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Vol. 17 No. 06March 18 - 31, 2013

CBCP MonitorC1

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

Annual Awards

TO honor the finest of 2012, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal As-sociation of the Philippines, Inc. (KC-FAPI) celebrated its 36th Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ – Annual Family Service awards at the Hotel Centro Grand Ballroom in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last March 8, 2013. Seventy Fraternal Counselors and 14 Area Managers with their spouses and

other companions attended the most prestigious awards night that every-one was looking forward to every year. Bro. Salvador Aspuria of Cordil-lera Braves bagged the 2012 Area Man-ager of the Year while Bro. Rodante Sultan won the most coveted 2012 Fraternal Counselor of the Year. The night was also graced by the presence of KCFAPI Board of Trustees headed

by Honorable Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Among those present were KCFAPI President Guillermo N. Hernandez, Executive Vice-President Ma.Theresa G. Curia, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, SK Emiliano R. Deleverio, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorongon and Mindanao Deputy Balbino C. Fauni. (MPCabra/KCFAPI News)

AM of the Year

BRO. Salvador Aspuria, Sr. of Cordil-lera Braves brought home the 2012 Area Manager (AM) of the Year trophy. He was also the first AM to hit the 2012 Tar-get as early as July. He is a KC member of Council 12568 or Bishop Galasgas Coun-

cil and presently residing at La Trinidad, Benguet. He is blessed with three loving kids, Sharry Mae Joy, Kristofferson and Salvador Jr. and a supportive wife, Mer-cedes. He was also the 2011 AM of the Year. (MPCabra/KCFAPI News)

FC of the Year

BRO. Rodante Sultan of Eastern Visayas Fighters snatched the 2012 Fraternal Counselor (FC) of the year award. He is a KC member of Council 4686 or San Igna-cio Lahora Council and presently residing at Catarman, Northern Samar. He is the son of the late Bro. Antonio D. Sultan, Jr.

who was also a consistent FC awardee. In his speech, Bro. Rodante expressed his unending gratitude for his loving mom as well as to his ever-supportive Benefit Certificate (BC) Holders who supported and helped him attain his 2012 First Year Contribution. (MPCabra/KCFAPI News)

KCFAPI celebrates ‘Puso Month’ with fund raising activitiesTHE Gift Giving Committee of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) conducted various activi-ties to raise funds during the month-long celebration of the “Puso Month” last February.

Among the activities were photo booth, song requests, heart messages, flower/stuff toys for a cause and rosary bracelets.

Through the said project, the Committee was able to raise P15,000.00 which will benefit the “Tulay ng Kabataan” located near the Manila Cathedral. Flowers and bracelets for a cause is

now a year round project and available in their Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/KCFAPI Gift Giving.

The members of the KC-FAPI gift giving committee are Evangelina F. Dawal, Ma. Luisa P. Manuel, Nina S. Hongayo, Ira J. Tee, An-nie M. Nicolas, Ma. Celina T. Pelayo, Michael P. Cabra, Atty. Neil Jerome A. Rapa-tan, and Committee Chair-man Carmelita S. Ruiz.

Rosary bracelets are still available for sale. For inter-ested parties, you may call KCFAPI trunkline 527-2223 and look for any member of the Gift Giving Committee. (KCFAPI News)

KCFAPI Gift Giving Committee members headed by their Chairperson, Ms. Carmelita S. Ruiz (center).

KC holds simultaneous vigils for conclaveTHE Knights of Columbus in the Philip-pines together with its insurance arm, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) held a simultaneous prayer vigil for the conclave that elected Pope Francis which ran for 2 days starting March 12.

Worthy Deputies Arsenio Isidro Yap (Luzon), Rodrigo Sorongon (Visayas), and Balbino Fauni (Mindanao) asked every councils from their respective jurisdictions to hold a vigil prayer in

their own parish church or chapel for the election of the new Pope.

