Thursday, October 20, 2011
San Lorenzo Sub-Community Semestral Break Outing 2011
Hopes for second Filipino saint
Michael Diaz, Manila
Philippines
October 19, 2011
from UCANEWS.com
The Roman Catholic cardinals’ decision this week to approve a decree canonizing Blessed Pedro Calungsod means that a Filipino's elevation to sainthood becomes more imminent, a Church official said today.Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu said the cardinals had voted “unanimously in the affirmative” for Calungsod’s canonization.
Canonization for Calungsod, who was beatified in 2000, awaits a formal declaration by Pope Benedict XVI. He said that after passing investigations made by doctors and theologians, the cause for canonization of Calungsod had also passed the review conducted by the cardinals. “This means that Blessed Pedro Calungsod had already passed the third and final stage,” Palma said. He said the declaration will now be submitted to the pontiff.
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the Pope is expected to formally declare Calungsod a saint before December this year. “I think that would also be the time that the Pope will announce the date of Blessed Calungsod’s canonization ceremony,” the source said. The teenager from Cebu was martyred in Guam in 1672 with a Spanish Jesuit priest, now Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores.
Palma earlier said that the Offices of the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints told him that the documents on Calungsod are “number one” on the list. Calungsod, if canonized, will be the first Visayan saint and second Filipino saint in history following San Lorenzo Ruiz who was canonized in Rome in 1988.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
THE POPE HAS A NEW BOOK ON JESUS CHRIST
Pontiff's Book on Christ Marks Many Firsts
Scholars Discuss Novelties of "Jesus of Nazareth"
By Anna Maria Basquez
ROME, MARCH 11, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's latest book marks the first time a Pope has written so extensively on the life of Christ, as well as the first time a Pontiff has engaged modern historical scholarship, says the president of the publisher of the English-language translation of the Holy Father's new book.
"Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week -- From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection," was presented Thursday in the Vatican. The Vatican Publishing House published the book in Italian, and Ignatius Press published it in English. It was also released by various publishers in German, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Polish.
Mark Brumley, president and CEO at Ignatius, said in comments to ZENIT that there are a number of factors that may make the book historic.
"There are a number of 'firsts' here. It's the first time a Pope has written a book with this much depth on Jesus; it's the first time the Pope has engaged modern historical scholarship; and this is the first time the Pope has balanced out the method of historical scholarship with a broader theological approach to the Bible," Brumley said. "Those are three significant firsts."
Biblical renewal. On Wednesday, Ignatius organized a conference call with leading theologians and clergy to discuss the volume.
Brant Pitre, Catholic theologian and professor of sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary, noted during the discussion that the Holy Father's new book answers the Second Vatican Council's call for biblical renewal.
"One of the other renewals which [...] sometimes gets less press, that the Vatican II, called for was a Biblical renewal to really make sacred Scripture the soul of sacred theology, and to unite history and faith in the interpretation of sacred Scripture," Pitre said. "In the same way that Paul VI was the one who implemented the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, and you can say John Paul II really built upon the social teachings of Vatican II and other writings, so too Benedict XVI is really the Pope of the second Vatican Council when it comes to sacred Scripture.
"He sees himself exclusively as implementing the directives of Vatican II with regard to how Catholics read the Bible, how we interpret Scripture, both with history, language, culture and literature, but uniting those to tradition, to dogma and to the canon and the sacred Scripture."
Vatican II. Father Thomas Weinandy, executive director for the Secretariat of Doctrine at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, told ZENIT that Benedict XVI's book is a "new genre" of Pontifical writing.
"This is the first time to my knowledge that a Pope, during his pontificate, has written now two books on Jesus in a scholarly yet contemplative manner and published them," Weinandy said.
He noted that the Pontiff wrote the book as both a pastor and a scholar, "speaking as a theologian, but trying at the same time to address the scholarly community, and also to address the ordinary person so they would come to know the true Gospel, the mystery of faith better."
Protestant biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky and at St. Andrews University in Scotland, said during the teleconference that he did not think the book could have been written before Vatican II.
