accepting
the Church in its entirety, especially in respecting
the lives of all. Building up the culture of life is the
task of every Catholic.
Vivat Jesus!
KC seminarian-scholar
graduates with honors
Sem. Longasa is shown being congratulated by Rev. Fr. Rodel E.
Aligan, OP, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, University of Santo
Tomas Central Seminary, during his graduation.
accredited facilities (Research
Institute for Tropical Medicine,
San Lazaro Hospital, and Lung
Center of the Philippines) for
further evaluation.
Following the 2009 revision of
SEMINARIAN Joseph Basilla Longasa of the
Diocese of Legazpi recently finished his Theological studies as Magna Cum Laude at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. He
completed his Philosophical Studies at Mater
Salutis College Seminary in Daraga, Albay
with the rating Cum Laude and Summa Cum
Laude in Oral Comprehensive Examination in
Philosophy.
Aside from maintaining good academic
performance, Sem. Longasa was also active in
all seminary activities. He was the Editor of
BENAVIDES, the official newsletter of the UST
Central Seminary, for 2007-2008 and the Bukluran Games. His proud parents are Mr. Victor
Longasa, Jr. and Mrs. Concepcion Longasa of
Bacacay, Albay.
Sem. Longasa has been a scholar of the KC
Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. for two
school years: 2006-2007 and 2008-2009. He is set
to undergo a year of Spiritual Pastoral Formation beginning June. Sem. Longasa was one of
the seven seminarian-scholars who graduated
this school year. (Denise Solina)
the phase descriptions, the current WHO phase of pandemic
alert is 5. This is characterized
by human to human spread of
virus into at least two countries
in one WHO region. There is a
strong signal that a pandemic is
imminent and that the time to
finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation
measures is short.
The Cross
C4
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 10
May 11 - 24, 2009
Knights join Archdiocese
of Cebu’s Diamond Jubilee
WHEN Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J.
Cardinal Vidal invited the Knights of
Columbus to join the Archdiocese’s
75th anniversary celebration at the
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, over a
hundred knights were mobilized by
Visayas Deputy SK Dionisio R. Esteban,
Jr. and District VIII Master of the Fourth
Degree SK Loreto Pablo, to take part as
honor guards during the solemn blessing of the Holy Door and the Pontifical
Concelebrated Mass.
The afternoon rain on April 28, 2009
failed to dampen the enthusiasm of
brother knights to represent the Order
of the Knights of Columbus as the
Archdiocese celebrated its historic
Diamond Jubilee amidst the backdrop
of the grandeur of the newly renovated
Cathedral.
Even with rain soaked regalia, brother
knights performed their duty to the
Church with dignity and pride, befit-
ting true knights, in the presence of
thousands of Cebuano Catholic faithful
who literally filled the Cathedral and
its grounds.
Among church dignitaries in attendance aside from Cardinal Vidal were
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the
Archdiocese of Manila, Papal Nuncio
Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams,
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro,
Iloilo who is also the current President
of the Catholic Bishops Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP), and many other
archbishops and bishops from all over
the Philippines.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
and other national and local officials
were also present.
After the ceremonies at the Cathedral,
the Archdiocese tendered a dinner show
depicting the rich history of the “Sugbuanong Simbahan” (Cebuano Church)
at the Cebu International Convention
Center.
Again, the Knights of Columbus took
center stage during the show featuring
costumes of the different church lay
organizations existing in Cebu dubbed
as “Vestidas Para Confradias”. Visayas
Deputy Esteban wowed the audience
when he modeled the Knights of Columbus regalia.
The Cebu Archdiocese’s theme: “At
75, Growing Together In Grace As The
Body of Christ”, has struck a sentimental chord of affection in every wellmeaning Cebuano and Visayan knight.
It was at the K of C Cebu Metropolitan
Cathedral Council No. 3106 on February 22, 1948 who began the Knights of
Columbus in the Visayas. They GREW
TOGETHER IN GRACE to become
more than five hundred councils and
fifty thousand knights all throughout
the Visayas today… and still growing!
(Bro. Junjie Navales Cruz)
KC holds first national Columbian Squires Jamboree
THE Knights of Columbus in the Philippines convened the largest gathering of Columbian Squires
in the country last April 22-25, 2009 at the Bataan
Technology Park, Inc. (BTPI) in Morong, Bataan.
Dubbed as the 1st Columbian Squires Philippine
National Jamboree, it was attended by over seven
hundred squires and counselors that came mostly
from the Luzon State jurisdiction.