During the vigil, Brother Knights prayed that the Holy Spirit will en-lighten the cardinals in choosing the new leader of more than one billion Catholics throughout the world.

The “YouthPinoy”, an organiza-tion under the auspices of the CBCP Media Office and the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), spear-headed the vigil that commenced last March 12 at the Arzobispado de

Manila Chapel of the Roman Catho-lic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) in Intramuros, Manila.

The prayer vigil started with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by KCFAPI Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III. This was followed by an hourly vigil until midnight. The vigil ended on the eve of March 14, the day when Pope Francis was proclaimed the new Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. (KC News with reports from Jandel Posion)

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS. Thirty couples from Luzon District Deputies, Officials of Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) led by Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia and the organizing committee of the Luzon Jurisdiction renewed their marriage vows last February 17 held at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Rev. Fr. William Araña, OSA from the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila celebrated the mass. Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap gave rose lapel pins to the wives. There was dancing after dinner, accompanied by a live band. Brother Knights sang songs which they lovingly dedicated to their wives. (Mon Sanchez)

K of C Luzon deputy urges members to junk Team Patay candidatesKNIGHTS of Columbus Lu-zon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap called on members to junk Team Patay candidates this coming elections.

“We need to voice out to politicians that we Catholics also have a voice in society that should be heard,” says Yap in the vernacular.

Yap made the pitch dur-ing the 6th Annual Walk for Life where around 4,000 fraternal members of the Knights of Columbus coming from different parts of Luzon gathered at the San Andres Gymnasium in Malate.

Dubbed, “A Walk for Life is a Vote for Life” this year’s theme is focused on the need to restore morality in public office.

The event kicked off with a Mass at San Agustin Church

celebrated by Cubao bishop Most. Rev. Honesto F. Ong-tioco, D.D. before heading off to San Andres Gym.

Yap also reiterated the need to have a government that protects the family, re-spects the right to religious expression and shows au-thentic concern in solving the ills besetting the country.

With voice reverberating throughout the gymnasium, Yap one by one dropped the names of the Team Patay candidates and urged his fellow Brother Knights not to forget these politicians who voted in favor of RH bill and likewise urged them to vote this election according to their faith and convictions.

Late January, the San Se-bastian Cathedral in Bacolod

created controversy for put-ting up a giant tarpaulin outside the church listing the names of senatorial can-didates and party-list groups who either opposed or sup-ported the RH law.

Team Patay groups were those who voted for the law while those who opposed it were under Team Buhay (life).

Team Patay (pro-RH) in-cludes senatorial candidates Juan Edgardo Angara, Teddy Casiño, Allan Peter Cay-etano, Jack Enrile, Francis Escudero, Risa Hontiveros, and Loren Legarda.

Partylist groups included in the Team Patay are Gabri-ela, Akbayan, Bayan Muna, and AnakPawis.

T h e c o n t r o v e r s y h a s r e a c h e d t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t w i t h t h e h i g h court issuing a temporary r e s t r a i n i n g o r d e r t h a t stopped the Comelec from tearing down the contro-versial posters.

The Supreme Court is set to tackle the highly antici-pated oral debate today at 2 in the afternoon. (CBCP for Life)

More than 4,000 “Walk for Life, Vote for Life” participants make their way up Roxas Boulevard to the San Andres Gym in Manila in protest of abortion and related legislation, March 16, 2013. (Roy Lagarde)

The CrossC2 Vol. 17 No. 06March 18 - 31, 2013

CBCP Monitor

Hilario G. Davide, Jr.

Guillermo N. Hernandez

Chairman’s Message

President’s Message

KCFAPI’s theme for the month of March focuses on the 36th Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Annual Family Service Awards, scheduled on 8-10 March 2013 in Puerto Princesa City, Pala-wan, to honor individuals who in the year 2012 demonstrated exemplary and outstanding performance in the pursuit of the Association’s primary objective of providing mutual aid benefits to the Knights in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Jurisdictions of the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS and the members of their families. These are the awardees as Fraternal Counselor (FC) of the Year, Area Manager (AM) of the Year, FC and AM of the Year Runners-Up, Fr. Willmann, SJ Knights of the Round-table (WKRT), and Knights of the Chairman’s Circle. They are the men and women who worked beyond the call of duty to inspire and convince brother knights and members of their families to take advantage of the various protection products of KCFAPI and assure them of service that guarantees an enhanced family protection especially at times when the need thereof is most desired.