"I've spent a lot of time in Jesus scholarship and writing books about Jesus, and one of the things I have seen in the (guild) of biblical scholars worldwide is that Catholic and Protestant (exegy) have come closer and closer together in their understanding of both historical Jesus and the Christ of faith, and then worked together to better understanding," Witherington explained. "And I think this book is a very significant book that does precisely that, it helps us both with our knowledge and understanding of Jesus from a historical and critical point of view, but also with our faith. You see knowledge and vital piety in this book, and it’s a very welcome sight indeed."
Unity. Pitre said in his comments during the discussion that he thought the implications of the book "are broad both for ecumenical directives in terms of unity between the Christians and finding common ground in Scripture, but also in calling for a real return to Scripture in the lives of Catholic faithful."
Brumley added: "Reading this book helps Christians, especially Protestants and Catholics, and Christians and Jews, and believers and unbelievers overcome unnecessary differences, differences that arise from misunderstandings, misreading, and I would say even within our own Christian tradition misreading of the Gospel passages.
"The (Holy Father) did a great job of summarizing one of those misreadings, but also -- our differences will be clearer. And I think that actually serves the cause of unity."
ROME, MARCH 11, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's latest book marks the first time a Pope has written so extensively on the life of Christ, as well as the first time a Pontiff has engaged modern historical scholarship, says the president of the publisher of the English-language translation of the Holy Father's new book.
"Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week -- From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection," was presented Thursday in the Vatican. The Vatican Publishing House published the book in Italian, and Ignatius Press published it in English. It was also released by various publishers in German, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Polish.
Mark Brumley, president and CEO at Ignatius, said in comments to ZENIT that there are a number of factors that may make the book historic.
"There are a number of 'firsts' here. It's the first time a Pope has written a book with this much depth on Jesus; it's the first time the Pope has engaged modern historical scholarship; and this is the first time the Pope has balanced out the method of historical scholarship with a broader theological approach to the Bible," Brumley said. "Those are three significant firsts."
Biblical renewal. On Wednesday, Ignatius organized a conference call with leading theologians and clergy to discuss the volume.
Brant Pitre, Catholic theologian and professor of sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary, noted during the discussion that the Holy Father's new book answers the Second Vatican Council's call for biblical renewal.
"One of the other renewals which [...] sometimes gets less press, that the Vatican II, called for was a Biblical renewal to really make sacred Scripture the soul of sacred theology, and to unite history and faith in the interpretation of sacred Scripture," Pitre said. "In the same way that Paul VI was the one who implemented the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, and you can say John Paul II really built upon the social teachings of Vatican II and other writings, so too Benedict XVI is really the Pope of the second Vatican Council when it comes to sacred Scripture.
"He sees himself exclusively as implementing the directives of Vatican II with regard to how Catholics read the Bible, how we interpret Scripture, both with history, language, culture and literature, but uniting those to tradition, to dogma and to the canon and the sacred Scripture."
Vatican II. Father Thomas Weinandy, executive director for the Secretariat of Doctrine at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, told ZENIT that Benedict XVI's book is a "new genre" of Pontifical writing.
"This is the first time to my knowledge that a Pope, during his pontificate, has written now two books on Jesus in a scholarly yet contemplative manner and published them," Weinandy said.
He noted that the Pontiff wrote the book as both a pastor and a scholar, "speaking as a theologian, but trying at the same time to address the scholarly community, and also to address the ordinary person so they would come to know the true Gospel, the mystery of faith better."
Protestant biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky and at St. Andrews University in Scotland, said during the teleconference that he did not think the book could have been written before Vatican II.
"I've spent a lot of time in Jesus scholarship and writing books about Jesus, and one of the things I have seen in the (guild) of biblical scholars worldwide is that Catholic and Protestant (exegy) have come closer and closer together in their understanding of both historical Jesus and the Christ of faith, and then worked together to better understanding," Witherington explained. "And I think this book is a very significant book that does precisely that, it helps us both with our knowledge and understanding of Jesus from a historical and critical point of view, but also with our faith. You see knowledge and vital piety in this book, and it’s a very welcome sight indeed."