With the theme, “Columbian Squires in the Philippines: Dynamic Youth of Today, United in Helping Build up the Ecclesial Community,” the gathering consisted of spiritual activities with the daily
Eucharistic celebrations and the Taize prayers,
jamboree activities, and thematic lectures.
Facilitators of the said convention were Miguel
T. Yu, State Ways and Means Chairman and Camp
Director; Conrado S. Dator, Jr., State Youth Director, Amado A. Sanglay, District Deputy of the 131
and BTPI Administrator; Bonifacio B. Martinez,
State Program Director; Eduardo G. Laczi, Director for Philippine Affairs; Msgr. Pedro Quitorio
III, Luzon Assistant State Chaplain and Squires
State Father Prior; Morong Mayor Cynthia Linao
Estanislao; Alonso L. Tan, Luzon Deputy; Arsenio
Isidro G. Yap, Luzon State Secretary; Joven B.
Joaquin, State Treasurer and Jose F. Cuaresma,
State Columbian Squires Chairman.
Different dignitaries and officials handled various conferences and meetings organized in the said
jamboree.
SK Laczi, SK Yap and SK Martinez gave lectures
during the KC State Officers Night.
At the Government and Business Night, talks
were given by SK Sanglay, together with Comelec
Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and Justice Jose
Reyes.
Morong Parish Priest, Fr. Fernando Loreto and
Msgr. Quitorio led the Clergy Night while the
Counselors Meeting was prepared by Cuaresma
and the Squires Key Officers Meeting by Raymund
Gubat, Luzon Squires Deputy Chair for Education
and Romeo Navoa, Luzon Chief Squires.
Meanwhile, Rodolfo Manumbas gave a talk on
Squires Advancement Program.
This Advancement Program began in 2006
which requires a squire to accomplish activities
in four categories on each of the five levels of development which are the “Page,” “Shield Bearer,”
Swordman,” “Lancer,” and the highest “ Squire of
the Body of Christ.”
According to this program, a squire must complete a total of at least 96 activities within 1½ years
that incorporates service activities on behalf of the
Church organization.
In order to inspire the Columbian Squires, the
awarding ceremony for the Squire Advancement
Program of the Supreme Council was held at last
day of the jamboree.
The five Columbian Squires who achieved the
rank of the “Squires of the Body of Christ” are
Jimwell Sales, Gamaliel Marion Sampedro, Alden
Kenneth De Belen, Marvin Ronquillo, Robert Jay
Ramos.
To date, there are eight awardees of the aforementioned program where six of them came from
Luzon and two are from the United States of
America. (CBCPNews)
Four of the five Columbian Squires who have achieved the rank of the Body of Christ were recognized during the closing of the Columbian
Squires tri-state convention last April 25.
13th Mindanao Jurisdiction Convention, a tremendous success!
Regional Conventions in Visayas
Mindanao Jurisdiction Secretary-SK Jose D. Bacalanmo, Mace Insurance President-SK Antonio T. Yulo, KCFAPI President-SK Antonio B. Borromeo, Supreme Office’s
Director for Philippine Affairs-SK Eduardo G. Laczi, Archbishop of Zamboanga City-Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD, Mindanao Jurisdiction Deputy-SK Sofronio R.
Cruz, KCFAPI EVP-Sis. Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Visayas Jurisdiction Deputy-SK Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr., and Past Mindanao Deputy-SK Pedro M. Rodriguez, Jr.
THE Mindanao Knights of Columbus
convened its 13th Mindanao Jurisdiction Convention of the Knights last May
1-3 at Zamboanga City. Hosted by the
Caballeros de Colon de Zamboanga
(Knights of Columbus of Zamboanga)
the convention was held at the Astoria
Regency Convention Center, Pasonanca, with the theme: “Building a
Civilization of Love through Charity,
Unity and Fraternity.”
More than 700 knights from all over
Mindanao flocked to the City of Zamboanga despite news of kidnapping
and abductions, which Zamboanga had
become famous for.
Participants did not only want to
savor the experience of being part of
the largest Fraternal Organization in
the world but also to see for themselves
what the Zamboangenos had to offer
for visiting strangers. Surely, they did
not regret coming to Zamboanga City,
the only Latin City in Asia, as the Chavacanos called their city.
The Convention officially opened
with a Mass in the afternoon of May 1,
presided by no less than Rt. Rev. David
Alonzo of St. Joseph Parish, Zamboanga
City.
The welcome address of the City
Mayor of Zamboanga, Hon. Celso L.
Lobregat, was read by his Representative. The Mayor was out of town during
the Convention.