On the other hand, the Annual Awards also, although indirectly, honor Knights who positively responded to the inspiration given by the awardees.

Thus, I congratulate and commend the awardees; and I express my profound hope that our fraternal counselors and area managers would further strengthen their resolve to so-lidify the bonds of charity, unity and fraternity of our Order through the availment of KCFAPI benefits. This will definitely go a long way in our celebration of the Year of Faith and our faithful pursuit of the New Evangelization.

VIVAT JESUS!

Michael Cabra

My Brother's Keeper

AFTER Cain killed his brother Abel because of jealousy, God asked him where his brother was. And Cain answered, ‘Am I my Brother’s Keeper? As Knights of Columbus (KC) Member we are our brother’s keeper. We make sure that every brother knight member is financially protected with the fraternal protection offered by Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). As we inched into the Year of Faith, we hold on to our new by-line, My Brother’s Keeper. We believed that keeping our fellow KC Brothers Knight protected from any financial harm due to premature

death, disability or old-age is our number one advocacy.

Ensuring the protection of our fellow KC Brothers and their families need not be ex-pensive. KCFAPI offers even the most basic protection with the most affordable contribu-tion in the form of Council Mortuary Benefit Plan or CMBP. It provides immediate cash to the beneficiary in the event of a Brother Knight’s early demise. The protection pro-vides coverage on a yearly basis at a very minimal contribution. It is available to all the Knights of Columbus members nation-wide including their wives and dependents

aged 20 and below. There are three (3) plans available: CMBP 30 (P30,000.00), 40 (P40,000) and 50 (P50,000). Yearly contribution is very affordable at P365.00, P475.00 and P585.00 re-spectively. No other Church organization of-fers members basic protection plan of similar value. There’s only one KCFAPI CMBP. For other details of the plan you may approach the Fraternal Counselor in your area.

With CMBP, imagine the life of each KC Member dependent whom they will leave behind. We know it is not enough but it is a good start...a good start of becoming My Brother’s Keeper!

Luzon Jurisdiction approves installation of fish sanctuary in Ilocos NorteAN artificial fish sanctuary or “Payaw” will be installed this year as a livelihood project in Ilocos Norte by the Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction, in coordination with the local councils and parish.

Council 14302 of the Saint Francis of Assisi Davila, Pa-suquin, Ilocos Norte has sent a letter to the Luzon Jurisdiction requesting for an installation of “payaw” or artificial fish sanctu-ary in order for the council to meet its financial needs since most of the members are fisher-men.

Council Chaplain and Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi Fr. Lester T. Menor together with Grand Knight Laurencio A.

Pacleb Jr. and District Deputy Edralin V. Culangco of District L06 received the amount of P100,000.00 from the Luzon Ju-risdiction for the “payaw” proj-ect to be installed later this year.

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding was done last February 10 during the par-ish community mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish and was witnessed by Barangay Captain of Davila Elviro Agoo and Spe-cial Project Chairman Jeffrey G. Rentegrado.

The Luzon Jurisdiction was represented by Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, State Secretary Joven B. Joaquin and Technical Assistant Ramon C. Sanchez. (LuzonNews)

Council Chaplain and Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi Fr. Lester T. Menor, Brother Knights and officials of Council 14302 with Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap and State Secretary Joven B. Joaquin.

Council 11847 holds multiple Lenten activitiesNUMEROUS activities such as Youth Recollection, film showing, Father and Son camping, and Walk for Life as well as a Prayer Rally for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI were held by the Luzon Jurisdiction’s Council 11847 of Mary Mother of Good Counsel, Marcelo

Green, Parañaque City last February 16 in commemoration of the Lenten season.