Unity. Pitre said in his comments during the discussion that he thought the implications of the book "are broad both for ecumenical directives in terms of unity between the Christians and finding common ground in Scripture, but also in calling for a real return to Scripture in the lives of Catholic faithful."
Brumley added: "Reading this book helps Christians, especially Protestants and Catholics, and Christians and Jews, and believers and unbelievers overcome unnecessary differences, differences that arise from misunderstandings, misreading, and I would say even within our own Christian tradition misreading of the Gospel passages.
"The (Holy Father) did a great job of summarizing one of those misreadings, but also -- our differences will be clearer. And I think that actually serves the cause of unity."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Benedict XVI Doesn't Justify Condom Use
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 21, 2010 (Zenit.org).- A Vatican spokesman is clarifying that Benedict XVI is not justifying condom use, though the Pope said it could in some cases be a first step toward moral behavior.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said this in a statement today regarding the words of Benedict XVI as recorded in a book, "Light of the World" (Ignatius Press), scheduled for release on Tuesday.
On Saturday, L'Osservatore Romano published some quotes from this book, which drew public interest and media misunderstandings.At the end of the tenth chapter of the book, the writer, German journalist Peter Seewald, asked the Pontiff two questions on the fight against AIDS and the use of condoms. Seewald referenced the Holy Father's comments on this topic while aboard the papal plane on the way to Cameroon and Angola in March, 2009.
Father Lombardi noted that Benedict XVI answered Seewald by insisting "on the fact that focusing only on condoms is equivalent to banalizing sexuality, which loses its meaning as an expression of love between persons and becomes a 'drug.'"
He added, "In the light of this broad and profound vision of human sexuality and the contemporary discussion of it, the Pope reaffirms that 'naturally the Church does not consider condoms as the authentic and moral solution' to the problem of AIDS."
"In this the Pope does not reform or change the Church's teaching, but reaffirms it," the priest stated.
"At the same time the Pope considers an exceptional circumstance in which the exercise of sexuality represents a real threat for the life of another," the spokesman explained.
Recovering awareness
The Ignatius Press blog, Ignatius Insight, published these excerpts of the book today, noting the Pontiff's words: "There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward recovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanization of sexuality."
When Seewald asked the Holy Father to clarify the Church's position on the use of condoms, Benedict XVI responded: "She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality."
Father Lombardi explained, "In that case, the Pope does not morally justify the disordered exercise of sexuality but maintains that the use of a condom to reduce the danger of infection may be 'a first act of responsibility,'" as opposed to "not using it and exposing the other to risking his life."
"In this, the reasoning of the Pope certainly cannot be defined as a revolutionary change," he said.
"With courage Benedict XVI thus offers us an important contribution of clarification and reflection on a question that has long been debated," the priest affirmed.
He continued, "It is an original contribution, because on one hand it maintains fidelity to moral principles and demonstrates lucidity in refuting an illusory path like that of the 'confidence is condoms.'"
On the other hand, Father Lombardi said, "it manifests a comprehensive and far-seeing vision, attentive to uncovering the small steps -- even if only initial and still confused -- of an often spiritually and culturally impoverished humanity, toward a more human and responsible exercise of sexuality."
He pointed out that in this book, "the Pope again clearly stresses" that when he spoke to journalists aboard the papal plane "he had not intended to take a position on the problem of condoms in general."
Rather, the spokesman noted, the Pontiff "wanted to affirm with force that the problem of AIDS cannot be solved simply by distributing condoms, because much more needs to be done: prevention, education, help, counsel, being with people both to keep them from getting sick and in the case that they do get sick."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
OCTOBER 2010 UPDATES
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| Bring down the roof! |
October, the Holy Rosary month was indeed a month of blessings for the seminary. The Consunji Group of Companies began the full-renovation of the Saint Michael’s dormitory. Some 25 workers are now working round the clock to complete the renovation by December 15. Most of the construction materials for the operation were shipped from Manila. (Photos above show how the wooden beams of the dormitory roof are now being replaced with the sturdier metal trusses. The wooden window and door jams will also be replaced with concrete and metal frames. D.M. Consunji Group of Companies shoulders the full cost of the construction.)