The afternoon session was highlighted by the “State of the Jurisdiction
Address” (SOJA) given in a power point
presentation by the Mindanao Deputy,
SK Sofronio R. Cruz. It was indeed,
one of the most complete and compre-
hensive report given by the Mindanao
Deputy.
The State Dinner in the evening of
May 1 was sponsored by no less than the
City Mayor. Hon. Celso Lobregat. It was
an evening to remember, with cultural
and social presentations rendered by
students from various schools and colleges of Zamboanga City.
After the State Dinner, Mindanao
Deputy Sofronio R. Cruz, presided a
meeting attended by the State Officers,
District Deputies, Regional and Provincial Secretaries to trace problems
in Membership Recruitment, Reactivation and the need to act as team to
accomplish goals set by the Supreme
Office.
The Mindanao Deputy also informed
those present regarding the restructuring of the Regions comprising the
Jurisdiction to be more responsive to
their needs. A lively discussion took
place and the meeting ended with
everybody exhibiting confidence that
they will meet their respective goals
with success.
The ladies had fun visiting tourist
spots in the city, like the Lady of Port
Pilar and the Barter Trade in Canelar.
The men attended the plenary sessions on the second day which started
with a mass officiated by Msgr. Peter
B. Garces, Parish Priest of Our Lady of
Purification, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga
City. Guest Speaker during the morning
plenary session was no other than the
Archbishop of Zamboanga, Most Rev.
Romulo G. Valles.
The written message of the State
Membership Director SK Hernando
Jordan about membership and retention
was read before the delegates by SK Jose
D. Bacalanmo, the State Secretary.
The Election and induction of Board
of Trustees of Mindanao Columbian
Knights Fraternal Foundation Inc.
(MCKFFI) was also conducted during
the day.
An open Forum followed with lively
discussions on various matters. Resource persons were the Director for
Philippine Affairs, Fraternal Services,
Eduardo G. Laczi, Mindanao Deputy
Sofronio R. Cruz. State Secretary Jose
D. Bacalanmo, Jr. and SK Antonio R.
Borromeo, KCFAPI President.
Various resolutions were presented
IT is time for the Regional Conventions in Visayas.
Last April 21, 2009, brother knights from Central Visayas (Cebu, Bohol,
Siquijor and Oriental Negros) gathered at the Cebu Business Hotel for the
4th Central Visayas Regional Convention, reflecting on the theme, “Building
A Civilization of Love through Charity, Unity and Fraternity”.
Dignitaries in attendance were Bro. Patrocinio R. Bacay – Chairman of the
Board of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines,
Inc. (KCFAPI), Bro. Alberto P. Solis Sr. – Supreme Director, Bro. Panfilo O.
Pacubas, Sr. – Vice Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree and Bro. Eduardo
G. Laczi – Director for Philippine Affairs based in New Haven, Connecticut,
U.S.A.
The convention featured the video greetings of Supreme Knight Carl A.
Anderson who made a report of the Order’s achievements. For his part,
Visayas Deputy Bro. Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr. reported that the Visayas Jurisdiction is faring well in terms of membership growth and service programs
vis-à-vis the goals set way back in July 2008.
Similar gatherings will be held in Iloilo City on May 16, 2009 for Western
Visayas (knights from Panay Island and Negros Occidental) and on May 24,
2009 for Eastern Visayas (knights from Samar-Leyte).
The regional conventions are under the care of Bro. Pete Guyos – Western
Visayas Regional Deputy, Bro. Gaspar Sudario – Central Visayas Regional
Deputy and Bro. Dalmacio Grafil – Eastern Visayas Regional Deputy. (Bro.
Junjie Navales Cruz)
on the last day of the Convention. Presiding for the Resolutions Committee
was Regional Secretary Atty. Emiliano
Deleverio from Pagadian City.
Raffle draws followed with two winners from Gen. Santos City and Iligan
both bagging the first prize, with P100,
000 each.
The Convention was officially closed
by SK Sofronio Cruz at around 11:30
a.m. on Sunday, May 3.
The delegates went home happy, not
only because they were given the opportunity to experience for themselves
the hospitality of the Chavacanos but
also enjoyed the experience of attending
the convention in a land where kidnapping and abductions are the news of
the day.
Also present during the Convention was Former Mindanao Deputies,
Alfredo Taruc, Ernesto San Juan and
his Lady Buena and Alberto Solis, now
Supreme Director.
State officers with Mayor Cynthia Linao Estanislao of Morong during the opening of the 1st Columbian Squires Philippine National Jamboree held at Bataan
Technopark last April 22.