Youth recollectionThe Youth Recollection was attended

by 40 youngsters including Squires members from different areas in Para-ñaque.

The recollection started with a very inspiring talk by Grand Knight Rolando Zabala.

State Formator Tim Acedo facilitated the recollection with a theme “Discov-ery: A Youth Recollection.”

Acedo shared his experiences on how he started as a poor kid who shines

shoes for a living and how he gave his best for God. He said God has blessed him to reach his goal and become suc-cessful.

At the end of the recollection, the youth did their part on sharing and reflection.

One of the youth acknowledged that the blessing that benefitted Bro. Tim could also happen to all of them and he believe that God will give His blessings to all of them.

Another participant said that he learned that “If I will be busy working for God… God will also be busy work-ing for my concerns.”

Participants were inspired by the rec-ollection. It ended with a prayer asking God to bless the youth with His grace and a commitment from the youth to give their best to God.

Film showingMeanwhile, brother knights and 40

youth and Squires also attended a film showing.

The objective of the activity was for the youth to honor their parents and for fathers to develop a stronger bond with their children after watching the film “Courageous—Honor Begins at Home.” Viewers found themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they were chal-lenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kind of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

After the film viewing, Brother Glenn Gallos facilitated short activities to process the movie with the youth and fathers. The youth realized how impor-tant is the role of the fathers in the family and in the society, while the fathers who watched the film also realized the impor-tance of being courageous to protect and love the family and to build a stronger relationship with their children.

At the end of the activity, the fathers and the youth made a commitment to put God first in the family and to protect and love the family at all times.

Those who attended the film show-ing shouted “I will” to express their commitment.

The film showing was extended with the viewing of “The Passion of Christ” to remind the participants of the Love of God and the suffering of Christ.

Father and son campThe “Father and Son camping” of

Council 11847 is aimed to strengthen

the relationship of the brother knights and their sons.

Forty young ones and about 18 fathers arrived at MGV Phase 4 Clubhouse to participate in the activity.

Grand Knight Rolando B. Zabala wel-comed participants and encouraged the fathers and the youth to participate in all the events to make it successful. The group was divided into two groups for all the activities and challenges.

Evening activities began with par-

ticipants (father and son) preparing and cooking their barbecue for dinner. After dinner the bonfire was lit and the two groups started their cheering competition and Talents’ Night under the stars with only the bonfire lighting the camp. The evening was filled with fun and excitement.

Walk for lifeWalk for Life and Prayer Rally for

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. The event

started with a Eucharistic celebration at the Mary of Good Counsel Parish. Brother Knights, Squires and some parishioners gathered in front of the Church to start the Walk for Life after the mass. The objective of the activity was to show the Knights’ stand to pro-tect life and to honor the Holy Father.

It was a 2-kilometer walk going

through the major streets of Marcelo Green Village towards Phase 4 Club house. While walking, Squires cheered and clapped catching the attention of the neigh-borhood. At 7am, the walk has reached the Phase 4 covered court and the program started with Prayers for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI and a short message from Phase 4 Homeowners Association Presi-dent and past Grand Knight Manuel Jacela and Grand Knight Rolando B. Zabala.

Participants enjoyed a simple fel-lowship breakfast prepared for them after the activities. (Frich Policarpio / KC News)

UNDOUBTEDLY for KCFAPI, the biggest event of the year is the Fr. George J. Will-mann, SJ Annual Family Service Awards. It can be viewed as somewhat akin to an Oscar’s in Hollywood or our local FAMAS where the best of the best among our Area Managers and Fraternal Counselors in terms of accomplishments are duly recognized and awarded. It is also a weekend of fun where these AMs and FCs in the company of our Trustees and other Officers under the KCFAPI umbrella are treated to an out of town holiday.