The seminary community also welcomed with great joy news that the Jesuits of the Japanese Province approved a P4.3 million grant for the SJVTS library. The amount represents 2/3 of the projected cost to renovate the library and add to its book collection. SJVTS invites more institutional donors to donate to the library so reconstruction of the facilities may already begin soon.
What's with WHITE? Library fixtures now sport a brighter color ... WHITE! May the lighter shade inspire seminarians to stay more and read more!
Fr. Antonio Moreno, SJ - President of the Jesuit Higher Education Commission (JHEC) had recently approved the membership of SJVTS to the commission. JHEC counts as its members , colleges and universities administered by the Jesuits around the country. Through its membership in the commission, the seminary hopes to derive much needed learnings from the best academic practices of Jesuit schools.
St. Francis Assisi Courtyard: SJVTS Building "C" a.k.a. St. Francis Assisi building also has a newly reconstructed courtyard. Thanks to the generosity of friends and benefactors, the courtyard was completed just in time for the opening of the second semester.
Three alumni of the seminary were also ordained recently. Jose Anthony Garcia of Talibon, Bohol was ordained deacon last October 9. Deacons Cris Constantino and Arniel Villamero of Malaybalay were ordained priests last October 26 & 27, respectively. Deacon Ricky Bacolcol was likewise ordained priest in Jolo last November 9. Three other diaconal ordinations had also been scheduled this November.
Some 52 college seminarians from all over Mindanao were accommodated for two days in the seminary for their 2nd Phase (interviews) application to the seminary. The list of those to be finally accepted for school year 2011-2012 will be available sometime in February 2011.
San Lorenzo covered patio. This year's San Lorenzo Ruiz fiesta was itself a source of blessing for the San Lorenzo sub-community. Funds were raised to improve the building's covered patio (which included fencing and tiling). Thanks again to our generous friends.
Incidentally, Frs. Junjun Borres, SJ (Rector of San Jose Seminary – Manila) and Eric Eusebio, SJ (Dean of the Loyola School of Theology) visited the seminary last October 5-6 for the Jesuit Formation sub-cluster meeting presided over by Father Rector Cel Reyes. During the semestral break, Fr. Manol Montesclaros, SJ gave retreats to the faculty of the different RVM schools and visited friends and family in Manila and Cebu. For his birthday celebration, Fr. Raul Dael hosted separate gatherings for friends and the SJVTS faculty. Fr. Julius Clavero went to Davao for the Theological Society of the Philippines conference on Global Warming. Fr. Demli Valmores who was supposed to accompany Father Julius was struck down with Dengue fever. Fr. Butch Zayas also went to Digos, Davao Oriental for the Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference last October 18-22. Bukidnon missionary Fr. Mat Sanchez was also around to give a conference on prayer to seminarians in Galilee Year who are preparing for their 30-day retreat at the Betania Retreat House in Malasag.
San Lorenzo covered patio. This year's San Lorenzo Ruiz fiesta was itself a source of blessing for the San Lorenzo sub-community. Funds were raised to improve the building's covered patio (which included fencing and tiling). Thanks again to our generous friends.
Incidentally, Frs. Junjun Borres, SJ (Rector of San Jose Seminary – Manila) and Eric Eusebio, SJ (Dean of the Loyola School of Theology) visited the seminary last October 5-6 for the Jesuit Formation sub-cluster meeting presided over by Father Rector Cel Reyes. During the semestral break, Fr. Manol Montesclaros, SJ gave retreats to the faculty of the different RVM schools and visited friends and family in Manila and Cebu. For his birthday celebration, Fr. Raul Dael hosted separate gatherings for friends and the SJVTS faculty. Fr. Julius Clavero went to Davao for the Theological Society of the Philippines conference on Global Warming. Fr. Demli Valmores who was supposed to accompany Father Julius was struck down with Dengue fever. Fr. Butch Zayas also went to Digos, Davao Oriental for the Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference last October 18-22. Bukidnon missionary Fr. Mat Sanchez was also around to give a conference on prayer to seminarians in Galilee Year who are preparing for their 30-day retreat at the Betania Retreat House in Malasag.
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