Like real actors and actresses, these AMs and FCs together with their families performed on stage in a fierce competition for the best presentation and the best in costume. The highlight of course of the big event is the proclamation of the AM of the Year and FC of the Year.

For this year, the beautiful and very clean city of Puerto Pricesa which boasts of the new wonder of the world “Underground River”, was chosen as site of the event. Providentially indeed for KCFAPI as it boasts likewise of a new wonder… our full-year performance results for 2012.

FYCI which defines the amount of new business generated was at its highest ever in 2012 at Php138.32 M, so does total contributions received from all products, new or renewal, breaching for the first time the half-billion level, and total resources posting an all-time high of Php3.90 B for KCFAPI alone. The last item cited did not even involve any revaluation of assets by KCFAPI despite the prevailing higher prices of properties in the market these days.

More than the numbers though, KCFAPI’s greatest achievement is and will always be the human resources that collectively made this financial results possible. From the Board of Trustees headed by Hon. Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., to the management and employees and support staff, and to the KCFAPI personnel in the field, the AMs and FCs, you are all KCFAPI’s enviable treasures. This was best exhibited by our Area Manager of the Year, Salvador Aspuria, Sr. who did it in back to back fashion, more than doubling his targeted production again for the second straight year. Not to be outdone was our Fraternal Counselor of the Year, Rodante Sultan who as a neophyte surprised everyone with an accomplishment never heard of before, breaching the Php5 M level in FYCI and even surpassing the area’s production of several of our AMs.

This certainly makes me proud and inspires me to hopefully inspire all the more our KCFAPI organization to do a better job for 2013. As I have said in Puerto Princesa, KCFAPI which is essentially a Fraternal Association in Christ is first and foremost pro-family with fraternal benefit programs and products intended for the family as beneficiaries, and devoid of personal interests. KCFAPI therefore indeed stands for “Keep Christian Family Above Personal Interest”. Given the foregoing as perspective and with the grace of our Lord on our side, I wish everyone the “Best of You” or simply BOY.

Vivat Jesus!

CMBP... a good start to be My Brother's Keeper

Message of the Knights of Columbus inthe Philippines on the Election of

His Holiness Pope FrancisWE join the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Church in the Philip-pines and the whole world in thanking the Lord for and welcoming with joy the election of Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina as the new Pontiff of the Church, His Holiness Pope Francis.

When he assumed with the unprecedented papal name of “Francis” we recalled the evan-gelical spirituality and radical poverty of St. Francis of Assisi which according to CBCP President and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, “hints of the renewal of the Church where he remains committed and the care of God’s cre-ation where St. Francis of Assisi is known for.”

In his pastoral ministry as the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in the past and as the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdio-

cese of Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was well known for his practice of charity, which is the first principle of the Order of the Knights of Columbus. He is well-known, too, for his staunch advocacy for life and the family, which is also our overarching advocacy specially now in the Philippines that the Reproductive Health Law is in effect and the passage of other anti-life bills is imminent.

This makes us feel a very special sense of closeness and confidence with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. We assure His Holiness Pope Francis of our collective prayer for the success of his Petrine Ministry and to resolve that we will continue with our efforts in evangelization and charitable work in our families, councils and par-ish communities and the Philippines in general.

VIVAT JESUS!

SK HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JRChairman, Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)

SK ARSENIO ISIDRO G. YAPState DeputyLuzon Jurisdiction

SK RODRIGO N. SORONGONState DeputyVisayas Jurisdiction

SK BALBINO C. FAUNIState DeputyMindanao Jurisdiction

The CrossCBCP MonitorVol. 17 No. 06March 18 - 31, 2013

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Law in Layman’s Term

Religious Freedom is a Natural Right

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Atty. Neil Jerome A. Rapatan

What really is Separation of the Church and State?

By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

RECENTLY, the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services issued new rules un-der the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Many hoped that the Obama ad-ministration would abandon the so-called HHS mandate of contraception, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs in employee health care plans, considering the extraordinary criticism that’s been given by a wide spectrum of religious leaders. Others hoped the rule would move beyond exempting only houses of worship. But the new rules have done neither. Instead, the government stated that “the universe of employer plans that would qualify for the exemption” would not be expanded “beyond that which was intended in the 2012 final rules.”

Since the legislation was first introduced more than a year ago, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has repeat-edly said that the HHS mandate violates our fundamental right to the free exercise of religion.

Historian Steven Waldman, in his book Founding Faith: How Our Founding Fathers Forged a Radical New Approach to Reli-gious Liberty (2009), reminds us that from the time of the Declaration of Independence to the Bill of Rights and shortly thereafter, a transformation took place in the United States in the way that religion was treated. In drafting these docu-ments, the Founding Fathers rejected the old European model of an established state religion in which religious minorities were only granted some level of toleration by government.

Thomas Paine put the matter very clearly in his book Rights of Man (1791): “Toleration is not the opposite of intolerance but

the counterfeit of it. Both are despotisms: the one assumes to itself the right of withholding liberty of conscience, the other of granting it.”

Likewise, James Madison and others would not accept the idea that Americans were to petition their government for permission to exercise their religion. Instead, Madison argued that the “free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience,” was a “natural and absolute right.” According to Waldman, this shifted the terms of debate “from toleration to liberty.”

In his famous Memorial and Remonstrance Against Reli-gious Assessments (1785), Mad-ison wrote: “The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right.”

Madison’s concern went be-yond diversity or pluralism to

something far more important. “It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage, and such only, as he believes to be acceptable to him,” he wrote. “This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.”

Today, we must ask whether we see in the intransigence of government a regression—a shift away from liberty first and a return to a form of gov-ernment-granted toleration, which is followed quickly by government intolerance of our free exercise of religion.

Though we now face unprec-edented challenges to religious liberty, history tells us that the cause of freedom in America is not an isolated event, but a journey. This is the lesson of the great Civil Rights Move-

ment of the last century, which told us to envision a day when “all God’s children” could say, “Thank God Almighty we are free at last.”

Every legal system rests upon a certain vision of the human person. Our laws affecting reli-gious liberty are no exception. As we look to safeguard our liberty, it is essential that we do so with a clear explanation

of how freedom is rooted in the dignity of each person.

As Madison observed in The Federalist Papers No. 51, “What is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?” And since that is true, in the days ahead our country will need the clear voice and enduring wisdom of the Catholic Church.

Vivat Jesus!

Luzon to hold 12th state conventionALL District Deputies and Grand Knights in Luzon Jurisdiction are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 12th Luzon State Con-vention on April 27 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel.

The Luzon Jurisdiction will ac-commodate up to 500 maximum delegates only and the registra-tion is limited to the incumbent State Officers, State Directors/Chairmen, District Deputies, and Grand Knights.

Registration fee for early regis-trants is at P1,600.00 per delegate until March 31. Delegates who will register from April 1-19 will be charged P1,800.00, while those registering from April 20-26 will

pay P2,500.00. On-site registrants will pay P3,000.00 and will not be given a convention bag.

Included in the convention bag are laminated ID, certifi-cates, meal stubs, one raffle stub for door prize and other giveaways.

“Payment for the registration fee may be in cash or check and payable to Luzon Jurisdiction or may be deposited under the cur-rent account of K of C Luzon”, according to State Convention Chairman Bonifacio B. Martinez.

For details, interested parties may call (02) 527-2248 or email at kofcluzon@yahoo.com. (Luzon News)

WE often hear in the news the term “Separa-tion of Church and State”. The government invokes this when it implements a measure that is generally contrary to the teachings of the Church; the Church invokes the same when it exercises its right to teach morality that influence the actions of its parishioners, even in the exercise of their political rights. But, in the eyes of the law, what really is separation of Church and State?

There are two major provisions in the 1987 Constitution which treats of the separation of the Church and State. Art. II, Sec. 6 pro-vides, “The separation of the Church and State shall be inviolable.” Art. III, Sec. 5, then provides, “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or prefer-ence, shall forever be allowed. No religious

test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.” From the reading of these constitutional provisions, it can be gleaned that the concept of “Separation of Church and State” and “Freedom of Religion” is interrelated.

There are two principal aspects of the “Separation of Church and State”. These are the 1) non-establishment clause and 2) the free-exercise clause. The non-establishment clause means that the State can neither set up a religion or a church, nor participate in the affairs of any religious organization. The State also cannot pass laws that will aid a religion or favor one religion over the other. Further, public funds are not allowed to be spent for the benefit of any church, religion or sect. On the other hand, free-exercise clause means that the State cannot force a person to accept any form of religion or pre-vent him to believe in any form of worship

or religion as his conscience dictates. In layman’s term, the Separation of Church

and State simply means that the State cannot establish a religion or interfere on purely religious matters. Conversely, the Church cannot intervene in the business of run-ning of the state which is left solely to the government.

While the freedom to believe is absolute, the freedom to act based on one’s belief maybe looked upon by the government on the grounds of public welfare. (Iglesia ni Cristo vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 119673, July 26, 1996) On the issue of oversized post-ers hoisted in the face of a Church, it involves another fundamental right that is protected by the Constitution: Freedom of Expression. Let us just wait and see how the Supreme Court performs the balancing act between the rights asserted by the parties and how the scales of justice would tilt on this matter.

FBG holds Fraternal Service TrainingTHE Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) of the Knights of Colum-bus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) held a two-day fraternal service training program last February 19-20 at the KCFAPI Social Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

Training participants came from Metro Manila, Bicol Region, South-ern Luzon, Southwestern Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwest-ern Luzon, and Central Luzon.

The participants learned about KCFAPI’s featured plans like KC C.A.R.E.S and other insurance products.

This monthly training is being held in view of strategizing the

presentation of products and ser-vices of KCFAPI and to motivate the fraternal coun-selors to achieve and to improve their sales perfor-mance.

The FBG also helped the par-ticipants become familiar with the Knights of Co-lumbus in order to provide optimum

FBS Manager Michael P. Cabra, Atty. Neil Jerome A. Rapatan and other participants of FBG’s monthly Fraternal Service Training.

K of C Maharlika Assembly and International group hold joint mission in Ilocos

THE Maharlika Assembly of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines and the Lions Club of Los Angeles California, USA conducted a joint humanitarian mission in Santiago, Ilocos Sur last February 12-14.

Some 1,200 individuals re-ceived medical and dental ser-vices provided by the groups.

Faithful Navigator Danilo F. del Rosario of the Maharlika As-sembly said that the Lions Club provided prescription glasses, some of which were made from Italy and USA.

“We have six optometrists and six dentists. Beneficiaries were from the 24 barangays of San-tiago, Ilocos Sur. Each barangay was allowed to bring 50 patients. So we have 1,200 beneficiaries for the opto, while more than 80 patients were served by the dentists,” said del Rosario.

Eight members from the Lions Club including the president of Unity Lions Club of Los Angeles California, Sonny del Rosario and the former President Andrea de Guzman visited the munici-pality of Santiago together with

the Brother Knights.The Knights of Columbus

and Lions Club prepared for three months and coordinated with the local government units headed by Mayor Michael Mi-randa and Vice Mayor Josefino Miranda before embarking on the mission.

The joint humanitarian mis-sion was in line with the objec-tives of both groups: the K of C, which is to perform charitable, educational and patriotic works; and Lions Club’s to take an ac-tive interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.

Beneficiaries also received t-shirts from Brother Knights and Lions Club members.

“We had a great time for this humanitarian mission and we are hoping for the next projects these coming years,” Maharlika Assembly’s Faithful Navigator furthered.

The Maharlika Assembly (NCR District 4) has 23 new members under Master of the Fourth Degree Jovy Reyes. (KC News)

More than 1,200 individuals of Santiago, Ilocos Sur benefited from the joint humanitarian mission of the Maharlika Assembly and Lions Club of Los Angeles California, USA last February 12 to 14.

DEAF AND BLIND SPORTSFEST. The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. led by its President, Bro. Guillermo N. Hernandez together with Brother Knights of Columbus Council 6114 and representatives from the US Embassy joined the Philippine School for the Deaf and the Philippine National School for the Blind in celebrating their Sportsfest last February 22, in Pasay.

Trekkers urged to support Church’s prolife advocacy

MORE than 300 participants of this year’s Trek to Mt. Taklang Damulag in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija were encouraged to sup-port the Church’s prolife advocacies.

Themed “In Communion with God and Nature and Walk for Life”, the activity held last February 15-16 also included a celebra-tion of the Holy Eucharist.

Father Orly Valino of the Holy Cross Par-ish emphasized in his homily that praying in the mountain is an imitation of what Jesus did and he encouraged participants to love nature and support the advocacies of the Catholic Church.

“Tagumpay ang pag-akyat dahil nagkaroon tayo ng sharing at pagsasalo-salo. Taimtim natin kinausap ang Panginoon. Ang pagiging pro-life ay isinasaloob natin at dapat lamang na ating ipagdiwang at ipagpasalamat ang ating buhay sa Diyos,” Fr. Valino said.

Chairman Emeritus of the Round Table of District Deputies (RTDD) of Nueva Ecija and

Aurora Rene Odulio, Ret. Major General Restituto Padilla, and other K of C leaders paid a courtesy call to Col. Harold N. Ca-breros who welcomed the group on behalf of BGen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr, AFP Commander, 7th ID PA.

Trek participants were given an educa-tional tour at the Aquino-Diokno Memorial within the camp, including a 30-minute film showing about the struggle of the martyred Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr and Jose “Pepe” Wright Diokno.

The group also had a Boodle fight at the Pahingahan Complex and witnessed the static show of the army artillery regiment and the platoon maneuver by the AFP Special Forces.

The 7th ID provided the group with sup-port personnel guides, medical team and vehicle. They also assisted in bringing up provisions, while the Southern Command provided the demos.

Other trekkers include Fr. (Major) Leo C.

Balanlay, Chaplain of the 7th ID, who is one of the candidates for the “top soldiers” to be awarded by Metrobank; College of the Im-maculate Conception Chorale, families and guests of the K of C members across the coun-try; employees of the Suzuki and Kawasaki motors and Wheeltek Motor Sales Corpora-tion, which are among the major sponsors.

Mt. Taklang Damulag is located in one of the biggest camp in Asia, at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The trek is an annual event initiated by the Chairman Emeritus Rene Odulio and Ret. Major General Restituto Padilla, Sr.

It was organized by the RTDD of Nueva Ecija and Aurora Chairman Dindo Berino and Central Luzon Conquerors Area Man-ager of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KC-FAPI), Manuel Naldoza in coordination with the 7th ID and Southern Command of the Philippine Army. (KC News)

mutual benefits to all its members and their immediate families.

Speakers were FBG Vice Presi-

dent Gari M. San Sebastian, FBG Manager Michael P. Cabra, Benefit Certificate Holders’ Rela-

tions Manager Edwin B. Dawal, and Marketing Staff Jemwel Santillan. (FBG News)

Participants of the “22nd Trek to Mt. Taklang Damulag” headed by Ret. Major General Restituto Padilla Sr., Chairman Emeritus Rene Odulio, Fr. (Major) Leo C. Balanlay, K of C leaders Dindo Berino and Manuel Naldoza. The trek was held last February 15 to 16 in coordination with the 7th ID and Southern Command of the Philippine Army.

The CrossC4 Vol. 17 No. 06March 18 - 31, 2013

CBCP Monitor